India's Top Court Rejects Gujarat Plea To Remove Bilkis Bano Case Criticism

NEW DELHI, Sept 26: In a big blow to the Gujarat government, the Supreme Court on Thursday refused to remove comments made in its order related to the release of convicts in the Bilkis Bano case.

The state requested removal of certain remarks against it when the top court overruled the premature release of 11 men convicted of raping Bilkis Bano and killing her family during the 2002 Gujarat riots.

The Gujarat government petition also flagged the court's comment that it had "acted in collusion and colluded with the convicts". The state government argued the comment was inappropriate and against the record of the case, and also biased against the petitioner.

However, a bench of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan disagreed.

"Having carefully gone through the Review Petitions, the order under challenge and the papers annexed therewith, we are satisfied that there is no error apparent on the face of the record or any merit in the Review Petitions, warranting reconsideration of the order impugned..."

The top court, in July, had dismissed interim bail petitions filed by two convicts - Radheyshyam Bhagwandas and Rajubhai Babulal. They claimed an "anomalous" situation had arisen; i.e., two different benches of the top court had taken opposite views on the state's early release policy.

The court, though, junked that plea.

In January the Supreme Court said the 11 men - who were released by the Gujarat government for "good behaviour" - had to return to jail. The state government was not competent to release the men, the top court said in a landmark order on a decision that had triggered public fury.

"The exemption order lacks competence," the Supreme Court said, berating the Gujarat government for passing such an order "without application of mind".

The court also noted convicts could only be released by the state that tried them in the first place; in this case, that state was Maharashtra. "The exercise of power by the state of Gujarat is an instance of usurpation of power and abuse of power," the court had said.

In passing this order the court also came down heavily on its judgment of May 2022, delivered by Justice Ajay Rastogi (retired), which allowed the convicts to appeal to the Gujarat government for their early remission. The convicts got the order "through fraudulent means", the judges said. They also noted that the Gujarat government should have sought a review of the 2022 order.

The convicts were released by Gujarat on the basis of an obsolete 1992 remission policy, which has since been superseded by a law in 2014 that bars the release of convicts in cases of capital offence.

The convicts were given a hero's welcome, with garlands and sweets, and they were seen sharing stage with a BJP MP and an MLA. Convict Radheshyam Shah even started practising law, the Supreme Court was told during an 11-day hearing last year of petitions, including one by Bilkis Bano.

Atishi new chief minister of Delhi after Kejriwal quits

NEW DELHI, Sept 17: Delhi minister Atishi will take over as the new chief minister of India’s national capital territory after the resignation of incumbent Arvind Kejriwal, says the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The announcement was made by AAP chief Kejriwal during a meeting with his party’s legislators in New Delhi on Tuesday.

“Atishi steps up to lead Delhi until the upcoming elections, carrying the weight of both CM Arvind Kejriwal’s vision and the national capital’s future,” a statement from AAP said.

Atishi, 43, is a prominent member of the decade-old party, which quickly rose to mainstream politics, although its clout is relatively small compared with older opposition parties in India. She has held several portfolios in the city government, including finance and education.

Kejriwal, 56, on Monday said he will resign as chief minister of Delhi, a day after his release from prison on bail in a corruption case. The AAP has described his arrest as a “political conspiracy” orchestrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Speaking to reporters after the announcement on Tuesday, Atishi said she will be the chief minister “for a few months till [state legislative assembly] elections”, which are due in February next year.

“I will work with just one goal. We have to make Arvind Kejriwal the chief minister of Delhi once again,” she said, calling the outgoing leader her “guru” (mentor).

“I come from an ordinary family. Had I been in any other party, perhaps I would not have been given even an election ticket. But Arvind Kejriwal trusted me, made me an MLA [legislator] and a minister and today, gave me the responsibility of the chief minister,” she added.

India's Supreme Court Pauses 'Bulldozer Justice'

NEW DELHI, Sept 17: The Supreme Court on Tuesday halted unauthorised demolition of private property, anywhere in India, till October 1, when it will next hear arguments against 'bulldozer justice' - the practice by some state governments to destroy residential or commercial property owned by people accused in criminal cases.

The court dismissed concerns by the government - represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta - that its order would impact legally sanctioned demolitions. "The heavens won't fall if we ask you to hold your hands till (the) next hearing", a bench of Justice BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan declared.

An irate top court - which has already come down hard, twice this month, on 'bulldozer justice' - also warned against "grandstanding" and "glorification" of this practice. "No demolition, till next, date, without permission of this court," it said, warning the Election Commission may be put on notice.

The reference to the poll panel is significant given Assembly elections this week in Jammu and Kashmir (the first in a decade) and in Haryana next month, where the BJP is looking to return to power.

The court also waved away Mehta's suggestion it had been influenced by a "narrative", pointing out "even if there is one instance of illegal demolition, it is against the ethos of the Constitution".

"The 'narrative' is not influencing us. We made it clear that we won't (stop) demolition of unauthorised construction... but the executive can't be a 'judge' (of what is illegal)," the Supreme Court said, saying, once again, that it will also lay down guidelines to identify potentially illegal constructions.

The court - hearing petitions against those whose homes had been bulldozed - also said its order is not applicable to removing encroachments in public spaces like roads, railway tracks, and water bodies.

In today's hearing some petitioners said demolition had taken place despite the court's earlier instructions - that "alleged involvement in a crime is no ground for demolition of property".

"This is happening daily... please give a short date (to the next hearing). That is all I am saying..." one petitioner said, while another asked how "in a neighbourhood only one house is 'unauthorised'".

Earlier, Mehta had referred to demolitions in Madhya Pradesh to counter claims that bulldozers were used to target property belonging to non-Hindus, specifically Muslim, community members.

"In Madhya Pradesh... 70 shops were demolished after following procedure and more than 50 belonged to Hindus. What they are saying - 'mohallas', etc. - is just 'narrative building'!"

"The narrative has appealed to this court..." the Solicitor General declared.

Mehta also told the court bulldozing of certain properties - whose owners had moved the Supreme Court - took place two years after notice had been issued. "In between, offences were committed..."

Arvind Kejriwal To Resign

NEW DELHI, Sept 15: Two days after he was granted bail and walked out of prison after six months, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced his shock resignation from the top post at a party meeting this afternoon.

"Two days later, I will resign as Chief Minister. I will not sit on that chair till the people announce their verdict. Elections in Delhi are months away. I got justice from the legal court, now I will get justice from the people's court. I will sit on the Chief Minister's chair only after the order of the people," he said.

"I want to ask the people of Delhi, is Kejriwal innocent or guilty? If I have worked, vote for me," he said, adding that a meeting of AAP MLAs will be held within the next two days to choose the new Chief Minister for the national capital.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said a member of the party will be named Chief Minister after his resignation. He said he would go among the people and ask for their support. Kejriwal also demanded that the elections in the national capital, scheduled for February, be held in November along with the polls in Maharashtra.

In his address to the AAP workers, Kejriwal launched an all-out attack against the Narendra Modi government and said it was more dictatorial than the British.

He said he did not resign as Chief Minister despite being arrested because he wanted to save democracy. "They have registered cases against (Karnataka Chief Minister) Siddaramaiah, (Kerala Chief Minister) Pinarayi Vijayan, (Bengal Chief Minister) Mamata didi (Banerjee). I want to appeal to non-BJP, do not resign if they register cases against you. This is their new game," he said.

Kejriwal said he had also spoken to former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia about the issue. Sisodia too was recently granted bail in connection with corruption allegations surrounding Delhi's now-scrapped liquor policy.

"I spoke to Manish, he too has said that he will handle the post only after the people say we are honest. My and Sisodia's fate are in your hands now," he said.

SC grants bail to Arvind Kejriwal

NEW DELHI, Sept 13: India's Supreme Court has granted bail to prominent opposition leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal more than five months after he was arrested in a corruption case.

A former anti-corruption crusader, he was jailed in connection with a now-scrapped alcohol sales policy.

Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) introduced the policy in November 2021, saying it would curb black market sales, increase revenues and ensure even distribution of liquor licences.

It was withdrawn a few months later after Delhi’s Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena accused AAP of exploiting rules to benefit private liquor barons. Kejriwal and AAP deny the charges.

They said the allegations were "politically motivated".

On Friday, a Supreme Court bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan granted Kejriwal bail and directed him to refrain from making any public comments.

The court also directed Kejriwal to refrain from attending office or signing any official files.

The judges said they had decided to grant him bail since charges had been framed and the trial was unlikely to be completed sometime soon, legal website Live Law reported.

Kejriwal was the third AAP leader arrested in the case. His former deputy, Manish Sisodia, was granted bail in August after 17 months in jail. Another AAP leader, Sanjay Singh, was released on bail in April.

2 Soldiers Killed In Action In J&K, 2 Terrorists Shot Dead In Another Op

SRINAGAR, Sept 13: Two soldiers were killed in action during a fierce gunbattle with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar, a senior army officer said.

In a separate encounter in Kathua, troops of the Rising Star Corps shot dead two terrorists.

The army in a statement said based on intelligence inputs, a joint operation with Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched in Chatroo at Kishtwar. Contact was established with terrorists at 1530 hours. In the ensuing firefight, two soldiers were killed in action, the army said. The operation is going on.

The gunbattle in Kishtwar's Chatroo began after the security forces launched an operation in the area. The encounter is still going on, the White Knight Corps said in a post on X.

The same terrorists involved in the encounter in Kishtwar are linked to another encounter in Doda in July, when four soldiers including an officer were killed in action, sources said.

The encounters happened days before voting in eight assembly segments spread across Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts in the Chenab valley region, along with 16 seats in the south Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam on September 18.

Nurse Fends Off Gang-Rape Attempt, Cuts Doctor's Private Parts With Blade

PATNA, Sept 13: A month after a trainee doctor was raped and murdered in Kolkata, sparking anger and protests nationwide, a gang-rape attempt has been made on a nurse at a private hospital in Bihar. Police said one of the assaulters was a doctor, who is also the administrator of the institution, and the nurse managed to escape after inflicting a cut on his private parts with a blade.

The nurse was wrapping up work at the RBS Health Care Centre in Gangapur under the Musrighararari police station limits in Samastipur district on Wednesday night when hospital administrator Dr Sanjay Kumar and two of his associates - all of whom were drunk - tried to rape her.

Trying to free herself from the clutches of Dr Kumar and the others, the nurse used a blade to slash at the doctor's genitals. She managed to escape and dial the police after hiding in a field outside the hospital.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Sanjay Kumar Pandey said a team was rushed to the hospital and, after making sure that the nurse was safe, three people were arrested, including the doctor. The other two accused have been identified as Sunil Kumar Gupta and Awadhesh Kumar.

Pandey said the men had locked the hospital from the inside and turned off the CCTV cameras before trying to sexually assault the nurse. "The presence of mind and courage shown by the survivor is praiseworthy," he said.

The police have recovered half a bottle of liquor, the blade used by the nurse, blood-stained clothes and three cellphones.

Officials said the three men had been drinking before trying to assault the nurse and they will also be charged under prohibition laws because Bihar is a dry state.

Trainee Army Officers Robbed In Madhya Pradesh, Woman Friend Gang-Raped

BHOPAL, Sept 12: Two young army officers were brutally assaulted and their friend was gang-raped at gunpoint in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, late on Tuesday evening. The attackers appeared to have set upon the group, which was out on a ride at night, with the intention of robbing them.

The police have arrested two of the attackers, one of whom was found to have a criminal record.

The two officers, who are training at the Mhow Army College near Indore, had gone with two women friends to a spot near the firing range at Chhoti Jam in the afternoon.

Suddenly, they were surrounded by eight men armed with pistols, knives, and sticks. The men beat up the trainee officers and the women before robbing them of their money and belongings.

The situation escalated when the attackers took one officer and a woman hostage, sending off the other officer and a woman to fetch a ransom of ₹ 10 lakh.

Panicking, the officer hurried back to his unit and informed his commanding officer, who swiftly alerted the police.

Police officers and military personnel rushed to the spot but the attackers fled on seeing the approaching vehicles.

All four were taken to the Mhow Civil Hospital for a medical examination around 6.30 am. Both officers suffered injuries.

"A case under (BNS) sections pertaining to loot, dacoity, rape and under the Arms Act has been registered," said senior police officer Hitika Vasal. The police are looking for the other criminals involved, the officer said.

Woman's Headless, Naked Body Found In UP, Triggers Massive Hunt

KANPUR, Sept 12: A woman's headless and naked body was found on the national highway at Gujaini in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur early yesterday, raising suspicion that she was raped, murdered and the body was thrown on the highway. Twenty-four hours later, police are yet to make a breakthrough and attempts to identify the woman are on.

Police have scanned CCTV footage in the area to identify the woman. CCTV cameras at a hospital on the other side of the highway show a woman of similar build walking hours before the body was spotted on the highway. The woman in the footage is seen wearing grey trousers and shreds of a grey garment have been found near the body.

Police have said the body was first spotted at 6.15 am yesterday. Three teams have been formed to investigate the matter. The police have said there are no CCTV cameras at the spot where the body was found, but a CCTV camera about 3 km away has captured visuals of a woman walking alone. The clothes the woman is seen wearing match the pieces of cloth and slippers found on the highway, police have said. Police are looking at the CCTV footage to spot any more clues.

The body has been sent for post-mortem to confirm the cause of death. Police have found no complaint of a woman missing in the district that can be linked with the body recovered on the highway. Cops are now using frames for the CCTV footage to ask residents of the area if they have any information about the woman.

A forensic team has visited the spot and collected samples of teeth and bones for testing.

A senior police officer said they are exploring if it is a case of accident or crime and are also trying to confirm if the victim was a local resident or was from somewhere else.

Akhilesh Yadav, Lok Sabha MP and chief of UP's main Opposition Samajwadi Party, has demanded exemplary action in the chilling case.

"In another shocking case of crime against women, a woman's headless, naked body was found on a highway in Kanpur. The matter should be investigated fairly and such punishment should be meted out so that criminals get scared and such incidents are not repeated," Yadav said, hoping that the BJP-led state government would "rise above politics" and investigate the incident.

All Indians Over 70 To Be Covered Under Health Insurance Scheme

NEW DELHI, Sept 11: Indian government has approved health coverage to everyone who is 70 and above under the national insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a statement said the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) will benefit 4.5 crore families with six crore senior citizens. The free cover is worth ₹ 5 lakh and will be on a family basis.

"With this approval, all senior citizens of the age 70 years and above irrespective of their socio- economic status would be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY. The eligible senior citizens would be issued a new distinct card under AB PM-JAY," the government said in the statement.

Senior citizens of the age 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional top-up cover up to ₹ 5 lakh per year for themselves (which they do not have to share with other members of the family who are below the age of 70 years), the government said.

Senior citizens above 70 who are already getting benefits of other public health insurance schemes such as Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) may either choose their existing scheme or opt for AB PMJAY.

It has been clarified that senior citizens of 70 years and above who are under private health insurance policies or Employees' State Insurance Scheme will be eligible to avail benefits under AB PM-JAY.

The AB PM-JAY is the world's largest publicly funded health assurance scheme which provides health cover of ₹ 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to 55 crore people, corresponding to 12.34 crore families.

All members of eligible families irrespective of age are covered under the scheme. The scheme has covered 7.37 crore hospital admissions including 49 per cent women beneficiaries. The public has benefited to the extent of over ₹ 1 lakh crore under the scheme, the government said.

The expansion of cover to senior citizens of 70 and above was announced by PM Modi in April.

The government said the AB PM-JAY scheme has seen continuous expansion of the beneficiary base. Initially, 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families comprising the bottom 40 per cent of India's population were covered under the scheme.

Later, the government in January 2022 revised the beneficiary base under AB PM-JAY from 10.74 crore to 12 crore families considering India's decadal population growth of 11.7 per cent over 2011 population.

The scheme was further expanded to cover 37 lakh ASHAs/AWWs/AWHs working across the country and their families for free healthcare benefits. Taking the mission ahead, AB PM-JAY would now provide free healthcare coverage of ₹ 5 lakh to all citizens of the age-group of 70 years and above across the country.

'Grain ATMs' Making Huge Impact in India: WFP Assistant Executive Director

By Deepak Arora

NEW DELHI: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Assistant Executive Director Valerie Guarnieri visited India the last week of August to meet senior government officials and strengthen partnerships to enhance national and state government programmes that tackle hunger and malnutrition.

In Odisha, she visited a newly launched ‘Grain ATM’ grain dispensing machine: a simple but innovative way of distributing grain at any time of day so that people can choose how and when they collect government food entitlements.

"This innovative, award-winning collaboration between government and WFP is making a huge difference to vulnerable people’s lives”, said Guarnieri. “The solution has been successful, with deployments at 29 locations in six states. More states have asked WFP to roll out Grain ATMs in their area.”

The visit included signing an agreement between the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and WFP on a regional adaptation project to build the capacity of smallholder farmers, especially women, in dryland areas.

“WFP is proud to have such strong, productive relationships in India”, said Guarnieri. “By working closely with national and state governments and leveraging innovation, we are helping to strengthen one of the world’s largest food safety nets, impacting hundreds of millions of people and generating savings expected to reach $40 million annually. We look forward to growing these exciting partnerships in the years ahead.”

WFP’s work in India also includes a national-level food fortification programme, and harnessing research and technology to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chains for the targeted public distribution system.

In New Delhi, Guarnieri met Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary of the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of Agriculture, and Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Education, to discuss ongoing projects on enhancing access to the public distribution system and school meals programmes.

In Odisha, she also met the newly elected Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi; the Deputy Chief Minister, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Anu Garg; Development Commissioner, Vir Vikram Yadav; Principal Secretary, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, Arabinda Kumar Padhee; Principal Secretary, Agriculture, and Manoj Ahuja, Chief Secretary.
These meetings provided an opportunity to renew existing partnerships across various WFP projects in Odisha and discuss the next steps, including WFP's support for the statewide scale-up of the Grain ATM.

The Assistant Executive Director visited the Public Systems Lab in New Delhi, which WFP and the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi established to develop public service solutions for governments and other stakeholders. She also visited a government school and child and mother care centre.

The Government of India has been a longstanding partner of WFP and has been present in the country for over five decades.

AAP Leader Tarlochan Singh Shot Dead In Punjab's Khanna: Police

CHANDIGARH, Sept 9: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Tarlochan Singh was allegedly shot dead by some unidentified attackers in Khanna in Ludhiana district on Monday evening, police said.

Tarlochan Singh (60), who hailed from Ikolaha village, was attacked when he was returning home from his farm. He was rushed to a hospital where he was declared brought dead.

Tarlochan Singh was the president of the AAP's kisan wing in Khanna.

Police said efforts were on to trace the accused, and added that an investigation was underway.

6 Killed In Fresh Manipur Violence

IMPHAL, Sept 7: Six people were killed in fresh violence this morning in Manipur's Jiribam district, the police said. Suspected Kuki insurgents attacked Nungchappi village in the district 229 km from the state capital Imphal, killing a 63-year-old man identified as Yurembam Kulendra Singha.

The attack came a day after an elderly man from the valley-dominant Meitei community, who was offering prayers, was killed in a rocket-propelled bomb attack by Kuki insurgents in Manipur's Moirang town, according to the police.

The five others were killed in a gunfight between armed groups of the Meitei community and the hill-dominant Kuki tribes, sources said. These groups call themselves "village defence volunteers".

The Jiribam Superintendent of Police (SP) and a police team rushed to the area, but were fired at, the police said in the statement, adding the team "retaliated strongly and controlled the firing."

In Imphal, the Inspector General of Police (Intelligence) K Kabib today told reporters, "... Yesterday, some Kuki militants attacked and fired at some fringe areas including Bishnupur and Churachandpur border. In response to that, combined teams of the security forces conducted combing operations. They have destroyed two bunkers which was previously occupied by militants. After that, there was a long-range rocket fire from the hills by Kuki militants at Moirang, in which one senior citizen was killed and six others were injured."

"Today morning, the Kuki militants attacked a village in Jiribam, killing a senior citizen. The militants kept firing and ran away. Some village volunteers retaliated, and when the Jiribam police reached the area, they were fired at, after which the police also fired back," Mr Kabib said.

Jiribam is where Meitei and Hmar leaders met for peace talks last month, along with security forces commanders. They had given a joint statement agreeing to work for peace. Churachandpur-based Kuki groups, however, had objected to the peace talks, alleging the peace talk parties did not represent their interests and met only at Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh's bidding.

The Hmar Inpui, however, declared it would not recognise the peace initiative and warned the individuals who participated in the meeting to "stop their blind and selfish efforts". The Hmar Inpui had said these leaders appeared to be bowing to the "whims and fancies of a divisive and communal government under the leadership of Biren Singh..."

An anti-drone system has been deployed, the police said, nearly a week after suspected Kuki insurgents attacked villages in Imphal West district with weaponised drones - the first time suspected insurgents used drone attacks on Indian soil.

The police said that in a multi-pronged approach, army helicopters are keeping an eye on the ground, while combing operations in "suspected areas" in both the hills and the valley are going on. A team is also monitoring social media posts to catch instigators of violence, the police said.

The security forces have destroyed several bunkers in the foothills, the police said.

Haryana polls: Congress’s 1st list of 31 candidates out, Vinesh Phogat to contest from Julana

NEW DELHI, Sept 6: Vinesh Phogat has been given a ticket by the Congress to contest Haryana polls from Julana, marking a new beginning in the life of the famous sportstar whose Olympic disqualification broke the country's heart.

Former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda will contest from Garhi Sampla-Kiloi and state unit chief Udai Bhan from Hodal, said the party as it released a list of 31 names for the polls.

Congress' Mewa Singh will square off against Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini from Ladwa.

Surender Panwar will contest from Sonipat, Bharat Bhushan Batra from Rohtak, Kuldeep Vats from Badli, Chiranjeev Rao from Revari and Neeraj Sharma from Faridabad NIT.

Wockhardt stock plunges 5% following Congress’ allegations of corruption against SEBI chief Madhabi Buch

MUMBAI, Sept 6: Shares of Wockhardt Pharma Ltd dropped by more than 5 per cent on , following allegations by Congress that Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch had a conflict of interest with the pharmaceutical company.

During a press conference today, Pawan Khera accused Buch of corruption and insider trading. He claimed that Buch and her husband own a property in Mumbai, which has been rented to Carol Info Services Ltd, a company affiliated with Wockhardt Ltd. Khera further noted that SEBI has been involved in multiple cases with the firm.

Khera indicated that this clearly constitutes a conflict of interest and can be considered an act of corruption.

"The company is called Carol Info Services Ltd. This is a part of a company called Wockhardt Ltd, they have the same promoters. Wockhardt is a company on which SEBI is continuously giving orders and dealing with its cases," said Khera in a press conference.

Congress has called for an independent investigation into the allegations, stressing the importance of protecting the integrity of India's stock markets in the national interest. The party expressed concerns that the situation could erode foreign investors' confidence in the country's financial system. Congress emphasized that SEBI, as the regulatory body, must remain beyond any suspicion of misconduct to uphold the trust of millions of investors.

"Madhabi Puri Buch is the chairperson of the same organisation (SEBI) which has complaints against Wockhardt before it. There was a case of insider trading too, her organisation (SEBI) dealt with the insider trading case of Wockhardt too. This is a conflict of interest, I would call it corruption. This is not just conflict of interest, this is out-and-out corruption," Khera added.

Additionally, the Congress criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing them of appointing Buch as the chairperson of the organization. Khera raised concerns, asking whether Modi had made an agreement with Buch to ensure her businesses would remain unaffected by the government or SEBI.

He added that this was just the first door to be opened, and many more doors would open, revealing even more.

Khera also expressed concern about the Indian stock markets, emphasizing that millions of Indians place their trust in the regulator.

This statement follows the Congress party's demand for an independent investigation into the allegations against Buch. The party argued that such a probe was in the national interest, as foreign investors were becoming apprehensive and doubts were being raised about the integrity of India's stock markets.

Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia Join Congress

NEW DELHI, Sept 6: Shaking up the political landscape in Haryana weeks ahead of the Assembly elections in the state, wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have joined the Congress.

Both Olympians, who had been at the forefront of last year's protests against the alleged sexual assault and intimidation by former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, had met senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday.

On Friday, Ms Phogat and Punia, who are both 30 years old, met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence before formally joining the party at its headquarters in New Delhi.

"Chak de India, Chak de Haryana! Met our talented champions Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who have made India proud in the world, at 10, Rajaji Marg. We are proud of both of you," Mr Kharge posted in Hindi on X.

Speaking at the event at the Congress office, Ms Phogat said it is only when times are bad that people know who is really standing with them.

"I want to thank the people of the country for supporting me during my wrestling career and I hope I live up to their expectations. I want to thank the Congress because, as they say, it is only when times are bad that one finds out who is standing with them. When we were dragged on the roads, every party other than the BJP stood with us and understood our pain and our tears," she said in Hindi.

"I am very proud to be associated with a party that stands up against misbehaviour and injustice against women... I want to assure the people of the country that we will work for them with the same intensity with which we worked in wrestling. We stand with every woman who finds herself helpless. If I wanted, I could have left wrestling at Jantar Mantar (during the protests) but I reached the finals of the Olympics... but God had other plans. He has now given me a chance to serve the people of my country," she added.

Punia said the Congress backed the wrestlers during their protest without even being asked to while BJP MPs ignored letters seeking their support.

"We are paying the price for raising our voice in support of the daughters of the country... We will keep working for the people of the country and strengthen the Congress party as well as India. Everyone was happy when Vinesh Phogat reached the finals but some people also celebrated when she was disqualified," he said.

Hours before joining the Congress, Ms Phogat resigned as an officer on special duty (OSD) with the Northern Railways, citing personal reasons.

Posting a photo of her resignation letter, the wrestler wrote on X: "Serving Indian Railways has been a memorable and proud time of my life. At this point in my life, I have decided to separate myself from my service in the railways and have submitted my resignation to the competent authorities of the Indian Railways. I will always be grateful to the Indian Railway family for this opportunity given to me by the Railways in the service of the nation.

'Article 370 Is History, Will Never Come Back': Amit Shah In J&K

JAMMU, Sept 6: Unveiling the manifesto for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Home Minister Amit Shah has ruled out the restoration of Article 370, which granted special status to the erstwhile state, and said the provision has now "become history".

The restoration of Article 370, which was abrogated in 2019, has been promised in the manifesto released by the National Conference, which is contesting the elections in an alliance with the Congress. The Assembly polls will be the first since 2014 and are also being keenly watched to gauge how the people of Jammu and Kashmir feel about the removal of the provision.

Jammu and Kashmir was also bifurcated into two Union Territories, including Ladakh, in 2019 and the government has assured that J&K will be given statehood soon.

In Jammu and Kashmir on a two-day visit, Shah said the former state has been very important to the BJP since Independence and the party has made efforts since then to keep it connected with India.

"Till 2014, the shadow of separatism and terrorism hung over Jammu and Kashmir. Various state and non-state actors tried to destabilise it and governments adopted a policy of appeasement. But, whenever the history of India and Jammu and Kashmir is written, the years between 2014 and 2024 will be written in golden letters for J&K," the minister said in Hindi.

SEBI staff protests, seeks Madhabi Puri Buch's resignation

MUMBAI, Sept 5: A section of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) employees protested outside the market regulator’s headquarters on Thursday, seeking the immediate resignation of chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, and the withdrawal of the press release that termed their grievances as “misplaced” and “misguided” by external elements.

Sources said the employees held a meeting with the whole-time members to convey their concerns over the ‘distorted picture’ painted by Sebi’s press release.

“The content of the release is not true. It is distorted and doesn’t paint the right picture. It is not the right communication. This is the reason why today’s protest saw the support from all other officers as well,” a senior official said.

“The earlier matter had already been resolved internally and the media has blown the letter out of proportion. However, the concerns now are due to the press release issued, which doesn’t give the right perspective. It is not factually correct and is not giving the true context of the aggravation,” he added.

Another official said that Sebi is trying to alleviate concerns as the release has created a communication gap.

“All the teams are trying to address the concerns with the help of the HR department There will soon be a resolution. We are working on something,” said a top official.

The sources, however, said the action may not be in ‘monetary terms’ but on other demands around reducing stress and improving work culture.

While close to 300 employees gathered outside the Sebi building in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). However, several employees claimed that the strength of the protest was close to 500 across different grades.

“The protest is for the purpose of showing dissent and unity against the ‘arm-twisting exercise’ by the top management in the garb of a press release with a fake narrative against all Sebi employees,” said a note circulated by the employees.

This is the second protest by the officials in the last two months after the first “silent protest” conducted on August 5, a day before they sent the letter on their grievances to the finance ministry.

The fresh protest stems from a five-page press release issued by Sebi detailing its stance on the HR crisis at the securities regulator.

Sebi underscored that the email dated August 6 was not sent by employee associations, which had, on the contrary, condemned it.

The market watchdog further said it suspected that its “junior officers have been receiving messages from external elements outside their group, effectively instigating them to go to the media, go to the ministry, go to board…perhaps to serve their own purpose.”

The market regulator had shared that the employees had, after a week of the first letter, submitted a list of 16 demands for monetary and non-monetary benefits, including an increase in House Rent Allowance (HRA), and an automatic promotion at lower performance ratings without interview, Sebi said in the release.

Sebi's employees had earlier raised a demand for a 55 per cent increase in the HRA over the allowance set in 2023 and an update to the automated management information system for KRAs.

It said the current remuneration structure is adequate vis-a-vis the industry standards.
The regulator had also pointed out that in the last 2 to 3 years, it had quantified KRAs at the start of the year, monthly targets, accountability for the pendency of applications, end-of-year review performance by the panel, and the pro motion policy according to the assessment criteria, seniority, and past performance.

Chief Ministers Not 'Kings': Supreme Court On Uttarakhand Appointment

NEW DELHI, Sept 4: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's move to appoint a controversial IFS officer as the director of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, disregarding the opinions of the state's forest minister and others, has drawn strong reprimand from the Supreme Court. Heads of governments cannot be expected to be "old days' kings" and "we are not in a feudal era", said the Bench of Justices BR Gavai, PK Mishra and KV Viswanathan.

The state government, however, told the bench that the appointment order was withdrawn on September 3.

"There is something like a public trust doctrine in this country. The heads of the executive cannot be expected to be old days' kings that whatever they have said, they will do... We are not in a feudal era... Just because he is the chief minister, can he do anything?" the judges said.

The bench also questioned why the Chief Minister has "special affection" for the officer, observing that a departmental proceeding is pending against him.

Senior Indian Forest Service officer Rahul has disciplinary proceedings pending against him. Senior advocate ANS Nadkarni, who represented the state, said the officer is being targeted.

Pointing out that the noting had said the officer should not be posted at the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, the court said the chief minister "just ignores it".

The appointment of Indian Forest Service officer Rahul, a former director of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, as the director of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve was severely discouraged by senior officers.

The court observed that there was a specific noting from the first officer. This was endorsed by the deputy secretary, the principal secretary and the state's forest minister.

"If you disagree right from the desk officer, the deputy secretary, the principal secretary, the minister, then the least that is expected is that there is some application of mind as to why he is disagreeing with the proposal," it said.

"You cannot sacrifice a good officer against whom there is nothing," Mr Nadkarni had argued. "If there is nothing, then why are you holding departmental proceedings against him?" the court asked. Unless there is some prima facie material, departmental proceedings are not initiated against anyone, the judges added.

Chief Ministers Not 'Kings': Supreme Court On Uttarakhand Appointment

NEW DELHI, Sept 4: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's move to appoint a controversial IFS officer as the director of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, disregarding the opinions of the state's forest minister and others, has drawn strong reprimand from the Supreme Court. Heads of governments cannot be expected to be "old days' kings" and "we are not in a feudal era", said the Bench of Justices BR Gavai, PK Mishra and KV Viswanathan.

The state government, however, told the bench that the appointment order was withdrawn on September 3.

"There is something like a public trust doctrine in this country. The heads of the executive cannot be expected to be old days' kings that whatever they have said, they will do... We are not in a feudal era... Just because he is the chief minister, can he do anything?" the judges said.

The bench also questioned why the Chief Minister has "special affection" for the officer, observing that a departmental proceeding is pending against him.

Senior Indian Forest Service officer Rahul has disciplinary proceedings pending against him. Senior advocate ANS Nadkarni, who represented the state, said the officer is being targeted.

Pointing out that the noting had said the officer should not be posted at the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, the court said the chief minister "just ignores it".

The appointment of Indian Forest Service officer Rahul, a former director of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, as the director of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve was severely discouraged by senior officers.

The court observed that there was a specific noting from the first officer. This was endorsed by the deputy secretary, the principal secretary and the state's forest minister.

"If you disagree right from the desk officer, the deputy secretary, the principal secretary, the minister, then the least that is expected is that there is some application of mind as to why he is disagreeing with the proposal," it said.

"You cannot sacrifice a good officer against whom there is nothing," Mr Nadkarni had argued. "If there is nothing, then why are you holding departmental proceedings against him?" the court asked. Unless there is some prima facie material, departmental proceedings are not initiated against anyone, the judges added.

'Shocks Given To Private Parts': Chargesheet Against Actor Darshan In Murder Case

BENGALURU, Sept 4: Karnataka Police submitted the chargesheet in the sensational kidnap and murder case of Renukaswamy which has established the role of jailed Kannada superstar Darshan and also detailed the brutal and inhumane torture before his death.

“After being assaulted by Darshan and his gang, Renukaswamy's chest bones were broken. There are a total of 39 injury marks all over his body. There is also a deep cut on the victim's head,” reads the chargesheet.

It added that the gang reportedly used a megger machine, an electrical device used to measure insulation resistance, to deliver electric shocks to Renukaswamy's private parts.

“Darshan and his gang used the megger device to damage Renukaswamy's testicle,” the chargesheet says.

Another source said that Renukaswamy endured unheard-of and inhuman torture before being hacked to death.

“After committing the murder, Darshan and the other accused used their influence and money to dispose of the body and attempted to destroy evidence. They also tried to frame other individuals to escape charges,” the chargesheet said.

It said that with the common intention of committing the crime, they destroyed physical, technical, and scientific evidence and attempted to destroy further evidence.

Darshan is named as the second accused in the case, and his legal team is preparing to submit a bail plea. However, police sources said that since he is booked in three new cases related to luxury treatment inside the prison, obtaining bail will not be an easy task.

The police found traces of Renukaswamy's blood on the clothes seized from Darshan. They also retrieved messages sent by his associates during the kidnapping, confinement, torture, murder, and disposal of Renukaswamy's body.

After the incident, Darshan had gone to Mysuru for the shoot of his upcoming movie, “Devil.” A team from Bengaluru Police, headed by ACP Chandan Kumar, arrested him in a hotel after cracking the case.

Sources said Darshan tried to resist the arrest. However, ACP Chandan Kumar ordered him to get into the police jeep or face being dragged in, with further strong action as per the rules.

Darshan is one of the few superstars in the Kannada film industry. The budding industry, which had started to make its mark at the national level, has suffered a significant setback in light of these developments.

In the chargesheet, Pavithra Gowda is labelled as A-1, and Darshan as A-2. Fourteen individuals have been charged with murder, and 14 others face charges of abduction and murder. Karthik alias Kappe, Keshavamurthy, and Nikhil Nayak are charged with destruction of evidence.

The first volume contains a summary report of the case. The second volume comprises voluntary statements of 17 accused individuals. Volume number three has details of evidence both direct and circumstantial. The fourth volume has the post-mortem and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) reports.

The fifth volume contains the FSL and CSFL analysis.

Sources said that after the receipt of the chargesheet copies to all the accused persons, the 24th ACMM court will commit the case and transfer it to the sessions court.

'Shocks Given To Private Parts': Chargesheet Against Actor Darshan In Murder Case

BENGALURU, Sept 4: Karnataka Police submitted the chargesheet in the sensational kidnap and murder case of Renukaswamy which has established the role of jailed Kannada superstar Darshan and also detailed the brutal and inhumane torture before his death.

“After being assaulted by Darshan and his gang, Renukaswamy's chest bones were broken. There are a total of 39 injury marks all over his body. There is also a deep cut on the victim's head,” reads the chargesheet.

It added that the gang reportedly used a megger machine, an electrical device used to measure insulation resistance, to deliver electric shocks to Renukaswamy's private parts.

“Darshan and his gang used the megger device to damage Renukaswamy's testicle,” the chargesheet says.

Another source said that Renukaswamy endured unheard-of and inhuman torture before being hacked to death.

“After committing the murder, Darshan and the other accused used their influence and money to dispose of the body and attempted to destroy evidence. They also tried to frame other individuals to escape charges,” the chargesheet said.

It said that with the common intention of committing the crime, they destroyed physical, technical, and scientific evidence and attempted to destroy further evidence.

Darshan is named as the second accused in the case, and his legal team is preparing to submit a bail plea. However, police sources said that since he is booked in three new cases related to luxury treatment inside the prison, obtaining bail will not be an easy task.

The police found traces of Renukaswamy's blood on the clothes seized from Darshan. They also retrieved messages sent by his associates during the kidnapping, confinement, torture, murder, and disposal of Renukaswamy's body.

After the incident, Darshan had gone to Mysuru for the shoot of his upcoming movie, “Devil.” A team from Bengaluru Police, headed by ACP Chandan Kumar, arrested him in a hotel after cracking the case.

Sources said Darshan tried to resist the arrest. However, ACP Chandan Kumar ordered him to get into the police jeep or face being dragged in, with further strong action as per the rules.

Darshan is one of the few superstars in the Kannada film industry. The budding industry, which had started to make its mark at the national level, has suffered a significant setback in light of these developments.

In the chargesheet, Pavithra Gowda is labelled as A-1, and Darshan as A-2. Fourteen individuals have been charged with murder, and 14 others face charges of abduction and murder. Karthik alias Kappe, Keshavamurthy, and Nikhil Nayak are charged with destruction of evidence.

The first volume contains a summary report of the case. The second volume comprises voluntary statements of 17 accused individuals. Volume number three has details of evidence both direct and circumstantial. The fourth volume has the post-mortem and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) reports.

The fifth volume contains the FSL and CSFL analysis.

Sources said that after the receipt of the chargesheet copies to all the accused persons, the 24th ACMM court will commit the case and transfer it to the sessions court.

SEBI chief Buch drew salary from ICICI in potential rules violation: Congress

NEW DELHI, Sept 2: The Congress party on Monday levelled new accusations against Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, alleging that she had drawn over ₹12 crore in salary from ICICI Bank between 2017 and 2024.
Additionally, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera claimed that Madhabi Puri Buch also received an income of ₹22.41 crore from ICICI Prudential during the same period and received ESOP worth over ₹2 crore from ICICI bank.

These fresh accusations come after Hindenburg Research claimed that the SEBI chairperson may not have conducted a proper investigation into the Adani Group due to a conflict of interest.

In a press conference, Congress leader Pawan Khera said, “The role of SEBI is to regulate the share market where we all invest our money. It has a very important role to play. Who appoints the chairperson of SEBI? This is the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.”

“There are two members in this committee for appointing the chairperson of SEBI. She (SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch), between 2017 and 2014, was taking regular income of ₹16 crore 80 lakhs from ICICI Bank. You are also a full-time SEBI member, then why were you taking a salary from ICICI," he asked.

Last month, Hindenburg Research, a US-based short seller, alleged that SEBI had been unwilling to act on its January 2023 report on the Adani Group due to investments by Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband, Dhaval Buch, in offshore funds linked to the Gautam Adani-led enterprise.

In January 2023, Hindenburg accused business tycoon Gautam Adani of pulling the largest con in corporate history. Although the infrastructure group denied all allegations of stock-price manipulation, undisclosed related-party transactions, and breach of public shareholding norms, the court asked the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for a probe. It also asked a panel of experts to assess whether there had been any regulatory lapses.

The panel of experts concluded that the SEBI’s investigation into the 42 offshore investors in 13 opaque vehicles that had bought chunks of the Adani empire was a “journey without a destination,” reported Bloomberg.

Indian Supreme Court critical of bulldozer justice

NEW DELHI, Sept 1: The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily against bulldozer justice, saying properties can't be demolished just because they belong to a person who is accused of a crime. The court said that it proposes to lay down guidelines on the issue.

Hearing a batch of pleas against bulldozer/demolition action, often undertaken by authorities against the houses of those accused of serious crimes, the court said property can't be demolished even if the person is convicted.

The Supreme Court, however, clarified it will not protect any illegal structure obstructing public roads.

The Supreme Court asked authorities how anybody's house could be demolished just because he is an accused. "Even if he is a convict, still it can't be done without following the procedure as prescribed by law," a bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan said on pleas against demolition action.

"We propose to lay down certain guidelines on a pan-India basis so that the concerns about the issues raised are taken care of," the bench added.

Justice KV Viswanathan observed that a "father may have a recalcitrant son, but if the house is demolished on this ground...this is not the way to go about it", reported India Today.

The court said such demolition can happen only if the structure is illegal.

Justice Viswanathan asked why directions cannot be passed to avoid such cases.

"First notice, time to answer, time to seek legal remedies, and then demolition," he said.

Over the past few years, several state governments have demolished houses and properties belonging to those involved in serious crimes.

The Supreme Court posted the matter for hearing on September 17.

27 Dead In Andhra, Telangana Rain Fury

HYDERABAD, Sept 1: At least 27 people have been killed as heavy rain battered Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for the second consecutive day on Sunday, causing flooding and waterlogging in several areas, and disrupting road and rail traffic.

At least 15 people in Telangana and 12 in Andhra Pradesh have been killed as rivers in both states remained in spate on Sunday.

Thousands of people were evacuated by national and state disaster response forces from flooded areas to relief camps.

More than 100 trains have been cancelled so far, while several others have been diverted due to heavy rains and waterlogging over tracks at multiple locations on the South Central Railway network, which serves Telangana and Andhra Pradesh among other states.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and his Telangana counterpart A Revanth Reddy and assured them of all possible help from the Centre.

The weather department on Sunday issued a red alert for very heavy to extremely heavy rain in Adilabad, Nizamabad, Rajanna Sircilla, Yadadri Bhuvangiri, Vikarabad, Sangareddy, Kamareddy and Mahabubnagar districts of Telangana for Monday.

Hyderabad, where heavy rain has led to waterlogging in many parts, declared a holiday for schools on Monday.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy held an emergency review meeting and told officials to remain alert and take action for immediate relief in flood-affected areas. He also appealed to the people to only leave their homes if there is urgent work.

In Andhra Pradesh, Vijayawada has been the worst affected district. Budameru, a rivulet on the outskirts of Vijayawada, overflowed at several points on Sunday, leading to flooding in many city localities.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu made his second visit to Ajit Singh Nagar in Vijayawada, one of the worst affected places, and distributed food packets to flood victims.

Srikakulam, Vijayanagaram, Parvatipuram Manyam, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Kakinada, and Nandyala districts are likely to receive heavy rainfall on Monday.

'Criminals Roam Free, Victims Live In Fear': President Murmu

NEW DELHI, Sept 1: President Droupadi Murmu has raised concern over lack of support from the society to women survivors of targeted crimes against them.

The President's remarks comes amid outrage across the nation over crime against women. The rape and murder of a junior doctor in a Kolkata hospital, and over a dozen cases of sexual harassment and rape filed against well-known actors in the Malayalam film industry, have sparked calls for a thorough relook at how India has been treating its women and girls.

"It is a sad aspect of our social life that even after committing a crime, the criminals roam around fearlessly. Those who are victims of their crimes live in fear as if their own thoughts have committed many crimes. The situation of women victims is even worse because even the people of society do not support them," President Murmu said in her valedictory address at the National Conference of the District Judiciary to mark 75 years of the Supreme Court.

She said all stakeholders must work together to overcome the numerous challenges facing the judicial system.

"I am told that in recent times there has been improvement in the availability of timely administration, infrastructure, facilities, training, and manpower. But there is still much to be done in all these areas. I believe that there should be rapid progress in all the dimensions of reform," she said.

"I am happy to note that the number of women in the selection committees has increased in recent years. This increase has led to a 50 per cent increase in the number of women in the selection committees," President Murmu said.

The Supreme Court organised the two-day National Conference of the District Judiciary on August 31 and September 1; over 800 participants from the district judiciary of all states and Union Territories attended.

The President and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal called for finding a solution for the practice of deferment of court cases and to break the common perception of "tarikh par tarikh" culture.

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said they have skilfully laid out an action plan for reducing case pendency through case management.

The judges of the Supreme Court, Chief Justices of high courts, Secretary General of the Supreme Court, along with the Registrar Generals of high courts participated in the conference.

Time to remind citizens that we exist for them: CJI Chandrachud

NEW DELHI, Sept 1: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud on Saturday said that judiciary cannot be indifferent to the suffering and injustice of litigants approaching courts as he exhorted members of the district judiciary – the first point of contact for citizens seeking justice – to give back to the society by reminding citizens that “we exist for them”.

Speaking at the inaugural event of a two-day national conference of the district judiciary in the Capital, the CJI said that the face of future judiciary is changing with the increased adoption of technology into legal and judicial process and with young recruits, who are technologically savvy, joining judiciary as a matter of “first resort”.

The CJI said, “We today have a young judiciary which is technologically savvy, technologically equipped and representative of the changing demography of India, a truly young nation. They are joining the judiciary not as a matter of last resort, but as a matter of first resort.”

Noting the tremendous push by the e-Courts project leading to the computerisation of 3,500 court complexes and more than 22,000 courtrooms, the CJI said, “We must recognise there has been a tremendous improvement in the conditions of service of our district judiciary. Now, it is our time to give back to society. Now that we have been recognised in terms of the conditions which have been created for us, it is time for us to remind citizens that we exist for them and what better way to do it than in the work we perform.”

He presented data to further suggest that an increasing number of women have been joining the district judiciary in the past few years and said, “These are a few examples which paint the picture of a promising judiciary of the future.”

With over 800 district judicial officers in attendance from all states and union territories, CJI reminded them that the district judiciary is a crucial component of the rule of law, serving as the “backbone of judiciary” that serves as the first point of contact for citizens, “We must realise as judges, that we exist for reasons beyond our own existence. The core of our function is to serve others. That can happen when we put ourselves in the place of those who come before us with real life stories of suffering and injustice,” Justice Chandrachud said.

At the same time, he reminded that for many citizens, district courts may end up being the last resort for justice due to numerous reasons, some of them being financial constraint, lack of awareness about their statutory rights, or geographical difficulties in physically accessing court.

The CJI said, “The quality of our work and the conditions in which we provide justice to citizens determine whether they have confidence in us and is a test of our own accountability to society.”

“Each case has the potential to make us more sensitive to the human condition and the human story behind the case. This, in turn, enables us to practice judging with empathy and compassion,” he said.

But there is a flip side as well as the CJI underscored the need for judges to cater to their mental health and holistic wellness.

“It is difficult for a judge not to be affected by the actual face of suffering that each one of us encounters every day – a family which is coming face to face with a gruesome crime, an undertrial who is languishing for years or the children in a parental matrimonial dispute. Judges are, despite being professionals, affected by their own brush with reality. Their mental health may suffer as a consequence,” the CJI said, coining the term judicial wellness that has the potential to impact the overall ability of the judge to render justice.

The need for judges to keep pace with evolving times and update themselves with new laws and changing societal conditions was also highlighted in his speech. “Society changes with the passage of time and while judges are required to be islands, standing independent, they must still be aware of the world around them. This is indispensable in ensuring that justice is delivered in each case,” he said.

Justice Chandrachud cited his own example to suggest how judges must take the lead in integrating technology into their day-to-day functioning. “After the adoption of the Parichay application at the Supreme Court, I no longer use a pen to sign or mark the administrative files which require my attention. I instead review and approve files using my computer.”

He told the judicial officers that purchasing technological devices is insufficient in the mission to ensure that courts become citizen-centric. Rather, he said, “We must embrace and implement technological processes by utilising the technology at our disposal and ensuring their full use in our work.”

At the event, coinciding with the 75 years of the Supreme Court’s establishment, judges of the apex court and chief justices of high courts were also present. The conference will discuss a range of issues concerning district judiciary, including managing the judicial docket, security and wellness of judicial officers, addressing gender dynamics in judiciary, and concerns of infrastructure and manpower.

The CJI advocated against the use of the term “subordinate” judiciary and said, “Seventy-five years after Independence, the time has come for us to bury one more relic of the British era – the colonial mindset of subordination.”

Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also spoke on the occasion along with BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Kapil Sibal.