Trade, Technology, Sea Routes, Being Weaponised Today: Modi

NEW DELHI, Oct 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asserted that the global order is changing, but international institutions such as the United Nations are struggling to keep pace.

In his keynote address at the NDTV World Summit 2026 in New Delhi, he also noted that trade, technology, and sea routes, in particular, are "being weaponised", in a reference apparently to the ongoing US-Iran war in West Asia and other such conflicts.

He referenced ancient Indian economist Chanakya, too, citing his Sanskrit mantra 'apranitah tu matsyanyayam udbhavayati', which translates to 'when the law of punishment is kept in abeyance, it gives rise to Matsya Nyaya (law of the sea)', meaning the strong shall swallow the weak.

"The world does not need such a situation. It needs a system that stops this 'matsya nyaya' from happening," Modi said. He then cited India as one such system or country. "During the Covid-19 pandemic, the world experienced India taking on such a role. India sent vaccines to every country in need; sent medicines to over 100 countries," he said, speaking in Hindi.

"The changing world order calls for stronger global institutions, a greater voice for the Global South, and international cooperation that stands firm in times of crisis," he added.

On the idea of Viksit Bharat or Developed India by 2024, he said that the dream is "not just for us".

"It is also a guarantee for a better world," he added. "International cooperation isn't just for good times. It must be effective during crises too. India is strengthening its own capabilities to help strengthen the world," he also said.

The 2026 edition of the two-day NDTV World Summit has begun, with global leaders, including Modi, delivering powerful speeches and taking part in impactful discussions on a range of issues.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath and music composer Mohini Dey are also among a host of leaders, cultural icons, business leaders, innovators and voices of imagination who converged for a dialogue to examine geopolitics, global capital flows, artificial intelligence and India's expanding international role under the theme "A World Between Orders".

Sessions covered energy, aerospace, healthcare, travel and economic recovery in Sri Lanka. Diplomats, business leaders and cultural figures discussed the political, economic and technological shifts reshaping international relations.

Tiger Shroff escapes unhurt after shots fired at actor in Mumbai

MUMBAI, Oct 18: Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff escaped unhurt after three motorcycle-borne men opened fire at him in Juhu area of Mumbai on Sunday evening. Three people, including his driver and an autorickshaw driver, were injured in the incident, police said.

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed the attack after gangster Anil Pandit said he, along with Harman Sandhu, was behind the attack. However, the Mumbai Police has not confirmed on the Bishnoi gang's alleged involvement in the case.

“We had called him and tried to explain things to him, but he did not understand. So today, we made sure to explain it to him properly,” the post said in Hindi.

Pandit warned that until the actors stop working with Bollywood actor Salman Khan, the attacks will continue. “Anyone in the Mumbai film industry who does not listen to us or works with Salman Khan will be next. Wait and watch.”

According to initial information, Shroff was returning after playing football at a club when the three unidentified assailants opened fire near Pushpa Park in Juhu. Three people have reportedly been injured, including Shroff's driver Firdos who suffered injuries on his hand, police said.

Upon receiving news of the incident, the Mumbai Police officials and ambulances arrived at the scene. The police have cordoned off the area and fifteen police teams have been dispatched to trace the assailants.

Currently, the police are examining footage from CCTV cameras installed in the vicinity.

The primary reason behind the shooting and the motive of the attackers remain unclear and the probe underway will ascertain that, officials said. The incident has caused a stir within the film industry and the Juhu locality.

Kolkata Durga Puja pandal stampede kills 19

KOLKATA, Oct 17: At least 19 people died, and 25 others were injured in a stampede at the Chorebagan Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata on Saturday evening, West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari said, adding that he would write to the chief justice of the Calcutta high court and request the formation of a ‘fact-finding committee’.

The stampede broke out at around 7.30 pm at Chor Bagan, a popular Durga Puja venue in north Kolkata, as crowds pushed through a narrow bylane on Saptami, the seventh day of the festival. Heavy rain had left the streets slippery.

Located less than 2 km from Howrah Bridge, Chor Bagan is among Kolkata’s oldest Durga Puja pandals. Eyewitnesses said people seeking shelter from the rain rushed towards the venue through the narrow lane. Within seconds, several people slipped and fell on top of one another, triggering a chain reaction.

Police detained “some people”, including members of the club that organised the puja, the private security agency and those responsible for managing the crowd at the pandal, Adhikari said.

Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleged that poor crowd management and inadequate police presence led to the stampede.

TMC also claimed that one of the puja organisers was the incumbent chief minister's ‘bhaipo’ (nephew). It wrote on X, "A Bengal BJP MLA also happens to be the Chairman of this Puja Committee! Where is the accountability? Who is responsible for all these deaths?”

Adhikari announced compensation of ₹25 lakh and a government job for the deceased's families. The injured will receive ₹5 lakh each. The state government will cover all medical expenses for those undergoing treatment, he said.

The Bengal CM said the ‘fact-finding committee’, which he would request the high court to form, would include the Special Task Force (STF) and forensic teams, and the incident would be investigated accordingly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and Mamata Banerjee were among those who expressed condolences. Union home minister Amit Shah, who arrived in the state on Saturday for a two-day visit, cancelled all his engagements scheduled for Sunday and said he would visit the injured. Modi also announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for each deceased family and ₹50,000 for each injured person.

Adhikari said an announcement by the organisers of the community Durga Puja at Chorebagan triggered a rush among revellers, leading to the “painful incident”. He added that a probe would be launched into the tragedy.

The Chor Bagan Sarbojanin Durgotsab Samity pandal was closed following the stampede.

Police said several other crowded puja pandals, including Chetla Agrani and Tala Prottay, were also shut soon afterwards. Adhikari urged other puja organisers in the city to put adequate crowd-control and safety measures in place.

12 killed as truck hits devotees, crashes into Gwalior temple gate; mechanical failure suspected

GWALIOR, Oct 17: Twelve people were killed and 29 injured after a truck ran over devotees near Shitala Mata Temple in Gwalior before crashing into the temple's entrance gate late on Saturday, police said. The force of the impact sent a section of the gateway wall crashing down, trapping several people under the debris, they added.

According to Gwalior superintendent of police (SP) Dharamveer Yadav, a preliminary investigation suggested a mechanical failure that caused the driver to lose control.

Five devotees reportedly sustained grievous injuries and were rushed to different hospitals in Gwalior, while others sustained minor injuries. All deceased are from Gwalior and neighbouring districts.

"On the occasion of Saptami, a large crowd from Gwalior and surrounding districts had gathered at the temple late on (Saturday) night. In view of the crowd, entry of heavy vehicles was restricted," Yadav said.

"Around 1.30am, a truck laden with paddy coming from the Chinor side was stopped by police at the barricade, but the driver lost control on the slope and plowed into roadside stalls and devotees," he said. The truck then broke through the barricades and struck the entrance gate after running over devotees and stalls.

Police said five-six prasad stalls were damaged and nearly 41 people were hit in the accident. Rescue teams and police immediately rushed to the spot and pulled out those trapped under the collapsed wall.

District collector Ruchika Chauhan said the injured are being treated with Red Cross funds and all necessary medical assistance is being provided.

Central Park in Delhi's Connaught Place shut for two days as court refuses to block Abhijeet Dipke's protest

NEW DELHI, Oct 16: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Thursday announced that Central Park in Connaught Place would remain closed to the public on Friday and Saturday, citing administrative reasons.

The decision comes a day after Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke called for a “Lehra Do Tiranga” (Let the Tricolour Fly) demonstration at the park on October 16. The park’s closure comes after the Delhi High Court declined to restrain the CJP from holding the protest. The Delhi police told the court that it would take all possible measures to maintain order.

In a public notice issued on October 15, the civic body said, “It is hereby informed that the Central Park, Connaught Place shall remain closed for general public on 16th October and 17th October due to administrative reason.”

Senior NDMC officials declined to comment on the reasons behind the closure of the park, which is located in the heart of Connaught Place.

Dipke has urged people to gather at the park with the national flag at 5 pm on Friday as part of the proposed demonstration.

Located above the Rajiv Chowk Metro station, Central Park is spread across 41,500 square metres and features four water bodies, a 350-seat amphitheater and a monumental Indian flag mounted on a 207-foot-high mast. The NDMC’s horticulture department maintains the park.

An NDMC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the civic body had received instructions from senior authorities to close the park. All five gates will be shut, the official added.

The park’s amphitheater is often booked for government functions and social and cultural programmes, while the green space attracts large numbers of visitors, particularly on weekends, the official said.

The official also pointed to challenges in preventing people from entering the park during the proposed demonstration, given its low boundary railing, which is around three to four feet high. "We had received directions for higher authorities about closing the parks. Five gates of the park would be shut," the official said.

The monumental flag installation stands near the park’s corner, a few feet from the inner-circle road. Preventing people from approaching the flag could be difficult, the official said, adding that managing such a situation would be a law-and-order responsibility for the police.

The monumental flag installation is located at the corner of the park a few feet away from the inner circle road. "It would be difficult for us to prevent people from going near it. It is a law and order issue that police will have to deal with," official said.

ECI orders special summary revision of rolls in 17 states to update voter lists

NEW DELHI, Oct 16: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday ordered a Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls in 17 states and Union Territories, setting January 1, 2027 as the qualifying date. It is the first SSR since the January 2025 round, whose final rolls were published on January 6, 2025.

In its letter to the CEOs, the Commission stated that the existing rolls would be revised under Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. The revision covers “the states where elections to the Legislative Assemblies are due early next year”.

The SSR is a separate exercise from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), which has been at the centre of a political and legal dispute. An SIR rebuilds the list from scratch, while a summary revision makes incremental corrections. The SSR is also meant to be annual. Its previous round had its schedule issued on August 7, 2024, and its final rolls were published between January 6 and 10, 2025.

The 17 states and UTs are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal. The order follows the Commission’s September 29 instructions “to undertake a special drive for the enrolment of left out/young/first time eligible electors”.

Under the schedule, polling stations will be rationalised and rearranged by November 2, and draft rolls will be published on November 12. Claims and objections can be filed from November 12 to December 11. These must be disposed of by December 28, and the final rolls will be published on January 4, 2027. Alongside claims for the January 1, 2027 qualifying date, electoral registration officers (EROs) will accept advance applications for the three later qualifying dates of April 1, July 1 and October 1, 2027.

The Commission said the SSR schedule for 17 other states and UTs would be announced later, since SIR is “going on or has just been completed” there. These include Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Delhi, Odisha, Sikkim, Tripura and Telangana.

For Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, where SIR has not started, the schedule will be announced “keeping in view their weather conditions”.

The Commission directed the states’ chief secretaries to ensure that the CEO, district election officers, EROs, assistant EROs, booth level officer (BLO) supervisors and BLOs “are adequately supported with manpower and resources”. No post notified as district election officer, ERO or assistant ERO may fall vacant during the SSR.

The letter states that the Commission, in a separate order dated October 9, 2026, prescribed “maximum limits for submitting Form 7”, the form for objections and deletions, to “discourage bulk filing of applications by individual electors”.

It adds that EROs must personally cross-verify any case where deletions exceed 2% of the electors in a polling station, and any case where one person is the objector in more than five cases.

The Commission has also laid down detailed norms for the pre-revision exercise. No polling station may have more than 1,200 electors without its approval. Electors should not have to travel more than two kilometres or cross natural barriers, and stations should be on the ground floor.

Families at the same door or flat number must not be split across sections or stations, and addresses must be standardised, with notional house numbers marked as such. EROs, district officers and the CEO must analyse the previous roll’s data on elector-population ratio, gender ratio and the 18-19 age group, and draw up plans to bridge gaps.

VFS Global Opens First Visa Application Centre In Guwahati

NEW DELHI, Oct 15: VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services, has announced the opening of a new Visa Application Centre in Guwahati, reinforcing its commitment to expanding access to international mobility solutions across Northeast India.

According to a press release, the centre was jointly inaugurated by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma; Minister for Tourism Ajanta Neog; Minister for Transport Charan Boro; and Chief Operating Officer, South Asia, VFS Global Yummi Talwar.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the diplomatic missions of Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Italy, and France. The new facility will process visa applications for 14 countries, including Austria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Egypt, Estonia, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Malta (D-Visa applications), Morocco, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

As per the release, the opening marks VFS Global's first Visa Application Centre in Assam and reflects the growing demand for international travel from Northeast India. Serving applicants from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim, the centre strengthens regional access to visa services through a strategically located facility with strong air, rail and road connectivity.

Its location in Guwahati, the commercial gateway to the Northeast, positions it to support the region's expanding aspirations in tourism, education, business and global mobility.

Yummi Talwar, Chief Operating Officer - South Asia, VFS Global, said, "We are pleased to inaugurate our new Visa Application Centre in Guwahati, strengthening access to visa services for applicants across Assam and the wider Northeast. With growing aspirations around education, business, tourism and global mobility, reliable access to visa services is central to turning ambition into opportunity. We are grateful to the Government of Assam and our partner missions for their confidence in us. Through secure, technology-led processes and a commitment to service excellence, we will continue to offer an efficient and convenient visa application experience and make international travel simpler for every applicant we serve."

As per the release, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "As we move forward, our focus must remain on building stronger connections, creating opportunities for our young people, supporting businesses, and welcoming visitors from across the world. The inauguration of this visa application centre is an important step in that direction. It represents more than a new facility; it represents progress towards a more connected, accessible, and opportunity-driven Northeast. I congratulate VFS Global and everyone associated with this initiative. I am confident that this centre will make a meaningful contribution to the people of Assam and the wider Northeastern region."

Located at ISBT, Khanapara, Guwahati, the Visa Application Centre (VAC) is easily accessible through both public and private transport networks. The launch reflects VFS Global's continued investment in expanding trusted, technology-enabled services across India.

As the company marks its 25th anniversary, the new centre further strengthens its nationwide network, through which it currently provides visa services on behalf of 53 sovereign governments across 561 Visa Application Centres in 20 cities.

CJP's Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka sent to 5-day judicial custody for Jantar Mantar 'trespassing'

NEW DELHI, Oct 14: A Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) on Wednesday sent Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to five days of judicial custody, a day after the duo, along with several others from the outfit, breached the de-notified Jantar Mantar protest site.

CJP leader Ajinkya Shinde, meanwhile, was released on a personal bond.

The counsel representing them, advocate Abhisht Hela, said that the Delhi Police argued that both of them gave a call and asked people to reach at Jantar Mantar, thereby carrying out criminal trespass, and a previous bond signed by the accused before a Special Executive Magistrate at Delhi Cantt Police Station on Sunday to not carry out any breach of peace, had been violated by the accused.

The counsel further said that police argued before the magistrate that “there was a presumption that the accused might carry out a crime” if they are out. They were produced before the SEM at Mandir Marg Police Station at around 8:30 am on Wednesday.

CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das and its national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka were detained by the Delhi Police on Tuesday morning after entering Jantar Mantar by jumping the locked gates, a day after the site lost its designated protest venue status.

Ranka shared a video on his X handle shortly after the detention, showing him and Saurav Das, along with outfit's national organisation in-charge Ajinkya Shinde, climbing the locked gates of Jantar Mantar and entering the venue before police personnel present there intervened and took hold of them.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke reacted to the judicial arrest of the outfit, asking if unfolding the tricolour was their fault.

“Ashu and Saurav have been sent to 5 days judicial custody. Their fault? Unfurling tricolour at Jantar Mantar. Show some guts, @narendramodi. If you’re so determined to crush dissent, have the courage to officially declare an Emergency instead of hiding behind these cowardly tactics,” Dipke said on X.

Das and Ranka had come with at least 10 more people and some of them managed to enter Jantar Mantar carrying the national flag to protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. They all have been detained, a senior police officer said.

The video showed Ranka and others shouting ‘Bharat Mata ki jai’ and ‘Gyanesh Kumar isteefa do’ [Gyanesh Kumar resign] chants.

Saurav Das said on X later that they have been “taken away to Jaffarpur Police Station.”

CJP founder took to X and said, “Cockroaches with the Tiranga sneaked into Jantar Mantar early this morning before they were picked up by Delhi Police." “You cannot denotify the resistance,” Dipke said on his X post after the detention of Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and Ajinkya Shinde for entering Jantar Mantar.

The attempt to enter Jantar Mantar in Lutyens' Delhi came a day after it was de-notified as a designated protest venue. A Delhi Police circular on Monday listed three new sites — spread out across the city — for holding demonstrations, making Jantar Mantar, where CJP led a mega stir in June and July that led to the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, off limits.

According to the circular, the Ministry of Home Affairs had constituted a committee to examine alternative proper venues for citizen's right for organising/protest/demonstrations in place of the existing "designated site".

Based on the committee's recommendations, Jantar Mantar as a protest venue has been de-notified, it stated, listing the three new venues - -Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground, in Shahdara.

Jantar Mantar has been the hotbed of youth-led protests since June this year, led by Abhijeet Dipke-founded Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which ultimately resulted in the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam irregularities.

Rahul Gandhi says INDIA bloc’s movement will continue, keeps next steps under wraps

NEW DELHI, Oct 13: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the ongoing movement would continue until its ultimate goal to get Gyanesh Kumar's resignation was achieved, while keeping the next course of action under wraps.

“Our movement will go till the end goal. How? That is a surprise,” Gandhi said at a press conference.

Addressing media on Tuesday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “We have the utmost respect for the Chief Justice of India, the Supreme Court and the judicial system of India. They have a role to play. We hope that they will play that role.”

“But we are also political people. No matter what happens, political resistance will continue, people's resistance will continue, and it will triumph.”

INDIA bloc plea challenges ECI's SIR decisions, seeks independent panel to audit deletions

NEW DELHI, Oct 12: While the INDIA bloc march to the Supreme Court led by LoP Rahul Gandhi was stopped on Bhagwan Das Road, Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders reached the court on Monday evening where his legal team completed the formalities of the petition. INDIA bloc march was stopped on Bhagwan Das Road, some 600 meters away from the top court. The petition against the Election Commission was earlier filed by the Congress' legal team with Gandhi as the lead petitioner.

Meanwhile, a huge crowd gathered in central Delhi for the INDIA bloc march.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders, including Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, visited the Parliament Street Police Station today to seek a date for a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar against chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The CJP has also given the Delhi Police 24 hours to provide a date to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar.

Opposition parties marched to the Supreme Court today. Rahul Gandhi and Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge had earlier sought a meeting with CJI Surya Kant to raise allegations of "vote chori". However, the CJI declined to meet Rahul Gandhi over the allegations.

People familiar with the matter said the decision was based on the pending cases before the Supreme Court and the CJI's role in hearing petitions concerning the issue.

The Opposition had planned to raise several concerns, including police action against protesters demanding Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, the need for an early hearing of cases linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and the composition of the committee responsible for recommending appointments to the Election Commission.

On Saturday, authorities carried out an unprecedented security operation and detained more than 7,000 protesters, including CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke and four former chief ministers. The action prevented a planned mass demonstration at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of CEC Kumar.

Jantar Mantar, a designated protest site, remained largely deserted throughout the day. More than 30,000 security personnel were deployed, while multiple layers of barricades were set up across Lutyens' Delhi to prevent protesters from reaching the area.

On Sunday, more than 200 protesters were detained as they shouted slogans and marched towards Jantar Mantar, with several seen being taken away in police buses. The action came as the CJP's protest entered its second day.

The detentions continued into the evening, with protesters being picked up from different locations even after 6.30 pm.

The protests against Kumar come amid growing criticism of the Election Commission over the SIR of electoral rolls.

The controversy gained momentum following reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on at least 14 occasions over 10 months to decisions and orders, some of which they reportedly said were issued without their knowledge.

The Election Commission, however, has maintained that the three-member poll panel took all decisions, including those related to the SIR, unanimously.

SIR Stay, Action Against Officials: Rahul Gandhi's 10 Requests To Top Court

NEW DELHI, Oct 12: Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, along with hundreds of supporters, reached the Supreme Court, seeking an interim stay on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and alleged poll irregularities.

While the Leader of Opposition reached the Supreme Court in the evening, an hour or two earlier, the Congress legal team filed a petition at the top court, demanding ten forms of relief regarding the SIR and other decisions taken by the Election Commission.

Since Rahul Gandhi could not reach the Supreme Court before the 4:30 pm deadline, the petition was filed by lawyer S Prasanna.

Besides Rahul Gandhi, Congress party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee and RJD's Tejashwi Yadav were among a host of leaders who joined the massive INDIA bloc march today.

Yesterday, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant had refused to meet Rahul Gandhi, stating that the matter is sub judice. Following this, Opposition leaders filed a joint plea in the Supreme Court.

One of the principal demands of the Opposition is the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Below are the details of the petition which has been listed as 'Rahul Gandhi v. Election Commission of India' on the Supreme Court website.

What The Petition Says

1. Directive To Produce All Records Related To The SIR

A directive should be issued to the Election Commission of India to submit to the Court all complete files, agreements, minutes, meeting records, and records of objections related to the disputed Special Intensive Revision (SIR). This must include relevant ECINET and ERONET access logs and complete file notings pertaining to the decision to initiate the SIR on June 24, 2025.

This directive should be issued to safeguard rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution and to enforce Article 324.

2. Examination Of The Constitutional Validity Of SIR Decisions

An appropriate order should be issued to examine whether the disputed decisions regarding the Special Intensive Revision comply with Article 324 of the Constitution, Section 18 of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, and the principles laid down by this Court in the T.N. [case]... ...whether they have been taken in accordance with the law laid down in the Seshan v. Union of India (1995) case.

If any decision was taken without proper statutory authority, it should be set aside.

3. Action Against Responsible Officials

Directions should be issued to take appropriate action against persons responsible for any violation of constitutional or statutory provisions governing the preparation and revision of electoral rolls.

This should also include action under Section 32 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, where necessary.

4. Redressal Of The Petitioner's Grievances

The Election Commission should be directed to take an appropriate decision on the current petition and related matters, and to ensure that every decision of the Election Commission regarding the SIR is taken in accordance with Section 18 of the 2023 Act and duly recorded.

5. Directive To Align Online Form-6 With Prescribed Rules

The Election Commission should be directed to ensure that the online Form-6 conforms to the form prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. No changes deviating from the prescribed form should be made unless the rules are duly amended following the applicable procedure.

6. Demand For An Audit By An Independent Committee

An independent committee should be constituted under the chairmanship of a retired Supreme Court judge. It should also include technical experts and eminent citizens.

The committee should be entrusted with the following tasks within a stipulated timeframe:

To conduct an independent inquiry and audit regarding the deletion of names from and amendments to the electoral rolls during the SIR

To examine access to the electoral roll database and the changes made therein.

This should also include ECINET and ERONET.

To conduct a comprehensive review of the technical design and architecture regarding decisions, policies, procedures, protocols, and the use and deployment of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

To take into account global best practices with the aim of ensuring free and fair elections.

7. Directive To Make Public Names And Reasons For Deletion Of Voters During SIR

The Election Commission should be directed to publish, on a booth-wise basis, the names of all voters deleted from the electoral roll during the SIR.

Along with this, the following details should also be made public:

The reason for the deletion of each voter's name.

Classification of deleted names based on gender and age.

An effective and functional mechanism for the re-inclusion of voters who are found eligible to be on the electoral roll.

8. Directive Not To Delete Any Voter's Name Without Notice And Hearing

The respondents should be directed not to delete any voter's name from the electoral roll without serving notice as per the law and without providing a reasonable opportunity for a hearing.

Furthermore, in Punjab and other states where elections are due, eligible persons should be permitted to apply for the inclusion of their names in the electoral roll up to the cut-off date prescribed by law.

9. Demand For Interim Stay On Ongoing SIR Process

An interim directive should be issued to suspend the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) across all states until the issues raised in the present petition are considered and adjudicated.

This demand is made with the aim of protecting the rights of eligible voters and upholding the fairness and integrity of the electoral process.

10. Demand For Issuance Of Other Orders Deemed Appropriate By Court

It is prayed that this Hon'ble Court pass any other or additional orders -- considering the facts and circumstances of the case -- that it deems appropriate and necessary to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and the voting rights of every eligible citizen.

‘Cockroach’ party leaders released as Delhi braces for second day of protests

NEW DELHI, Oct 11: Delhi braced for a second day of youth protests demanding the resignation of India’s election chief on Sunday, as a court ordered the release of the “cockroach” movement founder, Abhijeet Dipke, and two other senior leaders.

Dipke, ⁠the founder of the ⁠Cockroach Janta party (CJP), and ​the other leaders were detained when their plane landed in Delhi on Saturday, as the movement planned to gather thousands of people at Jantar Mantar in central Delhi.

Indian authorities on Saturday deployed a sweeping crackdown across Delhi and detained thousands of protesters as the youth “cockroach” movement sought to intensify a nationwide campaign against a contentious voter list revision that has fuelled anger at the prime minister, Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government and election authorities.

Police detained more than 2,000 people to thwart ‌Saturday’s protest. Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel continued to be deployed across the city on Sunday although metro stations reopened and mobile ‌internet services were back up.

Most detained on the first day of protests were released on Saturday night, police said.

Opposition parties and critics of Modi’s government criticised what they said was the high-handed use of force against the protesters.

The UN human rights office expressed concerns over mass detentions before and during the protests.

UN human rights spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said: “We call on the authorities to ensure that the right to peaceful assembly is ​fully respected and fulfilled.” He urged ‌authorities to engage in “meaningful dialogue” to address the “broadly held” concerns ‌expressed.

India’s foreign ministry said the UN’s approach was “selective” and its statement constituted “an unwarranted interference in the internal affairs of India”.

The protests are calling for the resignation of the chief election commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, over a revision of voter lists that critics say disproportionately benefits Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata party (BJP), which has been in power for ​more than 12 years.

Sporadic protests have been going on across India since the Indian Express newspaper in late September reported Kumar’s two deputies raised several concerns internally about voter list revisions, registration procedures and digital systems.

India's Supreme Court orders review of Delhi barricades, seeks response on alleged police excesses

NEW DELHI, Oct 11: The Supreme Court on Sunday directed authorities to review all barricading across Delhi, ensure normal functioning of Metro and rail services unless restrictions are necessary to maintain public order, and keep internet services undisturbed in accordance with the law.

The bench also ordered that free movement of people and traffic be permitted, subject to public-order and traffic requirements, and said lawyers must not be obstructed from discharging their duties.

The special hearing followed Saturday’s protests over demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and allegations of police excesses, illegal detentions and restrictions on peaceful demonstrations.

Multiple petitions raised concerns over the detention of political leaders, lawyers, journalists and citizens, alleged assaults on advocates and mediapersons, internet restrictions and the closure of 45 Metro stations. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal sought interim relief, including the resumption of trains to Delhi and an end to restrictions beyond Jantar Mantar.

The court said authorities would have to respond to allegations of excessive force and illegal detentions. All matters will be heard again on Tuesday. India Today News Desk brings you the key developments from the hearing, with inputs from our legal reporters inside the court.

Rahul Gandhi says President Murmu sought proof of ‘election chori’ after INDIA bloc submits memorandum against CEC Gyanesh Kumar

NEW DELHI, Oct 10: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said Thursday night that President Droupadi Murmu did not deny Opposition MPs’ charge about ‘vote chori‘ and irregularities in the Election Commission’s handling of the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls.

Speaking to reporters outside Rashtrapati Bhavan – after a nearly hour-long meeting between a delegation that included Gandhi and Trinamool boss Mamata Banerjee and the President – the Congress leader said: “We took a memorandum to the President… We said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar have conspired to destroy Indian democracy. The president in no way denied what we said.”

“(She) in no way questioned what we said… and in no way argued what we said. She accepted our statement and then said we need to bring her proof.”

“I said the proof of ‘vote chori’ is known to the whole country. State after state has been stolen. 24 elections have been stolen. Yet, the President wants proof. The same group of people will take proof when she is ready to accept it.”

“I expected the President of India to deny that ‘vote chori’ is taking place. I expected the President to say ‘India has free and fair elections’,” he said.

Other members of the delegation are Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, the RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, and CPM’s MA Baby. Earlier, INDIA bloc sources said that if they did not get an appointment with the President, they would protest outside Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The meeting late Thursday came after three consecutive days of street-level protests by the Opposition coalition, starting with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s nine-hour sit-in protest at Akashvani Bhavan on Tuesday.

Over the past three days, the Opposition has stepped up its campaign against the Chief Election Commissioner through protests that have led to dramatic scenes in the national capital.

On Tuesday, the INDIA bloc’s march to the Election Commission was blocked. But a surprise sit-in by Rahul Gandhi and his sister and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at Akashvani Bhavan added a twist.

The next day, an INDIA bloc lunch at Sagar Ratna in Janpath became a prelude to a Jantar Mantar march. Both protests ended with the detention of Opposition leaders, but caught national attention. On Thursday too, INDIA bloc leaders met for lunch – this time at Connaught Place’s Moets – and were then bussed to Rajghat, keeping up the tempo.

And now, their meeting with the President will add another headline, as a week of the Opposition’s agitation on the streets of the national capital draws to a close.

Veteran Actor Nana Patekar Cremated With State Honours At Pune Farmhouse

PUNE, Oct 8: Veteran actor Nana Patekar was cremated with full state honours amid the chants of "Nana Amar Rahe" (Long Live Nana) at Donje farmhouse, Pune on Thursday. Nana Patekar had said that he would like to be cremated at his farmhouse, according to his associates.

Nana Patekar's son Malhar lit the pyre.

Film celebrities including Jackie Shroff, Sajid Nadiadwala and Anil Sharma were present at his funeral, along with several political dignitaries. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also arrived at the actor's native village to pay his last respects.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid tribute to Nana Patekar at Pune airport before leaving for Mumbai.

Nana Patekar died after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Goa. He was 75.

According to NDTV sources, Nana Patekar - who was at home with his nephew Prasad Patekar - had been complaining of a headache since last night. The actor was later found unconscious, following which he was rushed to the hospital. Information shared by Manipal Hospital said that the doctors tried to revive him for almost 45 minutes after he was brought in, but there was no response.

The actor was declared dead at 5:20 am.

Born on January 1, 1951, in Maharashtra, Nana Patekar became known for his intensity, dialogue delivery, and ability to portray complex, unconventional characters. A recipient of three National Film Awards, he was known for his work in films such as Natsamrat, Wajood, Parinda, Ab Tak Chhappan, and Yeshwant, among others.

He made his Bollywood debut in the 1978 film Gaman. During the early 2000s, Nana Patekar received praise for his performances in Shakti: The Power (2002), Ab Tak Chhappan (2004), Apaharan (2005), and Taxi No 9211 (2006). He also received widespread praise for playing the gangster 'Uday Shetty' in the comedy Welcome (2007) and its sequel Welcome Back (2015).

Nana Patekar was also a recipient of the Padma Shri, which was awarded to him in 2013 for his contribution to cinema and the arts.

The actor was last seen publicly four days ago in Goa's Dona Paula, where he attended and addressed the Samraat Club International installation ceremony.

Nana Patekar, 75, dies of cardiac arrest

PANJIM, Oct 8: Veteran actor Nana Patekar died on Thursday morning after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. The actor was 75 when he breathed his last.

While talking to local media, Malhar Patekar, son of Nana Patekar, confirmed that the veteran actor passed away on October 8 at the age of 75. He was found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. He was rushed to the Manipal Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival due to a heart attack.

The veteran actor was declared dead at around 5:20 am. Doctors at a private hospital attempted to revive him for about 45 minutes. However, they were unsuccessful.

Over a career spanning several over four decades, Nana Patekar has worked extensively in both Hindi and Marathi cinema, while also trying his hand at writing and direction. He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to cinema and the arts.

He made his Hindi film debut with Muzaffar Ali’s Gaman in 1978 and gradually established himself as an actor capable of making an impression even in relatively small parts. During the 1980s, Nana appeared in films such as Aaj Ki Awaaz, Ankush, Pratighaat, Andha Yudh, Mohre and Salaam Bombay!. His work in Salaam Bombay! (1988), directed by Mira Nair, brought him greater recognition.

However, it was his performance as gangster Anna in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Parinda (1989) that became the major turning point in his career. His portrayal of the volatile crime lord earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor as well as the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.

He made his directorial debut with Prahaar: The Final Attack, in which he also played an Army officer. Nana continued to take on varied roles in films such as Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Angaar and Tirangaa. In Angaar (1992), his portrayal of Majid Khan earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Villain. His biggest recognition of the decade came with Krantiveer (1994), in which he played Pratap Narayan Tilak, a troubled man who transforms into a force against corruption and injustice. The performance won him the National Film Award for Best Actor.

Nana followed Krantiveer with another acclaimed phase of his career. In Agni Sakshi (1996), he played a psychologically complex character in a story centred on an abusive and obsessive husband. The performance earned him his second National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.

The actor was last seen in the movie Subedaar. Released on Prime Videon in 2026, the film also featured Anil Kapoor and Radhika Madan in lead roles.

Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi Detained During Sit-In Against Gyanesh Kumar; Released

NEW DELHI, Oct 6: Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Pawan Khera and others were briefly detained at Delhi's Akashvani Bhavan as they staged a sit-in seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation on Tuesday. However, they were released after being taken to a police station at the city's Kingsway Camp.

The march by Opposition parties is against the alleged irregularities in poll body decisions, particularly the Special Intensive Revision exercise or the clean-up drive of electoral rolls. The last march from Parliament building to ECI was on August 11, 2025, against SIR.

The protests began on October 2, with Opposition parties and civil society groups giving a call to gather over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

As Opposition MPs staged a sit-in at Akashvani Bhavan, the ECI issued a statement, clarifying that no party sought a meeting before 4pm. It also objected to the requested venue for the meeting - Parliament House Annexe, saying all meetings should ideally take place at the Election Commission.

"While the Election Commission was considering the aforementioned meeting request from the Hon'ble MPs after 4pm, the Delhi Police DCP informed the Commission that the requested meeting was to involve a group of 240 MPs and was proposed to be held at the Parliament House Annexe. The Election Commission deemed this request unusual and unacceptable, as protocol dictates that such meetings take place within the premises of the Election Commission of India," a part of the statement read.

Several opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were briefly detained during their march to the Election Commission office. Later in the day, they were again detained at Akashvani Bhavan, where they were staging a sit-in.

The BJP has dismissed the march, with Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan calling the protest another attempt to “relaunch Rahul Gandhi.” The former MP CM also accused the Congress of wanting to “spread anarchy” across the country.

The Delhi Police also issued a statement on Tuesday night, saying they got to know through social media that Opposition MPs were planning a march from the Parliament at 10:30am today, and that no application for permission was made.

“The protesters broke through the first barricade put up by the police and advanced to the second barricade near NITI Aayog. Police repeatedly made announcements informing the protesters of the restrictions in force under Section 163 BNSS and appealed to them to disperse peacefully. Despite this, the protesters did not comply with police instructions and stayed on,” the statement read.

‘No amount of whataboutery can justify mass disenfranchisement’: SC Justice Ujjal Bhuyan amid SIR row

NEW DELHI: Any exercise that leads to the disenfranchisement of millions of Indian citizens, making them “second class citizens in their own country” by denying them the right to vote, is “intrinsically arbitrary”, Supreme Court judge Ujjal Bhuyan said on Sunday, delivering a scathing constitutional critique of mass voter exclusion amid the controversy over the Election Commission’s special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

“No amount of whataboutery can justify it,” said Justice Bhuyan, warning that such a process would strike at the very heart of the Constitution and amount to “a negation of the constitutional order which we have adopted under the Constitution of India”.

The Constitution, he underlined, does not envisage two classes of citizens — those with voting rights and those without them.

The judge’s remarks at the valedictory address of the 19th NALSAR-Justice BR Sawhney Memorial Moot Court Competition in Hyderabad on Sunday come as the SIR exercise faces mounting legal and political scrutiny, with the deletion of lakhs of names from electoral rolls, questions over the grounds for issuing verification notices and a huge backlog of appeals raising concerns over the risk of eligible voters being denied their franchise.

Justice Bhuyan warned against any administrative exercise that undermines the constitutional guarantee of adult suffrage. He argued that the right to vote is not a mere statutory entitlement but a constitutional right integral to citizenship and the democratic order.

“Theoretically, citizenship and franchise are intertwined; one cannot be divorced from the other,” he said.

In Delhi, petitioners have told the court that 47.56 lakh names were excluded from the draft electoral roll published on August 31, while another 33.13 lakh electors were identified for notices on grounds of “no mapping” or “logical discrepancies”. On September 22, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant sought the Election Commission’s response to pleas challenging the process and questioned the basis on which such notices were being issued. Justice Joymalya Bagchi asked the poll panel to examine whether notices were being generated mechanically, while the Chief Justice sought clarity on the meaning of “logical discrepancy”. The Commission assured the court that no voter would be deleted without following the prescribed process.

In West Bengal, the problem has extended beyond exclusion to the ability of affected voters to secure timely relief. The Election Commission informed the Supreme Court in September that 22.21 lakh of the 27.16 lakh electors deleted through adjudication had appealed against their exclusion. Another 16.10 lakh appeals challenged the inclusion of voters, taking the total to 38.31 lakh. More than 37 lakh appeals remained pending, prompting the Commission to propose increasing the number of appellate tribunals from 19 to 42. The Supreme Court is scheduled to take up the matter on October 5.

Against this backdrop, Justice Bhuyan traced the constitutional promise of universal adult franchise to the freedom struggle and the Constituent Assembly’s decision to trust every adult Indian with an equal vote, irrespective of literacy, wealth, property or social standing.

The framers, he said, adopted universal suffrage despite the enormous administrative challenge and widespread illiteracy in the country. The decision was an act of faith in ordinary Indians and marked the first step towards achieving equality in a society deeply divided by caste and economic status.

Invoking BR Ambedkar’s closing speech in the Constituent Assembly, Justice Bhuyan recalled the warning that India would enter a life of contradictions, with political equality coexisting with social and economic inequality. The principle of “one man, one vote and one vote, one value”, he said, was a facet of equality and the very essence of the Constitution.

A billionaire and a rickshaw puller have votes of equal value, he said. So do a socially privileged temple priest and a person compelled to work as a manual scavenger. Universal adult franchise was the Constitution’s transformative promise that every citizen would have an equal voice in choosing those who govern.

Justice Bhuyan located that promise in Articles 325 and 326 of the Constitution. While Article 325 mandates a single general electoral roll for every constituency and bars exclusion on grounds only of religion, race, caste or sex, Article 326 provides for elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies on the basis of adult suffrage, subject to constitutionally recognised disqualifications.

The emphasis, he said, was on “every citizen of India”. Unless a citizen is disqualified on grounds recognised under Article 326, the person is entitled to be registered as a voter.

The right to vote, he said, may not have been recognised as a fundamental right, but the Supreme Court has repeatedly acknowledged its constitutional character. Citing the court’s judgments in People’s Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India and Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India, he said the franchise was central to free and fair elections, which have themselves been recognised as a basic feature of the Constitution.

Importantly, the judge said the constitutional limits on restricting the franchise applied not only to legislation but also to administrative action.

“If this is true for a legislation, it is equally true, if not more, for any administrative exercise,” he said, cautioning against irrational or unreasonable curtailment of the right to vote.

He also invoked the Supreme Court’s judgment in Lal Babu Hussain Vs Electoral Registration Officer (1995) which laid down safeguards for deletion of voters’ names. Except in the case of a dead voter, he said, a name once entered on the electoral roll cannot be deleted without notice and an opportunity of hearing.

The right to vote, he said, cannot be detached from the identity of a citizen. “It will be like taking out the soul from the body,” he said.

Justice Bhuyan ended his address with a warning that left little room for compromise on the constitutional principle at stake.

“Article 326 cannot be tinkered with at all, “No authority can do it; no court can condone it. No one is above the Constitution.”

He invoked constitutional lawyer Nani Palkhivala’s reminder that freedom cannot be inherited through the bloodstream: every generation must defend it if it is to survive.

“And what is the worth of a citizen without her voting right,” he asked.

Months Ahead Of State Polls, Congress Names New Chiefs For Punjab, UP

LUCKNOW/CHANDIGARH: In a major organisational reshuffle months ahead of state polls, the Congress has named two new chiefs of its Punjab and Uttar Pradesh units. In Punjab, it has gone with hockey legend Pargat Singh, while in Uttar Pradesh, Aradhana Misra Mona has been tasked with leading the party into next year's polls.

Mona, a three-time MLA from UP's Rampur Khas, is the daughter of Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari. She replaces Ajay Rai, who had been at the helm of the Congress's UP unit since 2023.

Both she and her father are seen as close to Akhilesh Yadav, whose Samajwadi Party has welcomed the leadership change and called for a coordinated campaign in the upcoming polls.

Mona thanked Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge and the Gandhis for placing their trust in her and exuded confidence that her party will win the 2027 elections.

"We will take on the government over the BJP's failures, be it the SIR issue, unemployment, law and order, or inflation. In 2027, the BJP will be ousted, and an INDIA alliance government will be formed in Uttar Pradesh," she said.

Several changes also reflected in the Congress' organisational lineup in UP, with Lok Sabha MP Imran Masood being named as the working president, and Devendra Nishad and Alok Prasad appointed as vice presidents of the state unit.

Besides, Chaudhary Virendra Singh has been chosen as the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in Uttar Pradesh, a crucial position once held by Mona.

The outgoing chief, Ajay Rai, has extended his best wishes to the newly appointed office-bearers.

Pargat Singh's elevation to the top party post in Punjab came amid rising infighting in the Congress's state unit.

Two days earlier, Amarinder Raja Singh Warring had resigned as the Punjab Congress chief after a heated battle with former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi - an infighting that saw Pargat Singh as largely neutral.

Unlike an entirely fresh lineup in UP, the state chief's appointment has been the only change announced for Punjab.

The other choice that Congress had for the post was Vijay Inder Singla, a former Union minister. A Hindu Bania face, he currently heads the party's election management committee.

The Congress, however, went with Pargat Singh, a Jat Sikh face who was with the Shiromani Akali Dal 10 years ago. Warring, too, is a Jat Sikh, a prominent and politically influential community that gave Punjab most of its chief ministers.