New Delhi, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) A fresh Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been moved before the Supreme Court seeking greater transparency and procedural safeguards in the implementation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, days after the apex court upheld the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) nationwide revision exercise.

The petition, filed by Congress leader Prasenjit Bose under Article 32 of the Constitution, does not challenge the legality of the SIR exercise itself but seeks directions to the poll body to disclose constituency-wise data relating to Forms 6 and 7 submitted, accepted and rejected during the claims and objections phase, make public the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing appellate tribunals, and issue simplified guidelines in Bangla, Hindi and English for electors seeking to challenge exclusions from electoral rolls.

According to the plea, more than 58 lakh electors were excluded during the enumeration phase of the SIR exercise in West Bengal, while over 9.64 lakh applications for inclusion and 99,118 applications for deletion were received during the claims and objections period.

However, only 1.82 lakh additions were reflected in the final electoral roll published on February 28, 2026, raising “serious concerns” over transparency and accountability in the electoral roll revision process.

The petition further questions the process adopted for adjudicating cases flagged as involving “logical discrepancies”, alleging that criteria such as parent-child age gaps, multiple progeny linkages and name mismatches were not contemplated under either the SIR notifications or the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

The plea also seeks disclosure of the SOP framed on April 7, 2026, by a three-member committee of former judges for uniform functioning of 19 appellate tribunals constituted in West Bengal pursuant to directions issued by the Supreme Court in the pending SIR-related proceedings.

According to the petitioner, the absence of publicly available procedures has created uncertainty regarding filing requirements, hearings, timelines and the rights of affected electors.

The petition argues that poor, rural and marginalised voters face significant hurdles in pursuing appeals without clear guidelines and legal assistance.

The plea comes days after a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI), Surya Kant, upheld the ECI’s SIR exercise, holding that the revision was traceable to Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and was aimed at preserving the integrity and accuracy of electoral rolls.

At the same time, the apex court had clarified that while the ECI is empowered to undertake a limited enquiry into citizenship for electoral purposes, such a determination would not amount to a final declaration of citizenship and must be referred to the competent authority under the Citizenship Act, 1955 for adjudication.

The present plea contends that despite the top court upholding the broader legality of the SIR exercise, significant procedural gaps remain in its implementation, particularly in West Bengal, warranting judicial intervention to ensure transparency, accountability and protection of voters’ rights.

Source: IANS

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Kochi, June 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a strong indictment of the culture prevailing in some of Kerala's medical colleges, the Kerala High Court on Monday suggested the constitution of a high-level committee to examine allegations of harassment by faculty members and recommend corrective measures to protect students.

The observations came during the hearing of an anticipatory bail plea filed by a dental college professor accused in a case linked to the suicide of a student recently.

However, the court's remarks went far beyond the facts of the individual case and touched upon what it described as a larger and deeply troubling problem within professional educational institutions.

Justice A. Badharudeen observed that the issue had become serious enough to warrant a systematic enquiry by the State government.

"In Kerala, medical colleges are ruining students. No doubt about it. They are very cruelly treating students, even PG students. Many complaints. It is a very, very serious matter," the judge remarked during the proceedings.

Expressing concern that many students remain silent out of fear of academic repercussions, the court noted that victims are often unwilling to challenge teachers or college authorities despite facing sustained harassment.

The judge suggested that an independent committee be constituted to gather confidential feedback from students, study the extent of the problem and recommend remedial measures.

The court also drew attention to what it described as a dangerous cycle of institutional behaviour, comparing it to a 'mother-in-law syndrome’, a situation where individuals who once suffered harassment go on to perpetuate the same practices after attaining positions of authority.

The observations come at a time when concerns over student mental health, academic pressure and alleged faculty intimidation have been increasingly reported from professional colleges across the country.

The issue gained renewed attention following the death of a dental college student in Kannur earlier this year, a case that sparked widespread debate on caste discrimination, academic harassment and accountability within higher educational institutions.

Student organisations and education activists have long demanded stronger grievance-redressal mechanisms, independent complaint systems and greater oversight of professional colleges.

With the High Court now calling for institutional intervention, the spotlight has shifted from an individual criminal case to a broader question confronting Kerala's higher education sector, whether enough is being done to protect students from abuse of authority inside campuses.

The matter will come up again before the High Court next week.

Source: IANS

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Islamabad, May 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) A genocide watchdog has issued an alert for genocide monitoring in Pakistan amid the growing rate of human rights violations, a report said.

The organisation Genocide Watch called for genocide monitoring in Pakistan in a report it issued earlier this month, which said that Pakistan is now at stage 3 of genocide (discrimination).

"Because discrimination against women and minorities is deeply embedded in society, and violence against them is both widespread and tolerated, Genocide Watch considers Pakistan to be at Stage 3: Discrimination and Stage 5: Organisation. Deepening divisions along religious, gender, and political lines, reinforced by restrictive laws, censorship, and weak protections, place the country at Stage 6: Polarisation. The continued targeting of vulnerable groups through violence, persecution, and displacement further reflects elements of Stage 9: Persecution," the report noted.

"These stages refer to the developments or circumstances that cause, incite, or bring about the deliberate destruction of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group," said Turkish journalist Uzay Bulut, writing for American media outlet PJ Media.

The targets of this discrimination are religious minorities (Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Shia, Ahmadiyya), political opposition, women, and gays.

Women face the most severe consequences as they face acid attacks, forced and child marriages, rape, trafficking, forced conversion and domestic abuse.

With the Lahore High Court ruling that marriages after puberty are valid under Islamic law in 2025, girls marriage remains widespread in Pakistan, with millions married before the age of 18.

Pakistan ranked last in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index.

According to the Genocide Watch report, journalists, activists, and academics face censorship, violence, threats, arrests, and murder, which are perpetrated by the Pakistani government and contribute to growing self-censorship and restricted public discourse.

"Non-Muslims in Pakistan survive in a tyrannical environment. Christians comprise just 1.8 per cent of the population and are particularly marginalised," said Bulut.

"As a minority in Pakistan, Christians are exposed to many challenges, which range from everyday discrimination to threats of deadly violence," he added.

"Genocide never just happens," says Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT).

"There is always a set of circumstances which occur or which are created to build the climate in which genocide can take place."

The Genocide Watch recommended that the European Union (EU) use GSP+ review procedures to pressure Pakistan on limitedly enacted reforms in religious freedom, freedom of expression, and women's rights.

It also recommended that the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights consider Pakistan as "a country of special concern" because of its concerning record of human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, May 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil, setting aside the comforts of protest pandals, on Saturday launched his ninth indefinite hunger strike here under the blazing May sun.

Rejecting last-minute government delegation led by the Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, Jarange Patil has opted for an extreme form of protest by sitting in the open without food, water, or shelter, accusing the MahaYuti government of pushing the community through an "agnipariksha".

This escalation marks a profound shift from his highly publicised march to Mumbai in January 2024.

While that mobilisation forced the state framework to hold negotiations, this renewed agitation highlights a critical reality which is despite Legislative promises, the core issue of the Maratha reservation remains an unresolved, volatile political driver in Maharashtra.

The transition of Jarange Patil's movement from the gates of Mumbai back to its rural epicentre in Jalna reflects more than a change of scenery.

It represents a pivot from macro-political demands to granular, micro-level enforcement issues.

While the Mumbai March focused on securing a broad policy framework and establishing a legal path to classify Marathas as Kunbis for Other Backward Classes (OBC) status, the current fast at Antarwali Sarati targets bureaucratic inertia, "bogus" OBC listings, and administrative and procedural delays in implementing the Satara and Hyderabad Gazettes.

They are the crucial historical, administrative documents that record the socio-economic status of families in western Maharashtra and the Marathwada region, and are being used by activists as official proof that local Marathas were historically classified as agrarian Kunbis, thereby qualifying them for modern OBC reservation benefits.

The initial protest in Mumbai relied on a massive show of strength by marching thousands of supporters to the borders of the financial capital to force an immediate ordinance, whereas the current agitation uses a high-risk, localised solitary strike under extreme summer heat to create immediate moral and physical urgency.

Undeterred by scorching summer heat, the pro-Martha quota activists are thronging to the hunger strike venue for extending their support to Jarange Patil.

During the Mumbai protest, the movement maintained a stance open to negotiation while waiting for state-issued draft notifications and official Government Resolutions (GRs); in contrast, the current stance is highly confrontational, with Jarange Patil and his supporters actively accusing deceptive delays and putting the community through cruel trials.

When Jarange Patil marched on Mumbai, the battle was over a piece of paper -- the extraction of a promise. Today's protest is driven by the friction of implementation.

Jarange Patil, after talks failed with the government delegation, claims the MahaYuti government is deliberately dragging its feet on validating 58 lakh Kunbi documents sourced from historical records.

While the state government claims that more than 2.5 lakh certificates have been distributed in Marathwada and that complex validation requirements are slowing the rest, Jarange Patil points to bureaucratic red tape, faulty certificate issues affecting student admissions, and a lack of formalisation for the Satara Gazetteer.

The demand has narrowed to a zero-tolerance deadline for concrete administrative execution.

The persistence of this agitation underscores why the Maratha quota is a critical issue that no political party in Maharashtra can afford to ignore.

Making up nearly 33 per cent of Maharashtra's population, the Maratha community has traditionally been the state's dominant political force. No coalition can secure or sustain power if they face unified anger from this demographic.

The core of the conflict is Jarange Patil's demand to include Marathas under the Kunbi category, granting them access to the existing OBC quota. This has triggered intense counter-mobilisation by established OBC groups, who fear their own benefits will be diluted.

The Maharashtra government finds itself walking a dangerous tightrope trying to appease both groups. Even today the various OBC organisations have threatened to launch agitation to counter Jarange Patil's hunger strike.

Beneath the demand for government jobs and education lies deep-seated economic distress in rural Maharashtra.

Fragmentation of land, persistent droughts, and volatile crop pricing (such as the ongoing onion procurement crisis) have made secure public sector employment a critical safety net for rural Maratha youth.

Political observers claim it is a catch 22 situation.

If the state administration accelerates Kunbi certificate distribution to mollify Jarange Patil, it risks an immediate electoral backlash from its vital OBC voter base. If it delays, it risks a massive rural uprising led by an uncompromising activist willing to risk his life in the open heat.

As the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Maratha Reservation scrambles to deploy Standard Operating Procedures to district collectors to speed up record tracing, the scene at Antarwali Sarati (it is a village in the Ambad taluka of Jalna district), confirms that the state's political landscape will continue to be shaped by this ongoing struggle.

(Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in)

Source: IANS

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Jaipur, May 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) For years, delays in the investigation and disposal of rape and POCSO cases have remained one of the biggest concerns in India's criminal justice system.

Long investigations often add more to the trauma of survivors and weaken public confidence in the trial process.

Rajasthan, however, is now presenting a different story, one where speed, sensitivity and accountability are increasingly shaping the justice framework.

Recent crime review figures suggest that the state has made notable progress in reducing investigation timelines and improving case disposal in crimes involving women and children, positioning Rajasthan among states attempting to strengthen time-bound justice mechanisms.

As per Rajasthan Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham, "The average investigation time in rape cases has witnessed a dramatic decline. While rape investigations took an average of 107 days in 2023, that period has reduced to just 42 days in 2026, up to March. A similar trend has been recorded in cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, where the average investigation period has fallen from 103 to 40 days."

Bedham said the improvement reflects both administrative efficiency and a more sensitive approach towards victims of such crimes.

"Ensuring time-bound justice has become a key priority for the administration. Sensitive cases involving women and children are now being handled with greater urgency, seriousness and accountability," the MoS added.

"The transformation is visible not only in investigation timelines but also in disposal rates. In 2023, the disposal rate of rape and POCSO cases stood at nearly 55 per cent. By 2026, up to March, that figure has crossed 85 per cent, surpassing the national average rate and indicating a stronger focus on taking cases beyond registration and towards judicial resolution."

Officials attribute this progress to a combination of policy direction, regular monitoring and institutional reforms within the police system.

"Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, periodic crime review meetings and stricter accountability measures have reportedly pushed police units to adopt a more result-oriented approach," MoS Bedham said.

The officials told that the state has also made significant progress in the field of women's safety.

According to a crime review, a decline of nearly 9.94 per cent was recorded in the total number of cases involving atrocities against women between the years 2023 and 2025.

A drop of more than 21 per cent in cases of rape (involving adults), along with a reduction in cases of molestation, demonstrates that both police sensitivity and strict enforcement are working in tandem.

Special efforts are also being undertaken to promote comprehensive awareness campaigns, women's safety programmes, and community participation.

The state has also sought to improve its response mechanism in sensitive crimes through easier case registration, quicker police intervention and greater emphasis on victim-sensitive procedures.

Police officials have been directed to treat POCSO and crimes against women with heightened sensitivity while ensuring prompt action and uninterrupted investigation.

MoS Bedham said that crime control today is not merely about reacting to incidents but about ensuring timely and accountable justice delivery.

"The focus is not only on registering cases but also on ensuring that investigations are completed swiftly and justice reaches victims within a reasonable timeframe," he added.

Rajasthan's broader law-and-order strategy has also contributed to this shift.

Special drives against wanted criminals, anti-drug campaigns, cybercrime monitoring and technology-driven policing have strengthened the overall enforcement environment.

Internal accountability within the police force and increased public engagement have further reinforced trust in the system.

Experts have often pointed out that justice delayed can become justice denied, particularly in cases involving sexual violence and child abuse.

Against this backdrop, Rajasthan's effort to cut investigation timelines and raise disposal rates is being viewed as an attempt to address one of the justice system's longstanding challenges.

While challenges remain and sustained efforts will be necessary, the recent figures indicate that Rajasthan is increasingly positioning itself as a state where sensitive crimes are being addressed with greater speed and seriousness.

For survivors and their families, the reduction in waiting time may prove as important as the verdict itself, said officials in police headquarters.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) Over Rs 6,800 crore hitherto stuck in unclaimed bank deposits has been restituted to nearly 29 lakh claimants across the country during the past six months as part of the stepped-up drive to help citizens recover their money, the Finance Ministry announced on Friday.

Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), M. Nagaraju, chaired a review meeting of public sector banks (PSBs) to assess their performance and progress across key operational, financial and strategic priorities during FY 2025–26, a ministry statement said

During the meeting, a coffee table book, "Your Money, Your Right", was unveiled. It captures the nationwide campaign undertaken to empower citizens to identify and reclaim unclaimed financial assets and highlights collaborative efforts by banks, financial institutions, regulators, and other stakeholders towards facilitating tracing, claim settlement and restitution of unclaimed financial assets to their rightful owners.

The revamped website of the Department of Financial Services was also launched during the meeting. Designed with a citizen-centric approach, the portal offers enhanced accessibility, seamless navigation and improved dissemination of information. The website is available in 23 regional languages and incorporates accessibility features for persons with visual impairments, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive, accessible and citizen-centric digital service delivery.

The meeting was attended by the Special Secretary, Department of Financial Services, senior officials, the State Bank of India's Chairman, and the Managing Directors & Chief Executive Officers and Executive Directors of PSBs.

The performance of PSBs across key areas, including business growth, profitability, asset quality, implementation of government schemes, financial inclusion, digital ecosystem, MSME credit flow, cyber resilience and operational risk management, was comprehensively assessed.

It was highlighted that the PSBs demonstrated strong financial and operational performance during FY 2025–26. Aggregate business of PSBs reached approximately ₹283.3 lakh crore as on 31 March 2026, while aggregate net profit increased to around ₹1.98 lakh crore, recording the highest-ever annual net profit in the history of Public Sector Banks.

Asset quality also remained robust, with Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) reaching a historic low of 1.93% and Net Non-Performing Assets (NNPA) declining to 0.39%, reflecting continued strengthening of balance sheets and prudent risk management practices.

Progress under major financial inclusion initiatives including Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, social security schemes, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, PM Vishwakarma and digital lending initiatives was also reviewed. Public Sector Banks continue to play a pivotal role in expanding financial access and strengthening last-mile delivery of banking services across the country.

Status of implementation of end-to-end digital lending journeys for small-value loans and welfare-linked schemes was also reviewed during the meeting. Public Sector Banks highlighted measures such as paperless processing through e-KYC and digital documentation, straight through processing (STP) and integration with Government platforms to improve accessibility and customer experience.

Deliberations also covered strengthening of digital banking ecosystems, enhancement of cyber security frameworks and initiatives for improving access to credit for MSMEs and other productive sectors of the economy.

Banks were advised to provide proactive and need-based support to eligible borrowers under ECLGS 5.0, strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms with adequate oversight, improve operational efficiency and explore new business opportunities to sustain profitability and long-term growth.

Banks were also advised to maintain preparedness and adaptability to the recent crisis in the Middle East and evolving global situation.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Delhi High Court on Friday upheld the validity of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) regulations capping television advertisements at 12 minutes per clock hour.

A division bench of Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Amit Mahajan dismissed a batch of petitions filed by general entertainment, news, and regional broadcasters challenging Rule 7(11) of the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994, and Regulation 3 of the Standards of Quality of Service (Duration of Advertisements in Television Channels) Regulations, 2012.

The broadcasters had contended that the cap of 10 minutes for commercial advertisements and two minutes for self-promotional content per hour violated their rights under Articles 14 and 19 of the Constitution.

In its order, the Delhi High Court held that the TRAI had acted within its statutory powers in prescribing the limit, and observed that the regulation was aimed at protecting viewers from excessive commercial interruptions while maintaining the quality of service.

"TRAI’s statutory power to regulate the prescribed time for advertisements can be deduced from Section 11(1)(b)(v) of the Act of 1997," the Justice Kshetarpal-led Bench said, adding that the TRAI’s mandate includes enhancing the quality of viewers’ experience and balancing the interests of broadcasters and consumers.

Observing that television viewers cannot skip or fast-forward advertisements in the same manner as users of digital platforms, the Delhi High Court said excessive or uneven advertising directly impairs consumers’ right to a fair viewing experience.

"The measure taken by TRAI to limit the advertisements to 12 minutes per clock hour, is in pursuance of the recognised QoS objective of TRAI, aimed at reducing excessive commercial breaks and preventing the artificial clustering of advertisements," the judgment said.

The bench rejected the argument that the restriction infringed broadcasters’ freedom of speech and expression, holding that the grievance essentially related to loss of advertising revenue and therefore fell within the ambit of the freedom to carry on business under Article 19(1)(g), which is subject to reasonable restrictions in the public interest.

"Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution does not guarantee profitability, and certainly not a right to monetise public property beyond reasonable structural limits imposed in the common good," it observed.

The judgment added that airwaves and spectrum are scarce public resources held by the government in trust for the people and cannot be subjected to unfettered commercial exploitation.

"The broadcasters cannot claim an unfettered right to exploit spectrum for commercial purposes. Their use of such resources is subject to licensing conditions, statutory frameworks, and regulatory oversight," the Delhi High Court said.

Referring to Supreme Court precedents treating spectrum as a finite public resource, the judgment held that regulation of advertisement time was linked to the constitutional mandate under Articles 39(b) and 39(c) to ensure that material resources of the community are utilised for the common good.

According to the Delhi High Court, the framework represents a "constitutionally sound exercise" of regulatory authority and advances consumer interest while ensuring equitable utilisation of broadcast spectrum. Highlighting the consumer-centric objective of the regulation, it added that the impugned regulations were introduced following widespread complaints about excessive and disruptive advertisements affecting viewing experience.

Concluding that the 12-minute ceiling is a neutral, time-based restriction that regulates the quantity of advertisements rather than their content, the bench held that the framework neither violates Articles 14 and 19 nor suffers from arbitrariness.

"Rule 7(11) of the Rules of 1994 and Regulation 3 of the Regulation of 2012, as amended in 2013, constitute a constitutionally valid exercise of regulatory power, striking a proportionate balance between broadcaster rights and the public interest in efficient and fair use of broadcast spectrum," the Delhi High Court said while dismissing all 17 petitions.

Source: IANS

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Hyderabad, May 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a novel initiative the Telangana government's Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has provided employment opportunities to 16 transgenders.

Eleven trans women and five trans men have joined HYDRAA, which has been in the news in recent times for removing encroachments on water bodies and government lands in and around Hyderabad.

The new recruits said that employment at HYDRAA has brought a new light into their lives and the dignity bestowed by this job has instilled a deep sense of self-confidence within them.

According to an official release on Friday, these 16 people are ready to perform their duties anywhere and at any time. They are actively participating in the removal of encroachments on lakes and drainage channels, and are at the forefront of protecting public parks and lands designated for community use in the state.

Undeterred by the stature or influence of encroachers, they perform their duties fearlessly and play an integral role in safeguarding public assets in Telangana.

They assert that the employment they secured at HYDRAA represents far more than just a means of livelihood; it signifies a newfound identity for their lives.

They express that wearing the HYDRAA uniform is a matter of great honour for them and shared their immense joy at being designated the 'HYDRA Eagle Team' and being fully integrated into operational duties.

The transgender team members played a pivotal role in successfully protecting 862 acres of government land in Ailapur, located in the Aminpur Mandal of Sangareddy district. Recently, they played an active role in saving the Edulakunta lake in Madhapur.

They play a key role in tasks such as persuading the public, engaging with women to de-escalate tensions, and facilitating coordination between officials and the community.

HYDRA officials say they have a natural ability to understand and empathise with people's emotions and have been commended for consistently achieving excellent results in their fieldwork.

Transgenders currently working with HYDRAA are now providing financial support to their families.

They are earning a steady monthly income, and their standing within society has improved. Most importantly, their self-confidence has been bolstered by the realisation that "we, too, are capable of making a meaningful contribution through our work."

“We were begging for a livelihood. In the past, wherever we went, we were subjected to ridicule. If we asked for work, we were turned away. But now, when we step out in uniform to perform our duties, everyone speaks to us with respect,” said Tanshi Rai.

“Given the opportunity, transgender individuals can excel in any field. Our duties at HYDRAA serve as a living testament to this fact. At HYDRAA, everyone—from the officials to every other staff member—extends their full cooperation to us. We are treated as equals in the performance of our duties,” said Gayatri.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) Taking note of prolonged incarceration and the slow progress of the trial, the Supreme Court has granted bail to an accused in an attempt-to-murder case who has been in custody for nearly five years, while the prosecution has examined only five witnesses so far.

A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan passed the order while hearing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by Tota Pahelwan alias Sunil Yadav against an Allahabad High Court order denying him regular bail.

In its order, the apex court recorded that the petitioner has been in judicial custody as an undertrial prisoner for almost five years.

“We take into consideration the fact that the petitioner is in judicial custody as an undertrial prisoner since almost 5 years. Till this date the prosecution has been able to examine 5 witnesses,” the Justice Pardiwala-led Bench observed.

It further noted the petitioner's advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava’s submission that the prosecution intended to examine a total of 22 witnesses, indicating that the trial is likely to take considerable time to conclude.

Considering the facts and circumstances, the Supreme Court said that it was inclined to exercise discretion in favour of the accused despite the serious nature of the allegations.

“This being a case of attempt to commit murder punishable under Section 307 of the IPC, we are persuaded to exercise our discretion in favour of the petitioner, more particularly, when a similarly situated co-accused, namely, Rambhool, is on bail,” the order said.

The top court directed that the petitioner be released on bail forthwith, subject to such terms and conditions as may be imposed by the trial court, provided he is not required in any other case.

At the same time, the Justice Pardiwala-led Bench stressed that the trial should proceed without delay.

“Despite the fact that we have ordered release of the petitioner on bail, trial shall proceed further expeditiously,” it said.

The case pertains to an FIR registered in 2021 at Sikandrabad Police Station in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district for offences punishable under Sections 323 and 307 of the IPC. Following completion of investigation, a chargesheet was filed and the matter is presently pending before the court of the 2nd Additional District and Sessions Judge, Bulandshahr.

Source: IANS

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Amaravati, May 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu said on Wednesday that the proposal by TDP National Working President Nara Lokesh for 33 per cent reservation for women in Telugu Desam Party (TDP) for the 2029 elections marks a truly historic and game-changing moment in Indian politics.

Lokesh made the proposal at Mahanadu, the annual conclave of the TDP here.

Ram Mohan Naidu posted on social media platform X that TDP has always been a torchbearer of progressive and people-centric politics in India.

The Union Minister said that by encouraging "our mothers, sisters, and daughters to step into leadership roles and providing them a powerful platform to showcase their capabilities, TDP under the visionary leadership of N. Chandrababu Naidu and Nara Lokesh has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment towards women empowerment and inclusive governance".

"Women are not just participants in nation building, they are the architects of India's future. The seed for that transformative future has been sown today in Andhra Pradesh through this bold and visionary decision. This is not just a policy announcement, it is a movement towards stronger representation, equal opportunity, and a brighter future for generations to come. Proud to be part of a party that believes in empowering women to lead from the front," Ram Mohan Naidu added.

The two-day Mahanadu of TDP began at the party's central office at Mangalagiri.

Meanwhile, the TDP said that Hybrid Mahanadu 2026 is emerging not merely as a political convention, but as a large-scale demonstration of grassroots digital mobilisation and technology-led organisational management.

Party leaders said the hybrid architecture was designed to make participation more inclusive, scalable and cost-efficient while enabling real-time engagement from across Andhra Pradesh.

According to TDP officials, more than seven lakh cadres participated through a combination of physical attendance and digitally connected cluster centres established across the state.

One of the key pillars of the initiative was the creation of around 1,875 digitally connected "Mahanadu Cluster Centres" spread across constituencies and mandals.

Instead of requiring every cadre member to travel to the main venue, localised participation hubs were created with LED screens, internet connectivity, audio systems and live-streaming infrastructure.

The centres enabled cadres from rural and semi-urban regions to watch speeches, participate in discussions and vote on resolutions in real time.

TDP leaders said the model significantly reduced transportation and accommodation pressures while increasing participation from women, senior citizens and grassroots workers who may otherwise not travel long distances.

TDP also deployed a GPS-enabled digital invitation system integrated through the MyTDP platform.

Cadres reportedly received personalised invitations that automatically mapped them to their nearest participation centre using geolocation technology.

Officials said this reduced confusion, avoided overcrowding at select venues and enabled better crowd distribution management.

The system also generated digital attendance records and participation analytics constituency-wise.

At the heart of the Hybrid Mahanadu model was a central command-and-control centre established to monitor and coordinate the event statewide in real time.

The control room reportedly tracked live feeds from cluster centres, streaming uptime, attendance flows, bandwidth stability and engagement metrics across districts.

Dedicated technical teams monitored connectivity disruptions and coordinated rapid troubleshooting support wherever required.

Officials said the command centre functioned similarly to a large-scale operations dashboard used in enterprise technology events, with real-time analytics and escalation systems helping ensure uninterrupted participation.

The system also enabled party leadership to receive live updates on constituency-wise turnout, participation density and cadre engagement patterns throughout the programme.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a significant ruling involving the erstwhile royal family of Kapurthala, the Supreme Court has held that the private properties declared by former princely rulers after merger with the Indian Union would devolve according to personal succession laws and not by the rule of male lineal primogeniture.

A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and S.V.N. Bhatti set aside concurrent findings of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which had upheld the claim of Brigadier Sukhjit Singh (retd) that the disputed properties devolved exclusively upon him under the customary rule of primogeniture applicable to princely states.

The dispute arose between two branches of the erstwhile Kapurthala royal family — one led by Brigadier Singh (retd), recognised by the Centre as the ruler of Kapurthala, and the other by his estranged wife Gita Devi and their children, who had sought partition of several family properties claiming them to be ancestral coparcenary assets.

Allowing the appeal filed by the heirs of Gita Devi, the apex court held that though succession to the "Gaddi" (throne) continued to be governed by the rule of primogeniture even after accession, the same principle did not apply to private properties declared by the ruler under the merger covenant.

"The covenant preserved the rule of primogeniture only in respect of succession to the Gaddi (throne) but in no way guaranteed this in respect of the private personal properties of the Maharaja," the Justice Mithal-led Bench ruled.

It ruled that once the merger agreements were signed and sovereignty ceased, the rulers became ordinary citizens, though with certain privileges such as privy purses and ceremonial recognition. Their declared private properties, therefore, became subject to ordinary personal succession laws.

"The said properties were treated as the ordinary property of a private citizen and were even subject to taxation and acquisition in the ordinary way," the bench said.

Referring to the covenant signed in 1948 for the formation of the Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU), the Supreme Court observed that Article XIV protected succession according to custom only to the “Gaddi” and personal dignities of the ruler, whereas Article XII separately recognised ownership over private properties declared by the ruler.

The judgment also relied on a series of earlier Constitution Bench and three-judge Bench rulings, including the "Travancore case", the "Rampur case", and the Faridkot royal property dispute, to reiterate that succession to private properties of former rulers cannot automatically follow the rule of primogeniture.

"The succession to such private ancestral properties must be in accordance with the personal law of the ruler and not as per any custom or rule of primogeniture," it held.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court declared the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s conclusion that the rule of primogeniture governed succession to the disputed properties as "illegal and unsustainable in law".

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Protests erupted at the Delhi University (DU) on Wednesday, against the University's decision to conduct exam on Bakrid festival with the students accusing the varsity administration of being "biased towards the Muslim minorities" and alleging that they were assaulted during their stir.

On Tuesday, the DU informed the Delhi High Court that those students belonging to the minority community and/or students who wish to participate in the festivities of Eid-ul-Zuha on May 28, may inform the Dean of the Faculty of Law by Wednesday, and the exam, supposed to be held on May 28, will be held after July 4.

Talking to IANS, Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) Vice President Rahul Jhansla said: ''We had put up a request for this yesterday. There was a protest by the students. We followed the legal method and went to the court."

He said that the court has issued an order that students who do not want to give their exams tomorrow can give their exams after July 4. However, the DUSU Vice President said that so far, the DU administration has not issued an official statement regarding this.

"This clearly reflects bias on the part of the DU administration," he alleged.

Jhansla highlighted that exams are being conducted despite the Bakrid festival being declared a gazetted holiday.

Minnat, a BA History (Hons.) student, said it is "very unfair" for those students who celebrate the festival.

The student, who herself belongs to the Muslim community, said: "We cannot imagine an exam being held on Holi, Diwali or any other festival. It is a direct attempt to marginalise the minority community. Rescheduling exams in DU is not a big thing, but now the authorities are not even ready to hear us."

She complained that when students tried to protest against the issue, they were "attacked and assaulted".

Moreover, she said that the authorities did not respond to any emails or messages.

Another Muslim student, Huda, who is pursuing a BA in Political Science from Jesus and Mary College, said that the festival is a holiday for the university officials, but exams are being conducted for students.

"There are many problems with the date sheet. They have planned an exam on a gazetted holiday," she told IANS.

"Students were dragged out of the Controller of Examinations office and were not allowed to meet the proctor."

"It is a blatant discrimination against a community," the student alleged.

Meanwhile, AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi, on Wednesday, urged Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to postpone the exams. He alleged that the Delhi University is being "biased" to Muslim minorities.

In a post on X, Owaisi said: "@dpradhanbjp kindly ensure that the exams are postponed, @UnivofDelhi is showing their biased attitude towards Muslim Minorities will they also say the same thing when festival of other communities are celebrated."

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Wednesday submitted a comprehensive recommendatory report on the rights of Muslim women in India to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Women and Child Development, and Ministry of Minority Affairs, urging concrete legal and institutional reforms to strengthen access to justice and socio-economic empowerment.

The report follows an extensive national-level consultation organised by the Commission in New Delhi on August 1 last year, which was attended by the Union Minority Affairs Minister, senior government representatives, legal experts, academicians, women’s rights groups, religious scholars, social activists and civil society members from across the country.

According to the Commission, the consultation reviewed the current legal framework concerning Muslim women, examined implementation gaps and explored reforms aimed at ensuring stronger constitutional safeguards and greater social and economic empowerment.

The NCW said that while constitutional protections and recent legislative interventions have helped advance women’s rights, considerable scope remains for improving legal awareness, strengthening access to justice and bringing greater clarity and consistency through progressive codification of personal laws.

The report placed particular emphasis on issues related to marriage, divorce, maintenance, child custody and inheritance.

During the consultation, thematic technical sessions were held on government welfare measures and legal protections, including discussions on Waqf reforms, women’s rights related to maintenance, custody, property and inheritance, as well as challenges arising in matters of marriage and divorce.

The Commission noted that the deliberations underscored the need for stronger legal literacy, more robust institutional support mechanisms and closer alignment of personal laws with constitutional principles of equality, dignity and justice.

The consultation also reviewed key legislations governing Muslim women’s rights, including the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937, the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939, the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, and the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, along with relevant court rulings.

Among its key recommendations, the NCW called for a comprehensive law codifying Muslim personal law in matters of marriage, divorce, maintenance, custody and inheritance. It also proposed mandatory marriage registration with provisions ensuring free and informed consent, prohibition of child marriage, and regulation of divorce practices to guarantee fairness and equal access to legal remedies.

The report further recommended strengthening financial safeguards for women during and after marriage, ensuring protection of mehr (dower) and matrimonial assets, adopting child-centric custody frameworks and simplifying enforcement of inheritance rights.

The Commission also advocated setting up gender-sensitive dispute resolution mechanisms with adequate representation of women and accountability to civil courts, along with expansion of legal aid services, helplines and targeted awareness campaigns.

It additionally flagged the need for immediate intervention against exploitative practices such as the “Paaro” system, coupled with rehabilitation support, identity recognition and livelihood assistance for affected women.

Reaffirming its commitment to gender justice and women’s empowerment, the NCW urged the concerned ministries and stakeholders to take timely steps for effective implementation of the recommendations to ensure greater protection of rights and equal opportunities for Muslim women across India.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a significant step to address delays in the release of prisoners after the grant of bail, the Delhi High Court has directed jail authorities to use Aadhaar QR code-based verification for sureties and related credentials to expedite the process of accepting bail bonds.

A Division Bench of Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Amit Mahajan issued the directions while dealing with a suo motu case concerning delays by Jail Superintendents in accepting bail bonds even after courts had granted bail or suspended sentences.

The Delhi High Court directed that verification of sureties and related credentials may be carried out by scanning the secure QR code embedded in Aadhaar cards through applications such as the Aadhaar QR Scanner App, mAadhaar App and Aadhaar App.

“After obtaining the said details from the above Apps and any further details provided by the under-trial or convict, if further verification is needed, the same would be undertaken in an expeditious manner,” the Justice Singh-led Bench said.

It further directed that verification of fixed deposits or other monetary instruments furnished as surety should continue to be done through email communication with banks and financial institutions, while asking such entities to respond promptly to requests raised by jail authorities.

“If necessary, the Jail Superintendents are also free to communicate this order to the Banks whenever they are seeking verification,” the Delhi High Court said.

The directions came in the backdrop of concerns raised by the Delhi High Court over prolonged delays in release of prisoners despite grant of bail.

The suo motu proceedings were initiated after a single-judge Bench noticed that a convict whose sentence had been suspended remained in jail for more than a week as the Jail Superintendent had not accepted the bail bonds.

“The object of granting bails and suspending sentences is to release the accused/convict from imprisonment,” the Delhi High Court had earlier observed while expressing concern over delays in verification procedures.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Delhi High Court has barred the State Bank of India (SBI) from recovering alleged excess pension payments from a widow drawing family pension, holding that the overpayment arose entirely due to errors in pension processing and not because of any misrepresentation or concealment on her part.

A single-judge bench of Justice Sanjeev Narula, allowing the plea filed by a woman identified as Indra, directed the SBI to refund the amounts already deducted from her family pension along with 6 per cent annual interest, while also restraining the bank from making any further recoveries.

The petitioner’s husband, a government employee working as a Upper Division Clerk in the Election Department under the South-West Delhi SDM, had died in service in June 2003.

Following his death, a family pension was sanctioned in favour of the petitioner through a pension payment order issued by the Delhi government and disbursed through SBI’s Kapashera branch. The widow later noticed a sharp reduction in her monthly pension and was informed that an excess pension amounting to over Rs 2.51 lakh had allegedly been paid due to a "wrong ENHANCE DATE" in the pension records.

The SBI subsequently recalculated the alleged excess amount at Rs 3.60 lakh and began monthly deductions from her pension.

The petitioner challenged the recovery, contending that she had neither furnished false information nor played any role in the alleged overpayment and that the deductions had been initiated unilaterally without prior notice.

In its judgment, the Delhi High Court observed that the bank’s own records showed the excess payment was caused due to errors in pension processing and not because of any fraud or misrepresentation by the petitioner.

"There is nothing on record to suggest that the petitioner knew, or ought reasonably to have known, that she was receiving amounts beyond her lawful entitlement," Justice Narula observed.

The judge further said that the petitioner, being a family pensioner, had "no role in configuring the software or dates" and could not reasonably be expected to detect errors in the bank’s internal calculations.

Referring to Supreme Court precedents on recovery of excess payments from pensioners, the Delhi High Court held that the present case fell within the "protective zone" recognised by the apex court in cases where recovery would cause undue hardship to retired employees or pensioners.

Justice Narula also faulted the SBI for initiating recovery without first furnishing the details of the alleged overpayment or the proposed mode of recovery to the petitioner.

"Recovery from pension without prior communication of the basis and particulars of the proposed recovery offends elementary fairness," the judgment said.

Rejecting the SBI’s reliance on an undertaking signed by the petitioner in 2004 permitting adjustment of excess payments, the Delhi High Court held that it was merely a standard-form document obtained during pension formalities and could not override equitable principles protecting pensioners from harsh recovery measures.

"The generic undertaking relied upon by the SBI, obtained at the commencement of family pension, does not, in these facts, suffice to displace the equitable restraint recognised by the Supreme Court," the judgment held.

Allowing the writ petition, Justice Narula directed the SBI to refund all recovered amounts within eight weeks along with simple interest at 6 per cent per annum calculated from the date of each deduction till actual payment.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Supreme Court, while upholding the validity of the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, on Wednesday directed that persons whose names have been deleted from the 2003 electoral roll on the ground of doubtful citizenship must be referred within four weeks to the competent authority under the Citizenship Act, 1955, for adjudication.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi clarified that the competent authority must decide such cases in accordance with law, preferably before the next Parliamentary, Assembly or local body elections, after giving notice and an opportunity of hearing to the affected individuals.

"In the event the competent authority holds that such deleted individuals are citizens, they shall be included in the electoral roll," it said.

What did the SC say on citizenship scrutiny?

In its detailed judgment, the top court held that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is empowered to undertake a limited enquiry into citizenship for the purpose of determining eligibility for inclusion in electoral rolls.

However, it drew a distinction between an adjudication of citizenship and an administrative satisfaction for electoral purposes.

"Such an enquiry does not amount to a determination of citizenship in the strict sense, and any action taken pursuant thereto is confined to electoral consequences alone," the CJI-led Bench said.

It added that exclusion from the electoral roll does not divest an individual of citizenship claims, nor does it foreclose a formal determination by the competent authority under the Citizenship Act. Rejecting the contention that the ECI had usurped powers reserved for the Union government under the Citizenship Act, the apex court held that the poll body’s inquiry was confined only to electoral consequences and did not amount to a declaration that an individual was not a citizen of India. "It merely reflects the Commission’s inability to be satisfied, for electoral purposes, that the statutory conditions are met," the bench clarified.

What happens if ECI is not satisfied?

The apex court said that where the poll body is not satisfied that a person meets the statutory conditions for inclusion, it can decline enrolment or initiate deletion, but such action is limited in scope. Importantly, it made it mandatory for the ECI to refer such cases to the Central government’s competent authority for a final decision on citizenship. "The Commission’s determination, being confined to electoral purposes, cannot assume finality on the question of citizenship. Any deletion effected on this ground shall, therefore, remain subject to the outcome of such adjudication by the appropriate authority," the bench held.

Are non-citizens entitled to vote?

The apex court said that Section 16 of the Representation of the People Act (RP Act) explicitly disqualifies non-citizens from being registered in electoral rolls, and therefore, the ECI could not discharge its constitutional obligation without satisfying itself that persons included in the rolls fulfilled this threshold requirement. At the same time, the Supreme Court underlined that citizenship was "not a matter of mere formal classification" but the juridical basis of an individual’s relationship with the government, carrying implications for dignity, identity and constitutional status. "Any process that touches upon this domain must, therefore, be approached with a high degree of procedural fairness and institutional restraint," the judgment said. It reiterated that persons whose names had been erroneously deleted on grounds such as being absent, dead, shifted or duplicated could seek judicial review.

What was challenged?

A batch of petitions had questioned whether the SIR exercise effectively enabled a broad scrutiny of citizenship, which, according to the petitioners, fell exclusively within the domain of the Central government under the Citizenship Act and the Allocation of Business Rules. Rejecting this contention, the Supreme Court held that the ECI’s power flows from its constitutional mandate under Articles 324, 325 and 326, read with Section 16 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which disqualifies non-citizens from being registered as electors. It said that maintaining the accuracy of electoral rolls necessarily entails verifying whether a person satisfies eligibility conditions, including citizenship.

What did SC rule overall?

Upholding the SIR exercise, the top court ruled that it neither violates the statutory framework nor the constitutional mandate of free and fair elections.

"The impugned SIR exercise… is undertaken to advance the objective of ensuring the accuracy, completeness and integrity of electoral rolls," the CJI-led Bench held. It further held that the exercise satisfies the test of proportionality, noting that the measures adopted bear a rational nexus to the objective sought to be achieved and are accompanied by sufficient procedural safeguards. On the documentation framework, the apex court said that the classification of documents prescribed by the ECI is based on intelligible criteria and cannot be termed arbitrary.

Background of the matter

The judgment came on petitions challenging the SIR exercise initiated by the ECI, beginning with Bihar and later extended to several states, amid concerns that the process could lead to exclusion of genuine voters, particularly among marginalised and migrant populations. The poll body had defended the exercise, stating that it was aimed at preventing duplication and ensuring the purity of electoral rolls. Disposing of the batch of pleas, the apex court held that while inclusion in the electoral roll carries a presumption of validity, such presumption is rebuttable and does not bar the ECI from undertaking a special revision.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Centre on Wednesday urged the Supreme Court to transfer to itself petitions pending before various High Courts challenging the constitutional validity of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta mentioned the Union government’s transfer petition before the Chief Justice of India (CJI), Surya Kant, pointing out that petitions challenging the amended law are pending before multiple High Courts, thereby raising the possibility of conflicting judgments.

“We have filed petitions to transfer the challenge to the Transgender Amendment Act here in this court. Can the transfer petition be listed on Friday? If notice also goes, we can ask High Courts to wait,” the Centre’s second-highest law officer submitted.

Responding to the request, CJI Kant observed that divergent opinions from High Courts may at times be beneficial.

“Sometimes it is better to have divergence of opinions,” the CJI remarked, while adding that the apex court would consider the request for urgent listing.

The development comes amid a series of petitions filed before different High Courts and the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court issued notice on a petition challenging the amended law and directed that the matter be placed before a three‑judge Bench to be constituted by the CJI, who is the Master of the Roster.

A Bench of CJI Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi had sought responses from the Union government, states and Union Territories (UTs) on a plea alleging that the amended provisions violate the fundamental rights of transgender persons.

The petition contended that the amendment dilutes the principle of self-identification of gender recognised by the top court in the landmark NALSA judgment and introduces a regime of medical certification and state-controlled verification of gender identity.

The Delhi High Court had earlier issued notice to the Centre on a PIL challenging the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026.

The plea argued that the amended law infringes Articles 14, 19(1)(a) and 21 of the Constitution by subjecting gender identity to official scrutiny rather than recognising self-perceived identity.

Similar challenges are also pending before the Rajasthan, Kerala and Karnataka High Courts.

The Rajasthan High Court, while hearing a PIL filed by NGO ‘Nai Bhor Sanstha’, sought the Centre’s response on claims that the amended law undermines privacy, dignity and autonomy of transgender persons.

Before the Karnataka High Court, two transwomen have challenged the amended provisions on the grounds that they exclude persons asserting their right to self-identification from the legal definition of a “transgender person”.

The Kerala High Court is also examining pleas contending that the amended Act narrows the definition of transgender persons and mandates medical testing for identity certificates in violation of the right to self-perceived identity recognised in the NALSA judgment.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Delhi High Court has directed authorities to take immediate steps to recover back wages due to three minor girls rescued during a child labour raid in the national capital, while also asking the police to find the employers who are allegedly untraceable.

A single-judge Bench of Justice Sachin Datta passed the direction while allowing a petition filed by the mothers of the rescued girls, who were found during a child labour raid conducted on May 9, 2023.

Following the raid, the office of the Joint Labour Commissioner, West, had computed the back wages payable by the employers.

In its order, the Delhi High Court recorded that an FIR was subsequently registered under provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Child and Adolescent Labour Act, 1986, but the employers failed to deposit the wages despite repeated representations made by the petitioners before the authorities.

Observing that the issue of recovery of wages was already settled by earlier judgments, Justice Datta reiterated that authorities are under an obligation to initiate recovery proceedings in a time-bound manner.

The order reproduced portions of the earlier judgment which directed that recovery notices be issued within two working days of the rescue of a child labourer and that, if employers fail to deposit wages within two weeks, recovery certificates should be issued and the amount recovered as arrears of land revenue through the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM).

Directing immediate action, the Delhi High Court ordered that the amounts due be remitted to the bank accounts of the rescued children within two weeks.

Taking note of the submission that the employers were currently untraceable, it directed the SDM to coordinate with the police to ascertain their whereabouts.

"The Delhi Police is directed to proactively investigate and take all necessary measures for the said purpose," Justice Datta ordered.

The Delhi High Court expressed hope that the recovery process would be completed expeditiously and "preferably within a period of three months".

The matter has been listed on October 28 for reporting compliance, and the authorities have been directed to file a compliance affidavit before the next date of hearing.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Supreme Court on Monday directed all states and Union Territories (UTs) to ensure implementation of its directions on menstrual hygiene management in schools by August 15, and file compliance reports, as it continued to monitor compliance of its landmark ruling recognising access to menstrual hygiene as a fundamental right.

A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan indicated that the matter would be taken up again in September to review the status of compliance.

The directions came in a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Congress leader Jaya Thakur, in which the apex court has been examining the ground-level implementation of its earlier judgment mandating free sanitary napkins and functional girls’ toilets in schools.

The top court had earlier granted three months to the Centre, states and UTs to ensure implementation of a slew of directions, including free sanitary napkins in schools, functional gender-segregated toilets, menstrual hygiene awareness programmes, and safe sanitary waste disposal systems.

During the hearing, the Justice Pardiwala-led Bench was apprised of the status of compliance by the Union government as well as concerns raised by the petitioner regarding the pace and quality of implementation across states.

In a short note placed before the Supreme Court, the petitioner flagged serious gaps in execution, submitting that the compliance affidavit filed by the Centre "has not placed any field report as to how the compliance has been really done" and instead focuses on "future recommendation for implementing, proposed reforms and future road map, which can not be treated as compliance of the specific directions".

The petitioner further pointed out that several states have yet to furnish compliance reports, noting that "only the Union Territory of Chandigarh has submitted its compliance report so far".

Referring to a NITI Aayog report for 2026, the petitioner said that as many as 98,592 government schools in the country do not have functional girls’ toilets, while 61,540 schools do not have any usable toilets.

It was further alleged that there was inadequate budgetary allocation by some states for the implementation of the Supreme Court directions.

"The State of Madhya Pradesh has only allocated Rs 60 lakh for the FY 2026-27 for the supply of sanitary products in schools for the whole state," the petitioner contended.

It also flagged the absence of permanent sanitation staff in schools, stating that most states were dependent on municipalities and village panchayats for sanitation work instead of appointing dedicated toilet cleaners.

On May 8, the apex court had taken on record a detailed affidavit filed by the Union government outlining steps taken towards compliance and directed that a concise status note be shared with all parties.

The continuous monitoring stems from a landmark judgment delivered earlier this year, in which the Supreme Court held that access to menstrual hygiene is an integral part of a girl child’s rights to life, dignity, health and education under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Observing that "a period should end a sentence — not a girl’s education", the top court had issued a comprehensive set of directions mandating free sanitary napkins, functional gender-segregated toilets, proper disposal mechanisms, and menstrual health awareness across all schools.

The Justice Pardiwala-led Bench had also made it clear that both government and private schools must ensure adequate infrastructure, including water supply, hand-washing facilities, and menstrual hygiene management systems, while tasking authorities with regular monitoring and inspections.

Source: IANS

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Surguja (Chhattisgarh), May 25 (SocialNews.XYZ) A video showing a woman carrying her 90-year-old mother-in-law on her back in Chhattisgarh’s Surguja district has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention and criticism over the difficulties faced by elderly pensioners in accessing welfare benefits.

The woman, identified as Sukhmaniya, said on Monday that she was forced to carry her elderly mother-in-law for nearly three kilometres in extreme heat after bank officials allegedly insisted that she be brought in person to complete pension-related formalities.

"I was not receiving the money, so I carried her there. I had to carry her on my back because the work was not getting done otherwise. The bank officials said that I had to bring her in person; only then would the work be completed. They specifically asked me to bring her," Sukhmaniya told IANS.

The incident reportedly took place on Friday in the Mainpat development block of Surguja. A day later, a passerby's video of the ordeal went viral on social media platforms.

The visuals reminded many users of the 'Vikram-Betaal' tales, but this was no folklore; it was the sordid tale of two women struggling under harsh conditions simply to access a basic welfare benefit.

Despite scorching temperatures, burning roads, and the risk of heatstroke, Sukhmaniya continued the journey in the hope of securing her mother-in-law’s monthly pension of Rs 500.

According to reports, the elderly woman had not received her pension for the past four months because her KYC verification process remained incomplete.

Sukhmaniya, who is believed to be in her late 50s, is a resident of Jangalpara village in the Kunia area. She reportedly travelled several kilometres on foot to reach the Central Bank of India branch in Mainpat town.

The incident has triggered outrage online, with social media users questioning why elderly and immobile pensioners in remote areas are still being forced to physically appear for verification despite repeated government claims regarding Digital India initiatives and doorstep delivery of welfare services.

Many users also raised concerns over the lack of accessible systems for senior citizens and called for greater accountability and sensitivity from authorities dealing with welfare beneficiaries.1

Source: IANS

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Coimbatore, May 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Youth organisations staged protests in Tamil Nadu's Madurai and Coimbatore on Sunday under the banner "Cockroach", drawing attention to concerns over unemployment, alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, rising fuel prices and corruption.

The demonstrations, organised by the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and the Students' Federation of India (SFI), witnessed participation from large numbers of students and young people demanding employment opportunities and equitable access to education.

In Madurai, participants gathered near the Gandhi Memorial Museum before beginning a rally that proceeded towards Tamukkam Grounds.

Protesters carried placards displaying cockroach symbols and raised slogans highlighting issues such as unemployment and corruption.

Organisers said the campaign aimed to bring attention to the challenges faced by youths struggling with job opportunities and educational accessibility.

A similar protest was organised in Coimbatore by the district unit of DYFI.

Youths wearing cockroach masks participated in a procession that started near the Corporation Boys Higher Secondary School at Sidhapudur in Gandhipuram and concluded near the Gandhipuram bus stand.

Police personnel were deployed along the route to maintain security and regulate traffic movement.

Organisers said the demonstrations were intended to draw the Union government's attention to what they described as pressing issues affecting young people across the country.

Among the demands raised during the rallies were measures to address unemployment, action against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process, steps to control rising petrol and diesel prices, and stronger safeguards for educational rights.

The unusual symbolism used in the campaign drew considerable public attention, with the "cockroach" motif emerging as a central identity for the protests.

According to organisers, the symbolism gained traction after remarks attributed to the Chief Justice of India Surya Kant allegedly comparing unemployed youths to "cockroaches and parasites".

Following the controversy, a satirical social media trend identified as the "Cockroach Janata Party" (CJP) reportedly gained popularity, particularly among Gen Z users online.

Organisers claimed that many young people facing unemployment and livelihood pressures had begun identifying with the symbol as a way of expressing frustration and resistance.

The protests reflected growing concerns among sections of the youth over employment prospects and economic challenges, while also demonstrating how online trends are increasingly shaping political messaging and public mobilisation.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) 'Donate Life' founder Nilesh Mandlewala and haemophilia survivor Dr Suresh Hanagavadi have appealed for organ donation of brain-dead patients and reservation in jobs for those affected with haemophilia, respectively.

Both of them will be presented the Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu during a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday.

The Padma Shri awardees expressed gratitude to the Centre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the recognition.

Speaking to IANS, Mandlewala said that he does not consider this honour a personal achievement, but a tribute to the entire organ donation movement in the country.

“I believe this honour belongs to all those organisations across the country and every individual involved in the noble work of organ donation, who work day and night to save precious lives. It is also an honour for those families who have donated the organs of their loved ones post their death."

He also credited the Surat police for making Gujarat's first green corridor for organ transplant.

He recalled that the need for organ donation began with his father’s suffering. "I could not save my father, but we have so far conducted more than 1,300 successful organ donations."

Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of 'Viksit Bharat' for the centenary of India’s independence, Mandlewala said: "We have set a mission that in 2047, when our country celebrates 100 years of independence, no patient in India should die because of not getting an organ in time."

"For the past two years, the country’s biggest strength -- the youth -- has been connected to this campaign so that the younger generation can take charge of this noble cause in the future," he added.

Emphasising that prestige brings greater responsibility, Mandlewala said: "This award will be meaningful only when we are able to promote organ donation and establish transplant facilities in those states of the country where this process has not yet begun."

Urging organ donation, he said that millions of people who die every year due to a lack of organs can get a new life.

Thanking the PM for the honour, Dr Hanagavadi mentioned that haemophilia is a low-volume and high-cost disease that carries many consequences.

"Disability is very common; most of our children with haemophilia become disabled by the time they reach adolescence. However, disability in haemophilia is preventable," he told IANS.

A survivor of the disease himself, he mentioned that the only way to prevent bleeding episodes and joint damage in the disease is by providing prophylactic treatment. "Newer treatments like 'non-factor therapy' can be provided for those lacking the blood-clotting proteins," he said.

Dr Hanagavadi noted that ​many of the affected children are unable to attend school, and absenteeism is high. "Therefore, through prophylactic treatment, we can definitely improve their quality of life," he asserted.

The doctor appealed to the government to create a conducive environment for children with haemophilia so that they can grow uneventfully.

Moreover, he also appealed for job reservation for people with haemophilia. "Since haemophilia is a lifelong disorder, they face many psychosocial challenges and difficulties in pursuing education. Providing job reservation under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 would have a significant positive impact on families affected by haemophilia," he said.

Source: IANS

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Patna, May 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Students affiliated with the All India Students Association (AISA) staged a major protest during the annual Senate meeting at Patna University (PU).

Amid rising tension on the campus, protesting students on Saturday climbed onto the university gates and raised slogans against the Bihar administration.

In response to the situation, a heavy police deployment was made around the university premises.

During the demonstration, students shouted slogans including "stop police repression" and "PU belongs to us—to you—not to anyone's father", alleging that the university administration was attempting to suppress student voices.

A protesting student, Saba Afreen, claimed that students had come to meet the Vice-Chancellor Ajay Kumar Singh regarding their demands, but the university administration closed the gates and called the police.

She alleged that protesting students were being prevented from entering their own university campus.

Protesters demanded that adequate provisions be made in the Senate budget to address student welfare and ensure basic facilities on campus.

Students also opposed recent fee hikes and raised concerns over alleged police action within the university premises.

According to the protesters, police personnel frequently enter the campus late at night and allegedly intimidate and mistreat students.

Meanwhile, the Senate meeting convened by the university administration is scheduled to discuss and present the university's budget for the financial year 2026–27.

The Senate is also expected to approve decisions taken earlier by the Academic Council.

Key agenda items include proposals for introducing new employment-oriented and skill-based courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

According to university sources, discussions will focus on launching skill-oriented curricula alongside existing three-year and four-year undergraduate degree programs, as well as introducing job-oriented courses parallel to conventional two-year postgraduate programs.

The feasibility of offering some of these courses through online mode is also expected to be discussed during the meeting.

In addition, the Senate agenda reportedly includes a proposal from the Sainik Kalyan Board to introduce an undergraduate course in Human Resource Management specifically designed for ex-servicemen.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government has issued a notification on Saturday increasing minimum wages for workers by an average of 60 per cent, a move expected to benefit more than one crore labourers across the state.

With the latest notification, Karnataka has become the third state in the country to issue such a revised minimum wage notification after Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

Officials stated that the revision has been implemented in line with the Supreme Court guidelines laid down in the 1991 Reptakos Brett case, taking into account household expenditure patterns and rising living costs.

Labour Minister Santosh S. Lad said the revised minimum wage system would significantly benefit workers across the state.

“After deductions towards ESI and PF, many workers were left with very little take-home salary. Some had even fallen outside the BPL category. This wage revision will provide major relief to such workers. It is a revolutionary step aimed at improving the lives of labourers who contribute to nation-building,” he said.

The minister said extensive consultations had been held with labour unions, employers, experts, and legal professionals before finalising the notification.

The revised wage structure, announced through the Labour Department, is aimed at providing financial relief to workers employed in the unorganised and specified sectors. The revision has been carried out in accordance with directions issued by the Supreme Court.

For the first time, all scheduled employments have been brought under a single notification. The government has also revised the earlier four-zone classification system into a three-zone structure for wage calculation.

According to the notification, workers across more than 81 scheduled employment sectors in Karnataka will benefit from the wage revision. Employees working in private schools and colleges, e-commerce companies, courier services, and religious institutions have also been included under the revised wage framework.

The revision comes after long-standing demands from labour unions and worker organisations, which had been urging the government to update minimum wages in view of rising living costs and inflation. The last major revision was implemented during 2016–17, nearly a decade ago.

The draft notification for the revised wages had been issued on April 11 last year. While labour organisations had welcomed the move, several industries, particularly those in the MSME sector, had expressed concerns over the proposed hike.

Under the revised structure, minimum wages for unskilled workers in Zone 3 have been increased to Rs 19,300, while highly skilled workers in Zone 1 will now receive up to Rs 31,100. The government has also merged a Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) of Rs 1,030 for two years into the minimum wage calculation.

For wage determination, the state has been divided into three zones. The Greater Bengaluru region falls under Zone 1, district headquarters under Zone 2, and all remaining areas under Zone 3.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Saturday took suo motu cognisance of "deeply disturbing" media reports regarding an alleged acid attack and extreme domestic cruelty against a woman in Pune.

The case involves a man who allegedly poured floor-cleaning acid on his wife's private parts over suspicion of an extramarital affair, confined her inside the house for several days, and denied her medical treatment, according to the Commission.

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to the Director General of Police, Maharashtra, "directing immediate, stringent, and time-bound action in the matter".

The Commission has also sought a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within seven days.

The Commission has sought the ATR on the FIR registered in the matter, provisions invoked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), status of investigation, arrest, and custodial interrogation of the accused, medical treatment and forensic examination of the survivor, and recovery of the chemical substance used in the crime.

The NCW also sought details regarding measures taken to ensure the safety, protection, and rehabilitation of the survivor and her children, and directed that the investigation be conducted with "utmost sensitivity and urgency".

"The National Commission for Women has strongly condemned the incident and stated that crimes involving acid attacks, domestic torture, and violence against women are heinous in nature and must invite the strictest action under law," the Commission added.

This incident took place in the Uruli Kanchan region of Pune, where a man is accused of pouring acid on his 24-year-old wife's intimate areas and keeping her locked in the home for almost 15 days.

The incident occurred on April 20 when the suspect came home intoxicated and confronted his wife about an alleged affair. The dispute escalated into violence, with the husband reportedly abusing and attacking her.

The accused was also frustrated about having daughters instead of a son. During their altercation, he is said to have taken a bottle of acid and assaulted the woman, causing her extreme pain. When she attempted to flee, he is alleged to have confined her within the house and assaulted her again.

The victim supposedly went without medical care for several days and only managed to escape after nearly 15 days, after which she reached out to her relatives, leading to the revelation of the crime. The police are currently investigating the case.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Supreme Court on Friday granted six months’ interim bail to Delhi riots accused Tasleem Ahmed and Khalid Saifi in the larger conspiracy case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), while referring to a larger bench the question of whether prolonged incarceration and delay in trial can justify the grant of bail despite the statutory embargo contained in Section 43D(5) of the anti-terror law.

Observing that different Benches of the apex court have expressed divergent views on the interpretation of the three-judge Bench ruling in Union of India vs K.A. Najeeb, a Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Prasanna B. Varale directed the Registry to place the matter before the Chief Justice of India -- the master of the roster -- for constituting an appropriate Bench.

"The question, therefore, is not whether Article 21 survives Section 43D(5). It undoubtedly does. The true question is how Article 21 is to be applied in a statutory field where Parliament has consciously imposed restrictions on bail in respect of offences alleged to affect the security of the state and the stability of civic life," the Justice Aravind Kumar-led Bench said.

It recorded the submission advanced by Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, appearing for the Delhi Police, that the controversy was not confined to the present appellants alone but raised a broader issue concerning the manner in which constitutional courts should deal with bail pleas in cases involving special statutes that impose stringent bail conditions.

Referring to the judgments in K.A. Najeeb and the recent Gulfisha Fatima ruling, the apex court said that Article 21 and the right to speedy trial continue to remain relevant considerations even in prosecutions under the UAPA.

"In matters touching personal liberty, national security, statutory restrictions on bail and prolonged incarceration, uncertainty in the law is itself an institutional cost," the bench observed.

It added that the ruling in K.A. Najeeb could neither be treated as a "charter for indefinite incarceration" nor as a "mathematical command" that mere passage of time would automatically entitle an accused to bail.

At the same time, the apex court cautioned against an "unqualified insistence" on Section 43D(5) without considering prolonged incarceration, saying such an approach "would imperil Article 21".

The order came after the Centre’s law officer argued that there appeared to be a perceived divergence in the manner in which coordinate Benches of the Supreme Court were applying the K.A. Najeeb judgment while dealing with UAPA bail matters.

The bench also took note of the later judgment in Syed Iftikhar Andrabi vs National Investigation Agency, where another coordinate bench had expressed reservations over certain aspects of the Gulfisha Fatima ruling, which had denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam while granting relief to five other accused in the Delhi riots larger conspiracy case.

Without commenting on the merits of the prosecution's case, the apex court granted interim bail to the appellants for six months, saying they had undergone substantial incarceration and the trial was not likely to conclude immediately.

"The appellants cannot be made to suffer continued incarceration merely because an important question of law has arisen for authoritative settlement," the top court said.

In the present matter, the Justice Aravind Kumar-led Bench imposed several conditions on the interim bail, including furnishing a personal bond of Rs 2 lakh with two local sureties, surrendering passports, not leaving Delhi without prior permission of the trial court, and refraining from making any public statement on the merits of the case.

The appellants were also directed not to contact prosecution witnesses, tamper with evidence, or participate in activities prejudicial to public order or the integrity of the trial.

Further, the trial court was directed to proceed with the matter "with utmost expedition", while the prosecution and accused were asked to cooperate in ensuring expeditious conduct of proceedings.

Source: IANS

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Kolkata, May 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) 'Bangla Paksha' founder and activist Garga Chatterjee, was released on bail on Friday after spending ten days behind bars.

A lower court in Kolkata on Friday had granted Garga Chatterjee bail against a personal bond of Rs 2,000.

He was arrested on May 12 by the Kolkata Police. The police arrested him after he ignored summons for interrogation by the Kolkata Police in connection with a complaint filed against him alleging that his comments about EVMs before the recently-concluded West Bengal Assembly elections were in violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

During this arrest on May 12, the police also recovered 24 rounds of bullets from his residence. The police then claimed that Chatterjee did not have the legal documents to prove that permission had been granted by the competent authorities to possess the bullets.

Questions were also raised from various quarters on why language-activists were required to possess bullets.

He was presented in the lower court in Kolkata on May 13, which remanded him to police custody till May 22.

Police alleged that he had made provocative comments during the Assembly elections and was also accused of spreading rumours regarding EVMs.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) believed that such comments were not merely criticism but a deliberate attempt to undermine people’s trust in the democratic system.

The Commission claimed that he had tried to create confusion among the public regarding the credibility of EVMs during the elections.

According to police, a complaint was lodged with the cyber-crime department of Kolkata Police by the ECI, following which action was initiated.

In the context of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, Garga Chatterjee had questioned why EVMs were allegedly malfunctioning during the counting of votes despite being carefully sealed.

He had also advised people to carefully check the VVPAT before casting their votes.

Apart from this, 'Bangla Paksha' had accused the ECI of not granting permission for a procession ahead of the elections.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Delhi High Court on Friday questioned the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) decision to declare wrestler Vinesh Phogat ineligible to participate in domestic competitions and asked the Centre to explore measures to facilitate her participation in the upcoming Asian Games selection trials.

A division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, while hearing Phogat’s appeal against a single-judge order refusing interim relief, observed that the federation’s departure from its earlier selection framework required closer scrutiny, particularly in light of the wrestler’s maternity break and return to competition.

The CJ Upadhyaya-led Bench orally remarked that motherhood could not become a disadvantage for an athlete seeking to resume her sporting career and observed that Phogat was an internationally accomplished wrestler.

Senior advocate Rajshekhar Rao, appearing for Phogat, submitted that the wrestler regained eligibility earlier this year and had completed registration formalities before being barred from participating at the last moment. He argued that the revised eligibility criteria introduced by the WFI effectively excluded Phogat by limiting participation in the Asian Games selection trials to medal winners from select national tournaments held during 2025 and 2026, a period during which she remained away from the mat because of maternity and post-partum recovery.

The Delhi High Court also expressed its reservations over portions of the WFI’s show-cause notice, which referred to Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 final after failing to make weight. It observed that the incident could not be viewed in isolation without considering the larger circumstances and questioned whether the federation’s approach advanced the interests of Indian wrestling.

During the hearing, the bench asked the Centre what steps had been taken after the issuance of the notice and whether the Union Sports Ministry had examined the WFI’s revised selection policy.

Counsel appearing for the Union government submitted that the Centre had not independently barred Phogat from participating in the trials and said relaxation provisions available under the Sports Authority of India (SAI) framework could be considered in appropriate cases. The government also said it was willing to appoint an observer from the SAI to monitor the trials and make sure the process was video-recorded.

After hearing the submissions, the Delhi High Court asked the Centre and the WFI to obtain instructions and take steps towards enabling Phogat’s participation, including by constituting an expert panel to assess her eligibility.

The latest development comes days after a single-judge Bench of Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav had declined to grant interim relief to Phogat on her plea seeking permission to participate in the May 30-31 Asian Games selection trials, observing that no direction could be passed without hearing the WFI and listing the matter for July 6.

In a 15-page show-cause notice issued earlier this month, the WFI directed the three-time Olympian to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against her, highlighting incidents ranging from the Paris 2024 Games to recent anti-doping failures.

Recently, the WFI had also introduced revised eligibility criteria for participation in the Asian Games selection trials, restricting entry to medal winners from specified national-level tournaments held during 2025 and 2026. The move effectively excluded Phogat, who has not competed in professional events since the Paris Olympics 2024. Phogat has challenged both the revised eligibility criteria and the disciplinary action initiated against her by the WFI.

Source: IANS

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Chennai, May 21 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Madras High Court on Thursday sought a response from the Election Commission of India (ECI) on a public interest litigation (PIL) alleging that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) had used children to influence voters during the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

A division bench of Justices G.R. Swaminathan and V. Lakshminarayanan heard the petition filed by advocate Vasuki and raised questions regarding the legal implications of alleged electoral misconduct by political parties.

During the hearing, the bench orally questioned whether a political party itself could face disqualification for corrupt practices under election laws.

"The candidate can be disqualified, but can a party be disqualified?” the court asked while seeking clarification on the legal position.

Counsel appearing for the petitioner argued that the case involved allegations relating to "vote-for-money" practices and the use of children as instruments of electoral influence.

The petitioner also pointed out that after the election results, TVK President Vijay had publicly thanked children during his address, which was cited as an indication of their involvement during the campaign.

The court noted that the allegations required closer examination and directed the Election Commission to provide instructions and its response on the matter.

"Matter requires some investigation. Get instructions," it told counsel representing the ECI.

The petition alleged that the integrity and fairness of the electoral process during the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections had been compromised by instances of electoral bribery, undue influence, and the alleged exploitation of children for political campaigning.

A specific reference was made to a public meeting held at the YMCA Grounds in Chennai on April 21, where Vijay was alleged to have called upon children to influence their parents regarding voting preferences.

According to the plea, the speech subsequently circulated widely through print, electronic and social media platforms. The petitioner further claimed that videos emerged online showing children attempting to emotionally influence parents and grandparents on voting choices.

The plea also referred to previous Election Commission communications issued in 2009, 2013, 2014 and 2017, which had emphasised that children should not be involved in election-related activities, campaigns, rallies or propaganda.

Apart from allegations against the TVK, the petition also raised concerns regarding alleged cash-for-votes practices involving DMK and AIADMK in several constituencies, and sought a time-bound independent inquiry by the Election Commission and the Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer into the alleged electoral violations.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 21 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Delhi High Court has directed the city government to evolve a mechanism for identifying eligible ration card beneficiaries without insisting that daily wage earners furnish family income certificates for availing benefits under the public distribution system.

A bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia passed the direction while disposing of a public interest litigation (PIL) raising concerns over duplicate ration card beneficiaries, non-eKYC entries, and denial of food security benefits to genuine applicants.

"We direct the state government to evolve a mechanism for identification of the beneficiaries and, accordingly, issue appropriate directions for issuance of the ration cards only in case the beneficiaries are daily wage earners and not to insist on them to produce the family income certificate," the Delhi High Court said in its order passed on Wednesday.

The CJ Upadhyaya-led Bench further observed that any other mechanism could also be evolved by the authorities to ascertain the family income of daily wage earners by utilising government officials and resources.

The exercise has to be completed within three months.

The PIL, filed by Aakash Goel, raised concerns over duplicate and ineligible ration card beneficiaries, as well as exclusion of genuine applicants due to administrative inefficiencies and policy barriers.

One of the grievances highlighted was the presence of "duplicate beneficiaries and non-eKYC beneficiaries" in the system, along with the issuance of ration cards to ineligible persons. The plea also sought directions for allocation of ration cards to 17,20,653 approved beneficiaries and compliance with Supreme Court orders relating to issuance of ration cards to eligible e-Shram registrants without being constrained by statutory caps under the National Food Security Act, 2013.

The Delhi High Court recorded that the petitioner had raised grievances regarding duplicate beneficiaries, non-eKYC beneficiaries and issuance of ration cards to allegedly ineligible persons. “One of the grievances raised is that there are a certain number of duplicate beneficiaries and non-eKYC beneficiaries, and further, certain persons have been issued ration cards who are ineligible,” the order said.

The bench permitted the petitioner to submit a fresh representation before the Principal Secretary, Department of Food, Supplies and Consumer Affairs, within two weeks, along with all supporting documents. It directed the Delhi government to appropriately examine the issues raised in the representation and take a decision "with expedition".

"Once any such representation is made, the issues which may be raised shall be appropriately attended to by the state government and decision… shall also be taken, with expedition," the order stated.

The plea had challenged the requirement under the Delhi Food Security Rules, 2026, mandating submission of family income certificates while applying for ration cards.

During the hearing, advocate Kumar Utkarsh referred to guidelines issued by the Central government on July 8, 2025, under which state governments were asked to undertake field verification and "data cleansing" of ration card databases wherever ineligibility was established, with the exercise to be completed by September 30, 2025.

Referring to the guidelines, the Delhi High Court observed that the responsibility for the identification of beneficiaries rests with the state government and that family income could also be ascertained during such verification exercises.

The petition alleged that lakhs of economically vulnerable residents in Delhi continued to be deprived of food security benefits due to administrative inaction and arbitrary policy barriers.

Citing official data, the plea alleged that the database includes thousands of duplicate entries and over 12 lakh beneficiaries who have not completed mandatory e-KYC, leading to diversion of resources meant for the poor. The petition further claimed that around 19.71 lakh potentially purgeable entries existed in the Delhi ration database across duplicate, non-eKYC and “rich/ineligible” categories, constituting nearly 27 per cent of Delhi’s total NFSA allocation capacity of approximately 72.77 lakh beneficiaries.

It also referred to a Supreme Court order dated April 20, 2023, passed in a suo motu matter directing states to issue ration cards to e-Shram registrants outside the statutory cap.

Apart from lawyer Kumar Utkarsh, advocates Manoj Kumar and Devesh Pal appeared on behalf of the petitioner before the Delhi High Court.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, May 21 (SocialNews.XYZ) Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, on Wednesday participated in a protest organised by the Karnataka Youth Congress at Freedom Park against the irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) UG-2026 examination and the Central government. He later addressed the gathering at the event.

The protest was staged at Freedom Park and attended by AICC General Secretary and Karnataka incharge Randeep Singh Surjewala, along with other prominent party leaders. The protesters displayed T-shirts bearing the slogan “PM is Compromised” and held posters stating, “NEET scam exposed, Indian youth demands answers.”

Addressing a protest organised by the Karnataka Youth Congress against alleged NEET irregularities, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Central government over the alleged irregularities and repeated question paper leaks in the NEET examination, accusing it of incompetence and failing the country’s youth.

Demanding accountability, Siddaramaiah said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should immediately resign, taking moral responsibility for the issue.

The Chief Minister also demanded adequate compensation for the families of students who died allegedly due to stress related to NEET irregularities and called for the immediate abolition of the NEET system.

“The NEET system should be scrapped immediately and the pre-2015 system restored. States must regain their authority over medical entrance examinations,” he said.

Siddaramaiah said the BJP governments at the Centre and in various states were incapable of even conducting examinations properly.

“The BJP governments led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and in states are incapable of proper governance, let alone conducting examinations fairly. Time and again, they have proved that apart from spreading hatred to secure votes, they are not proficient in anything else,” he alleged.

The Chief Minister referred to recruitment scams that took place during previous BJP governments in Karnataka led by former Chief Ministers Basavaraj Bommai and B.S. Yediyurappa.

“Widespread corruption and irregularities took place in recruitment examinations for Sub-Inspectors, engineers and other posts. For the first time in Karnataka’s history, an ADGP-rank police officer was sent to jail,” he claimed.

Siddaramaiah alleged that similar issues were prevalent in all BJP-ruled states and accused the Union government of lacking foresight and preparedness.

“When crises arise, BJP leaders only chant ‘Pakistan’ and ‘Muslim’ instead of addressing real issues. India’s economy is declining, foreign policy has weakened, and relations with neighbouring countries have deteriorated,” he alleged.

The Chief Minister further claimed that unemployment among young graduates had reached alarming levels. “According to recent data, unemployment among graduates aged between 20 and 29 has reached 69 per cent. A country that cannot provide jobs to its youth will slide into poverty,” he said.

Criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Siddaramaiah alleged that the Prime Minister often went on foreign tours during times of crisis. “While students are dying by suicide, PM Modi is touring Europe,” he said.

He also criticised Dharmendra Pradhan over the handling of the NEET controversy.

“The irresponsible Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has merely announced re-examinations and remained silent. He should have apologised to the parents of students who died by suicide and resigned by now,” Siddaramaiah said.

The Chief Minister claimed that medical entrance examination question papers had leaked many times since 2015. “After the introduction of the NEET system in 2016, leaks occurred in 2016, 2021, 2024 and 2026. During the UPA government led by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh between 2004 and 2014, the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) was conducted without a single paper leak. Under the PM Modi government, paper leaks have become routine,” he alleged.

Siddaramaiah said Karnataka had earlier conducted its own CET examinations efficiently for admissions to medical courses before the Centre introduced NEET.

“Education is in the Concurrent List of the Constitution. However, the PM Modi government weakened the rights of states and imposed NEET. This has made medical education inaccessible for poor, backward and rural students. Only a few students who could afford expensive coaching centres benefited,” he said.

He further alleged that private agencies associated with the National Testing Agency (NTA) were involved in irregularities. “The NTA depends on private agencies for conducting and evaluating NEET examinations. Some of these agencies have already been blacklisted by certain states, yet the NTA continues to use their services,” he claimed.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notice to the Centre, states, and Union Territories (UTs) on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to ensure a minimum 30 per cent reservation for women advocates in government legal panels and law officer appointments across the country.

A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi passed the order after briefly hearing the matter.

In a brief hearing, senior advocate and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Vikas Singh referred to a recent survey highlighting challenges faced by women in the legal profession and urged the top court to ensure greater inclusion in government legal panels and law officer appointments.

"This is pursuant to the SCBA survey on women in the legal profession. They need to be included in government panels," he submitted.

After hearing the submissions, the CJI-led Bench agreed to hear the matter and listed it for further hearing next week.

The PIL, filed by Ladli Foundation Trust, seeks a direction to implement "a minimum 30 per cent reservation for women advocates in all High Court panels, government law officer positions and all Central and State Government/Public Sector Undertaking legal panels".

According to the plea, government legal panels and law officer appointments constitute a critical component of the state’s legal representation before constitutional courts, tribunals and other judicial forums, and therefore must reflect the constitutional mandate of equality and fair representation.

"The process of empanelment to such positions is expected to reflect the constitutional mandate of equality and inclusivity. However, empirical data demonstrate that women remain severely underrepresented in such panels and institutional legal positions," the petition stated.

It contended that despite constitutional guarantees under Articles 14 and 15(3), women continue to face systemic exclusion from institutional legal opportunities and government empanelments. Citing empirical data, the plea highlighted that women constitute only around 25.3 per cent of panel lawyers across major states, with several states reporting even lower representation.

The petition also relied on a nationwide survey conducted by the SCBA, which found that a majority of women advocates believe that government panel appointments are easier for men and called for a mandatory policy to ensure adequate representation.

Further, the plea said that no woman has served as Attorney General for India or Solicitor General of India since Independence, and none of the Additional Solicitors General assigned to various High Courts are women.

The PIL relied upon recent Supreme Court directions mandating reservation for women in bar association governing bodies and argued that similar affirmative measures are constitutionally permissible and necessary in government legal empanelments as well. The petition said that government panels function as important professional platforms that influence visibility, leadership opportunities, and judicial elevation, and exclusion of women from such platforms adversely affects career progression within the legal profession.

Apart from senior advocate Vikas Singh, advocates Varun Singh and Mudit Gupta also appeared on the petitioner’s behalf in the matter.

Source: IANS

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New Delhi, May 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) Chemists across the country have called for a nationwide strike on Wednesday to protest against online pharmacies and the growing sale of medicines through digital platforms.

The agitation, led by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), is expected to disrupt medicine supply, with more than 1.24 million private medical stores likely to remain closed.

Chemists’ associations have alleged that several e-pharmacy platforms are selling medicines without adequate regulatory oversight. They claim that prescriptions are often not properly verified and that norms governing the storage and delivery of medicines are not strictly followed, raising concerns over patient safety and quality control.

The protesting groups have warned that the unchecked expansion of online medicine sales could increase the risk of counterfeit drugs, medication misuse, and the unauthorised sale of prescription medicines.

Pharmacists have flagged issues such as the easy availability of narcotics and Schedule H drugs online without adequate checks, which they say is contributing to misuse and societal harm.

According to pharmacy professionals, traditional chemists operate under strict provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which mandate prescription verification and limit the quantity of medicines dispensed.

In contrast, they claim that e-pharmacies often lack such safeguards.

Ravi Kumar, associated with the Bihar Chemists and Druggists Association, emphasised that uniform regulations should apply to both online and offline pharmacies to ensure patient safety.

Prasanna Kumar Singh, President of the Bihar Chemists and Druggists Association, said that many medicines require strict temperature-controlled storage (cold chain), which is often compromised during online delivery via courier services.

He warned that such lapses can reduce the efficacy of medicines and, in some cases, make them harmful.

Meanwhile, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Kendras will remain operational, ensuring uninterrupted access to medicines.

The decision was taken by the PMBJK Retailer Association, which announced on Tuesday that Jan Aushadhi Kendras will continue to function, particularly at major hospitals such as AIIMS and Patna Medical College and Hospital, to avoid inconvenience to patients.

Source: IANS

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Patna, May 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Even as pharmacy operators across India have called for a one-day strike on Wednesday over the lack of clear regulations governing e-pharmacies, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Kendras will remain operational, ensuring uninterrupted access to medicines.

The decision was taken by the PMBJK Retailer Association, which announced on Tuesday that Jan Aushadhi Kendras will continue to function, particularly at major hospitals such as AIIMS and Patna Medical College and Hospital, to avoid inconvenience to patients.

The nationwide strike by chemists has been called to demand a clear legal framework for the online sale of medicines, commonly referred to as e-pharmacy.

Industry representatives said that the absence of proper regulations has turned the sector into a grey area, raising serious concerns about public health and safety.

Pharmacists have flagged issues such as the easy availability of narcotics and Schedule H drugs online without adequate checks, which they say is contributing to misuse and societal harm.

According to pharmacy professionals, traditional chemists operate under strict provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which mandate prescription verification and limit the quantity of medicines dispensed.

In contrast, they claim that e-pharmacies often lack such safeguards.

Ravi Kumar, associated with the Bihar Chemists and Druggists Association, emphasised that uniform regulations should apply to both online and offline pharmacies to ensure patient safety.

Prasanna Kumar Singh, President of the Bihar Chemists and Druggists Association, said that many medicines require strict temperature-controlled storage (cold chain), which is often compromised during online delivery via courier services.

He warned that such lapses can reduce the efficacy of medicines and, in some cases, make them harmful.

Additionally, concerns were raised about the circulation of counterfeit drugs and the lack of proper return mechanisms in online transactions.

The association also highlighted the financial strain on traditional pharmacies due to the rapid growth of e-pharmacies.

In areas like Govind Mitra Road in Patna -- a major pharmaceutical hub -- more than 900 wholesale and retail shops reportedly generate significant monthly business.

However, the rise of online medicine sales has led to an estimated 10 per cent decline in business for offline retailers.

In Bihar alone, the sector is reportedly incurring losses of around Rs 20 crore per month, forcing many shop owners to reduce staff.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, May 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a move aimed at widening the safety net for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), the Maharashtra government's Cabinet Sub-Committee on OBC Welfare on Tuesday recommended raising the non-creamy layer income ceiling from the current Rs 8 lakh to Rs 15 lakh per annum.

The decision was taken during a high-level sub-committee meeting chaired by the State Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

The panel announced that a decisive meeting will soon be held with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to finalise and implement this recommendation.

The sub-committee also revealed that a formal proposal has been submitted to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), urging the inclusion of 43 new castes from Maharashtra into the Central government's official OBC list.

The meeting was attended by prominent state Ministers, including Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, Water Supply Minister Gulabrao Patil, Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sanjay Rathod, and OBC Welfare Minister Atul Save, alongside top bureaucrats.

The panel reviewed several critical policy matters and issued various directives.

While special camps are currently being organised across the state to distribute caste certificates, Minister Bawankule emphasised that a meeting with District Collectors will be held next week.

He stressed that certificates must only be issued to genuine and eligible applicants, and strict protocols must be enforced to prevent any wrongful issuance.

The state will conduct a dedicated review meeting next week to clear hurdles and secure land parcels across 10 districts for the construction of OBC student hostels and departmental offices.

In alignment with the Bombay High Court directives, instructions were given to fast-track the resolution of pending cases with the Caste Scrutiny Committee, streamline educational concessions for OBC students, and expedite appointments to various state corporations, the statement issued by Minister Bawankule's office said.

Prominent OBC activist Laxman Hake, who was a special invitee at the meeting, highlighted critical administrative lapses.

He said that structural spelling mistakes in official documents have deprived nearly 27 to 32 communities of government benefits.

The committee promised to send an expedited proposal to the Central government to rectify these spelling anomalies immediately.

The government sources said that the demand for Rs 15 Lakh has been a long-standing one across various states.

Proponents say that due to inflation, rising cost of living, and salary hikes (such as those from the 7th Pay Commission), many middle-class salaried families cross the Rs 8 lakh threshold but still cannot afford quality private education or compete on equal footing without state support.

Raising the limit to Rs 15 lakh would bring a massive chunk of the middle-class OBC population back into the ambit of reservation benefits.

Source: IANS

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