Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has announced his plans to file a defamation suit against former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, who recently accused the state government of polluting Yamuna water. Meanwhile, the BJP is also taking action and filing a complaint against Kejriwal with the Election Commission of India. This comes as tension between the two parties continues to escalate ahead of upcoming elections.
In an exclusive interview with The Indian Express, Nishikant Dubey discusses the proceedings of the Joint Committee of Parliament on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and addresses allegations made by the opposition regarding the handling of the committee. Dubey, a member of the panel, defends the committee's decisions and criticizes the opposition for their lack of understanding of the Bill's purpose. He also highlights the importance of bringing the Muslim community into the mainstream and the role of the BJP in this effort.
The former CFO of Infosys, Mohandas Pai, expressed his disapproval over the recent case registered against the company's co-founder Senapathy Kris Gopalakrishnan and former IISc Director Balaram, along with 16 others, under the Prevention of SC/ST Atrocities Act. The complainant, a member of the tribal Bovi community and a former faculty at IISc, claimed to have been falsely implicated in a honey trap case and faced casteist abuse. This incident has sparked debate over protecting the rights of individuals in governing boards.
Amidst controversy and protests, Haryana court has granted 30-day parole to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the head of Dera Sacha Sauda who is serving a 20-year sentence for rape. This is the 12th time he has received parole since 2017. Despite his requests for followers to not visit him, his release has sparked anger and unrest in the states of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and others. Interestingly, this parole comes just a few years after his acquittal in the 2002 murder of a journalist, and serves as a reminder of the controversies surrounding the self-proclaimed godman.
The Parliament panel on Waqf bill has recommended 14 changes to the Waqf Amendment Bill's draft version, including distinguishing between Muslim and non-Muslim members and giving authority of determining 'waqf' properties to state-appointed officers instead of the District Collector. The Opposition has alleged that none of its amendments have been incorporated. The bill seeks to make 44 changes to the management of Muslim charitable properties in India.
The Supreme Court has dismissed the Jharkhand government's Special Leave Petition challenging the High Court's ruling in the Jharkhand Secretariat siege case. The apex court criticized the misuse of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to curb protests and upheld the High Court's decision to quash the FIR filed against 28 BJP leaders for allegedly inciting violence during a protest. The case arose from the BJP's call for a secretariat siege to protest against the Hemant Soren-led government.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has released a video mocking Arvind Kejriwal's promise to turn Delhi into Paris, highlighting the city's open sewers and unfinished construction. The taunt comes after Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Kejriwal, accusing him of not doing enough to tackle issues like inflation and pollution. He also compared Kejriwal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying both made "false promises."
As Delhi counts down to its assembly polls, controversial figure and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been granted parole for a month. This is the first time he will be staying at his dera's headquarters in Sirsa, rather than at their ashram in Uttar Pradesh. This move has raised eyebrows as it has often coincided with elections in Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan, where the Dera's followers are said to have a significant presence.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee has recently approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 along with several crucial changes. These changes include shifting the authority for determining Waqf properties from the District Collector to the state government and increasing the number of members on Waqf Councils to include at least two non-Muslim members. The bill also empowers the state government to handle disputes related to property determination.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has stated that there is widespread support for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India. He confirmed that discussions are ongoing and when the time is right, the UCC will be implemented. This statement comes after Uttarakhand became the first state to implement the UCC, fulfilling a key commitment made by the BJP ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections. The UCC law, which promotes equal laws for all citizens, aims to simplify legal processes related to marriage and ensure social harmony.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, which aims to reform the governance of Waqf boards in India, has sparked outcry and debate among lawmakers and activists. Proponents of the bill argue that it will enhance administrative efficiency and protect the interests of religious endowments. However, opposition members have raised concerns about potential encroachments on minority rights and the lack of transparency in the legislative process. Amid growing tensions and speculation about political motivations, legal experts and activists are calling for greater inclusivity to ensure all voices are heard in the decision-making process.