In a major political development, the Supreme Court has refused to provide any urgent relief to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha, who was recently arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case related to the Delhi Excise Policy. The Court directed Kavitha to approach the trial court for bail and issued notice in her challenge against certain provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The case has been tagged with petitions seeking review of the Vijay Madanlal judgment. The Court, while not commenting on the merits of the case, directed for an expeditious decision on Kavitha's bail plea. These developments have caused a stir in the political landscape, with her counsel highlighting the need for immediate legal recourse.
K Kavitha's Arrest and Supreme Court Response
Background:
K Kavitha, a prominent leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on December 11, 2022, in connection with a money laundering case related to the Delhi Excise Policy. The ED had alleged that Kavitha had received illegal kickbacks in exchange for securing liquor licenses in Delhi.
Supreme Court Hearing:
On December 12, 2022, Kavitha approached the Supreme Court seeking urgent relief against her arrest. However, the Court declined to provide any immediate relief. Instead, it directed Kavitha to approach the trial court for bail and issued notice in her challenge against certain provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Reactions:
Kavitha's arrest and the Supreme Court's response have triggered political reactions. The BRS has denounced the arrest as politically motivated and accused the central government of targeting its leaders. The opposition parties, on the other hand, have welcomed the ED's action and demanded a thorough investigation into the case.
FAQs:
1. Why was K Kavitha arrested?
Kavitha was arrested by the ED in connection with a money laundering case related to the Delhi Excise Policy.
2. What is the Delhi Excise Policy?
The Delhi Excise Policy was a set of regulations governing the sale and consumption of alcohol in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. It was introduced by the Delhi government in November 2021.
3. What are the allegations against Kavitha?
The ED has alleged that Kavitha received illegal kickbacks in exchange for securing liquor licenses in Delhi under the Excise Policy.
4. What is the status of Kavitha's case?
Kavitha is currently in ED custody. She has been directed to approach the trial court for bail and the Supreme Court has issued notice in her challenge against the PMLA.
5. What is the significance of the Supreme Court's refusal to provide urgent relief?
By refusing to provide urgent relief, the Supreme Court has indicated that it will not interfere with the ongoing investigation and trial process. However, it has also directed the trial court to consider Kavitha's bail plea expeditiously.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk made headlines for openly condemning President Joe Biden's decision to give billionaire philanthropist George Soros the highly prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom. Musk expressed his disapproval on his social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, and called Biden's decision a "travesty." Biden announced the list of 19 honorees for this year, citing Soros' focus on global initiatives for democracy, human rights, education, and social justice as the reason for his selection. However, Musk's public criticism has sparked debate and raised questions about the controversial awardee.
The murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar in Chhattisgarh has led to the arrest of three suspects, including key accused Ritesh Chandrakar, who is a relative of Congress leader Suresh Chandrakar. Investigations have also revealed that the victim and the accused were cousins. Chandrakar's murder has drawn attention to an alleged corruption expose, which allegedly led to his death. In light of these developments, the state has launched an inquiry and seized illegally possessed land from the Congress leader's family.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, including big names such as former MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma and MLA Kailash Gahlot. The list also features candidates from different backgrounds, such as former Congress MLA Rajkumar Chauhan and former Delhi University Students Union president Rekha Gupta. With this bold move, the BJP aims to secure a strong position in the upcoming elections.
Amidst the highly anticipated Delhi assembly elections, all eyes are on the Kalkaji constituency as Chief Minister Atishi of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, former MP Ramesh Bidhuri of the Bharatiya Janata Party, and senior leader Alka Lamba of the Congress all vie for the seat. With a history of multiple party wins and changing loyalties, the race for Kalkaji is bound to be an intense one. As Atishi, Bidhuri, and Lamba all bring their unique strengths and experiences to the table, the outcome of this election will be crucial for all three parties involved.
The BJP has announced its candidate list for the upcoming Delhi elections, with Parvesh Verma set to contest against incumbent CM Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi seat. In response, Verma has openly challenged Kejriwal and called for accountability for his actions as CM. The BJP has also fielded other notable candidates, including Ramesh Bidhuri in Kalkaji, leading to speculation about the party's confidence in their own candidates.
Parvesh Verma, the BJP candidate for the New Delhi assembly seat, expressed his gratitude to the party leadership for giving him the opportunity. He confidently asserted that the BJP will form the next government in Delhi and promised to address issues such as tax mismanagement and unemployment. Verma also taunted his opponent, incumbent CM Arvind Kejriwal, and challenged him to not run away from the New Delhi seat. Meanwhile, Kejriwal responded to PM Modi's criticisms by highlighting AAP's achievements in education, healthcare, and housing and attacking the BJP's slow progress in these areas.
The BJP has released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, with 29 names announced. Former MP Parvesh Verma will be contesting against AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi seat, while Chief Minister Atishi's opponent will be former MP Ramesh Bidhuri in Kalkaji. Other key candidates include national office-bearers Dushyant Kumar Gautam and Ashish Sood. This announcement comes as the latest development in the highly anticipated elections, with more updates to come.
The third Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Parishad, attended by over 875 temple representatives, passed resolutions including conducting ‘Collective Aarti’ weekly and urging the government to free all temples in Maharashtra from state control. The event was held in Shirdi and was attended by key leaders and advocates of temple preservation. Key demands such as fast-tracking court cases regarding Kashi and Mathura and declaring temple premises as ‘alcohol and meat-free zones’ were also made. The National Organiser of the Mandir Mahasangh, Mr. Sunil Ghanwat, has urged the government to take prompt action on these resolutions.
On the 194th birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, Nagar Kurnool MLA Dr. Rajesh Reddy emphasized the importance of following her ideals during an event organized by the District Education Department. He lauded the state government's declaration of January 3rd as Women's Teachers' Day and its commitment to realizing Savitribai's vision for social equality. In the presence of District Collector and Education Officer, several women teachers were honored and a student dressed as Savitribai Phule received special recognition.
Tensions have been high in Manipur's Kangpokpi district for the past week, leading to a violent attack on the office of the Superintendent of Police on Friday. Videos and images emerging from the town show armed individuals dressed in camouflage and damaged vehicles on the premises. The violence follows a confrontation between security forces and Kuki-Zo women in the district earlier in the week, which has sparked protests and demands for the removal of joint security forces stationed in the area. While the situation has been brought under control, locals estimate that 15 people from the mob were injured.