New Criminal

into force,” one of the notifications said. After the laws were enacted the truckers had protested the provision of Section 106 (2) which provides for 10 years imprisonment and fine to those who cause death of any person by rash and negligent driving of vehicle not amounting to culpable homicide, and escapes without reporting it to a police officer.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla had said the decision to invoke Section 106 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita will be taken only after consultation with the All India Motor Transport Congress.

According to the Section 106 (2) of the BNS, “Whoever causes death of any person by rash and negligent driving of vehicle not amounting to culpable homicide, and escapes without reporting it to a police officer or a magistrate soon after the incident, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description of a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.”

While replying to a debate on the three bills in Parliament, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said the focus was on delivering justice rather than handing down the punishment.

For the first time, the word terrorism has been defined in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. It was absent in the IPC.

The laws have given a clear definition of terrorism, abolished sedition as a crime and introduced a new section titled “offences against the state”.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita lists offences such as acts of secession, armed rebellion, subversive activities, separatist activities or endangering the sovereignty or unity in the new avatar of the sedition law.

According to the laws, anyone purposely or knowingly, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or by electronic communication or by use of financial means, or otherwise, excites or attempts to excite secession or armed rebellion or subversive activities, or encourages feelings of separatist activities or endangers sovereignty or unity and integrity of India or indulges in or commits any such act shall be punished with imprisonment for life or with imprisonment which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine.

According to IPC Section 124A, which deals with sedition, anyone involved in the crime may be punished with life imprisonment or with a three-year jail term.

Under the new laws, ‘Rajdroh’ has got a new term ‘Deshdroh’, thus doing away with the reference to the British crown.

The provisions of this Sanhita shall also apply to any offence committed by any citizen of India in any place without and beyond India, any person on any ship or aircraft registered in India wherever it may be and any person in any place without and beyond India committing offence targeting a computer resource located in India.

Under the new laws, the magistrate’s power to impose fines has been increased as well as the scope of declaring a proclaimed offender.

Shah had said the three legislations were drafted after comprehensive consultations and that he had gone through every comma and full stop of the draft legislation before bringing them to the House for approval.

the court’s order dated March 19, 2022. This inconsistency was a significant part of his challenge against the proceedings.

The counsel representing the man argued that the allegations in the complaint did not substantiate a charge under Section 354 of the IPC against him. Additionally, the counsel pointed out that the magistrate did not record any witness statement before passing the order on March 30, 2022, which directed an investigation under Section 202 of CrPC.

The counsel for the wife (respondent) also acknowledged that while the allegations do not constitute an offence under Section 354 IPC, they do establish a case for Section 323. The counsel agreed that the order issuing process for the commission of an offence under Section 323 of the IPC, was correct and justified.

Justice Oswal observed that the incident reported involves the petitioner allegedly assaulting the respondent in public, resulting in injuries. After reviewing the complaint and based on the investigation report from Pulwama station house officer, the court found sufficient grounds to initiate proceedings under sections 323 and 354 of the IPC. It was, however, acknowledged that while the complaint substantiates a charge under Section 323 for causing hurt, it does not establish the criteria for a charge under Section 354, which involves outraging a woman’s modesty.

The court concluded that the act, while constituting assault, did not meet the specific intent or nature required for “outraging modesty” under Section 354, but is sufficient for invoking a charge under Section 323. Consequently, the order for the issuance of process under Section 354 of the IPC was quashed, while the process under Section 323 was upheld.

The court also directed the trial court to proceed in accordance with the law.

Slapping Wife

Govt. To Provide

and again but forgot to build the future of the country,” the PM said.

Their (Congress) thought was only to form a government while taking the country forward was never on their agenda, he said.

“Today too the Congress’ ‘dasha and disha’ (condition and direction) are the same as earlier. The Congress cannot think beyond parivarvaad, corruption and appeasement,” he said.

PM Modi said those who are only busy making the future of their sons and daughters can never think about “your sons and daughters”

“But for Modi, you all are Modi’s family. Your dreams are Modi’s resolution. That is why today I am talking about developed India and developed Chhattisgarh,” he added.

A developed Chhattisgarh can be built with the empowerment of the poor, youth and women, he said.

The previous Congress government in Chhattisgarh had stalled the construction of houses for the poor but the new BJP government has expedited it, the PM said.

Referring to himself as the servant of the people, Modi said he had given 140 crore Indians a guarantee of his commitment and hard work.

Strong action was being taken against those who had looted the poor and the money recovered is being utilised for the betterment of citizens, he said.

Modi spoke about his government’s welfare schemes under which people are getting free rations, medical treatment, affordable medicines, housing, piped water, gas connection and toilets.

“Ten years ago, Modi had given the guarantee that we will create an India as per the dreams of our ancestors. Today, look all around, a new India is being built just like the dreams that our

PM Inaugurates

ancestors had seen. Did anyone think 10 years ago that digital payments could be done even in villages? Had anyone ever thought that a son who had gone to work outside would be able to send money to his family in the village? Today it has become possible,” he said.

Hitting out at the Congress, Modi referred to the statement by then PM Rajiv Gandhi about just 15 paise of every rupee being spent for development reaching the rightful beneficiary.

If the same situation prevailed today, one can imagine what would have happened to the nation, the PM said.

“In the last 10 years, the Centre transferred more than Rs 34 lakh crore into the bank accounts of citizens through Direct Benefit Transfer. Had the Congress been in power and had the 15 paise tradition continued, then Rs 29 lakh crore out of this Rs 34 lakh crore would have been embezzled by middlemen,” he said.

Throwing light on initiatives to create health and education facilities as well as infrastructure like roads and rail lines, the PM said development starts and employment opportunities get created once corruption comes to an end.

The government was transforming the “annadata” (food producer) into “urjadata” (power producer) by assisting farmers to set up smallscale solar plants on barren farmlands, Modi said.

The BJP government in Chhattisgarh, which took over in December last year, has begun fulfilling “guarantees” (poll promises), Modi added.

The BJP unseated the Congress in the 2023 Assembly polls, winning 54 seats in the 90-member House.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and senior BJP leaders were present at the main event held in the Indoor Stadium Budha Talab in Raipur.

“Today we have launched the world’s largest storage scheme for our farmers. Under this, thousands of warehouses and thousands of godowns will be constructed across the country,” he said.

He also urged the cooperative sector to help India reduce its import dependence on agricultural products, including edible oils, and also fertilisers.

undermining the spirit of transfer policy,” observes the communique.

“Therefore, the Commission has directed that, except for the States/UTs that comprise up to two Parliamentary Constituencies, all States shall ensure that officers who are transferred out of the district are not posted within the same Parliamentary Constituency. This shall also be applicable to the transfers/postings that have already been given effect in pursuance of the Commission’s instruction. It is reiterated that the transfer policy of the commission must be adhered to in both letter and spirit.”

“The Commission has further directed that a report certifying the compliance of the earlier directions and including the above be furnished by the Chief Secretary and the DGP of the State concerned to the Commission latest by 3:00 PM on 26.02.2024,” the communique further reads.

robust ecosystem of Religious, Archaeological and Cultural Tourism in Bihar.

The LG released the first edition of Bihar Discourse Journal and ‘Fool Bahadur’, a Magahi novel translated by Poet-Diplomat Abhay K.

Aditi Nandan, Curator, Grand Trunk Road Initiatives; senior officials of Government of India; team members of GTRi, experts, policymakers, and prominent personalities from diverse fields were present.

Adhere to Commission’s

Learn From J&K’s

NIA Attaches

was registered following the recovery of a black bag and a large number of Indian currency notes of Rs 500 denomination during checking of vehicles in the Langate area of Handwara.

Preliminary questioning of the car’s driver, Abdul Momin Peer, had led to revelations about the narco-terror nexus and prompted a detailed investigation by the NIA.

During initial searches conducted at the houses of the accused, 21 kg of heroin and various other incriminating material, including large sums of cash, were seized, the NIA said.

Kashmiri Women

Power Shortage

face a complex web of challenges. “It seems as though our every move while driving is more heavily analyzed than those of their male counterparts. Harassment and traditional social mindsets contribute to a vicious cycle of women disliking to drive or driving less,” Saima said.

“I am a learner and drive at a slow speed to balance my moves, but I am always humiliated by male drivers on the road, they label me and judge me, which makes me very uncomfortable,” said Mehak, a student.

Dr Shazia Malik, Assistant Professor, Department of Gender Studies, University of Kashmir also expressed similar views. “The perception is that the street is a part of the public sphere that belongs to men, therefore, women need not own any part of it. The harassment of women drivers is an outcome of social expectations and traditional gender roles,” Shazia said.

Shazia believes that the public-private dichotomy dictates much of what women are allowed to do.

“Women are encouraged to work as teachers and professors because the job involves nurturing that is an extension of the gender roles women are assigned in the private spaces. But they are rarely encouraged to ride a bike and drive a car,” she added .

In Shazia’s opinion, if women make any mistake while driving it is because of her gender and she will be instantly questioned which will eventually lead to losing access to transport altogether. “This stereotype in society has made women less courageous to face any hurdle on the road, even when they are not at fault,” Shazia said.

While most men seem to degrade women drivers with sexist criticism on the road, some have contrary opinions that women tend to feel nervous because of the confirmed societal bias associated with them.

“All-Female Training”

Sustaining the fight against socially enforced roles for her gender, Iman Aslam has come forward with her all – girls driving institute called, steer we go.

“I have trained over 200 women at the institute. The number of enrolments keep increasing with each passing day,” said Iman, adding, “women in search of a friendly and a patient atmosphere, search for me which makes me feel proud and happy to be at a convenient service.” .

“In my experience, women are better drivers than men, and are able to pick up quickly.”

Consumers Decry

guidelines and exercising prudence in energy consumption, communities can help mitigate the effects of power curtailment and contribute to the resilience of the electrical infrastructure,” KPDCL said.

Meanwhile the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has issued a stern advisory to all its consumers, urging them to clear their pending electricity bills to avoid disconnection of power supply.

The announcement comes as the utility company initiates a disconnection drive, the first of its kind in many years, aimed at addressing the mounting backlog of unpaid bills.

With a significant number of consumers failing to settle their electricity dues, KPDCL has been compelled to take stringent measures to recover outstanding payments and ensure the financial sustainability of its operations.

Officials from KPDCL emphasize the importance of timely bill payments in maintaining uninterrupted power supply and sustaining essential services. “Failure to settle outstanding bills not only disrupts the revenue stream crucial for operational expenses but also undermines the reliability of the power distribution network.

Consumers are urged to take immediate action to clear their pending electricity bills to avoid inconvenience and potential disconnection of power supply. KPDCL has facilitated multiple payment channels, including online platforms, designated payment centers, and mobile banking services, to facilitate ease of payment and ensure accessibility for all consumers,” the KPDCL said.

The disconnection drive underscores the necessity of responsible electricity consumption and adherence to payment obligations by consumers.

Consumers are encouraged to reach out to the utility company for any queries or assistance regarding bill payments and related matters. (KNS)

areas of Srinagar said that they were facing the worst electricity crisis.

Naseer Ahmad of Batamaloo said, “Currently we are facing more than 10 to 12 hours of curtailment in smart metered areas and more than 15 hour curtailment for non metered areas”

Naseer said, “Besides the long curtailments, unscheduled power cuts are adding fuel to the fire.”

Similarly, the residents of Jawahar Nagar, Chattabal, Tengpora, Mominabad, and Karanagar expressed the same issues. “The pesky unscheduled power cuts are making our lives miserable.”

The residents of Pulwama, Qazigund, Ganderbal and subdivision Kangan areas informed that the concerned authorities have failed to implement its directives on ground. “It seems that the KPDCL orders and directives pertaining to supply of power and uninterrupted service remain confined to papers and offices only.”

A resident of Pulwama, Zahid Ahmad said, “Irony is that the consumers even after paying the bills on time are being forced to reel under darkness.”

“Frequent snapping of power against the scheduled power curtailment especially in morning and evening hours have jeopardized the living in rural areas,” he said.

On Friday, residents of Zafran Colony in Pantha Chowk area of Srinagar expressed their resentment against the DISCOM for resorting to unscheduled and irritating long power cuts in the area stating that they pay electricity bills well in time.