SC REJECTS PLEA AGAINST GOVT’S ‘DALIT ADVISORY’
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition challenging a government notification that “advised” the media to refrain from using the word “Dalit” while referring to the members of Scheduled Castes. A bench led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, however, asked the petitioners – two Dalit activists – to approach the appropriate government authority with their grievance. They were given liberty to come back to the court in case the government does not respond. The petitioners termed the circular dated August 7, 2018 as arbitrary, irrational, unreasonable, discriminatory and contrary to the Constitution of India. A government circular was issued by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting subsequent to June 6, 2018 order of the Bombay HC in against the use of word dalit.
Delhi HC rejects Manipur activist plea in sedition case
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court Monday dismissed a Manipur student activist’s plea challenging his arrest and transit remand here in a sedition case against him for allegedly making remarks over the controversial Citizenship Bill on social media. Justice Sunil Gaur said prima facie it appeared that
Veewon Thokchom’s act attempted to bring hatred and incite disaffection to the government established by law. The contentious Citizenship (amendment) Bill was cleared by the Lok Sabha on January 8 but it is set to lapse on June 3 as it was not tabled in the Rajya Sabha during the Budget Session after which the Upper House was adjourned sine die on February 13.
Centre set to launch panic button in mobile phones
NEW DELHI: The Centre is set to launch a dedicated panic button in mobile phones four years after its conceptualization, a key project under the Nirbhaya Fund. The government had mandated that mobile phones sold in India will come with a dedicated panic button aimed at enhancing women safety. “The idea of having a panic button on the mobile phone was conceived way back in 2015 and after a series of deliberations with the ministry of telecom, mobile phone manufacturers and mobile telephony service providers, the ministry of telecom mandated a physical panic button on all mobile phones in the country,” the women and child ministry said in a statement.
If a coalition wins, govt will be run by dealers: Shah
JAIPUR: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Monday said only PM Narendra Modi can provide strong leadership and if a coalition wins the 2019 elections, its government will be run by dealers and not leaders. Launching the party’s Lok Sabha campaign at a meeting of party leaders, Shakti Kendra conveners and booth in-charges, Shah asked them to take a vow to bring the BJP back to power at the centre. “The country wants a strong government, which only prime minister Narendra Modi can give. The coalition does not have a leader. A coalition government will be run by dealers, not leaders,” he said.
Chidambarams’ protection from arrest extended
NEW DELHI: A Delhi court Monday extended till March 8 the interim protection from arrest granted to former Union minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti in the Aircel-maxis cases filed by the CBI and the ED. The ED told Special Judge OP Saini that Karti has been asked by the agency to appear before it on March 5, 6, 7 and 12 for questioning in the cases. The SC had on January 30 asked Karti to appear before the ED in connection with INX Media and Aircel Maxis cases.