News Analysis India

Tag: Centre

  • ‘Not liable to compensate for deaths due to Covid vaccine,’ Centre tells SC

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Centre on Tuesday informed the Supreme Court that the government cannot be held liable for adverse effects due to the administration of vaccine against Covid-19 and compensation for death induced due to vaccine cannot be sought by filing a suit in court. 

    The affidavit filed in the apex court by the Centre assumes significance in view of the fact that the government has been zealously pursuing the Covid-19 vaccination programme to fight the pandemic and, as per latest reports, over 219 crore doses have been administered.

    The affidavit was filed in response to a petition by the parents of two girls who died allegedly due to adverse effects of Covishield vaccine. The daughters of the petitioners were aged 19 and 20 years.

    A health worker holds up a Covishield vial. (File Photo | EPS)

    The Centre claimed vaccines manufactured by third parties had successfully undergone regulatory review, and holding the state directly liable to provide compensation may not be legally sustainable.

    “If a person suffers physical injury or death due to an AEFI (Adverse Events Following Immunization), appropriate remedies in law are open to the vaccine beneficiary or their family including approaching civil courts for a claim of damages/compensation for negligence, malfeasance or  misfeasance. Such claims may be determined on a case-to-case basis in an appropriate forum. There is no material to suggest how the State can be fastened with strict liability for the tragic,” the affidavit states. 

    It has also been stated in the affidavit that vaccination of eligible population under the National Covid-19 Vaccination Program is ‘voluntary.’ 

    It further is added, “The Operational Guidelines issued by the Central Government to all States/UTs clearly state that vaccination is voluntary. The concept of informed. consent is inapplicable to the voluntary use of a drug such as a vaccine. While the Government of India strongly encourages all eligible persons to undertake vaccination in public interest, there is no legal compulsion for the same.”

    “AEFI investigation and causality assessment process is a completely transparent process. AEFIs are thoroughly examined and results are made publicly available as soon as possible. existing mechanism for monitoring, investigation and analysis of AEFIs is adequate, effective and transparent,” the affidavit states. 

    NEW DELHI: The Centre on Tuesday informed the Supreme Court that the government cannot be held liable for adverse effects due to the administration of vaccine against Covid-19 and compensation for death induced due to vaccine cannot be sought by filing a suit in court. 

    The affidavit filed in the apex court by the Centre assumes significance in view of the fact that the government has been zealously pursuing the Covid-19 vaccination programme to fight the pandemic and, as per latest reports, over 219 crore doses have been administered.

    The affidavit was filed in response to a petition by the parents of two girls who died allegedly due to adverse effects of Covishield vaccine. The daughters of the petitioners were aged 19 and 20 years.

    A health worker holds up a Covishield vial. (File Photo | EPS)

    The Centre claimed vaccines manufactured by third parties had successfully undergone regulatory review, and holding the state directly liable to provide compensation may not be legally sustainable.

    “If a person suffers physical injury or death due to an AEFI (Adverse Events Following Immunization), appropriate remedies in law are open to the vaccine beneficiary or their family including approaching civil courts for a claim of damages/compensation for negligence, malfeasance or  misfeasance. Such claims may be determined on a case-to-case basis in an appropriate forum. There is no material to suggest how the State can be fastened with strict liability for the tragic,” the affidavit states. 

    It has also been stated in the affidavit that vaccination of eligible population under the National Covid-19 Vaccination Program is ‘voluntary.’ 

    It further is added, “The Operational Guidelines issued by the Central Government to all States/UTs clearly state that vaccination is voluntary. The concept of informed. consent is inapplicable to the voluntary use of a drug such as a vaccine. While the Government of India strongly encourages all eligible persons to undertake vaccination in public interest, there is no legal compulsion for the same.”

    “AEFI investigation and causality assessment process is a completely transparent process. AEFIs are thoroughly examined and results are made publicly available as soon as possible. existing mechanism for monitoring, investigation and analysis of AEFIs is adequate, effective and transparent,” the affidavit states. 

  • Centre asks SC to reconsider gay lawyer’s elevation as Delhi HC judge

    By IANS

    NEW DELHI: It is learnt that the Centre has asked the Supreme Court collegium to reconsider its recommendation to elevate senior advocate Saurabh Kirpal, who is openly gay, as a Delhi High Court judge.

    The recommendation of Saurabh Kirpal, who’s the son of former Chief Justice of India BN Kirpal, as a Delhi High Court judge has been mired with controversy for the past four years.

    The openly gay senior advocate and author Saurabh Kirpal recently said that he believed his sexual orientation is the reason behind the delay in his appointment as a judge, a report said.

    However, the Centre claimed that its main objection is his partner, who is a Swiss national. Kirpal is one of the 10 recommendations that the Law Ministry has returned to the collegium, which is headed by Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud. The collegium also includes two senior-most judges after Chandrachud.

    According to a source, the Centre has also returned nine names, which were reiterated earlier — two from the Calcutta High Court, two from the Kerala High Court and five from Allahabad High Court. It is learnt that these files were sent to the collegium last week.

    A source familiar with the development said that a report by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) states that Saurabh’s partner could become a security risk.

    ALSO READ | Advocate Saurabh Kirpal says his appointment as judge delayed due to sexual orientation: Report

    According to the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP), if the Supreme Court collegium reiterates its decision, the government is bound to notify the names.

    On Monday, a Supreme Court bench headed by justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul warned against judicial intervention if the government does not act upon the names that were cleared by the collegium. The apex court clarified that once the recommendation has been reiterated, the names have to be cleared.

    The apex court questioned Centre’s counsel, whether its recommendations were withheld since the law passed by Centre on setting up the National Judicial Appointment Commision could not pass the muster.

    On November 11, the Supreme Court expressed its strong discontent over delay in appointment of judges, saying “needless to say that unless the bench is adorned by competent lawyers the very concept of rule of law and justice suffers”.

    NEW DELHI: It is learnt that the Centre has asked the Supreme Court collegium to reconsider its recommendation to elevate senior advocate Saurabh Kirpal, who is openly gay, as a Delhi High Court judge.

    The recommendation of Saurabh Kirpal, who’s the son of former Chief Justice of India BN Kirpal, as a Delhi High Court judge has been mired with controversy for the past four years.

    The openly gay senior advocate and author Saurabh Kirpal recently said that he believed his sexual orientation is the reason behind the delay in his appointment as a judge, a report said.

    However, the Centre claimed that its main objection is his partner, who is a Swiss national. Kirpal is one of the 10 recommendations that the Law Ministry has returned to the collegium, which is headed by Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud. The collegium also includes two senior-most judges after Chandrachud.

    According to a source, the Centre has also returned nine names, which were reiterated earlier — two from the Calcutta High Court, two from the Kerala High Court and five from Allahabad High Court. It is learnt that these files were sent to the collegium last week.

    A source familiar with the development said that a report by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) states that Saurabh’s partner could become a security risk.

    ALSO READ | Advocate Saurabh Kirpal says his appointment as judge delayed due to sexual orientation: Report

    According to the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP), if the Supreme Court collegium reiterates its decision, the government is bound to notify the names.

    On Monday, a Supreme Court bench headed by justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul warned against judicial intervention if the government does not act upon the names that were cleared by the collegium. The apex court clarified that once the recommendation has been reiterated, the names have to be cleared.

    The apex court questioned Centre’s counsel, whether its recommendations were withheld since the law passed by Centre on setting up the National Judicial Appointment Commision could not pass the muster.

    On November 11, the Supreme Court expressed its strong discontent over delay in appointment of judges, saying “needless to say that unless the bench is adorned by competent lawyers the very concept of rule of law and justice suffers”.

  • Centre moves SC, seeks review of order releasing 6 convicts in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Facing criticism from the Congress, the government on Thursday moved the Supreme Court seeking a review of its order for the premature release of six convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

    The Centre said the order granting remission to the convicts, who had assassinated the former prime minister, was passed without affording it an adequate opportunity for hearing despite it being a necessary party to the case.

    The government highlighted the alleged procedural lapse, saying the convicts seeking remission did not formally implead the Centre as a party which resulted in its non-participation in the case.

    On November 11, the top court had ordered the premature release of six convicts, including Nalini Sriharan, who had hosted the assassin, noting the Tamil Nadu government had recommended remission of their sentence.

    Besides Nalini, R P Ravichandran, Santhan, Murugan, Robert Payas and Jayakumar walked out of the jail following the Supreme Court order.

    NEW DELHI: Facing criticism from the Congress, the government on Thursday moved the Supreme Court seeking a review of its order for the premature release of six convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

    The Centre said the order granting remission to the convicts, who had assassinated the former prime minister, was passed without affording it an adequate opportunity for hearing despite it being a necessary party to the case.

    The government highlighted the alleged procedural lapse, saying the convicts seeking remission did not formally implead the Centre as a party which resulted in its non-participation in the case.

    On November 11, the top court had ordered the premature release of six convicts, including Nalini Sriharan, who had hosted the assassin, noting the Tamil Nadu government had recommended remission of their sentence.

    Besides Nalini, R P Ravichandran, Santhan, Murugan, Robert Payas and Jayakumar walked out of the jail following the Supreme Court order.

  • Centre moves SC against order releasing six Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convicts

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Contending that the order directing the release of the convicts who had assassinated the former Prime Minister of the country was passed without affording an adequate opportunity for hearing to the Union of India (UOI), the Centre has moved SC seeking a review of Top Court’s order. 

    On November 11, a bench of Justices BR Gavai and BV Nagarathna had directed for forthwith release of six convicts who were serving life sentences for more than three decades in the Rajiv Gandhi Assassination case.

    The six convicts are, S Nalini, RP Ravichandran, Jayakumar, Suthenthiraraja @ Santhan, Murugan and Robert Pius.

    While ordering their release, the bench took into consideration the Tamil Nadu State Cabinet’s recommendation for the premature release of convicts to the Governor on September 9, 2018, which was not acted upon by the Governor. The Governor kept the state’s recommendation pending with his office for more than 2.5 years and thus forwarded the same to the President of India on January 27, 2021 which remains undecided by the President for one year and nine months. The court also noted that they were found to have “satisfactory conduct” and had “acquired various degrees” while being in custody. 

    ALSO READ | Supreme Court sets free six life convicts including Nalini in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case

    The Centre’s submitted before the court that, “It is extremely crucial to mention here that out of the six convicts who have been granted remission, four are Sri Lankan Nationals. Granting remission to the terrorist of a foreign nation, who had been duly convicted in accordance with the law of land for the gruesome offence of assassinating the former Prime Minister of the Country, is a matter which has international ramifications and therefore falls squarely within the sovereign powers of the Union of India,” centre’s plea states. 

    It has been argued in the petition that “the absence of UOI assistance to the apex court while adjudication of the present matter has resulted in admitted and glaring breach of principles of natural justice and has, in fact, resulted in a miscarriage of justice.”

    The Centre has also argued that procedural lapse on part of the convicts had resulted in non-participation of the Union in subsequent hearings of the case. It had thus said that in such a sensitive matter the assistance of Union of India was of paramount importance as the matter has huge repercussions on the public order, peace, tranquillity and criminal justice system of the Country. 

    “Convicts, while filing the present SLP had not made Union of India a party respondent to the said SLP despite it being a necessary and proper party. It is evident that the principles of natural justice, the aim of which is to secure justice or to put it negatively to prevent miscarriage of justice have been grossly compromised vide Order dated 11.11.2022,” the plea also stated. 

    On November 11, the top court had ordered the premature release of six convicts, including Nalini Sriharan, who had hosted the assassin, noting the Tamil Nadu government had recommended remission of their sentence.

    NEW DELHI: Contending that the order directing the release of the convicts who had assassinated the former Prime Minister of the country was passed without affording an adequate opportunity for hearing to the Union of India (UOI), the Centre has moved SC seeking a review of Top Court’s order. 

    On November 11, a bench of Justices BR Gavai and BV Nagarathna had directed for forthwith release of six convicts who were serving life sentences for more than three decades in the Rajiv Gandhi Assassination case.

    The six convicts are, S Nalini, RP Ravichandran, Jayakumar, Suthenthiraraja @ Santhan, Murugan and Robert Pius.

    While ordering their release, the bench took into consideration the Tamil Nadu State Cabinet’s recommendation for the premature release of convicts to the Governor on September 9, 2018, which was not acted upon by the Governor. The Governor kept the state’s recommendation pending with his office for more than 2.5 years and thus forwarded the same to the President of India on January 27, 2021 which remains undecided by the President for one year and nine months. The court also noted that they were found to have “satisfactory conduct” and had “acquired various degrees” while being in custody. 

    ALSO READ | Supreme Court sets free six life convicts including Nalini in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case

    The Centre’s submitted before the court that, “It is extremely crucial to mention here that out of the six convicts who have been granted remission, four are Sri Lankan Nationals. Granting remission to the terrorist of a foreign nation, who had been duly convicted in accordance with the law of land for the gruesome offence of assassinating the former Prime Minister of the Country, is a matter which has international ramifications and therefore falls squarely within the sovereign powers of the Union of India,” centre’s plea states. 

    It has been argued in the petition that “the absence of UOI assistance to the apex court while adjudication of the present matter has resulted in admitted and glaring breach of principles of natural justice and has, in fact, resulted in a miscarriage of justice.”

    The Centre has also argued that procedural lapse on part of the convicts had resulted in non-participation of the Union in subsequent hearings of the case. It had thus said that in such a sensitive matter the assistance of Union of India was of paramount importance as the matter has huge repercussions on the public order, peace, tranquillity and criminal justice system of the Country. 

    “Convicts, while filing the present SLP had not made Union of India a party respondent to the said SLP despite it being a necessary and proper party. It is evident that the principles of natural justice, the aim of which is to secure justice or to put it negatively to prevent miscarriage of justice have been grossly compromised vide Order dated 11.11.2022,” the plea also stated. 

    On November 11, the top court had ordered the premature release of six convicts, including Nalini Sriharan, who had hosted the assassin, noting the Tamil Nadu government had recommended remission of their sentence.

  • Home Ministry cancels FCRA licence of Rajiv Gandhi Foundation

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Centre has cancelled the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF), a non-government organisation associated with the Gandhi family, for alleged violations of the law, officials said.

    The action came after investigations carried out by an inter-ministerial committee formed by the home ministry in 2020.

    “Yes, the FCRA licence of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation has been cancelled after an investigation against it,” an official said.

    Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi is the chairperson of RGF while other trustees include former prime minister Manmohan Singh, former finance minister P Chidambaram, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

    Set up in 1991, RGF worked on a number of critical issues including health, science and technology, women and children, disability support, etc., from 1991 till 2009.

    It also worked in the education sector, according to its website.

    NEW DELHI: The Centre has cancelled the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF), a non-government organisation associated with the Gandhi family, for alleged violations of the law, officials said.

    The action came after investigations carried out by an inter-ministerial committee formed by the home ministry in 2020.

    “Yes, the FCRA licence of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation has been cancelled after an investigation against it,” an official said.

    Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi is the chairperson of RGF while other trustees include former prime minister Manmohan Singh, former finance minister P Chidambaram, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

    Set up in 1991, RGF worked on a number of critical issues including health, science and technology, women and children, disability support, etc., from 1991 till 2009.

    It also worked in the education sector, according to its website.

  • Hate speech: Supreme Court notice to Centre in plea seeking action against leaders 

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notice to the Centre in a petition filed by Shaheen Abdullah seeking action under penal statutes & UAPA against speakers involved in delivering provocative speeches targetting the Muslim community as well as organisations providing platforms to such speakers.

    A bench of Justices Ajay Rastogi and CT Ravikumar tagged Abdullah’s petition which also sought an independent probe into the incidents of hate speech and hate crimes against the Muslim community with the batch of pleas seeking to curb hate speech. 

    Urging the bench to take action against the leaders involved in such speeches, senior advocate Kapil Sibal said, “Something needs to be done. If courts also do not do anything then God will save this country.” Taking exception to Sibal’s remarks, Justice Rastogi said, “do not take our institutions or this country for granted”. It (hate speeches) will go on. Adding that the court can take cognisance against individuals upon registration of FIR, the bench termed the reliefs sought in the plea as vague. 

    The petition had argued that despite the fact that the court was cognisant of the genocidal speeches and hate crimes against Muslims made at several events and passing several orders directing the concerned authorities to take appropriate action, the circumstances of the country only seemed to be worsening with the growing radicalisation of the Hindu community and the propagation of widespread hate against Muslims.

    “Action seems to be forthcoming against the speakers or the parties that organise such events where genocidal and hateful speeches are delivered. In most cases, minimal action of merely registering FIRs and that too under lesser offences is the only thing that is done by the authorities which seems to be more of a formality than any genuine initiation of the criminal machinery.

    The Government also refrains from publicly condemning the growing incidents of verbal and physical assault against Muslims across the country, despite being the guardian of all the citizens of this country,” the petition stated. The bench on September 21 had asked the Modi government to indicate within two weeks its stand as to whether it intends to bring any law to curb the menace. 

    Also in top court

    Centre’s reply sought on feeding roomsThe Supreme Court on Thursday sought the Centre’s response in a petition seeking the construction of a feeding room, child care room and crèches for infants and mothers in public places. A bench of Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and JK Maheshwari while issuing notice remarked that the matter required serious consideration. It was argued in the petition that such facilities were important for protecting the fundamental rights of nursing mothers and infants. 

    20% quota in Maha medical seats upheldThe SC upheld the 20% in-service reservation granted by the Maharashtra government to officers in Post Graduate medical education in the state to be implemented from the year 2022-23. “In our considered view, the HC verdict does not call for interference,” the SC said.

    Hearing on Kerala student arrest todayThe SC agreed to hear on Friday the plea of a mother whose law student son has been detained under a Kerala law on the prevention of anti-social activities. ‘List it for tomorrow,’ a bench comprising Chief Justice Uday Umesh Lalit and Justice Bela M Trivedi said on Thursday. 

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notice to the Centre in a petition filed by Shaheen Abdullah seeking action under penal statutes & UAPA against speakers involved in delivering provocative speeches targetting the Muslim community as well as organisations providing platforms to such speakers.

    A bench of Justices Ajay Rastogi and CT Ravikumar tagged Abdullah’s petition which also sought an independent probe into the incidents of hate speech and hate crimes against the Muslim community with the batch of pleas seeking to curb hate speech. 

    Urging the bench to take action against the leaders involved in such speeches, senior advocate Kapil Sibal said, “Something needs to be done. If courts also do not do anything then God will save this country.” Taking exception to Sibal’s remarks, Justice Rastogi said, “do not take our institutions or this country for granted”. It (hate speeches) will go on. Adding that the court can take cognisance against individuals upon registration of FIR, the bench termed the reliefs sought in the plea as vague. 

    The petition had argued that despite the fact that the court was cognisant of the genocidal speeches and hate crimes against Muslims made at several events and passing several orders directing the concerned authorities to take appropriate action, the circumstances of the country only seemed to be worsening with the growing radicalisation of the Hindu community and the propagation of widespread hate against Muslims.

    “Action seems to be forthcoming against the speakers or the parties that organise such events where genocidal and hateful speeches are delivered. In most cases, minimal action of merely registering FIRs and that too under lesser offences is the only thing that is done by the authorities which seems to be more of a formality than any genuine initiation of the criminal machinery.

    The Government also refrains from publicly condemning the growing incidents of verbal and physical assault against Muslims across the country, despite being the guardian of all the citizens of this country,” the petition stated. The bench on September 21 had asked the Modi government to indicate within two weeks its stand as to whether it intends to bring any law to curb the menace. 

    Also in top court

    Centre’s reply sought on feeding rooms
    The Supreme Court on Thursday sought the Centre’s response in a petition seeking the construction of a feeding room, child care room and crèches for infants and mothers in public places. A bench of Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and JK Maheshwari while issuing notice remarked that the matter required serious consideration. It was argued in the petition that such facilities were important for protecting the fundamental rights of nursing mothers and infants. 

    20% quota in Maha medical seats upheld
    The SC upheld the 20% in-service reservation granted by the Maharashtra government to officers in Post Graduate medical education in the state to be implemented from the year 2022-23. “In our considered view, the HC verdict does not call for interference,” the SC said.

    Hearing on Kerala student arrest today
    The SC agreed to hear on Friday the plea of a mother whose law student son has been detained under a Kerala law on the prevention of anti-social activities. ‘List it for tomorrow,’ a bench comprising Chief Justice Uday Umesh Lalit and Justice Bela M Trivedi said on Thursday.
     

  • Government sets up tribunal to adjudicate PFI’s ban justified or not

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Centre on Thursday set up a tribunal comprising Delhi High Court judge Dinesh Kumar Sharma to adjudicate whether sufficient grounds were available for declaring the Popular Front of India (PFI) and eight associate groups as unlawful.

    The Union home ministry issued a notification, announcing the formation of the tribunal.

    “The Central Government hereby constitutes an Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal consisting of Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma, High Court of Delhi, for the purpose of adjudicating whether or not there is sufficient cause for declaring the Popular Front of India and its associates or affiliates or fronts including Rehab India Foundation (RIF), Campus Front of India (CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Organization (NCHRO), National Women’s Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, Kerala as unlawful association,” the notification said.

    Earlier, the Department of Justice in the law ministry had sent a communication conveying that Justice Sharma will head the tribunal.

    Once an organisation is banned under the UAPA, a tribunal is set up by the government to adjudicate whether there is sufficient ground for the decision.

    According to the procedure, the home ministry requests the law ministry to name a sitting judge of high court as presiding officer of the tribunal.

    The law minister then requests the chief justice of the high court concerned to recommend a judge to head the tribunal.

    The PFI and its associates were banned by the government for five years under the UAPA on September 28, accusing them of having “links” with global terror groups like the ISIS.

    Ban on these organisations followed a number of action against them and that include seizure of properties, freezing of bank accounts and complete prohibition of normal activities.

    The PFI was accused of multiple cases of violent protests in different parts of the country against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), alleged forced conversions, radicalisation of Muslim youths, money laundering and maintaining links with banned groups.

    It was also accused of cold blooded killings of persons associated with organisations espousing the other faiths, collection of explosives to target prominent people and places, support to Islamic State, and destruction of public property.

    NEW DELHI: The Centre on Thursday set up a tribunal comprising Delhi High Court judge Dinesh Kumar Sharma to adjudicate whether sufficient grounds were available for declaring the Popular Front of India (PFI) and eight associate groups as unlawful.

    The Union home ministry issued a notification, announcing the formation of the tribunal.

    “The Central Government hereby constitutes an Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal consisting of Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma, High Court of Delhi, for the purpose of adjudicating whether or not there is sufficient cause for declaring the Popular Front of India and its associates or affiliates or fronts including Rehab India Foundation (RIF), Campus Front of India (CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Organization (NCHRO), National Women’s Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, Kerala as unlawful association,” the notification said.

    Earlier, the Department of Justice in the law ministry had sent a communication conveying that Justice Sharma will head the tribunal.

    Once an organisation is banned under the UAPA, a tribunal is set up by the government to adjudicate whether there is sufficient ground for the decision.

    According to the procedure, the home ministry requests the law ministry to name a sitting judge of high court as presiding officer of the tribunal.

    The law minister then requests the chief justice of the high court concerned to recommend a judge to head the tribunal.

    The PFI and its associates were banned by the government for five years under the UAPA on September 28, accusing them of having “links” with global terror groups like the ISIS.

    Ban on these organisations followed a number of action against them and that include seizure of properties, freezing of bank accounts and complete prohibition of normal activities.

    The PFI was accused of multiple cases of violent protests in different parts of the country against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), alleged forced conversions, radicalisation of Muslim youths, money laundering and maintaining links with banned groups.

    It was also accused of cold blooded killings of persons associated with organisations espousing the other faiths, collection of explosives to target prominent people and places, support to Islamic State, and destruction of public property.

  • UPA wasn’t concerned about Gujarat, says PM Modi

    Express News Service

    AHMEDABAD:  In his two-day visit to poll-bound Gujarat, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday indirectly blamed the previous UPA government in the Centre for the “lack of concern” for the state’s development.Citing his personal experience, the PM said when he was the Gujarat CM, he felt frustrated in repeatedly explaining the need for an airport in Surat to the then UPA government.

    While addressing a gathering in Bhavnagar, he said Gujarat has the longest coastline in the country, but due to the lack of focus, the state’s coastal development remained a big challenge during the post-independence decades. The PM laid the foundation stone and inaugurated projects worth Rs 3,400 crore.

    “We were tired of telling the then Central government of the importance of an airport for Surat. Today, you know how many flights operate from there, how many people land there every day, and how it has helped the city’s development. This is the benefit of the double-engine government,” he said.

    He inaugurated Phase-I of road infrastructure works and the main entrance of Diamond Research and Mercantile (DREAM) City. The PM said Surat would emerge as the safest and most convenient diamond trading hub in the world.

    The PM noted Surat’s textile and diamond business, which sustains the lives of thousands of families across the country. On the National Logistics Policy, the Prime Minister said work was underway on multi-modal connectivity in the state. Giving an example of linking Surat to Kashi and eastern 

    Uttar Pradesh, the PM said truckloads of goods are transported daily, and now the railways and coastal departments have come up with unique innovations to boost the number of shipments. “The railways has changed the design of its coaches in such a way that cargo can easily fit in them. After the initial success, an attempt is being made to run a new train from Surat to Kashi for commercial and passenger services,” the PM added.

    “In the coming years, Surat will also be known for electric vehicles. Today 25 charging stations have been inaugurated in Surat city and the foundation stone for the same number of stations has been laid. This is a big step towards setting up 500 charging stations across Surat. We shall continue the pace of development,” he said.

    The PM also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 5,200 crore in Bhavnagar. Among the projects is the world’s first CNG Terminal and the brownfield port at Bhavnagar.

    Bhavnagar gets projects worth Rs 5,200 crore

    PM Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated projects worth Rs 3,400 crore in Bhavnagar in south Gujarat’s Saurashtra region
    Among projects worth over Rs 5,200 crore in Bhavnagar is the world’s first CNG Terminal and the brownfield port at Bhavnagar
    The PM also inaugurated phase-I  of road infrastructure works and as well as work on the main entrance of Diamond Research and Mercantile (DREAM) City 

    AHMEDABAD:  In his two-day visit to poll-bound Gujarat, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday indirectly blamed the previous UPA government in the Centre for the “lack of concern” for the state’s development.
    Citing his personal experience, the PM said when he was the Gujarat CM, he felt frustrated in repeatedly explaining the need for an airport in Surat to the then UPA government.

    While addressing a gathering in Bhavnagar, he said Gujarat has the longest coastline in the country, but due to the lack of focus, the state’s coastal development remained a big challenge during the post-independence decades. The PM laid the foundation stone and inaugurated projects worth Rs 3,400 crore.

    “We were tired of telling the then Central government of the importance of an airport for Surat. Today, you know how many flights operate from there, how many people land there every day, and how it has helped the city’s development. This is the benefit of the double-engine government,” he said.

    He inaugurated Phase-I of road infrastructure works and the main entrance of Diamond Research and Mercantile (DREAM) City. The PM said Surat would emerge as the safest and most convenient diamond trading hub in the world.

    The PM noted Surat’s textile and diamond business, which sustains the lives of thousands of families across the country. On the National Logistics Policy, the Prime Minister said work was underway on multi-modal connectivity in the state. Giving an example of linking Surat to Kashi and eastern 

    Uttar Pradesh, the PM said truckloads of goods are transported daily, and now the railways and coastal departments have come up with unique innovations to boost the number of shipments. “The railways has changed the design of its coaches in such a way that cargo can easily fit in them. After the initial success, an attempt is being made to run a new train from Surat to Kashi for commercial and passenger services,” the PM added.

    “In the coming years, Surat will also be known for electric vehicles. Today 25 charging stations have been inaugurated in Surat city and the foundation stone for the same number of stations has been laid. This is a big step towards setting up 500 charging stations across Surat. We shall continue the pace of development,” he said.

    The PM also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 5,200 crore in Bhavnagar. Among the projects is the world’s first CNG Terminal and the brownfield port at Bhavnagar.

    Bhavnagar gets projects worth Rs 5,200 crore

    PM Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated projects worth Rs 3,400 crore in Bhavnagar in south Gujarat’s Saurashtra region
    Among projects worth over Rs 5,200 crore in Bhavnagar is the world’s first CNG Terminal and the brownfield port at Bhavnagar
    The PM also inaugurated phase-I  of road infrastructure works and as well as work on the main entrance of Diamond Research and Mercantile (DREAM) City 

  • Centre withdraws incentives, special allowance to IAS, IPS officers working in north-east regions

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Centre has withdrawn incentives and special allowances given to IAS, IPS and IFoS officers working in the northeastern regions with immediate effect, an official order said.

    A special allowance payable to the officers belonging to north-east cadres of all India services while they are actually working in the north-east region @ 25 per cent of their basic pay (in addition to other allowances) has also been withdrawn, the order said.

    The government had on February 10, 2009 issued an order for this particular grant, called a “special allowance for officers belonging to north-east cadres of all India services”.

    There are three all-India services (AIS) — Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS).

    Officers of these services work in cadre which is state/states or group of states/Union Territories.

    The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in a brief order dated September 23, 2022, said the government, after review of the various incentives/special allowances being granted to the AIS officers working in the northeastern region, has decided to withdraw with immediate effect incentives/special allowances granted to them through four of its orders issued between 2007 and 2017.

    Official sources said improvement in law and order situation in the northeastern states (which have been considered as the difficult areas postings) is one of the probable reasons behind the government’s decision to withdraw the benefits.

    The government exchequer would be saving some money as well from this recent measure, they said.

    In addition to the February 10, 2009 order, the directives issued on January 22, 2007, February 16, 2009 and on September 5, 2017 also stand withdrawn.

    The order issued in January 2007 mentions provisions related to post-retirement housing.

    According to the February 16, 2009 order, the income tax exemption already available to tribal all India service officers of the northeast while posted in the northeast, would be entitled to reimbursement of the equivalent amount of income tax payable by them while on central deputation.

    Whereas, the September 5 order has relaxations related to inter-cadre deputation of the AIS officers –- from other cadres to northeast cadres and from northeast cadres to other cadres.

    NEW DELHI: The Centre has withdrawn incentives and special allowances given to IAS, IPS and IFoS officers working in the northeastern regions with immediate effect, an official order said.

    A special allowance payable to the officers belonging to north-east cadres of all India services while they are actually working in the north-east region @ 25 per cent of their basic pay (in addition to other allowances) has also been withdrawn, the order said.

    The government had on February 10, 2009 issued an order for this particular grant, called a “special allowance for officers belonging to north-east cadres of all India services”.

    There are three all-India services (AIS) — Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS).

    Officers of these services work in cadre which is state/states or group of states/Union Territories.

    The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in a brief order dated September 23, 2022, said the government, after review of the various incentives/special allowances being granted to the AIS officers working in the northeastern region, has decided to withdraw with immediate effect incentives/special allowances granted to them through four of its orders issued between 2007 and 2017.

    Official sources said improvement in law and order situation in the northeastern states (which have been considered as the difficult areas postings) is one of the probable reasons behind the government’s decision to withdraw the benefits.

    The government exchequer would be saving some money as well from this recent measure, they said.

    In addition to the February 10, 2009 order, the directives issued on January 22, 2007, February 16, 2009 and on September 5, 2017 also stand withdrawn.

    The order issued in January 2007 mentions provisions related to post-retirement housing.

    According to the February 16, 2009 order, the income tax exemption already available to tribal all India service officers of the northeast while posted in the northeast, would be entitled to reimbursement of the equivalent amount of income tax payable by them while on central deputation.

    Whereas, the September 5 order has relaxations related to inter-cadre deputation of the AIS officers –- from other cadres to northeast cadres and from northeast cadres to other cadres.

  • Way Centre is opposing free facilities, something seems wrong with its finances: Kejriwal

    “What has happened all of sudden that Centre is citing lack of funds even for paying pension to soldiers. There seems to be something wrong with its finances,” he said.