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| Tuesday, October 24, 2000, Chandigarh, India   
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Sardinha faces no-trust vote today BJP
purchasing MLAs: Cong Jharkhand: BJP begins discussions
on govt formation Cong move to rope in dissidents Hooch tragedy
toll 29 |
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HC
notice to CBI in arms-drop case PM begins work from home No move to
‘replace’ UP CM Give security to Mahant Sewa Dass,
Sonia asks PM
Laloo for forming third front Uma unhappy with BJP’s economic policies BJP not a Hindu body: Laxman Medha Patkar to go on fast ‘Sky bus metro’ viable alternative SC directive on quashing of charges Uttaranchal: challenges ahead AJTs will not wipe out
mishaps: Tipnis US dons’ writings on Ramakrishna flayed Historic building gutted US Embassy
increases visa fee Implement SC order: Rly staff Govt should set up
NJC: Jethmalani Jethmalani’s book released CPM amendment on power sharing Oilfields case: SC rebukes CBI Bihar ultras training kids
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Sardinha faces no-trust vote today PANAJI, Oct 23 (UNI) — Three days after the BJP walked out of the 11-month-old coalition and staked claim to form a government, Goa Chief Minister Francisco Sardinha stuck to his decision to face a trust vote in the Assembly tomorrow. Talking to reporters here, Mr Sardinha reiterated that he had majority in the 40-member assembly. Governor Mohammad Fazal had directed the Chief Minister last night to prove his majority in the Assembly convened at a special session on October 24 in the wake of the latest political developments. Mr Sardinha had a series of meetings with his party legislators, all ministers, during the day and also remained in touch with other prospective allies to work out the strategy for tommorow’s trial of strength, Goa Peoples Congress sources said. BJP Legislature Party Leader Manohar Parrikar was confident that his party would form a new government. He told reporters that five other legislators had given an assurance that they would not support the no confidence motion but he would not reveal their names.He was not sure whether they would vote against the confidence vote or abstain but, it is certain that they will not support Mr Sardinha. Mr Pramod Mahajan, a senior BJP leader and India’s Minister of Information Technology minister would arrive tomorrow to oversee the formation of the new government, he said. The five- member Goa Congress Legislature Party (CLP) which met in Margao, 30 km from here, said it will neither support the Sardinha government nor go with the other combination and keep a close watch on the situation that emerges tomorrow in the Asssembly. Goa Congress President Luizinho Faleiro told reporters after the CLP meeting at his Margao residence that the BJP game plan was to grab power through backdoor. The former Chief Minister said the efforts of the BJP, rejected by the people of Goa in the last Assembly elections, to cobble a new combination clearly exposed its greed for power. Mr Falerio said BJP’s betrayal of the Sardinha government has not come as a surprise to the people of the state as it was the part of a deep-rooted conspiracy to grab power by not following established democratic norms. The people will never trust the BJP as it had stabbed two governments — one headed by Dr Wilfred D’Souza and another of Mr Sardinha — from the back, he added. Mr Churchill Alemao, Mr Jitendra Deshprabhu, Mrs Nirmala Sawant and Mr Luis Alex Cardozo and Rajya Sabha Member Eduardo Faleiro also took part in the deliberations. CLP Leader Ravi Naik and three other members broke away from the party and joined into the BJP on Saturday. Mr Naik, a former Chief Minister, expressed confidence that the Sardinha ministry would not survive the trust vote in the Assembly session tomorrow. BJP Legislature Party leader Manohar Parrikar, at the head of a delegation had called on Governor Mohammad Fazal last evening and claiming support of 21 of the 40 members of the Assembly had staked claim to form a new government. Besides 18 members of the BJP, two of the Maharastrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) and the lone member of the Indian National Congress (Sheikh Hassan) have written to the Governor extending their support for the formation of a BJP-led government in the state. Mr Manohar Parrikar and other senior BJP leaders have complained of a campaign of terror. At their meeting with the Governor last evening, they said that criminals were shadowing Mr Parrikar. The police have been deployed in strength at the hotel in the state capital where the BJP legislators and their supporters are camping. The political
turmoil, nothing uncommon for this tiny coastal state, began on Friday night when the BJP Legislature Party met and decided to walk-out of their 11-month old coalition with the Goa Peoples Congress. The next day, the nine-member Congress Legislature Party (CLP) split as four of its senior members formed a separate group,which later merged into the BJP. Four members of the Indian National Congress (Shiekh Hassan) joined the BJP, taking its strength from 10 to 18 in the Assembly. The BJP has 18 members in the Goa Assembly, the Goa Peoples Congress 11, Congress five, the Maharastrawadi Gomantak Party two, the Indian National Congress (Shiekh) one, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) one and Independent one, besides the Speaker.
BJP
purchasing MLAs: Cong NEW DELHI, Oct 23 — The Congress today alleged that the BJP was indulging in “the horse trading and purchase of MLAs” and use of money to come to power in Goa. “Those who claim high moral values are indulging in horse trading, causing defections and trying to attain power at any cost”, Congress spokesperson Ajit Jogi, said here. “In their lust for power, they created instability in the state and destroyed the people’s mandate. The blame lies entirely with the communal and fascist BJP”, he said. What is happening in Goa is the best example of the BJP’s claim of high moral values, he said. It is ridiculous that the 10-member BJP is trying to capture power in the state, he said adding that the Congress would adhere only to democratic traditions. Except in Gujarat, the BJP has no mandate to rule. But BJP can stoop to any level to grab power, he said. He wanted to know from where the VHP and the Sangh Parivar were getting money. Those who plead for swadeshi were depending on foreign money and these money sources should be probed, he said. Asked whether there would be defections in Chattisgarh, Mr Jogi said the Congress had the strength of 50 MLAs, including two Independents there, and they were standing united like the Himalaya. Replying to a question on the series of letters being sent on the organisational elections by Mr Jitendra Prasada Mr Jogi said any Congress worker can fight for any post in the party. “There is no bar legally and physically on any post”, he said. The Congress is a democratic party and there is full internal democracy, he said. Congress was the only party which has central and provincial election authorities to ensure impartial, free and fair elections and elections are being held accordingly, he said.
Jharkhand: BJP begins discussions on govt formation NEW DELHI, Oct 23 (PTI) — The BJP central leadership today began discussions with MPs, MLAs and MLCs of the Jharkhand region on the question whether the party should stake claim to form its government in the new state. “The leaders gave their views on the matter which would now be taken up soon by the party’s central leadership,” party spokesman Jana Krishnamurthy told reporters here. He said there are 32 MLAs, seven MPs and about five MLCs from the region in Bihar out of which Jharkhand is to be carved out. On whether the BJP would support JMM leader Shibu Soren’s demand for chief ministership, Mr Krishnamurthy said “The BJP has not made any promise to anybody on this issue”. On the JMM not keen on supporting BJP’s candidature for chief ministership, he said “ The JMM would decide its course and it would be positive”. On the BJP staking claim whereas it had not done so in case of the Bihar Assembly conceding it to its partner Samata Party, Mr Krishnamurthy said, “Normally the party with the highest number should lead the entire group. As far as Nitish Kumar was concerned, we had all agreed to support him for the chief
ministership”. Cong move to rope in dissidents CALCUTTA, Oct 23 — The Congress is trying to rope in the dissident Marxist leader, Mr Saifuddin Chowdhury and the Naxalite idol, Mr Asim Chatterjee in the fight against the CPM and the BJP. The party also wants Ms Mamata Banerjee to be a partner in their move to oust Mr Jyoti Basu, now in power in West Bengal, in the forthcoming state assembly elections. WBPCC chief, Mr Pranab Mukherjee yesterday held informal talks with Mr Chowdury and Mr Chatterjee after attending a meeting, called by the CPM rebel leader in south Calcutta where Mr Chatterjee was also present. The meeting organised by Mr Saifuddin Chowdhury, was an attempt to form new Marxist party by Mr Chowdhury who recently was removed from the party on the charges of anti-party activities. Mr Saifuddin Chowdhury is hopeful of getting the state Transport Minister Mr Subhas Chowdhury and the Housing Minister, Mr Gautam Dev by his side. Both Ministers protested against the leadership’s decision to remove the veteran leader, Mr Chowdhury from the party on the plea of anti-party activities. A host of other dissident and disgruntled CPM leaders, including Mr Tan Topdar, MP and Mr Samir Patutundi, party’s secretary of the south 24-Parganas district committee, have already supported Mr Chowdhury in his fight against the leadership’s “high-handedness and dictatorship, which they alleged, was ruining the party. Mr Pranab Mukherjee said the Congress was ready to join hands with any one, anti-communal and anti-CPM, for the larger interest and in that move, neither Mr Saifuddin Chowdhury nor the Naxalite leader, Mr Asim Chatterjee were untouchable. But whether they would form an electoral alliance with them in the forthcoming election or not, is yet to be decided. However, the Congress will be certainly happy to have Ms Mamata Banerjee by their side in their fight against Mr Jyoti Basu. Mr Mukherjee said for Ms Mamata Banerjee, “Our doors are always open and we all welcome her to lead the anti-CPM front in the state”. But for that matter, she will have to cut off her relations with the BJP, he added. The Congress leader said they would soon launch mass movement against the CPM and the communal BJP in the state in which Mr Saifuddin Chowdhury and other dissident CPM leaders would also be the partners. He himself would be happy to have Ms Mamata Banerjee by her side.  PM begins work from home NEW DELHI, Oct 23 — The Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, today resumed work from his official 7 Race Course Road residence by attending to files and taking telephone calls. Resuming work 13 days after he was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai for a knee surgery, the Prime Minister kept a light schedule. He took time off for physiotherapy and other exercises which are part of his post-operative treatment. Sources in the Prime Minister’s Office said Mr Vajpayee, who was seen in a wheel chair yesterday at the Mumbai and Delhi airports, was using a cane to walk today. The high point of his schedule today was a meeting with the Home Minister, Mr L.K.Advani, who reportedly briefed him on the Kashmir developments. They are also understood to have discussed matters related to Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttaranchal. The sources said the Prime Minister did not meet Cabinet colleagues as doctors had advised him against meeting too many people. However, there were indications that a Cabinet meeting may be held at the Prime Minister’s residence on Wednesday. The Cabinet meeting has to clear the agenda for the winter session of Parliament, which is likely to begin in the third week of November. The sources said the Prime Minister would continue to work from his residence for a few more days. He had been attending to file work even from his hospital room during his recuperation, they added.
No move to
‘replace’ UP CM LUCKNOW, Oct 23 (PTI) — Uttar Pradesh BJP Chief Kalraj Misra today denied press reports that there was a move to replace state Chief Minister Ram Prakash Gupta. “There is no such move to the best of my knowledge,” Mr Misra told reporters here. “The government under the leadership of Mr Gupta will complete its term”, he said, adding that leadership issue did not even figure in the recently concluded two-day state executive committee meeting. Justifying BJP’s demand for a ban on the Students Islamic Movement of India (simi), Mr Misra said its activists arrested in connection with the recent series of bomb blasts in the state had confessed about their connection with the ISI. He flayed Samajwadi Party President Mulayam Singh Yadav for giving a political colour to BJP’s demand seeking a ban on simi. To decentralise working of the party, the office-bearers of the state unit had been entrusted with specific responsibilities, Mr Misra said. He also announced the formation of party’s election and disciplinary committees and said the candidates for the forthcoming local bodies elections would be declared soon.
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‘Sky bus metro’ viable alternative NEW DELHI, Oct 23 — The Sky Bus Metro could bring down the travel cost to 15 paise per km and it is the most viable transport solution to the unprecedented increase in metro population, said the Managing Director of Konkan Railway, Mr B Rajaram, here today. “With no land acquisition problems, the Sky Bus Metro could roll at an average speed of more than 45 km per hour. The project could be operational with only 50 per cent of the cost of an elevated rail system and only 25 per cent of the underground metro with same performance standard,” Mr Rajaram said, addressing a seminar on Mass Rapid Transit System, organised by the CII. He said the commuters could accrue several benefits from this mode of transport. While eliminating any probability of vandalism, accident, the Sky Bus Metro had the capability to handle 15,000 to 50,000 persons per hour per direction. There would be no traffic jams, waiting and the project would bring air-conditioned travel at just Rs 250 per month, he added. The project could be executed within 100 weeks, he said, adding that the Konkan Railway was formulating legislations for the government’s approval. The project encouraged greater public-private participation through lucrative shareholding pattern being formulated, a release said. Mr R N Lal, Executive Director, Research Design and Standards Organisation, said with road based systems incapable of meeting the growing transportation needs, rail-based MRTS, which would cater to 70,000 to 80,000 passengers per hour in one direction, was inevitable for the survival of business and industrial growth. While outlining the need for a economical, comfortable and eco-friendly transport systems such as MRTS, he said the average speed of bus was not more than 12 to 15 km per hour and could not handle more than 10,000 passengers per hour. In this background, he urged the city authorities to seriously plan the MRTS system and to evolve a realistic fare structure for a financially viable system. |
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Hooch tragedy toll 29 KOLLAM (Kerala), Oct 23 (PTI) — Close on the heels of the double hooch tragedy at Kalluvathuckal and Pallickal areas here, reports have come of the killer brew claiming three lives at Pattazhi in the district today taking the number of deaths since Saturday to 29, the police said here. According to the police, the Kalluvathuckal incident had so far accounted for 17 persons. Nine deaths were reported from Pallickal and three from Pattazhi. It was not clearly known whether the victims from Pattazhi had consumed the hooch brought from nearby Pallickal. All three died after reaching the medical college hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. Sources at the medical college said the flow of victims to the special ward had abated and 206 persons were still in the hospital undergoing treatment for liquor poisoning. The Kollam hooch tragedy was the third worst in the series of liquor deaths reported in Kerala since 1981. The worst was on September 3, 1982, at Vypeen in Ernakulam in which 78 persons died followed by the Punalur liquor tragedy in 1981 which claimed 34 lives. Meanwhile, the government today suspended 10 excise officials, including an assistant commissioner, on the basis of the preliminary inquiry report on the hooch tragedy submitted by the official inquiry committee constituted yesterday. Meanwhile, the response to the strike in Kollam district called by the opposition Congress led United Democratic Front was “total” and passed off peacefully. All shops, business establishments, including hotels, were closed. Public and private buses were off the roads. Activists of the UDF took out rallies in different parts of the district condemning the excise policy of the Marxist led the LDF. The Excise Minister, T. Sivadasa Menon, said strict action would be initiated against those responsible for the tragedy.
Give security to Mahant Sewa Dass,
Sonia asks PM NEW DELHI, Oct 23 — Congress President Sonia Gandhi today urged Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to intervene and restore the “Z Plus” security to the Akali Dal (Pheruman) president, Mahant Sewa Dass, who had deposed before the Jain Commission about the assassination of former Premier Rajiv Gandhi. In a letter written to the Prime Minister, Mrs Gandhi said that Mahant Sewa Dass had put his life at risk when he deposed before the commission and upon his representation the government had provided security to him. The commission was now looking into some sensitive aspects of the conspiracy which led to the assassination. The mahant had given some evidence and he now apprehended danger from some influential people. “Under the circumstances it would be in public interest that the security cover, which stands withdrawn, should be restored to him”, Mrs Gandhi said. |
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SC directive on quashing of charges NEW DELHI, Oct 23 (PTI) — In a significant judgement, to stop the interference of superior courts in trial, the Supreme Court has ruled that no High Court should entertain pleas from accused for the quashing of charges framed against them before entire prosecution evidence came on record. “Any attempt by an accused for quashing of a charge before the entire prosecution evidence has come on record should not be entertained sans exceptional circumstances,” a Division Bench comprising Mr Justice D.P. Mohapatra and Mr Justice Ruma Pal held in a recent judgement while setting aside a Delhi High Court order. Mr Justice Mohapatra, writing the judgement for the Bench, said “it is a well settled principle that when a petition under Section 482 of criminal procedure code is filed by an accused (in the high court) for the quashing of charges framed against them, the court should not interfere with the order unless there are strong reasons to hold that in the interest of justice and to avoid abuse of process of the court, a charge framed against the accused needs to be quashed.” “Such an order can be passed only in exceptional cases and on rare occasions,” the Bench said while setting aside a Delhi High Court order quashing charges framed in a dowry death case. Mr Justice Mohapatra said “it is to be kept in mind that once the trial court has framed a charge against an accused the trial must proceed without unnecessary interference by a superior court and the entire evidence from the prosecution should be placed on record.” The court said the well settled legal position was that at the stage of framing of charge, the trial court was not to examine and assess in detail the material placed on record by the prosecution nor was it for the court to consider the sufficiency of materials to establish the offence alleged against the accused persons. |
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Uttaranchal: challenges ahead DEHRA DUN, Oct 23 — The government of the proposed Uttaranchal state faces a challenging job of putting the new state on to the much desired development track. Although, the Garhwal and Kumaon areas of Uttaranchal are well known for their tourist destinations and also for natural resources like minerals, water and forests but for decades the whole area has been almost neglected by both the Central and UP Governments. It requires significant human effort and political will to carve out a new path for development in the state. “The region has remained underdeveloped and the growth of its economy has been relatively slow than the state average of Uttar Pradesh, though efforts have been made by the Union and UP Governments at providing more funds”, says Mr Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, MLC and President of Uttaranchal BJP unit. He says, “The new government will give more stress on the overall development. Considering the unsatisfactory impact of development programmes in part, long term plans will be prepared on the basis of geographical, economic and socio-cultural characteristics. Every possible opportunity will be explored to attract foreign investments in the power and tourism sectors and manufacture of herbal drugs and other fields”. According to the statistics, the Central assistance to the total plan expenditure of Uttaranchal declined from 50.98 per cent in the Fifth plan to 47.74 per cent in the Eight. It further came down to 28.78 per cent in the present five year plan. It would be an onerous task for the new government to convince their bosses in Delhi to enhance the Central assistance at a time when the country was already facing economic crisis. The economy of the region experienced a growth rate of only 2.4 per cent per annum compared to 4.3 per cent of UP during the last decade. The unequal distribution of income seemed to be increasing, resulting in poverty and unemployment. The number of job-seekers registered in the employment exchanges of Garhwal and Kumaon rose from 89,000 in 1981 to 2,43,171 in 1991. It further increased to 2,95,000 approximately by the end of 1999. Employment in the organised public and private sector covered only 4.8 per cent of the total population. Mr Koshyari, who is also an aspirant for the post of CM, said the development should be based on selection of a pattern of activities which would maximise economic benefits with minimum adverse effect on environment. |
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US dons’ writings on Ramakrishna flayed CALCUTTA, Oct 23 — Sri Ramakrishna Parmahans has been denigrated by two US university professors whose writings have found place in the current edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica. The writers are Mr Jeffry I. Kripal, assistant professor of religion and philosophy, Westminster College of Pensilvania and Prof Narashima P. Sil of History at West Oregon University. Both are Indian by birth, but, now settled in the USA. Their books “Mystical & Erotics in the Life and Teachings of Ramakrishna and “Ramakrishna-Revisited a New Biography”, respectively, which contains objectionable remarks on Ramakrishna. These books have been included in the recently published catalogue of encyclopaedia. The publication has caused widespread resentment among the devotees of Sri Ramakrishna. The Ramakrishna Mission and Math at Belur, which is the headquarter of the organisation, sent a strong protest note to the management and publisher of Encyclopaedia Britannica, demanding immediate deletion of the two controversial books from their catalogue. The authorities concerned also requested the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee to proscribe the books in India and take up the matter with the USA. The controversy arose when Sanyashini Prabragika Brajaprana, a woman disciple of Ramakrishna Mission of Hollywood found a copy of new edition of Britannica come across “objectionable” writings on Sri Ramakrishna in it. She reported the matter to the President of the mission and math in Calcutta for taking up the matter with the authority concerned. The matter was published in the newspapers based in Hollywood and London and a Calcutta Bengali daily also carried news item in this connection. The authorities at Belur directed the Hollywood Mission to take up the matter with the publishers. However, according to informations received by Swami Ranghanathan authorities have already decided to withdraw the books from their catalogue and delete and relevant portion from it. They also apologised for the publication. |
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Historic building gutted CHENNAI, Oct 23 (PTI) — A devastating fire that raged for over five hours destroyed a historic 18th century building housing the city’s General Post Office (GPO) here last night. The fire, which caused no human casualties, was brought under control around 5.30 a.m. today. Over 50 fire engines, backed by swarms of water tankers, battled the flames which gutted the heritage building’s interior, destroying the sections housing the savings account wing, treasury, stores, sales and service counters, besides the Central Telegraph Office. State Fire Services Director S. Ramani said the fire could have been caused by an electrical short circuit or leakage. It was first noticed by a watchman on the ground floor of the three-level building just after midnight. He said the fire spread to several parts of the building within 20 minutes, aided by the wooden rafters, furniture, carpets and stationery. He was not sure if the fire safety measures in the building were up-to-date. A policeman on the spot said fire cracker parcels stored inside the building by staff members could have been set off by sparks from a power leakage, worsening the situation. The firemen were hampered by the darkness in which the building was engulfed, while replenishing water for the fire tenders also delayed the operation. Principal Chief Post Master General A.V.B. Menon and Post Master General Vatsala Raghavan were among those present at the spot. The extent of loss could not be immediately ascertained. A special police team will probe into the causes of fire that devastated the heritage building housing the General Post Office here last night, city Police Commissioner P.Kalimuthu said. US Embassy
increases visa fee NEW DELHI, Oct 23 — The US Embassy today revised its visa fee from November, 2000, due to the change in the rupee-dollar exchange rate. While the fees in US dollars remains unchanged, the rupee amount will be at the new exchange rate of Rs 47 to a US dollar, a press release of the Public Affairs Office of the US Embassy said here. Under the rates, the non-immigrant visa application fee will be Rs 2115 ($45) and non-immigrant visa issuance fee Rs 3525 ($75). While the immigrant visa application fee will be Rs 12220 ($260), the immigrant visa issuance fee will be Rs 3055 ($65) and returning Resident fee will be Rs 2350 ($50).
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Implement SC order: Rly staff NEW DELHI, Oct 23 — Northern Railway employees demonstrated in the Capital today for the implementation of the Supreme Court order regarding recasting of seniority on merit. The apex court had ruled that “roster point do not determine seniority between reserved and general candidates” as per Article 16 (4) of the Constitution. The Northern Railway General-Categories Employees Welfare Association president, Mr Onkar Singh Thapar, while addressing the employees, said the Railways had not implemented the directives of the apex court and it had demoralised the workers. Mr Thapar also submitted a memorandum to the Railway Minister, Ms Mamata Banerjee, urging her to intervene in the matter and implement the Supreme Court order. |
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Govt should set up NJC: Jethmalani NEW DELHI, Oct 23 (PTI) — Former Law Minister Ram Jethmalani has said in his new book that government should vigorously pursue setting up of a National Judicial Commission (NJC) with the exclusive power of appointment, transfer and removal of the Judges of High Courts and the Supreme Court. “While I was in office, I had already initiated the preparation of the necessary legislation and a suitable Cabinet note. I hope, this will be vigorously pursued,” he said in his new book “Big Egos, Small Men”, slated for release tomorrow. Outlining the possible composition of the NJC, the former Law Minister said “the government, the leader of the Opposition, the judiciary, the academic world, the legal profession and important social elements will have to be represented on the commission. However, Mr Jethmalani said “what causes me grave concern is the Law Ministry’s hunger for harmony with the judges. I have a feeling that senior sitting judges will be opposed to this measure. Apart from the power and patronage that the present system vests in the judges, judges by temparament are status-quoists.” Referring to NDA’s election promise to set up NJC, he said, “If they strongly show their displeasure, shall we renege on our solemn promise to the people of India?” Mr Jethmalani said, “This too is a troublesome question which our Prime Minister will have to tackle after he is restored to health. |
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CPM amendment on power sharing THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Oct 23 (UNI) — The CPM today unanimously adopted a crucial amendment to the party’s programme, providing for power sharing at the Centre depending on the concrete situation. This was announced by CPM General Secretary Harkishen Singh Surjeet at the end of the four-day exercise to update the party programme, the first in the party’s 36-year history. Addressing a crowded press conference, Mr Surjeet said the amendment was made to paragraph 112 of the party programme on participation in governments. “It applies to both the state and central governments and the central committee will take a decision depending on the concrete situation.” The amendment proposed by the central committee was ratified by the conference unanimously, though there were reports about the possibility of division on this amendment because a section was opposed to the sharing of power at the Centre. There was no mention of the word “Centre” in paragraph 112 of the original party programme. The amendment on sharing power at the Centre was one of the 28 amendments adopted by the conference, while rejecting 211 others moved by the delegates. “All the adopted amendments essentially strengthened the formulations contained in the programme,” Mr Surjeet said. |
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Oilfields case: SC rebukes CBI NEW DLEHI, Oct 23 (PTI) — Coming down heavily on the CBI for giving false statement on a probe file on the Mukta-Panna oilfields case which went missing, the Supreme Court has said that such incidents are likely to shake court’s confidence in the agency. A three-Judge Bench, while upholding the award of oilfield contract to Reliance-Enron consortium, said “We note with concern that courts, including this court, have very often relied on this organisation for assistance by conducting special investigation.” “This reliance of the courts on the CBI is based on the confidence that courts have reposed in it and the instances like the one with which we are now confronted with are likely to shake our confidence in this organisation,” it said. The Bench comprising Mr Justice S.P. Bharucha, Mr Justice S.S.M. Quadri and Mr Justice N. Santosh Hegde said “Therefore, we feel it is high time that this organisation puts its house in order before it is too late.” The petitioner the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, had levelled several allegations against the CBI regarding the shoddy job it did out of the investigation into the bribery charges and malpractices in the award of the contract. Mr Justice Hegde, writing the judgement for the Bench, said “we do not think it is necessary for us to go into all these allegations except confining our consideration to the stand taken by the CBI before the Delhi High Court as to the existence of part-II file No 1/636/D/95/AC/ BOM said to have been opened by the then Superintendent of police, the CBI, Mumbai.” The petitioner had specifically alleged that this part-II file was opened by Superintendent of Police Y.P. Singh in the Anti Corruption Branch-II CBI, Mumbai, sometime in March, 1996, itself and the same was segregated from the original file and withheld by some officer of the CBI with ulterior motives. Mr Justice Hegde noted that K. Surendran Nair, Deputy Superintendent of Police, CBI Task Force, New Delhi, filed a counter-affidavit before the high court stating that “It was checked up with Deputy Inspector-General of Police, ACB, Mumbai, who intimated that no such file is in existence.” The petitioner contended that a deliberate incorrect statement was made by the CBI in its affidavit filed before the high court with a view to denying the allegation that the CBI was trying to suppress the contents of part-II file. The petitioner had extracted certain portions of the said part-ii file, which contained notings of the senior officers of the CBI, including the one dated April 11, 1996, of Raghuvanshi, who instructed Nair to swear the first affidavit of the CBI, the judge noted. However, Mr Raghuvanshi himself sworn an affidavit of the CBI later saying that by using the words “no such file is in existence in ACB, Mumbai branch” it was meant to intimate the court that no such file was available at the time of filing of the first affidavit, Mr Justice Hegde said. He said “One would have expected the CBI to come forward with a simple explanation that it is unable to respond to petitioner’s allegations in view of the fact that the said file was not traceable instead of averring in the affidavit that no such file is in existence.” Mr Justice Hegde said by using the words “no such file”, the CBI clearly meant to indicate to the court that the part-II file never existed but later amended its stand by trying to interpret the word “existence” to mean “not traceable”. The Bench said “in the circumstances mentioned herein above, we are unable to accept this explanation of the CBI and are constrained to observe that statement made in the first affidavit as to the existence of part-II file can aptly be described as suggestio falsi and suppressio veri.” “That apart, the explanation given in the second affidavit of the CBI also discloses a sad state of affairs prevailing in the organisation,” the Bench said. Referring to unauthorised destruction of the file by an officer, as stated by the CBI, Mr Justice Hegde said if this was true it “reflects very poorly on the integrity of the CBI.” |
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Quake destroyed Harappa? HANUMANGARH: Kalibangan, a small town situated about 40 km from this district town of Rajasthan, has a rich cultural heritage. During excavation in this area 38 years ago, black coloured bangles were found and so the name “Kalibangan” was given to this area. The area appears to have a cultural background similar to Punjab. Situated in Pilibangan tehsil, the village is associated with an important settlement of the Harappan period identified as Kalibangan in 1952 by A. Ghosh. In 1961-62 the Archeological Department conducted excavations and remains of pre-Harappan (2400-2250 B.C.) and Harappan civilisation, (2200-1700 B.C.) were found. Two dunes were excavated on the left bank of the dry Ghaggar river bed, then known as the Saraswati, which were 12 feet higher than the surrounding area and were spread over a half kilometre area. Evidence is found about the social set-up, the customs and traditions, living conditions and eating habits of the people of that period. Remains of the city show that it was properly planned. Houses were built of mostly mud bricks. These bricks were 30 cm long, 15 cm wide and eight cm thick. At some places a tiled floor was found. Burnt bricks were used to make drains, pipes, wells and even bathrooms. People of the period were aware of scientific methods. This can be judged by the construction of wells, where bricks used had less width in the front and were wider in the rear. The agnikunds (fire altars) discovered are indicators of the religious beliefs of the people of that age. On the top of a ritualistic platform seven fire altars in a row were found. The mud brick altars appear to have been used for worship and animal sacrifice. A brick-kiln pit containing animal bones was also found — evidence of animal sacrifice. Three types of burials were noticed: the first one is extended inhumation in a rectangular or oval grave, the second pot-burial in a circular pit and lastly is rectangular or oral grave containing pottery. From the cracks found on the walls, it appears there was an earthquake which destroyed the city. About 5000 years ago, these cities were destroyed and turned into ruins. The Archeological Department has done excavation of more than 250 sites, of which six are identified as cities. The five cities were Harappa, Mohenjodaro (now in Pakistan), Lothal, Surkotada (Gujarat) and Banawali (Haryana). Kalibangan has a place on the archeological map, but unfortunately the public is unaware of these historical remains, as a visit to the place revealed that residents of nearby places have not bothered to see the museum at Kalibangan. The government must pay attention to Kalibangan and develop it as a tourist spot. This will be beneficial as it would not only fetch revenue, but a place of historical importance would also be developed. Bihar ultras training kids PATNA, Oct 23 — No kidding please! It’s a kids’ army. The eight to 10 boys, in the age group of five to 10 years, are getting training in firing an AK47, lobbing a bomb and dismantling a rifle. Five young men are with them and patiently telling them about the ins and outs of the arms handling in the jungles of Palamu district of south Bihar. The Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) and People’s War Group (PWG), the Left wing ultras of Bihar have embarked on a massive drive to recruit young women and minor boys in their cadre to carry out their ‘devilish designs’! According to well-informed sources, the recruitment process is well nigh complete and the women and kids are currently undergoing training in the jungles and hideouts of Palamu and Giridih districts, part of the proposed Jharkhand state. It is believed that these ultra left organizations in Bihar are tiptoeing the line of the LTTE and ULFA in creating a cadre of `doctrined’ women-kid forces. Sources maintain that the services of special ‘envoys’ of LTTE-trained Andhra ultras are requisitioned for the task of training them. The PWG had earlier announced that its women cadre would execute the “hit list” which contains death warrant for a legislator and top police officers. The `kid army’ of the CC is aimed at using them as arms carrier and couriers of coded messages. The training programme is a rigorous one. The kids are trained in handling crude bombs, carbines, rifles and AK47-56s. Morning session is dedicated to arms training and in the evening, they are trained for `mental discipline’. It is essentially a curriculum to inculcate the feeling of alienation from the social and political society. According to the `parcha’ (handbill) distributed by the PWG itself, some of the women are being trained in the lines of the `suicide bombers’, a la LTTE. The punch line of the ultras in luring the women and kids is an interesting fact. They tell them that all these trainings will essentially help them in their individual fight against their exploitation by the society and politician-administration nexus. The poor and ignorant victims of the `politics of empowerment’ that made only the political parties stronger, are once again lured into further trouble on the name of `empowerment’. The spatial and social origins of the recruits reveal the dynamics of this recruitment drive. The area of recruitment is Palamu and Giridih that are perpetually drought prone. There is virtual crisis for living. Training at least gives food. Moreover, the women recruits are mostly tribals who are raped at will and face torture from the police and administration. They are easily lured by the `empowerment talk’ as the feel of a gun in the hand gives confidence. The boys have nothing to do. There is no school, they cannot earn and have to be fed. Ultras have only given them a chance to survive.
Uma unhappy with BJP’s economic policies NEW DELHI, Oct 23 (UNI) — Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Uma Bharati has reiterated her commitment to get separate reservation for the women of backward classes, saying the present Women’s Bill was against their interests. Ms Bharati, whose political career is marked by controversies — the recent being her resignation from the Lok Sabha — talked to UNI on wide range of issues, including Ram Temple, and her future plans. She said reservation for the women of backward classes would be the focal point of her political life, and denied that she was doing so for vested interests. She said she had been opposing the Women’s Reservation Bill on this ground, and even when the United Front Government had made an unsuccessful attempt to introduce it in Parliament. On the withdrawal of her resignation, she said it was linked to the reservation issue. Ms Bharati said when Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had asked her to withdraw her resignation she had told him that she would continue to raise the demand for reservation for women of backward classes in the Lok Sabha. If a consensus was reached among political parties on the Women’s Bill, she would limit her fight for reservation for backward class women to the party only. Ms Bharati opposed reservation on religious basis, saying it could be fulfilled through caste reservation. The Mandal Commission had provided for reservation to backward Muslim classes also. Muslim women had benefitted by this in the recent panchayati elections in some states. Lambasting Samajwadi leader Mulayam Singh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati on their demand for reservation to Muslims on the basis of religion, she said they did not understand that by demanding so they were laying the foundation of a Hindu Nation. When asked why the party had washed its hands off the Ram Temple issue, Ms Bharati, who has been on the forefront of the temple movement, said it was not the party but the people who made the issue. Today people have other issues like their bread and butter, unemployment and economic backwardness, to tackle with. The BJP MP was not happy on the government’s economic liberalisation policy. She said economic liberalisation should be pursued while keeping the interests of poor in mind. They should get jobs otherwise the results would be disastrous for the country. She expressed concern over the increasing disparity between the people living in cities and villages. Economic development was being enjoyed only by people living in the cities and its benefits were not reaching the rural masses. Asked to clear her stand on Swadeshi, she said Swadeshi movement would ensure bread and butter for all. According to her there is no Swadeshi or foreign issue. When asked about the allegation against her that she was a dramatist rather than a politician, she commented that she in fact was not a politician also. She had not yet made-up, her mind whether she would continue in politics. She admitted she does not have a very strong liking for politics. Ms Bharati disclosed that she would soon meet her “Guru”, Pejawar Swami, in Karnataka. “Whatever decision she takes there she will stick to that, even if it gives her pain,” she said. Regarding her fight against the “Week” magazine over an alleged interview of her while she was staying at Kedarnath, she said she had not given any interview. And what had been published about her could not be construed as scandal. “But they have published it as a scandal. There seems to be a conspiracy.” While refusing to raise her finger against anybody, she regretted that “there are some people in the media, particularly, English press, who had perverted mind. This is bad for the country.” Ms Bharati said she had met Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on Dassehra night, and was told by him that she would have been included in the Council of Ministers had she returned to Delhi by September 30. She had told him that she had no desire for it. She, however, urged him to pay attention towards development of backward areas like Bolangir, Kalahandi, Palamu and Bundelkhand. She said she was committed to fighting for “bread and butter” of all the people and would continue the fight.
BJP not a Hindu body: Laxman NEW DELHI, Oct 23 (UNI) — The BJP president, Mr Bangaru Laxman, who had called on partymen to woo the minorities, particularly Muslims, has asserted that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s ideology is linked to Hinduism but the BJP has never claimed to be a Hindu organisation. “The BJP has said its doors are open to all. But there are still allegations against it that it is pursuing RSS ideology,” he told UNI. Mr Laxman said the NDA rule in the past two and a half years had proved that the BJP had a different thinking. When the party came to power doubts were expressed that there would be riots every day but these were proved wrong. The BJP leader clarified the relationship between the RSS and the BJP was the same as that between the Congress and Mahatma Gandhi. The Congress did accept all that Mahatma Gandhi said, he pointed out. “The RSS is a moral force for the BJP. But it is not necessary that it should accept each and everything said by the RSS,” he maintained. Similarly, Mahatma Gandhi was a moral figure for the Congress. But after the Congress came to power it had not taken decisions according to his wishes. This was also true in relationship between the RSS, and the BJP. Mr Laxman said in fact the Congress had never implemented Gandhian principles. Gandhiji wanted total prohibition, rural development and promotion of cottage industries. But the then Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru promoted heavy industries, he said. The BJP president did not support the recent statement of RSS chief K.C. Sudarshan at Agra calling for Indianisation of Islam and Christianity. Mr Laxman said the BJP had never said it had been formed to protect the interests of Hindus alone. It had been formed to look after the interests of Indians and therefore the people should have no doubts about the party. When pointed out that Muslims had a lot of doubts about the party following the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi controversy, he said the BJP had clarified its stand that it would abide by the decision of the Supreme Court on the issue. He, however, agreed that the BJP had changed its outlook on the controversy. First the party wanted the issue to be resolved through a dialogue, then preferred a legislation to resolve it. It was really unfortunate the way the disputed structure was demolished in 1992. Now all concerned should wait for the court judgement, he said. When pointed out that the Vishwa Hindu Parishad had reiterated its resolve to construct a temple there, Mr Laxman said it would create some problem. But the BJP stand on the issue was very clear that it would wait for the judgement. Regarding the Religious Places Bill introduced in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, he said the UP unit of the BJP had already put it in the cold storage. He, however, objected to the opposition to the Bill. He said several states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal had similar legislation, much stronger, but nobody objected to them. HC notice to CBI in arms-drop case NEW
DELHI, Oct 23 (PTI) — The Delhi High Court today asked the CBI whether any
action had been taken against a former Union Home Ministry official for his
alleged failure to lodge a complaint with the police about supply of illegal
arms to India in December 1995 despite having information about it just before
the dropping of sophisticated arms in Purulia. Issuing a notice to the investigating agency, a Bench comprising Mr Justice Anil Dev Singh and Mr Justice M.K. Sharma turned down a request by Additional Solicitor General K.K. Sud that the notice should not be issued before perusing the records by the court. The court, while stating that the petitioner had raised a pertinent question of law, asked the CBI to file its reply within three months. The notice followed the filing of a criminal writ which challenged that the then Joint Secretary to the Home Minister, Mr Shashi Prakash, despite having advance information about the supply of illegal arms to India a week before dropping of arms in Purulia, had failed to do his duty of reporting the matter. The writ, filed by one Deepak Kumar Prahladka, said under the provisions of Section 39(1)(i) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPc) a public servant was duty-bound to report such matters to the nearby police station or a magistrate. “This provision is mandatory and if a public servant fails to do his duty he himself becomes liable for complicity of the offences listed under Sections 121 to 126, which include waging or attempt to wage war against the country, sedition, collecting arms and rioting,” the petition said. Stating that it was immaterial whether Mr Prakash had given the information to the higher authorities, the petitioner said the CBI should state what prevented him from lodging a complaint with the police when he had inormation with him by December 12. He alleged that the parliamentary committee also had indicted the Defence Ministry, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) for not taking timely action despite having advance information about the supply of arms. The British authorities had given information to the Indian authorities about the supply of illegal arms through the British Deputy High Commissioner at Calcutta on November 10, 17 and December 15, 1985, the petitioner claimed. Strongly opposing issuance of the notice to the CBI, Mr Sud said the arms dropping case had already been decided by the court and the petitioner had chosen to move the Delhi High Court after the Calcutta High Court had rejected his plea. The petitioner had alleged the information with Mr Prakash was based on a communication between the Defence Export Services Organisation (DESO) of the British Defence Ministry and Peter Bleach, a convict in the arms dropping case. Bleach in his communication had given an indication to DESO that Kim Davy, against whom Interpol had declared a worldwide red alert following his escape from India, might supply illegal arms by a small cargo plane. Had the complaint been lodged with the police immediately by Mr Prakash, the aircraft would have been impounded at Varanasi airport before it dropped the arms in Purulia, the petitioner said, adding that Davy, the main accused, would also have been arrested.
Laloo for forming third front THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Oct 23 (PTI) — Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Laloo Prasad Yadav today said the emergence of a third front, to combat communalism and the dangerous economic policies of the BJP, was the need of the hour. At a press conference here, Mr Yadav said secular forces should unite together on a minimum common programme. The former Bihar Chief Minister was in the city to attend a function organised in connection with the CPM special party conference. Asked if the Congress would find a place in the proposed third front, he said as far as the RJD was concerned the BJP-RSS combine was its main enemy. On Left parties support to the RJD ministry in Bihar, he said CPM was supporting the ministry while CPI was neutral. Stating that the Congress was a secular party and had supported the RJD at its time of crisis by opposing the RSS-BJP combine in Bihar, Mr Yadav said after the formation of third front, a tie-up with the Congress could be possible. He said there was no threat to the RJD-Congress government in Bihar and the Congress would not withdraw support. Even if Congress move out from the government due to some pressure we will support the secular parties in the state, he said. Emphasising the need for a third front, Mr Yadav said the CPM had initiated a good beginning from Kerala in forming a third front comprising secular parties.
AJTs will not wipe out
mishaps: Tipnis BAREILLY (UP), Oct 23 (PTI) — Seeking to drive home the Point that MiG 21 aircraft are not unsafe to fly, Air Chief Marshal A.Y. Tipnis today flew a solo sortie on the fighter as he maintained that the introduction of advance jet trainers (AJTs) “will not wipe out accidents from the Indian sky”. Alighting from the sortie, a visibly delighted Air Chief said, “MiG 21 is a very fine aircraft. There are a lot many apprehensions about its airworthiness, but let me assure once again that no aircraft takes to air if it is not airworthy.” He, however, admitted that various factors like air pollution, bird-hit possibilities and human error contributed to 25 aircrashes every year. “Mind you, all of these are not MiG 21’s”, he said, adding that MiG 21 was a high demand aircraft requiring lot of manoeuvribility skills and the ability to react in time. To a question, the Air Chief said time was being taken in induction of the British Aerospace Hawk advance jet trainers as the government was working on details of price option and right guarantees, to ensure that supply of spare parts was not affected by any development. He said though induction of Hawks would reduce accidents, yet “if you think suddenly it is going to wipe off accidents it will not.” The Air Chief, who has been flying MiGs since 1963, said steps had to be taken immediately to eleminate poor visibility problems.
Medha Patkar to go on fast BADWANI (MP), Oct 23 (PTI) — Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar today said she would observe a week-long fast from October 25 to protest against the “anti-people illogical and pro-capitalist” judgement of the Supreme Court. Addressing a rally here along with Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy, she said that her fast in Bhopal, during which she would observe complete silence, was against “the conspiracy of the state and its arms” to destroy the age-old Narmada valley, its culture, tradition and life. Appealing to the people to fight against the judgement, she assured her contribution to the stir by way of her writings. “I will continue to create awareness among the people against the judgement by writing against it”, Roy said, adding that she would be present in Bhopal, along with hundreds of Patkar’s supporters when the NBA leader goes on fast. The rallyists decided not to celebrate Divali this year to protest against the Supreme Court judgement of October 18.
NEW DELHI, Oct 23 (PTI) — Former Law Minister Ram Jethamalani today attacked Attorney-General Soli Sorabjee’s statement that his new book was “fiction at its worst”, saying that he was yet to graduate to write fiction and reiterated that it “deals with facts and hard facts alone”. “I am yet to graduate to writing a book of fiction. This is a book which deals with hard facts supported by documents,” Mr Jethmalani said at a function for the release of his book “Big Egos, Small Men” detailing the circumstances in which he was asked to resign from the Union Cabinet in July last. Prominent among those who attended the function were Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Maneka Gandhi, former Union Minister Ramakrishna Hegde, former Law Minister Shanti Bhushan, former Punjab Police chief K.P.S. Gill, former Home Secretary K. Padmanabaiah and Member of Parliament Shatrughan Sinha. Mr Jethmalani told PTI “I had invited each and every detractor of mine.” Mr Jethmalani, who severely criticised Chief Justice of India A.S. Anand, Mr Sorabjee and present Law Minister Arun Jaitley, said the book “is an adventure in self-expression and expression of truth which should be circulated vigorously in the democracy by all means.” Sounding a word of caution for his detractors, Mr Jethmalani said “My astrologers are certain about one fact — that my death is not imminent. So to all my detractors, I am making one thing clear that this book is not a dying declaration. It is a declaration of my credibility with support of documents.” He also clarified that his book was not an attack on the judiciary as some of his detractors would like to put it. “Some one who knows me will vouch for the fact that all my life I have fought for independence of the judiciary. But my concern is over the presence of some black sheep in the judiciary,” the former Law Minister said. “Judges are still angels compared to their counterparts in many other fields. But one would not serve the judiciary if he does not talk about the black sheep on a Bench,” he said. Mr Jethmalani said “This book only explains the role of the Chief Justice, my friend Soli Sorabjee and to a certain extent my young friend and successor to my office.” Referring to the controversy involving Chief Justice Anand’s wife in a land deal, he said “I am sure the Chief Justice is not involved. But for the purity of the judiciary to probe issues like this some mechanism has to be found.” “We cannot push these things under the rug and forget it,” he said and referred to the controversy he raised over the “real age” of the Chief Justice. His book annexed a certificate from the General Council of Bar in England, which put the year of birth of Mr Justice Anand as 1934 though official records here showed it to be 1936. Referring to Mr Sorabjee’s role and conduct detailed in his book, he said “I put my whole reputation at stake for this book and I will be judging opinions of every member of the Bar expressed about Mr Sorabjee after reading the book. If he still supports him, he would be supporting a wrong and dishonest cause.” On Mr Jaitley, he said “I had always treated him like a son or a younger brother. He will admit one day about his real role in my ouster from the Cabinet. Till that day, I will leave him to battle with his conscience.” Returning to Mr Sorabjee, he said “99.5 per cent of the judges in this country have affection for me. Mr Justice Anand was no exception till his mind was poisoned by Mr Sorabjee.” He said “It was Mr Sorabjee who poisoned the mind of the Prime Minister saying that my remarks against the Chief Justice would set the executive in a collision course with the judiciary.” Mr Jethmalani concluded by saying that “ultimately I do not blame the three. The Prime Minister has chosen his company. I wish him to resume his full vigour soon and after that at least have the fortitude of reading my book and then introspect.”
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