tribuneindia...Spotlight

			Thursday, May 13, 1999
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HC notice to Centre
NEW DELHI, May 12 (PTI) — The Delhi High Court today issued notices to the Centre, Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha and Attorney-General of India on a petition challenging the dissolution of the 12th Lok Sabha on the ground that the Cabinet recommendation for it had been influenced by Presidential advice. A Division Bench comprising acting Chief Justice Devinder Gupta and Justice K. S. Gupta asked the respondents to file a reply by May 21, whether any constitutional infirmity had been committed in the process of dissolution.
SC dismisses Jaya's plea
NEW DELHI, May 12 (UNI) — The Supreme Court today dismissed a special leave petition (SLP) of AIADMK chief J. Jayalalitha, challenging a Madras High Court order in the Rs 700-crore coal import scam case. The high court had set aside the order of the special judge, adjourning the hearing in the case till the completion of further investigation in foreign countries. A Division Bench comprising Mr Justice G.T. Nanawati and Mr Justice Pukhan dismissed the SLP after hearing the arguments of Mr K.K. Venugopal and Mr Shanti Bhushan, counsel for Ms Jayalalitha, and the Tamil Nadu Government, respectively.

45 hospitalised
CHENNAI, May 12 (UNI) — At least 45 persons were admitted to hospital after they consumed illicit liquor at Arcot, near Bellore, in Tamil Nadu yesterday. Reports received here said at least six persons died after taking the brew, but they were yet to be confirmed.
Hooch tragedy
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, May 12 (UNI) — The Kerala Government today announced an exgratia of Rs 30,000 each to the families of eight victims of the liquor tragedy in Alapuzha and Kottayam districts on April 24 and 25. Kerala Chief Minister E.K. Nayanar told mediapersons after a state Cabinet meeting that 31 persons who consumed the illicit brew had been hospitalised. Assistance of up to Rs 15,000 would be provided to each of them, depending on their condition.
Chhota Shakeel aides
MUMBAI, May 12 (UNI) — Three sharp-shooters of the dreaded Chhota Shakeel faction of Dawood Ibrahim gang were killed in an encounter with the Mumbai Police in South Mumbai last night. The police identified the deceased as Sulam Alam Hashmi (25), alias Hamiya, Fazal Sheikh (24) and Imtiyaz (23), all residents of Mumbra in the adjoining Thane district.
4 killed
HOOGHLY (WB), May 12 (PTI) — At least four persons, including a woman and a child, were killed and 19 injured when a mini bus fell into a canal after jumping off a bridge in Dilakash of Hooghly district today, the police said. The bus, plying on Howrah-Udainarainpur route, broke the railing of the bridge and hurtled down into the canal, killing all four on the spot.
Bal Thackeray
MUMBAI, May 12 (PTI) — Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray is recovering from a viral ailment and has been advised rest for a few more days. "Doctors conducted a check-up on him this morning and he has been advised rest for a few more days", sources at Mr Thackeray's residence.
Iraqi sites
ANKARA, (Turkey), May 12 (AP) — US warplanes bombed Iraqi air defence sites today while patrolling the no-fly zone over northern Iraq, a US military statement said. The allied aircraft responded in self-defence after being targeted by Iraqi radar and anti-aircraft artillery, according to the statement issued from the southern Turkish air base of Incirlik.