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SC cautions on juvenile-age norms
Tributes paid to Rajiv Gandhi
Price control, agriculture remain major challenges
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Left’s honeymoon with UPA still on
An act of cowardice, says Sonia
PoK leaders flay Srinagar attack
Pak asked to lessen visa hassles
UP invokes ESMA against striking docs
Gang war claims seven lives in Bihar
Abolish Panchayati Raj: Lalu
Suicides: Advani to hold talks with Pawar
Sustainable policy on
ship-breaking sought
1 held for selling fake PMT papers
Child labourer rescued
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SC cautions on juvenile-age norms
New Delhi, May 21 The SC caution is aimed at ensuring that no juvenile is put to trial as a major and also that no major accused gets undue benefit as a juvenile. “Until the age of a person is required to be determined in a manner laid down under a statue, different standards of proof should not be adopted... the courts must strike a balance and in case of a dispute, they may appreciate the evidence having regard to the fact and circumstances of the case. “It would be a duty of the court of law to accord the benefit to a juvenile, provided he is one. To give the same benefit to a person who in fact is not a juvenile may cause injustice to the victim,” a Bench of Mr Justice S.B. Sinha and Mr Justice P.P. Naolekar said. The apex court said in absence of any other statute operating with regard to
determination of the age of an accused, the provisions of Section 35 of the Indian Evidence Act would have to be applied in examining the material brought before the court whenever there was doubt about the age of a teenaged offender. For this purpose, the age recorded in a school register or any other
official record of a person should be recognised in the same manner as for various purposes like obtaining admission, getting jobs, contesting elections, registration of marriages, obtaining separate units under ceiling laws or even for the purpose of fighting civil cases, the apex court held. The court said there would be no variations in applying this standard whatever might be the nature of crime, whether it was murder, abduction, rape, or similar other offences. The ruling was delivered while rejecting an appeal of accused Ravinder Singh Gorkhi from Bulandshahr district in Uttar Pradesh in a 17-year-old case. He was awarded life sentence, along with his father and two others, for a murder committed on May 15, 1979. Gorkhi had claimed that when the murder took place, he was merely a 16-year-old boy. His role was that he had thrown his bicycle on the way of the victim to create obstacles in his way while he was running on being chased by his father and two others. The trial court had recorded his age as 18 years while sentencing all accused to life imprisonment and the apex court fully agreed with the judgment after examining the records. |
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Tributes paid to Rajiv Gandhi
New Delhi, May 21 A wreath was also placed on the smadhi of Rajiv Gandhi on behalf of President A P J Abdul Kalam. Congress president Sonia Gandhi, accompanied by her children Priyanka Vadra and Rahul Gandi, also laid wreath on the smadhi of her late husband, who fell to the LTTE suicide bomber attack during an election rally at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu in 1991. Mr Shekhawat, Dr Singh, Sonia Gandhi and her children joined an all-religion prayer meeting at Veer Bhoomi. The day was also observed as “anti-terrorism” day and the death of Rajiv Gandhi was described as his sacrifice for the cause of nation, peace and communal harmony. Others, who paid floral tribute to Gandhi and attended the prayer meeting, included Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Delhi Lieut Governor B L Joshi, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, several Congress leaders and workers. |
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Two years of UPA govt Manoj Kumar Tribune News Service
New Delhi, May 21 The industrial chambers have, obviously, given certificates of good performance to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for pushing economic reforms, considering the survival of the government on the Left parties. However, the benefits have still to reach the grassroots level. In Finance Minister P. Chidambaram’s words: “Infrastructure gap is costing India between 1.5 and 2 per cent of GDP growth every year.” As against a target of 41,000 MW addition of power during 10th plan (2002-07), only 14,000 MW capacity have been so far added, resulting in severe power shortage across the country. With spurt in global crude prices, oil import bill has increased over $ 43 billion in a year and the government has increased prices thrice in two years, and another hike is still pending. Energy experts, however, feel that government has failed to take concrete steps to develop alternative fuels like bio-diesel and ethanol. The government has failed to take the benefits of 8 per cent growth in the GDP to the rural people. The suicide of over 20,000 farmers in the past two-three years, around 2 per cent growth in agricultural sector as against 4 per cent target is just an indication of the deepening crisis in the agriculture sector. Rural Development Ministry has claimed the need for over Rs 2 lakh crore funds to provide clean drinking water and road network. The government is still to show any improvement on poverty reduction, as the number of below poverty line is still over 25 crore. Although the government claims to have taken a major initiative through the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and the Right to Information Act to empower the poor, the fact is that there are still over four crore unemploymed educated youth. Their number is still rising.
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Left’s honeymoon with UPA still on
New Delhi, May 21 Even on economic front, the Communist leader had little venom to spew about. He asked, “Tell me one economic policy decision this government has taken, which we had opposed.” When pointed out to the increase in FDI stake in telecom and airport modernisation, Yechury said the policy decisions for these had been taken by the previous NDA regime. He said the UPA government because of the Left’s opposition has not opened up the retail, insurance sector. However, the CPM leader boasted that the Left pressure resulted in the passing of Right to Information Act and Rural Employment Guarantee Act. But, Yechury pointed out that foreign policy was one area in which they have serious differences with the Manmohan Singh government. CPM leader said this and other issues would be taken up in the UPA-Left Coordination Committee meet on Tuesday. |
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An act of cowardice, says Sonia
New Delhi, May 21 Reacting to the dastardly attack, Conress President Sonia Gandhi said it was act of “cowardice orchestrated” by the forces, which were opposed to the on going process and development in Jammu and Kashmir. Sharing the grief of the families of those killed in the attack on the rally organised on the occasion of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s 15th death anniversary, she said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir would not succumb to these forces, party sources here said. They said that Sonia Gandhi was in constant touch with Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.Leader of the Opposition L K Advani and Party President Rajnath Singh, while condemning the terrorist attack on the Congress rally, demanded that government should not succumb to such dastardly act and strengthen the vigilance. He said there should be no relaxation on vigilance being maintained by the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. “This is the second time that the terrorists have attacked a political party’s rally in the state in the recent past. Earlier, BJP’s rally was attacked in Doda and now Congress party’s rally was targeted,” he said, reacting
strongly to today’s attack by militants. “It only shows that the terrorists are active and kicking. No relaxation should be allowed in our police and paramilitary forces while on vigil,” Advani in a statement said. Rajnath Singh, however, held UPA
Government's “soft policies” against militants as responsible for increasing terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in recent time. He demanded that strong law like POTA, enacted by the NDA Government, but repealed by UPA, should be put in place to deal with terrorists. “Absence of any strong alternative mechanism after abrogation of POTA boosted the morale of the terrorists and separatist forces in the state,” he said. |
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PoK leaders flay Srinagar attack
Agra, May 21 The rally was organised to observe the 15th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Prof Rasik Batti, All Party National Alliance leader, Muzaffarabad, PoK, said: “We denounce terrorism in all forms. We want peace in India, in Pakistan and in Kashmir. People in India and Pakistan are one. Humanity is one and we should all work for peace and prosperity of the region.” “ Some people are trying to sabotage the peace process but we won't let this happen,” Sardar Rasin Iqbal- JKLF leader from Muzaffarabad, added. Wazahat Hasan, chairman, Gilgit-Baltistan National Front, Gilgit, said violence could never be a viable solution for any problem and dialogue should be continued. Earlier during the day, militants attacked a Youth Congress rally at Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in Srinagar, killing five persons and injuring over 22 others. The wounded included the Inspector-General of Police and two Deputy Superintendents of Police. Two militants involved in the attack were killed by the security forces in the counter attack. The Inspector-General of Police, Kashmir Range, Mr K. Rajendra received bullet injuries in his legs, but his condition was stated to be stable along with the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mr Faizal Ahmad. The attack came ahead of the arrival of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to address the rally. The attack is being seen as an attempt to create disturbance ahead of the second roundtable conference on Kashmir to be held on May 24-25 in Srinagar, which will be chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. — ANI |
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Pak asked to lessen visa hassles
New Delhi, May 21 Pleading helplessness in providing easy visa access to pilgrims going to Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, Mr Ahamed told Nirmala Deshpande (Nom) that it was for Pakistan to look into the matter. “I share the concern of the member,” the minister said. Ms Deshpande, a nominated member, suggested that unilateral action by India to give visa at entry point would go a long way in building up confidence and finally compelling the neighbour to do the same. Mr Ahamed said as per the existing visa procedures, nationals of India and Pakistan are required to possess valid visas for visiting each other’s country, which are to be obtained before departure. In India, visas are issued only by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, he said adding the two countries were considering setting up of Consular General office in Karachi and Mumbai. Congress member M.S Gill said whether Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is aware that his much-admired initiative to open hearts and roads to our western neighbour is being nullified, perhaps considerably, by administrative and security agencies. “Nankana Sahib is one of those examples...This is also a Mecca; this is also a Rome and this is also a Kashi. The bus is effectively becoming a ritual as perhaps even in Kashmir as even in Rajasthan, and will become useless unless we have convenient arrangements,” he said. A person comes here from Amritsar by travelling 300 miles, sits outside the Pakistan Embassy, and then goes back and pays Rs 1,000 for a 15-mile journey, he said adding “the minister’s idea that Pakistan is not doing it, I am afraid, is not quite the total answer. Because even they suffer, having to go to Islamabad and to try and get visas.” “Let us offer it in Lahore or at the border on that side, as Nirmalaji said and they will also offer it here,” Mr Gill said |
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UP invokes ESMA against striking docs
Lucknow, May 21 Action will be taken against them under the provisions of ESMA if they do not report for duty, he said. He warned the striking doctors that the government would not tolerate if admission is denied to patients. The striking doctors, however, remained adamant and said they would not work in OPDs to protest the lathicharge on their colleagues in Mumbai. Students of King George Medical University, who were wearing black badges to extend their moral support to the anti-quota stir, however, have decided not to go on strike.
— PTI |
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Gang war claims seven lives in Bihar
Patna, May 21 It was preceded by another caste-based gang rivalry incident on May 5 at the same Nalanda district which had claimed 4 lives. So far, the gang rivalry incidents had claimed 20 lives in the past fortnight. The resurgence of the gang rivalry was at a time when the ruling NDA government is going to complete six months in office on May 23. The Chief Minister, Mr Nitish Kumar, had promised to establish rule of law in the state within six months of assuming office on November 24. Based on prima facie findings, the police said the gruesome killing yesterday was believed to be a result of the caste-based gang rivalry between the RJD leader and the Union Minister of State, Mr Akhilesh Singh, and his rival, Mr Ashok Mahato, respectively. While the gang owing allegiance to Mr Akhilesh Singh was claimed to be involved behind the May 18 massacre in Nalanda, the Mahato gang was suspected to be involved in
yesterday's carnage at Sheikhpura as a retaliatory move. It may be noted that ever since the death of the Congress leader Rajo Singh, who was the uncrowned king of Sheikhpura, both gangs led by Mr Akhilesh Singh and Mr Mahato were allegedly trying to take command of the area leading to clashes and loss of innocent lives in the past too. The three adjacent districts comprising Sheikhpura, Nawada and Nalanda had a history of caste-based gang rivalry for more than a decade. Senior police officers were camping at the spot as the situation remained tensed in the area. Mr Nitish Kumar already visited the spot to make an on-the-spot survey and reportedly ordered DGP Ashish Ranjan Sinha to book the culprits irrespective of their political affiliations, if any. It was reliably learnt that the intelligence wing of the police suspected a calculated effort by some quarters to derail the effort by Mr Nitish Kumar to bring back the state on the paths of development as was evident from the unprovoked violence even by medicos, rest aside gang rivalry by criminals, supporting quota who had clashed with the police and attacked the media on Saturday. Pointing out that both Mr Akhilesh Singh and Mr Mahato were the creations of the RJD rule, deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi claimed that the government would spare none whoever found guilty killing innocent people. Meanwhile, two persons, identified as booth looters, were killed today at Jamui and Muzzafarpur during the third phase of statewide panchayat polls. The state Home Department made elaborate security arrangements by deploying huge number of paramilitary force in the third phase to limit the violence, as the first two phases on May 15 and 18 had claimed 14 lives. The 10-phase statewide panchayat polls will end on June 11. |
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Abolish Panchayati Raj: Lalu
Patna, May 21 “Itne log mare ja rahe
hain. (So many people are being killed). It’s a matter of deep concern… panchayaton ko khatm kar dena
chahiye,” Lalu reportedly remarked, reacting to the bloody poll violence during the second phase of polling on Thursday which claimed 14 lives, including one caste-based group clash at Sheikhpura which alone claimed nine lives. During the first phase of polling on May 15, 10 persons had been killed. Beginning on May 15, the 10-phase panchayat poll is being held for the second time during the past 27 years, where over 56,000 candidates are in the fray for nearly 26,000 posts. But with “K J Rao effect” of October-November Assembly poll gone which saw just three deaths, the elections in Bihar are apparently once again back to square one, with criminals having a field day. Even though an alarmed state government — after the violence during the first phase — ordered shoot-at-sight orders, it failed to produce the desired outcome. Thursday’s poll witnessed a chopper carrying out aerial surveillance, besides 65 companies of central paramilitary forces deployed at all the sensitive booths. This was in addition to Special Auxiliary Police (SAP), Special Task Force (STF), Bihar Military Police (BMP) and Government Railway Police (GRP). An apparently perturbed state home secretary Afzal Amnalluah — whose order that “every bullet fired by the police or the CPMF should have a mark on the human body,” failed to deter the criminals — reviewed the security arrangements for the rest of the eight rounds of poll. Meanwhile, the police claimed that a criminal gang, allegedly owing allegiance to the RJD leader and Union Minister of State Akhilesh Singh, gunned down nine persons at Sheikhpura yesterday. Nitish Kumar visited Sheikhpura today to console the family members of the victims and announced a compensation of Rs 1 lakh to the family members of each victim. |
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Suicides: Advani to hold talks with Pawar
New Delhi, May 21 This was announced by Mr Advani in his inaugural address to the national executive of the BJP Kisan Morcha, the party’s farmers wing. Expressing serious concern over the “unprecedented situation” in the wake of large-scale suicides among farmers in Maharashtra and elsewhere, Mr Advani said, “while there could be some individual cases due to some personal or other reasons, it cannot be a corporate phenomenon”. Recalling his meeting with families of suicide victims in the course of his recent ‘Bharat Suraksha Yatra in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district, Mr Advani said most of them resorted to the extreme step due to indebtedness involving amounts like Rs 40,000 and Rs 60,000. Citing statistics, Mr Advani said of the 1.11 lakh suicides across the country in 2003, 17164 victims were farmers constituting 15.5 per cent of the total suicides. The former Deputy Prime Minister said he had written to the Prime Minister demanding setting up of a Joint Parliamentary Committee to study the phenomenon and come out with remedies and the latter responded by saying that some schemes were being formulated to provide relief to such families. The BJP, he said, would wage a struggle against the government’s “indifferences” and simultaneously give its constructive opinion to it. The two-day meeting was earlier addressed by Morcha President Vinod Pandey. |
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Sustainable policy on
ship-breaking sought
New Delhi, May 21 Greenpeace, an NGO, yesterday urged India to formulate a national sustainable policy on ship-breaking, which includes improvement in infrastructure to international standards. Greenpeace activist Ramapati Kumar said it was high time that India should start a discussion on formulating a national sustainable policy on clean ship-breaking and learn from recent events by adhering to Basel Convention and observing the Supreme Court order of October 2003 on ship-breaking in letter and spirit. He said the Greenpeace website had a list of 50 top toxic ships that are known to be notorious for toxic waste onboard. Moreover, following the global ban on single hull oil tankers, over 2,200 tankers would have to be broken within the next 10 years, he said, adding that environmentalists were concerned with the piecemeal approach of the Indian Government on ship-breaking that “shows a lack of vision and leaves undesirable room for discretion and manipulation”. |
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1 held for selling fake PMT papers
Lucknow, May 21 A student of Acharya Narendra Dev Agriculture University in Faizabad, Sanjiv Kumar Patel, originally from Nalanda district in Bihar, was nabbed in front of Central School in Aliganj here. Fifteen handwritten solved question papers were recovered from him. He was also carrying six original marksheets of students with whom he had managed to strike deals. |
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Child labourer rescued
Kendrapada, May 21 Later, the boy lodged an FIR with the local police station, alleging that Raghunath Das, the owner of the hotel and his son took him to the
hotel from near his sister’s house at Dala chhack .They assaulted him and later kept him in shackles. The police said Jayaram Majhi, who was working in the hotel a year back, had fled from the hotel with Rs 1500. On Thursday, the hotel owner spotted him in the Dala Chhak and took him to the hotel to recover the stolen
amount.- UNI |
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