Sunday, March 08
Right-wing groups Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad protested outside a Bareilly church on Christmas Eve, alleging objectionable portrayals of Hinduism. Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, they claimed Christmas events hurt Hindu sentiments. Police are investigating after the groups submitted a memorandum demanding action against alleged misleading depictions of religious conversion and Hindu society.
The Army has tightened social media rules for personnel, allowing only passive viewing on platforms like Instagram and X. Meanwhile, a top Maoist leader with a Rs 1.2 crore bounty was killed in Odisha. Union Minister Gadkari recalled meeting Hamas leader Haniyeh before his assassination.
Move comes even as plea against life term is pending
The Centre has ordered a complete ban on new mining leases in the Aravallis and directed states to expand protected zones. This move aims to conserve the ancient mountain range, extending from Delhi to Gujarat, and halt unregulated mining. The government also intends to expand restricted areas based on ecological assessments.
The Delhi High Court has dismissed appeals by Kashmiri separatist leaders and others challenging charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in a terror funding case. The court ruled the appeals were not maintainable as they challenged an interlocutory order. The case involves allegations of channeling funds from Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen operatives for terrorist activities in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has dismissed a petition by former CM Mehbooba Mufti seeking the transfer of Kashmiri political prisoners to local jails. The court deemed the plea an attempt to advance partisan agendas and gain political leverage, calling the Public Interest Litigation 'misconceived' and legally unsustainable.
A special NIA court in Budgam has ordered the attachment of property belonging to Ghulam Nabi Shah, alias Dr. Fai, a US-based leader of a Pakistan-backed Kashmiri organization. Declared an offender in a 2020 UAPA case, Dr. Fai failed to appear before investigators despite a proclamation order.
A commission investigating alleged police firing on protesters in Leh has recorded statements from magistrates and security personnel. The incident on September 24 resulted in four deaths and nearly 90 injuries, with eyewitnesses to be called next. Political parties and organizations have submitted written statements, some alleging reckless and disproportionate firing.
The Delhi High Court has urged the GST Council to hold a meeting to consider reducing the 18% GST on air purifiers due to severe air pollution. The court was hearing a plea seeking to declare air purifiers as “medical devices” and exempt them from GST, the court said air purifiers could not be treated as luxury items in a city battling extreme air pollution.
