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SC blow to Advani, Joshi, Bharti

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SC blow to Advani, Joshi, Bharti

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kalyan Singh will be tried, too, in the Babri demolition case, after he loses immunity as governor

By Sujit Bhar

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (April 19) struck a major legal and political blow to the entrenched old guard of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), when it ordered that leaders such as Lal Krishna Advani (who has been informally proposed to be the next President by Prime Minster Narendra Modi), Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti be brought back in the dock as accused in the 1992 (December 6) Babri Masjid demolition case.

Not only that; the top court of the country also ordered that Kalyan Singh, who was chief minister of Uttar Pradesh when the mosque was brought down by ‘kar sevaks’ and who is now Governor of Rajasthan, will enjoy immunity from prosecution only as long as he holds that post. He will also join the rest of the accused in the dock when his term as governor ends. If he completes his full term, he will be up for prosecution in late 2019.L K Advani UNI

Technically, this time period is a little over the two-year time frame that the Supreme Court has decided upon, to finish the case in a time-bound manner, with day-to-day hearings. However, those are details that remain as variables and could change with time.

The order, issued by the bench of Justices Pinaki Chandra Ghose and Rohinton Fali Nariman, also states that the two cases, now being heard in a court in Rae Bareily and another court in Lucknow, will be clubbed together and be heard in Lucknow. While the Rae Bareily court was dealing with the involvement of the said leaders, the Lucknow court was hearing petitions against “unknown” kar sevaks.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492593690307{background-color: #e0e0e0 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1492593743241{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;border-top-width: 10px !important;border-right-width: 10px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;border-left-width: 10px !important;background-color: #e0e0e0 !important;}”]SECTION 120B OF THE INDIAN PENAL CODE

The application of the section depends on the reading by the courts. The punishment can finally be light, but the very act of including 120b in the chargesheet implies that even leaders of the category of Advani and others can be tried as common accused.

120B. Punishment of criminal conspiracy:

(1) Whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy to commit an offence punishable with death, 2[imprisonment for life] or rigorous imprisonment for a term of two years or upwards, shall, where no express provision is made in this Code for the punishment of such a conspiracy, be punished in the same manner as if he had abetted such offence.

(2) Whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy other than a criminal conspiracy to commit an offence punishable as aforesaid shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding six months, or with fine or with both.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The enormity of the Supreme Court’s decision lies in the application, yet again, of the Indian Penal Code’s Section 120b on the leaders, which pertains to criminal conspiracy (See BOX). While a trial court had included their names in the chargesheet, the Allahabad High Court had later acquitted the leaders on technical grounds. This order of the Supreme Court, effectively nullifies that high court order.

This order of the apex court comes in reply to a CBI petition, asking for reinstatement of the leaders in the chargesheet, challenging the high court order.

Kalyan singhThe act of demolition of the 16th century mosque had resulted in widespread communal riots across the country, with hundreds killed. The CBI contends that these leaders, led by the now 89-year-old Advani, were responsible for fomenting trouble and bringing down the mosque, creating massive communal disharmony.

Here are the other parts of this historic order by the SC:

  1. No adjournment shall be given on any ground.
  2. Sessions court to complete trial within 2 years.
  3. No transfer of judge until the proceedings are completed.
  4. Day-to-day hearing.
  5. No de novo
  6. The Sessions judge can approach SC whenever it feels that the order is not complied in letter and spirit.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492593690307{background-color: #e0e0e0 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1492593889546{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;border-top-width: 10px !important;border-right-width: 10px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;border-left-width: 10px !important;background-color: #e0e0e0 !important;}”]Will not quit: Bharti

Uma Bharti UNIThe 57-year-old Uma Bharti, Cabinet Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, who has also been brought back to the accused list in the Babri demolition case by the Supreme Court, said on April 19 that come what may she won’t resign as minister. She said she was “ready to go to jail.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Political fallout

Murli Manohar joshi UNITechnically, this will not affect the current generation of leaders of the BJP. If anything – as experts have elucidated earlier – the current dispensation will, technically, be free of the overarching presence of ideologues from the past.

The method of letting the old out to ‘vanavas’ probably resonates with the current dispensation’s thought process.  It is not sure, though, if this thought process would filter down to even newer generations within the party, with probably one day even Modi being let loose in front of Godhra riots hearings.

For the time being, though, it is a major loss of face for the BJP. It has to calibrate its response carefully to this judgement.

(Written with inputs from India Legal team)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

India News

Parliament winter session: Government lists 15 bills, including Waqf bill

The session will kick off on November 25 and conclude on December 20.

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The government has listed five new ones and one to amend the contentious Waqf law out of 15 bills for the winter session of Parliament. The session will kick off on November 25 and conclude on December 20.

The government has introduced five new bills, including the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, which aims to promote coasting trade and increase the participation of Indian-flagged vessels owned and operated by Indian citizens for both national security and commercial purposes.

Another significant legislation that will be introduced by the government is the Indian Ports Bill, 2024. This bill is designed to implement measures for the conservation of ports, enhance security, and manage pollution, ensuring compliance with India’s international obligations and statutory requirements.

Additionally, the government plans to introduce the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, which aims to meet India’s obligations under maritime treaties and support the development of Indian shipping while ensuring the efficient operation of the Indian mercantile marine in a way that serves national interests.

Pending legislation includes the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which is awaiting consideration and passage after the joint committee of both Houses submits its report to the Lok Sabha. The committee is expected to report by the end of the first week of the winter session.

Currently, there are eight bills, including the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, pending in the Lok Sabha, while two additional bills are in the Rajya Sabha.

Furthermore, the government has also listed the Punjab Courts (Amendment) Bill for introduction, consideration, and passage, which seeks to increase the pecuniary appellate jurisdiction of Delhi district courts from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.

The Merchant Shipping Bill, along with the Coastal Shipping Bill and the Indian Ports Bill, is slated for introduction and eventual passage.

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International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant against Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu over war crimes

The court accused Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Gallant of crimes against humanity, including murder, persecution, inhumane acts, and the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare.

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International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant against Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu over war crimes

The International Criminal Court (ICC) today issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The court accused Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Gallant of crimes against humanity, including murder, persecution, inhumane acts, and the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare. The leaders allegedly restricted essential supplies such as food, water, and medical aid to civilians in Gaza, resulting in severe humanitarian crises and deaths, including among children.

Last year in October, Israel had launched attacks on Gaza in retaliation for the surprise attack by Hamas. The Israel-Hamas war has led to the death of thousands of civilians, while lakhs have been displaced. The major infrastructures in Gaza, including hospitals and schools, were also destroyed as Israel vowed to wipe out Hamas.

The International Criminal Court stated that it found reasonable grounds to believe the accused intentionally targeted civilians and limited medical supplies, forcing unsafe medical procedures, which caused immense suffering. This ruling was based on the findings from at least October 8, 2023 until at least May 20, 2024.

The court remarked that it has assessed that there are reasonable grounds to believe that PM Netanyahu and Defence Minister Gallant bear criminal responsibility as civilian superiors for the war crime of intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population of Gaza.

Furthermore, it also noted that the lack of food, water, electricity and fuel, and medical supplies created conditions of life calculated to bring about the destruction of part of the civilian population in Gaza, leading to death of civilians, including children due to malnutrition and dehydration.

Additionally, the International Criminal Court dismissed two challenges by Israel against its jurisdiction in the situation in the State of Palestine.

Notably, Israel had contested the ICC’s jurisdiction, claiming it could not be exercised without Israel’s consent. Nonetheless, the Chamber ruled that the Court has jurisdiction based on Palestine’s territorial scope, including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. It further noted that Israel’s objections were premature, as jurisdictional challenges under the Rome Statute can only be made after an arrest warrant is issued.

Reportedly, Israel had also requested a fresh notification regarding the investigation, started in 2021. Denying the request, the court stated that Israel had earlier declined to request a deferral, making additional notifications unnecessary.

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Yogi Adityanath accords tax-free status to Sabarmati Report film in Uttar Pradesh

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have also praised this film.

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday accorded a tax-free status to ‘The Sabarmati Report’ film, based on the train burning incident at Godhra in Gujarat in 2002, in the state.

The announcement was made after Chief Minister Adityanath attended the screening of Vikrant Massey and Raashii Khanna-starrer ‘The Sabarmati Report’ in Lucknow with the film’s cast.  

Speaking to reporters, actor Vikrant Massey thanked the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister for making ‘The Sabarmati Report’ film tax-free in the state. “I want to thank Yogi Adityanath ji. This is an important film and I appeal to everyone to go and watch this film,” he said.

Chief Minister Adityanath along with many of his cabinet colleagues watched the film ‘The Sabarmati Report’ under a special screening at a cinema hall in the capital, said a spokesperson of the state government.

Several people associated with the film unit were also present on the occasion. Later the chief minister announced to make this film tax-free in UP.

The BJP-ruled states have been praising the makers of The Sabarmati Report, claiming the team has tried to bring out this truth in front of the people of the country through the film.

The saffron party is appealing to people to watch this film and try to get closer to the truth of Godhra.

Uttar Pradesh becomes the sixth BJP-ruled state after Haryana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat to declare lead actors Vikrant Massey and Raashii Khanna’s film tax-free.

Adityanath said along with identifying the faces of those who are conspiring against the country for political gains, there is also a need to expose them. The film team has discharged its responsibilities to expose the truth, he said, adding an attempt has been made to bring the real truth in front of the country in a big way through the film.

The Sabarmati Report is said to be based on the incident of setting fire to a train full of ‘karsevaks’ in Godhra on February 27, 2002, killing 90 devotees. After this incident, communal riots broke out in Gujarat. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have also praised this film.

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