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Citing inordinate delay, SC dismisses CBI plea against discharge of Hinduja Bros in Bofors case

Published

6 years ago

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Bofors scandal

A CBI plea challenging 2005 Delhi High Court order discharging Hinduja brothers in Rs 64 crore Bofors kickbacks case was dismissed by the Supreme Court today (Friday, November 2).

The CBI in its petition had blamed the UPA government for its silence all these 13 years. Interestingly, it chose to take it up when the Narendra Modi government faces elections in a few months and is under attack over Rafale deal.

The SC bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the special leave petition (SLP) by the CBI had been “filed after an inordinate delay” and that it was not convinced with the grounds given by the CBI filing the appeal against the Delhi High Court verdict after so many years.

“We are not convinced… we do not like to entertain,” Chief Justice Gogoi told Attorney General KK Venugopal, representing the CBI.

However, the court said that the CBI, which is a party in an identical appeal filed by a private person, advocate and BJP worker Ajay Agarwal, against the High Court order discharging the billionaire Hinduja brothers – Srichand, Gopichand and Prakash. That appeal is still pending in the Supreme Court and the court suggested that CBI court argue its grounds in that appeal.

The Bofors arms deal, worth Rs 1,437-crore, was made between India and Swedish arms manufacturer AB Bofors for the supply of 400 units of 155-mm Howitzer guns for the Indian Army on March 24, 1986, when the late Rajiv Gandhi was Prime Minister of India.

Revelations by the Swedish Radio, on April 16, 1987, that AB Bofors had allegedly paid bribes to top Indian politicians and defence personnel to secure the deal, had kicked up a political storm against the Rajiv Gandhi government in India and the ensuing tirade by Opposition leaders of the time, and Rajiv’s estranged ministerial colleague, VP Singh, is still believed to be the biggest trigger for the Congress’ defeat in the 1989 Lok Sabha polls.

The CBI had registered an FIR in 1990 against Martin Ardbo, the then chief of AB Bofors for alleged offences of criminal conspiracy, cheating and forgery under the Indian Penal Code and other sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. FIR was registered against alleged middleman Win Chadda and the Hinduja brothers also. The first charge sheet in the matter was filed on October 22, 1999 against Chadda, Ottavio Quattrocchi, the then defence secretary SK Bhatnagar, Ardbo and the Bofors company. A supplementary charge sheet in the case was filed against the Hinduja brothers on October 9, 2000.

A special CBI court, on March 4, 2011, discharged Quattrocchi from the case, saying the country could not afford to spend hard-earned money on his extradition which had already cost Rs 250 crore. Later, on May 31, 2005, the Delhi High Court had also discharged the Hinduja brothers from the case.

Challenging the order, the CBI accused the UPA-I government for the delay in filing this appeal against a scam which “jeopardised national and public interest”, said a report in The Hindu.

In a separate application seeking to explain the delay of a dozen years, the CBI said it wanted to challenge the “legally unsustainable” order of the High Court, but the UPA-I government of the time denied it permission to come to the Supreme Court.

“While the petitioner-CBI was of the view that the impugned order is legally unsustainable and should be challenged before this Hon’ble Court, ultimately a decision was taken not to challenge the impugned order on the basis of the views expressed by the Government of India and the law officers who dealt with the matter at that stage, as the Government denied permission to the CBI to approach this Hon’ble Court,” the application said.

Further, the agency cited a development in 2017 which “fundamentally alters the landscape” in the Bofors scam case and said it was the primary reason for it to approach the Supreme Court.

This “most significant development” is an interview given by Michael Hershman to an Indian TV channel. “In the said interview, Mr. Hershman has stated that he is in possession of material which would show the payment of bribes in the Bofors deal, and that the involvement of powerful persons may be the reason for the checkered history of this case. The statements made by Mr. Hershman go to the very root of the matter,” the CBI told the apex court, while placing on record the transcript of the interview.

The CBI said it has already moved the trial court concerned under Section 173 (8) of the Criminal Procedure Code for further investigation in the case. But the 2005 High Court order stands as a roadblock and the SC has to remove it, hence the appeal.

It said the High Court quashed the proceedings in an arbitrary manner saying that the documentary evidence obtained by the CBI from authorities in Sweden were “neither available in original nor as duly authenticated copies”.

The High Court had said it would be “cruel joke on the accused to expose them to a long and arduous trial and waste public time and money” on the basis of such evidence.

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India News

Russia open to discuss peace talks with US amid Ukraine ceasefire proposal

Russia has indicated a willingness to discuss a Ukraine peace initiative with the US, with talks potentially starting today. A 30-day ceasefire has been proposed.

Published

7 hours ago

on

March 13, 2025

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Russia, US, Ukraine flags ahead of potential peace talks

Moscow has expressed readiness to engage in discussions with the United States regarding a peace initiative on Ukraine. The announcement came from Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, who confirmed that diplomatic contacts could happen as early as Thursday.

Following high-level discussions between US and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposal, which the US subsequently relayed to Moscow.

Russia signals willingness for dialogue

Zakharova stated, “We are ready to discuss the initiatives set out there in future contacts with the United States. Such contacts are already possible as early as today.”

The Kremlin also confirmed that US negotiators were en route to Russia. Additionally, Russian foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov and US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz spoke over the phone on Wednesday, signaling active diplomatic engagement.

A potential step towards de-escalation?

The development marks a potential shift in the prolonged conflict, with Russia indicating a willingness to discuss peace terms. However, the outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, with both sides maintaining firm positions on key issues.

As diplomatic efforts continue, the international community is closely monitoring whether this latest initiative will lead to meaningful de-escalation or if the conflict will persist without resolution.

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Cricket news

No Pakistani player picked in The Hundred 2025: Here’s why

Pakistani players were not selected in The Hundred 2025 draft, leading to concerns over a ‘soft ban’ following IPL franchise investments. Scheduling conflicts may also be a reason.

Published

8 hours ago

on

March 13, 2025

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The Hundred, Pakistan cricket, IPL franchises, PCB NoC, England cricket, cricket news, SA20, Pakistan players

In a surprising development, not a single Pakistani cricketer was selected in the 2025 draft for The Hundred, raising speculation about a possible ‘soft ban’ following the involvement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises in the tournament.

A total of 45 Pakistani players had registered for the men’s draft, while five female cricketers were also in contention. While Pakistani women have not been selected in the past, this marks the first instance of no men’s cricketers being picked since the league’s inception.

Possible IPL influence?

Four of the eight teams in The Hundred now have partial or complete ownership by IPL franchises: Oval Invincibles (Mumbai Indians), Manchester Originals (Lucknow Super Giants). Northern Superchargers (SunRisers Hyderabad) and Southern Brave (Delhi Capitals)

This scenario mirrors the SA20 league in South Africa, where no Pakistani cricketer has participated in three seasons, fuelling concerns over potential influence from IPL franchise owners.

Scheduling conflicts with Pakistan’s international commitments

However, reports suggest that the main reason for Pakistani players’ exclusion could be their uncertain availability. Pakistan is expected to play a three-match ODI and T20I series against the West Indies from late July to mid-August, coinciding with The Hundred’s schedule. There is also speculation about additional T20Is against Afghanistan and Bangladesh before the Asia Cup in September.

Furthermore, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has previously withheld No Objection Certificates (NoCs) for players, as seen last season when pacer Shaheen Afridi pulled out of The Hundred due to personal reasons, only to later be denied an NoC by the PCB.

ECB dismisses ownership concerns

Despite the speculation, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chair Richard Gould previously assured that Pakistani players’ participation in The Hundred would not be affected by ownership changes. “We’re aware of that in other regions, but that won’t be happening here,” Gould stated last month.

Meanwhile, no Indian male cricketers participated in the draft, consistent with the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) policy. However, Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma will represent London Spirit in the women’s competition.

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Festivals

Holi 2025 on March 14! Everything about Holika Dahan, Muhurat, and festivities

Holi 2025 will be celebrated on March 14, with Choti Holi (Holika Dahan) on March 13. Know all about the festival’s significance, rituals, and best places to celebrate.

Published

8 hours ago

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March 13, 2025

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Holi 2025 celebrations with colors and joy

Holi, one of India’s most vibrant and joyous festivals, will be celebrated on March 14, 2025. The festival, which marks the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring, is observed on the Purnima (full moon) day of the Hindu month of Phalguna.

The festival kicks off with Holika Dahan or Choti Holi on March 13, 2025. This ritual involves lighting a bonfire, symbolizing the burning away of negativity. The following day, March 14, is celebrated as Holi, when people come together to play with colors, sing, dance, and enjoy festive gatherings.

Choti Holi (Holika Dahan) – March 13, 2025

Holika Dahan is a significant ritual that takes place on the night before Holi. This event commemorates the legend of Prahlad and Holika, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness. Community bonfires are lit to signify the end of evil and the ushering in of positivity and renewal.

  • Purnima Tithi Begins – 10:35 AM on March 13, 2025
  • Purnima Tithi Ends – 12:23 PM on March 14, 2025

Holi – March 14, 2025

The main celebration takes place the next day, where people across the country engage in playing with Gulaal (colored powders), music, dance, and festive feasts. Holi is especially grand in regions like Mathura and Vrindavan, which hold historical significance with Lord Krishna. Other cities like Jaipur, Pushkar, and Udaipur also host extravagant and tourist-friendly Holi celebrations.

Regional and Cultural Celebrations

Holi is celebrated with different traditions across India:

  • Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon, where women playfully beat men with sticks.
  • Braj Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan, deeply rooted in Krishna’s legends.
  • Royal Holi in Rajasthan, where traditional festivities are accompanied by grand celebrations in palaces.

Holi 2025 is set to bring colors, joy, and festive spirit across India. With Choti Holi on March 13 and Holi on March 14, people will come together to spread happiness, enjoy delicious sweets, and celebrate the essence of togetherness.

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