In a significant legal development, the Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed a petition by the BJP, which had sought a directive for a special sitting of the Delhi Assembly to table several audit reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The court emphasized that while the tabling of such reports is mandatory under the Constitution, there was no compelling need to summon an extraordinary session of the legislative body at this time.

Justice Sachin Datta, who was presiding over the case, observed that there had been a considerable delay on the part of the Delhi government in addressing the matter. However, he clarified that the court was not inclined to compel the Speaker of the Delhi Assembly to call for a special sitting, particularly as the state was heading into elections.

The petition, filed by BJP’s opposition leader Vijender Gupta alongside several other party legislators, including Mohan Singh Bisht, Om Prakash Sharma, and Ajay Kumar Mahawar, among others, had called for the immediate tabling of the CAG audit reports. They argued that the government’s failure to do so had impeded transparency and accountability in the state’s financial governance.

The petitioners, represented by senior advocates Neeraj and Satya Ranjan Swain, claimed that the reports contained critical findings and should be presented before the Assembly at the earliest. In response, the counsel for the Delhi government and the Speaker opposed the plea, arguing that the timing of the request, just before the elections, was politically motivated. They asserted that the delay in tabling the reports did not constitute an immediate or urgent issue.

Justice Datta’s ruling came as a relief to the ruling AAP, which has faced significant political pressure ahead of the upcoming elections. The decision underscores the court’s reluctance to intervene in the procedural workings of the legislature, especially in the run-up to an election, unless there is an explicit violation of constitutional duties.

Despite this setback for the BJP, the court’s comments highlight the constitutional requirement for audit reports to be presented in the Assembly. The issue, while not immediately resolved through judicial intervention, remains a point of contention between the AAP government and the opposition.

As the election date approaches, this ruling adds another layer to the ongoing political battle between the ruling party and its rivals in Delhi.

In a move that offers much-needed relief to consumers grappling with rising living costs, Amul, one of India’s leading dairy brands, has announced a price reduction on three of its popular milk variants. The price cut, effective immediately, affects the 1kg packs of Amul Gold, Amul Taaza, and Amul Tea Special, each seeing a reduction of ₹1.

The announcement was made by Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), the entity that operates the Amul brand. Mehta emphasized the company’s commitment to its consumers, stating that the decision to lower prices was made with the intention of providing relief without compromising the high-quality Amul is known for. He underscored Amul’s dedication to serving its customers and ensuring accessibility to essential dairy products.

The ₹1 reduction may seem modest, but its impact is significant, particularly considering the current economic climate. The rising cost of essential commodities has placed a considerable strain on household budgets across the country, making even small price adjustments on staples like milk a welcome development. Amul’s decision reflects an understanding of these economic pressures and a proactive response to alleviate some of the burden on consumers.

Amul’s extensive reach across India means this price reduction will benefit millions. The brand holds a prominent position in the daily lives of countless Indian families, making its products a staple in countless households.

The price cut underscores Amul’s role not just as a major dairy producer, but also as a brand responsive to the needs and challenges faced by its consumers. This move is likely to be seen as a positive step, demonstrating corporate social responsibility amidst challenging economic times.

The reduction is expected to provide tangible relief, even if small, to consumers across the nation, further strengthening Amul’s image as a brand committed to its consumers’ well-being. The timely price adjustment aligns with the brand’s long-standing commitment to affordable and high-quality dairy products.

Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Friday that daughters are the symbol of strength, courage and dedication and emphasized the responsibility of providing a secure and promising future for girls.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he eloquently described daughters as symbols of strength, courage, and unwavering dedication, brimming with hopes and aspirations for a better tomorrow. He issued a powerful call to action, urging a commitment to granting full rights to this half of the population, underscoring the inherent injustice of denying them equal opportunities.

National Girl Child Day, observed annually on January 24 in India, serves as a crucial platform to advocate for the rights, education, and well-being of girls. This year, the day saw prominent figures reiterate the urgent need for societal change to ensure a brighter future for the nation’s daughters.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge further reinforced the importance of gender equality as the cornerstone of true progress. He underscored the historical significance of National Girl Child Day, established in 2008 by the Congress-led UPA government, as a testament to India’s constitutional commitment to gender justice.

His message on X emphasized the need for a concerted effort to ensure girls receive quality education, essential healthcare, unwavering safety, and adequate nutrition. He framed the observance of this day not merely as a symbolic gesture but as a potent reminder to recommit to dismantling gender discrimination and providing every girl with the opportunities she rightfully deserves.

The origins of National Girl Child Day lie in the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s initiative to address the systemic inequalities faced by girls in India. The day’s significance extends beyond symbolic gestures; it serves as a vital catalyst for broader societal conversations. It highlights the persistent challenges girls face, including issues like female foeticide, the alarming decline in the sex ratio, and the pervasive biases that limit their potential.

National Girl Child Day provides an annual opportunity to assess progress, identify shortcomings, and galvanize collective action. It compels us to examine deeply entrenched societal attitudes and biases, to challenge discriminatory practices, and to advocate for policy changes that genuinely promote gender equality.

The ultimate goal is to create a society where every girl child has the chance to thrive, reaching her full potential without facing the barriers of gender discrimination. This requires a sustained and multifaceted approach, encompassing educational reforms, improved healthcare access, enhanced safety measures, and a concerted effort to challenge deeply ingrained societal norms.