The Supreme Court has ordered compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to those whose homes were demolished in Prayagraj while rapping the the Uttar Pradesh government and the Prayagraj administration for bulldozer action. It said the demolition drive in the city was both unconstitutional and inhuman.

The bench of Justice AS Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan said the demolition shocked their conscience. The bench reminded the UP government and the Prayagraj administration that there was something called right to shelter and the due process of law. It ordered Rs 10 lakh compensation for homeowners who had approached the court for relief.

The Apex Court had earlier slammed the UP government for razing the homes of a lawyer, a professor and some others without following due procedure. They had pleaded before the court that they had been issued notices just the night before the demolition.

The petitioners’ lawyer had told the court that the authorities mistakenly identified the land on which their homes were built as belonging to gangster Atiq Ahmed, who was shot dead in 2023.

The court hauled up the authorities for the way in which demolition notices were served. When the State counsel said the notices were pasted at the properties, the court asked why they were sent by registered post.

Justice Oka said the practice of affixing notices must be stopped. People have lost houses because of this. The only way to get the authorities to follow due process is by penalising them Rs 10 lakh in each case so that they will remember and stick to due process.

“These cases shock our conscience. Residential premises of the appellants have been high handedly demolished in matter which we have discussed in detail,” the court said in its order.

The bench noted people whose houses were demolished weren’t given reasonable opportunity to respond to the notice. The authorities must remember that right to shelter is an integral part of Article 21 of the Constitution. Going ahead with such demolition in such a way shows the development authority’s insensitivity, it said.

Referring to a viral video from Ambedkar Nagar in UP where a girl is seen holding her books as her home is being razed, Justice Bhuyan said everyone is upset about such scenes.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Monday hit back at the BJP after its leaders twisted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remark on religion during an event on the occasion of Eid in Kolkata.

Dismissing the BJP accusations against Banerjee of insulting the Hindu religion, Trinamool Congress state vice president Jaiprakash Majumdar said that the party supremo has never criticised the Hindu religion but has consistently opposed the BJP’s communal agenda.

“She has always spoken out against the BJP’s divisive politics, positioning itself as the self-appointed custodian of Hindu interests,” Majumdar said.

During an Eid celebration in Kolkata, CM Banerjee stated, “I adhere to the principles of Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami Vivekananda, and I do not subscribe to the ‘ganda dharam’ propagated by some factions, including the BJP, who themselves are misaligned with true Hindu values.”

Retorting sharply to Banerjee’s remarks about the BJP’s “divisive politics,” the saffron party accused her of undermining Hindu beliefs, labelling the BJP’s ideology as contrary to the core tenets of Hinduism.

Addressing the gathering at Red Road in Kolkata, Banerjee urged citizens to remain vigilant against provocations that could spark communal unrest, affirming the state’s commitment to maintaining peace and harmony.

In reply, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, challenged Banerjee’s comments, asking, “Which faith are you labelling as ‘ganda’ (dirty)? Is it the Sanatan Hindu Dharma? Why would you use such incendiary language at an Eid celebration? Was this a religious observance or a political statement? Your words are sowing discord and animosity between communities.”

Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress supremo, further said that no religion advocates hatred towards others, criticizing political leaders and parties that exploit communal sentiments for their own gain. She cautioned against attempts to instigate riots, urging the public to resist such provocations.

“Efforts are underway to incite riots, but I implore you not to get ensnared by these tactics. The West Bengal government is dedicated to protecting minority rights, and we will not allow tensions to arise in the state,” she asserted.

Challenging the BJP further, Banerjee asked, “If the BJP has grievances with minorities, do they intend to amend the Constitution of the country?”

Reiterating her commitment to interfaith respect, she condemned the BJP’s divisive strategy, which she termed “jumla politics.”

Additionally, she criticized the Left, stating, “The ideologies of the Left and the BJP have converged, but rest assured, I will not allow any harm to befall you.”

Meanwhile, adding to his party leader in attacking the chief minister, BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya remarked, “Is Mamata Banerjee suggesting that Sanatan Dharma is ‘Ganda Dharam’? Amidst numerous riots targeting Hindus during her tenure, she belittles their faith and offers a platform for further hostility against them, even at an Eid celebration. This is unacceptable.”

Nidhi Tewari has been appointed as the private secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as officially announced in a memorandum issued by the central government. Tewari, a 2014-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, assumes this critical role following her previous position as Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) since November 2022.

In her earlier role, Tewari worked as an Under Secretary in the Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). There, she handled vital responsibilities related to External Affairs, Atomic Energy, and Security Affairs. Additionally, she managed issues pertaining to the state of Rajasthan, showcasing her diverse expertise in both domestic and international matters.

The formal appointment of Tewari, effective immediately, was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. This decision was documented in a memorandum issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on March 29, indicating a structured process behind her selection.

Tewari’s journey to this notable position reflects not only her dedication but also her impressive track record in civil services. She secured the 96th rank in the 2013 Civil Services Examination, a testament to her hard work and determination. Originally from Mehmurganj in Varanasi, which has been Prime Minister Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency since 2014, her professional background adds a layer of significance to her appointment.

Before entering the Indian Foreign Service, Tewari worked as an Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax) in Varanasi. Balancing her job responsibilities while preparing for the Civil Services Examination speaks volumes about her ability to manage challenging tasks effectively.

With Nidhi Tewari’s appointment, Prime Minister Modi now has his third private secretary, following Vivek Kumar and Hardik Satishchandra Shah, who have both previously held the position. Tewari’s extensive experience and familiarity with various affairs make her well-suited for this influential role, as she steps into a vital position within the Prime Minister’s close circle. Her diverse background and commitment to public service are expected to serve her well in this new capacity.