Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday, April 13, paid heartfelt tributes to the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, emphasizing the enduring courage and sacrifice of those who lost their lives. The tragic event, where British colonial forces fired on unarmed protesters in Amritsar, remains a poignant symbol of India’s struggle for freedom.

In a post on X, Modi wrote, “We pay homage to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh. Their indomitable spirit will forever inspire coming generations.” Reflecting on the massacre’s significance, he added, “It was a dark chapter in our nation’s history, but their sacrifice became a turning point in India’s fight for independence.”

The massacre occurred when hundreds of peaceful demonstrators, gathered to oppose the repressive Rowlatt Acts, were gunned down without warning by British troops at Jallianwala Bagh, leaving a deep scar on India’s collective memory.

Echoing similar sentiments, Gandhi stated, “I offer my humble tribute to the brave martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.” He described the tragedy as “a stark reminder of a dictatorial regime’s cruelty, one this country will never forget.” Gandhi stressed that the martyrs’ stand against injustice continues to motivate future generations to resist oppression and fight for justice.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also honoured the fallen, saying, “We bow our heads to the immortal martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh.” He praised the unarmed freedom fighters for their patriotism, courage, and selfless sacrifice, noting, “Their unforgettable contribution to the freedom struggle will live on forever in the heart of a grateful nation.”

On this day in 1919, British troops unleashed horror at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, gunning down over 1,000 unarmed civilians protesting the draconian Rowlatt Acts. General Reginald Dyer’s orders turned a peaceful gathering into a bloodbath, trapping men, women, and children in the walled garden. The massacre ignited nationwide fury, becoming a pivotal moment in India’s independence struggle. Now a memorial, the site stands as a solemn tribute to the martyrs’ unyielding spirit.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is likely to file a review petition against the Supreme Court’s April 8 verdict which asserted judicial oversight over delays by Governors in assenting to Bills passed by State legislatures. The ruling also mandated a three-month deadline for the President to act on Bills forwarded by Governors.

According to senior government sources, the petition is currently being prepared. Officials argue that the verdict imposes rigid timelines and could alter constitutional procedures concerning the legislative process at the state level.

Centre raises concerns over potential revival of lapsed Bills

A key point of contention, officials say, is that the ruling opens a pathway for previously lapsed Bills to be revived. One official noted that the judgement enables the restoration of a Bill that should have been considered void after the President withheld assent or returned it. Under constitutional norms, such legislation must be reintroduced in the State Assembly.

“The judgement does not account for the fact that once assent is withheld or a Bill is returned by the President, it lapses and requires fresh passage,” the official remarked.

The issue stems from a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu government in November 2023, after the State’s Governor indefinitely delayed assent to ten Bills, some dating back to 2020. Following the apex court’s decision, the Tamil Nadu government notified the ten Acts in its Gazette on Saturday, treating them as having received “deemed assent.”

MHA questions Supreme Court’s timeline stipulation

Officials have also taken issue with the three-month timeline imposed by the court, arguing that such fixed deadlines are not appropriate in all legislative contexts. “The timelines decided by the court will also have to be reconsidered,” an official said.

The review will be filed before the same Bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan, which delivered the April 8 verdict.

The MHA, under Article 201 of the Constitution, acts as the nodal agency for coordinating the President’s response to state legislation. The President can deny assent to a Bill on grounds including conflict with central laws, divergence from national policy, or legal and constitutional issues.

Stand-up comedian and YouTuber Jaspreet Singh appeared before the Assam Police’s Crime Branch in Guwahati on Saturday, April 12, for questioning in a case accusing him and four others of promoting obscenity through a publicly accessible online show. The case, filed on February 10, alleges that the content featured sexually explicit and vulgar discussions, offending public decency and morality.

A police officer confirmed that Singh met with the investigating officer (IO) in the afternoon, where his statement was recorded. “He was examined thoroughly as part of the ongoing probe,” the officer stated. Singh’s appearance follows that of fellow YouTuber Samay Raina, who was questioned on April 5.

Of the accused, only Apoorva Makhija has yet to appear, having previously cited being out of the country alongside Singh in emails to the police, prompting fresh summons.

The Guwahati Police initiated the case against Singh, Raina, Ranveer Allahabadia, Ashish Chanchlani, Makhija, and others, including the owner of the venue where the controversial show was filmed.

The charges fall under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Information Technology Act, the Cinematograph Act of 1952, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act of 1986, reflecting the severity of the allegations.

Allahabadia faced questioning on March 7, cooperating fully during a session lasting over four hours and pledging continued assistance, including future visits to Guwahati if required.

The Supreme Court granted him protection from arrest but labeled his remarks in the show as “vulgar.” Chanchlani, the first to appear on February 27, secured anticipatory bail from the Gauhati High Court on February 7.