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Supreme Court issues notice to Centre over delay in judicial appointments

The bench also highlighted that Senior Advocate Aditya Sondhi’s elevation to the Karnataka High Court was reiterated in September 2021.

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Supreme Court judicial appointments

The Supreme Court on Friday sent a notice to the Union Law Secretary for delayed or withheld appointment of judges to the apex court and the High Courts. A petition was filed over the delay in clearing the names approved by the Collegium for judicial appointments.

A bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Abhay Sreeniwas Oka said the government had not made any judicial appointments on several occasions despite the approval of the names by the Apex Court Collegium.

The bench argued that after a second reiteration, the Centre only needed to issue an appointment. The court termed the delay in judicial appointments not acceptable and wondered if the inaction was a ploy to compel eminent persons onto the Bench.

The bench also highlighted that Senior Advocate Aditya Sondhi’s elevation to the Karnataka High Court was reiterated in September 2021. Sondhi withdrew his consent for the judgeship in February this year after no approval regarding his appointment was made.

The bench also said one of the names reiterated Jaytosh Majumdar who was to be elevated to Calcutta High Court has now passed away.

Further, Senior Advocate Vikas Singh who appeared for the petitioner stressed that the Centre has not approved the recommendation regarding the elevation of Chief Justice Dipankar Dutta, whose name was proposed five weeks ago, to the Supreme Court for the past weeks.

Singh also pointed out that the Apex Court itself has seven judicial vacancies out of 34 judges. The vacancies in 25 High Courts number 335 out of a total sanctioned strength of 1108 judges, as of November 1.

The Court also highlighted the 11 names in the petition which include Jaytosh Majumdar (Advocate), Amitesh Banerjee (Advocate), Raja Basu Chowdhury (Advocate), Lapita Banerji (Advocate), Moksha Kazmi (Advocate), Rahul Bharti (Advocate), Nagendra Ramachandra Naik (Advocate), Aditya Sondhi (Advocate), J Umesh Chandra Sharma (Judicial Officer), Syed Waiz Mian (Judicial Officer), and Sakya Sen (Advocate).

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Maharashtra MLC Polls: MVA finalizes 15 seats, tussle remains over two key constituencies

The Maha Vikas Aghadi has ironed out differences across 15 Maharashtra Legislative Council seats, leaving Nashik and Nanded as the final points of contention between Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT).

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The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which includes Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), has successfully reached a seat-sharing understanding for 15 out of 17 seats in the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council elections. While a major breakthrough has been achieved, the alliance is currently witnessing a stalemate over Nashik and Nanded, as multiple constituent partners assert their presence in these regions.

According to sources, the distribution plan was designed to prevent internal rifts by respecting the geographic and organizational strongholds of each party.

Congress secures maximum share of seats

Under the initial draft layout, Congress has come out as the largest stakeholder with seven seats in its quota. The party has been assigned constituencies across northern Maharashtra, western Maharashtra, and Vidarbha, where its ground-level network remains sturdy.

The locations likely allocated to Congress feature Solapur, Chandrapur, Yavatmal, Bhandara, Dharashiv, Amravati, and Ahilyanagar. To gear up for the electoral challenge, state party president Harshvardhan Sapkal has already designated senior leaders to observe and coordinate at the constituency level.

Five seats assigned to Uddhav Thackeray faction

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has been allotted five seats under the proposed arrangement, focusing its reach on the Konkan region and Marathwada. The seats projected for the party encompass Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalgaon, Hingoli, Raigad, and Parbhani.

Concurrently, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction is expected to field its candidates from three constituencies: Thane, Pune, and the joint Satara-Sangli seat. Even though Thane has been known as a core stronghold of the traditional Shiv Sena, evolving dynamics inside state politics led to this assignment during discussions.

Stalemate over two key constituencies

Despite finding common ground on most locations, Nashik and Nanded continue to be sources of disagreement. Media reports show that both Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) want the Nashik seat, pointing to their local machinery. On the other hand, Nanded has traditionally stayed a bastion for Congress, but shifting political landscapes have led to claims from alliance partners too.

Leaders from the opposition have stressed that their core objective is to challenge the ruling Mahayuti coalition and prevent votes from splitting through friendly contests. Senior members are expected to hold more rounds of talks over the coming days to untangle the deadlock.

Ruling alliance formula takes shape

Sources close to the matter suggest that the ruling Mahayuti coalition has also neared completion of its election blueprint. Under their anticipated plan, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction might contest Pune and Raigad, whereas the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is tipped to take over Nashik, Thane, Parbhani, and Yavatmal. The remaining council seats are expected to be contested by the BJP.

Political experts are keeping a sharp watch on prospective inner rebellion inside the ruling camp, especially in regions like Nashik and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where disgruntled figures might look to explore options alongside independent candidates.

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US-Iran talks move closer as $300 billion investment proposal emerges

The United States and Iran are said to be nearing a preliminary agreement that could include sanctions relief, access to frozen Iranian assets, a Lebanon ceasefire framework and a proposed $300 billion reconstruction-linked investment plan.

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The United States and Iran are reportedly edging closer to a preliminary agreement that could temporarily ease tensions in the Middle East while opening the door for wider negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and regional security.

According to reports, the evolving framework may include discussions around a proposed $300 billion reconstruction and investment mechanism for Iran if a final agreement is eventually reached. The proposal is said to involve international investment support facilitated with US backing.

Lebanon and Strait of Hormuz among major discussion points

One of the key elements under discussion reportedly concerns reducing hostilities involving Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The issue has emerged as a sensitive component of the broader negotiations, especially amid continued military activity in the region.

The talks are also focused on restoring commercial shipping movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a globally significant energy corridor disrupted during the ongoing conflict. Reports suggest Iran may be expected to help restore safe maritime navigation, while the United States could gradually ease aspects of its blockade depending on progress during negotiations.

Sanctions relief and frozen assets under consideration

Negotiators are also reportedly discussing phased sanctions relief and potential access to billions of dollars in Iranian funds frozen abroad. Iran has long demanded the release of such assets as part of any broader understanding with Washington.

The draft understanding is also expected to include commitments related to Iran’s nuclear activities, including further negotiations on enriched uranium stockpiles and assurances linked to nuclear weapons development.

Key differences still remain unresolved

Despite signs of progress, several differences reportedly remain unresolved between the two sides. Questions continue over the exact wording of the proposed framework, the duration of any ceasefire arrangement and the timeline for easing restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Reports also indicate that mediation efforts involving regional actors, including Pakistan and Qatar, have played a major role in facilitating indirect talks between Washington and Tehran.

While officials from both sides have signalled progress, no final agreement has yet been formally announced.

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Siddaramaiah to step down as Karnataka Chief Minister, names DK Shivakumar as successor

In a major political development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced his decision to step down, clearing the path for his deputy, DK Shivakumar, to assume leadership.

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Bringing the curtain down on a long-standing leadership dispute within the state ruling party, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Thursday morning that he will resign from his post. The significant announcement was made during a breakfast meeting hosted at his official residence, ‘Kaveri’, in Bengaluru, where senior cabinet ministers and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar were present.

Siddaramaiah informed his cabinet colleagues that he will formally tender his resignation at 3:00 PM. He further requested the ministers to extend their support to DK Shivakumar, declaring him as the next Chief Minister of the state.

A graceful transition of power

The breakfast meeting, which featured traditional Kannada dishes like masala dosa, idli, and kesaribath, served as a poignant farewell from the veteran leader who recently completed three years of his second term in office. Ministers present at the gathering described the atmosphere as emotional yet graceful. While some cabinet members broke down in tears following the announcement, Siddaramaiah remained poised, expressing his gratitude to the team for their cooperation during his tenure.

Ahead of the formal discussions, the two top leaders displayed a strong message of camaraderie and unity. Images released from the residence showed DK Shivakumar touching the Chief Minister’s feet to seek his blessings, followed by a warm embrace between the duo. Following the meeting, the state party unit shared these images on social media with a caption emphasizing that unity remains their core strength and public service their eternal commitment.

High command intervention ends long-standing dispute

The decision follows 48 hours of intense consultations in New Delhi with the party’s central leadership, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Media reports indicate that the party high command actively facilitated the transition, offering the outgoing Chief Minister a national role, which includes a Rajya Sabha seat.

As the Governor is currently out of the state on personal matters, Siddaramaiah is expected to hand over his resignation letter to the Governor’s secretary at Raj Bhavan. Following the formal acceptance of the resignation, a Legislature Party meeting will be convened to officially elect Shivakumar as the new leader before the scheduled swearing-in ceremony. Meanwhile, celebrations have already erupted outside Shivakumar’s residence, where supporters gathered to distribute sweets and chant slogans welcoming his upcoming elevation.

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