Will UP's rural voters spring a surprise in this election?

Uttar Pradesh. Of the 23 crore population in India's largest state, nearly 70% or more are estimated to be living in rural areas. By simple logic, the socio-political sentiment in UP's villages then should have a defining impact on the election results here. Building on that argument, since farming is increasingly considered unviable and unprofitable, since rural incomes, rural consumption and expenditure are going down, and since migration to cities is unabated, the results should have gone against the ruling party. Yet, the state was more than kind to the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2019 (64 seats for the NDA), despite the fact that rural distress that year was as bad as it is now. Is it all because of free ration, housing and direct benefit transfer? Or did the math go awry because it is simplistic to draw a direct connection between rural distress and election results? The question becomes important as the causes of rural distress such as low income, unviable farming, lack of employment, migration and uncomfortable living conditions have remained unchanged especially for marginalised and small farmers even in 2024. They, and other unskilled or semi-skilled people have been thronging the cities to work as daily wage labourers, domestic helps, or doing odd jobs. But even then, most of them manage to retain their land holding (howsoever small) and do some farming by periodically going to their villages. Migration, one can say, has been a mitigating factor to their distress. But in recent years, those having mid-sized farms and own houses in UPs villages are encountering new challenges such as shortage of farm labourers, the menace of stray cattle and animals, corruption, high-handedness of village level government functionaries, and uneven implementation of welfare schemes. At election time, some of these issues have acquired an urgency that might have impacted the polling in last three phases, and may do so in the rest. Labour shortage The shortage of farm labourers is a problem faced by many farmers, regardless of the size of cultivable land. Many activities that involve the use of manual labour, for which traditionally men and women from the economically weaker sections in villages were hired as required. But over the last few years, the availability of work and money through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has led many people to shun manual farm labour. Also, the direct benefit transfer (DBT) of money for nutrition for expectant mothers, daughters, education, health, pension etc has led to an assured amount reaching them every month. As a result, farming is increasingly becoming difficult -- and less remunerative -- for land owners, unless they have their own manpower to handle the work. This is the story all over UP. As Rameshwar Khare in Mohammadi, near Lakhimpur Kheri says, We have sold off a part of our farm land as there is big shortage of farm labour and we intend to convert the land into something commercial. What are UP's Muslim voters up to in this Lok Sabha election? The land is fertile and he would like to retain the mango orchard as it does not require much tending. In village Baba Baldev Singh Ka Purwa in Barabanki, Dharam Pal says farming on their family land had become difficult as there were no labourers to be found in the season. So, they are planning to put it to some other use as the Purvanchal Expressway passing within a few kilometres might open new opportunities. For those not having commercially viable alternatives, it indeed is a tough call. Stray cattle menace Stray cattle and wild animals continue to be a big problem in most districts. The state government has been very strict about cow protection as a result of which there is an abundance of emaciated stray cattle roaming around. The destruction of standing crops by such animals is aggravated by the state government's order that no barbed wires should be used to fence fields. According to an agency report quoting the 2019 Livestock Census , there are over 1.90 crore cattle in Uttar Pradesh, including 62,04,304 milch cows and 23,36,151 dry cows. There are cow shelters but all are packed to capacity. The stray cattle menace has also added to farmers' economic woes as they do not know what to do with cows that have stopped giving milk. In May 2017, the Centre banned the sale of cattle for slaughter in animal markets across the country. This has led to a serious problem across the state and farmers blame the present government for it. If these grievances run truly deep, the voting behaviour is likely to be impacted. High-handedness Despite digitisation of government work, offices at the tehsil (sub-district) level continue to be hotbeds of corruption, inefficiency and high-handedness. Be it agriculture, Panchayati Raj, electricity, irrigation, land revenue, the junior officers and clerks work as per their convenience and seek favours even for small work. After every election, people expect change but that never comes. If the harassment is blatantly caste- or community-driven, then the sufferers decide to extract their revenge. It was evident in the vote for change in the 2017 Assembly election. Caste factor Caste and regional loyalties continue to play strong roles in socio-political decision-making in villages and will do so in the 2024 election that is a waveless one at the moment and seeing a return to regular politics. Caste tensions, favours done by local politicians and the apprehension of repercussions in case of an unfavourable verdict play upon the minds of the village people. An interesting anecdote in this regard comes from Ballia where local residents say a senior Samajwadi Party leader is helping the campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Neeraj Shekhar, out of deference for the latter's late father, the veteran Chandra Shekhar. Lack of employment Even though MNREGS has been a source of some relief, no substantive employment opportunities have come up in villages. Although self-help groups of women have flourished in many districts and success stories of small businesses being run by women in Ambedkar Nagar, Baghpat, Fatehpur, Lucknow, Gorakhpur have been well known. But, the repeated cancellation of examinations for recruitment to government vacancies following a paper leak, and delay in initiating the process of many other government recruitments has caused widespread resentment among the youth. In an interesting incident, many youths of Ballia had applied for and got government jobs in adjoining Bihar and are giving credit to the RJD-Congress combine that was in government with Nitish Kumar in Bihar then. They and their family members are now canvassing for the Samajwadi Party in UP. The importance of being Akhilesh Yadav in this Lok Sabha election The reduction of opportunity in defence forces because of Agniveer scheme has also angered the youth, says Om Prakash, a farmer in Ballia's Chhitikiya village. The other side If things are indeed so stark, then the sentiment should be against the ruling party all over the state. But it is not so. Undoubtedly, free foodgrains, free toilets, PM rural housing, women SHGs, meals in schools, money for books, copies, stationery, uniforms and socks, pension and insurance money coming into bank accounts have had their impact. Another big factor is that organised crime is now much less of a hazard in the state. The threat of extortion, kidnapping and bonded labour at the hands of criminal gangs has reduced drastically. In its place, crimes of passion and revenge have increased, but that generally does not have a bearing on how the law and order situation is perceived. According to police officials, there used to be crime syndicates in all districts, sometimes more than one in a big district. There has been an organized campaign to neutralise such gangs, and the impact is for all to see, says Vijay Kumar, former Director-General of Police (DGP) who served in this post from May 31, 2023 to January 31, 2024. He adds that there has been a big rise in convictions as well with prosecution being taken seriously. Under 'Operation Conviction' meant to speed up the sentencing process for serious crimes, 3,020 criminals were punished, with 3,000 receiving life imprisonment and 20 receiving the death penalty. Village life may not present the idyllic picture traditionally associated with it, but there are mobile phones in the hands of almost every village-dweller. The youth are engrossed in their screens or making videos to add to their social media feeds. More girls can be seen going to schools, and the desire to earn money by whatever means is perceptible everywhere. The road network in most villages has vastly improved, except for those in remote areas. The electricity supply is not round-the-clock yet, but has improved in last ten years -- the summer shortage notwithstanding. The handpumps continue to be the major source of water supply even as the Jal Jeewan Mission under the National Rural Drinking Water Project (NRDWP) is slowly making an impact. All things considered, community and faith compulsions, freebies, and the acceptability of a strong ruler may actually make voters from UP's villages forget the sources of their distress while pressing the button. The city that is no longer Allahabad

Islam Followers Cannot Claim Right To Live-In Relationship: Allahabad High Court On Married Muslim Man Living With Hindu Woman

Funds released for maths, science clubs in goverment schools in UP

State Project Office funds math and science clubs in 2,306 schools with Rs 2.3 crore. Monthly activities calendar set, led by top math scorers. Principal as patron, teacher as guide in educational clubs.

'Our army has ammunition stock to last till 6 months'

BJP Karnal MP Sanjay Bhatia praises PM Modi's leadership for strengthening the country in the last 10 years. He highlights soldiers' improved response to Pakistani attacks, claims army's ammunition stock, free food distribution, and vaccine diplomacy.

Facing civic neglect, Band Gali residents vow not to vote

Band Gali residents boycott Lok Sabha over poor amenities, neglected roads, and unmet promises by leaders, causing health issues. Encroachment worsens conditions, leading to dust-related breathing problems and back pain among residents.

Kangana Ranaut, Hema Malini and Smriti Irani to add star power to BJP campaign

BJP invites star campaigners Kangana, Hema, Smriti, Anurag for events in Allahabad and Phulpur. Panna Pramukhs to connect with voters. Various sammelans planned. Narendra Modi's rally, Amit Shah's roadshow included in campaigning efforts.

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LG Manoj Sinha receiving memento from the Alumni of Allahabad University at Raj Bhawan Srinagar.

LG Manoj Sinha receiving memento from the Alumni of Allahabad University at Raj Bhawan Srinagar. The post LG Manoj Sinha receiving memento from the Alumni of Allahabad University at Raj Bhawan Srinagar. appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Lt Governor addresses Allahabad University Alumni Meet at Raj Bhawan, Srinagar

Srinagar, May 07: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the Allahabad University Alumni Meet at Raj Bhawan today. In his address, the Lt Governor lauded the accomplishment of Alumni who have made their mark in various fields in India and abroad. Alumni are the brand ambassador of the institution. Given their links with alma-mater, they are [] The post Lt Governor addresses Allahabad University Alumni Meet at Raj Bhawan, Srinagar appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

Indian Bank plans to retain double-digit growth targets for FY25

Mr. Jain noted the merger of Allahabad Bank with Indian Bank had been positive with a substantial jump in net profit every year since FY21 from 3,005 crore to 8,063 crore in FY24

Shahi Idgah dispute: It's Waqf Board nature to 'encroach' any property, Hindu side to Allahabad HC

The Hindu side in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute has argued that the Waqf Board's practice of encroaching on property and declaring it as a waqf asset cannot be permitted. The Hindu side's counsel, Rina N Singh, stated that the Waqf Board's practice cannot be permitted. The Muslim side claimed that the property became a waqf property through a 1968 compromise, but the deity was not a party.

Jaiprakash Associates Declares Default on Rs 4,616 Crore Loans

Jaiprakash Associates Declares Default on Rs 4,616 Crore Loans Crisis-hit Jaypee Group's flagship firm Jaiprakash Associates has defaulted on loans worth Rs 4,616 crore, including principal and interest amount. In a regulatory filing late on Monday, Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAL) has informed that the company on April 30, defaulted on repayments of a principal amount of Rs 1,751 crore and interest of Rs 2,865 crore. ''Total borrowing (including interest) of the company is Rs 29,805 crore, repayable by 2037, against which only Rs 4,616 crore is overdue as on April 30, 2024,'' JAL said. The loans pertained to various banks, and the nature of the obligation is fund-based working capital, non-fund-based working capital, term loans and FCCBs (foreign currency convertible bonds). Out of the total borrowing of Rs 29,805 crore, the company said Rs 18,955 crore will be transferred to the proposed Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). For this, a Scheme of Arrangement duly approved by all the stakeholders, is pending for sanction of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The entire loan in any case is under restructuring, the company said. ''As a responsible borrower, the company has been taking tangible steps to reduce the borrowings. Post the proposed divestment of cement business and the restructuring under consideration, the borrowing will get almost to Nil, upon the implementation of revised restructuring plan,'' JAL said. Further, the company said that ICICI Bank had approached the NCLT Allahabad on the direction of the RBI under Section 7 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) 2016 against the company. It has contested the move. ''The matter is pending to be decided simultaneously with the Scheme of Arrangement for transfer of real estate to the SPV to be sanctioned by the NCLT,'' the filing said. JAL said that the State Bank of India has also filed a petition under section 7 of Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code 2016, against the company, before NCLT Allahabad. In September 2018, ICICI Bank filed an insolvency petition against JAL. SBI had also moved NCLT against JAL, claiming a total default of Rs 6,893.15 crore as of September 15, 2022. Jaiprakash Associates has been selling its cement plants to reduce debt. In a case related to its erstwhile subsidiary Jaypee Infratech Ltd (JIL), Mumbai-based realty firm Suraksha Group had in March 2023 got the approval from NCLT for its bid to acquire JIL and complete around 20,000 apartments in Noida. However, many parties have approached the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) against the NCLT order.

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Supreme Court Grants Anticipatory Bail to Omar Ansari in Model Code of Conduct Violation Case

New Delhi: The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Omar Ansari, son of Mukhtar Ansari, in a case related to the alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct. A bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and PK Mishra directed Omar Ansari to appear before the trial court in connection with the case and release him on bail. Senior advocate Garima Prasad, representing the Uttar Pradesh government, informed the court that Ansari had not appeared in the lower court. The case pertained to accusations of instigating people during a gathering. Prasad mentioned that the co-accused who appeared in the trial court were granted regular bail. He requested the court to direct Omar Ansari to appear before the trial court and seek regular bail instead of anticipatory bail. However, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Ansari, opposed Prasad's claim, stating that Ansari had indeed appeared in the lower court and deposited surety bonds. Sibal clarified that although Ansari was present on the stage, he did not utter any objectionable statements. Considering the arguments of both parties, the bench decided to grant anticipatory bail to Ansari. The court directed him to appear before the trial court and deposit a surety bond. Previously, on January 25, the Supreme Court had granted protection from arrest to Omar in the same case. However, the Allahabad High Court had rejected his anticipatory bail application on December 19 last year, stating that a case of crime was made out against him based on the facts and circumstances of the case. The FIR against Abbas Ansari (SBSP candidate from Mau Sadar seat and elder brother of Omar), Omar Ansari, and 150 others was registered on March 4, 2022, at Kotwali police station in Mau district. The allegation in the FIR was that during a public meeting at Paharpura Maidan on March 3, 2022, Omar Ansari had called upon the Mau administration to settle the accounts and had made certain statements regarding transfer-posting of officials under the SP government. However, Sibal argued that Ansari did not make any objectionable statements during the meeting. A case of violation of the Model Code of Conduct was registered against him. Mukhtar Ansari, a former MLA, passed away due to a heart attack on March 28 in a hospital in Banda, Uttar Pradesh. Sketches of 2 Pakistani terrorists released in connection with Poonch attack, reward of Rs 20 lakh announced Amit Shah Accuses Opposition of Corruption, Alleges Mamata Banerjee's Cut Money Culture Shashi Tharoor Calls for Investigation into Hemant Karkare's Death

Allahabad High Court asks LMC to ensure availability of clean drinking water in Lucknow

The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court has asked the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) to ensure the availability of clean drinking water in certain areas of Lucknow. The Division Bench of Justice Rajan Roy and Justice Om Prakash Shukla passed this order while hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by Utkarsh Lok Sewa Sansthan []

Allahabad High Court grants bail to Muneer Alam accused for strengthening PFI to establish Ghazwa-e-Hind inHindustan

The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court has granted bail to Muneer Alam accused of actively participating in strengthening the Popular Front of India (PFI) organization to establish Ghazwa-e-Hind inHindustan. The Division Bench of Justice Attau Rahman Masoodi and Justice Saurabh Lavania passed this order while hearing a Criminal Appeal filed by Muneer Alam. []

Supreme Court grants anticipatory bail to Umar Ansari in model code violation case

The Allahabad High Court had on December 19 last year rejected Ansari's anticipatory bail application and said looking at the facts and circumstances of the case, an offence was made out against him.

SC Grants Anticipatory Bail to Umar Ansari in Model Code Violation Case

The Allahabad High Court had on December 19 last year rejected Ansaris anticipatory bail application and said looking at the facts and circumstances of the case, an offence was made out against him

BSP changes Jaunpur candidate, fields sitting MP Shyam Singh Yadav

The BSP has changed its candidate for Jaunpur, replacing Srikala Reddy with sitting MP Shyam Singh Yadav, following a call from BSP chief Mayawati. This decision comes after former MP Dhananjay Singh's wife, Srikala Reddy, was initially given the ticket. Dhananjay Singh was sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment in a 2020 case of kidnapping and extortion. Although granted bail by the Allahabad High Court, his sentence was not suspended.

SC grants anticipatory bail to Umar Ansari in 2022 model code of conduct violation case

SC grants anticipatory bail to Umar Ansari in 2022 model code of conduct violation case The Supreme Court on Monday granted anticipatory bail to Umar Ansari, son of gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari in a criminal case registered against him during the 2022 assembly elections for alleged violation of the model code of conduct. A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and Prashant Kumar Mishra granted relief to Umar Ansari and asked him to participate in the trial of the case. The bench took note that other accused in the case have been granted bail. It said that the offending statement of Ansari is the matter for trial and granted him anticipatory bail. Uttar Pradesh government had objected to the plea of Ansari seeking bail and asked the apex court that he must first surrender before the trial court and then seek bail. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Ansari, submitted that the other accused have been granted regular bail in the matter. Ansari was booked for delivering a provocative speech against the Mau district administration while the model code of conduct was in place. Earlier, the Allahabad High Court had refused anticipatory bail to him in the same case. He approached the top court against the High Court's December 2023 order. On December 19, 2023, the High Court rejected the anticipatory bail application of Ansari and said that looking at the facts and circumstances of the case, the offence was made out. The FIR was lodged in March 2022 at Kotwali police station in Mau district against Abbas Ansari, Umar Ansari, and others. It was alleged in the FIR that on March 3, 2022, at Pahadpura ground- Abbas Ansari, Umar Ansari, and organiser Mansoor Ahmad Ansari in a public meeting called for settling a score with the Mau administration. (ANI)

SC grants bail to gangster-politician's son Umar Ansari in violation of MCC

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to Umar Ansari, son of late gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, in a criminal case registered against him during the 2022 assembly elections for alleged violation of the model code of conduct. A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and PK Mishra asked Umar to appear before the trial court in connection with the case. On January 25, the top court had granted him protection from arrest in the case. The Allahabad High Court on December 19 last year had rejected the anticipatory bail application of Ansari, and said that looking at the facts and circumstances of the case, the offence is made out. An FIR was lodged on March 4, 2022 at Kotwali police station in Mau district against Abbas Ansari (SBSP candidate from Mau Sadar seat), Umar Ansari and 150 unknown people. It was alleged in the FIR that on March 3, 2022 at Pahadpura ground, Abbas Ansari, Umar Ansari, and organiser Mansoor Ahmad Ansari in a public meeting called for settling a score with the Mau administration. It was a case of violation of the election code of conduct. Jailed gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari died of cardiac arrest at a hospital in Banda in Uttar Pradesh on March 28. Mukhtar Ansari was subjected to slow poisoning in jail: Son Umar Ansari Influence of 'Badka Phatak' over Purvanchal seats: Mukhtar Ansari's political legacy

Nithari killings: Supreme Court issues notice to UP government

The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh government on a petition challenging the Allahabad High Court order, which acquitted Moninder Singh Pandher and Surendra Koli in connection with the gruesome murder of several girls that took place at Nithari in Noida between 2005-06. The order was passed by the Bench of Justice []

SP ex-MLA booked for breach of trust

Former Samajwadi Party MLA in Prayagraj faces FIR for not returning Rs 1.1 lakh to a buyer, leading to threats and police complaint. Allegations include breach of trust, disrupting peace, and criminal intimidation.

SC sets aside HC order granting bail to police officer accused of raping minor

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court set aside the bail of a police officer accused of raping a minor Dalit girl who had come to the police station to register a sexual assault complaint in Uttar Pradesh. The SC after cancelling the bail issued by the Allahabad High Court directed the accused to surrender immediately. The apex court said that there is no reason to justify the grant of bail to the accused who was the Station House Officer (SHO) and allegedly grossly abused his office to commit same heinous crime of raping the minor victim. Terming the situation as far worse, a two-judge bench of the top court led by Justice A S Bopanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar further directed authorities to send him to judicial custody after he surrendered. Hearing a writ petition filed by the Association of Voluntary Action (AVA) also known as Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) regarding the gang-rape case of the 13-year-old girl in UPs Lalitpur, the Division Bench passed the order. The mother of the victim alleged that the SHO raped her daughter when she had come to the police station to file a complaint of sexual assault as she was gang raped for five months. The mother also claimed that the police failed to register a complaint and also alleged raped the victim within the premises of the police station. She said that her daughter and her family were constantly threatened not to tell anyone ever since. The apex court said, In this situation, his prayer for grant of bail required more than the cursory appraisal that was bestowed by the High Court. We do not find any reason worth the name justifying the grant of bail to him (SHO) at this stage. Citing apex court's earlier decision on grant of bail in State of Jharkhand against Sandeep Kumar, Justice Bopanna and Justice Kumar observed and held against any lenience being shown by treating an accused such a policeman who is alleged to have abused his office, with a common man. Notably, that was not even a case involving a heinous offence. In the present case (Police Station in Lalitpur), the situation is far worse as the accused being the Station House Officer of the Police Station where the minor victim girl approached seeking justice, is alleged to have resorted to committing the same heinous crime of raping her, observed the division bench in its order on May 3. Terming the rejection of bail plea of police official as vital for criminal justice system, senior advocate H S Phoolka, appearing for the victim, said The Supreme Court has clearly conveyed a message that when the police officials are themselves involved in the crime, then no leniency would be shown.

Supreme Court Sets Aside Order Granting Bail To Cop Accused Of Rape

The Supreme Court has set aside the Allahabad High Court order granting bail to a police officer accused of raping a 13-year-old girl who was brought to a police station in Uttar Pradesh for registering a complaint of alleged sexual assault on her by

Second phase of redevelopment of Prayagraj junction begins

Prayagraj Junction's redevelopment focuses on heritage preservation and development by closing platforms for construction. The project includes relocating trains, modern facilities, and a high budget allocation for airport-like amenities, aiming for completion by 2026.

SP candidate assures PDA participation in INDIA govt

Max Prayagraj MPs came from Allahabad North

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Original Headline: HIGHLIGHTS Revised Headline: Match Highlights: Key Moments and Plays

Original Headline: HIGHLIGHTS Revised Headline: Match Highlights: Key Moments and Plays Following are the top stories at 9 pm NATION ELN92 ELECTIONS-BJP-LD LOVELY ****Former Delhi Cong leaders, including Arvinder Singh Lovely, join BJP New Delhi: Former Delhi Congress president Arvinder Singh Lovely joined the BJP on Saturday along with a few other leaders, including former MLAs Raj Kumar Chauhan, Neeraj Basoya and Naseeb Singh.**** ELN91 ELECTIONS-BH-LD MODI ****At Bihar rally, Modi targets Lalu on Godhra incident, oppn parties on quotas Darbhanga (Bihar): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday charged RJD president Lalu Prasad, the BJPs principal opponent in Bihar, with having tried to ''shield'' those guilty in two-decade-old Godhra train burning incident and put blame on kar sevaks.**** ELN73 ELECTIONS-JH-MODI-LD CORRUPTION **** All those who indulged in corruption will face legal action in next five years: PM Modi Sisai (Jharkhand): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the NDA government has unmasked corrupt forces, and all those who indulged in corruption would face action under law in the next five years.**** DEL21 CBI-NUH GANGRAPE-SENTENCE ****Nuh gangrapes, double murder case: Four convicts sentenced to death by CBI court New Delhi: A special CBI court in Haryana's Panchkula awarded the death sentence to four convicts in the 2016 Nuh gangrapes and double murder case on Saturday, officials said.**** BOM7 MH-SITHARAMAN-ROHITH VEMULA ****Rahul Gandhi should apologise for `politicising' Rohith Vemula's suicide: Sitharaman Pune: Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday demanded that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should apologise for ''politicising'' the suicide of Rohith Vemula, the University of Hyderabad student who died in 2016, as police in a state ruled by his own party has now said that it was not a ''Dalit' issue''.**** DEL19 JK-LD FIRING ****Terrorists open fire on two security vehicles in J-K's Poonch, 5 soldiers injured Jammu: Five security personnel were injured after terrorists opened fire on two vehicles, including one belonging to the Indian Air Force (IAF), in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Saturday, officials said.**** MDS17 KA-LD REVANNA ****Karnataka MLA Revanna taken into custody in kidnap case Bengaluru: Karnataka JD(S) MLA H D Revanna was taken into custody on Saturday by sleuths of the Special Investigation Team, minutes after a court here rejected his anticipatory bail plea in a kidnapping case, officials said.**** ELN97 ELECTIONS-BJP-RAHUL ****Cong believes in 'beta bachao, beta badhao': BJP on Rahul Gandhi's Rae Bareli nomination New Delhi: The BJP on Saturday took a swipe at the Congress over Rahul Gandhi's decision to contest the Lok Sabha polls from Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli, saying the opposition party seems to believe in ''beta bachao, beta badhao'' (save son, promote son).**** ELN57 ELECTIONS-OD-CONG-LD CANDIDATE ****Denied party funding, Congress Puri LS candidate Sucharita Mohanty returns ticket Bhubaneswar: Congress candidate for the Puri Lok Sabha constituency Sucharita Mohanty has declined to contest the elections and returned the party ticket alleging lack of funding from the party.**** BOM5 GJ-RADICAL-ARRESTED ****Gujarat cops arrest maulvi; unearth plan to kill Hindu leader, threaten TV channel editor, MLA Surat: A man was arrested in Surat in Gujarat on Saturday for allegedly planning to murder the leader of a Hindu organisation and threatening the chief editor of Sudarshan television channel as well BJP's Telangana MLA Raja Singh and the party's former spokesperson Nupur Sharma in connivance with his handlers from Pakistan and Nepal, a senior police official said.**** CAL8 MG-LYNCHING ****Two lynched in Meghalaya after teen alleges rape attempt Shillong: Two persons were lynched in Meghalaya's Eastern West Khasi Hills district for allegedly trying to rape an 18-year-old woman, police said on Saturday.**** MDS18 KL-CUSTODIAL DEATH-CBI-LD ARRESTS ****Tanur custodial death case: CBI arrests four Kerala policemen Malappuram/Kochi: The CBI on Saturday arrested four civil police officers accused of torturing to death a man arrested for alleged possession of synthetic drugs in August last year near Tanur here, police sources said.**** LEGAL LGD5 SCBA-WOMEN'S RESERVATION ****SCBA raises concern over SC order to reserve posts for women in lawyers' body executive committee New Delhi: The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has passed a resolution stating that the Supreme Court's directive to reserve posts for women in the executive committee of the lawyers' body ''impinged'' on its independence.**** LGD4 SC-NITHARI-KOLI ****Nithari killings: SC agrees to hear plea of victim's father against acquittal of Surendra Koli New Delhi: The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea challenging Allahabad High Court's order acquitting Surendra Koli in the 2006 Nithari serial killings case.**** FOREIGN FGN32 LANKA-JAPAN-LD MOUS ****Japan insists Sri Lanka should sign MoUs early for debt restructuring Colombo: The restoration of stability and economic development of Sri Lanka, located strategically in the Indian Ocean, is essential for the stability and prosperity of the entire Indo-Pacific region, the visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said here on Saturday.**** FGN27 UK-MAYOR ****Sadiq Khan on course to be re-elected Mayor of London London: Sadiq Khan, the Pakistani-origin Labour Party candidate in the race to be re-elected London Mayor for a third term, looked set on Saturday to register a decisive victory, as the local election results from England and Wales continued to reflect a strong swing in favour of the Opposition party. By Aditi Khanna **** FGN23 PAK-ATC-WARRANTS ****Arrest warrants for 14 suspects in May 9 riots case, Imran Khans party leaders granted pre-arrest bail Lahore: A Pakistan court here has issued bailable arrest warrants for 14 suspects, who are on bail, for skipping trial proceedings of two cases related to the May 9 riots while granting pre-arrest bail to two former leaders of incarcerated former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khans party, a media report said on Saturday.****

Nithari killings: SC agrees to hear plea of victim's father against acquittal of Surendra Koli

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea challenging Allahabad High Court's order acquitting Surendra Koli in the 2006 Nithari serial killings case. A bench of Justice BR Gavai, Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sandeep Mehta issued a notice on an appeal filed by one Pappu Lal, the father of one of the victims.

Supreme Court to Review Acquittal of Surendra Koli in Nithari Killings Case

Supreme Court to Review Acquittal of Surendra Koli in Nithari Killings Case The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea challenging Allahabad High Court's order acquitting Surendra Koli in the 2006 Nithari serial killings case. A bench of Justice BR Gavai, Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sandeep Mehta issued a notice on an appeal filed by one Pappu Lal, the father of one of the victims. Senior advocate Geeta Luthra and advocates Rupesh Kumar Sinha and Sataroop Das, appearing for Lal, submitted that the high court erred in its finding. The bench issued the notice and sought the response of Koli on Lal's plea and directed the registry to call for records from the trial court and the high court. In his plea, Lal challenged the high court's October 16 order and has arrayed only Koli as the party. Koli was the domestic help of Moninder Singh Pandher. In the case of Lal, Pandher was acquitted by the sessions court while Koli was awarded the death penalty on September 28, 2010. The case was investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). On October 16, the high court pronounced verdicts on several appeals filed by Koli and Pandher, who were awarded the death penalty by the trial court. It acquitted the pair while holding that the prosecution failed to prove the guilt ''beyond reasonable doubt'' and that the investigation was ''botched up''. The verdict brought back memories of the chilling crime targeting children that came to light after skeletal remains were found behind a bungalow in Noida. Reversing the death sentence given to Koli in 12 cases and Pandher in two, the high court noted the prosecution had failed to prove the guilt of both the accused ''beyond reasonable doubt, on the settled parameters of a case based on circumstantial evidence'' and that the probe was ''nothing short of a betrayal of public trust by responsible agencies''. Pandher and Koli were charged with rape and murder and sentenced to death in the killings that horrified the nation with its details of sexual assault, brutal murder and hints of possible cannibalism. The high court had observed that prosecution was based on the confessional statement given by Koli to the Uttar Pradesh Police on December 29, 2006, but the procedure required to be followed for recording his disclosure, leading to the recovery of biological remains ie skulls, bones and skeleton etc, were given a ''complete go by''. It allowed multiple appeals filed by Koli and Pandher, who had challenged the death sentence awarded by a CBI court in Ghaziabad. The high court noted that the prosecution's stand kept changing from time to time as it initially attributed recoveries jointly on Pandher and Koli but, over time, the ''guilt was fastened exclusively'' upon Koli. In all, 19 cases had been lodged against Pandher and Koli in 2007. The CBI filed closure reports in three cases due to lack of evidence. In the remaining 16 cases, Koli was earlier acquitted in three and his death sentence in one was commuted to life. The sensational killings came to light with the discovery of the skeletal remains of eight children from a drain behind Pandher's house at Nithari in Noida, bordering the national capital, on December 29, 2006. Further digging and searches of drains in the area around Pandher's house led to more skeletal remains being found. Most of these remains were that of poor children and young women who had gone missing from the area. Within 10 days, the CBI took over the case and its search resulted in the recovery of more remains.

Allahabad High Court dismisses PIL seeking publication of Justice Rohini Commission report

The Allahabad High Court has dismissed the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed to publish the Justice Rohini Commission report publicly. The Division Bench of Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Vikas Budhwar passed this order whilehearring a PIL filed by Eklavya Educational Foundation and Another. The writ petition has been filed by the petitioner purportedly []

Allahabad High Court grants interim bail to man accused under POCSO Act to marry the victim

While hearing the bail application, the Allahabad High Court has granted interim bail to the accused under POCSO Act to marry the victim. A Single Bench of Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan passed this order while hearing a Criminal Misc Bail Application filed by Dhiraj. Counsel for applicant has stated that the applicant is in jail []

Allahabad High Court grants conditional bail to son accused of murdering his own father

The Allahabad High Court has granted conditional bail to the son accused of murdering his father. A Single Bench of Justice Gautam Chowdhary passed this order while hearing a Criminal Misc Bail Application filed by Kallu. It has been averred in the F.I.R that on 30.10.2023 at about 05:00 a.m the informant was telephonically informed []

Proposal to enable mid-semester transfers from one IIIT to another

On Phulpur, Allahabad seats, its clash between first timers

Youth held for derogatory remarks against Hindu deities

Bharat Gaurav train will reach Prayagraj on June 7

HC defers MP Afzals plea against conviction till May 13

Allahabad High Court terms Saptapadi essential ingredient for valid marriage under Section 494 IPC

The Allahabad High Court while allowing the petition said that to constitute an offence under Section 494 I.P.C, it is necessary that the second marriage should have been celebrated with proper ceremonies and in due form. The Saptapadi ceremony under the Hindu Law is one of the essential ingredients to constitute a valid marriage. A []

Allahabad High Court grants bail to two men accused of firing shots at Asaduddin Owaisi

The Allahabad High Court has granted conditional bail to Sachin Sharma and Subham Gurjar, accused of attempting to murder on MP Asaduddin Owaisi by firing near Meerut Delhi Highway Toll Plaza. A Single Bench of Justice Pankaj Bhatia passed this order while hearing a Criminal Misc Bail Application filed by Sachin Sharma and Another. The []

Four lawyers lose Bar membership after court brawl

Four lawyers lost memberships for thrashing litigants in civil judge's chamber. High court barred Ran Vijay Singh and Mohd Asif from district court entry due to criminal contempt allegations. President Rajendra Mishra confirmed the actions.

Allahabad HC grants bail to two men accused of firing at Owaisi`s car in UP

Justice Pankaj Bhatia, while granting bail to the accused said that the accused Sachin Sharma and Subham Gurjar had not been named in the First Information Report (FIR).

Bail granted to men accused of firing at Asaduddin Owaisis car

Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to the two persons who had allegedly fired shots at Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisis vehicle during the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections of 2022. Justice Pankaj Bhatia, while granting bail to the accused said that the accused Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Allahabad HC grants bail to two men accused of firing at Asaduddin Owaisi's car in UP

Justice Pankaj Bhatia, while granting bail to the accused said that the accused Sachin Sharma and Subham Gurjar had not been named in the First Information Report (FIR).

Court Grants Bail To 2 Accused Of Firing Shots At A Owaisi's Car In UP

The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to the two persons who had allegedly fired shots at Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi's vehicle during the UP assembly elections of 2022.

Allahabad HC grants bail to two men accused of firing at Asaduddin Owaisis car in UP

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Shahi Idgah Row: Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple is Protected Monument, Hindu Side Tells Allahabad HC

The counsel for the Hindu side, Hari Shankar Jain, also submitted that the provisions of Places of Worship Act will not apply in the case

Mayawati: BSP government maintained law and order in UP without need for bulldozers

Mayawati: BSP government maintained law and order in UP without need for bulldozers Taking a dig at her political opponents over law and order in Uttar Pradesh, BSP supremo Mayawati Thursday claimed she did not require a bulldozer like the present BJP government to maintain rule of law in the state when she was in power. ''When the BSP was in power in Uttar Pradesh, we did not allow Hindu-Muslim riots to take place. Respect was given to all religious groups, their lives, properties and religious beliefs. ''Have you heard of riots taking place during my governments in Uttar Pradesh. Whichever party was in power here, be it the Samajwadi Party, the Congress or the present BJP, riots have taken place,'' the BSP president said, addressing an election rally at the Christian College ground here. Mayawati also said the BSP might spring a surprise to those who are alleging that the party has fielded candidates only to help others win or lose in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Speaking on the law and order issue, she said, ''Earlier during the festival time, be it of Hindus or Muslims, incidents used to take place, but not during my government.'' Mayawati also recalled how there was absolute peace in UP when the Ayodhya verdict was delivered by the high court during her government. ''Schools, colleges and offices were closed throughout the country barring UP and not even a small incident took place. We ensured the safety and security of the people belonging to all religions and castes as well as the safety of the lives and properties of all,'' she said. The Allahabad High Court verdict was pronounced on September 30, 2010 when Mayawati was the chief minister of the state. ''Whenever there were festivals, some incident used to take place but you have seen the law and order during my tenure. There was rule of law for which we did not require bulldozers like the present BJP government. We had established the rule of law through legal means,'' she added. The Yogi Adityanath government has faced flak for the use of bulldozers to raze the houses of the ''criminals'' in the state. Referring to the three candidates of her party in Mainpuri, Etah and Firozabad, she said they have been fielded ''not to help anyone win or lose but to win themselves with record votes''. ''The opponents are saying during their campaign here in Mainpuri that the BSP (candidate) will make others win or lose but will not win themselves. But the exact opposite might happen. Those who are saying this might themselves get the second or third spot,'' she asserted. The BSP president also reiterated that during the past few years, there have been exploitation and oppression in the garb of Hindutva because of feeling of hatred, specially with Muslims, which will be stopped when the BSP comes to power as she had done during her government in UP by paying attention to all sections of the society. If voted to power at the Centre, the BSP will do solid work like it did in UP during its government. Parties like the Congress and the BJP and its supporting parties have to be stopped from coming to power, she said. ''The wrong policies of these parties and their working styles have been tried by you. There is a vast difference between what they say and what they do. ''They are using every tactic to come back to power. The people have to remain alert,'' she said, adding that these parties should not be voted back to power in their own interest and in the interest of the state and the country. Mayawati sought the support for her party candidates -- Shiv Prasad Yadav from Mainpuri, Mohd Irfan from Etah and Chaudhary Bashir from Firozabad. Polling in Mainpuri, Etah and Firozabad is slated on May 7 in the third phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Allahabad High Court rejects bail plea of MLA Abbas Ansari

In the Chitrakoot jail case, the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court has rejected the bail plea of MLA Abbas Ansari, son of mafia Mukhtar Ansari. A Single Bench of Justice Jaspreet Singh passed this order while hearing a Criminal Misc Bail Application filed by Abbas Ansari. The applicant before the Court is a []

Allahabad HC To Decide Ghazipur SP Candidate Afzal Ansari`s Political Fate Today

If Ansari gets more than two years of imprisonment from HC, his candidature from the Ghazipur seat will be cancelled until he gets a stay order from the higher courts.

Shahi Idgah row: Hindu side rejects 1968 compromise, says deity wasnt a party

Prayagraj: The Hindu side in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute submitted in Allahabad High Court Wednesday that the deity was not a party in the claimed compromise between the two sides in 1968 or in the court decree passed in 1974. The counsel for the Hindu side also said that the claimed compromise was made Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Allahabad High Court takes strict action against advocates who thrashed litigants in courtroom

The Allahabad High Court has taken strict action against the advocates who beat up the litigants in the courtroom and has restrained them from practising in any court of UP. The Division Bench of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Mohammad Azhar Husain Idrisi passed this order while acting on a reference sent by the []

Allahabad High Court quashes order banning registration of e-rickshaws and e-autos in Mathura and Agra

The Allahabad High Court has quashed an order that banned the registration of e-rickshaws and e-autos in Mathura and Agra. The Division Bench of Justice Anjani Kumar Mishra and Justice Jayant Banerji passed this order while hearing a petition filed by Shree Vindavan Auto Sales. Under challenge in some of these petitions is the Notification []

Former Allahabad HC judge to head appellate body for chartered accountants, company secretaries

Justice Suresh Kumar Gupta, former judge of the Allahabad High Court, has been appointed as the chairperson of the appellate body for chartered accountants, company secretaries, and cost accountants by the government. Alongside him, three membersRakesh Mohan, Sandip Garg, and Amit Anand Aptehave also been appointed to the appellate authority. Sandip Garg additionally serves as a whole-time member of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India.

Suspicion never results in harsh consequences: Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court while allowing the petition said that unless cogent material and evidence exist, such suspicion may never result in penal or harsh consequences such as cancellation of another license. The Division Bench of Justice Saumitra Dayal Singh and Justice Donadi Ramesh passed this order while hearing a petition filed by Sandeep Singh. []

Last Date Extended for Allahabad High Court Recruitment 2023: UP HJS Exam for 83 Posts

Are you a seasoned legal professional looking for a new opportunity to showcase your expertise? The Allahabad High Court has opened its doors for Advocate vacancies through the Uttar Pradesh Higher Judicial Service Examination 2023. This is your chance to join one of the most prestigious legal institutions in India. Read on to learn more about this exciting opportunity and how to apply.

Ex-MP Dhananjay Singh Released on Bail from Bareilly Jail

Ex-MP Dhananjay Singh Released on Bail from Bareilly Jail Former MP Dhananjay Singh was on Wednesday released from Bareilly jail after he was granted bail by the Allahabad High Court last week. The MP-MLA court in Jaunpur on March 6, sentenced Singh and his associate Santosh Vikram to seven years of rigorous imprisonment in a 2020 kidnapping and extortion case. The former MP was lodged in Jaunpur district jail and was later shifted to Bareilly jail. Allahabad High Court granted bail to Singh on Saturday but refused his plea to suspend or stay a seven-year jail sentence passed by the district court. Singh and his associate Santosh Vikram were found guilty by the district court for their involvement in the kidnapping and extortion of Namami Gange project manager Abhinav Singhal. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Singh said that a fake case was lodged against him in 2020 for exposing corruption in the Namami Gange project in Jaunpur district. Singh has been released on bail but he cannot contest elections due to the conviction in the district court. Singh's wife Srikala Reddy is contesting from Jaunpur parliamentary constituency as a candidate of the Bahujan Samaj Party. In Jaunpur, the BJP has fielded former Maharashtra minister Kripa Shankar Singh, while the SP has fielded Babu Singh Kushwaha, a former BSP minister accused in the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scam. Dhananjay Singh, who was the BSP MP from Jaunpur between 2009-2014, said that after being released from the jail he will visit Jaunpur. He extended best wishes to his wife for the Lok Sabha elections. Elections in Jaunpur will be held on May 25 in the sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls.

Juna Akhara confers Mahamandaleshwartitle on four SC seers

Dalit saints honored in Juna Akhara, Prayagraj & Ahmedabad. Mahamandaleshwar title bestowed on tribal seers from Madhya Pradesh. Emphasis on Sanatan Dharma & preventing religious conversion.

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BJP braces for impressive win in Phulpur & Allahabad seats

In a first, house tax bills in city comes with QR code

Hearing in Mathura title dispute today

Ahead of polls, cops issue red card to troublemakers

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Mahamandaleshwar title on 4 SC seers by Juna Akhara

Allahabad High Court says pendency of other criminal cases cant be a basis for refusal of bail to accused

The Allahabad High Court has said that pendency of other criminal cases against the accused may itself cannot be a basis for refusal of bail. A Single Bench of Justice Sanjay Kumar Pachori heard a Criminal Misc Bail Application filed by Sailesh Yadav. The bail application has been filed on behalf of applicant Sailesh Yadav []

Allahabad High Court grants conditional bail to Iran national in murder case

The Allahabad High Court has granted conditional bail to Iranian Nationality Zinat Ahmadi, accused of murder. A Single Bench of Justice Gautam Chowdhary passed this order while hearing a Criminal Misc Bail Application filed by Zinat Ahmadi. The prosecution story is that the informant namely, Firoz Hamedani, who resides on the first floor house Sector []

INDIA blocs Ujjawal Raman Singh pins hope on legacy and alliance

Ujjwal Raman Singh, representing INDIA bloc in Allahabad, garners support from Congress and SP. His legacy and campaign strategy pose a significant challenge to BJP in Prayagraj, highlighting overlooked local issues amidst Modi-Yogi influence.

New textbooks for UP madrasas to be introduced soon

Prayagraj: Madrasas and Basic Education Council schools will now have new books for classes 1 and 2 for Urdu language and separate books for mathematics and English. Urdu Zubaan the book so far being used to teach Urdu has been replaced by a new textbook titled Shehnai. Also ReadAllahabad HC declares UP Madarsa Education Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .