Lalu Prasad slams RSS leader Hosabale’s call for review of Constitution’s Preamble

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Patna, June 27 (IANS) Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad has vehemently condemned RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale for his call to review the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, saying it is an attack on democratic values.Lalu’s remarks come after Dattatreya Hosabale, in a media interaction on Thursday, called for a review of the words ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ from the Preamble, arguing that these terms were inserted during the Emergency era and no longer reflect contemporary India.Hosabale said, “There should be a discussion on whether they should remain. I say this in a building named after Babasaheb Ambedkar, whose original Constitution did not include these terms in the Preamble.”Hosabale’s remarks, made at an event in Delhi, drew sharp criticism from the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), while Shiv Sena came out in support of the suggestion.Lalu said, “No one can dare to touch the constitution.”In a post on the social media platform X in Hindi, Lalu denounced the RSS proposal, saying: “The country’s largest casteist and hateful organisation, RSS, has talked about changing the Constitution. Why do people with unjust character have so much hatred for democracy and Baba Saheb’s Constitution in their minds and thoughts?”Lalu underscored that the Preamble’s commitment to socialist redistribution and secular pluralism remains inviolable pillars of India’s Republic, rooted in Ambedkar’s vision.Hosabale claimed that the original framers did not include these ideals, and suggested that their addition under then–PM Indira Gandhi’s Emergency (1975–77) warrants reconsideration.Wednesday marked 50 years since the Emergency declaration on June 25, 1975, a period during which both socialist and secular tenets were formally enshrined in the Preamble.Earlier, Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary and CM Nitish Kumar labelled the Emergency a “black chapter” in India’s history.Lalu’s critique joins a chorus of opposition leaders warning against any backtracking on constitutional guarantees and may strengthen calls for a united stance among Grand Alliance parties in the face of BJP-RSS initiatives.–IANSajk/svn

Telangana HC sets aside land allotment to international arbitration centre

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Hyderabad, June 27 (IANS) The Telangana High Court on Friday set aside the allotment of land to the International Arbitration and Mediation Centre (IAMC) in Hyderabad by the state government.The court struck down the Government Order, which allotted 3.5 acres of prime land at Raidurgam in the IT corridor to IAMC.A bench comprising Justice K Lakshman and Justice K Sujana pronounced the orders on two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) challenging the land allotment.Advocate K. Raghunath Rao, one of the petitioners, had argued that the land allotment was made in violation of the rules. He had submitted to the court that the land valued at Rs 350 crore in the IT corridor was allotted to IAMC in violation of the Supreme Court judgment.The petitioners had questioned the rationale behind allotting the land to a private trust and providing financial support by the government.The state government had defended the land allotment on the ground that IAMC will serve as a platform to resolve the dispute between international companies.During the arguments, Advocate General A Sudarshan Reddy had emphasised the necessity of IAMC as an institution to promote business and institutional arbitration. He highlighted that the objectives of the amended Arbitration Act support the establishment of arbitral institutions and referenced the Sri Krishna Committee’s recommendations for governmental backing to such institutions.Sudarshan Reddy had also submitted to the court that the IAMC’s governance structure, with the Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court and the state law minister serving as trustees, instils confidence among parties opting for institutional arbitration. He asserted that extending state support, including land and finances, is crucial for establishing an institution of international repute and fostering trust across various sectors of society.During the arguments, the court wanted to know if there were no vacant buildings in Hyderabad to set up the IAMC office, instead of allocating prime land and releasing funds for its construction. It pointed out that the office of the additional solicitor general of India was located in a 50-foot space in the Telangana High Court, while several government offices are functioning from leased or private lands.After hearing the arguments from both sides, the High Court had reserved its orders. The bench pronounced the same on Friday.The court also set aside the GO related to the construction of the building for IAMC.On March 12, 2022, then Chief Justice of India, N.V. Ramana had laid the foundation stone for the permanent building of India’s first International Arbitration and Mediation Centre.The CJI had thanked the government of Telangana and then Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao for allocating valuable land in the heart of the city and Rs 50 crore for the construction of the building.Justice Ramana termed IAMC as a big step in promoting arbitration and mediation in this part of the world.The CJI hoped that IAMC Hyderabad would emerge as an arbitration and mediation centre on par with such centres in Dubai, London and Singapore.The centre was jointly inaugurated by the CJI and the then Chief Minister in December 2021. The centre started functioning from a 25,000 square feet temporary accommodation at VK Towers in Gachibowli.Those who empanel the centre include internationally acclaimed arbitrators and mediators from countries such as Singapore and the UK.–IANSms/uk

RSS call to review ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ in Constitution’s Preamble sparks political uproar

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New Delhi, June 27 (IANS) A fresh controversy erupted on Friday after Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale called for a review of the words “socialist” and “secular” in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.

The remarks, made at an event in Delhi, drew sharp criticism from the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), while Shiv Sena came out in support of the suggestion.Hosabale, speaking at the Ambedkar International Centre, said: “The words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ were added to the Preamble during the Emergency. No attempt was made to remove them later. There should be a discussion on whether they should remain. I say this in a building named after Babasaheb Ambedkar, whose original Constitution did not include these terms in the Preamble.”Speaking to IANS, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC backed the RSS leader’s remarks, stating: “He is absolutely right. The words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ were not part of the original Preamble of the Constitution drafted by BR Ambedkar. These were added during the Emergency in 1975, when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi introduced the 42nd Constitutional Amendment. This raises a question—why highlight only these two terms when India is already a sovereign, democratic republic?”She added that the Congress should apologise for the Emergency era amendments, saying: “Shiv Sena demands that the Congress party apologise publicly for the Emergency. These terms were not in the original draft, and they should be removed.”On the other hand, Congress leader Tariq Anwar condemned Hosabale’s remarks, saying: “There’s a clear scent of communalism in his statement. India is secular by nature and by history. The Constitution guarantees the right to equality, the right to vote, and the right to practice one’s religion. As for socialism, it aims to reduce inequality. We are striving to create a just society, and the term ‘socialism’ symbolises that effort.”RJD leader Shakti Singh Yadav also slammed the RSS, accusing it of repeatedly attempting to undermine the Constitution’s foundational principles.”The RSS has always wanted to change the Constitution. The BJP is merely the political face of the RSS, and after coming to power, they are trying to implement the RSS’s ideology. Narendra Modi is not just the Prime Minister of India; he represents the RSS’s mission. Their agenda to remove socialism and secularism will not be accepted by the people.”Yadav added that socialist forces in India would resist any such move.”Even if a drop of blood remains in our bodies, no one will dare to erase socialism and secularism from the Constitution. These people are the same ones who once opposed the Constitution, and now they roam around holding its copy. They should first apologise for the past. This is a direct assault on the spirit of the Constitution.””The RSS and BJP talk of changing the Constitution, but they should remember—socialists will not remain silent. Our leader, Lalu Prasad Yadav, remains the national President of RJD. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating us,” he warned.–IANSjk/vd

India hands over spares for Seychelles Defence Forces as INS Teg docks at Port Victoria

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Victoria/New Delhi, June 27 (IANS) India on Friday handed over the spares for Seychelles Defence Forces a day after Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Teg arrived at Seychelles’ Port Victoria on a five-day operational port call marking another milestone in India’s strategic outreach in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Captain Vikas Guleria, INS Teg’s Commanding Officer handed over the spares for Seychelles Defence Forces to the country’s Chief of Defence Forces Major General Michael Rosette at ceremony held onboard INS Teg. High Commissioner of India, Kartik Pande was also present on the occasion.INS Teg’s visit, scheduled till June 30, is aimed at enhancing maritime security cooperation and strengthening defence relations between India and Seychelles.During its stay, INS Teg will engage in a series of high-level interactions with Seychelles’ top defence and government officials. The Commanding Officer is scheduled to call on the Chief of Defence Forces, Chief of Staff of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF), and the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles.The formal handover of defence equipment and spares from India to SPDF is a key highlight of Indian Navy ship’s visit and reinforces India’s commitment to regional security. Discussions will also be held focusing on collaborative engagement and mutual cooperation between the Indian Navy and SPDF.Marking the International Day of Yoga, a yoga session themed ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ will be held, featuring participants from SPDF, the Indian diaspora, and naval personnel.A cultural evening is also planned onboard, expected to be attended by Seychelles’ senior officials and diplomats, celebrating the growing friendship between the two nations.As a gesture of outreach, the ship will be open to visitors, fostering greater understanding of the Indian Navy’s role and capabilities.A marching contingent from the ship along with the famed Indian Naval Band will participate in a parade to commemorate the 49th National Day of Seychelles on June 29. A flypast will also be undertaken by the ship’s integral helicopter during the parade.Notably, INS Teg will also undertake joint surveillance of Seychelles’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from June 30 to July 2 along with Seychelles Coast Guard personnel, focusing on countering Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.The port call underscores India’s growing role as a key maritime security partner in the Indian Ocean and its enduring commitment to the safety of global commons.–IANSsas/as

Rajasthan: Ashok Gehlot urges Union Minister Shekhawat to withdraw defamation case, seeks justice for Sanjivani scam victims

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Jaipur, June 27 (IANS) The Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society scam has once again stirred political controversy in Rajasthan.

Former Chief Minister abnd veteran Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, while speaking to the media in Jodhpur on Friday, reignited the issue by urging Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to withdraw the defamation case filed against him and instead focus on securing justice for the scam’s victims.”If Shekhawat is truly innocent, he should come forward for dialogue, sit with the affected people and the Sangharsh Samiti, and work toward resolving their problems,” Gehlot said.The former Chief Minister emphasised that the intention was not to target anyone personally, but to bring relief to those who were cheated.Gehlot noted that Shekhawat, who has served multiple terms as a Member of Parliament and is currently a Union Minister, should be open to discussion.”If he is proven innocent, I would be happy. My only concern is justice for the victims,” he said.He added that documents accessed during his tenure as the Chief Minister mentioned the names of Shekhawat’s family members, based on which the defamation case was filed in Delhi.”Fifteen hearings have taken place so far. I appeal to him to withdraw the case and focus on helping the victims,” Gehlot said.The former Chief Minister also proposed that Shekhawat engage directly with members of the victims’ committee.”Call five to 10 affected people, hear their allegations and grievances — this is the only way to a solution,” Gehlot urged.The Sanjivani scam, estimated at more than Rs 950 crore, originated in Barmer in 2008.The cooperative society expanded rapidly, opening 237 branches across Rajasthan and Gujarat, and lured nearly 1.5 lakh people with promises of high returns and foreign trips.Many investors were turned into agents and incentivised with commissions, leading to a multi-layered chain system that collapsed into a massive fraud.Investigations revealed that the cooperative society disbursed loans to mostly bogus borrowers, recording loan amounts of up to Rs 1100 crore.The alleged mastermind, Vikram Singh, has been arrested by the Special Operations Group.While Unon Minister Shekhawat’s name surfaced during the probe, he has consistently denied any involvement.Union Minister Shekhawat filed a defamation suit against Gehlot, accusing him of dragging him and his late mother’s name into the scam.Reacting to the defamation suit, Gehlot said that he welcomed the legal proceedings as they would bring greater public attention to the scam.He also claimed that 80 per cent of the victims cheated from the scam were from the Rajput community and expressed emotional concern for their plight.–IANSarc/khz

Mere recovery of blood-stained weapon matching deceased’s blood group not sufficient to prove murder: SC

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New Delhi, June 27 (IANS) Upholding the acquittal of an accused, the Supreme Court has ruled that mere recovery of a blood-stained weapon bearing the same blood group as that of the deceased would not be sufficient to prove the charge of murder. A bench of Justices Sandeep Mehta and P.B. Varale was dealing with a criminal appeal filed by the Rajasthan government challenging a judgment of the Rajasthan High Court, which had acquitted the respondent-accused of the offence of murder.In its impugned order, a division bench set aside the judgment passed by the Additional Sessions Judge in December 2008, which had convicted the respondent for the offence punishable under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and sentenced him to undergo life imprisonment and pay a fine of Rs 100, and in default of payment of fine, to further undergo 3 months simple imprisonment. During the trial, the respondent was charged with the murder of Chotu Lal, which took place on the intervening night of March 1 and 2, 2007. Initially, an FIR was filed against unknown assailants, and at a later stage, the respondent was arraigned in the case on the basis of suspicion and circumstantial evidence. The prosecution led circumstantial evidence in the form of motive, alleging the respondent was having an evil eye on the wife of the deceased; recovery of the weapon of offence and the FSL report indicating that the blood group on the weapon matched with the blood group of the deceased (B +ve). Contrary to the findings of the trial court, the Rajasthan High Court opined that the prosecution could not prove the complete chain of circumstances required to bring home the guilt of the accused in the case, which was based entirely on circumstantial evidence, and proceeded to acquit the respondent. Concurring with the view taken by the Rajasthan HC, the Justice Mehta-led Bench said: “We find that the incriminating circumstances relied upon by the prosecution, i.e., the motive and the recovery of the blood stained weapon, even taken in conjunction cannot constitute the complete chain of incriminating circumstances required to bring home the charges against the accused.” “The High Court seems to have overlooked the FSL report, which fact was stressed upon by learned counsel for the appellant (state government). However, in our view, even if the FSL report is taken into account, then also, other than the fact that the weapon recovered at the instance of the accused tested positive for the same blood group as that of the deceased (B +ve), nothing much turns on the said report,” it added. The apex court, relying upon a previous judgment of the apex court, opined that mere recovery of a blood-stained weapon even bearing the same blood group of the victim would not be sufficient to prove the charge of murder. It discarded the theory of motive, saying the evidence in that regard seems to be very vague and vacillating. The Justice Mehta-led Bench added that the law is well settled by a catena of apex court decisions that in an appeal against acquittal, interference can only be made if the only possible view based on the evidence points to the guilt of the accused and rules out his innocence. Dismissing the appeal of the state government, the Supreme Court said: “In the present case, we are duly satisfied that the prosecution failed to lead clinching evidence to bring home the charges. The only possible view is the one taken by the High Court, i.e., the innocence of the accused.” –IANSpds/vd

NCW takes suo motu cognizance of Kolkata law college rape, seeks report from police commissioner (2nd lead)

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Kolkata, June 27 (IANS) The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the rape of a law college student within her college premises on Wednesday night, in which three persons including a former and two present students of the same college have been arrested.In a statement issued on Friday, the NCW has also sought a report from the Commissioner of Police (CP), Kolkata, Manoj Kumar Verma, on the matter and directed the latter to send the report to the commission within the next three days.As per the statement, NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to Verma expressing deep concern over the incident and directed the latter to ensure an immediate and time-bound investigation into the matter under the relevant provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).“She has also stressed the need to extend full medical, psychological, and legal assistance to the victim, along with compensation under Section 396 of BNSS. The Commission has sought a detailed action-taken report within 3 days,” the NCW statement read.Although Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had yet to comment on the matter, the All India Trinamool Congress finally issued a statement condemning the incident and also commending the Kolkata Police for ensuring the prompt arrest of the three accused persons.In the statement, the party has also accused BJP and the Union government of sitting tight as regards clearing the Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill, which was passed on the floor of the West Bengal Assembly after the rape and murder of a junior doctor at state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata within the hospital premises in August last year.“This tragedy once again underscores the urgent need for the implementation of the Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill to establish a strong deterrent against sexual offences, emphasising the necessity for speedy investigations, swift trials, and stringent punishments. It is extremely unfortunate that the @BJP4India Govt at the Centre has not lifted a finger to get it implemented. Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the profound trauma endured by the victim. The State Administration, under Hon’ble Chief Minister Smt. @MamataOfficial is committed to providing every possible form of support and assistance to the victim during this distressing time. Justice will be served,” the Trinamool Congress statement read.Meanwhile, BJP’s state president in West Bengal and the Union Minister of State, Sukanta Majumdar, claimed that the main accused in the case was an active student leader of Trinamool Congress and had associations with top ruling party leaders. He also expressed apprehension that there might be attempts by the administration to hush up this incident as well as was done in the case of R.G. Kar rape and murder tragedy.–IANSsrc/uk