‘Don’t insult students’ intelligence’: Rahul Gandhi slams PM Modi’s midnight video on paper leaks
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi early Friday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing him of sidestepping the demand for Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Reacting to the Prime Minister’s late-night video message on the issue, Rahul said PM Modi should not “insult the intelligence” of students and demanded Pradhan be sacked saying the PM’s address failed to raise students’ key concerns. In a post on X, Rahul wrote, “Mr Modi, our students are demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Don’t insult their intelligence with this pathetic midnight video.” Listing his demands, he said: “1. Sack Pradhan.2. Punish those who beat students. Apologise.” — RahulGandhi (@RahulGandhi) The leader of oppostion’s remarks came hours after Prime Minister Modi announced that the government would bring a Bill in Parliament next week providing for stringent punishment against those involved in examination paper leaks. In a self-recorded video shared on X late Thursday night, the Prime Minister said the proposed legislation, which includes provisions for Fast-Track Courts and stricter penalties, would be discussed by the Union Cabinet on Friday before being introduced in Parliament when the second week of the Monsoon Session begins on Monday. “Friends, I know that paper leaks are not an ordinary matter. For lakhs of students and their parents, it is extremely painful,” PM Modi said. “Our most important responsibility was to ensure that a whole year for the students is not wasted. It was very important to conduct the exams immediately. The government used its full strength to arrange exams for nearly 22 lakh students in the shortest possible time. And just five or six days ago, on the 19th, the results were also announced,” he said. The Prime Minister said the government was now moving towards stronger legal action. “Today I have issued directions to the departments to set up Fast-Track Courts. The departments worked tirelessly and, late last night, provided me with a draft. This draft, which includes provisions for Fast-Track Courts and stringent punishments, will be discussed in the Cabinet tomorrow,” he said. He added that after incorporating suggestions from Cabinet colleagues, the Bill would be finalised and introduced in Parliament next week. “Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared,” PM Modi said. The opposition has been demanding Pradhan’s resignation and a detailed discussion on the alleged NEET-UG paper leak during the Monsoon Session, with the issue triggering protests both inside Parliament and on the streets. Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on Friday at Medanta Hospital in the presence of Union ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh, along with senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh. In a post on X, Wangchuk said he decided to end the fast after prolonged discussions and in view of the possibility of violence. “Just now in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda & Dr. Jitendra Singh and the senior leaders of Apex Body of Leh Ladakh I finally broke my fast after 26 days… This was done after a long negotiation on various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country,” he said. “I will explain the conditions in detail in a separate video very soon. Meanwhile urge you all to stay very vigilant about not allowing violence of any kind anywhere,” he added. Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has called for nationwide peaceful protests on Friday, reiterating its demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the alleged examination irregularities. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi’s protest outside PM house ‘insincere’: Sonam Wangchuk’s wife
NEW DELHI: Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, has criticised the flash protest led by Congress neta Rahul Gandhi near PM Narendra Modi’s residence on July 21 as “insincere”. “The protest outside the PM’s house lacked sincerity. It would have been more sincere if it had been done by joining hands at Jantar Mantar. So, the public cannot be fooled anymore. This is an awakened India,” Angmo told India Today in an interview. “The awakened India movement has shown us and shown every political functionary that they now have to walk the talk. They cannot gaslight or be insincere anymore. They have to be sincere, otherwise, they will be thrown out by this young generation that has understood what they have to do and what they have to stand for…” Her remarks came two days after Rahul and other senior netas staged a sit-in near the PM’s residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg over the crackdown on student protesters during their march towards Parliament on July 20. Taking on BJP, Angmo said, “I am very ashamed to say that BJP calls itself a Hindu nationalist party. Because there is nothing about them that is Hindu, and there’s nothing about them that is nationalistic,” she was quoted as saying. “Everybody was there for a cause. That was a demonstration of what Hinduism is. Obstruction of justice, obstruction of freedom, obstruction of protest and terming youths as anti-nationals – this is not nationalism,” she said. In an X post, Angmo, who is the co-founder of Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), said, “As an educator, I find it deeply painful to watch the image of our students being tarnished on media… The students’ protest is taking place peacefully at Jantar Mantar. If there are reports of violence elsewhere in Delhi, please do not rush to attribute them to this movement without evidence.” She added, “Our children deserve to be protected, not portrayed as villains. Their voices deserve to be heard, not drowned out by narratives that serve vested interests.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Students call for statewide bandh on July 24 in Telangana
Addressing a press conference in Hyderabad on Thursday, representatives of the student organisations alleged that repeated failures in the examination system had pushed the education sector into a crisis. HYDERABAD: A joint forum of student organisations has called for a statewide bandh of educational institutions across Telangana on July 24, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the NEET examination and repeated paper leak controversies. The bandh call has been issued by the Telangana state units of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), All India Students’ Federation (AISF), National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Progressive Democratic Students Union (PDSU), All India Forum for Democratic Students (AIFDS), All India Students Bloc (AISB), and All India Progressive Students Union (AIPSU). Addressing a press conference in Hyderabad on Thursday, representatives of the student organisations alleged that repeated failures in the examination system had pushed the education sector into a crisis. They demanded that National Testing Agency (NTA) be scrapped. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
“PM has caused the most damage to the future of the youth,” Rahul Gandhi counters PM Modi’s statement on the paper leak.
Rahul Gandhi, responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement on the student protests, accused the government of weakening the education system. He also accused the PM of harming the future of students. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave his first public response to the ongoing student protests at Jantar Mantar and the paper leak issue by writing on X. He stated on X that the welfare and future of the youth are his top priority. He also called for the establishment of fast-track courts for paper leak cases and strict punishment for the culprits. Rahul Gandhi sharply responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement via the social media platform X. Rahul Gandhi, responding on X, directly attacked the government. He stated that the Prime Minister and his government have caused the most damage to the future of the youth. He alleged that the government allowed the education system to weaken and protected those responsible for this. Rahul Gandhi’s response to the PM’s statement Rahul Gandhi wrote, “You have caused the greatest harm to the future of our youth. You not only allowed the complete takeover and destruction of our education system, but also encouraged it. You protected everyone responsible for it.” Reiterates Students’ Three Demands Rahul Gandhi said that the students’ demands are clear. He reiterated three demands: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should be removed from his post. An apology should be issued to the students. Action should be taken against those who committed violence against students. What did PM Modi say? Prime Minister Modi wrote on X that the interests and future of the youth are of paramount importance. He said that fast-track courts will be set up to expedite the hearing of paper leak cases. The concerned officials have been instructed to take necessary action and those who tamper with the future of the youth will not be spared. Curated by: Tina About the Author Tina works as a consultant at Navbharat Times Online and is in the process of establishing her identity in the world of digital journalism. Currently, she actively covers national, crime, jungle news, good news, and local news. Additionally, she works with NBT’s social media team to deliver impactful and reliable content to users on digital platforms. Courtesy: Hindi News
PM Modi announces fast-track courts for paper leak cases; Rahul, CJP hit back: 10 developments
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the Centre will set up fast-track courts to ensure “swift and stringent punishment” for those involved in examination paper leaks. In a post on X, PM Modi said the government had directed the concerned authorities to take all necessary steps to safeguard students’ interests, asserting that those responsible for compromising the future of the country’s youth “will not be spared”. The announcement triggered sharp response from the opposition with Congress dismissing it as inadequate and reiterating its demand for Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Here are the 10 key developments: PM Modi announces fast-track courts PM Modi said the Centre would establish fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials and strict punishment in paper leak cases. Announcing the move on X, he said, “Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared.” Rahul Gandhi says PM ‘harmed the future of our youth’ Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi rejected the Prime Minister’s announcement, accusing the government of presiding over the collapse of the education system. In a post on X, he wrote: “You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most. You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system–and protected every person responsible for it.” Rahul Gandhi also reiterated the Opposition’s three demands — the immediate dismissal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an apology to students and action against those responsible for alleged police excesses during the protests. PM will ensure that no culprit is spared: BJP President Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement, BJP President Nitin Nabin reiterated the government’s commitment to accountability. He said, “The Prime Minister has stated before and continues to state that he is prepared to investigate every issue. He will introduce fast-track courts to ensure that those responsible face action. He will ensure that no culprit is spared. The nation and the world know that Narendra Modi’s resolution means achieving it.” Protests disrupt Parliament MPs from both the NDA and the INDIA bloc staged protests opposite each other at Makar Dwar within the Parliament premises in Delhi. The uproar continued inside the Lok Sabha, where proceedings were adjourned until 12 noon following loud protests by Opposition MPs. Delhi HC to hear plea seeking NIA probe into ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest The Delhi high court will hear on Friday a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” protest over the alleged NEET paper leak. The matter was mentioned before a Bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia. Appearing for the petitioner, Advocate Barun Kumar Sinha sought an urgent hearing, following which the court agreed to list the case for Friday. The PIL also seeks the transfer of all Delhi Police FIRs related to the protest to a specialised investigating agency and action against those allegedly involved in the violence. 16 Delhi Metro stations shut amid CJP protests Sixteen Delhi Metro stations were closed from 7.30am on Thursday until further notice as security was tightened amid Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests in the national capital. According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), entry and exit have been suspended at stations including Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Mandi House and Lok Kalyan Marg, although interchange facilities remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat. “Service Update: The below-mentioned Metro stations will be closed from 07:30 AM till further instructions. However, interchange facilities shall remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat,” the DMRC said on X. Delhi Police confirms personnel were targeted during CJP protest after viral CCTV footage Delhi Police on Thursday confirmed that police officers and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were targeted during the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest on July 20, after CCTV footage of the violence went viral on social media. Police said the video, which they confirmed was authentic, showed protesters pelting stones and vandalising property, including smashing glass windows at shops and a petrol pump. The clashes left more than 118 police personnel, including several senior officers and women officers, injured, while around 60 protesters were also hurt. Dharmendra Pradhan must resign: CJP The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) PM Modi’s announcement on fast-track courts did not address accountability and reiterated its demand for Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke shared an image of Pradhan captioned, “Hi, my name is nothing”, while the party posted, “Dharmendra Pradhan Must Resign.” CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said, “The first thing is that it is good that after one-and-a-half months of protests, the prime minister has finally taken notice. Perhaps his foreign visits are over and he has returned to India, which is a good thing.” He added, “But what punishment are you imposing after the paper leak has already taken place? That is not going to solve the problem of paper leaks. The real question is why paper leaks are happening in the first place. That question must be answered.” Clashes erupt at Jantar Mantar, six police personnel injured On Wednesday night, fresh clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel at Jantar Mantar, with police firing tear gas shells and carrying out a baton charge to disperse the crowd. At least six police personnel, including two ACP-rank officers, were injured in separate incidents of alleged stone-pelting, according to police sources. Authorities said “anti-social” elements had infiltrated the protest, escalating tensions and attacking security personnel. Internet jammers were later activated in parts of central Delhi as security was tightened. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is
Opposition wears black; holds protest outside Parliament seeking resignation of Shah, Pradhan
MPs of the Congress, SP, Left parties, RJD, TMC, JMM and other parties were present during the protest, during which they raised slogans against the government. Leaders from several Opposition parties, clad in black, staged a protest outside Parliament on Wednesday in solidarity with students protesting the alleged NEET paper leak and against the police action on MPs who had staged a sit-in demanding action over the controversy. The opposition MPs raised slogans against the government and demanded the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for the police action against protesting students. The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Priyanka Gandhi, among others were present at the protest. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said students have genuine demands and are asking for their rights. “The Education budget is Rs 1.4 lakh crores, but you are waving off Rs 16 lakh crore loans for Adani and Ambani. Students have a genuine struggle and are asking for change. Paper leaks are happening repeatedly. There is nothing undemocratic with peaceful protest, but what is happening with students and in Parliament is undemocratic,” she said. MPs of the Congress, SP, Left parties, RJD, TMC, JMM and other parties were present during the protest, during which they raised slogans against the government. Earlier, floor leaders of several parties of the Opposition INDIA Bloc held a strategy meeting in the chamber of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge. Rahul Gandhi and leaders of various opposition parties attended the meeting. Earlier this morning, Congress MP Pawan Khera told ANI that all Opposition MPs are wearing black today as a mark of “protest against what they have done to the students of this country in… pic.twitter.com/ov8Q26p6hL Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
NEET protest: TVK slams govt; Rahul, Priyanka released from detention — top developments
NEW DELHI: Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were released after being detained by Delhi Police during a protest near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence. The party had marched to Lok Kalyan Marg demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged paper leak and the police action against student protesters. The protests also drew support from several opposition leaders, while Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) strongly criticised the Centre over Rahul Gandhi’s detention and renewed its demand for the abolition of NEET. Meanwhile, the BJP accused the Congress of politicising the issue and defended the police action, saying the protest near the Prime Minister’s residence was held without permission. The developments came as thousands of protesters returned to Jantar Mantar to continue the agitation. FIR filed as video shows RAF jawan assaulted Delhi Police registered an FIR after a Rapid Action Force (RAF) jawan was allegedly chased and assaulted by a group of protesters during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) “Sansad Chalo” march in New Delhi. A video of the incident, widely shared on social media, appears to show the jawan being surrounded, pursued and beaten during Monday’s protest. Police said an investigation is under way to identify those responsible. TVK condemns Rahul’s detention, seeks NEET abolition Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) condemned the detention of Rahul Gandhi and criticised the police action against opposition leaders. “The crushing of democracy in the capital is strongly condemnable! The arrest of Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Mr. Rahul Gandhi, who joined the field in support of the youth’s non-violent protest held in Delhi, by being dragged by the Delhi Police and carried away in handcuffs, is a blatant attack on democratic rights. This is strongly condemnable,” the party said. TVK also renewed its opposition to the NEET examination. “From the moment the NEET exam was implemented, not only has its credibility been lacking, but students continue to face mental stress, with their future dreams turning into a massive question mark. The harm caused to students every year due to the NEET exam shows no sign of stopping. Therefore, we strongly demand that the Union government completely abolish the NEET exam,” it said. Rahul, Priyanka released after detention Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several opposition leaders were detained after Congress workers marched towards the Prime Minister’s residence at Lok Kalyan Marg. Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and other leaders were taken to Chhatrasal Stadium before being released later in the day. Priyanka Gandhi was taken to Mandir Marg Police Station, where Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi later arrived. Congress leaders said they protested because they were not allowed to raise the NEET issue in Parliament. Rahul Gandhi said they marched to the Prime Minister’s residence “to demand answers from him for the brutalities against young students yesterday” and demanded the resignation of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. The protest was joined by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal, Pawan Khera, Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar, Kerala Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, Supriya Sule and several other opposition leaders. Pradhan hits out at Congress Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused the Congress of using students for political purposes. “LoP Shri @RahulGandhi and @INCIndia continue to shamelessly exploit students as political tools to manufacture disruption during the Monsoon Session of Parliament,” he wrote on X. He said the government was ready for a discussion on NEET in Parliament but alleged that the Congress preferred “political spectacle over democratic debate”. “We owe our students more than outrage. We owe them answers, reforms and accountability. That is exactly what our government remains committed to delivering,” Pradhan said. BJP MP Sambit Patra also criticised the protest, saying demonstrations should be held only at designated locations. He said the Prime Minister’s residence is a high-security zone and staging a protest there without permission was “inappropriate”. Police detail injuries, register six FIRs Delhi Police said six FIRs have been registered in connection with the violence during Monday’s Parliament march. Two FIRs were registered at Parliament Street police station, while one each was registered at Connaught Place, Tilak Marg, Barakhamba Road and Kartavya Path police stations. DCP Northeast Delhi Rahul Alawal said six police personnel were injured during the violence. He said Constable Mohit suffered serious injuries to his head, below his eyes and on his legs and remains on medical rest. Additional DCP Sandeep Lamba, Inspector Rampal Goswami and some other officers have resumed duty despite being advised to rest. Station House Officer of Connaught Place police station Sukhbir Singh Malik said he was assaulted when a section of protesters allegedly turned violent near Regal Cinema. Malik said his helmet prevented a head injury, but he suffered injuries to his elbows, calf muscle and waist after being dragged to the ground. The police said several other personnel, including an ACP, an Inspector, a Head Constable and a driver, were also injured. Sonam Wangchuk continues fast Activist Sonam Wangchuk continued his indefinite hunger strike after being shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram following directions from the Delhi High Court. Sources told news agency ANI said Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh visited Medanta Hospital to enquire about Wangchuk’s health. The Delhi High Court directed Medanta Hospital to form a specialised medical team to supervise Wangchuk’s treatment while allowing him to continue his fast under constant medical supervision. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, said he would continue the hunger strike in solidarity with students allegedly injured during the police action. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Have some shame, spare us bhashans’: Mahua Moitra hits back at Dharmendra Pradhan over students remark
NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Wednesday took a swipe at Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan after he accused the Congress of exploiting students for politics, saying the only thing the government should be “committed to delivering” is his resignation. Pradhan, through a post on X, defended the Centre’s handling of the examination controversy and criticised the Congress for staging a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence. To this, Moitra responded, “With all due respect have some shame & spare us the bhashans. The only thing your government should be committed to delivering right now is your resignation on a plate. Thank you.” Earlier, Pradhan had accused LoP Rahul Gandhi and the Congress of “shamelessly exploit(ing) students as political tools to manufacture disruption during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.” He alleged that despite the government’s willingness to hold a discussion on the issue, the Congress had chosen “political spectacle over democratic debate”. “We owe our students more than outrage. We owe them answers, reforms and accountability. That is exactly what our government remains committed to delivering,” Pradhan said. His remarks came after the Congress staged a protest over the alleged examination irregularities, while the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) agitation over examination reforms continued. Activist Sonam Wangchuk continued his indefinite hunger strike, and Delhi Police registered an FIR in connection with Monday’s clashes during the CJP’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Power does not last forever’: Rahul Gandhi’s warning to police after tear gas, lathicharge on student protesters
NEW DELHI: Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday warned police officers that ‘power does not last forever’ and ‘accountability will certainly be enforced’, saying the Constitution, not the government is their ‘master’. His remarks came after police used tear gas and lathi-charged protesters during the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) march towards Parliament over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. In a post on X, Rahul said peaceful protest was a fundamental right and warned officials against ‘blindly following orders’ to act against students. Delhi Police used tear gas and mild force to disperse protesters who attempted to march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session. The protest was organised by the CJP, which has been demanding accountability over the alleged examination irregularities and the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. In his post on X, Congress MP wrote, “Peaceful protest is an inviolable and fundamental right.” Addressing police personnel and government officials, he added, “Every police officer and government employee blindly following orders to attack India’s innocent students should keep this in mind: The Constitution is your master. Power does not last forever. Accountability will certainly be enforced.” Earlier in the day, Lok Sabha LoP also shared a video message in which he criticised the police action against the protesters and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being ‘the most anti-youth Prime Minister in India’s history.’ He said the students protesting in Delhi were not criminals but were demanding a fair and functioning education system. “Tear-gassing students, lathi-charging students is not democratic. It’s not India’s way and it is not the way this should be done. They have legitimate demands. The prime minister should accept these demands and do something about it,” Rahul said in the video. He also alleged that repeated paper leaks had affected millions of students and claimed the government had failed to hold those responsible accountable. The remarks came after police cleared the month-long protest site at Jantar Mantar by Monday evening following clashes during the march towards Parliament. The stage, tents and other structures at the site were dismantled, while police and paramilitary personnel remained deployed in the area. Despite the crackdown, protesters continued gathering on nearby roads and said the agitation would continue until their demands, including the resignation of the education minister, were met. Several protesters alleged they were injured in the police action, while others claimed they were briefly held inside Metro stations and faced restrictions on access to water during the protest. The protest was launched by the CJP over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and examination irregularities. Thousands of demonstrators attempted to march towards Parliament on Monday, but security personnel stopped them near Parliament Street, leading to clashes and the use of tear gas and lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
HC resumes hearing on plea against Rahul Gandhi’s ‘illegal’ assets
Lucknow: A Lucknow bench of Allahabad high court on Monday conducted two-hour long hearing in the chamber on a plea seeking CBI and ED inquiry into the allegations that Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has amassed disproportionate assets. The order was not available on the high court website till filing of the story, but the website showed the case was listed for next hearing on Aug 20. A bench of Justice RS Chauhan and Justice BR Singh passed the order on a criminal writ petition moved by a Karnataka BJP worker S. Vignesh Shishir. The petitioner has accused Rahul of accumulating disproportionate assets. During the previous hearing in the case on May 12, the bench had observed that “if complaint of the petitioner Shishir was received, the allegations of the complaints may be verified as per law. It is needless to say that the CBI or ED may take appropriate steps which are permissible under the law.” Besides CBI and ED, the bench had directed the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) , the revenue department, ministry of finance, ministry of corporate affairs and the Director of Serious Fraud Investigation Office to file their responses to the allegations levelled by the petitioner against Rahul within eight weeks . The bench had conducted the previous hearing too in the chamber. The order had stated that the CBI informed the bench that the agency had received the petitioner’s complaint and would file its response within 8 weeks. Similarly, the ED had informed the bench that it had received the complaint and might verify the allegations and apprise the court on July 20 . While seeking replies from several govt agencies, the bench said, “By filing response in form of counter-affidavit, the progress in respect of complaint submitted by the petitioner to the aforesaid agencies may be apprised to the court.” To a query whether the petition was maintainable, the bench said this submission would be tested after receiving the counter-affidavits of the respective parties and the rejoinder affidavits thereof. Furthermore, the court had ordered its senior registrar that the paper-book and the loose documents provided by the petitioner be kept in a sealed cover to be opened on July 20. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights