Delhi: 153 Dalit families are still searching for the land allotted to them in 1983. Will the wait ever end?
The government’s new proposal to families dreaming of a 120-yard plot near Vasant Kunj: Buy a flat in Narela or pay Rs 17 lakh; find out what the court said. New Delhi: The dreams of 153 landless Dalit families in Rangpuri village, adjacent to Vasant Kunj, a posh area in the national capital, have been entangled in files and court dates for the past four decades. In 1983, these families were allotted 120-square-yard plots each under a central government scheme. But even 42 years later, the reality is that wild Kikar trees have grown on the vacant land, and transporters park their buses and trucks there. A portion of the land acquired by the Delhi government in 2012 for staff quarters remains unbuilt. Meanwhile, the families fighting for their rights remain hopeful for justice. A three-decade-long battle in court This case has been pending in court for over 30 years. Nearly a decade and a half ago, the Delhi High Court made it clear that beneficiaries should receive their dues. Following the Supreme Court’s directive, in 2016, the High Court initiated contempt proceedings against the officials, taking suo motu cognizance. Despite this, the government has now argued in court that the allotted land is unavailable. In lieu of the plots, the government has proposed to provide these 153 families with a small flat (EWS category) in Narela, about 35 kilometers from Rangpuri. If they do not want the flats, they have been given the option of accepting ₹1.7 million as compensation. The High Court is strict on the government’s procrastination. Hearing the case on November 10, a bench of Justices Nitin Vasudev Sambre and Anish Dayal expressed displeasure with the government’s attitude. The court said that the government should not try to “obstruct or nullify” the judicial orders of the Supreme Court and the High Court by resorting to “administrative decisions.” However, the court also advised the petitioners not to adopt an adamant attitude and be prepared to consider the government’s “reasonable proposal.” Meeting with the LG also inconclusive On November 17, senior advocate Sanjay Jain, the Delhi government’s lawyer, informed the court that given the contempt proceedings that had been ongoing for almost a decade, a meeting with the Lieutenant Governor (LG) had been scheduled for November 21, 2025, to resolve the issue. However, sources present at that meeting on Friday say that no concrete results were achieved. How did this entire matter begin? The legal battle began in 1993, when a beneficiary, Nand Kishore (now 67 years old), approached the High Court through his lawyer, Rakesh Saini. He had sought possession of a plot allotted to him in 1983 under the Prime Minister’s Twenty Point Programme (TPP). This scheme was launched by the Indira Gandhi government in 1975 with the aim of providing land to underprivileged and landless families. In 2011, a single bench of the High Court ruled in Nand Kishore’s favor, stating that it was the government’s “legal obligation” and “social responsibility” to provide land for housing to landless residents of Rangpuri village. However, because the allotment did not require prior approval under the Delhi Panchayat Raj Rules, the court directed officials to find alternative land to fulfill the TPP’s purpose. Land Swap and a Game of Promises After the government’s appeal was dismissed in July 2012, the Supreme Court also rejected the government’s petition in January 2013 and threatened contempt proceedings if the High Court order was not implemented. A series of promises and U-turns followed: 2016: The administration told the High Court that it had no land in Rangpuri, but offered 25 bighas and 5 biswas of land in the nearby village of Rajokri. March 2017: The administration changed its stance and said that land had been identified in Kheda Dabar village in Najafgarh. 2018: The administration again backtracked, stating that land from any other village could not be allotted to Rangpuri residents. What is the current situation? In October 2024, the administration informed the High Court that the government had no land available. Under the policy decision, claimants could be given 153 EWS flats measuring approximately 35.50 square meters in Sector G-7, Pocket 4, Narela, or an ex-gratia amount of ₹17 lakh. In March of this year, petitioner Nand Kishore appealed to the court to either cancel the acquisition of land in Malikpur Kohi and Rangpuri, or grant him the 120-yard plot in Rajokri previously mentioned by the administration. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for December 1st, and all eyes are on it. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Were Hindu and Dalit homes demolished in Malavani to “polarize votes”? Mumbai Congress levels serious allegations against BJP
Conspiracy to polarize ahead of BMC elections? Sachin Sawant claims families living there for 25 years were rendered homeless by branding them Rohingyas Mumbai: The Mumbai Congress on Monday leveled serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the ruling party destroyed the homes of poor families in the Malavani area of Malad for political gain. The Congress claims that in an action taken earlier this month, the homes of several Hindu and Dalit families were demolished on the false accusation that they were Rohingyas or Bangladeshis living illegally in India. Describing the BJP’s claims as fabricated Addressing a press conference on Monday evening, Mumbai Congress chief spokesperson Sachin Sawant said, “The BJP’s allegation that the residents of Malvani are Rohingyas or Bangladeshis is completely fabricated.” To prove his point, Sawant also brought with him victims of Hindu and Dalit families whose homes were razed during the campaign. Sawant alleged that the BJP is attempting to polarize voters in view of the upcoming BMC elections. He said that labeling poor families in Malvani as foreigners is a deliberate conspiracy to target a particular community for political gain in the elections. Actions were carried out on November 3, 4, and 11. It is noteworthy that the Suburban Collectorate carried out demolitions of slums in Malvani on November 3, 4, and 11. The administration claimed that the residents were illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi immigrants. According to the Congress, this action was taken following instructions from BJP minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, who is also the co-in-charge guardian minister of Mumbai along with Ashish Shelar. Sawant commented, “Lodha is not the head of the Revenue Department, nor is he the full-time guardian minister, yet he directly ordered officials to demolish the houses.” Allegations of Violation of Supreme Court Rules The Congress leader claimed that this demolition action blatantly violated Supreme Court guidelines. He said, “People were not even given a chance to present their documents. This entire drive should be thoroughly investigated.” The Congress demanded that the officials responsible be immediately suspended and the Governor should dismiss Minister Lodha from the state cabinet. People Living There for 25 Years Sachin Sawant also rejected the BJP’s claim that only “illegal Muslim residents” were evicted during the drive. He pointed out that the homes of Hindus and Dalits living there for the past 25 years were also demolished. Sawant strongly stated, “Denying an opportunity to prove their legitimacy shows that the BJP’s agenda is solely a conspiracy designed to polarize.” The Congress chief spokesperson also alleged that the BJP is specifically targeting Malwani and its MLA, Aslam Shaikh, because he represents a minority community. “As always, they are playing their dirty game of inciting Hindu-Muslim hatred,” he said. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
MPs from T’gana must raise BC quota issue in Parl: KTR
Hyderabad: Alleging that the Congress govt had betrayed the BCs by not providing 42% reservations in local bodies, BRS working president KT Rama Rao said the BRS would expose the Congress party’s U-turn on enhanced BC reservations. He said that they would confront the Congress party everywhere for trampling on the promises made under the ‘Kamareddy BC Declaration’ before the 2023 assembly elections and for deceiving BCs at every step. “The party will go to the people and expose the injustice done to Telangana BCs by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. Rahul is touring the nation claiming that 42% reservation has been given to BCs in Telangana, even though no such increase has actually been implemented in the state,” the BRS leader said at a meeting of BC leaders on Monday. A meeting with BC public representatives, former MLAs, MLCs, and senior party leaders was held at Telangana Bhavan on Monday. During the meeting, MLC Dr Dasoju Sravan gave a PowerPoint presentation on what he described as the fraud being committed by the Congress party in the name of 42% reservations. Speaking at the meeting, KTR demanded that if Rahul Gandhi were truly sincere, he should use his position as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha to ensure an immediate discussion on this issue in Parliament. He questioned why, if the BJP govt at the Centre was not cooperating with the Congress govt in Telangana on BC reservations, Rahul was not raising the issue in Parliament. He added that if Rahul were genuinely committed to the 42% BC quota, he could introduce a Private Member’s Bill. He demanded that BJP and Congress MPs elected from Telangana raise this issue in the Lok Sabha during the upcoming Parliamentary sessions. KTR criticised the BJP, saying that while they repeatedly speak about BCs, they are betraying them in all aspects — from reservations to fund implementation and the creation of an OBC welfare ministry. He remarked that people are observing the BJP’s deception as well. 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
Shivakumar camp ramps up pressure as Rahul Gandhi returns to Delhi
Bengaluru/New Delhi: The tussle at the top in Karnataka again played out in Delhi Monday, as deputy chief minister and KPCC president DK Shivakumar and his supporters stepped up efforts to push for a change of chief minister. Shivakumar and his supporters, who reportedly sought an appointment with Rahul Gandhi to press for his elevation as CM for the remaining two-and-a-half-years of this govt, have made multiple trips to the capital in recent days. Two separate groups of his supporters are currently in Delhi seeking meetings with senior party functionaries. But Rahul refused to meet any of them, prompting the deputy CM to return to Bengaluru, party sources said. Meanwhile, the Siddaramaiah camp is said to be running its own low-key manoeuvres — by seeking permission for cabinet rejig — to counter demands that he step down. Amid the churn, MLC and former AICC general secretary BK Hariprasad — regarded as close to the Gandhis — met Rahul privately in Delhi around noon. His meeting took place even as Shivakumar was denied time. Sources say Hariprasad briefed Rahul on the political situation and urged early intervention to prevent further escalation. He is believed to have told Rahul that repeated visits by Shivakumar’s supporters to the capital could trigger counter-pressure from Siddaramaiah’s camp, deepening internal rifts. Hariprasad declined to reveal details, saying only that “everything is fine”. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who Siddaramaiah privately met on Saturday at his residence in Bengaluru, has expressed frustration over the persistent factional divide but suggested that he can’t resolve the impasse immediately. Kharge, who has remained in Bengaluru since Saturday, is expected to travel to Delhi on Tuesday to discuss developments with Rahul and review implications of either retaining or altering the present arrangement. Sources say a final decision from the central brass may be imminent. On Monday, a second batch of MLAs backing Shivakumar including HC Balakrishna (Magadi), KM Uday (Maddur), Nayana Motamma (Mudigere), Iqbal Hussain (Ramanagara), Sharath Bachegowda (Hoskote) and Shivaganga Basavaraj (Channagiri) flew to Delhi to meet senior party functionaries. Last week, some 10 legislators led by agriculture minister N Cheluvaraswamy met Kharge in Delhi and reportedly pressed for Shivakumar’s elevation in line with what they claim is an understanding that the chief minister post would change hands at the halfway mark. Simultaneously, the Siddaramaiah camp has continued to push for a cabinet rejig. Sources say that if the high command approves a reshuffle, it will signal that Siddaramaiah will continue for the full five-year term, narrowing the scope for Shivakumar to take over. Siddaramaiah, who earlier asserted that he would complete a full term as CM and present two more budgets, struck a more moderate tone Monday. “We will abide by the high command’s decision. If they decide I should continue (as CM), I will continue. Ultimately, whatever the high command decides, I should accept it. Shivakumar should also accept it,” he said in Chikkaballapur. Sharing the stage with him, Shivakumar responded that Siddaramaiah’s statement was ‘Veda Vakya’ (sacrosanct) for him. 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
Education, unity path to progress for Dalits: Min Satish
Pic: Public works minister Satish Jarkiholi inaugurates the student talent awards and Kannada Rajyotsava programme organised by the Karnataka Rajya Sa-Abhivruddhi Sangha at Kannada Bhavana in Belagavi on Sunday Belagavi: District minister Satish Jarkiholi stressed that the progress of the Dalit community depends on unity, education, entrepreneurship, and strong social and political representation. “Our future rests on the Constitution given to us by BR Ambedkar,” he said, while inaugurating the Student Talent Awards and Kannada Rajyotsava programme organised by the Karnataka Rajya Sa-Abhivruddhi Sangh at Kannada Bhavan on Sunday. Jarkiholi said that understanding history is essential for building an equitable society. Acts such as segregating Dalits or humiliating them, he said, must end. “The injustice suffered by our ancestors should not be repeated for future generations. Education is the only way forward,” he added. He cautioned that without the Constitution, historically marginalised communities might still be denied basic rights. “Ambedkar’s contribution is the foundation of the community’s growth,” he noted. The minister pointed out that while the govt has implemented several initiatives to promote education among the poor, challenges persist. He suggested that financially stable individuals and govt officials adopt underprivileged students and support their higher education to bring meaningful social change. Jarkiholi also referred to a recent meeting in Hubballi, regarding issues faced by the community, and assured that the demand for land for the Karnataka Rajya Sa-Abhivruddhi Sangh in Belagavi would soon be addressed. Attempts to erase the history of great social reformers, he said, must be countered with awareness and education. Quoting Ambedkar, he said, “Those who know history can create history.” He urged the youth to draw inspiration not from film stars or sports icons, but from social reformers like Buddha, Basavanna, and Ambedkar, whose ideals can eliminate caste and religious conflicts and ensure the country’s progress. MLA Raju Sait, writer UR Patil, folk singer Jyotirling Honakatti, association president Subhash Netrekar, Bhimrao Pawar and Sukumar Dodamani were present. 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
Chhattisgarh: Dalit youth assaulted, beaten in the middle of the road in Dipka, case filed
Dalit youth attacked in an Instagram dispute: assaulted with casteist slurs, FIR filed against Kunal Singh Rajput. Chhattisgarh: A serious case of assault against a Dalit youth has come to light in the Dipka police station area of Korba district. The victim alleges that a boy named Kunal Singh Rajput came to kill him. The Dalit youth suffered a serious head injury in the incident. However, in the presence of the Chhattisgarh Bhim Army Ekta Mission, the Dipka police have registered a case against the accused. According to the police, the accused is being interrogated and further action will be taken after the investigation is complete. The incident occurred on November 15th at Azad Chowk in Dipka, when Nitesh Kurre, a resident of Dipka, was going to the market with his wife at 5 pm. Kunal Singh Rajput attacked Nitesh Kurre, causing a head injury and serious injuries. The Dalit youth alleges that the accused, Kunal Singh Rajput, stopped him on the road, began assaulting him, and hurled casteist slurs at him over a social media Instagram chat and an old dispute. Police investigating the case Based on the victim’s complaint, the Dipka police have registered a case under relevant sections of the IPC, including sections 296, 115(2), and 351(2) of the Indian Penal Code, and have begun investigating the matter. Sharvan Kumar Courtesy: Hindi News
Major RPF action at Tatanagar station: 13 tribal minors, including 12 girls, being taken to Tamil Nadu were rescued.
The plan was to make them work as laborers in a Tamil Nadu thread factory; the RPF apprehended them before they could board the Tatanagar-Ernakulam Express. Jamshedpur: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has achieved a major success in its campaign against human trafficking in Jharkhand. The RPF, acting swiftly at Jamshedpur’s Tatanagar railway station, rescued 13 tribal minors from the clutches of human traffickers. Officials announced on Monday that the rescued children, including 12 girls and one boy, were being taken to Tamil Nadu under the pretext of providing them jobs. They were planning to go to Coimbatore. Tatanagar RPF in-charge Rakesh Mohan stated that the action was based on a strong intelligence report. Senior Divisional Security Commissioner P. Shankar Kutti of the Chakradharpur Division of the South Eastern Railway had provided a tip in this regard. Upon receiving information, the Flying Squad of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) increased surveillance at the station. An RPF officer said, “These children were rescued from Tatanagar station on Sunday while they were waiting to board the Tatanagar-Ernakulam Express. During interrogation, the minors revealed that they were being taken to work at a yarn manufacturing unit in Salem, Tamil Nadu.” Two brothers arrested Taking action in this case, police arrested two alleged human traffickers. The accused have been identified as Sunil Tatonba and Jampira Tatonba. These two accused are real brothers and residents of Amdiha Panchayat, which falls under the Hatgamharia police station area of West Singhbhum district. On Monday, the RPF handed over all the rescued children and the two arrested accused to the Tatanagar Government Railway Police (GRP) for further legal action. All the children are residents of West Singhbhum. Tatanagar GRP in-charge Jitram Oraon confirmed the case and said that all the rescued minors are between 15 and 17 years old. They are residents of different villages in the Hatgamharia block of West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand. Giving details about the further process, the GRP in-charge said, “All 13 minors have been handed over to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in Jamshedpur for care and protection. Before being released to their families in Hatgamharia, these children will be produced in the Jamshedpur Civil Court to record their statements.” Accused Sent to Jail Sunil and Jampira Tatonba, two brothers arrested on charges of trafficking minors, were produced in court, from where they were sent to Ghaghidih Central Jail in judicial custody. This prompt action by the administration saved the children from a bleak future. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
Rajasthan Board’s arbitrary fee hike: Parents of tribal children worried, the board will fill its pockets but poor families will be burdened!
Over 38,000 students in Banswara district alone will be affected by this decision. Over 80% of the district’s population comes from the tribal community, most of whom live below the poverty line. Banswara – A decision by the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education, Ajmer, has raised concerns among thousands of families in the tribal-dominated district of Banswara. The board has abruptly increased the examination fees for grades 10 and 12, jeopardizing the education of children from poor tribal families. The board has increased the theoretical exam fee from ₹600 to ₹850, and the practical exam fee from ₹100 to ₹200 per subject. This increase will apply to both regular and private students. Virendra Chaudhary, a senior leader of the Rajasthan Teachers’ Union (Siyaram), stated that the Ajmer Board of Secondary Education has declared the fee hike of Rs. 250 for theoretical exams and 100% for practical exams, from Rs. 100 per subject to Rs. 200, as unfair. Over 38,000 students in Banswara district alone will be affected by this decision. Over 80% of the district’s population belongs to the tribal community, with most families living below the poverty line. Most earn a living by working as laborers in Gujarat or neighboring states, making it difficult to even make ends meet. They can barely afford to pay their children’s fees. Local parents are outraged by this decision. Dhirajmal, a parent and former sarpanch of Bhanwar Vod Gram Panchayat, said, “This fee hike is an additional burden for poor tribal families. We are already struggling in this era of inflation. This will adversely impact our children’s education, especially girls’ education.” The looting of children and the hefty bonuses to board employees are unfair. Teacher leader Virendra Chaudhary stated that the Board employees are being given annual bonuses of thousands of rupees by robbing poor tribal students. The Board fails to make timely payments for all tasks, from application forms to fee invoices and other Board work, including evaluation and inspection. It also makes unnecessary 20% deductions for temple expenses, magazines, and other items. He demanded the state government conduct a high-level investigation into the arbitrary ₹35,000 bonus given to Ajmer Board employees and the additional honorarium paid in addition to their salaries. The Rajasthan Teachers’ Association, Siyaram, demanded the inclusion of a chairman and members from the tribal region in the Board’s executive committee and expressed the need for a separate board for the Banswara tribal region. Chaudhary stated that for years, a new executive committee has been formed and, under the influence of the administrator, anti-tribal and anti-student decisions have been taken unilaterally. He stated that, as decided in a meeting chaired by the Education Secretary, starting in the 2026-27 academic year, both regular and private students will now have to pay an examination fee of ₹850, which is a step and a deep conspiracy to financially deprive tribal students across the state from education. Furthermore, the fee for practical exams has been fixed at ₹200. However, this increase is the first since 2017. Currently, ₹600 is charged for regular students, ₹650 for private students, and ₹100 for practical exams. According to board officials, the fee increase has become necessary due to rising expenses on question paper printing, evaluation, and examination center arrangements. Currently, the board earns approximately ₹130 crore from examination fees. While this fee increase will increase this revenue, it will directly impact the pockets of approximately 2 million students across the state. Local students and parents have expressed disagreement with this decision. Student Narayan Lal Charpota said that the cost of coaching and books is already skyrocketing, and now the increase in examination fees will make education even more difficult for ordinary families. Siyaram Sharma, State Administrative President of the Rajasthan Teachers’ Union (Siyaram), said that the board’s decision cannot be considered administratively appropriate. The government should also announce a reimbursement relief scheme for the tribal BPL category so that economically weaker students are not deprived of the examination. 10th and 12th exams to be held from February 12 The Education Department has amended the Shivira Panchang to start the new session early. The exam schedule has been released. A letter in this regard was issued by Education Director Sitaram Jat. According to this, the 10th and 12th grade exams of the Board of Secondary Education will be held between February 12 and March 12. Annual exams for classes 9 and 11 will be held between March 10 and 25, and for classes 5 and 8 before March 12 instead of April 2026. Similarly, annual examinations for classes three and four, as well as six and seven, have been scheduled for March instead of April. The second competency-based assessment has also been scheduled for November instead of December, and the third assessment for March instead of April. The Education Department has begun preparations in the district in accordance with the revised schedule. Preparations are also underway in schools. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
Lucknow: Dalit research scholar Basant Kannaujiya’s protest continues at BBAU, with the university administration now issuing warnings to supporting students as well!
Following Kannaujiya’s expulsion, notices have been sent to students participating in the protest since November 20th. Lucknow – A peaceful protest against the expulsion of Dalit research scholar Basant Kannaujiya has been ongoing at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) for over a week. Rejecting the university administration’s allegations of “indiscipline,” Kannaujiya continues to protest on campus to protect his constitutional rights to education and justice. However, the matter has now escalated, with the administration issuing warning notices to students who supported him. Prominent Bahujan activists, including Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad, have come out openly in the matter and are demanding the university’s immediate revocation of his expulsion. This incident adds another dark chapter of caste discrimination and administrative tyranny to BBAU’s history. Kannaujiya, a PhD scholar in the Department of History, had been studying at the university for the past 14 years. He was accused of “inciting students, vandalism, and trespassing into the Vice Chancellor’s office” during the alleged unrest on campus on September 17th. The Inquiry Committee and Disciplinary Committee recommended his expulsion based on CCTV footage, student statements, and his past record (which included 14 indiscipline cases, show-cause notices, and FIRs since 2012). Vice-Chancellor Professor Raj Kumar Mittal issued his expulsion order on October 17th, calling his response to the show-cause notice “baseless.” The order also barred him from entering the campus and future admissions. Immediately after his expulsion, Kannaujiya began a peaceful sit-in, within constitutional limits, which has now entered its seventh day. The protest site is near the main gate of the administrative building, where he is demanding student welfare, raising voice against caste discrimination, and the right to education. However, the administration’s response has become increasingly harsh. Notices have been sent to students participating in the protest since November 20th. The most recent case concerns Shivam Kumar, a student in the Department of Information Technology. The university’s Proctor’s Office issued letter number 1084/Proct./BBAU/2025 on November 21st, 2025, warning Shivam for “continued involvement in undisciplined activities.” The letter stated: “It has been found that you, in connivance with outsiders, have been participating in a protest at the main gate of the Administrative Building within the university campus since November 20th, 2025. You have obstructed the movement of teachers, officers, and staff entering and leaving the Administrative Building, and are also involved in creating unrest on the campus. Such actions are a gross violation of the university’s Student Code of Conduct.” The letter further warned: “You are therefore directed to immediately desist from such undisciplined activities and concentrate on your academic work. You may be punished as per university rules for your undisciplined activities.” This notice is not only for participation in the protest, but has also become a form of mental harassment for those expressing support. According to Kannaujiya, similar notices are now being sent to other students who have stood in support of him. Kanaujiya has exposed the administration’s tyranny in his response on social media. He wrote: “Another shameful example of the administration’s dictatorship! In a university with 50% reservation for Dalit students and 51 Dalit professors, Dalit researchers are facing the most caste-based harassment. I was expelled on false charges of indiscipline, and I have been staging a peaceful protest within the constitutional framework to protect my right to justice and education. But now the administration has issued notices to students who simply stood in my support. All department heads have been ordered not to allow any student/researcher to join Basant Kumar Kannaujiya’s protest. This clearly shows that the administration fears dissenting voices and is trying to suppress students with a casteist mindset. Now, another student who supported me has been issued a notice and is being mentally harassed. Is this democracy? Is this a university run in the name of Babasaheb? The truth is that voices against injustice cannot be suppressed with notices. We are on the path of the Constitution, and the struggle will continue.” Meanwhile, the matter has also taken a political turn. Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad has openly spoken out in support of Kannaujiya. He said, “Despite the ongoing peaceful protest against the fabricated and false charges of indiscipline leveled against a Dalit research scholar at BBAU (Central University) and the unjust expulsion based on them, the silence of the university administration and the Sanghi-minded Vice Chancellor is a matter of concern. Such silence is not only unethical but also raises serious questions about the democratic and constitutional dignity of a central university. This struggle is not just that of a student, but a struggle to protect identity, restore dignity, safeguard constitutional values, and save the democratic soul of BBAU (Central University). We clarify: “Atrocities on Dalit Research Scholar – Now the country will not tolerate it.” Swami Prasad Maurya, president of his Janata Party, wrote in a post: “Basant Kumar Kanojia, a Dalit research student at Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Central University, Lucknow, was expelled on false charges of indiscipline, without any evidence or hearing his side of the story. While the true facts could have been ascertained by reviewing the CCTV footage installed on the university campus, the university administration, afflicted with a casteist mindset, has committed a despicable act of dictatorship and discrimination, which I strongly condemn. Similar discrimination against Dalits, tribals, and backward classes has been perpetrated in the past, sometimes by beheading Shamvuk and sometimes by cutting off Eklavya’s thumb. It is a matter of concern that people with Manuwadi thinking are still doing this, which is unfortunate.” Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
‘Dalits, Adivasis, Working Class Face Risk Of Disenfranchisement’ : Thol Thirumavalavan Moves Supreme Court Against Tamil Nadu SIR
Member of Parliament and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol Thirumavalavan has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission of India’s decision to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. He has sought the quashing of the Election Commission’s 27 October 2025 notification initiating the exercise in the State In the petition filed under Article 32, the petitioner contends that the SIR is arbitrary, non-transparent, and unconstitutional, and violates multiple fundamental rights, including equality, dignity, and universal adult franchise. He argues that the rushed exercise, announced less than a year before the State goes to polls, poses a serious threat of large-scale voter deletions, particularly among marginalised communities. According to the petition, the design and timing of the SIR disproportionately burden Dalits, Adivasis, migrant workers, women who relocate after marriage, the working class, disabled persons, and those lacking stable documentation or digital access. Structural barriers such as seasonal migration, informal housing, linguistic challenges and digital illiteracy could make compliance nearly impossible, resulting in wrongful deletions from the rolls. Citing the doctrine on indirect discrimination, the petitioner argues that even a facially neutral measure becomes unconstitutional if it disproportionately excludes disadvantaged groups. The petition points out that Dalits, Adivasis, women, and working-class citizens face disproportionate risks of being removed from the electoral rolls, effectively undermining the universal adult franchise that the Constitution makers envisioned for our democracy. According to the petitioner, there were large-scale voter deletions during similar revision exercises in Tamil Nadu, notably in 2002 and 2005, which later drew official acknowledgement of procedural lapses. Reports of over 50 lakh deletions ahead of the 2009 Lok Sabha polls and complaints from tribal communities in 2016 are cited to underscore the risks posed by intensive revisions. The petitioner points out that Tamil Nadu already underwent a Special Summary Revision between October 2024 and January 2025, with the updated roll published on 6 January 2025 and continuously maintained thereafter. The Election Commission, he argues, has offered no justification for a fresh statewide intensive revision, despite the proximity of the upcoming elections. The plea contends that the SIR process deviates from the statutory framework under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, which envisages home-based verification by Booth Level Officers. Instead, the EC has introduced additional form-based procedures through executive directions, allegedly lacking due safeguards such as notice and opportunity of hearing before deletions. Arguing that the right to vote is a constitutional right under Article 326, the petitioner submits that the SIR effectively creates a restricted franchise by imposing procedural burdens that vulnerable citizens cannot meet, amounting to “soft disenfranchisement” and undermining democratic legitimacy. The ruling party in Tamil Nadu, DMK, has approached the Supreme Court against the SIR. On the other hand, the AIADMK has filed an application supporting the SIR. Actor Vijay’s newly launched party TVK also filed a petition questioning the ECI’s move. The Supreme Court will consider the DMK petition on November 26. The petitiion was drafted by Advocate Disha Wadekar and filed through Aditi Gupta, AOR. Courtesy : Live Law Note: This news is originally published on https:/livelaw.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights