SC/ST/OBC reservation in minority colleges banned! Bombay High Court’s big decision, a big blow to Maharashtra government
The Bombay High Court has stayed the Maharashtra government’s decision to implement SC/ST/OBC reservation on open quota seats in minority colleges. Mumbai: In a major setback to the Maharashtra government on Thursday, the Bombay High Court has stayed the decision to implement SC/ST/OBC reservation in minority trust-run colleges for admission to first year junior college (FYJC). This interim relief was granted during the hearing of petitions filed by the Maharashtra Minority Educational Institutions Association and prominent minority colleges in Mumbai and Solapur — such as Jai Hind, KC, HR and St. Xavier’s College. The High Court’s clear direction: Social reservation will not be applicable to minority institutions A division bench of Justices Makarand S Karnik and Nitin R Borkar said, “The provision of social reservation in respect of admission to class 11 will not be applicable to any minority educational institution.” The court ordered the state government to ensure that the FYJC online admission portal is modified accordingly. On Wednesday, the court had suggested the government to reconsider and withdraw the controversial decision, but the government counsel informed the court that they had not received any instructions from the concerned authorities. Petitioners termed the decision arbitrary and unconstitutional Senior advocate Milind Sathe and advocate S.C. Naidu, appearing for the petitioners, argued that the government’s decision was “arbitrary, imposed without lawful authority and without consultation”. They cited Article 30(1) of the Constitution to say that minority institutions have the fundamental right to establish and administer their educational institutions, and they do not fall within the purview of social reservation under Article 15(5). Government’s stand: Reservation is applicable only on the surrendered seats The government advocate argued that this reservation applies only to the surrendered seats of the minority quota, which will not have any effect on the rights of minority institutions. Controversy arose due to the implementation of reservation on open quota seats As per the tradition of previous years, in minority institutions: 50% seats were open for the respective minority community, 5% for management quota, and 45% for students of all categories. According to the government notification of the School Education Department issued on May 6, this time SC/ST/OBC reservation was also shown on these 45% open seats on the FYJC portal, which created confusion and controversy. “Corrective” notifications issued but controversy persists The state government first issued “corrective” notifications on June 2 and then on June 10, but the petitioners say that the original controversial sections remained the same in them. The association in its petition also requested the court to direct the concerned authorities to immediately amend the FYJC admission portal so that there is clarity for admission in minority institutions. Sought response from the government in four weeks, next hearing on August 6 The court has directed the state government to file a reply to the petitions within four weeks. The next hearing of the case has been scheduled for August 6. Courtesy : Rajan Chaudhary, Hindi News
ED raids houses of Karnataka Congress stalwarts! Shocking revelations in tribal scam worth crores
Enforcement Directorate tightens grip on Congress leaders over Valmiki tribal welfare scam in Karnataka, raids at several places Bengaluru. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted raids in Bellary district and Bengaluru in connection with the Maharishi Valmiki Tribe Welfare Board scam. This action was taken at the places of four Congress leaders and others associated with them. Raids are being conducted at the houses and offices of Congress MP E. Tukaram, Congress MLA Na. Ra. Bharat Reddy and J. N. Ganesh alias Kampli Ganesh. Apart from this, the house of Govardhan, personal assistant of Bellary Congress MLA and former minister B. Nagendra, is also being raided. ED raids are also going on at the office of former minister and Congress MLA B. Nagendra in Bengaluru. It was told that a team of about 15 ED officials has raided eight places simultaneously since this morning. Of these, five places are in Bellary and three in Bengaluru. However, it has not been officially confirmed yet. Former minister B. Nagendra has already been sent to jail in connection with this scam. He resigned after the scam was revealed. On this, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had said that the matter of making Nagendra a minister again would be reviewed. Former Scheduled Tribe Welfare, Youth Empowerment and Sports Minister B. Nagendra was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on July 12, 2024 in connection with the tribal welfare scam. He was then sent to judicial custody and released on bail after spending about three months in jail. After being released from jail, Nagendra alleged that the ED deliberately harassed him. He also said that the BJP is conspiring to destabilize the elected governments of the country. At the same time, the BJP alleges that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also has a role in the scam as he allegedly “approved” the misappropriation of Rs 89.6 crore from the government body. The BJP claims that the scam is worth Rs 187 crore and since the finance portfolio is held by Siddaramaiah himself, his involvement is clear. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has named B Nagendra as the prime accused and mastermind of the alleged scam in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corporation. Nagendra carried out the scam along with 24 others, including Satyanarayana Varma, Etakari Satyanarayana, J.G. Padmanabha, Nageswara Rao, Nekunti Nagaraj and Vijay Kumar Gowda. The probe revealed that about Rs 89.62 crore was transferred from the corporation’s accounts to fake accounts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and then laundered through fake entities. However, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Congress government had given Nagendra a clean chit in the case and did not include his name in the chargesheet. The ED had initiated the probe based on FIRs filed by the Karnataka police and the CBI. The scam came to light after P Chandrasekaran (52), the accounting superintendent of the tribal welfare board, committed suicide. His suicide note mentioned knowledge of the scam, attempts to suppress it and pressure exerted on him by politicians and senior officials. The suicide note also hinted at the involvement of a minister of the Congress government, whom Chandrasekaran blamed for his death. The state government’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) filed a 300-page charge sheet, which does not name any politician from the ruling Congress. Courtesy : Hindi News
No political link to Dalit minor’s case in Sri Sathya Sai district and girl’s murder case in Anantapur City: Rayapati Sailaja
Andhra Pradesh Women’s Commission Chairperson Rayapati Sailaja said that girls in society should be very careful and should discuss any important decisions with their parents. ANANTAPUR: Andhra Pradesh Women’s Commission Chairperson Rayapati Sailaja said that there is no political connection with the incident involving the Dalit minor girl in Yedugurallapalli village of Ramagiri mandal in Sri Sathya Sai district and the murder case in Anantapur City. Speaking to mediapersonnel at the R&B Guest House in Anantapur on Thursday, she said that the minor girl had been sexually assaulted for two years. The accused have been arrested in connection with the rape case in Ramagiri mandal, and the police have already taken 16 people into custody. In the murder case of Sake Tanmayi from Anantapur City, the parents initially suspected a young man named Balu. As a result, the police focused their investigation on him, which caused a delay in identifying the actual accused, Naresh. “He killed her because she was pressuring him to get married,” she added. She further said that girls in society should be very careful and should discuss any important decisions with their parents. “Girls should be brave,” she said, advising them to inform the police if anything happens. “They should call the 181 woman helpline — the government will protect them in all possible ways.” Disclosure of victim’s name sparks controversy Rayapati Sailaja’s disclosure of the minor girl’s name sparked controversy. She later apologised for accidentally revealing the victim’s identity. It may be recalled that the police had earlier registered a case against former MP Gorantla Madhav for naming a victim in a previous case. In response, Madhav stated that he would file a complaint with the police her. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Gwalior News: Three people committed unnatural act with Dalit youth, police arrested two accused
In Dabra, Gwalior, three accused beat up a Dalit youth, committed unnatural act and blackmailed him by making a video. On the complaint of the victim, the police have arrested two accused, while one is absconding. A case has been registered against the accused under section 377 and investigation is going on. A case of unnatural act by three people with a Dalit youth has come to light in Dabra City Police Station of Gwalior district, where the victim youth living in Jangipura of Dabra lodged a complaint in the City Police Station. On which the police have registered a case and arrested two accused. One accused is still absconding. The victim told the police that Kallu Zaheer alias Kallu Rappan and Aashiq Khan, Ashfaq Khan of the same locality took him to Kallu Rappan’s house. There they beat him with a belt. The accused took off the clothes of the victim and committed unnatural act with him and made a video of it. Regarding the incident, the city police station in-charge said that the accused kept exploiting the victim by threatening to make the video viral. The victim told this to his neighbor Vicky Badshah, after which both of them reached the police station. The police took immediate action and arrested Kallu Rappan and Aashiq. The third accused Ashfaq Khan is absconding. A case has been registered against the three accused under section 377 in the city police station. The absconding accused is being searched and will be arrested soon. Published by: Gwalior Bureau Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit hostel row: Samrat Choudhary slams Rahul over ‘baseless’ charges
PATNA: Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary on Friday lashed out at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his June 10 letter to PM Narendra Modi. In the letter, Rahul alleged poor conditions in Ambedkar hostels and delays in scholarships for Dalit and EBC students in Bihar.Samrat responded by stating that the state govt had disbursed Rs 4.7 crore through direct benefit transfer (DBT) in 2024-25, providing Rs 4,000 per month in scholarships to Dalit students. Rahul, citing his May 15 visit to the Ambedkar hostel in Darbhanga, claimed that six to seven students were cramped into each room and the hostel suffered from filthy toilets, unsafe drinking water, poor food quality and a lack of educational resources. He also alleged that no student had received a scholarship in 2021-22. Dismissing these claims, the Choudhary said the allegations were “baseless and prejudiced”, accusing Rahul of misleading the public and engaging in “politics of spreading discontent”. Invoking the legacy of former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur, Choudhary said, “The Gandhi family, which once sent Karpoori Thakur to jail, is now questioning the hostel named in his honour. Congress has never respected the backward-Dalits and has always opposed reservation. The NDA govt is working for these sections of society.” He added that any deficiencies found in hostels for Dalit and EBC students were promptly addressed. “Hostel residents also achieve success in competitive exams by taking advantage of the peaceful environment and high-quality facilities,” he said. Choudhary detailed the state’s efforts, citing the existence of 100 Jananayak Karpoori Thakur hostels, 100 OBC welfare hostels and 39 OBC girls’ residential +2 schools equipped with libraries, smart classrooms, TV sets, CCTV, sanitary napkin vending machines, generators, computer labs, biometric devices, medical check-up facilities and messes. He said hostel grants had been provided up to April and food distribution would continue till March 2025. Regular inspections and necessary repairs were carried out, he added. Choudhary, who also oversees the finance portfolio, said Rs 321 lakh had been sanctioned in 2025 for the repair, painting, water supply and electrification of Karpoori hostels. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
I will not join BJP, nor will it accept me: Lakshman Singh
Bhopal: Former Congress MLA Lakshman Singh, who was expelled from the party on Wednesday, said he received a phone call and was asked to write that Rahul Gandhi would be Prime Minister. “I got a phone call and was asked to give in writing that Rahul Gandhi will be Prime Minister, then my expulsion would be stopped. I refused,” he said, speaking to reporters in Guna on Thursday. “Since I did not agree to write that, I was expelled from the party. Only those who say that Rahul Gandhi will be Prime Minister can remain in the Congress party. I cannot do that,” he said, explaining his expulsion from the party. Lakshman Singh, who joined the BJP in late 2003 and contested as a party candidate from Rajgarh Lok Sabha seat in the 2004 Parliamentary elections, said, “Neither will I go to join the BJP and nor will the BJP accept me.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Palwal News: Dalit woman and son beaten up, abused and threatened
Case registered against three accused, victim admitted to hospital in critical condition Palwal. A case of assault and caste-related abuses against a Dalit woman and son has come to light in Aharwa village of the district. On the complaint of the victim, the police have registered a case against three people including two women and started investigation. The victim mother and son have been admitted to the hospital in critical condition. According to the information, Mukta, a resident of Aharwa village, was returning from the field with fodder for the animals on Wednesday. On the way, Gajendra of the same village stopped her and started abusing and beating her. Hearing Mukta’s screams, son Nanak Chand reached the spot, on which Gajendra fled from there with a pickup vehicle. After this, when Nanak Chand was going towards Gajendra’s house to protest, Gajendra, Veena and Usha surrounded him on the way and attacked him with sticks. Mukta, who came to save her son, was also beaten brutally. It is alleged that the accused abused the mother and son using casteist slurs and threatened to kill them if a police complaint was lodged. The villagers somehow intervened and saved the victims. Both the seriously injured were admitted to the hospital for treatment. On Mukta’s complaint, Sadar police station has registered a case against Gajendra, Veena and Usha under SC/ST Act, assault, threat and other sections. Sadar police station in-charge Sundar Pal said that raids are being conducted to arrest the accused and they will be taken into custody soon. Courtesy: Hindi News
Moradabad News: Mainather police accused of harassing Dalits
Moradabad. A delegation of BSP met the CO on Thursday and complained about Mainather police. Alleged that people of Jat community beat up Dalits, but the police took action against people of Dalit community only. CO has assured to investigate the matter. On Thursday, BSP delegation met CO Rajesh Kumar Tiwari in the absence of SP Rural. BSP leaders said that a few days ago in village Jatpura of Mainather, village resident Kavendra son Harimohan had gone to the farm. Where on the way, there was a dispute with the people of Jat community regarding the water pipeline. It is alleged that people of Jat community beat up people of Dalit community by insulting them by using casteist words. It is alleged that Inspector Mainather, after taking the application of Jat community, challaned four people of Dalit community under section 135 (151). Whereas the application of people of Dalit community was not taken. It was alleged that the police, while taking action again, have registered a case against six people of the victim’s side. The CO assured to take appropriate action in the matter. The delegation included District President Nirmal Singh Sagar, Rajesh Sagar, Shivshankar Sagar, Sheeshpal Singh, Nitin Singh, Ryan Turki, Rajveer Singh, Chhatrapal, Kavindra Jatav, Chaman Singh, Reenu Jatav, Ravindra Jatav etc. BSP expressed grief over the Ahmedabad accident Moradabad. BSP has expressed grief over the plane crash in Ahmedabad. BSP District President Nirmal Sagar said that there were 242 passengers on board the plane. All of them died in the accident. This incident is extremely sad and heart-wrenching. BSP members have expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. Also, they have wished for the safety and speedy recovery of the people injured in the accident. Dialogue Courtesy: Hindi News
Dalit activists demand probe into murders reported in last decade in Dakshina Kannada
Mangaluru: Dalit activists have demanded a high-level probe into all murders committed by communal elements in Dakshina Kannada district in the last 10 years. Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (Swabhimani Prof B Krishnappa Faction) district convenor Sadashiva Padubidri told reporters on Thursday that the govt should order a special investigation under the guidance of an incumbent or former high court judge to find the perpetrators of the murders, organisations behind it, motives, and thereby bring them before the law. “The chief minister, home minister, and police should ensure that the murders of innocents for a communal agenda or revenge do not recur in the district. People with vested interests sow the seeds of hatred to create rifts between religions and unrest in society for many decades. Due to their provocative speeches, innocent people from middle-class and poor families are being murdered. Similarly, those from the middle-class and poor only are spoiling their future after their involvement in murders,” he said. The mindset of revenge killing is said to have resulted in the murders of Prashanth Poojary, Deepak Rao, Sharath Madiwala, Masood B, Praveen Nettaru, Mohammed Fazil, Ashraf, Suhas Shetty, and Abdul Rahiman, said Sadashiva. “Though people suspect communal issues or revenge leading to all deaths, only the murders of Praveen Nettaru and Suhas Shetty were handed over to the NIA. Suhas, who was a rowdy-sheeter, was involved not only in the murder of Fazil, but was also an accused in the murder case of Dalit youth Kirthi. Hence, how can he be called a Hindutva leader? Is it right to ignore one section completely to appease another? All accused of communal crimes and revenge killings should be punished stringently without any caste or religion bias,” he said. Sanjeeva, father of slain Dalit youth Kirthi, Samiti leaders Saronjini Bantwal, Raghu K Ekkaru, Krishnananda D, and others were present. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Channi slams Bhagwant Mann, Kejriwal as ‘anti-Dalit’
Ludhiana: Former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi claimed that both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Arvind Kejriwal were anti-Dalit and poor people. Referring to the party not appointing a Dalit deputy chief minister, as promised before the 2022 assembly elections, Channi claimed that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal did not participate in the programmes organised in the memory of Dalit gurus. Channi said that Kejriwal projected himself as a common man by wearing slippers and travelling in auto-rickshaws, but soon after coming to power, he started travelling in helicopters and staying in luxury hotels. On Wednesday, Channi said, a government programme was organised in Jalandhar on the occasion of Kabir Jayanti and both Mann and Kejriwal were supposed to attend it. However, he claimed that despite being in Jalandhar, both returned without attending the event. He added that Kejriwal and Mann spent time in a friend’s factory after inaugurating a park located about three kilometres from the Kabir Jayanti programme venue. He also said that the Kabir Bhawan was constructed during the Congress government at a cost of Rs 12 crore. Channi claimed that the AAP government did not pay attention to cleaning of the sarovar at the Bhagwan Valmiki Teerth in Amritsar, which, had been made using the machinery procured by the Congress government at expense of crores. The former CM said that the AAP government did not implement the project of building a research centre on the life of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar for Rs 100 crore at the Technical University in Kapurthala. He claimed that during his tenure as CM, he presented a cheque of Rs 25 crore to the Dera Sachkhand Ballan management to build a study centre devoted to Guru Ravidas’s teachings at Dera Ballan, the holy place of Guru Ravidas. Channi alleged that the cheque was taken back by Kejriwal. On the eve of Lok Sabha elections, Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann reached the dera to present the same cheque but the amount of Rs 25 crore has not been released to the dera so far, he claimed. “I genuinely want to ask CM Mann and Kejriwal what their issues are with poor and Dalit people,” Channi asked. He said that before the assembly elections, votes were collected by filling forms promising to give Rs 1,000 per month to women but after 40 months, women had not received anything. MSID:: 121804320 413 | Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.