AAP leader arrested for allegedly encroaching Dalit colleague’s property
New Delhi, Aug 17: Aam Aadmi Party’s National Council Member Sri Chand Vohra was arrested by Delhi Police from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, for alleged encroachment of the property of his party’s Dalit worker in south-east Delhi’s Jaitpur Extension, sources said on Monday. Sri Chand Vohra is the husband of AAP Councillor from Jaitpur, Hema Vohra. He has been named in a police complaint filed by AAP Dalit worker Rakesh Kumar over his alleged dispossession from his own property. A police complaint filed by Rakesh Kumar said that around three weeks ago, Vohra allegedly threw his belongings, kept on the first floor of the property, onto the street. Following an investigation, the police added penal sections relating to an alleged conspiracy to take possession of the plot. The penal provisions invoked in the case carry a maximum punishment of 10 years. Earlier, Delhi BJP questioned the silence of AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Saurabh Bharadwaj over the alleged harassment of their own party’s Dalit worker. Delhi BJP Media Head and Spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor condemned Vohra’s alleged injustice against Rakesh Kumar and demanded early police action against him. Kapoor, along with BJP Chief Spokesperson Anil Gupta, asked Kejriwal to immediately ensure justice for the Dalit AAP worker by restoring possession of his plot and expelling Vohra and his wife from the party. The Delhi BJP Media Head said that Vohra has been directly associated with Kejriwal since the party’s formative days and had himself contested the Municipal Corporation election from Jaitpur in 2017. In 2022, his wife Hema contested the election and is currently serving as a Municipal Councillor. In 2019, on the pretext of setting up a private political office, Vohra took a vacant plot belonging to active Dalit AAP worker Rakesh Kumar in Jaitpur Extension. After about a year, Rakesh Kumar began asking for his plot back, but Vohra allegedly kept delaying the matter till 2022. Towards the end of 2022, Vohra’s wife Hema was elected as a Municipal Councillor from Jaitpur. According to the BJP leaders, this was followed by alleged harassment of Dalit worker Rakesh Kumar, which ended only after an FIR was registered at a police station around two weeks ago. Courtesy : TAT Note: This news is originally published on https:/theassamtribune.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
“Mallikarjun Kharge’s insult is a direct attack on the existence of Dalits,” Telangana Congress holds protest with appeal for unity against BJP
The alleged insult of Congress President in Haldwani has sparked widespread outrage in Telangana. The TPCC issued a stern warning to the BJP-RSS and appealed to Dalits to unite. New Delhi: The alleged insult to Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge has sparked widespread outrage within the Telangana Congress. On Monday, August 17, members of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) held a massive protest against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress leaders have made a clear call that the time has come for Dalits across the country to unite against the BJP’s policies. The protest was organized to protest the alleged “purification” of the stage after Kharge’s event in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. South Asians and Diaspora The main event of this strong protest was held in Karimnagar. Dr. Kavampally Satyanarayana, the party’s Scheduled Caste (SC) Cell Chairman and MLA, attended the protest. He described the humiliation of Kharge as highly condemnable and appealed to the marginalized sections of society to unite. The controversy began on August 13th. Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress chief, alleged that some individuals associated with the BJP had desecrated the stage immediately after his speech at the Ramlila Maidan in Uttarakhand. Expressing deep regret over this act, Kharge said that coming from a Dalit background, the incident had made him acutely aware of the “sting of untouchability.” Addressing the protesters at the protest, MLA Satyanarayana sharply attacked the ruling party. He said that this humiliation of Mallikarjun Kharge was not just an attack on one person, but on the self-respect and existence of the entire Dalit community. It should not be taken lightly at any cost. He urged all Dalits to stand firmly against the BJP’s discriminatory and oppressive policies. People and Society The TPCC directly blamed the BJP, which is in power at the center, for this purification ritual. Congress leaders said the ruling party should bow its head and take accountability to prevent such discrimination in the future. Satyanarayana issued a stern warning to the BJP, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and the Sangh Parivar, urging them to remain vigilant. He accused these organizations of staging a hypocritical drama. Citing the Haldwani incident, he clarified that this mentality of the BJP is an insult to democratic spirit and a blatant violation of constitutional values. Rajan Chaudhary Courtesy: Hindi News
‘Please save Telangana’: BRS leader Dasoju Shravan urges Rahul Gandhi to act over CM’s remarks against KCR
HYDERABAD: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader Dasoju Shravan Kumar on Monday appealed to LoP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and AICC Telangana in-charge Meenakshi Natarajan to intervene in the state’s political situation, accusing chief minister A Revanth Reddy of using an “abusive political discourse”. Dasoju Shravan said people in Telangana had trusted the Congress and voted it to power based on Rahul Gandhi’s appeals, election declarations and promises. He alleged that the current government had failed to live up to those expectations. “On behalf of the people of Telangana, I make an honest appeal to the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and AICC Telangana in-charge, Meenakshi Natarajan: please save Telangana. The people of Telangana trusted Rahul Gandhi, the several declarations, and the promises made by the Congress Party, voting them into power. In return, what kind of Chief Minister have you given us? A man who relies on aggressive language, brazen loot, and abusive political discourse; just a day after Independence Day, he had the audacity to utter ugly abuses against the Leader of the Opposition in the Telangana Legislative Assembly, K Chandrashekar Rao,” he said. Dasoju Shravan’s remarks came after Reddy on Monday criticised former chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, saying he was staying at his farmhouse like Dhritarashtra and ignoring his son’s actions. Reddy also accused BRS leaders of using party workers for their own benefit after losing power. “During the BRS rule, the KCR family benefited, while common people were given importance in the Praja Palana (People’s governance),” he alleged. The chief minister said the Telangana Assembly session would be held in September and urged Congress workers and MLAs to work towards securing a two-thirds majority in the 2029 elections. Reddy said he would continue working for the people and address their concerns. He also said that even “1,000 KCRs” could not harm him as long as he had the support and blessings of the people. 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
Jharkhand government accepts students’ demands, cancels JSSC-CGL and all exams conducted by TDPL
Jharkhand CM orders probe into recruitment exam irregularities since 2014, announces panel for exam reforms Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday announced the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and all activities associated with TSR Data Processing Private Limited (TDPL), including examinations conducted by the company, published results and selections, amid a 24-day-long student protest over alleged irregularities in recruitment exams. The government had earlier announced the cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination and two backlog examinations. Addressing the media at Jaipal Singh Stadium, Soren said the state Cabinet had decided to cancel the JSSC-CGL examination, a key demand of the protesting students. “We have decided to cancel everything associated with TDPL—including the examinations conducted, the results published, the candidates selected or who participated, and all other activities carried out by TDPL,” Soren said. The Chief Minister also ordered a comprehensive inquiry into irregularities in all recruitment examinations conducted from 2014 to the present. “A comprehensive inquiry will be conducted into all errors—minor or major—that have occurred since 2014. We will also soon convene to discuss the amendments made to the MMDR Act by the Central Government; if necessary, we may even call a special session to deliberate on this specific issue,” he said. Soren said investigations by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had brought to light “several shocking facts”. “Since the investigation is ongoing, it is not possible to disclose every detail openly; however, it has been observed that individuals appointed through the CGL process are now being arrested on charges related to irregularities in the JPSC examinations. Furthermore, there appears to be a complex, interconnected network involving various companies that have operated here at different times,” he said. He said the government had directed the concerned department and the CID to conduct a thorough investigation covering examinations held from 2014 onwards. Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato welcomed the government’s decision and thanked Soren, the state administration, police, media, students and parents for supporting the movement. Mahato said the students would cooperate with the ongoing investigation and efforts to clean up the recruitment examination system, but stressed that they wanted structural reforms to prevent paper leaks and other irregularities in the future. “We, the students, will continue to support this investigation and the effort to eradicate this corrupt system at its very roots, and we will persist in our struggle regarding the ongoing reform process,” Mahato said. However, the protesting students said not all their demands had been fulfilled, with their demand for a CBI inquiry into the alleged examination irregularities still unresolved. They also said no decision had been taken on the 11th to 13th JPSC examinations. He said the students were awaiting an official notification before deciding their next course of action. “If our issues are resolved and our demands met, why would we need to hold further protests?” he said, while seeking a system that would guarantee against paper leaks and examination irregularities in the future. Mahato said the students were not yet “fully satisfied” despite the government accepting their demands, as they wanted broader reforms across the examination system. “While our demands have been met, we cannot say we are fully satisfied yet, as a long battle still lies ahead,” he said. JPSC-JSSC Reform Manch leader Piyush Kumar Singh said the agitation would continue until the remaining demands were addressed. “No decision has been taken on 11th to 13th JPSC and our demand for CBI inquiry still remains unfulfilled, therefore, our agitation will continue till it is not fulfilled,” Singh said. Meanwhile, the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination has also left candidates who were selected through the process facing uncertainty. Some successful candidates said they would challenge the government’s decision in court. A successful candidate said the appointments had been made following a High Court division bench ruling and that the Supreme Court had also upheld the process. “We were appointed following a High Court division bench ruling. We had the Supreme Court’s seal of approval, yet suddenly, we became unemployed. We are upset with the Chief Minister. Sir, please reconsider this decision. What about the honourable court’s stance? What will happen to the hundreds of our brothers who resigned from previous jobs to join this one?” the candidate said. The candidates said they would approach the court again, pointing out that they had secured their appointments following judicial intervention. Chief Minister Soren said the government would ensure transparency in examination-related reforms and address concerns raised by students. “I do not consider these young people to be different groups. They are all concerned about their future. The government will move ahead with complete transparency on reforms,” he said. The Chief Minister said an existing standard operating procedure (SOP) for conducting examinations should have prevented the irregularities had it been properly followed. He added that further improvements would be made based on suggestions received from stakeholders. The government has also decided to constitute a committee headed by senior IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal to frame rules and procedures for conducting recruitment examinations in a manner that prevents irregularities. A portal has also been opened for students, teachers and parents to submit suggestions on examination reforms, which will subsequently be shared with experts, Soren said. The student agitation in Ranchi, centered on alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), entered its 24th day on Monday. The protesters have been demanding reforms in the examination system, action against those responsible for alleged irregularities and measures to prevent paper leaks and malpractice in future recruitment examinations. With the government now accepting the demand for cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and announcing a wider probe into examinations since 2014, the students are expected to decide their next course of action after reviewing the government’s formal orders. However, the demand for a CBI inquiry and a decision on the 11th to 13th JPSC examinations remain unresolved, raising the possibility that the agitation could continue.
Transgender ID cards to remain valid till pleas against new law decided, Centre tells SC
A Transgender Identity (TGI) card provides official recognition of a person’s self-identified gender and can be used to support changes to their name and gender across official records. The Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that transgender identity cards issued before the enactment of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, would remain valid and would not be impacted by the new law. A Transgender Identity (TGI) card provides official recognition of a person’s self-identified gender and can be used to support changes to their name and gender across official records. The government’s transgender portal specifically states that it enables changes to name and gender in official documents. “I have taken instructions. The TGI ID cards issued earlier will continue to operate subject to the outcome (on the petitions),” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana during the hearing of a batch of petitions challenging the 2026 amendment. The amendment has been challenged, among other grounds, for taking away the right to self-identification of gender that was recognised under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. There were around 15 petitions challenging the validity of the amended law. The Solicitor General also said that the Centre will file its response to the petitions. The bench recorded the submissions of the top law officer and fixed the pleas for final hearing after three weeks. On Monday, senior advocate Jayna Kothari, appearing for one of the petitioners, urged the bench to direct restoration of transgender identity cards that had already been cancelled. The bench, however, said it could not issue a general direction on the issue and asked the petitioners to file applications bringing individual cases before it. Kothari also sought protection for persons who had already applied for transgender identity cards and were awaiting their issuance. The bench said it would await the Centre’s reply affidavit before considering the issue. Senior advocate Rajiv Shakdhar, appearing for another petitioner, supported the submission, saying that the balance of convenience was in favour of the petitioners and that benefits already available to transgender persons should not be disturbed. Justice Bagchi said that the court would have to examine such issues on the basis of facts and circumstances of individual cases. Senior advocate Arundhati Katju submitted that the 2019 law was founded on the principle of self-identification of gender. She said that benefits flowing from the parent legislation should not be discontinued merely because of the 2026 amendment. Another advocate raised concerns over disruption of medical services for transgender persons who are currently undergoing treatment. Kanmani, a transgender advocate practising before the Madras High Court, highlighted possible disruption of welfare benefits and other essential services. Senior advocate Anand Grover submitted that some states had issued transgender identity cards on the basis of the Supreme Court’s 2014 judgment in NALSA v. Union of India, rather than under the 2019 legislation, and argued that such cards should also not be affected. The top court had earlier stayed proceedings in petitions pending before various high courts challenging the 2026 amendment after the Centre sought their transfer to the apex court. During the previous hearing on August 3, the bench had orally observed that the amendment could not take away rights already accrued to individuals. The bench had said that it would take up all the pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the 2026 law for final hearing on August 17. On May 4, the bench had raised concern over the possibility of persons masquerading as transgender to avail government schemes. It had sought responses from the Centre and others on the pleas challenging the validity of the new law. On March 25, Parliament passed a bill to amend the law on the protection and rights of transgender persons, which excludes social orientations from the ambit of the statute. It received the President’s assent on March 30. The Act provides for graded punishment based on the gravity of harm inflicted on such people. The petitioners have referred to the apex court’s 2014 judgement which had upheld the transgender persons’ right to decide their self-identified gender. The verdict had directed the Centre and the states to grant legal recognition of their gender identity such as male, female or third gender. One of the pleas filed in the apex court has sought a declaration that the right to self-identification of gender, as recognised by the top court in the 2014 verdict, is a fundamental right under Article 21 that “no legislation may make conditional upon bureaucratic certification, medical procedure, surgical intervention, or any clinical gateway of the State’s choosing”. It has also sought a direction that all certificates of identity lawfully obtained by transgender persons under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, prior to the commencement of the amendment Act, shall remain valid and shall not be invalidated, revoked or rendered ineffective. The plea said that rights and entitlements flowing from those certificates should continue in full force. 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
Rahul Gandhi defamation case: Savarkar’s grandson admits Nathuram, Gopal Godse were active RSS members
Pune: In a significant development in the defamation case involving Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, filed by Savarkar’s grandson Satyaki Savarkar, the complainant on Monday admitted that Nathuram Godse and his brother Gopal Godse were “active members” of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The admission came during further cross-examination of Satyaki Savarkar by Gandhi’s counsel Milind D Pawar, appearing for Rahul Gandhi, before judicial magistrate first class (JMFC) Amol Shriram Shinde. The deposition records Satyaki as stating: “It is true to say that, my grandfathers Gopal Godse and Nathuram Godse were active members of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.” The cross-examination also brought out the family links between the Savarkars and Godses. Satyaki said Gopal Godse was his maternal grandfather and Sindhu Godse his maternal grandmother, while his mother was Himani Savarkar. He also confirmed that Gopal and Nathuram Godse were real brothers and described Nathuram as his grand-uncle. He further agreed that the Savarkar and Godse families were related. The witness also admitted that his mother and Gopal Godse worked for the Hindu Mahasabha until their deaths. The cross-examination also dealt with the 1948 assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Satyaki agreed that Gandhi was assassinated at Birla House in Delhi on Jan 30, 1948, and that Gopal Godse and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar were accused in the case. The defence also questioned Satyaki about an alleged interview given by Gopal Godse to a monthly magazine on Jan 28, 1994. Satyaki said he did not know about the interview. He similarly said he did not know whether Nathuram Godse had worked as an “intellectual executive” in 1944. The complainant’s lawyer, Sangram Kolhatkar, objected to some of the questions concerning the RSS and Digambar Badge, arguing that they were not related to the case. The court recorded that the objections would be decided at the time of the final decision. The cross-examination remained incomplete and was deferred to Sept 1. 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
Supreme Court bars CBI, ED from filing report on Rahul Gandhi’s assets
NEW DELHI: Supreme Court Monday barred CBI, ED or any agency from filing any report on any probe into the alleged disproportionate assets of leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi before Allahabad HC, which had directed the two central agencies to probe allegations in a PIL on his alleged illegal wealth. Arguing for Rahul and challenging the July 20 order of HC’s Lucknow bench, senior advocate Kapil Sibal told a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana that the HC had adopted a process which is “completely unknown to law” in passing the impugned order If claim is so serious, why did agencies need HC prod: SC Kapil Sibal said HC did not even seek Rahul Gandhi’s response and permitted a witch-hunt without questioning the locus standi of the petitioner, Vignesh Shishir, an RSS/BJP worker. Appearing for CBI, additional solicitor general S V Raju said, “CBI has done nothing yet. We are only verifying the complaint. We have not registered even a preliminary enquiry. The allegations are very serious. We are inquiring into it.” Sibal said, “CBI can do what it likes. We are not concerned with it.” Justice Bagchi said, “You (CBI) did not do it on your own. Suo motu action we would have understood. Why did you need the prodding of high court to investigate? If it is so serious, why did the agencies keep quiet and need impetus from HC?” The bench issued notices to Shishir, CBI, ED, UP Police, Union ministry of home affairs, CBDT and Serious Fraud Investigation Office and said, “Meanwhile, no report shall be submitted by CBI or ED or any other authority to the HC pursuant to its July 20 order.” Sibal sought a stay on proceedings before HC, leading the bench to request HC to defer the scheduled Aug 20 hearing till further orders. Appearing in person, Shishir spoke in favour of HC’s procedure, and said the matter was still in the preliminary enquiry stage where the accused cannot have a say. Raju said, “As far as the allegations are concerned, if they make out a cognisable offence, it stands on a different footing. We are yet to lodge an FIR. What action is to be taken has not yet been considered.” CJI Kant said, “On our understanding of the law, police or any probe agency, if they have prima facie material, they can register a case, investigate it, and can proceed against anyone. No permission is required from the accused. But what appears to us, subject to assistance from both sides, is that if the court wants to issue a direction, it is expected to follow principles of natural justice.” Raju said it was not required in a criminal case. Sibal interjected and said, “The enthusiasm of the agencies is clear.” Raju retorted, “Facts may be wrong or right. But if they are right, it is a gross case of disproportionate assets.” Sibal said these were sealed cover, in-chamber proceedings and asked how they got reported in newspapers. In his plea, Rahul said, “Since 2024, Shishir, who it appears from public reporting is a member of BJP — a party whose politics and ideology the petitioner (Rahul) and his party (Congress) vehemently contests — has instituted multiple proceedings before different forums, including successive PILs on petitioner’s alleged foreign citizenship, criminal proceedings seeking registration of an FIR…” 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
Winds of change in Muzrai dept as Dalit takes over as minister
The Mayakonda MLA hails from a humble background and grew up amidst hardship as the son of civic workers Sangappa Pailwan and Hanumakka. Bengaluru: In 2020, senior Congressman G Parameshwara offered the Legislative Assembly a chilling account of caste-based discrimination. “I became an MLA for the first time in 1989. While going on a victory round, they took us to a village which naturally will have temples and Ramesh Kumar (in an apparent reference to fellow Congress leader Ramesh Kumar, a Brahmin) must be there. They took me into the Hanuman temple, I saluted the deity, took the Mangalarathi and came out. After I left, there was a fight as to how could I have been taken inside the temple”. Narrating this, Parameshwara, who hails from Dalit (right) community, said thereafter, he avoids entering temples with discriminatory practices and instead, does the rituals outside the premises on some pretext. Six years later, the Congress government, with Parameshwara as deputy CM, has taken a progressive step by appointing first-time MLA K S Basavanthappa from Dalit (left) community as minister for Muzrai department, which manages Hindu temples. The Mayakonda MLA hails from a humble background and grew up amidst hardship as the son of civic workers Sangappa Pailwan and Hanumakka. His appointment is being interpreted as a powerful counter to the despicable practice of caste-based discrimination in some temples. Though Rudrappa Lamani also held Muzrai portfolio in previous Congress government during 2016-18 (he hails from Lambani sub-sect among scheduled castes), Basavanthappa is the first from among SC (left)/SC (right) communities, which are comparatively more marginalised, to do so. On Aug 10, right-wing outfit Shri Ram Sena Dharmarth Seva Nyas performed Shuddhikaran (‘purification’), after AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge’s speech at Ramlila maidan at Haldwani, Uttarakhand on Aug 8. A senior minister told DH that the government believed in 12th-century social reformer and anti-caste crusader Basavanna’s principle of ‘Kayakave Kailasa’ (work is worship). “There is a quote inscribed at the entrance of Vidhana Soudha that says ‘Government work is God’s work’. Ultimately, it’s about carrying out the responsibility bestowed on an individual by the party. If an atheist is handed over the responsibility of the muzrai or minorities welfare department, he or she should still undertake the duty,” he said. Leader of the Opposition in the Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy said one way of looking at it would be to appreciate the decision. But, he also wondered if “upper castes” were ready for such a development. The BJP leader, who hails from SC (right) community, felt the decision could be a “test case” to gauge society’s reaction. Sujay B M DHNS Courtesy : DH Note: This news is originally published on https:/deccanherald.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Parliament passes Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, 2026 with Rajya Sabha approving it today
Parliament has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the Rajya Sabha approving it today. The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha yesterday by a voice vote amid an Opposition-led walkout. The bill seeks to redefine the category of transgender, removes the provision of self-perceived gender identity and excludes several socio-cultural identities as well as transmasculine individuals from its ambit. It also further defines transgender persons within a biological framework, based on intersex variations and differences in sexual development. Replying to the discussion on the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar said the government is compassionate towards the well-being of the transgender community. He said the Bill has provisions to empower the transgenders and give them dignity. The Minister said that the NDA government has taken several initiatives to bring transgender people to the mainstream and stop discrimination against them. Starting the discussion in the Upper House, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury said this bill dilutes the privacy of an individual provided under the Constitution. Opposing the Bill, Ms Chowdhury said self-identification cannot be taken away through bureaucratic certification. Criticizing the government, she said that the proposed bill undermines the fundamental rights and dignity of transgender persons. Calling such a move wrong and illegal, she argued that forcing transgender persons to provide their identity through official certificates is against the spirit of equality and dignity guaranteed by the constitution. She also questioned the government’s approach for not properly consulting with the transgender community before bringing the Bill. She also referred to the Supreme Court’s landmark NALSA judgement of 2014, which recognized the right of transgender persons to self-identify their gender. Ms Chowdhury said the proposed Bill violates the principles laid down in that judgement and fails to respect an already established legal framework. DMK MP Tiruchi Shiva also opposed the Bill, saying that even if the Bill is passed in Parliament with a majority, it will be struck down by the Supreme Court. He further added that the Bill violates Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 of the Constitution and it deprives the community of the right to freedom, dignity and self-determination. Supporting the Bill, BJP MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni said, ” This Bill ensures justice, dignity, protection from criminalisation and legal safeguards for transgender persons. She also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing this bill with certain amendments in order to ensure that the benefits reach the deserving people in a proper manner. She said there is a need for a law that brings justice to real transgender individuals and punishes fake ones. Mrs Kulkarni said the benefits should be extended to those who are transgender by birth. She said that the amendment to extend punishment will bring down the rate of crime and forced identities. TMC’s Saket Gokhale said that 31% of Transgender people in India have attempted suicide because of the discrimination that they are facing. He alleged that now the government is going to start discriminating against them as though social discrimination were not enough. He called it unacceptable. Mr Gokhale expressed concern that gender is going to be decided by the Chief Medical Officer and a District Magistrate, and the bill does not prescribe any qualifications for the Chief Medical Officer. Sanjay Singh of AAP said the Bill is a big let-down for the transgender community. He accused the government of not doing anything for the community. RJD’s Manoj Kr Jha said that prejudices against transgender people should stop, and they should be able to live with dignity. He added that self-determination of gender should not be taken away. CPI(M)’s John Brittas said it is a black-letter day and the Bill is taking India a century back. He pleaded with the government to either withdraw the Bill or refer it to a Select Committee. Jaya Bachchan of the Samajwadi Party also questioned the government over the legislation. She sought to know what the urgency was in bringing the Bill, without examining it with the depth and care that it deserved. Courtesy : NOA Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsonair.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Congress protests venue ‘purification’ after Kharge’s event
Protesters raised slogans like ‘Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan,’ ‘Unity over hatred,’ and ‘Dalit discrimination is anti-national.’ Bengaluru: Congress workers took out a protest march in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi on Sunday, August 16, against the purification ritual performed in Haldwani, where Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge held a public meeting. The Kalaburagi District Congress Committee organised the demonstration. Party workers gathered at the district Congress office on Sedam Road and marched towards Annapurna Cross, raising slogans against the governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and alleged communal and casteist practices. The protesters objected to the reported cleaning and purification of the venue following Kharge’s visit, terming it an insult to Dalits and a reflection of continuing caste discrimination. Several protesters carried placards highlighting equality and constitutional principles. Messages included “Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan,” “Unity over hatred,” “Dalit discrimination is anti-national” and “Purify the mind before purifying the soil.” Protestors burn tyres as part of demonstration The protesters also questioned whether caste discrimination had truly disappeared 80 years after Independence. They said no individual should be considered ‘impure’ because of their caste and argued that such practices undermine the principles of equality and dignity guaranteed by the Constitution. The protestors burnt tyres as part of the demonstration and raised slogans demanding an end to caste-based discrimination and communal politics. Speaking to the gathering, District Congress Committee president and MLC Jagadev Guttedar, MLA Allamaprabhu Patil and MLC Tippannappa Kamaknur criticised the alleged incident and accused communal forces of attempting to divide society along caste and religious lines. The leaders said the Congress would continue to oppose discrimination and defend constitutional values. They called upon people to reject hatred and work towards social harmony, equality and fraternity. Courtesy : TSD Note: This news is originally published on https:/thesiasatdaily.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights