Who is Justice B.R. Gavai, the new Chief Justice of India?
Justice Gavai will become only the second Dalit Chief Justice of India, after Justice KG Balakrishnan Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai is set to become the 52nd Chief Justice of India, following the retirement of CJI Sanjiv Khanna on May 13, 2025. Elevated to the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, Justice Gavai will become only the second Dalit Chief Justice of India, after Justice KG Balakrishnan, who held the post from 2007 to 2010. However, his tenure is expected to last six months, from May 14, 2025 to November 23, 2025. His appointment also comes at a critical juncture for the judiciary, as the Supreme Court faces mounting criticism over alleged judicial overreach, most notably in the Tamil Nadu Governor case, where it directed the President to adhere to a timeline for clearing Bills. The judiciary is also grappling with renewed concerns over judicial corruption following the alleged discovery of charred currency notes at the official residence of High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma. The incident has prompted 21 Supreme Court judges to publicly disclose their assets in an effort to restore public confidence. As Justice Gavai assumes office, all eyes will be on how he steers the court through these turbulent times, while upholding constitutional principles and reinforcing public trust in the institution. Script and Presentation: Aaratrika Bhaumik Editing: Zeeshan Akhtar Video: Aniket Chauhan Courtesy : The Hindu Note: This news is originally published on https://thehindu.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Dalit Man denied temple entry in Karnataka, officials intervene after video goes viral
A 25-year-old Dalit man was barred from entering a temple in Karnataka’s Kavanadala village on May 10 by members of the dominant Vokkaliga community, sparking outrage after a video of the incident went viral. A day after a Dalit man was denied entry into a temple in Karnataka’s Kavanadala village on the basis of his caste, causing furore on social media, the district officials on May 11, ushered the victim into the temple after holding peace talks with the aggressors. A case is yet to be filed against the members of Vokkaliga community who restricted the entry of 25-year old Swaminath. On May 10, Swaminath, a resident of Kavanadala village in Madhugiri taluk, belonging to a Scheduled Caste, attempted to enter the Ramanjaneya temple on May 10 to offer prayers. However, he was stopped by members of the dominant Vokkaliga community. The next day, a video of the incident surfaced on X, triggering widespread condemnation online. A man in the video can be heard saying, “From time immemorial, your caste has not come inside the temple.” Swaminath is seen responding, “Why should I stay outside if everyone else is allowed in? Doesn’t the Constitution guarantee equal opportunity?”. The video of the incident went viral prompting the intervention of the district administration. Additional Superintendent of Police C Gopal told TNM that senior district police officials, including Tahsildar Shireen Taj, and Assistant Director of the Social Welfare Department Dinesh, visited the village to resolve the conflict. “After a peace committee meeting was held both Swaminath and the members of Vokkaliga community went inside the temple and performed a pooja,” said Manjunath, Inspector of Badavanahalli police station. The ASP clarified that no FIR has been filed against the offenders. “Swaminath has not made a decision about pressing charges. We have issued a verbal warning to residents and made it clear that barring temple access on caste lines is a punishable offence,” he said. The district police administration has said it will keep a close watch on the situation to ensure that such incidents are not repeated. Courtesy : TNM Note: This news is originally published on https://thenewsminute.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Rajputs welcome Dalit groom’s wedding procession in rare display of social harmony in Nagaur district
Jodhpur: In a rare and heartwarming display of caste harmony, members of the Rajput community in Khariya Kalan village of Nagaur district welcomed the wedding procession of a Dalit groom Tuesday with full honour—leading the horse, offering traditional turbans, and hosting the entire barat at their ancestral haveli. The wedding of Ajay Singh Sansi from Jodhpur with Nitu Sansi of Khariya Kalan became a shining example of social unity in a region where caste divides often run deep. The groom was escorted through the village by Chailu Singh Rathore, Dariyav Singh Rathore, and Narpat Singh Rathore—members of the Poonaas estate—who personally took the reins of Ajay’s horse and walked him to the wedding venue. “In most cases, Dalit grooms are forced to seek police protection just to ride a horse, and their processions take place under fear and tension. However here, the Rajput community not only welcomed us with open arms, but they also celebrated us. It felt like a cool breeze in a climate often clouded by caste-based prejudice,” said Ajay The Rajput hosts made all the arrangements for the barat’s stay, refreshments, and ceremonies. The bride, Nitu, was received with respect and affection, and women from the community offered her a traditional chunri as a mark of honour. Chailu Singh Rathore, speaking on behalf of his community, said, “Nitu is the daughter of the entire village. Her marriage is our collective duty. There is no caste-based discrimination in our village—this is our tradition, our culture. India is one family.” For Nitu, the moment was deeply emotional. “The love and warmth with which my village welcomed our barat has become the most beautiful memory of my life. This was not just a wedding—it was a message of unity.” At a time when reports of caste-based discrimination during weddings are still common, Khariya Kalan’s gesture stands out as a powerful message that equality, respect, and harmony can prevail. 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.
Justice BR Gavai Takes Oath As India’s 52nd CJI | First Buddhist and Second Dalit to Hold Office
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He succeeds Justice Sanjiv Khanna, retiring at 65. Elevated to the Supreme Court in 2019, Gavai’s tenure will last over six months until November 23. The first Buddhist Chief Justice took his oath in Hindi, pledging to uphold the Constitution. Known for bold judgments, Gavai has contributed to landmark rulings, including upholding Article 370 abrogation and electoral bonds scheme invalidation. Born in 1960, his father was a prominent Dalit leader and former Bihar Governor 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.
Rahul Gandhi will participate in ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’ in Darbhanga on 15th, 62 national leaders of Congress will interact with students
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will launch the ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’ program in Bihar this weekend, which aims to highlight the pathetic condition of the education sector in the state. Kanhaiya Kumar told that Rahul Gandhi will come to Darbhanga on May 15 and the party leaders will visit colleges, universities and interact with the students. Patna: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be in Bihar this weekend to launch the ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’ program. This public relations program is being run to highlight the pathetic condition of the education sector in the state. Senior Congress party leader and NSUI national in-charge Kanhaiya Kumar gave this information. Rahul Gandhi will come to Darbhanga on May 15 Kanhaiya Kumar told that the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha will come to Darbhanga on May 15, when more than 60 national level leaders of Congress will be in different parts of the state to start the Shiksha Nyay Yatra. Kumar, a former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Students’ Union, recently took out a state-wide ‘Palan Roko Naukri Do’ padayatra. He also clarified that unlike the previous programme, the ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvaad’ has no time limit. Congress leaders to interact with students Kanhaiya Kumar said that during the yatra, party leaders will visit colleges, universities and hostels and interact with students. Bihar students are facing delays in academic sessions, question paper leaks and state government repression for protesting against raising their voice. Feedback from students will be used to prepare Nyay Patra Kanhaiya Kumar contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from his home district Begusarai. He said that the feedback received from the students will be used to prepare Nyay Patra, which is a manifesto of promises. If the ‘India’ alliance forms the next government here, we will fulfill it in Bihar. Kanhaiya Kumar alleged that the Nitish Kumar-led state’s ‘double engine government’ has failed to benefit Bihar while Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is getting “investments and attractive projects like bullet trains.” The Congress leader also said that the party will ensure that the caste census, which the Narendra Modi government at the Center has agreed to, is done in a scientific manner, “taking inspiration from Telangana, where our government has drawn its conclusions on the basis of a comprehensive questionnaire. Assembly elections are now due in a few months in the state, which has been ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for nearly two decades. About the author Ravi Sinha Working in the Bihar-Jharkhand team of Navbharat Times Digital. Got a chance to work as Jharkhand representative in Rajasthan Patrika from December 2005 to April 2020. A journey of 17 years as a casual assistant editor in Doordarshan Ranchi and the regional news unit of Akashvani Center. Courtesy : Ravi Sinha, Hindi News
Kerala Dalit domestic worker alleges harassment by police over false theft complaint.
Bindu, a 39-year-old woman, was taken to the Peroorkada police station for questioning regarding a gold chain from a house she worked as domestic help. The complaint was later withdrawn. A Dalit woman from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala has alleged harassment by the police over a theft case, which later proved to be false. The woman has now filed complaints with the Chief Minister of Kerala, State Police Complaint Authority and the Kerala State SC/ST Commission alleging harassment by Peroorkada Sub Inspector and four other police officers. Bindu R, a 39-year-old woman, was taken to the police station on April 23 for questioning about the alleged theft of 2.5 sovereigns of gold from the house where she worked as domestic help, following a complaint. Bindu alleged the police refused to listen to her version and harassed her by accusing her of the crime and registering a First Information Report (FIR). The complaint was later withdrawn and police are taking steps to quash the FIR. The harassment “I spent a night at the police station. They questioned me till three in the morning. They were never ready to listen to my version,” Bindu told TNM. Bindu, who had been working as a domestic help for the past four years took up the new job at a house in Ambalamukku on April 14. Bindu said she worked only for three days April 14, 15 and 19 and then discontinued. “I don’t know why, but I didn’t like going there. So, I stopped,” she said. On April 23 Bindu received a phone call from the Peroorkada police station around 3.30 in the evening. “The police said they received a complaint against me. When I reached there, the house owner and her daughter from the house where I discontinued domestic work were present. They accused me of stealing their gold chain,” Bindu said in her complaint. According to Bindu, the police officers had this preconceived notion that she had committed the crime. “They used very harsh and bad language. They never asked whether I committed the crime or not. They asked where the gold was,” she said. After the first round of questioning, police took Bindu to her house for a search, where they found nothing. Then they again took her to the station and booked her under Section 306 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhitha (BNS). Bindu also alleged that the police threatened to lock up her children, two girls aged 15 and 17, along with her husband if she failed to commit the crime. “My husband and relatives came to the station following the house search, but the officers did not allow them to give me food,” Bindu alleged. She said was able to have food only on the afternoon of April 24. No theft happened Bindu spent nearly a day at the station and was only able to go home after the complainant informed the police that they had retrieved the gold from their home. “The house owner never informed me that they got the gold back. They said they are forgiving me because I have two girl children. Later, my husband came to know about that through a police officer,” she said. Bindu told TNM that the incident made her life tough as the police made her look like a thief before her relatives and neighbours. “Now I have stopped going to work. The police officers never apologised for what they did,” she said. Peroorkada SHO denied the allegations. “There are CCTVs in the station. How is it possible to harass a woman?” he said. Following Bindu’s complaint, the state SC/ST commission directed the Thiruvananthapuram cantonment Assistant Commissioner on May 6 to file the inquiry report within 20 days. Courtesy: The News Minute Note: This news is originally published on https://www.thenewsminute.com and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Police Thrash Dalit Women With Sticks In UP’s Meerut; 5 Cops Suspended.
Cops can be seen slapping and thrashing the women with sticks in narrow lane. The woman can be heard shouting in the 08-second-long video. Meerut: A huge uproar has erupted over the brutal police action against Dalit women in Lavad village of Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh, after a video of the police allegedly thrashing the women was caught on camera and is making rounds on the internet. In the viral video, it can be clearly seen how the policemen are chasing the women and beating them with sticks. Soon after the video surfaced, opposition parties staged a protest demanding strict action. After which, Meerut SSP Vipin Tada took immediate action in the case and suspended 5 policemen and ordered a departmental probe in the matter. Cops can be seen slapping and thrashing the women with sticks in narrow lane. The woman can be heard shouting in the 08-second-long video. Meerut SSP Vipin Tada has suspended Inchauli police station in-charge Nitin Pandey, Lavad outpost in-charge Indresh Vikram Singh, inspector Sumit Gupta, Pawan Saini and constable Wasim. Departmental probe has been initiated against all of them. The echo of this case has now reached the National Women’s Commission and Scheduled Caste Commission. Earlier last week, a dispute broke out between two brothers Anil and Sushil over a house in Lavad village. The people of the locality informed the police about this. The police arrived at the spot and started taking the two brothers to the police station. When the women of the family protested against this, it is alleged that the police not only thrashed them but also dragged them to the police station. Reportedly, the matter has now reached the National Commission for Women and the SC-ST Commission. The commissions have started preparations to summon a report from the district administration. Courtesy: Free Press Journal Note: This news is originally published on https://www.freepressjournal.in and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Nepal’s Dalits: Poor, illiterate, and married too young.
Dalits, who constitute 13.4 percent of Nepal’s total population, continue to face severe socioeconomic disparities compared to non-Dalit communities, a newly released government report has revealed. KATHMANDU, May 12: Dalits, who constitute 13.4 percent of Nepal’s total population, continue to face severe socioeconomic disparities compared to non-Dalit communities, a newly released government report has revealed. The National Statistics Office on Sunday published a detailed report on Dalit-related statistics based on the 2021 national census. The data paints a stark picture of inequality, with a significant portion of Dalit families categorized as extremely poor. According to the report, Nepal’s total population stands at 29,164,578, of which 3,898,990 (13.4 percent) are Dalits. Among them, 8.6 percent are hill Dalits and 4.8 percent are from the Terai region. Non-Dalit communities make up 86.2 percent of the population—56.2 percent are hill non-Dalits, and 25 percent are Tarai non-Dalits. A staggering 36 percent of Dalits fall into the category of extreme poverty, compared to only 18 percent of non-Dalits. Among Dalits, Terai Dalits are the most economically disadvantaged, with 44 percent categorized as extremely poor, in contrast to 32 percent of hill Dalits. Presenting the report, Sharad Kumar Sharma, Deputy Chief of the Statistics Office, noted that non-Dalits in both hill and Terai regions are economically far better off. In the highest wealth category, 22 percent of non-Dalits are represented, while only 6.2 percent of Dalits fall in that range. For Terai Dalits, the figure is a mere 1.9 percent. Among hill Dalits, 8.2 percent belong to the highest economic tier. Sharma said Dalits remain underrepresented in education, healthcare, prosperity, and state mechanisms, which continues to pose challenges to national development. Madhu Sudan Burlakoti, the chief statistician, added that the poor economic condition of Dalits stems from their limited access to basic services such as education, health, nutrition, and development. “Historically, Dalits were subject to untouchability and social discrimination, which pushed them to the margins,” he said, “Though such practices are gradually decreasing due to rising awareness of equality and human dignity, the statistical reality calls for targeted policy reform.” He emphasized that the data should now guide state policy and program planning for the upliftment of Dalit communities. “It is difficult to achieve the vision of a prosperous Nepal while leaving behind 13 percent of its people,” he said. 32 percent illiteracy rate The national literacy rate for individuals aged five and above is 76.2 percent. Among non-Dalits, it stands at 77.6 percent, while the average literacy rate for Dalits is 67.4 percent—8.8 percentage points lower than the national average. Further disparities emerge when broken down regionally. Literacy among Terai Dalits is only 51.9 percent, compared to 75.7 percent among hill Dalits, which closely aligns with the national average. Sharma said these disparities call for educational policies tailored to Terai Dalits, backed by appropriate budget allocations. 13 percent never attended school Among the population aged 5 to 25, 8.1 percent in Nepal have never attended school. However, the rate is 13.1 percent among Dalits, compared to 7.1 percent among non-Dalits. For Terai Dalits, the figure jumps to 27.5 percent. Among Terai Dalit women, a staggering 31.6 percent have never been to school. Overall, 32.6 percent of Dalits remain illiterate. Caste Categories: 5 hill and 17 Terai Dalit groups Dhundi Raj Lamichhane, spokesperson for the Statistics Office, said affirmative action and inclusive quotas have encouraged Dalits to identify themselves more openly by caste. Among hill Dalits, there are five main subgroups: Bishwakarma (Kami), Pariyar (Damai), Mijar (Sarki), Badi, and Gaine. Bishwakarma represents the largest share with 5 percent of the total population, followed by Pariyar (1.9 percent) and Mijar (1.6 percent). The Badi population is 11,470, and Gaine are 6,971 nationwide. Tarai Dalits include 17 caste groups. Major ones include Chamar/Harijan/Ram (1.4 percent), Musahar (0.9 percent), Dusadh/Passwan/Pasi (0.9 percent), Tatma/Tatwa (0.4 percent), Khatwe (0.4 percent), Dhobi (0.4 percent), and Bantar/Sardar (0.2 percent). The Kalwar caste has the lowest Dalit population at just 931 individuals. 23 percent child marriage rate among Dalits The child marriage rate among Dalits stands at 23 percent, significantly higher than the 13 percent rate among non-Dalits. The report indicates that 8 percent of Dalit men and 34 percent of Dalit women were married as children. In contrast, 4.4 percent of non-Dalit men and 20 percent of non-Dalit women were married before the legal age. Province-wise, Karnali Province records the highest child marriage rate at 20.1 percent, while Bagmati has the lowest at 8.4 percent. Dalit population growing The Dalit population has gradually increased over the past two decades. In 2001, Dalits made up 11 percent of the total population—7.1 percent hill Dalits and 3.9 percent Tarai Dalits. By 2011, the number had grown to 12.5 percent (8.1 percent hill Dalits and 4.4 percent Tarai Dalits). The 2021 census now records Dalits at 13.4 percent of the population, with 8.6 percent hill Dalits and 4.8 percent Tarai Dalits. Among the Dalit population, 2.4 percent are living with disabilities, and 7.8 percent are single women. Courtesy: My Republica Note: This news is originally published on https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Rahul Gandhi writes to PM Modi urging Parliament Session on Operation Sindoor, ceasefire
In a letter, Rahul Gandhi noted “it is crucial for the people and their representatives to discuss” Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor, and ceasefire. Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday and reiterate the unanimous request of the Opposition to convene a special session of Parliament immediately over Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor and ceasefire. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and leader Rahul Gandhi speak to the media after attending all-party meeting regarding ‘Operation Sindoor’, at Parliament House Annexe in New Delhi on Thursday.(ANI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and leader Rahul Gandhi speak to the media after attending all-party meeting regarding ‘Operation Sindoor’, at Parliament House Annexe in New Delhi on Thursday.(ANI) In the letter, Rahul Gandhi noted “it is crucial for the people and their representatives to discuss” the above-mentioned issues. India Pakistan news live updates “Dear Prime Minister, I reiterate the unanimous request of the Opposition to convene a special session of Parliament immediately,” the letter read. “It is crucial for the people and their representatives to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor and today’s ceasefire, first announced by U.S. President Trump. This will also be an opportunity to demonstrate our collective resolve to meet the challenges ahead. I trust that you will consider this demand seriously and swiftly,” it added. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge also raised the request, and cited a letters dated April 28, 2025, to convene a special session of both Houses of Parliament “in wake of inhuman terror attack in Pahalgam.” “In view of latest developments Leader of Opposition Lok Sabha has already written to you again conveying the unanimous request of all Opposition parties for a special session of Parliament to discuss the Pahalgam terror, Operation Sindoor and the ceasefire announcements first from Washington DC and later by the Governments of India and Pakistan,” Mallikarjun Kharge’s letter to the prime minister read. “As Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha I am writing in support of this request. I trust you will agree,” he added. India-Pakistan ceasefire After over three days of intense exchange of fire, India and Pakistan on Saturday reached an ‘understanding’ to immediately stop all firing and military action on land, air and sea. The ceasefire, which was first announced by US President Donald Trump on Saturday, was violated by Pakistan hours later with drones being intercepted over parts of Jammu, Srinagar, Punjab and Rajasthan. The military confrontation erupted after Islamabad launched drones and missiles towards the Indian territory, responding to the Operation Sindoor military strikes carried out by New Delhi on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. Operation Sindoor was launched in retaliation to the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam in which terrorists found to have links with Pakistan killed 26 civilians. Courtesy : HT Note: This news is originally published on https://hindustantimes.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Bihar will become a hot political battle ground after Operation Sindoor, Rahul Gandhi coming before PM Modi; Know the political plan
Rahul Gandhi Bihar Tour: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold an election rally in Rohtas, Bihar at the end of May. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi may also come to Bihar on May 15. Rahul Gandhi will meet workers in Gaya. In the last week of May, Prime Minister Modi will address a big rally in Bikramganj. Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to Bihar after Operation Sindoor. He will hold an election rally in Rohtas. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is also coming to Bihar. He will meet workers in Gaya. Modi will come at the end of May. Rahul Gandhi may come on May 15. Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal said that PM Modi will address the rally in Bikramganj. He will give a message to the world on terrorism. Rahul Gandhi will come to Bihar on May 15 According to the information, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to visit Bihar soon. This will be his first Bihar tour after Operation Sindoor. At the end of May, he will address an election rally in Rohtas. On the other hand, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is also coming to Bihar. He is likely to come to Bihar on May 15. This will be Rahul Gandhi’s fourth visit to Bihar in the last five months. This time he will meet workers in Gaya. Many big leaders of Congress can also come to Bihar with him. Date not decided yet BJP’s Bihar state president Dilip Jaiswal said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will come to Bihar in the last week of May. He will address a rally in Bikramganj of Rohtas district. Jaiswal said that Bikramganj has been chosen for the rally to be held in Shahabad area. Prime Minister Modi will address the countrymen from this platform. Dilip Jaiswal said that the Prime Minister’s visit can happen anytime between 25 and 30 May. Its date will be told in the next 4-5 days. Display of power and leadership He also said that this rally will not be just a political gathering. It will also be a display of the country’s power and leadership. Dilip Jaiswal further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the country has given a befitting reply to cross-border terrorism. He has also given a strong message to Pakistan. Similarly, PM Modi will once again roar among the people from the land of Bikramganj. His voice will reach the whole world. Political atmosphere of Bihar is hot Let us tell you that the political atmosphere in Bihar is hot. The election fervor in the state has intensified due to the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi. Both the leaders will try to garner support for their respective parties. It will be interesting to see what impact these visits have on the politics of Bihar. About the author Devendra Kashyap Principal Digital Content Producer at Navbharat Times Digital. Journey in journalism from Mahua TV, Zee News, Eenadu India, Rajasthan Patrika, ETV Bharat to Times Internet. Courtesy: Devendra Kashyap, NBT, Hindi News