Centre softens stand in tussle with AAP government over LG Jung's powers

<p>New Delhi(PTI): Striking a conciliatory note, the Centre on Tuesday said it will not interfere with the functioning of the AAP government, a day after it was hauled by the Delhi High Court over the "suspect" notification that gave the Lt Governor massive powers in some matters.</p><p><img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/26/340086-rajnath-singh.jpg" width="600" /></p><p>While affirming that there would be no interference by the Centre, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, however, said everybody should work within the constitutional framework.</p><p>"Everybody should work within the constitutional provisions. And I would like to add that Delhi government has been elected by the people and the central government will not create any hurdles in the functioning of Delhi government. We will also give them full cooperation," Singh told a press conference in Kolkata.</p><p>His comments came on a day the AAP government moved a resolution in the Assembly against the Centre's notification giving "absolute" powers to the Lt Governor on transfer and posting of senior bureaucrats and restraining the Anti-Corruption Bureau from probing central government employees.</p><p>In a boost for the AAP dispensation, locked in a bitter turf war with Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, the Delhi High Court had yesterday termed as "suspect" the Centre's recent notification barring Delhi government's anti-corruption branch (ACB) from acting against its officers in criminal offences and held that the LG cannot act in his discretion.</p><p>The High Court had noted that LG of Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) is bound to act upon the aid and advice of the council of ministers who are directly elected by the citizens of Delhi and the Centre's "executive fiat" siding with him is "suspect".</p><p>It observed that mandate of the people "must" be respected by the LG of GNCTD if there was no other "constitutional or legal fetter". Singh said that the Narendra Modi government believes in constructive cooperative federalism.</p><p>"We feel and believe that there is a need for constructive and cooperative federalism. And that is the reason why we have increased the revenue sharing between the states and the Centre from 32 per cent to 42 per cent," Singh said.</p><p>The BJP, too, appeared to have softened its position vis-a-vis the Arvind Kejriwal dispensation, with its president Amit Shah saying the differences between the Delhi government and the Centre were due to different interpretation of the Constitution.</p><p>Apparently seeking to de-escalate the conflict, Shah said the Centre was not in "confrontation" with the AAP government and that the matter would be settled by court.</p><p>"It is not a confrontation but a matter of interpretation of the Constitution. The state government is doing it in one way and the Centre in another way. The matter will go to court and it will be settled there," he told reporters in Delhi.</p><p>He was asked about the Centre's tussle with the Delhi government over jurisdiction issues and its alleged "mistreatment" at a time when the Modi dispensation was going to town about its several measures to give more powers to states.</p><p>"It is not a question of mistreatment. It is a question of different interpretations of the Constitution," he said.</p>

Centre softens stand in tussle with AAP government over LG Jung's powers

New Delhi(PTI): Striking a conciliatory note, the Centre on Tuesday said it will not interfere with the functioning of the AAP government, a...

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Arvind Kejriwal says all is well between Centre and him

<p><strong>DELHI,Aradhna Wal(DNA):</strong> The Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi commemorated their 100 days of governance in trademark AAP style, Monday, by holding a massive meeting with the public, to report just how much work they had accomplished. The public cabinet meeting held in the heart of the capital, in Connaught Place's central park was attended by some 3,000 people all fighting to be seated in the amphitheatre with Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet.</p><p><img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/26/339907-kejriwal.jpg" width="600" /></p><p>Such public meets, where Kejriwal and his men talk directly to Delhi's junta, are old hat for the party. Their stamp was all over the place, with patriotic songs playing on loudspeakers, leaders shouting slogans hailing the Mother India, and Kejriwal singing.</p><p>The meet comes on the heels of the all out war between the Delhi government and Lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung, through him with the BJP government at the Centre. Yet, Kejriwal, who has been a fairly angry man in recent public outings, came across less enraged and more calmly determined to keep fighting.</p><p>Perhaps that was because the Delhi High Court handed them a victory as it passed an order Monday, restoring the powers of Delhi government's anti corruption bureau and warned the Centre not to interfere.</p><p>The fight against corruption was also a plus mark in their report card, according to the cabinet. Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia focused heavily on how the government had through various means drastically brought down corruption and bribery in the city. They claimed to have stopped the "transfers posting industry" inside the Secretariat where, apparently, officials would get people plum postings for a tidy sum.</p><p>Having "no quarrel" with anyone was Kejriwal's refrain throughout the evening. He even said so about the central government. He and Sisodia added, though, that they had to fight because circumstances forced them too. They would fight as long as the Centre denied the Delhi government it's rights, which hopefully, they said would be restored in the five years of AAP governance.</p><p>Much else was laid for these five years as each cabinet minister presented his report. The promises from AAP's campaign were repeated and work already started was thoroughly detailed. The cabinet promised to increase beds in public hospitals to 20,000, increase government teachers, reduce corruption even further, speed up further setting up the sewage treatment plants for the Yamuna, put CCTV cameras and Marshalls in buses for the apparent benefit of women, increase buses manifold to strengthen public transport.</p><p>All these details proved that this government still is very much in tune with it's public as the questions the junta asked them, were on these topics. One question of statehood for Delhi did come up, to which Kejriwal squarely told the attending masses, that the answer to that was in the hands of their Prime Minister.</p>

Arvind Kejriwal says all is well between Centre and him

DELHI,Aradhna Wal(DNA): The Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi commemorated their 100 days of governance in trademark AAP style, Monday, b...

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Delhi HC judgement on jurisdiction of Anti-Corruption Branch 'huge embarrassment' for Centre: Kejriwal

<p>Delhi(PTI): Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said the Delhi High Court judgement that his government's Anti-Corruption Branch has the jurisdiction to arrest policemen is a "huge embarrassment" for the Centre.</p><p><img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/25/339724-arvind-kejriwal-manit2.jpg" width="600" /></p><p>Earlier, the Home Ministry in a notification had barred the ACB from registering any case against officers and political functionaries of the central government.</p><p>"Today's High Court judgement (is) a huge embarrassment for central government. HC also said that the latest 21st May MHA notification is 'suspect'," Kejriwal said in a tweet.</p><p>The Delhi High Court held that the ACB has the jurisdiction to arrest policemen, while dismissing bail application of a head constable who was arrested by the ACB in a corruption case.</p><p>The Delhi Police functions under direct administrative control of the Home Ministry. Its notification had barred the ACB from taking action against the Delhi Police and any officers of the central government.</p><p>The high court's order came amid a bitter tussle between the AAP government and Lt Governor Najeeb Jung over posting and transfers of senior officials as well as some other contentious issues. The AAP government has called an emergency session of the Delhi Assembly beginning tomorrow to discuss the notification.</p><p>It has also indicated taking legal recourse on the issue.</p><p>The gazette notification dated May 21 by the Home Ministry had said the LG will have jurisdictions over matters connected with services, public order, police and land and he may consult with the chief minister whenever he thinks necessary on issues of services using his own "discretion".</p><p>The appointment of senior bureaucrat Shakuntala Gamlin as acting Chief Secretary by the LG last week had triggered a full-blown war between the ruling AAP and Jung, with Kejriwal questioning the LG's authority and accusing him of trying to take over the administration.</p>

Delhi HC judgement on jurisdiction of Anti-Corruption Branch 'huge embarrassment' for Centre: Kejriwal

Delhi(PTI): Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said the Delhi High Court judgement that his government's Anti-Corruption Branch ha...

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AAP government completes 100 days in office, demand for full statehood for Delhi grows

<p>Delhi(dna): As the turf war between Aam Aadmi Party government and the office of Lt governor of Delhi entered its third week, speculations are ripe that Arvind Kejriwal-led regime is planning to raise the demand of full statehood for the National Capital in the coming week.</p><p><img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/25/339530-kejriwal.jpg" width="600" /></p><p>Completing his 100 days in office on Sunday, the chief minister of Delhi held a meeting with all his legislators at his residence to discuss notification backing the L-G's authority to appoint bureaucrats. The Centre had also stated that the anti-corruption branch of Delhi government had no powers to take action against central officials, including categories like IAS, IPS, DANICS and DANIPS.</p><p>Following the notification Kejriwal called an emergency session of the Delhi Assembly on May 26 and 27. Government sources told dna that the Assembly is likely to pass a resolution terming the notification 'unconstitutional' and also added that several MLA's on being asked their feedback raised the issue of statehood. "As of now the notification issued by the Centre needs to be addressed immediately.</p><p>The assembly will look to pass a resolution against it. But there are string voice within the government calling for complete statehood. The same was discussed in the meeting and most like Kejriwal will talk about during his speech on Monday," the source said.</p><p>Senior AAP leader Deepak Bajpai while speaking to dna said that full statehood remains to be a priority for the state government but there there was a dire need to define constitutional boundaries. "The issue at hand is that of defining constitutional boundaries. The notification, as per many constitutional experts, is unconstitutional and clipping powers of government officials including its anti corruption unit is a matter of concern," said Bajpai.</p><p>Legal backing</p><p>A Delhi government statement said that legal opinion from noted constitutional expert K K Venugopal and former Solicitor General of India Gopal Subramanium had been placed before the cabinet. Both have supported the AAP government's assertion and interpretation of the law to seek a say in matters linked to transfer and posting of officials and on issues linked to law and order, police and land, subjects under the purview of the Centre.</p>

AAP government completes 100 days in office, demand for full statehood for Delhi grows

Delhi(dna): As the turf war between Aam Aadmi Party government and the office of Lt governor of Delhi entered its third week, speculations a...

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Will work towards removing Article 370 when we've numbers in Parliament: BJP

<p><strong>JAMMU(PTI):</strong> BJP on Sunday said that the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution continues to be part of the party's core ideology and it will work in that direction whenever it garners the required numbers in Parliament.</p><p><img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/24/339427-sambit-patra.jpeg" width="600" /></p><p>"As far as the abrogation of Article 370 is concerned, it continues to be part of the core ideology of BJP but right now we don't have enough numbers in Parliament to do away with it, but in future when we have the required numbers we will work towards its removal," BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra told reporters in Jammu on Sunday.</p><p>Repealing Article 370, which grants special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, would require a two-third majority in Parliament as the Constitution would have to be amended. Patra said BJP and PDP are ideologically different but both the parties came together to provide a stable government to the people of the state and for the sake of development. "People here want development, the coalition has provided a historic opportunity, respecting the mandate of the people of all the three regions, now it should become a successful experiment for the sake of good governance and development," he said.</p><p>Patra said "small controversies" do crop up when the coalition partners have differences in their core ideology but the Jammu and Kashmir government was being guided by the common minimum programme agreed upon by the two parties in the form of agenda for alliance. Accusing Congress of running a disinformation campaign against the Narendra Modi government, the BJP spokesperson said it was during the UPA tenure that major corporations were being benefited whereas the current government was working for the welfare of the poor.</p><p>"The UPA government, led by Congress, gave away coal blocks and spectrum to benefit these corporate houses, but the current government has benefited by selling the same to these corporate and the money is being used for the welfare of the poor," he said. Slamming the Congress for "making an issue" out of Modi's foreign visits, Patra said India has achieved a lot because of the tours whereas during the foreign tours of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh nobody noticed any achievements.</p><p>"You see the investments Prime Minister Modi has brought to this country... Earlier, nobody noticed when Indian Prime Minister visited a country, now every country is ready to welcome our PM," Patra said. He said the BJP government cannot be soft with terrorism and it was this government which has issued instructions to the security forces to give a "befitting reply" to the Pakistani aggression on the line of control. "Pakistan is a failed state, a sponsor of terrorism...</p><p>Modi government has given instructions to the security forces to reply a bullet being fired on the line of control with a bomb," he said. Defending the statement of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar that terrorists would be used to fight terrorists, Patra said it was a strategic statement and India would never support terrorism of any form.</p><p>On the issue of ongoing power tussle between Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Patra said the CM did not show maturity in handling the situation. "He openly accused a senior most bureaucrat at a public function which was an immature thing to do," he said. On issuance of passport to separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, he said passport can only be issued to the person who declares his nationality in the application form. On the issue of the appointment of CVC, the BJP spokesperson said the issue was in the court and that the court has now granted permission for the appointment and the process was on.</p>

Will work towards removing Article 370 when we've numbers in Parliament: BJP

JAMMU(PTI): BJP on Sunday said that the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution continues to be part of the party's core ideology...

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Modi and Mamata are dictatorial, two sides of a coin, says Jairam Ramesh

<p><strong>New Delhi(PTI):</strong> Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were "two sides of a coin" as they were both "dictatorial", Congress today said attacking the ruling parties at the Centre and the state and claimed that they have reached a tacit understanding.</p><p><img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/24/339378-mamata-modi.jpg" width="600" /></p><p>The opposition party also targeted Arun Jaitley, who has been in the forefront of the NDA government's campaign to highlight its achievements, saying the Union Finance Minister "is the most effective spinner in Indian politics".</p><p>"Modi and Mamata are the most trusted friends of each other and both show similar traits," Congress leader Jairam Ramesh told a press conference here. "Modi and Mamata are two sides of a coin, both are dictatorial," he said presenting a report card on the BJP government's one year in power at the Centre.</p><p>"When he came to power, Modi had talked of maximum governance and minimum government, but just one year later we find it is maximum arrogance and one-man government," Ramesh said. "This is a mirror image of the situation in Bengal and that is why they (Modi and Mamata) are together," he claimed.</p><p>Both Modi and Banerjee had made no-holds barred attacks on each other during the run-up to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and till recently did not see eye to eye. The Prime Minister and Banerjee, however, shared dais during his recent visit to the state and Modi praised her at public functions during the visit. They also held a meeting at the Raj Bhawan here.</p><p>In a scathing attack on Jaitley, Ramesh said, "He is the most effective spinner in Indian politics. Jaitley is more than the combined force of finest spinners Indian cricket has ever produced." "When Jaitley says that there is no understanding between Trinamool Congress and BJP, I am assured that the opposite is true," the former Union minister said.</p><p>He alleged that in the last two-three months there has been a lull in the investigation into the Saradha chitfund scam, which is being handled by the CBI.</p>

Modi and Mamata are dictatorial, two sides of a coin, says Jairam Ramesh

New Delhi(PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were "two sides of a coin" as they we...

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Modi-led NDA trying to cut down rights of Delhi Government: Manish Sisodia

<p>Delhi(dna): Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Sunday accused the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA Government of trying to cut down on the rights of the Delhi Government.</p><p><img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/24/339330-sisodia.jpg" width="600" /></p><p>"BJP had said they would give full statehood to Delhi, but now they are busy cutting-down on the rights of Delhi Government. Today, Arun Jaitley ji is saying that it needs national consensus. I think the central government is implementing things on their own but this is the assembly of people and there is nothing powerful than that. We will discuss it in the assembly and see what comes out," said Sisodia.</p><p>Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ashwini Upadhyay said that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is busy doing dramas and fooling people rather than doing some concrete work, over the completion of 100 days of the AAP Government.</p><p>“100 days have passed and the people of Delhi are waiting for the AAP Government to do some concrete work, but he (Kejriwal) is busy in fighting with everyone. The notification by MHA is just a clarification. They are just fooling the people. The last time we saw part one of the drama and now it is part two of the drama,” said Upadhyay.</p><p>The Government of Delhi on Saturday called for a special session of the state Assembly on May 26 and 27.</p><p>“We will talk about the MHA's guidelines that have been released, on 26th and 27th in the special session of Delhi Assembly,” Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said.</p><p>The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued the notification on Friday, saying that Lieutenant Governor Jung has primacy in postings and transfers of officers belonging to Central services.</p><p>On this, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had reacted strongly to it, saying that the NDA Government at the Centre was trying to run the national capital through the 'backdoor'.</p><p>Kejriwal had also stated that the notification was indicative of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) nervousness about the Aam Aadmi Party's anti-corruption efforts.</p>

Modi-led NDA trying to cut down rights of Delhi Government: Manish Sisodia

Delhi(dna): Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Sunday accused the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA Government of trying to cu...

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Delhi Police registers 2 cases against Kumar Vishwas

<p>Delhi(PTI): Delhi Police has registered two separate cases on complaints by Delhi Commission for Women Chief Barkha Singh over alleged inappropriate tweets on her by AAP leader Kumar Vishwas and in connection with the purported misbehaviour by his supporters at a DCW press conference.</p><p><img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/24/339257-kumar-vishwas.jpg" width="600" /></p><p>The first FIR was filed at Safdarjung Police Station in south Delhi while the second FIR was registered at IP Estate Police Station in central Delhi. Both the FIRs have been filed against unknown persons although Vishwas will be made a witness in the first case, police said today. Barkha Singh had on May 14 approached the Lt Governor and Delhi Police seeking "stringent" action against AAP leader Kumar Vishwas, alleging that he was behind the posting of a series of "inappropriate" and "objectionable" tweets on her.</p><p>"We had registered an FIR in this connection under section 66(A) of the IT Act at Safdarjung Police Station. Kumar Vishwas will be a witness in this case as he had retweeted some tweets," said Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat. Another FIR has been registered under sections 506 (criminal intimidation) and 509 (act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of IPC at IP Estate Police Station in connection of the alleged misbehaviour by AAP workers at a DCW press conference. Further investigations are underway, he said.</p><p>Earlier this month, the DCW chief had issued summons to Vishwas after an AAP volunteer accused him of not rebutting "rumours" about an illicit liaison with her and ruining her reputation. "Mr Kumar Vishwas is threatening me through his cohorts and is sending number of tweets. The tweets are so highly objectionable and undignified that after reading them one will hang his or her head in shame," Singh had said in letters to Lt Governor Najeeb Jung and Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi.</p><p>"These objectionable and bad tweets against woman of dignity and high reputation like me definitely invite stringent legal action against Kumar, who is directly or indirectly defaming me through Twitter...just because the Commission summoned him on the basis of a complaint of a distressed woman," the letter had added.</p>

Delhi Police registers 2 cases against Kumar Vishwas

Delhi(PTI): Delhi Police has registered two separate cases on complaints by Delhi Commission for Women Chief Barkha Singh over alleged inapp...

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Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to hold 'Jan Samvad' to celebrate 100 days of government

<p>New Delhi(PTI): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will hold a 'Jan Samvad' at the Central Park in New Delhi's Connaught Place on Monday as the Aam Aadmi Party Government completes 100 days in power.</p><p><img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/23/339062-kejriwal.jpg" width="600" /></p><p>Kejriwal, who has had a very public spat on administrative matters with Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, has accused the NDA Government at the Centre of trying to run Delhi through the backdoor.</p><p>He has also criticised the Ministry of Home Ministry (MHA) notification clarifying distribution of powers between the Lieutenant Governor's office and the office of the Delhi Chief Minister, saying<br /> it reflects BJP's nervousness about his party's anti-corruption efforts.</p><p>The Delhi Government has now sought legal opinion on the MHA notification.</p><p>This latest fracas was preceded by the expulsion of senior AAP leaders Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan from the party following a very public tussle between them and Kejriwal supporters.</p>

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to hold 'Jan Samvad' to celebrate 100 days of government

New Delhi(PTI): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will hold a 'Jan Samvad' at the Central Park in New Delhi's Connaught Place...

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Jayalalithaa attracts controversy over truncated version of national anthem at swearing-in ceremony

<p>Chennai(web team): Controversy has hit J Jayalalithaa over her oath taking ceremony to return as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Saturday. According to reports, the Tamil Nadu administration played the state anthem instead of the national anthem to start the ceremony.</p><p><img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/23/339068-jayalalithaa-pti.jpg" width="600" /></p><p>Also a truncated version of the national anthem was played during the event and at the end when the entire cabinet had done taking the oath, the full version of the national anthem was played.</p><p>All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) chief took oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for a fifth time here at a function organised at the Madras University Centenary Hall amid tight security arrangements. State Governor K Rosaiah administered the oath of office and secrecy to Jayalalithaa, along with 28 ministers who will form her Cabinet.</p><p>All the incumbent ministers, barring M S M Anandan and Senthur Pandiyan, have been retained in the new Cabinet.</p><p>Earlier, thousands of people thronged the entire route from Jayalalithaa's Poes Garden residence to the Madras University Centenary Hall to catch a glimpse of their ‘Amma’. Supporters were seen waving AIADMK flags and chanting 'Amma, Amma' outside the Madras University campus.</p><p>Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan and former BCCI president N Srinivasan were among those who attended the swearing-in ceremony.</p><p>With agency inputs</p>

Jayalalithaa attracts controversy over truncated version of national anthem at swearing-in ceremony

Chennai(web team): Controversy has hit J Jayalalithaa over her oath taking ceremony to return as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Saturda...

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Sifung Passenger train derails in Assam, motorman seriously injured

<p>Guwahati(PTI): Five coaches and the engine of a passenger train derailed in Kokrajhar district of Assam in the early hours today, seriously injuring its engine driver and causing minor injuries to some passengers.</p><p><img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/23/339006-train.jpg" width="600" /></p><p>Northeast Frontier Railway spokesman Jayamta Sarma said that the accident occurred between Salakati and Basugaon at 5.15 AM as the 55753 UP Sifung passenger train was about to negotiate a bridge.</p><p>All the passengers of the train coming from Alipurduar in Bengal to Guwahati were transhipped from the accident site, Sarma said.</p><p>While the engine driver was admitted to hospital, the passengers with minor injuries were given first aid, the spokesman said.</p><p>As the railway track was blocked due to the derailment, other trains might be delayed, he added.</p>

Sifung Passenger train derails in Assam, motorman seriously injured

Guwahati(PTI): Five coaches and the engine of a passenger train derailed in Kokrajhar district of Assam in the early hours today, seriously ...

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State law department examining HC judgement on Jayalalithaa: Siddaramaiah

<p>Bangalore(PTI): Even as AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa returned to power today, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the state law department is examining the judgement of the High Court which acquitted her of all charges and the government would take a decision on filing an appeal in the case after receiving the report.</p><p><img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/23/339029-rna-siddaramaiah-ed.jpg" width="600" /></p><p>"Our law department is examining the judgement of Karnataka High Court. After getting the report from law department, we will decide," Siddaramaiah told reporters here.</p><p>Asked whether he has spoken to AICC in this regard, the chief minister said, "No, the High command is not at all interfering in the state matters".</p><p>Jayalalithaa was disqualified following her conviction in the Rs 66.66 crore disproportionate assets case by a trial court in Bengaluru on September 27. The Karnataka High Court had subsequently acquitted her of the charges on May 11 this year. She was today sworn in for the fifth time as chief minister, nearly eight months after she was forced to quit over corruption charges.</p>

State law department examining HC judgement on Jayalalithaa: Siddaramaiah

Bangalore(PTI): Even as AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa returned to power today, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the state law depart...

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J Jayalalithaa to be sworn in as Tamil Nadu CM today, retains old faces

<p>Chennai(PTI): AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa will be sworn in for the fifth time as Tamil Nadu chief minister on Saturday along with 28 ministers, nearly eight months after she was forced to quit over corruption charges.</p><p><img alt="All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) supremo Jayalalithaa arrives to pay tribute at MGR`s statue in Chennai on Friday" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/23/338991-jayalalitha.jpg" width="600" /> </p><p><strong><em> All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) supremo Jayalalithaa arrives to pay tribute at MGRs statue in Chennai on Friday</em></strong></p><p>A day ago, 67-year-old Jayalalithaa was re-elected as legislature party leader at a meeting of party MLAs at its headquarter, 11 days after she was acquitted by the Karnataka High Court in a disproportionate assets case.</p><p>The swearing-in ceremony will take place at 11 am at the Madras University Centenary Auditorium. As many as 28 others will be sworn in as Ministers along with her.</p><p>Jayalalithaa has retained old faces when she was chief minister during 2011-14. This includes her trusted aide O Panneerselvam as Minister of Finance, Natham R Viswanathan as Electricity Minister and R Vaithilingam as Housing Minister, Edappadi K Palaniswami and P Mohan.</p><p>The three held the same portfolios in the outgoing Panneerselvam cabinet.</p><p>Including Jayalalithaa, who will hold the portfolios of home, police, public, all India services, general administration and district revenue officers, a total of 29 will be sworn in by Governor K Rosaiah.</p>

J Jayalalithaa to be sworn in as Tamil Nadu CM today, retains old faces

Chennai(PTI): AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa will be sworn in for the fifth time as Tamil Nadu chief minister on Saturday along with 28 ministe...

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Dhaka-Guwahati trial bus service starts

<p><strong>Dhaka(thedailystar):</strong> For a trial run, a bus with 22 Bangladesh government officials led by Azharul Islam Khan, joint secretary of Road Transport and Highways Division, left Dhaka for Guwahati this afternoon.</p><p><img alt="A bus with 22 government officials led by Azharul Islam Khan, joint secretary of Road Transport and Highways Division, left Dhaka for Guwahati. Photo: Star" src="http://www.thedailystar.net/sites/default/files/styles/very_big_1/public/feature/images/guwahati_bus_new.jpg?itok=FzHdPjSd" width="600" /><br /> A bus with 22 government officials led by Azharul Islam Khan, joint secretary of Road Transport and Highways Division, left Dhaka for Guwahati. Photo: Star</p><p>The bus will stay at Sylhet Circuit House tonight and is expected to cross the border tomorrow morning. A state minister is supposed to receive the bus after crossing the border, said BRTC official</p><p>"The delegation will check feasibility of the route and overall infrastructure. The bus will return on Monday or Tuesday," said the BRTC chairman.</p><p>Speaking to reporters today, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said the agreement or protocol on Dhaka-Guwahati bus services is likely to be signed during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi next month.</p><p>He made the remark while briefing reporters after inaugurating the trial run of Dhaka-Sylhet-Tamabeel-Dauki-Shillong-Guwahati bus service at Kamalapur bus depot of Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC).</p><p>Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Pankaj Saran, who was present at the function, said, "Today is important day for both countries because it comes after a lot of efforts and hard work…. This will contribute more exchange among the people, among the tourists of both the countries."</p><p>About the upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister in Bangladesh, Pankaj said, "I am sure that we will be able to achieve other milestones in our relationship. We are expecting high level dialogue between the two leaders."</p><p>Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary MA N Siddique and several senior government officials were present at the function.</p>

Dhaka-Guwahati trial bus service starts

Dhaka(thedailystar): For a trial run, a bus with 22 Bangladesh government officials led by Azharul Islam Khan, joint secretary of Road Tran...

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Gujarat: Probe ordered as 2 cops dance with a woman, shower currency notes

<p>Vadodara(PTI): Two policemen in uniform in Gujarat were caught on camera dancing with a woman and showering currency notes on her at a wedding function in Vadodara, prompting police authorities to order a probe.</p><p><img alt="" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2015/may/cop%20dancing%20with%20bar%20girl%203.jpg" width="600" /><br /> Image: Mid-day.com</p><p>The video of the two on-duty cops shaking a leg at the festivities which took place around 10 days ago also went viral yesterday.</p><p>City Police Commissioner E Radhakrishana has ordered an inquiry against the two policemen, posted at city's Kishanvadi police station.</p><p>In the video, the two men were seen dancing with a woman at a marriage function and showering currency notes on her, Joint commissioner of Police (Crime branch) D J Patel, told PTI today. The names of the two cops were, however, not released.</p><p>In the 2.12-minute video, the two policemen were first seen holding the hand of the woman, attired in a black shimmering outfit while an old Hindi film song was heard in the background.</p><p>One of the cops was then seen dancing to the song with the woman while the other was seen showing currency notes to the woman. Later they both started showering notes on her.</p><p>The video surfaced last night and was shared on mobile messaging app and other social media websites. Some people at the event were seen recording the act on their cell-phones.</p><p>According to sources, the incident occurred in Ajwa road area in the city during marriage of a policeman's daughter. Police said that they will take appropriate action against the erring policemen after the inquiry is completed.</p><p>Dancing in uniform indicate that the cops were on duty and it surely amounts to an act of indiscipline, police said.</p>

Gujarat: Probe ordered as 2 cops dance with a woman, shower currency notes

Vadodara(PTI): Two policemen in uniform in Gujarat were caught on camera dancing with a woman and showering currency notes on her at a weddi...

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Amma J Jayalalithaa to take oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister tomorrow

<p><strong>Chennai(PTI):</strong> AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa was on Friday invited to form government by Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah following the resignation of her trusted lieutenant O Panneerselvam as Chief Minister, paving the way for her return at the helm after nearly eight months.</p><p><img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/22/338649-233709-jayalalithaa.jpg" width="600" /></p><p>At an early morning meeting of party MLAs, 67-year-old Jayalalithaa was unanimously elected as AIADMK Legislature Party Leader, a foreseeable event following the party supremo's acquittal by the Karnataka High Court in the disproportionate assets case.</p><p>Party Treasurer O Panneeerselvam forwarded the motion to elect her as legislature party leader which was seconded by Electricity Minister Natham R Vishwanathan, sources said, adding, it was adopted unanimously.</p><p>Minutes later, Panneerselvam announced his resignation as chief minister.</p><p>14:55 IST Friday, 22 May 2015</p><p>Jayalalithaa pays tribute to AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran at Anna Salai in Chennai</p><p>13:44 IST Friday, 22 May 2015</p><p>J Jayalalithaa all set to be CM; heads for Raj Bhavan to meet Governor K Rosaiah</p><p>9:01 IST Friday, 22 May 2015</p><ul><li>Governor K Rosaiah accepts Panneerselvam's resignation</li></ul><p>The Governor of Tamil Nadu accepted the resignation," of Panneerselvam and his council of Ministers from the 'forenoon of' May 22, 2015," the statement said.</p><p>The Governor has requested the Chief Minister (Panneerselvam) and his present council of Ministers to function until alternative arrangements are made," it said.</p><p>8:21 IST Friday, 22 May 2015<br /> * Tamil Nadu CM Panneerselvam submitted his resignation to Governor K. Rosaiah</p><p>O. Panneerselvam on stepped down from his post as the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, even as party supremo J Jayalalithaa was re-elected as the legislature party leader at a meeting held in Chennai.</p><p>Panneerselvam submitted his resignation to Tamil Nadu Governor K. Rosaiah, accompanied by some of his ministers including, Natham Viswanathan,Vaithiyalingam, Edappadi Palaniswami and Palaniyappan.</p><p>8:10 IST Friday, 22 May 2015</p><ul><li>CM Panneerselvam leaves from Raj Bhawan.</li></ul><p>8:00 IST Friday, 22 May 2015</p><ul><li>Security tightened outside Poes Garden (Jayalalithaa’s residence)</li><li>CM Panneerselvam reaches Raj Bhawan.</li></ul><p>8:12 IST Friday, 22 May 2015<br /> PIL Dismissed</p><p>Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court on Thursday dismissed a PIL against Jayalalithaa being sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, observing that the petition had been filed for "publicity purpose".</p><p>Dismissing a PIL The vacation bench of Justices Venugopal Gowda and Veerappa imposed a penalty of Rs 25,000 on the petitioner, advocate Raviraj Gururaj Kulkarni.</p><p>The petitioner had submitted that since the recent High Court order acquitting Jayalalithaa in the disproportionate assets case had "flaws", there are possibilities of someone moving the Supreme Court challenging the judgment.</p><p>What Jaya said after acquittal</p><p>After her acquittal, the 67-year old leader had said,"We are at the cusp of victory after crossing all the hurdles. Our politics and administration should be based on legal principles and guidelines. That is how we have been functioning."</p><p>"That is why, our successive steps are being taken according to a planned itinerary. There is no confusion regarding this; no problems," she had said apparently in reference to eagerness among party workers to see her re-elected soon.</p><p>"Those things desired by my dear party siblings will happen at the right time. Nobody can stop this. So there is no need for concern," she had said in a statement.</p><p>Jayalalithaa was acquitted by the Karnataka High Court on May 11 after a special trial had convicted her on September 27 last year in a disproportionate assets case and sentenced her to four years in jail.</p>

Amma J Jayalalithaa to take oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister tomorrow

Chennai(PTI): AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa was on Friday invited to form government by Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah following the resigna...

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J Jayalalithaa to take oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister tomorrow

<p><strong>Chennai(PTI):</strong> AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa was on Friday invited to form government by Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah following the resignation of her trusted lieutenant O Panneerselvam as Chief Minister, paving the way for her return at the helm after nearly eight months.</p><p><img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/22/338649-233709-jayalalithaa.jpg" width="600" /></p><p>At an early morning meeting of party MLAs, 67-year-old Jayalalithaa was unanimously elected as AIADMK Legislature Party Leader, a foreseeable event following the party supremo's acquittal by the Karnataka High Court in the disproportionate assets case.</p><p>Party Treasurer O Panneeerselvam forwarded the motion to elect her as legislature party leader which was seconded by Electricity Minister Natham R Vishwanathan, sources said, adding, it was adopted unanimously.</p><p>Minutes later, Panneerselvam announced his resignation as chief minister.</p><p>14:55 IST Friday, 22 May 2015</p><p>Jayalalithaa pays tribute to AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran at Anna Salai in Chennai</p><p>13:44 IST Friday, 22 May 2015</p><p>J Jayalalithaa all set to be CM; heads for Raj Bhavan to meet Governor K Rosaiah</p><p>9:01 IST Friday, 22 May 2015</p><ul><li>Governor K Rosaiah accepts Panneerselvam's resignation</li></ul><p>The Governor of Tamil Nadu accepted the resignation," of Panneerselvam and his council of Ministers from the 'forenoon of' May 22, 2015," the statement said.</p><p>The Governor has requested the Chief Minister (Panneerselvam) and his present council of Ministers to function until alternative arrangements are made," it said.</p><p>8:21 IST Friday, 22 May 2015<br /> * Tamil Nadu CM Panneerselvam submitted his resignation to Governor K. Rosaiah</p><p>O. Panneerselvam on stepped down from his post as the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, even as party supremo J Jayalalithaa was re-elected as the legislature party leader at a meeting held in Chennai.</p><p>Panneerselvam submitted his resignation to Tamil Nadu Governor K. Rosaiah, accompanied by some of his ministers including, Natham Viswanathan,Vaithiyalingam, Edappadi Palaniswami and Palaniyappan.</p><p>8:10 IST Friday, 22 May 2015</p><ul><li>CM Panneerselvam leaves from Raj Bhawan.</li></ul><p>8:00 IST Friday, 22 May 2015</p><ul><li>Security tightened outside Poes Garden (Jayalalithaa’s residence)</li><li>CM Panneerselvam reaches Raj Bhawan.</li></ul><p>8:12 IST Friday, 22 May 2015<br /> PIL Dismissed</p><p>Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court on Thursday dismissed a PIL against Jayalalithaa being sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, observing that the petition had been filed for "publicity purpose".</p><p>Dismissing a PIL The vacation bench of Justices Venugopal Gowda and Veerappa imposed a penalty of Rs 25,000 on the petitioner, advocate Raviraj Gururaj Kulkarni.</p><p>The petitioner had submitted that since the recent High Court order acquitting Jayalalithaa in the disproportionate assets case had "flaws", there are possibilities of someone moving the Supreme Court challenging the judgment.</p><p>What Jaya said after acquittal</p><p>After her acquittal, the 67-year old leader had said,"We are at the cusp of victory after crossing all the hurdles. Our politics and administration should be based on legal principles and guidelines. That is how we have been functioning."</p><p>"That is why, our successive steps are being taken according to a planned itinerary. There is no confusion regarding this; no problems," she had said apparently in reference to eagerness among party workers to see her re-elected soon.</p><p>"Those things desired by my dear party siblings will happen at the right time. Nobody can stop this. So there is no need for concern," she had said in a statement.</p><p>Jayalalithaa was acquitted by the Karnataka High Court on May 11 after a special trial had convicted her on September 27 last year in a disproportionate assets case and sentenced her to four years in jail.</p>

J Jayalalithaa to take oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister tomorrow

Chennai(PTI): AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa was on Friday invited to form government by Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah following the resigna...

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Centre backs L-G, says he doesn't need to consult Council of Ministers while taking decisions

<p>New Delhi(web team): In a huge blow to the Arvind Kejriwal government, the Union Ministry on Friday issued gazette notification specifying the role and powers of the Lieutenant Governor, to clarify distribution of power between the posts of Delhi's LG and Chief Minister.</p><p><img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/22/338677-kejri-jung.jpg" width="600" /></p><p>The gazette notification said that the LG has jurisdiction over matters of services, public order, police and land.</p><p>The notification further said that provided that LG may, in his discretion, obtain views of CM of Delhi in regards matter of ‘Services’, wherever he deems it appropriate.</p><p>At least two rounds of consultation took place between the Prime Minister and Home Minister on Thursday evening on the issue, the sources said.</p><p>Senior bureaucrat Shakuntala Gamlin's appointment as acting Chief Secretary for Delhi last week had triggered a full-blown war between the ruling AAP and Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleging that the Lt Governor was trying to take over the administration.</p><p>Kejriwal had on Thursday sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the matter even as he accused the Centre of using Jung to run the state.</p><p>A day ago, alleging that officers were running "transfer-posting industry" in Delhi, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had said AAP government was being opposed for trying to stop it, a day after bureaucrats expressed anguish over the treatment meted out to them.</p><p>In a sharp counter-attack, Sisodia alleged that bureaucrats who were running "transfer-posting industry" in the past governments are talking about "motivating" IAS officers after retirement and added that only officials who "misuse" their position are demoralised.</p>

Centre backs L-G, says he doesn't need to consult Council of Ministers while taking decisions

New Delhi(web team): In a huge blow to the Arvind Kejriwal government, the Union Ministry on Friday issued gazette notification specifying t...

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Government about to appoint a 'corrupt' officer as CVC: Swaraj Abhiyan

<p>Delhi,Aradhna Wal: Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav's nascent movement, Swaraj Abhiyan, attacked the NDA government at the Centre, saying that it was about to appoint an officer to the post of the Central Vigilance Commissioner, who has many charges of corruption against him.</p><p><img alt="" src="http://static.dnaindia.com/sites/default/files/2015/05/22/338648-swaraj-abhiyan.jpg" width="600" /></p><p>Speaking to the media on Thursday, Bhushan announced that despite the government's "lack of transparency" in appointing public officials, they had "fortuitously" come to know of the top contender for the post of the CVC, currently lying vacant. This person, who they refused to name as of yet, was completely unsuited to the position because of his own past, according to Bhushan. "I have written to the prime minister, the Leader of Opposition and the home minister about this," Bhushan told the media.</p><p>He further warned the central government to not be too proud of the fact that there were no scams in its first year, saying that scams take time to brew and come out in the open. He pointed to the coal auctions as an example, saying that there was absolute lack of transparency there too.</p><p>Bhushan, along with Yadav and Swaraj Abhiyan's national convenor Anand Kumar spoke to the media at a press conference organised to announce their new 29-member working committee, the constitution and the vision document. Some of the key points of their constitution are to come under RTI, autonomy to state bodies, advisory council, freedom of expression, associate membership for other organizations and the Lokpal.</p><p>The working committee comprises Ajit Jha, Prashant Bhushan and Anand Kumar looking after Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana respectively; former AAP National Executive members Vishal Sharma Lathe, Rakesh Sinha also after Uttar Pradesh, Maruti Bhapkar after Maharashtra and Christina Samy after Tamil Nadu.</p><p>The leaders also refrained from committing to the formation of any new party, saying that while they were not averse to the idea, they were not eager for it, preferring to focus on the movement from now.<br /> Explaining the month gone by from the time of the Abhiyan's announcement, they said that they had held Swaraj Samvads in different parts of the country, taking up local issues.</p><p>They also announced their nationwide campaign for farmers, Jai Kisaan Yatra that will kick off around September-October. They promised to take up all issues and needs of farmers, including the controversial Land Acquisition Ordinance and all other problems. According to them, such needs of farmers and peasants have been so far ignored by all other parties.</p><p>Only when reporters pressed them with specific questions, did Bhushan and Yadav talk about the Aam Aadmi Party, specifically the ongoing turf war between the chief minister and the lieutenant governor.</p><p>The leaders said that the power to appoint its bureaucrats should be with Delhi's elected government, as it was part of the struggle for full statehood, which they support. However, they added a note of caution saying that the way the current government was going about the issue was "immature", "dangerous" and could prove counterproductive to achieving statehood.</p>

Government about to appoint a 'corrupt' officer as CVC: Swaraj Abhiyan

Delhi,Aradhna Wal: Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav's nascent movement, Swaraj Abhiyan, attacked the NDA government at the Centre, sa...

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Petition filed to NCM for blatant case of discrimination against a Muslim job seeker

<p><strong>Mumbai, (web team):</strong> Human right activist Shehzad Poonawalla has filed a petition to National Commission of Minority as well as Maharashtra Chief Minister. It is reported that the blatant case of discrimination against a Muslim job seeker Zeeshan Ali Khan on illegal religious ground by a Mumbai based company Hare Krishna Exports Pvt.Ltd.</p><p><img alt="" height="410" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ejqai9bC1HM/VV1Sr3gkA9I/AAAAAAAAADo/3Qc3giiHHOA/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" width="600" /></p><p>The petition also forwarded to Ministry of Home Affair, Government of India.</p><p><strong>The Full petition is attached here :</strong></p><p>To draw your urgent attention to the alleged blatant case of discrimination against a Muslim job seeker Zeeshan Ali Khan on illegal religious ground by a Mumbai based company Hare Krishna Exports Pvt.Ltd.</p><p><strong>To, </strong><br /> <strong> The National Commission for Minorities,</strong><br /> <strong> Loknayak Bhawan, Khan Market,</strong><br /> <strong> New Delhi - 110003</strong></p><p>dated: 21st May 2015</p><p><strong>CC: Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India</strong><br /> <strong> Chief Minister of Maharashtra</strong></p><p><strong>Subject:</strong> To draw your urgent attention to the blatant case of discrimination against a Muslim job seeker Zeeshan Ali Khan on illegal religious ground by a Mumbai based company Hare Krishna Exports Pvt.Ltd.<br /> Website: http://5g.diamondbyhk.com/</p><p><strong>Respected Sir,</strong></p><p>1) I would like to draw the attention of the NCM to a blatant case of discrimination against a Muslim Job Seeker Zeeshan Ali Khan by a Mumbai based company Hare Krishna Exports Pvt.Ltd. From the facts of the case it is evident that Zeeshan Ali Khan was being refused even consideration for a job in the marketing field by the said company despite his resume and qualifications, only because he is a MUSLIM.</p><p>( Said Company is a large diamond conglomerate headquartered in Mumbai. Website http://5g.diamondbyhk.com/ )</p><p>2) The email exchange below from Zeeshan Ali Khan's email between Ms.Dipika Tike (Human Resources at said company) and Zeeshan Ali Khan is being provided as proof.<br /> It clearly shows the Human Resources of the said company declaring that it is the policy of the company "to hire only Non-Muslim candidates."</p><p>Please see screenshot of email exchange below</p><p><img alt="" height="512" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g3pKcPMpvGg/VV1TASTk9nI/AAAAAAAAADw/5MqUtGvPBMs/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" width="600" /></p><p>3) Further corroborating evidence is also being provided in the form of a facebook post by the Marketing Executive of the said Hare Krishna Exports Pvt Ltd. company (https://www.facebook.com/Diamondbyhk) who has confirmed and accepted that this discriminatory response was sent to the Muslim candidate by the Human Resources team. He has tried to wash off the hands of the company by suggesting that it was a "mere error done by a newly joined HR trainee and that the company employees many minority members as employees. "</p><p>Please see screen shots below.</p><p><img alt="" height="512" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rsqd0dO4ggk/VV1TUInPEJI/AAAAAAAAAD4/3Hqzo0FRZto/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" width="600" /></p><p>4) Further, the same incident of discrimination has been confirmed and corroborated by independent journalists and activists. Mr.Zeeshan Ali Khan has sent a written email acknowledging that he was discriminated against by the said company on grounds of religion. Please take a look at email exchange and screen shot evidencing the same.</p><p><img alt="" height="512" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BWMaNsEPbbM/VV1TlLb3SqI/AAAAAAAAAEA/WEdWsgNhHBU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" width="600" /></p><p>5) This incident is a blatant violation of the spirit of the Constitution that mandates equality and absence of religious discrimination through Articles 14 and Article 25. Although the said articles apply to State/Public Authorities, it is incumbent on the Central and State government to prevent public and private entities from violating the Constitution and promote religious discrimination, hatred and intolerance. It is a blatant violation of several penal provisions of the Indian Penal Code 1860 that prohibit religious based discrimination, hatred, intolerance and stereotyping including sections 153B, 295A and 505(2) .</p><p>6) In November 2013 the NCM acting on my complaint had proactively taken up the matter of discrimination in housing against Muslim minorities brought forth by my complaint in the "99acres case " in Mumbai. Here is the Press Release issued by the NCM and news reports of the same.</p><p>Press Release by NCM</p><p>http://ncm.nic.in/pdf/press release/press release_option2.pdf</p><p>News Report<br /> http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ncm-to-work-with-real-estate-website-on-muslim-property-issue-113111301248_1.html</p><p>7) A precedent of intervention by NCM in such cases of discrimination has been set by the previous case. The NCM is statutorily mandated to protect the rights of the minority. The Sachar Committee report has in great detail brought out the discrimination against Minority Muslims on a number of socio-economic parameters including jobs, in the private and public sector, housing, etc. A report by Al Jazeera had brought out how Muslims had to take up Hindu names to get jobs</p><p><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/12/muslims-masquerade-as-hindus-india-jobs-2013129134443863250.html">http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/12/muslims-masquerade-as-hindus-india-jobs-2013129134443863250.html</a><br /> An IIM-A study titled ‘Education and Employment among Muslims in India’ by Prof Rakesh Basant revealed that Muslims perceived lowest fairness in five core areas of social prestige, economics, education, employment and politic. There is a clear indication of segregation, deprivation, discrimination and apartheid prevailing in India against Muslim minorities. It is most pronounced when it comes to the issue of jobs and housing.</p><p>8) This case obligates the NCM to intervene legally and morally to check such practices. In the past 12 months there has been an increase in the number of cases of hate speech, discrimination against the minorities and the feeling of insecurity is constantly rising. This complainant has brought forward over 15complaints to the NCM against various entities for hate speech and discrimination. The NCM, based on my complaints has issued a resolution condemning hate speech and even wrote to the Ministry of Home Affairs against three cases of BJP leaders spreading communal hate including Yogi Adityanath, Usha Thakur and Sakshi Maharaj .My latest complaint on Sanjay Raut, MP from Shiv Sena calling for disenfranchisement of Muslims has also been taken up by the NCM appropriately with the authorities.</p><p>In light of all this it is humbly prayed:</p><p>A) Direct an independent investigation into the said incident and ascertain whether the said company has such a discriminatory and illegal policy against one religious community in violation of the Constitution.</p><p>B) Kindly issue notice and seek a response from the State government of Maharashtra and the Ministry of Labour, Government of India on the said incident and thereafter direct appropriate legal and penal action against those found guilty including officials of the Company for having such a discriminatory policy.</p><p>C) Direct the Central Government to call for a meeting of all stake-holders including state governments, police, activists, Home Ministry and Labour Ministry to issue strict legislative and statutory guidelines against hate speech, stereotyping and discrimination of minorities in areas of employment, housing, practice of religious freedoms, etc</p><p>Shehzad Poonawalla,<br /> +91-9960675176<br /> Lawyer-activist,<br /> Founder-Member,<br /> Policy Samvad<br /> www.PolicySamvad.com</p>

Petition filed to NCM for blatant case of discrimination against a Muslim job seeker

Mumbai, (web team): Human right activist Shehzad Poonawalla has filed a petition to National Commission of Minority as well as Maharashtra ...

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