<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1715082650073" alt="Supreme Court delays decision on Arvind Kejriwal's interim bail amid election campaigning" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

The Supreme Court refrained from issuing an order regarding interim bail for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi Excise Policy case during Tuesday's proceedings. The bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, which presided over the hearing, indicated that an order on interim bail would be passed later, possibly on Thursday or next week.
The court's stance during the hearing highlighted its reluctance to interfere in the functioning of the government, especially during election campaigning. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, was informed by the bench that granting interim bail would not permit the Chief Minister to fulfil official duties, as the court aims to avoid any interference in governmental operations.
Emphasising the extraordinary circumstances due to the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, the court acknowledged Kejriwal's position as the elected Chief Minister of Delhi. However, it reiterated its stance against granting interim relief if it leads to potential conflicts or disruptions in governance.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED), objected to the Supreme Court entertaining arguments on interim bail for Kejriwal. He raised concerns about setting precedents and treating politicians differently from ordinary citizens, stressing the importance of maintaining consistency in legal proceedings.
Mehta highlighted Kejriwal's alleged evasion of summons over six months and questioned the notion of making exceptions based on one's political position. He argued against demoralising the common citizen by granting preferential treatment to public figures.
ED, while presenting its case, clarified that the matter is not politically motivated but focused on gathering evidence. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing ED, asserted the agency's commitment to evidence-based investigations.
The case against Kejriwal stems from allegations related to a money laundering probe linked to irregularities in the now-defunct Delhi excise policy. He was arrested on March 21 and is currently under judicial custody at Tihar Jail. The court's deliberations underscore the complexities and legal nuances surrounding the high-profile case.

Supreme Court delays decision on Arvind Kejriwal's interim bail amid election campaigning

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1715174590331" alt="Karnataka MLA HD Revanna sent to judicial custody in connection with kidnapping case" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Janata Dal (Secular) leader and Karnataka MLA HD Revanna has been remanded to judicial custody until May 14th following his arrest on Wednesday in connection with a kidnapping case associated with the 'obscene video' controversy.
The arrest came after the special investigation team (SIT) detained him on May 4th regarding an alleged kidnapping incident registered against him at the KR Nagar police station in Bengaluru.
HD Revanna, along with his son Prajwal Revanna, has been under scrutiny by an SIT formed by the Karnataka government over allegations of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation following a complaint lodged by a woman formerly employed in their household.
Prajwal Revanna, an incumbent MP and candidate from the Hassan Lok Sabha constituency, is vying for a second term as an NDA candidate, with voting having concluded on April 26th.
The charges against HD Revanna and his associate include Sections 364A (kidnapping for ransom), 365 (kidnapping with intent to cause harm), and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The FIR, filed by KR Nagar police, lists HD Revanna as accused number one and another individual, Babanna, as accused number two.
HD Revanna has denounced the case as a "political conspiracy" against him, asserting, "it's a political conspiracy going on against me. In my 40 years of political life, I have never seen anything like this."
Former Chief Minister and JD(S) chief <a href="https://www.policharcha.com/article/nation/ff62e89a-a0aa-44f8-ade7-7fb8e66f2231/obscene-video-case-kumaraswamy-calls-for-shivakumars-suspension-questions-investigation-integrity" target="_blank">HD Kumaraswamy has levelled allegations against the Congress-led Karnataka government</a>, accusing them of orchestrating a character assassination campaign against HD Revanna. He also criticised the government for purportedly misusing their authority and demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the matter, particularly concerning the alleged circulation of obscene videos linked to Prajwal Revanna by police officials.

Karnataka MLA HD Revanna sent to judicial custody in connection with kidnapping case

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1715097382694" alt="Top LeT Commander neutralised in encounter with security forces in Kashmir" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Two militants, including Basit Ahmed Dar, a prominent commander of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), were neutralised during an encounter with security forces in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.
Basit Ahmed Dar, who was the subject of a Rs 10 lakh bounty by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), had been missing from his residence in Redwani area of Kulgam since 2021 when he decided to join militant ranks, according to Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) V.K. Birdi.
IGP Birdi revealed that Dar was implicated in a staggering eighteen cases of terrorist violence, which encompassed assaults on security personnel and minority communities across Srinagar and south Kashmir districts. He described Dar as the "mastermind behind a spat of civilian killings," underscoring the significance of his elimination as a major success for the security forces.
The encounter unfolded in Redwani Payeen village of Kulgam early on Tuesday, lasting until approximately 1 pm, following intelligence inputs about militant presence in the area. The ensuing gun battle resulted in the demise of Basit Ahmed Dar and his associate. The police noted that Dar was leading a faction of militants affiliated with The Resistance Front, a derivative group of LeT.
Simultaneously, security agencies are intensifying efforts to maintain peace in the Kashmir Valley ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The J&amp;K police, along with other law enforcement agencies, reiterated their commitment to ensuring a tranquil electoral process across all three constituencies in the region scheduled for voting in subsequent phases.
Regarding another development, J&amp;K police announced the attachment of properties belonging to seven "terror handlers" situated in Pakistan, located in Baramulla district. These properties, valued at millions of rupees, were seized following directives from the Additional Sessions Court, as part of ongoing efforts to curb terrorist activities and dismantle support networks operating from across the border.

Top LeT Commander neutralised in encounter with security forces in Kashmir

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1715087596317" alt="Obscene video case: Kumaraswamy calls for Shivakumar's suspension, questions investigation integrity" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Former Chief Minister and JD(S) state chief HD Kumaraswamy, on Tuesday, demanded the immediate suspension of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar from the cabinet. Kumaraswamy's call came in light of allegations that Shivakumar was involved in leaking a pen drive containing videos of women allegedly being sexually abused, with the involvement of Kumaraswamy's nephew, Prajwal Revanna.
Kumaraswamy alleged that around 25,000 pen drives containing such videos were distributed before the polls, accusing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar of being part of a conspiracy.
In a press conference held in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy criticised the government and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for their perceived inaction regarding a complaint filed by Prajwal Revanna’s polling agent, Poornachandra Tejaswi, against four individuals for sharing the obscene videos.
The former CM clarified that he would not protect anyone involved in such wrongdoings and put focus on the need for stringent punishment as per the law. He revealed details about the distribution of the pen drives, stating that they were circulated not only in Hassan but also in Mandya and Bangalore Rural constituencies, allegedly orchestrated by police officers under pressure.
Kumaraswamy expressed frustration over the lack of action despite the filing of an FIR against five individuals, including Naveen Gowda, Karthik Gowda, Chetan, and Putti alias Puttaraju. He criticised the Election Commission's state nodal officer for closing the case based on a report, pointing out the lack of action by the Cyber, Economic and Narcotic (CEN) Police Station in Hassan.
Moreover, Kumaraswamy highlighted statements made by CM Siddaramaiah during the elections, where he confidently claimed that all three JD(S) nominees would lose. Kumaraswamy urged for a transparent investigation to uncover the truth behind the pen drive controversy and reiterated his stance of not compromising on justice in this case.
He also voiced his objections regarding the focus on Prajwal Revanna in the ongoing controversy surrounding obscene videos. The former CM pointed out discrepancies in the handling of the case, citing an example based on a complaint filed by Karnataka State Commission for Women Chairperson Dr Nagalakshmi Chowdry on April 27. The Chief Minister promptly announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe Prajwal Revanna’s alleged involvement in the obscene videos case, despite the complaint not mentioning Prajwal or HD Revanna's name.
Kumaraswamy expressed concerns over the transparency of the investigation, highlighting that the commission's chairperson had not specifically named anyone but called for a probe. He raised questions about the swift actions taken by the government, emphasising the need for a genuine SIT rather than what he termed as the "Siddaramaiah Investigation Team" and "Shivakumar Investigation Team."
The former CM criticised the government's focus on publicity rather than ensuring justice for the victims. He highlighted instances where victims were allegedly threatened and pressured to register complaints, questioning the leaks of sensitive documents and the lack of confidentiality in the investigation process.
Kumaraswamy also raised doubts about the seriousness of the government's investigation, pointing out inconsistencies such as the addition of bailable sections in the FIR and the leak of sensitive information to the media. He stressed the importance of maintaining secrecy in ongoing investigations and condemned the use of the complaint as a tool for defamation.
Furthermore, Kumaraswamy questioned the government's handling of the case in light of recent events, including the participation of a woman allegedly subjected to threats and assault in political campaigning alongside Prajwal Revanna. He urged for a transparent investigation that focuses on justice rather than publicity, highlighting the need to protect the integrity of the investigative process.
HD Kumaraswamy also responded to the arrest of HD Revanna by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), expressing scepticism about the accusations against Revanna. He stated that while an FIR was registered against Revanna, no direct accusations had been made against him. He raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the arrest, particularly regarding allegations of blackmail and kidnapping, which he described as a "cooked-up story." He questioned how the victim for the spot inquest was found and criticised the government's handling of the case, pointing out discrepancies in locating the victim and obtaining her statement.
Kumaraswamy further alleged that the investigation was being manipulated to defame individuals rather than protect the victims. He called for transparency in the investigation process and demanded answers about the whereabouts of Karthik Gowda, whom he referred to as the 'convenor' of the pen drive scandal. Kumaraswamy expressed dissatisfaction with the government's response and demanded Karthik's arrest.
Addressing the issue of women being threatened and lured with money to file false complaints, Kumaraswamy criticised the authorities for not taking appropriate action against those responsible for leaking videos and defaming the state's name. He questioned the efficacy of the investigation and demanded accountability from the Home Minister regarding the lack of progress in the case.
Kumaraswamy also raised concerns about the handling of complaints by the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, questioning whether any complaints had been filed regarding suspected incidents. He further questioned why AICC former chief Rahul Gandhi had not been summoned despite making direct allegations against Prajwal Revanna.

Obscene video case: Kumaraswamy calls for Shivakumar's suspension, questions investigation integrity

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1714746158424" alt="AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi compares Muslim situation to Jews in Hitler's era" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

In a recent interview with ANI, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi drew a stark parallel between the predicament of Muslims in contemporary India and the historical persecution faced by Jews during Adolf Hitler's reign.
Owaisi remarked, " The position of Muslims in today's India is the same as the situation which Jews witnessed or experienced during Hitler's era in the 1930s. The gas chamber was the last step, before that movies were made, hate speeches took place, there was a whole process to it."
The AIMIM leader criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rhetoric, particularly his characterisation of minorities as "infiltrators" to gain electoral advantage.
"Our PM is saying that Mangalsutra will be removed from Hindu women and given to Muslims. 17 crore Muslims are being called infiltrators. Whether Modi ji will remain or not, the country will remain. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) among Muslim women has fallen, this is the government's own data. To win an election you are calling all minorities as infiltrators. Hitler also used to say the same thing to Jews that they were not original Germans. Does this language suit the Prime Minister?" Owaisi questioned.
He also expressed readiness to substantiate claims about Muslims being the poorest demographic in India with credible data. Is Modi the PM only for Hindus? Why drag us (Muslims) into political conflicts? PM should acknowledge that Muslims are the poorest in the country. I am prepared to back this assertion with facts," Owaisi asserted.
Owaisi further criticised Modi for allegedly diverting attention from significant national achievements such as Chandrayaan-3, G-20 participation, and economic growth. He accused the government of mishandling issues like youth unemployment and border tensions with China.
Regarding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Owaisi argued against a single law for all, citing diversity as India's strength. He questioned the preference given to Hindu cultural aspects in laws and policies, highlighting the need to respect pluralism.
Owaisi also condemned Uttarakhand's UCC law, labelling it as "very dangerous" and accusing BJP-ruled states of restricting inter-religious marriages. He asserted the right of individuals to marry based on personal choice and criticised laws that alienate Muslims from their faith.

AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi compares Muslim situation to Jews in Hitler's era

Seems like those who are sharing The Preamble as a mark of protest against Shri Ram Pran Pratishtha ceremony knows nothing about the Preamble, or the Constitution, or Secularism itself.
People are arguing that the construction of Ram Mandir goes against the ‘Secular’ ideals of Preamble. My question to them - was India not secular before 1976, the year when the word was added? Bharat was secular long before the concept was even emerged, but just for the sake of the argument, let’s not delve into the history here.
The Constitution, through Art 25 to Art 28, makes India a secular nation. So, if a large sect of the population is exercising their fundamental rights, how does it threaten the secular ideals of the Preamble? Mind you that the Mandir is built after the orders of the Supreme Court, following the Constitution, and the ideals enshrined in the Preamble.
People are also using the words of the Preamble like ‘Justice’, ‘Liberty’, ‘Equality’, and ‘Fraternity’ to support their baseless agenda. In a welfare state set-up, these words refer to Socio-economic Democracy, which is backed by Political Democracy (‘Sovereign’, ‘Socialist’, ‘Secular’, ‘Democratic’, ‘Republic’).&nbsp;
You tell me, how does the second largest majority do not enjoy socio-economic democracy? Is the State discriminating against them through its laws or policies? Did the State pass the RamJanmabhoomi Judgement? Is the State interfering in their religious aspects? The answer is No!
On the contrary, one can make a solid case that when it comes to practicing religion and personal faith, the second largest majority have more rights (no State control over mosques, but there is State control over temples; the absence of a Uniform Civil Code).
Lastly, the Shri Ram Pran Pratishtha ceremony was a ‘Religious’ event. Therefore, by definition, something religious can not be secular. How can you apply secular logic to a religious event? Would you tolerate if religious logic be applied to something secular?
Now, some might say, if it was a religious event, then how can a politician/PM can take part? The answer is simple – construction of Ram Mandir was in BJP’s manifesto. They promised it to the voters. Is there anything wrong in fulfilling promises? PM Modi is also the supremo of BJP, and more importantly, Ram Mandir is an important religious cause for him too. Does he not have the right to exercise his fundamental rights, and practice his faith? He is also a citizen of Bharat.

Debunking Misconceptions: Ram Mandir, Secularism, Preamble, and Constitutional Values

Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) report on Gyanvapi premises will be made public and its access will be provided to both sides.

This report will surely going to turn many heads, and break even more hearts <a href="/hashtag/iykwim">#iykwim</a>

Big update on the Gyanvapi issue.

<div>Gone are the days when if a train accident happened, one would think the reason was some human error or sub-standard infrastructure.</div><div> </div><div>Now one thinks whether accident happened because of some sabotage.</div><div> </div><div>What are views about the recent tragedy involving derailment of NorthEast express in Buxar district if Bihar?</div><div> </div><div>Just around 10 days ago, a Vande Bharat's train journey was sabotaged in Rajasthan. Unknown people put stones and metal rods on the train track which could have led to a major accident had the train not been stopped.&nbsp;</div>

How times have changed | For better or for worse?

Here are some articles on the Delhi Liquor Scam case

<ol>
<li><a href="https://policharcha.com/article/nation/1318a5d9-e451-4717-9435-4d2bb949d8dc/aaps-sanjay-singh-arrested-delhi-excise-scam-links-exposed" target="_blank">AAP’s Sanjay Singh arrested – Delhi Excise Scam links exposed</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://policharcha.com/article/nation/fd4e3988-af9f-42f6-b291-dc7ff646670d/delhi-liquor-scam-businessman-arun-pillai-turns-approver-alongside-five-others" target="_blank">South Group exposed – Delhi Liquor Scam explained</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://policharcha.com/article/nation/8b768817-6ecb-40db-a831-4aa1a09c1805/telangana-cm-daughter-k-kavitha-summoned-by-ed-in-delhi-liquor-scam-case" target="_blank">Telangana CM daughter, Kavitha, summoned by ED in Delhi liquor scam case</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

Supreme Court delays decision on Arvind Kejriwal's interim bail amid election campaigning

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Debunking Misconceptions: Ram Mandir, Secularism, Preamble, and Constitutional Values

Big update on the Gyanvapi issue.

How times have changed | For better or for worse?

Some articles on the Delhi Liquor Scam Case

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