Tag: Delhi

Sisodia physical hearing

Court Directs To Produce Sisodia Physically For Hearing

By LokMarg

Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday directed Delhi police to produce former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia physically from the next date of hearing in an alleged excise policy case.

Special judge M K Nagpal passed the direction while disposing of the application of Delhi police seeking production of Manish Sisodia through video conferencing for hearing.
Delhi police had stated the security concern in producing him physically in the courtroom.

“Now accused Manish Sisodia will be produced physically before the court,” the judge ordered, directing that no public persons or Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supporters be allowed in the courtroom.

Media persons are also directed to maintain a safe distance from the accused, the court said.

In case of any violations of this direction lock-up in charge shall bring it to the notice of the court, the judge directed.

During the CBI case hearing was produced through video conferencing. Sisodia also told the court that he has no issue with video conferencing but he wished to be produced physically.

The court asked the counsel appearing for Sisodia, “What is the difficulty for police to produce Sisodia physically in the court.”

Court asked who will be responsible if any untoward incident happens, the Judge asked.

Advocate Vivek Jain, Counsel for Sisodia said, “It is the duty of the police to protect him. There is only a distance of ten meters and 25 police personnel are there. He has been brought from a distance of 15 kilometers. What is the security concern in producing him physically in the courtroom.”

“What prejudice is being caused if he is produced through video conferencing?” the court added.

Video conferencing is as good as physical production, the judge added.

After hearing the submission of the counsel and interacting with Sisodia the judges, “I will not allow the meeting with party workers in the courtroom. From the next date you will be produced physically in the courtroom.”

Manish Sisodia is to be produced physically in the court from the next date, the judge ordered.

Delhi police had moved an application seeking production of Manish Sisodia through video conferencing stating security concerns.

The court noted that an application was moved citing some incidents of first June 2023 when the production of the said accused in ED case, some allegations of mand handling of accused by security personnel were raised.

On that day some supporters and media persons were present there. Police said that they tried to be too close to the accused, the court noted.

Counsel for Sisodia said that he has a right to be produced physically for an effective hearing. The rights of the accused to be produced in court should not be curtailed.

This case has been fixed for July 31.

The Court also directed CBI to supply copies of the main charge sheet to the accused who are named in the supplementary charge sheet and copies of the supplementary charge sheet along with documents to the accused who were named in the main charge sheet and have not received the same.

The court also directed the agency to supply copies of legible documents to the accused.

On the Court on May 27 took cognizance of the supplementary charge sheet filed against former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and 3 others in the Delhi Excise policy case.

It is alleged that Manish Sisodia formulated and implemented the excise policy in a way to facilitate monopolisation and cartelization of the liquor trade in Delhi.

This supplementary charge sheet was filed on April 25 in connection with the Delhi liquor policy alleged scam case.

This supplementary charge sheet has been filed under sections of the Prevention of Corruption (POC) Act and criminal conspiracy, cheating and Disappearance of evidence under IPC.

Manish Sisodia was arrested in this case on February 26 by the CBI.

While filing the chargesheet CBI informed the court that sanction under Section 19 of PC Act to prosecute Manish Sisodia has been taken and is enclosed with the supplementary chargesheet.

CBI had stated that then excise Commissioner Arava Gopi Krishna’s name is also mentioned in the chargesheet in column 12 as a suspect in the chargesheet.

This chargesheet is accompanied by a list of witnesses as well as documents and articles.

Further, this chargesheet is accompanied by a DVD containing the chargesheet as well as statements of witnesses and RUD. One hash value certificate with respect to the DVD is also filed on record with the supplementary chargesheet.

The CBI case is related to alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD).

The main charge sheet has already been filed by the CBI.

It is claimed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that former deputy CM Manish Sisodia that he admitted to destroying two phones which he was using before July 2022.

The two handsets which were used prior to 22.07.22 have been admittedly destroyed by accused Manish Sisodia as confirmed by him in his response to Notice under section 91 CrPC”, the agency has alleged.

The CBI had said that the investigation has revealed that during the period from January 1, 2020, to August 19 in 1022, the accused Manish Sisodia used three mobile handsets.

The last handset which was used by him was seized during the searches in the case. (ANI)

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Firing Incident At Hazari Court

Firing Incident Occurs In Delhi’s Tis Hazari Court

By LokMarg

A firing incident occurred in the premises of Delhi’s Tis Hazari Court in the national capital on Wednesday, said the officials.

According to the officials, the firing event took place at around 1:35 pm today at Delhi’s Tis Hazari Court in the Subzi Mandi Police Station Area.
The officials added that the incident of the firing had taken place due to a heated argument that broke out between two groups of lawyers.

“Two different groups of lawyers including office bearers allegedly shot in the air, due to a quarrel that broke out between them,” said the officials.

The officials further added that the police reached the spot of the incident and no casualties were reported from the occurrence.

The situation is being investigated legally, and a crime squad has been dispatched to the scene, said the officials.

“A legal action is being initiated into the matter, and a crime team has also reached the spot, added the officials,” they said.

Condemning the firing incident at Tis Hazari Court premises, Bar Council of Delhi Chairman KK Manan announced that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine if the guns were licenced or not.

“Detailed inquiry into the matter will be undertaken. It will be inquired if the weapons were licensed or not. Even if the weapons were licensed, no lawyer or anyone else can use them like this inside or around court premises,” said Bar Council of Delhi Chairman KK Manan.

Further investigation into the matter is underway.

In April this year, a man identified as Kameshwar Singh was arrested by the Delhi police crime branch after he opened fire on Delhi’s Saket court premises.

The lawyer of the victim in the firing incident in Delhi’s Saket court had claimed that his client had been receiving death threats from the accused, who opened fire on the premises, despite her being granted a protection order by the High Court. (ANI)

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Navigable stretch of Yamuna

Delhi LG, NGT Chairperson Inspect Navigable Stretch Of Yamuna

By LokMarg

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena along with National Green Tribunal (NGT) Chairperson, Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel on Tuesday inspected the navigable stretch of Yamuna between ISBT and ITO Barrage, on an Indian Navy Boat brought in recently. The navigability of the stretch was ascertained last month by the boat provided by the Indian Navy at the LG’s behest.

The LG and the NGT Chairperson, accompanied by senior officials of the stakeholder departments, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FC), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Jal Board (DJB), also took stock of the cleaning works undertaken on the floodplains of the river under directions of the High-Level Committee (HLC), constituted by the NGT January 9, 2023. Priests from different faiths also accompanied the visiting team.

It may be noted that the HLC has been monitoring the rejuvenation of river Yamuna vide eight different implementation parameters that also include, cleaning and restoration of the floodplains, apart from the desiltation of the sewerage accumulated in the river and on its banks.

Works on the restoration of the floodplains from Wazirabad Barrage to ITO Barrage, in its first phase started in February this year and have since been completed. Cleaning operations on the stretch between ITO Barrage and Okhla are underway.

Speaking on the occasion, the LG said that the cleaning works on the 11 Km stretch till the ITO Barrage had been successfully completed and it was there for anyone to see. He reiterated that any long-term solution to the rejuvenation of the Yamuna would have to involve the common residents of Delhi and once the waterway becomes fully navigable citizens could start involving themselves at the physical level with the river.

This, LG added, will help develop a sense of belongingness in the people towards the Yamuna.

The LG stressed that the efforts at rejuvenating the river had slowly but surely started showing encouraging results and it was evident in the physical appearance of the ghats as indeed the quality of the water if one were to compare on a year-to-year basis.

LG Saxena specifically pointed out the massive efforts being undertaken to clean the Najafgarh Drain through the desiltation and trapping of drains for diversion to STPs and said that cleaning of the drain, which accounts for about 68 per cent of pollution into the river, will make a remarkable difference.

Saxena however, emphasized that the task of cleaning the river, hitherto neglected for over three decades, despite consistent monitoring by the Supreme Court and the NGT, will take time to complete and there is a long road ahead.

It had been an endeavour on the part of the Lt. Governor to involve the people of the city in the efforts to rejuvenate the Yamuna by bringing them closer to the river and instilling a sense of ownership towards the river in them.

In this respect, apart from other initiatives, making the river navigable for use as a recreational as well as public transport means was also envisaged. (ANI)

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Modi Travels By Metro To Attend Centenary Celebrations Of DU

By LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a metro ride from Lok Kalyan Marg Metro Station to Vishwa Vidyalaya Metro Station here in the national capital on Friday morning to visit Delhi University.

PM Modi could be seen interacting with people in Delhi Metro on his way to attend the centenary celebrations of Delhi University.

The PM is scheduled to participate in the valedictory ceremony of the centenary celebrations of Delhi University.

Taking to Twitter earlier, PM Modi wrote “Looking forward to joining the University of Delhi’s centenary celebrations at 11 AM tomorrow, 30th June. As a premier centre of learning, DU has been nurturing talent and fostering intellectual growth for a century. Congratulations to the DU fraternity on this milestone.

During the programme, Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the Delhi University Computer Centre and the building of the Faculty of Technology and the academic block which will be built in the North Campus of the University.

The University of Delhi was established on 1st May 1922. In the last hundred years, the University has grown and expanded immensely and now has 86 departments, 90 Colleges, more than 6 lakh students, and has contributed immensely in nation building. (ANI)

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Tomato prices

Tomato Prices Soar Across Country, Rs 80-100 Per Kg

By LokMarg

Tomato prices have recently shot up in the markets across the country from Rs 10-20 per kg to a price of Rs 80-100 per kg. The reason behind this is the dip in supply due to heatwaves in tomato-growing areas and heavy rain.

Ajay Kedia, a Mumbai-based commodity market expert and head of Kedia Advisory said, “This year, for a variety of reasons, fewer tomatoes were sown than in prior years. As the price of beans surged last year, many farmers switched to growing beans this year. However, a lack of monsoon rains has caused the crops to dry out and wilt. The limited supply of vegetables, particularly tomatoes are due to crop damage caused by heavy rainfall and extreme heat.”

Speaking to ANI, Mohammad Raju, a resident of Delhi said, “Tomato is being sold at a price of Rs 80 per kg. The rate has suddenly shot up in the past two-three days.”

According to him, the sudden increase in price is due to heavy rainfall.

“Rain has destroyed tomatoes,” added Mohammad Raju.

Tomato prices have also skyrocketed in the southern state of Karnataka and its capital city Bengaluru as incessant rains have damaged the crop and made transportation difficult.

The price of tomatoes touched Rs 100 per kg in a market in Bengaluru and traders said that due to heavy rain, the crops have been damaged.

Tomato, sold at Rs 40 to 50 per kg a week ago in the UP’s Kanpur market is now being sold at Rs 100 per kg while in Delhi it is being sold at Rs 80 per Kg.

“Earlier, the price of Tomato was Rs 30 per kg, after that I bought it for Rs 50 per kg and now it has become Rs 100. Price is going to go up further and we’re helpless, we have to buy,” said Suraj Gaur, a resident of Bengaluru.

In Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur, the acute shortage of the essential vegetable is burning holes in common people’s pockets. The wholesale prices range from Rs 80-90 per kg, and the retail shops are selling tomatoes for Rs 100 per kg.

According to vegetable vendors of a market in Kanpur, Karnataka, a major tomato supplier, saw heavy rains that destroyed the crops. The prices soared in just 10 days and are likely to increase further, the vendors added.

“Price rise is because of rain. Tomatoes are coming from Bengaluru. Within 10 days it will increase further. Every year during this month tomato prices usually increase,” Lakshmi Devi, a vegetable seller at a Kanpur market said.

Due to rain, significant disruption in the supply of tomatoes has happened in Karnataka’s tomato-growing districts of Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Ramanagara, Chitradurga and Bengaluru Rural.

Meanwhile, a customer in Kanpur said that he would stop buying tomatoes if prices increase further.

“I will stop eating tomatoes if the price increases. People from households like mine are worried about the price rise. How can we buy vegetables if prices increase like this?,” Gopal a resident of Kanpur said.

Meanwhile, a trader in Kanpur said that the prices of tomatoes can shoot up to 150 rupees per kg in the coming days.

“The tomato rate has doubled in the last few days. We are not receiving tomatoes from local areas and there is an acute shortage of them. We rely on Bengaluru for supply in these two months, and in upcoming days, prices will shoot up to 150 rupees per kg”, a trader said.

“We are selling tomatoes at Rs 100 kg. Due to rain, the prices have increased,” says a tomato seller in Kanpur.

According to the database maintained by the Price Monitoring Division under the Department of Consumer Affairs, per kilo tomato on an average rose from Rs 25 to Rs 41 in retail markets. Maximum prices of tomatoes in retail markets were in the range between Rs 80-113.

The rates of staple vegetables were in tune with the rise in their prices in wholesale markets, which jumped about 60-70 per cent on an average in June. (ANI)

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Delhi: Users Consuming Over 200 Units Of Electricity Have To Pay 8% Surcharge

By LokMarg

The power regulator in Delhi has allowed distribution companies to increase power tariffs in the national capital.

Now, users consuming more than 200 units will have to pay about an additional 8 per cent surcharge, on average, but tariffs for users who consume less than 200 units per month will remain unchanged.
On Monday, Delhi’s Power Minister Atishi said the consumers who get free electricity up to 200 units will have no impact from the latest rise in tariffs. However, she added other consumers will have to pay about an 8 per cent surcharge.

BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) has been allowed to charge 9.42 per cent more on top of the prevailing rates, BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) 6.39 per cent, and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) 2 per cent.

This comes after petitions were filed by the companies, seeking the hike in power rates.

Further, Minister Atishi also targeted the Centre over rising coal prices. Coal is a key input in power manufacturing.

“The electricity tariff in Delhi is increasing only because of the mismanagement of the Central government and the increasing rates of coal blocks…There is no shortage of coal mines in India then why is the price of coal increasing, why the electricity-producing companies are forced to buy coal at higher rates,” she added. (ANI)

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Delhi Rain

Thunderstorm With Light Intensity Rain Likely Over Delhi, NCR

By LokMarg

Regional Weather Forecasting Centre (RWFC) Delhi on Monday issued warnings of thunderstorm with light-intensity rain to occur over Delhi and its adjoining areas.

“Thunderstorm with light intensity rain would occur over and adjoining areas of Rajaund, Assandh, Safidon, Jind, Hansi, Rohtak (Haryana) Shamli, Kandhla, Khatauli, Sakoti Tanda, Daurala, Meerut, Kithor, Garhmukteshwar, Hapur, Siyana (U.P.) Kotputli,” tweeted RWFC Delhi.
Heavy rainfall with lightning and thunderstorm lashed parts of the national capital on Sunday, bringing respite from the scorching heat. The NCR (National Capital Region) like Nodia, Gurugram, Faridabad and Ghaziabad also witnessed heavy rainfall.

Regional Weather Forecasting Centre (RWFC) predicted, light to moderate intensity rain would occur over and adjoining areas of entire Delhi and NCR.

The RWFC provides the weather forecasts for North-West India and the Delhi NCR region.

Earlier June 22, the national capital woke up to pleasant weather after receiving light rainfall.

Earlier on June 21, several parts of Gurugram witnessed waterlogging following heavy rainfall in the morning.

The water especially clogged the expressway after the rains, causing a traffic jam for up to 5 kilometers. People were highly inconvenienced as massive delays were caused, and public transport was also hindered.

A bus full of passengers was stuck in the waterlogged conditions for more than an hour and could do nothing but wait. (ANI)

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Sitharaman in her interim Budget

‘Six Muslim-Dominated Nations Were Bombed…’ Sitharaman Tears Down Obama’s Advice

By LokMarg

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on Saturday, lashed out at former US President Barack Obama for his comments on Indian Muslims and said that under his reign, the United States had bombed six Muslim-dominated countries.

While addressing a press conference in Delhi, Nirmala Sitharaman said, “It was surprising that when the PM was visiting the US and telling people about India, a former US President (Barack Obama) was making a statement on Indian Muslims…I am speaking with caution, we want a good friendship with the US, but they comment on India’s religious tolerance. Perhaps 6 Muslim-dominated countries were bombed due to him (Obama)… More than 26,000 bombs were dropped.”
This comment came after US former President Barack Obama, during a media interview, said if ethnic minorities are not protected, there is a strong possibility of the country “at some point starts pulling apart”.

Obama’s made the remarks during an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour and said if President Joe Biden meets with PM Modi, “the protection of the Muslim minority in a majority Hindu India is something worth mentioning”.

Meanwhile, at the conference, the union minister defended PM Modi from questions surrounding the treatment being meted out to the Muslims in India and pointed out that out of 13 honors, that the Prime Minister received from different countries, six awards were from such nations where Muslims are in the majority.

“Honorable prime minister himself during the press conference in US has said how his government works on ‘Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas’ principle and doesn’t discriminate against any community whatsoever but the fact remains that repeatedly when people join in in this debate and highlight issues which are non-issues in a way because if there are issues in states which are to be raised they are being raised at the state level,” Sitharaman said at the press conference.

Further, she added, “Law and Order is the State subject that people are taking care of it and elected governments are there in each of the states which respond to it. To just allege without basic data in hand just tells us that these are organized campaigns which purposely are being leveled at the doorstep of the Prime Minister otherwise why would countries give such an honor to the prime minister and why would there be a distortion in understanding how India and its minority population irrespective of which religion they belong to minority population are being part of the Indian mainstream.”

Slamming the opposition, she said that as Congress couldn’t see the possibility of winning the election, they have started such kind of campaign.

The minister further slammed Congress and stated that such campaigns are being flaoted into the ecosyatem as Congress is aware that they are incapable of wining the 2024 general electionas.

“Congress is doing more this time than last two elections. Karnataka’s talk was different but such toolkits which run in foreign countries, they are working against Prime Minister because they (Congress) are sure that the public will not support them. (ANI)

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educational reformist Sonam Wangchuk kejriwal

Kejriwal Writes To LG Over Recent Murders In Delhi

By LokMarg

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has proposed a Cabinet meeting with Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, on the law and order situation in the national capital.

CM Kejriwal in a letter to LG Saxena on Monday, expressed concern over the increase in serious crimes within the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the CM emphasized that four murders have occurred in the past 24 hours alone, causing distress and raising significant apprehensions among the residents.

“I am writing this letter to draw the urgent attention of your good self towards an alarming spurt in serious crimes in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. Seriousness of the situation can be gauged from a heart-rending fact that four murders have taken place during the last 24 hours in different parts of Delhi,” reads his letter.

In his letter, the CM urged the Lieutenant Governor to take immediate and effective measures to restore the faith of the citizens in the security and safety of their lives.

“Such serious crimes have shaken Delhi. It is high time that those entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of lives of residents of Delhi should not be seen as failing time and again in their mandatory duty,” the letter reads.

The Chief Minister has also expressed his willingness to extend full cooperation in ensuring the rule of law and safeguarding the interests of the people in the NCT of Delhi, through the letter.

Drawing attention to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report, CM Kejriwal emphasized that it should have served as a wake-up call for the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Lieutenant Governor, both of whom bear direct responsibility for maintaining law and order in Delhi.

Regrettably, no substantial action has been taken based on this report, which reveals that Delhi alone accounted for 32.20 per cent of total crimes against women among 19 metropolitan cities in India.

“Given such alarming figures, urgent preventive steps on crimes against women were required, but unfortunately for the reasons best known to the MHA and your good self, nothing changed on the ground,” the letter read.

The CM has also expressed his disappointment at the lack of urgency displayed by the LG and the MHA, who are responsible for maintaining law and order. He has pointed out that there has been a rise in the number of private security guards hired by residents due to the shortage of Delhi Police personnel.

“I am constrained to state that the kind of urgency required for prevention of crimes in Delhi is completely missing on the part of decision-makers responsible for the maintenance of law and order here,” the letter further read.

The Chief Minister further emphasized the need for immediate measures, such as enhanced police patrolling during night hours, and called for open dialogue with the residents of Delhi to seek their input on improving the law and order situation.

CM Arvind Kejriwal has proposed a meeting between his cabinet colleagues and the Lieutenant Governor to address this critical issue for a constructive discussion and exchange of ideas.

He further suggested that police officers engage in joint meetings with elected MLAs, councilors, and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to explore practical strategies for crime reduction in the national capital.

The CM has also called for the revival of Thana-level committees, which previously served as platforms for regular and active engagement between the police, the public, and elected representatives until 2013. (ANI)

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Bihar government Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM)

Manjhi’s HAM Announces Withdrawal Of Support To Bihar Govt

By LokMarg

Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) President Santosh Suman on Monday said that their party will be submitting a letter of withdrawal of support to the Bihar government and to the state Governor.

Santosh Suman said that they have sought time from Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar today evening in this regard.
While addressing the press conference, Santosh Suman said,” We are in the midst of party expansion. We will go to Delhi. Our options are open. If NDA approaches us we will talk to them. We will also look for third-front possibilities. We will consult with various NGOs. After 3-4 days we will inform the people of our final decision. We will submit our letter of withdrawal of support to the Bihar government to the Governor. We have sought time from the Governor today evening.”

Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM has four MLAs in the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly. JD(U) has 45 MLAs while the RJD has 79. The BJP has 77 legislators in the House.

On April 13, Former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said that the ruling chief minister and Janata Dal (United) supremo Nitish Kumar has all the qualities to become the prime minister and that there was absolutely “no question” about joining the NDA ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

“There is no question of it (joining NDA). I’ve taken a vow that I will stay with Nitish Kumar. Nitish Kumar has all the qualities to become a PM. He is making an honest effort to unite the opposition parties,” Jitan Ram Manjh said.

On Aug 9, 2022, Former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) extended unconditional support to Nitish Kumar and the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan minutes after Nitish Kumar tendered his resignation as the state chief minister. (ANI)

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