Big blow to Nirav Modi, UK High Court refuses to reopen extradition petition. india news

Big blow for Nirav Modi, UK High Court rejects the petition to reopen the extradition petition.

Nirav Modi’s plea to reopen proceedings against his extradition to India was rejected on Wednesday by the High Court of King’s Bench Division in London, which ruled that the application did not meet the threshold of “exceptional circumstances” required to revisit the case. The court held that the grounds presented, including reliance on the Bhandari decision, were insufficient to justify reopening the proceedings.The decision is a major blow to the fugitive diamond merchant, who is wanted in India in the Punjab National Bank fraud case. The Crown Prosecution Service strongly opposed the application during the hearing, which was supported by a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team traveling to London, including the lead investigating officer.The high court said in its judgment that the circumstances cited in the petition were not sufficient to reconsider the earlier extradition order, effectively closing this legal avenue for Modi.

What was the matter?

Nirav Modi is fighting extradition to India over his alleged involvement in the Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank fraud, one of the country’s biggest banking scams. He has previously used a number of legal remedies in UK courts, including appeals against extradition orders and applications citing concerns over prison conditions and mental health.The latest attempt to reopen the proceedings was based on the Bhandari judgment, which Modi’s legal team argued had a bearing on his case. However, UK courts have consistently ruled in favor of extradition, finding that the evidence against him establishes a prima facie case and his rights would not be violated if he were returned to India.More updates to follow

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‘Desperate to mediate in Russia-Ukraine’: Congress attacks Jaishankar on ‘broker’ comment as ‘selective brokerage’ india news

'Desperate to mediate between Russia-Ukraine': Congress taunts Jaishankar over 'broker' comment as 'selective brokerage'

New Delhi: The Congress on Wednesday took a dig at the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government for its remarks that India does not see itself as a “dalal” (middleman) like Pakistan, and questioned its past diplomatic outreach.Congress leader Pawan Khera said in a post on Twitter: “Was India a ‘broker country’ when Modi was desperate to mediate between Russia and Ukraine? Selective brokerage or selective memory?”

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His comments came as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told leaders at an all-party meeting that India does not act as a “middleman” nation like Pakistan amid growing reports of efforts to mediate in the ongoing conflict in Iran.“We are not a broker nation,” Jaishankar said during a meeting called in the Parliament complex to discuss the Middle East crisis. He also said that there is nothing new in Pakistan’s mediation efforts, adding that according to PTI sources, the country has been “used” by the United States since 1981.The meeting came as countries like Pakistan and Türkiye have stepped up efforts to act as mediators between Washington and Tehran to reduce tensions.The government refuted the opposition’s charge that New Delhi is silent on the situation, and said “we are commenting and responding”, sources said.When the Iran Embassy opened, the Foreign Secretary immediately visited and signed the condolence book, the government told the parties in response to the opposition’s charge that India had shown moral weakness by not expressing condolences sooner on the death of the Iranian supreme leader.The government is also said to have informed the parties that its main concern is to ensure the safety of Indian expatriates living in the Gulf region and to meet domestic energy needs.However, the opposition said the replies given by the government at the meeting were “unsatisfactory” and demanded that a debate be held on the situation in West Asia in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.Taking aim at the government, Congress’s Tariq Anwar said that Pakistan is playing the role of mediator while we are still remaining mute spectators.He said that the situation should be debated under Rule 193 in the Lok Sabha and Rule 176 in the Rajya Sabha.All Union ministers on the Cabinet Committee on Security, including Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman – represented the government.Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also attended. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made a presentation before the gathering.Congress’s Tariq Anwar and Mukul Wasnik, Samajwadi Party’s Dharmendra Yadav, Biju Janata Dal (BJD)’s Sasmit Patra, JD-U’s Sanjay Jha, Shiv Sena’s Shrikant Shinde, Aam Aadmi Party’s Sanjay Singh, CPI-M’s John Brittas, NCP (SP)’s Supriya Sule, Shiv Sena’s (UBT) Arvind Sawant, AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi were among the opposition leaders who almost Attended the meeting which lasted for two hours.Sources said the government told that there is no need to panic as India has enough reserves and more crude oil and gas is coming.“We have already placed advance orders. Sources of oil and gas have been diversified and we are now buying from 41 countries,” the government said at the meeting.

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West Bengal Elections: RG tax victim’s mother Ratna Debnath gets BJP ticket from Panihati. india news

पश्चिम बंगाल चुनाव: आरजी कर पीड़िता की मां रत्ना देबनाथ को पानीहाटी से बीजेपी का टिकट मिलाIn a press release, the party said its Central Election Committee has approved the third list of 19 candidates for the Assembly elections, in which Ratna Debnath has been fielded from Assembly Constituency No. 111, Panihati.

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There was widespread speculation about his candidature in recent days after he publicly expressed his desire to contest the elections on a BJP ticket. That possibility has now been formalized, according to the BJP’s official list released on Wednesday.

The move follows his public call to enter politics

Earlier, Ratna Debnath had said that she wanted to contest elections to “get justice” for her daughter and fight for women’s safety in West Bengal.“A lot of time has passed since the brutal murder of my daughter. Despite long movements and struggle, we are yet to get justice. I have decided to contest elections on a BJP ticket to get justice for her,” he had said last week.Her husband had also indicated that he had had preliminary talks with BJP leaders on her possible candidature and said that he was ready to enter politics directly on the issue of justice.

This was followed by political and protest reaction

Ratna Debnath’s demand had drawn sharp reactions from some faces associated with the ‘Reclaim the Night’ protest movement that emerged after the RG tax case, with several activists and public figures calling the decision “unfortunate” and expressing concern over the political turn.Some protesting voices said they understood the family’s frustration over the delay in justice but questioned the decision to get involved in electoral politics. Others said the longer wait for accountability may have pushed the family toward a more direct political path.However, the official announcement from BJP on Wednesday confirms that the party has gone ahead with his candidature from Panihati.

BJP’s third list includes 19 names

According to the party release, apart from Ratna Debnath in Panihati, the BJP’s third list includes candidates from constituencies like Cooch Behar South, Raiganj (SC), Islampur, Hemtabad (SC), English Bazar, Shantipur, Howrah Central, Uttarpara, Singur, Chandannagar, Chunchura, Haripal, Tamluk, Medinipur, Purbasthali South, Katwa, Saithia (SC) and Nalhati.Given the emotional significance of the RG tax case and the broader debate surrounding women’s safety and justice in West Bengal, Ratna Debnath’s candidature is likely to attract significant political attention in the coming days.

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All-party meeting on Middle East: Opposition supports government’s steps in crisis, Kiren Rijiju says after briefing. india news

मध्य पूर्व पर सर्वदलीय बैठक: किरेन रिजिजू ने ब्रीफिंग के बाद कहा कि विपक्ष संकट में सरकार के कदमों का समर्थन करता हैKiran Rijiju Opposition parties on Wednesday assured full support to the government after an all-party meeting on the Middle East crisis, saying ministers have answered all the questions raised on the fallout of the Iran-Israel-US conflict and its impact on India.Speaking after the meeting in New Delhi, Rijiju said the government had called the discussion to brief political parties on the evolving situation in the Middle East and the steps being taken to protect Indian interests.

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“All opposition parties have assured us that they will stand with the government in all steps taken by it as per the situation,” Rijiju was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.He said representatives of all political parties attended and actively participated in the meeting, where leaders expressed concerns over how a conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States could impact India, particularly Indian citizens, energy supplies and broader national interests. Rijiju said the government has given “comprehensive and complete” responses to the questions and he is “satisfied” that all the questions raised by the opposition parties have been answered.

Government says concerns over fuel supply have been resolved

Rijiju said many members specifically asked for details regarding gas and petroleum supplies strait of hormuzA major sticking point amid the ongoing regional conflict. He said opposition leaders were informed that “India has already secured four ships” and were satisfied with the government’s efforts to secure supplies.“From the government side, all the queries and all the confusion, whatever it was, were all clearly explained by the government,” Rijiju said. He also said that the opposition parties thanked the government for calling the meeting and expressed the need for all parties to stand together in the difficult situation.The minister linked the outcome of the meeting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to Parliament for political unity in the face of the crisis. Rijiju said the opposition has shown ‘maturity’ by saying at the end of the meeting that it will support the steps taken by the government in the national interest.

TMC did not hold the meeting; Some opposition voices remain critical

Rijiju said all major parties except Trinamool Congress (TMC) participated, which according to him, declined despite being requested twice. “Trinamool Congress (TMC) was the only party that did not participate,” he said. He said TMC leaders cited travel commitments.However, not all opposition voices seemed completely satisfied after the briefing. AAP MP Sanjay Singh said that his party has expressed concern over the panic among people regarding LPG availability and long queues for gas cylinders. He said the government responded that India produces 60 percent of its LPG domestically and has oil reserves, and said there would be no shortage of gas.Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Tariq Anwar described the meeting as “unsatisfactory” and reiterated the opposition’s demand for a full debate in both houses of Parliament under specific rules. He said that merely saying that India does not want war is insufficient when conflict is already going on.

High level meeting amid increasing war in the Middle East

Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, among others, attended the all-party meeting chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.The meeting came after PM Modi told both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha earlier this week that the government’s top priority is to protect Indians at home and abroad amid the war. He said more than 3,75,000 Indians have been repatriated since the conflict began, including more than 1,000 from Iran, while warning that the fighting has created a serious global energy crisis and raising concerns over ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz carrying Indian crew members.

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Allahabad HC grants anticipatory bail to Avimukteshwaranand in POCSO case. india news

Allahabad HC grants anticipatory bail to Avimukteshwaranand in POCSO case

The Allahabad High Court granted anticipatory bail to saint Swami Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati and his disciple Mukundananda Brahmachari in a case related to allegations of sexual exploitation of minors under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act.The relief was granted on Wednesday by Justice Jitendra Kumar Sinha, who directed both the complainant and the accused to refrain from making any public statements regarding the case.The court allowed the anticipatory bail plea, stressing that the investigation should proceed without any outside influence. Along with granting protection from arrest, the court also imposed restrictions on both the parties and barred them from speaking to the media on the matter.The order comes weeks after the court reserved its verdict after a detailed hearing and granted interim protection from arrest to the first accused.

Interim protection and court comments

On February 27, the High Court had stayed the arrest of Avimukteshwaranand and directed that he will not be detained until the final order is pronounced. During the proceedings, the court had directed both the state government and the complainant to file their reply and asked the accused to cooperate fully in the investigation.

Charges and FIR details

The case pertains to an FIR lodged at Jhunsi police station in Prayagraj, following directions from the POCSO court. The complaint has accused several ‘batukas’ (young disciples) associated with the ashram of sexual exploitation.The complainant, Ashutosh Pandey alias Ashutosh Brahmachari, has claimed that the minors were abused, expressing hope that “justice will be served once the evidence is presented in the court.”

Defense and prosecution arguments

The defense has strongly denied the allegations, calling them fabricated. It argued that the complainant has a criminal background and claimed that the alleged victim had never stayed in the saint’s ashram. The watcher also questioned the authenticity of the medical report and accused the complainant of trying to influence the case.In a notable submission, Avimukteshwarananda expressed his willingness to undergo narcoanalysis test to prove his innocence.However, the state opposed the anticipatory bail plea on procedural grounds, arguing that the accused had first approached the High Court instead of approaching the sessions court.

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Evening News Wrap: Iran returns ship bound for Pakistan from Hormuz; Government orders transfers on gas pipeline and others. india news

Evening News Wrap: Iran returns ship bound for Pakistan from Hormuz; Government has ordered transfers on gas pipelines and others
  • Iran’s IRGC Navy returned Pakistan-bound ship Selen strait of hormuz For lack of permission and violating protocols, claiming maritime sovereignty and mandatory coordination for transit.
  • The government has ordered to move it piped natural gas In covered areas, LPG supply to such households has been stopped, with the aim of diversifying fuel use and reducing vulnerability amid global oil disruptions.
  • Gujarat assembly passed Uniform Civil Code BillBecame the second state after Uttarakhand to adopt general personal laws; Union Home Minister Amit Shah called it a historic step towards legal equality.
  • Indian refiners boosted purchases of Russian crude by 60 million barrels amid Middle East disruptions, taking advantage of US rebates and securing supplies at a premium to Brent to ease Hormuz-related bottlenecks.
  • Rinku Singh was named KKR vice-captain for IPL 2026 and was appointed Regional Sports Officer of Uttar Pradesh, a dual feat as he serves in leadership and administrative roles.

Here are the top 5 updates of the day:

Iran returned a Pakistan-bound ship trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz

Iran detained and returned Pakistan-bound container ship SELEN in the Strait of Hormuz, citing non-compliance with legal protocols and lack of prior approval. IRGC navy chief Alireza Tangsiri said all ships must coordinate with Iran’s maritime authorities, saying the move should be seen as an enforcement of national sovereignty over the strategic waterway.Amid rising Gulf tensions, Iran has tightened controls on the Strait of Hormuz – through which about 20% of global oil flows – while allowing passage to “non-hostile” ships that follow its security rules and coordinate with authorities.Read the full story

Center orders conversion of gas pipelines wherever available

The Center has introduced a policy requiring households in areas with piped natural gas (PNG) to switch to LPG, thereby stopping the supply of cylinders there. The move, issued under the 2026 Gas Delivery Order, aims to expand the gas network, reduce dependence on a single fuel source and deal with global oil supply disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis.The order aims to promote energy security by fast-tracking pipeline infrastructure, simplifying approvals and promoting the shift from LPG to PNG. It also seeks to optimize LPG distribution by redirecting supply to areas without pipeline access.Read the full story

After Uttarakhand, Uniform Civil Code Bill passed in Gujarat

Gujarat has passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, introducing a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption across all communities. It has become the second state after Uttarakhand to implement UCC. Union Home Minister Amit Shah welcomed the move, calling it a historic step towards ensuring equality and reaffirming the BJP’s long-term commitment.Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the law was shaped through public consultation and a panel led by retired judge Ranjana Prakash Desai. He said that the aim of UCC is to create a common legal framework without any discrimination, strengthen social harmony and inclusive development.Read the full story

60 million barrels of Russian crude booked by Indian refiners amid global supply tensions

Indian refiners have secured about 60 million barrels of Russian crude for the coming month, matching recent levels but higher than February purchases. The surge in buying comes after supply disruptions in the Middle East and a US waiver allowing imports of pre-shipped Russian oil. Cargo was reportedly booked at $5-$15 per barrel above Brent, helping India manage bottlenecks caused by the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.Following the US waiver, India has resumed buying Russian oil cargoes loaded before March 5. Following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India had become a major buyer of discounted Russian crude after 2022, but later reduced purchases under US pressure and turned to suppliers such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq.Read the full story

Rinku Singh appointed Uttar Pradesh Regional Sports Officer

Rinku Singh got a double boost as he was named the vice-captain of Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026 and appointed as the Regional Sports Officer of Uttar Pradesh by the state government. UP CM Yogi Adityanath assigned him this role, where he will promote sports, manage facilities and develop talent. The state will also provide employment to six other international medal winners.Singh’s salary is expected to be between Rs 70,000 to Rs 80,000Read the full story

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Tamil Nadu Elections 2026: AIADMK reveals constituency-wise NDA seat-sharing formula – see full list | india news

तमिलनाडु चुनाव 2026: अन्नाद्रमुक ने निर्वाचन क्षेत्र-वार एनडीए सीट-बंटवारे के फॉर्मूले का खुलासा किया - पूरी सूची देखेंIn a detailed release issued in Chennai, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) said it has signed seat-sharing agreements with seven parties for the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly general elections 2026.

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The announcement not only confirmed the seats for each ally but also published the entire constituency-wise allocation, marking the formal unification of the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ahead of voting.

In the major alliance formula, BJP got 27 seats, PMK got 18 seats, AMMK got 11 seats.

Under the final formula announced by the AIADMK, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will get 27 constituencies, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) will get 18, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) will get 11, Tamil Nadu Congress (TMC) will get 5, Bharatiya Jananayak Katchi (IJK) will get 2, Tamilaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (TMMK) will get 1 and Puratchi will get 1. Bharatham has been allocated 1 constituency. 1.This takes the total number of seats allotted to allies to 65, leaving the AIADMK to contest 169 constituencies on its symbol as the senior partner in the alliance.The party said the completion of these agreements marks the formal unification of the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu ahead of the April 23 elections.

AIADMK releases full constituency-wise allocation list

According to an official AIADMK release, the BJP’s 27 seats include urban, western, delta and southern constituencies, including Mylapore, Avadi, Tiruvannamalai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Madurai South, Ramanathapuram, Nagercoil, Colachel and Padmanabhapuram.The PMK’s allocation of 18 seats includes Dharmapuri, Pennagram, Salem West, Salem North, Vikravandi, Sholingur, Thirupporur, Uthiramerur, Perambur and Ambattur, indicating its spread in the northern and western areas.AMMK has been allotted 11 seats, including Mannargudi, Karaikudi, Nanguneri, Tiruchirappalli West, Saidapet and Poonamallee (R).TMC has got five seats – Ottanachatram, Erode West, Ranipet, Kiliyur and Kumbakonam – while IJK will contest from Pallavaram and Kunnam.TMMK has been allotted Rajapalayam, and Puratchi Bharatam has got Keezhavathinankuppam (R).

The mathematics of alliance gives edge to AIADMK’s anti-DMK strategy

The seat-sharing announcement is significant as it gives the AIADMK-led NDA a clear electoral structure ahead of what is expected to be a high-stakes contest against the ruling DMK-led alliance.AIADMK’s announcement comes a day after party general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) unveiled the party’s election manifesto, indicating that the party is now moving from coalition-building to full campaign mode.Palaniswami on Tuesday released a manifesto containing 297 promises, with welfare measures at the center of the campaign.Among the key promises, the AIADMK promised a monthly assistance of Rs 2,000 for women heads of families under the proposed ‘Kula Vilakku Scheme’, which will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of women from ration card holding families.The party also promised a special assistance of Rs 10,000 for each family, saying the measure was aimed at reducing the burden of rising prices and high taxes under the ruling DMK government.Tamil Nadu will go to polls in a single phase on April 23 and counting of votes will take place on May 4.

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Sonia Gandhi in hospital: Doctors say the condition of the veteran Congress leader is stable. india news

Sonia Gandhi in hospital: Doctors say veteran Congress leader's condition is stable
Sonia Gandhi (file photo)

New Delhi: Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s condition is stable and under observation, doctors said on Wednesday. The veteran politician was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital on Tuesday after feeling unwell due to weather change.The hospital further said that tests are being conducted to rule out possible infection. It also said that antibiotics were given as part of the treatment.Dr Ajay Swaroop, Chairman of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said, “Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital at 10.22 pm on Tuesday. Her condition is stable. Doctors are conducting further tests to check for possible infection in the stomach and urinary tract. A team of doctors is closely monitoring her condition and she has been given antibiotics.”The veteran leader was also admitted in June last year due to stomach related problems. He was kept under observation in the gastro department of the hospital.Earlier this month, on June 7, Gandhi was admitted to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

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‘Anti-Bengali party’: Mamata vs BJP on puja pandal permission dispute india news

'Anti-Bengali party': Mamata vs BJP on puja pandal permission dispute
Mamata Banerjee and Nitin Nabin (R)

New Delhi: As the assembly elections in West Bengal approached, there was a heated argument between BJP and TMC on Wednesday, due to which the political battlefield became increasingly heated. new bjp president Nitin Nabin Accusing the Mamata government of adopting double standards, she said that Hindus will have to take permission to set up puja pandals, while Muslims are allowed to offer namaz. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking at a rally in North Bengal, called the BJP “anti-Bengali”.Nabeen claimed that citizens have to approach the High Court to set up puja pandals. After performing puja at the Dakshineswar Kali temple in North 24 Parganas, he described the alleged disparity between permissions Durga Puja and other religious activities as “unfortunate”.

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Speaking to reporters, Nitin Nabin said, “I got blessings in the court of Maa here. I also prayed in front of Maa Kali because in this state, permission has to be taken from the High Court to set up puja pandals, whereas permission is given for offering Namaz. This is unfortunate. We have sought Maa’s blessings to make the state ‘Sonar Bangla’ and developed Bengal.”Nitin Nabin’s visit to Kolkata’s historic Dakshineswar Kali temple was on the second day of his organizational tour in West Bengal aimed at reviewing the BJP’s preparations for the upcoming assembly elections.Meanwhile, TMC supremo and CM Mamata hit back during their election rally. He said, “There are serious concerns that names of genuine voters have been removed from the electoral rolls. This raises questions on the fairness and transparency of the election process. Also, questions are being raised about identity and citizenship, who is being recognized as a valid Indian voter and on what basis? BJP has been asked to respond to this.”Addressing his rally in Maynaguri, he further alleged, “BJP [is an] The anti-Bengali party is beating up Bengalis in other states. He also warned, “Today they are taking away the right to vote, tomorrow they will take away citizenship through NRC.”On this occasion, Mamata advised, “We will ask our candidates to bring lawyers with them to file as many nominations as possible.” [have been] Canceled in Assam,” PTI reported.

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‘Senting summons to 3-year-old girl is shameful’: Supreme Court pulls up Haryana Police for ‘insensitive’ handling of girl rape case india news

'Senting summons to 3-year-old girl is shameful': Supreme Court pulls up Haryana Police for 'insensitive' handling of rape case
The Supreme Court rapped the Haryana Police and its Child Welfare Committee for insensitively handling the rape case of a three-year-old girl.

supreme court of india has strongly criticized the Haryana Police and the state’s Child Welfare Committee for their handling of the case of a three-year-old rape victim, calling their approach “insensitive” and “shameful”.The Court took serious exception to the police summoning the minor to the police station instead of the authorities visiting him and emphasized that such conduct was in violation of basic child protection norms.It also expressed concern over the apparent dilution of allegations in the FIR lodged under poxo actGiven that, it appears that crime has been decriminalized.The bench underlined the need for a child-sensitive approach in cases involving minors and indicated that lapses in the process would not be taken lightly.

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