NCLT operations affected due to shortage of staff, infrastructure, this should be resolved: Supreme Court india news
A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Vishwanathan said the problems faced by tribunals “need to be addressed on a war footing, otherwise the very object and purpose of implementing the IBC will be defeated”. It said NCLTs play an important role in the economy, as they try to keep companies that are “going into trouble due to various factors and keep them afloat”, but the situation prevailing in these tribunals is serious and depressing.In its order, the court noted that most of the tribunal’s staff, including the post of Registrar, are appointed on a temporary basis and the entire staff of NCLT, Mumbai had once gone on strike as salaries were not paid on time.The Supreme Court said that “as per the report forwarded by the Registrar of NCLT, the Principal Bench, 363 applications (resolution proposals) are awaiting approval”.“As clarifications have been sought, the delay ranges from 48 days to 738 days. In some cases, the delay is up to four years. The reasons cited are mainly lack of adequate infrastructure and lack of infrastructure resulting in half-day sitting of the benches, especially due to exchange of combinations and pendency of large number of objections on the resolution plan filed by various stakeholders.”The statutory sanctioned strength for all NCLT benches is 63 members – including a Chairperson and 31 judicial members and the same number of technical members. At present, only 28 judicial members and 26 technical members are posted on all the benches.
Re-polling at 15 booths in West Bengal after claims of EVM tampering – complete list. india news
New Delhi: The Election Commission has ordered re-polling at 15 polling stations in two constituencies in West Bengal after the second phase of assembly elections held on April 29. Fresh polling will be held on May 2 between 7 am and 6 pm in South 24 Parganas district, which will include 11 booths in Magrahat West and four booths in Diamond Harbour.The election body said the decision was based on the reports of the returning officers and election observers declaring earlier polling at these booths void under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Officials have been directed to ensure wide publicity of re-polling, including informing candidates and local voters.“I am directed to say that on the basis of the report received from the respective Returning Officers and Observers of 142-Magrahat West AC and 143-Diamond Harbor AC in respect of the voting held on 29th April, 2026 for the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of West Bengal, 2026, and after taking into account all material circumstances, the Commission declares under sub-section (2) of Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, “That the polling conducted on April 29, 2026 (as mentioned in Column 3 of the table below) for the above election at the following polling stations is deemed to be void and May 2, 2026 is appointed as the date and hours for holding fresh polling at the said polling stations,” the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal wrote in the order.“I would also like to say that as wide publicity as possible should be given by beating of drums in the polling area and the contesting candidates should be informed in writing about the new poll to be held on the said date,” the Election Commission said.The decision has been taken following allegations of irregularities during voting, especially in parts of the Falta section of Diamond Harbour. BJP co-in-charge for West Bengal Amit Malviya claimed that voters were prevented from choosing a party at some booths, alleging that the buttons on EVMs were covered with tape.
List of booths where re-polling will take place
Magrahat West (11 booths)
- 46-North Earpur FP School, Room No. 2
- 126-Nazra FP School, Room No. 1
- 127-Nazra FP School, Room No. 2
- 128 – Deula FP School, Room No. 1
- 142 – Ghola Noyapara Girls High Madrasa, Room No. 2
- 214 – Ektara Malaya FP School, Room No. 1
- 215 – Ektara Malaya FP School, Room No. 2
- 216 – Ektara Malaya Dhora FP School, Room No. 1
- 230 – Bahirpuya Kurkuria FP School, Room No. 1
- 231 – Bahirpuya Kurkuria FP School, Room No. 2
- 232 – Bahirpuya Kurkuria FP School, Room No. 3
Diamond Harbor (4 booths)
- 117 – Bagda Junior High School
- 179 – Chandra FP School, Room No. 2
- 194 – Haridevpur FP School
- 243 – Roynagar FP School, Room No. 2
In a post on Helped nephew Abhishek Banerjee to secure his Lok Sabha seat.“Earlier, West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal had said that such complaints would be verified and action would be taken.“If there is a report of any button being taped, it should be verified and noted. If it is true, there will be repolling at those booths,” the West Bengal CEO said.The final phase of voting concluded on 29 April, with around 90 per cent turnout. Counting of votes is to take place on May 4, security has been tightened at the strong room in Howrah.
ED flags legal hurdles in money laundering probe. india news
ED seizes TMC’s draft worth Rs 10.29 crore as investigation into Alchemist Group intensifies
New Delhi: Taking a tough stance, Enforcement Directorate Raising the issue of legal hurdles coming in the way of the agency on Friday, its chief Rahul Naveen questioned the proposal that investigation into money laundering crime should not proceed until the trial in the predicate crime case is over.“Of course, there are legal challenges before the courts, the most important being whether the trial in money laundering cases should be put on hold until the trial in the exponential crime case concludes or continued on a standalone basis in line with international standards and Financial Action Task Force guidelines,” the ED chief said.His remarks on the occasion of the 70th Foundation Day of the agency and in the presence of Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, are likely to intensify the debate on whether investigation of money laundering crime should necessarily be based on the predicate offence; It is the crime that generated the money that was laundered, or given the prevalence of money laundering it has an independent existence.This matter is in an area of ambiguity because while the Supreme Court in the Vijay Madanlal Chaudhary case had linked money laundering investigation to the predicate offence, there are High Court judgments which have recognized money laundering as a standalone offence.Naveen said that despite success in achieving a conviction rate of 94%, ambiguity is hindering the work of the ED. In his remarks, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, who represents the agency in constitutional courts, agreed with the ED director.The ED chief also expressed confidence that the agency will maintain its “strike” in over 2,400 cases pending before the trial court, thereby seizing a huge amount as proceeds of crime. The ceremonies were significant in that they demonstrated government solidarity with an agency that has been accused of being an instrument of political vendetta.“Over the past few years, ED has been the subject of widespread public discussion. There exists an ecosystem in the country that sees a problem in every solution. No matter what you do, such people will inevitably start finding fault in it. In fact, ever since Modiji took over the leadership of the country in 2014 and started taking tough decisions in the national interest, the foundation of this ecosystem has been shaken,” the junior finance minister said.Speaking on ED’s legal challenges, SV Raju said the current understanding of law is that the predicate offense is like an “umbilical cord” to the money laundering offence, but, he stressed that the acquittal of an accused or a closure report filed in a predicate offense should not end the ED’s investigation as the agency can always share new evidence and challenge the verdict as an “aggrieved” party.Later, the award distribution ceremony was attended by two assistant director rank officers of ED – Vikram Ahlawat and Prashant Chandila – among others, who received their commendation certificates.Ahlawat and Chandila were part of the search of political consultancy firm I-PAC in Kolkata on January 8. CM Mamata Banerjee and her senior police officers obstructed the search.
Applications for OCI card can now be made online. india news
New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry on Thursday notified an amendment to the Citizenship Act, allowing online application for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. The digital application will be for both inclusion and exclusion.All applications will be submitted electronically through the portal https://ociservices.gov.in. The amended rule also has a provision to include minors as OCIs but “the minor cannot at any time hold the passport of any other country while holding an Indian passport”.According to a gazette notification, “Application for registration as an OCI cardholder under section 7A shall be made electronically on the specified online portal in Form XXVIII.” There will be no need to give duplicate certificate as before.People registered as OCI will be issued OCI card in physical form or electronic e-OCI registration containing the details. The Authority will maintain the record of persons registered as OCI in electronic form.Similarly, the declaration of renunciation of the card (in Form XXXI) will be made electronically on the portal designated to Indian Missions or Posts, or Foreign Regional Registration Officers. The notification said that in case of OCI cards issued in physical form, the original card should be handed over to the authorities, who will issue an acknowledgement. Once the authority cancels the registration of the OCI, the person whose registration has been canceled will deliver the original card.The new rule provides that “if an application for amendment is made by a person aggrieved by an order made by any authority in respect of his application, the application shall be disposed of by an authority not exceeding one rank above the authority specified for disposal of applications for citizenship”.For a minor, the OCI cardholder has to make a declaration where it is specifically mentioned that the child does not hold a passport of any other country even though he/she holds an Indian passport. Whenever an application is submitted, consent must also be provided to share the biometric information to be captured for registration as an OCI cardholder for the purpose of registration under the ‘Fast Track Immigration Programme’.The government also introduced a new rule – “If an application for review is made by a person under section 15A (grant of citizenship by naturalisation), the application for review shall be disposed of by the Central Government after giving a reasonable opportunity of presenting his case to the person affected.”
Supreme Court says Pawan Khera vs Himanta a political fight, giving relief to Congress leader India News
New Delhi: Citing the recent verbal duel between Congress’s Pawan Khera and BJP’s Himanta Biswa Sarma in the run-up to the elections, the Supreme Court said the allegations against the Assam CM’s wife and the allegations made by her appear to be politically motivated, reports Amit Anand Chaudhary.The court, while granting anticipatory bail to the Congress spokesperson, said that due to the situation, there is no need for custodial interrogation.A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar said that the right to personal liberty is a cherished fundamental right, and any deprivation of it must be justified at a high bar, especially where the surrounding circumstances may indicate the presence of political implications. Kheda was feared to be arrested by the Assam Police, which had unsuccessfully tried to detain him after Sarma’s wife filed an FIR against him accusing him of forgery and other things.Cannot look away from Himanta’s unparliamentary remarks: Supreme CourtCiting the verbal duel between Pawan Kheda and Himanta Biswa Sarma in the recent elections, the Supreme Court said the allegations against the Assam CM’s wife and the allegations made by her appear to be politically motivated rather than revealing a situation requiring custodial interrogation and granted anticipatory bail to the Congress spokesperson.A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar said that the right to personal liberty is a cherished fundamental right, and any deprivation of it must be justified at a high bar, especially where the surrounding circumstances may indicate the presence of political implications. It granted pre-arrest bail to Kheda, who feared arrest by the Assam Police, which had unsuccessfully tried to detain him after Sarma’s wife filed an FIR against the spokesperson alleging fraud and other things.However, it barred the politician from leaving the country without the court’s approval and directed him to cooperate with the investigation and attend the police station whenever required and informed.In a loud press conference, Kheda had accused Rinki of acquiring citizenship of other countries and running companies abroad. However, Rinki and her husband termed the documents that Khera had dramatically produced as fake and filed an FIR against him. Khera immediately left Guwahati and obtained transit anticipatory bail from the Telangana High Court.The Assam government moved the Supreme Court saying Kheda had misled the Telangana High Court to seek relief. The top court agreed and asked the Congressman to seek relief from the Guwahati HC.Kheda moved SC after Gauhati HC denied him anticipatory bail.The court said that according to the prosecution, the passports which Khera had displayed, said to be those of the CM’s wife, were fake and this was done to defame the CM’s wife and damage her reputation. “However, in the main it appears that this statement has been made by the Appellant only to gain some political momentum in favor of his party. However, we cannot ignore the fact that the Chief Minister of the State, who is also the husband of the Complainant, has made certain unparliamentary comments against the Appellant in various press statements.”Though the apex court had earlier refused to grant him any interim protection to allow him to file a bail plea in the Gauhati HC, this time the scale of justice tilted in his favor as his counsel and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi highlighted various statements made by the Assam CM to convince the court that the state government was hell-bent on arresting him by any means. Even the court recorded those statements in its order.
West Bengal elections: Lockdown in strongroom areas after TMC, BJP clash. india news
The prohibitory order issued by Police Commissioner Ajay Nand under Section 163 of the BNSS prohibits assembly of five or more people, procession and demonstration anywhere in the vicinity of the strongroom. The restrictions will remain in effect until the counting of votes ends on May 4.CM Mamata Banerjee’s three-hour vigil at the strongroom of Sakhawat Memorial High School in south Kolkata’s Bhawanipur late on Thursday brought a crowd of BJP protesters to Lord Sinha Road, forcing security personnel to forcibly remove them around midnight.The second flashpoint was Khudiram Anushilan Kendra in central Kolkata, where Central Armed Police Forces had to pull Trinamool and BJP workers away from each other to prevent a full-scale clash. Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Rupesh Kumar said additional forces have been deployed at both the problem spots under the supervision of an Additional Commissioner and a Deputy Commissioner of Police.All nearby roads were sealed, guardrails installed and access restricted to personnel carrying QR-coded IDs issued by the EC. Lord Sinha Road is completely closed for citizens.
EC: Any attempt to disturb peace will not be spared
The Election Commission issued a statement citing the Calcutta HC order to the civil and police administration to deal strictly with illegal activities. “Any attempt to disrupt peace will not go unpunished,” it said.700 companies of central forces have been deployed across the state to “maintain stability and prevent unrest”, the EC said. There are three layers of security at all counting centres, along with special patrolling in sensitive areas.Prohibitory orders have also been imposed around counting centers at Hastings House Complex, APC Polytechnic College, St. Thomas Boys High School, Ballygunge Government High School and David Hare Training College in Kolkata.After inspecting a counting center in Purulia, CEO Manoj Aggarwal said the security protocols for the counting day would prove to be “adequate” to ensure that the electoral process goes on without any disruptions.The EC has set up a helpline (18003450008) for complaints, ensuring confidentiality. Complaints, if any, can also be emailed to wbfreeandfairpolls@gmail.com.
Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorist hideout destroyed in Kishtwar; Huge quantity of arms and ammunition seized. india news
“The seizures include one 51 mm rocket with an under-barrel grenade launcher, one carbine, one pistol, one sling, four detonators, 97 live rounds of 9 mm, 18 live rounds of 7.62 mm, one pull-through, 1 kg of explosives, a Kenwood radio set and two Motorola radio sets,” an official said.Acting on intelligence inputs, the troops launched a joint search operation in Chatru area of the hill district and located the hideout inside Bajamandu forest in Sigdi Bhata area.
Ladakh ‘living land of Dhamma’, Buddha’s message of compassion even more relevant today: Amit Shah india news
Amit Shah Thousands of Buddhists celebrated the return of Lord Buddha’s remains to what they called “the living land of the Dhamma” on Friday.With the return of the sacred bone remains to Ladakh after 1950, there was a festive atmosphere in Leh city, and men, women and children – dressed in traditional attire – came to ‘Jivetsal’ from all over the Union Territory to witness this auspicious ceremony, which was marked with prayers and rituals.Speaking at the inauguration of a fortnight-long exhibition of the sacred Piprahwa relics, Shah said their return to Ladakh after 75 years is a “historic reunion”.The festival is expected to strengthen India’s credentials as the birthplace of Lord Buddha and Buddhism – something that is rooted in irrefutable facts but has been tried by some to be questioned.In his speech, Shah recalled the Dalai Lama’s statement that Ladakh is not just a geographical entity, but a living laboratory of Buddhist culture and compassion. He also said that the message propagated by Indian civilization for thousands of years has become even more relevant today as it shows that “amidst unrest and conflict” solutions can be found only through peace and compassion.Celebration continues in the city Buddha Purnima This is completely different from the violence that broke out last year on the issue of statehood.Shah said the 2569th Buddha Purnima is not only an “important religious occasion” but also a “historical reunion” as the Tathagata Buddha has returned to Ladakh through these relics after so many years.The minister said he agreed with the comments of Tsering Dorje Lakruk, president of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, that when the relics arrived in the 1950s, very few people would have been able to pay respect to the relics because of the difficult terrain and lack of infrastructure at that time.Shah said, “However, today, after 75 years, when these remains have arrived, I am confident that the Buddhists of Leh and Kargil and people of other religions will also be able to pay homage to them.”Over the past few years, the Piprahwa bone relics of Lord Buddha have been displayed in many countries, including Thailand, Mongolia, Vietnam, Russia, Singapore, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, attracting global attention and devotion.The remains associated with the Piprahawa Stupa at Kapilavastu (in present-day Uttar Pradesh), the homeland of the Shakya dynasty of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha – were excavated by Willam Claxton Peppe in 1898. Sacred relics serve as profound symbols of the Buddha’s living presence and his universal teachings.Discussing the theme of the exhibition “Peace Beyond Borders”, LG of Ladakh VK Saxena said that at a time when the world is surrounded by unrest and ideological conflicts, this event is most relevant and timely.LBA President Tsering Dorje said a festive mood among the people had been seen since the relics reached Leh as signs in nature, such as a rainbow, were seen over Spituk Monastery.
Ravi K takes charge as CMD of HAL. india news
Bengaluru: Ravi K has taken over as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of defense PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), becoming the 22nd CMD of the company. He replaces DK Sunil, who retired on April 30.Ravi was previously Director (Operations) at HAL, where he was involved in strategic planning. He has over 30 years of experience in aerospace and defence, manufacturing and electronics.“During his previous roles – including Executive Director and General Manager of LCA Tejas Division – he was associated with several major contracts, including the supply of 180 LCA Tejas aircraft to the Indian Air Force and 156 LCH Prachanda helicopters to the Indian Army and Air Force,” HAL said in a statement.He has also been credited for working towards increasing indigenous content in the operations and program of the LCA Tejas fleet in the Indian Air Force, it said.“During his tenure HAL expanded into civil manufacturing and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) segment. He also oversaw the outsourcing of fuselage assemblies to private sector partners to expand production capacity,” HAL said.Ravi is a graduate in Mechanical Engineering from Malnad College of Engineering, Karnataka and an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad and IAS, Toulouse, France. He also serves as a Nominee Director on the Board of Multi-Role Transport Aircraft Limited.Upon assuming charge, he said his focus will be on making HAL competitive in the global aerospace and defense market with an emphasis on innovation, AI adoption and operational efficiency.
Attur Election Result 2026 | india news
Attur Assembly constituency is located in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu and is reserved for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste category. The constituency is part of the Kallakurichi Lok Sabha constituency and has historically seen contests between the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Indian National Congress (INC), reflecting the changing alliance dynamics in the region.In the 2016 assembly elections, the constituency had 2,34,136 voters, out of which 1,86,788 valid votes were cast. AIADMK candidate Chinnathambi RM won with 82,827 votes, defeating Congress candidate Arthanari SK who got 65,493 votes. The victory margin was 17,334 votes, giving the ruling party an easy victory in the constituency.Earlier, in the 2011 assembly election, Attur had 1,96,894 voters, with 1,58,536 valid votes recorded. AIADMK candidate Madheswaran S won the seat with 88,036 votes, defeating Congress candidate Arthanari SK, who secured 58,180 votes. The victory margin of 29,856 votes reflects the strong performance of the AIADMK during that election cycle.Historically, this constituency has fluctuated between major parties. In 2006, Congress candidate Sundaram MR won the seat, defeating AIADMK’s Murugesan AK by 10,432 votes, while Murugesan AK had earlier won for the AIADMK in 2001. Earlier election cycles, including 1996, 1991, 1989 and 1984, had also seen victories for DMK, AIADMK and Congress candidates, indicating that Attur has experienced fluctuations in widely influenced political preferences. State level political trends.