Supreme Court extends stay on Lok Sabha summons on West Bengal bureaucrats
The Hindu
Supreme Court extends stay on Lok Sabha Privileges Committee proceedings over BJP MP's complaint, questioning jurisdiction.
The Supreme Court on July 15 extended till July 19 its stay on proceedings before a Lok Sabha Privileges Committee, which has summoned the West Bengal Chief Secretary, the State Director General of Police and other senior officers on a complaint filed by BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar alleging “misconduct, brutality and life-threatening injuries to him”.
A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud extended the interim relief after it was informed that Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Union government, was travelling abroad.
The Chief Secretary, DGP and other bureaucrats were summoned on a complaint by Mr. Majumdar that he was injured in a clash between party workers and police personnel, who had stopped him from entering violence-hit Sandeshkhali.
Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and A.M. Singhvi, appearing for the officials, questioned the very jurisdiction of the Privileges Committee to summon them.
In an earlier hearing, Mr. Sibal raised the point that the BJP MP had been engaged in “political activity” not associated with his work as a parliamentarian. He had violated a prohibition order against ‘unlawful assembly’ under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. He had climbed onto the bonnet of a police car and was pushed by fellow party workers. It was the police that had taken him to the hospital. Mr. Sibal said the State had video evidence to back its submissions.
“Privilege is only applicable when an MP is obstructed or harmed in the course of his work or official duties as a Member of Parliament. Privilege is not available when the MP is not doing anything concerned with his duties. It certainly does not extend to the political activity of the MP outside the House,” Mr. Sibal had said.
Mr. Singhvi had contended that if the “cloak of privilege extended to protect everything, then an MP cannot even be arrested for a crime”.
World Kidney Day highlights the rising prevalence of kidney issues among young Indians, emphasizing the importance of early detection and prevention.
Yogendra Yadav and T.M. Krishna discuss NEP’s strong pitch for a three-language formula and the fear, especially in Tamil Nadu, that there is an attempt being made to impose Hindi on non-Hindi speaking States
Kolkata People's Film Festival showcases political documentaries and short fiction from South Asia, emphasizing curatorial freedom and audience interaction.
A 15-year-old study by UoH & WWF-India listed 455 species of flora and fauna in the university
IIT Guwahati Professor D. Udaya Kumar discusses Tamil Nadu's new rupee logo, designed by him, amid controversy.
V.D. Satheesan calls for restoration of SC/ST scholarships, addressing injustice at UDF convention with party leaders present.
UoH students stage day-long protest against the proposed auction at Kancha Gachibowli
Lt. Governor inaugurates Uppanaru Canal Bridge construction with Chief Minister, aiming to ease traffic congestion in Puducherry.
Retired judge-led commission investigates corruption allegations, submits detailed reports, and makes recommendations for government reforms.
Alexander Babu and TM Krishna engage in a lively conversation at The Hindu, blending humor, music, and philosophy.
Manakkad Juma Masjid and other religious institutions in Thiruvananthapuram provide facilities for Attukal Pongala devotees.
Alleged gate ramming at Ratnagiri mosque during Holi procession sparks controversy, refuted by police, AIMIM demands action.
Veterinary students in Vijayawada demand stipend hike, protesting since February 1 for fair compensation during internships.