"... Even while selecting his Cabinet, should PM Modi consult some former judge ?," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta throws googly before Supreme Court

Questioning the argument for including the Chief Justice in the panel to appoint Chief Election Commissioner, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said ...

if the Prime Minister's decision could not be trusted, then by the same logic, "even while selecting his Cabinet he must consult some former judge or outsider."

Solicitor General Mehta argued that the 2023 judgment merely directed an interim arrangement and did not lay down a binding constitutional requirement that the Chief Justice must be part of the selection committee.

He submitted that the petitions raise several constitutional questions, including whether Parliament's law under Article 324 can be invalidated merely because it does not include an "outsider" such as the Chief Justice in the selection committee.

He also wondered whether Parliament's legislative power is subject to implied constitutional limitations and whether courts can presume bad faith on the part of constitutional authorities while examining legislation.

Mehta 

Attorney General R Venkataramani argued that the earlier constitution bench judgment directing that the selection committee should comprise the PM, the Leader of the Opposition and the Chief Justice itself raises constitutional issues that require authoritative determination by a larger bench.

According to the government, if the 2023 Supreme Court verdict were treated as occupying the entire field, Parliament would effectively have no authority to legislate on the issue.  

The government urged the Supreme Court to refer the matter to a constitution bench, arguing that the petitions involve substantial questions relating to the interpretation of Article 324 of the Constitution -- which deals with the appointment of Election Commissioners -- and Parliament's legislative powers on the matter. 

The 2023 Act or the new law replaced the Chief Justice of India with a Union Cabinet Minister on the selection committee, giving the ruling government a two-thirds majority in the appointment process.  

"The office of the Prime Minister has a sanctity attached to it," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court. 

He added, "If his decision is not to be trusted, then why not have a provision that even while selecting his Cabinet he must consult some former judge or outsider?"

The submissions were made before a bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, which reserved its order on a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.

The government has strongly defended the current appointment process for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners by a three-member committee comprising the Prime Minister, a Union Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

It told the Supreme Court that there was "no reason to doubt" the PM's role in the selection process.

The government argued that constitutional courts cannot proceed on the assumption that the executive would act against democratic values. 

It further added that questioning the selection committee would amount to doubting both Parliament's legislative wisdom and the constitutional trust reposed in elected institutions.

ends 

India urges global community to hold Pak accountable for 'atrocities' in PoK ::::: ".. very 'mujahideen' Pakistan trained, funded and sent to India have now turned guns inward, weaponizing themselves" - says India

".... the very 'mujahideen' that the Pakistani establishment trained, funded, armed, and sent to India have now turned their guns inward, weaponizing themselves," MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal told reporters during regular media briefing.  

He also said - that "... The Pakistani establishment continues to unleash ruthless force against peaceful civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. 

This crackdown has resulted in the tragic death of over 40 innocent people, and many more have been seriously injured. 

"It is the establishment's absolute disdain for the innocent people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir that was laid bare when their Defence Minister branded the protesting civilians as enemies.... 

"The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on political affairs openly admitted that the very 'mujahideen' that the Pakistani establishment trained, funded, armed, and sent to India have now turned their guns inward, weaponizing themselves against the state." 

"The so-called elections stand as a humiliating rejection of the Pakistani establishment facing a violent regime. 

"The people there have requested international organizations to conduct an independent investigation into the unlawful killings. 

We urge the international community to scrutinize Pakistan's actions and hold it accountable for its atrocities."  

Jaiswal also said: 

"We are very clear that the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, is an integral and inalienable part of India. 

"That is our position. These territories were part of India, are part of India, and will continue to be part of India. 

We would urge all our partners and stakeholders to use the correct nomenclature for the region as we understand it."

On Indian nationals in Russian Army, the MEA spokesperson said:

"We have been following up with the Russian side for the release of the remaining Indian nationals in the Russian army. So far, our efforts have led to the release of 139 Indian nationals. 

"We continue to pursue the release of the remaining two dozen Indian nationals who are reportedly in the Russian army... 

We would like to caution our people against job offers that are fraught with risk and made by unscrupulous individuals and agencies."

Akhilesh Yadav thinks he can insult Sanatan : Union Minister Giriraj Singh ::: "Congress is a family and a party filled with arrogance", says Anurag Thakur

 On the alleged Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case, Union Minister Giriraj Singh says, "The Lok Sabha Speaker has previously expressed objection to such activities taking place at the Makar Dwar. 

The incident that occurred today—where Sanatan seers and saints were portrayed as thieves—was part of a deliberate strategy by the SP, Pappu Yadav, and the Congress. If this calculated strategy isn't about humiliation, then what is it? Akhilesh Yadav thinks he can insult Sanatan... The employees who committed the theft are in jail; yet, you choose to abuse Sanatan and the saffron color?"  

On the proceedings in the Parliament Monsoon Session, BJP MP Anurag Thakur says, “Congress and some Opposition parties have repeatedly insulted the Indian Armed Forces and the police by questioning the air strikes, surgical strikes and Operation Sindoor, while echoing the language of India's adversaries. 

Today, Congress leaders used objectionable language and made baseless allegations inside the House in violation of the Lok Sabha Rules of Procedure. I have submitted a notice under Rules 222 and 223 and urged the Speaker to take action. 

Rahul Gandhi made false allegations against the Union Home Minister, Priyanka Gandhi called the media 'pet media' inside the House, and Rahul Gandhi later accused the media of siding with the BJP. They also cast aspersions on the country's police. This is a family and a party filled with arrogance.”

After 19 years ... Exit of Muslim-appeasing CPI-M and Mamata 'aapa' brings back Bangladesh author-in-exile Taslima Nasreen to Kolkata

Author of 'Lajja' - Bengali novel on the backdrop of anti-Hindu riots in Bangladesh of 1992 returns to Kolkata

This will be her first visit to the city since protests over her controversial book 'Dwikhondito (Bifurcated)' forced her to leave the 'City of Joy' in 2007.

Both the communists and the Mamata regime were known for pushing their named Muslim-appeasing cards.
Taslima Nasreen, who has lived in exile since 1994 following intense opposition to her writings, arrived in Kolkata from New York.

                                    Taslima Nasreen lands in Kolkata

In June Ms Taslima announced that she will participate in a special programme at Rabindra Sadan on August 1, 2026 in Kolkata at a show organised by Secular Mission and Human Rights and Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Foundation (HRBFF).  

Bangladeshi writer's turbulent relationship with Kolkata became one of the defining chapters of her decades-long exile.  

The organisers have called her a “fiery symbol of resistance against religious fundamentalism”.   

Ms Taslima is also expected to address a press conference in the city a day after the literary meet.

This event marks a symbolic return for an author who was forced to leave Kolkata in 2007 amid violent protests and political controversy.

Her visit is expected to reopen memories of one of the most contentious episodes in West Bengal’s recent cultural history, when the city that she had come to regard as home became the epicentre of protests demanding her expulsion.

Nasrin has lived in exile since 1994 after facing a wave of threats in Bangladesh over her writings on women's rights and religion. She spent the next decade living in Europe and North America after being granted Swedish citizenship.

Although she found refuge abroad, she repeatedly spoke of her emotional attachment to Bengal and expressed a desire to live in Kolkata, a city she believed shared her language, culture and literary heritage.

That opportunity came in 2004 when India granted her a renewable residence permit. She settled in Kolkata, a city she called home. Rooted in the literary traditions shared across both Bengals, Nasrin resumed writing and became a visible presence in the city's cultural circles. But her stay in West Bengal proved controversial. 

Her book 'Dwikhandito' was banned by then Marxist chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee in 2003. 

The ban was overturned by the Calcutta High Court two years later.

ends 

ONGC Assam Asset Extends Relief to Flood-Affected Communities Despite Impact on Its Own Facilities

 Even as the ongoing floods have affected ONGC Assam Asset's offices and residential colony, the organisation has continued its humanitarian efforts by extending relief to flood-affected communities across the region.

Under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, ONGC Assam Asset distributed essential food items and medicines to affected families to help meet their immediate needs during the flood situation.

Photo Caption: 

ONGC Assam Asset personnel distribute essential food items and medicines to flood-affected families as part of the organisation's CSR initiative in Assam. 

ভয়াৱহ বানত ONGC  অসম সম্পদৰ কাৰ্যালয় আৰু আৱাসিক কলনী ক্ষতিগ্ৰস্ত হোৱাৰ পাছতো বানপীড়িত ৰাইজৰ সহায়ৰ বাবে আগবাঢ়ি আহিছে প্ৰতিষ্ঠানটো। বানাক্ৰান্তক অত্যাৱশ্যকীয় খাদ্যসামগ্ৰী আৰু ঔষধ-পাতি বিতৰণ ONGC ৰ।

The initiative reflects ONGC's commitment to supporting local communities during times of crisis, with employees coming together to ensure timely relief reaches those in need despite the challenges posed by the floods.

Daughter of a Delhi cop injured in Jantar Mantar clash shares her grievances :::: "Frustrated Rahul Gandhi is using abusive language against Amit Shah, after Parliament session he may vanish overseas again," says Rahul Sinha

The families argued that their suffering had been overshadowed by allegations of police excesses against students and urged the public to stop vilifying police personnel over the force's actions during the agitation, led by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

Daughter of a Delhi Police SI (Sub-Inspector) who sustained injuries during the clash between Police and CJP protesters in Delhi, says, 

Father pulled, almost lynched: Kin of Delhi cops injured at student protest speak out

Delhi Police families claim officers faced severe violence during CJP protest

Show videos to prove attacks, allege anti-social elements joined protest

Families say narrative skewed, police also victims. 

Opposition MPs protest against Home Minister in Parliament 

- "My father is an SI with the Delhi Police. Before joining the force, he served as a Marine Commando in the Indian Navy for 15 years. He was deployed at the main protest site, on the front line near the barricades, where a large crowd had gathered. 

"Whenever he returned home at night, he would tell us that it no longer seemed like a student protest and that many anti-social elements had infiltrated it. The very next day, on July 25, my father was dragged by a violent mob and was almost lynched near the stage at Jantar Mantar. 

At around 2 pm, he was admitted to RML Hospital, where he remained unconscious for nearly four hours. At around 10 pm that night, my father's colleagues brought him home. His uniform was completely soaked in blood. Seeing him in that condition was extremely painful for us. 

When we asked him what had happened, he simply said, 'It's nothing. Minor injuries are part of the job.' But he had four stitches on his head, which was far from a minor injury. That night was extremely difficult for our family. 

"When I opened social media, I saw people calling my father a criminal. The next day, I learned that the people who had attacked my father were approaching the Supreme Court to seek relief for themselves and to file complaints against the police personnel. That hurt me deeply. 

I felt that I, too, should go and seek justice for my father. Other police families stood with us. We went to the Supreme Court and requested our advocate to present our side before the Supreme Court. We were assured that we, too, have equal rights as citizens of this country and that we, too, will get justice."

 "A frustrated Rahul Gandhi is using abusive language against the Home Minister... Such antics are all they have left; we do not expect anything more from them. 

Once the House session concludes, no one knows where Rahul Gandhi will vanish or to which country he might go...", says BJP MP from West Bengal, Rahul Sinha.   

He further said: "Rahul Gandhi is actually frustrated. The reason is that he is unable to achieve anything. Regarding the student protests he incited, there were attempts to infiltrate the movement with outsiders. All those efforts failed, and these people played no constructive role in the legislation passed in the House; they merely politicized the issue. 

"We did not see them take any concrete steps regarding the law the Prime Minister enacted for the students' future. That is why a frustrated Rahul Gandhi is using abusive language against the Home Minister... Such antics are all they have left; we do not expect anything more from them." 

Pellet use not illegal, says Supreme Court :::::: At least four protesters were hit by RAF pellets on July 20 ::: "It can be challenged under Art 21"

 Pellet use not illegal, says SC; cites exceptional cases, offers tip on phaseout  

At least four protesters had reportedly been hit by RAF pellets during the July 20 march to parliament.  

The Supreme Court on Thursday prima facie indicated the use of pellet guns could not be banned but only restricted.

        Sahil Lochab "suffered" pellet injuries 

The court suggested the constitutionality of their use could be challenged under Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and liberty.  

“In exceptional cases police regulations permit their (pellet guns’) use… unless you challenge the rules itself. One of the steps of graded approach is the use of pellets…,” Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed.  

The bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana issued notices to the Centre and the inspector-general of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) on a plea to preserve the pellet-use log book and ban the use of pellet guns. 

 “In the light of alleged excessive use, your prayer should be that court lays down a protocol regarding the use. If you intend to phase out pellet guns, then you will have to challenge the process as ultra vires of Article 21," Justice Bangchi said.

At least four protesters had reportedly been hit by RAF pellets during the July 20 march to parliament.

The court was hearing a public interest plea from former IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad and two July 20 protesters who suffered pellet injuries, Irshad Mansoori and Prashant Kumar Singh.  

It said the Delhi government should ensure that hospitals provide the necessary medical treatment to those who suffered pellet injuries.

Senior advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for certain petitioners, said she was not opposed to law-enforcers’ use of pellet guns per se. But she claimed that personnel had used metal pellets on Gen Z paper-leak protesters which, she argued, was impermissible under the law.  

Grover argued that law-enforcing agencies could explore the use of plastic or rubber pellets instead of metal pellets, whose trajectory was unpredictable and which could cause serious damage to victims’ eyes and other organs.

Justice Bagchi, who hails from West Bengal, said: “In Kolkata there was a rule that bullets should be fired at the chest to preserve ammunition and not any other body areas — that rule was struck down. So, you have to show us rules where the use of pellets is arbitrary.”