Supreme Court Seeks Delhi Police’s Response on Bail Pleas for Delhi Riots Accused
The Supreme Court on Monday requested a response from the Delhi Police regarding the bail applications of activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, and Shifa Ur Rehman. These individuals are implicated in the broader conspiracy case related to the 2020 Delhi riots. A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria issued the notice and scheduled the next hearing for October 7. This decision follows arguments from the petitioners’ lawyers, who emphasized the urgent need for a swift resolution, highlighting that the accused have been held in pre-trial detention for over five years.
Deadly Explosion in Pakistan’s Tirah Valley Claims 24 Lives
An explosion reportedly caused by bomb-making materials stored by Pakistani Taliban fighters rocked the country’s volatile northwest on Monday. The incident in the Tirah Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province resulted in the deaths of at least 24 people, including both militants and civilians, according to police. The powerful blast also leveled several nearby residences. Local police official Zafar Khan confirmed that among the casualties were at least 10 civilians, including women and children, in addition to at least 14 militants.
Supreme Court Justice Advocates for Decriminalizing Defamation
A Supreme Court justice expressed strong concern on Monday over the growing tendency of private individuals and political entities to weaponize criminal defamation laws for retribution. Justice M.M. Sundresh emphatically stated, “I think time has come to decriminalise this.” His remarks highlight a significant debate, especially given that less than a decade ago, in 2016’s Subramanian Swamy versus Union of India, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of criminal defamation. The court then argued that such laws served as a “reasonable restriction” on the fundamental right to free speech and expression, as guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, by protecting an individual’s reputation, which is integral to the right to life.
Rajnath Singh Affirms Full Autonomy for Armed Forces in Counter-Terror Operations
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared that India’s armed forces were granted complete freedom to react decisively to the “cowardly terror attack” targeting innocent civilians in Pahalgam. Speaking to the Indian diaspora in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday, Mr. Singh emphasized that India’s retaliatory actions were “measured and non-escalatory.” During his two-day visit to the North African nation, the Defence Minister reiterated the military’s full preparedness and their authority to respond following the attack on Indian citizens in Pahalgam, as per an official statement.
Putin Pledges Russia’s Adherence to Nuclear Arms Limits for Another Year
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Monday that Moscow intends to uphold nuclear arms limitations for an additional year, even after the expiration of the New START treaty with the United States in February. Putin cautioned that the termination of the 2010 pact could have adverse effects on global stability. During a meeting with Russia’s Security Council, he expressed an expectation for the U.S. to reciprocate and also abide by the treaty’s established limits.
Indian Government Extends Ban on NSCN (Khaplang) for Five Years
The Central government announced on Monday its decision to prolong the ban on the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang), or NSCN (K), and all its associated factions, wings, and front organizations for another five years. This extension, effective from September 28, is a response to the group’s continued involvement in activities deemed detrimental to India’s sovereignty and integrity, as stated in a notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).