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Supreme Court to Hear Asaduddin Owaisi’s Plea on 1991 Places of Worship Act

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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to examine a plea filed by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, seeking the enforcement of the 1991 Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, which mandates the preservation of the religious character of all places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947.

A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar ordered Owaisi’s plea to be tagged along with pending cases concerning the same issue. The matter has been scheduled for hearing on February 17, 2025.

At the outset, advocate Nizam Pasha, representing Owaisi, urged the bench to consolidate the plea with existing petitions challenging the provisions of the 1991 law. “We will tag this,” the Chief Justice remarked.

Owaisi, president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), filed the petition on December 17, 2024, through advocate Fuzail Ahmad Ayyubi. The plea emphasizes the need for the Central government to ensure effective implementation of the 1991 Act and expresses concerns over instances where courts have entertained petitions seeking surveys of mosques.

Background on the 1991 Law

The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, prohibits the conversion of any place of worship and requires maintaining the religious character of any place of worship as it stood on August 15, 1947. The law was enacted to uphold secular values and maintain harmony among diverse communities.

On December 12, 2024, the Supreme Court, acting on a batch of petitions challenging the Act’s provisions, had directed all lower courts to refrain from entertaining new suits or passing interim or final orders concerning the reclaiming of religious places, particularly mosques and dargahs.

Owaisi’s Concerns

Owaisi’s plea underscores the importance of adhering to the 1991 Act in light of recent court-ordered surveys of mosques prompted by petitions from Hindu litigants. The AIMIM leader has requested the Supreme Court to issue directives to the Union government for stringent implementation of the law to avoid potential conflicts.

The case remains a significant legal and societal issue, with the upcoming hearing expected to provide clarity on the Act’s application and implications for religious harmony in the country.

Kapil Dev Assures Support to Vinod Kambli After Hospital Discharge

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Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli, who had been admitted to the ICU of Akruti Hospital on December 21 due to severe health complications, including a urinary infection, cramps, and brain clots, was discharged on Wednesday. Despite his frail appearance, the 52-year-old was high in spirits as he posed for photographs with hospital staff and even played a short game of cricket.

Kapil Dev’s Heartfelt Video Call
During Kambli’s hospitalization, legendary all-rounder and India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev connected with him via a video call. In an emotional exchange, Kambli greeted Kapil warmly, saying, “Hi Kapil paaji, how are you?”

Kapil reassured Kambli and encouraged him to focus on his recovery. “I will come and see you. You are looking good, you’ve even colored your beard. Don’t rush your discharge. If you need to stay in the hospital for a few more days, it’s fine. Take care, love you,” Kapil said.

Hospital Extends Lifelong Support
Shailesh Thakur, director of Akruti Hospital, expressed his admiration for Kambli and pledged to cover his medical expenses moving forward. “I have been a fan of Kambli sir all my life, and it was tough to see him struggle with health issues. We will ensure he gets the care he needs,” Thakur said.

Kapil Dev also extended his gratitude to Dr. Thakur. “Thank you, Shailesh, for taking care of him. He’s looking good, and it’s all because of your efforts.”

A Message of Hope
Kambli’s resilience and the overwhelming support from Kapil Dev, his former teammates, and the medical staff have brought positivity to this challenging phase. With his characteristic fighting spirit and the continued care of Akruti Hospital, Kambli’s journey toward recovery is a beacon of hope for his fans and the cricketing fraternity.


Editorial Note:
This heartwarming story showcases the enduring bonds between cricketing legends and highlights the importance of solidarity and support during challenging times. Kapil Dev’s gesture reflects the spirit of camaraderie that transcends generations.

 

Supreme Court Reopens After Winter Break: CJI Sanjiv Khanna Extends New Year Greetings

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As the Supreme Court resumed operations on Thursday following its winter vacation (December 21, 2024, to January 1, 2025), Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna welcomed lawyers and litigants back with heartfelt New Year wishes.

“I wish you all a happy new year. May you and your families have a wonderful year ahead,” said the CJI, setting a warm tone for the first day of proceedings in 2025.

Addressing procedural updates, the CJI noted, “I am told the email for mentioning is not working. You can move the physical letters accordingly.” He assured that these letters would be reviewed in the afternoon, and necessary orders would be issued for case listings.

Justice Khanna, after assuming the role of CJI, had introduced reforms in the process of urgent case listings. Moving away from the traditional practice of oral submissions before benches, he emphasized written requests through emails or letters to streamline the process.

This approach reflects Justice Khanna’s commitment to modernizing judicial procedures while maintaining efficiency and accessibility for lawyers seeking urgent hearings.

The Supreme Court’s reopening marks the beginning of a significant year ahead, with various landmark cases and decisions expected under the guidance of CJI Khanna.

Jammu’s Shreya Gupta Shines at Senior National Fencing Championship, Secures Bronze

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Jammu and Kashmir’s star fencer, Shreya Gupta, has added yet another accolade to her impressive career by clinching a Bronze medal at the 35th Senior National Fencing Championship held in Kannur, Kerala. The prestigious tournament commenced on December 31, 2024, and will conclude on January 3, 2025.

Shreya reached the semifinals, where she faced Olympian Bhawani Devi in a thrilling match. Despite starting strong and leading 8-4, Bhawani’s vast experience turned the tide, resulting in a 15-11 victory for the Olympian. Undeterred, Shreya bounced back in the medal bout, showcasing her resilience and skill by defeating Kerala’s Jose Josna Christy 15-9.

Earlier in the knockout stages, Shreya demonstrated her dominance with convincing 15-6 victories over Prakriti Sharma of Rajasthan and Vandita Barad of Gujarat.

With an impressive career record that includes 5 International medals and 20 National Golds, Shreya continues to cement her status as one of India’s top fencers.

The Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gull, congratulated Shreya on her remarkable performance. She also acknowledged the dedication of Shreya’s coach, Shotu Lal Sharma, whose guidance has been instrumental in her success. Gull praised both for bringing immense pride to Jammu and Kashmir through their achievements in the sport.

Shreya’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes in the region, highlighting the potential for excellence with determination and the right support.

TIMELY ACTION URGED FOR CHENAB REGION POST SNOWFALL IMPACT Dr Farooq Abdullah Commends Relief Efforts, Calls for Sustained Measures

National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah has urged the administration to expedite their efforts in resolving the challenges faced by the residents of the Chenab region in the wake of heavy snowfall.

Acknowledging the scale of the snowfall and its adverse impact, Dr. Farooq emphasized the importance of continuous administrative intervention in restoring essential services and meeting the immediate needs of the affected communities.

Dr. Farooq praised the Government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, for its proactive measures and the extensive public outreach programs undertaken by party MLAs and Ministers during these trying times. “The swift response in clearing snow, restoring power and water supply, and ensuring the availability of ration has significantly alleviated the suffering of the people,” he remarked.

The National Conference leader lauded Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for personally supervising relief operations and ensuring administrative presence on the ground. This hands-on approach, according to Dr. Farooq, has fostered public confidence and demonstrated the Government’s dedication to the welfare of its citizens.

Dr. Farooq called for sustained vigilance by the administration to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of relief measures until normalcy is restored in the Chenab region. He expressed optimism that such concerted efforts will strengthen public trust and reinforce faith in governance.

The Chenab region, along with parts of the Kashmir Valley and winter zones in Jammu, has been grappling with the aftermath of the heavy snowfall, which disrupted essential services and posed significant challenges to daily life. Dr. Farooq’s statement underscores the importance of robust and effective governance in the face of natural calamities

Three Men Found Dead Under Mysterious Circumstances in Bhadarwah Hotel

Panic gripped the serene town of Bhadarwah this evening as three men were found dead under mysterious circumstances in the Royal Inn Guest House. The incident has left the local community in shock and authorities scrambling for answers.

The deceased have been identified as:

  • Mukesh Singh (39), son of Kuldeep Singh, resident of Domana in Jammu.
  • Ashutosh Singh Rana (30), son of Daleep Singh Rana, resident of Bhela, Doda, currently residing in Purkhoo, Jammu.
  • Sunny Choudhary, further details yet to be confirmed.

The unsettling discovery has raised numerous questions, and authorities remain tight-lipped about the possible causes. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Doda, Sandeep Mehta, stated that investigations are underway and refrained from commenting further until conclusive evidence emerges.

Local sources revealed that the discovery of the bodies caused widespread panic in the area. Efforts to reach other senior police officials for additional information were met with silence, as many officers declined to respond to repeated inquiries.

The authorities have assured a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Residents and visitors have been advised to remain calm and allow the law enforcement agencies to carry out their work.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

 

Srinagar’s Ahmed Taha Masoodi Wins Bronze at 5th Junior World Pencak Silat Championship

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Ahmed Taha Masoodi, a rising star in martial arts from Srinagar, has brought immense pride to India by clinching a bronze medal at the prestigious 5th Junior World Pencak Silat Championship, held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The championship, featuring over 1,100 athletes from 55 countries, stands as one of the most competitive global tournaments in Pencak Silat. Ahmed’s stellar performance shone brightly amidst fierce competition, underscoring the growing prominence of Indian talent on the international stage.

Ahmed’s journey to this global triumph was paved by his extraordinary achievements at the national level. In November 2024, he bagged four gold medals across two national Pencak Silat Championships, demonstrating his exceptional skills and building momentum for his success at the world championship.

Hailing from a region with limited resources and facilities, Ahmed’s passion and dedication for Pencak Silat have been instrumental in his rise. He credits his success to his family’s unwavering support and the mentorship of his coach, Mohd Iqbal, who has played a pivotal role in shaping his career.

The championship, organized by the International Pencak Silat Federation, saw tough competition from Pencak Silat powerhouses like Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Ahmed’s bronze medal not only brought him recognition but also earned him admiration from peers and spectators alike.

In his statement, Ahmed expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family and coaches, highlighting their role in his journey. He emphasized that his achievement is a testament to the power of determination and support, serving as an inspiration for young athletes, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.

Ahmed Taha Masoodi’s accomplishment is a beacon of hope, proving that with passion and perseverance, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome to achieve global success.

6th Jammu & Kashmir UT Karate Championship 2024 Concludes with Over 500 Participants

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The 6th Jammu & Kashmir UT Karate Championship 2024 concluded today at the Indoor Stadium, Bhagwati Nagar, with over 500 participants showcasing their skills in various categories. The two-day event featured competitions in Sub-Junior, Cadet, Junior, and Senior categories.

The championship was organized with meticulous attention to technical standards, under the guidance of officials including Shihan Ashwani Yadav (AKF Certified Judge), Sensei Akhtar (Head Admin, KIO Sportdata India), Mohd Aurangzeb (President, SKFI), and other qualified referees like Anilkumar, Rajan Jamwal, Tajamul Islam, Ganesh Gupta, and Priya Sharma.

The closing ceremony was graced by special guests Rahil Gupta (Vice Chairman, AKAJK) and Ambedkar Gupta (President, AKAJK), who distributed medals to the winners. Ajaz Ahmed (General Secretary, AKAJK) extended a vote of thanks. Notable international karatekas Poonam Salathia, Azmat Kalyan, and Rajat Singh were recognized for their contributions to the sport.

Team Kumite Highlights

The AKA-JK Team secured first place, with Jammu District taking second, and Baramulla and Udhampur Districts sharing third place.

Individual Achievements

Cadet Boys & Girls Category:

  • Gold: Mehr un N (Budgam), Avneet K (Jammu), Angat S (Udhampur), Vishal V (Udhampur), Hussnain A (Rajouri), Rudra Pratap S (Udhampur), Rudrah S (Udhampur)
  • Silver: Sumanshi S (Udhampur), Rutba H (Ganderbal), Arifa W (Baramulla), Surinder G (Rajouri), Ahmad Saqib C (Ganderbal), Haroon N (Budgam), Aryan B (Jammu)
  • Bronze: Zikra B (Budgam), Ekam Ekagar V (Rajouri), Masroof Ahmad D (Kupwara), Wani M (Kupwara), Bashir Mir B (Budgam), Munazim M (Ganderbal), Farooq M (Kupwara), Munazim M (Ganderbal)

Junior Boys & Girls Category:

  • Gold: Varun K (Udhampur), Zameer Ahmad B (Bandipora), Lovesh D (Budgam), Majeed Malik (Kupwara), Leepakshi B (Rajouri), Lovesh D (Budgam)
  • Silver: Varun S (Udhampur), Prashant D (Rajouri), Sahil A (Budgam), Ifra P (Baramulla)
  • Bronze: Puran S (Udhampur), Prince B (Udhampur)

Under-21 Boys & Girls Category:

  • Gold: Pakeeza N (Baramulla), Adil M (Rajouri), Vipul S (Rajouri), Owais W (Baramulla), Reshi A (Kupwara)
  • Silver: Riya S (Udhampur), Sangra Arindham (Kathua), Bhanu Partap (Udhampur), Harman J (Jammu), Faizan Bashir (Budgam)
  • Bronze: Junaid A (Bandipora), Nasir Farooq (Baramulla), Saqib Modh K (Rajouri)

Senior Male & Female Categories:

  • Gold: Iram I (Ganderbal), Mukhtar D (Srinagar), Neeraj M (Udhampur), Kalian K (Jammu), Sheikh N (Kathua), Sahiba (Ganderbal), Tanzeela N (Budgam), Bilal Zarah (Jammu), Shabrar S (Budgam), Mukhtar A (Budgam), Rajat Singh (Jammu), Vipul (Rajouri)
  • Silver: Priyanshi S (Udhampur), Tabiya F (Ganderbal), Sahil Hamid M (Baramulla), Mazoor M (Kupwara), Shakir S (Baramulla), Fayaz S (Kupwara), Farhat M (Baramulla), Misba M (Budgam), Syed A (Budgam), Umar F (Baramulla), Maqbool (Budgam), Rishav (Jammu)
  • Bronze: Devi V (Udhampur), Vansh S (Udhampur), Dushyant G (Udhampur), Takhmeena T (Budgam), Mohammad U (Bandipora), Ashish (Rajouri), Vikas Charak (Jammu), Raghav (Budgam), Manhas Singh (Jammu), Kumar R (Jammu)

The event was a testament to the region’s growing prowess in karate and the enthusiasm of its participants.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Discloses Assets; Ministers Outshine Him in Wealth

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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has disclosed movable and immovable assets worth ₹1.64 crore, according to the latest asset declarations made mandatory for all cabinet ministers at the end of every calendar year.

As per the details uploaded on the Bihar government’s website on December 31, Kumar’s assets include ₹21,052 in cash and ₹60,811.56 in bank accounts. The Chief Minister’s movable properties are valued at ₹16,97,741.56, while his immovable assets amount to ₹1.48 crore. Kumar owns a single residential flat in a cooperative housing society in Dwarka, New Delhi.

Interestingly, several of his cabinet colleagues surpass him in wealth. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary holds ₹6,70,000 in cash, while his wife Kumari Mamta possesses ₹5,70,000 in cash. Choudhary owns a rifle valued at ₹4 lakh and immovable properties worth ₹8.28 crore.

Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha owns immovable assets worth ₹2.42 crore, with his wife owning assets worth ₹3.32 crore. Sinha also possesses a revolver worth ₹77,181 but has no cash in hand.

Other ministers who have disclosed their assets include:

  • Sumit Kumar Singh (Science, Technology, and Technical Education)
  • Sunil Kumar (Education)
  • Mangal Pandey (Health)
  • Ratnesh Sada (SC/ST Welfare)
  • Leshi Singh (Food and Consumer Protection)
  • Jayant Raj (Building Construction)
  • Neeraj Kumar Singh (Public Health and Engineering)
  • Zama Khan (Minority Welfare)
  • Sheela Kumari (Transport)
  • Madan Sahni (Social Welfare)

The Nitish Kumar government’s initiative of mandatory disclosure aims to promote transparency and accountability among public representatives.

Prime Minister Modi Extends New Year Greetings

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to the nation on the occasion of the New Year, expressing hope for a year filled with opportunities and happiness.

Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister wrote, “Happy 2025! May this year bring everyone new opportunities, success, and endless joy. May everybody be blessed with wonderful health and prosperity.”

The message resonated with citizens across the country, marking the beginning of another year filled with optimism and hope for progress and well-being.