QUICKREADS

Double protests paralyse power restoration in Ludhiana
Double protests by PSPCL's regular and outsourced employees have paralyzed power restoration in Ludhiana, causing prolonged outages. Localities remain in darkness for over 20 hours, with technical faults unresolved due to ongoing strikes and staff shortages.

Himachal HC to get two new judges
Himachal Pradesh High Court to welcome two new judges, Jiya Lal Bhardwaj and Romesh Verma, as approved by the Supreme Court Collegium. This will increase the court's judicial strength from 11 to 13 judges.

2 Mohali developers booked for duping investors of ₹2.18cr
Two Mohali real estate developers, Pradeep Kumar and Amarjeet Singh, were booked for fraud after collecting ₹2.18 crore from homebuyers without delivering flats. Multiple investors complained about delayed possession and abandoned construction in Landran's Sector 113.

2008 Malegaon blast: HC asks if appellants were witnesses in the case
Bombay High Court questioned the appeals against the 2008 Malegaon blast case acquittal, seeking clarity on whether appellants were trial witnesses. The court emphasized that appeals cannot be an "open gate" and scrutinized the families' challenge to the special NIA court's verdict.

Chandigarh excise dept seals 18 liquor vends over non-payment of dues
Chandigarh's excise department sealed 18 liquor vends for non-payment of dues. Six reopened after clearing payments, while 12 remain closed. Officials may blacklist the defaulting group to prevent future revenue losses.

Lift crashes in Wagholi housing society, six have a narrow escape
Six residents narrowly escaped a lift crash in a Wagholi housing society. The elevator plummeted from the fourth floor, causing no injuries. Ongoing maintenance issues and previous lift problems prompted a complaint to police and potential legal action against the builder.

Mohali businessman’s suicide case: Court denies pre-arrest bail to two accused
Court denies pre-arrest bail to two accused in Mohali businessman's suicide case: ASI Rishi Raj Singh and chartered accountant Samir Aggarwal were named in victim's video statement as responsible for his mental distress before he shot himself at an HDFC bank.

Rains wreak havoc in Himachal, 5 dead in Mandi, two missing
Severe rains triggered flooding and landslides in Himachal Pradesh, killing five people in Mandi district. Two individuals are missing. Chief Minister Sukhu directed authorities to provide assistance and ensure safety, with significant damage to infrastructure and transportation.

Punjab youths sent to Russia on student visas end up in warzone
Two Punjab youths sent to Russia on student visas were allegedly forced into the army and pushed into the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Their families claim they were deceived by agents, urging Indian authorities to help trace and rescue them from potential danger.

HC slams former judge’s ‘unsubstantiated remarks’ against a judicial officer
High Court criticizes a former judge for making unsubstantiated remarks against a judicial officer, leading to his compulsory retirement. The court quashed the retirement order, finding it illegal and malafide, and directed reinstatement with full benefits.

Heavy machinery at work to clear Jammu-Srinagar NH, says Gadkari
Heavy machinery deployed to clear Jammu-Srinagar National Highway after landslides. Over a dozen excavators and 50 earthmovers working round-the-clock. Temporary two-lane diversion built. Minister Gadkari assures restoration and smooth traffic movement.

SC order on Waqf Act deserves a second look: Kashmir leaders
Kashmir leaders criticize Supreme Court's interim order on Waqf Amendment Act, arguing it imposes external interference on Muslim religious boards, potentially compromising religious freedom and control over sacred endowments, and calling for a comprehensive review of the contentious provisions.

Only superior courts can direct ‘re-investigation’: HC
The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that only superior courts can order re-investigation in criminal cases. Magistrates cannot direct such actions. Further investigation remains within the investigating agency's domain, with prior magistrate intimation recommended.

INLD chief trains guns at Hooda, says ex-CM colluded with BJP in 2024 assembly polls
INLD chief Abhay Singh Chautala accused former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda of colluding with BJP in 2024 polls, alleging ticket manipulation and strategic defeats of Congress candidates through alleged backroom deals.

Punjab sees alarming surge in drug-laden drones from Pakistan: NCB
Punjab faces escalating drug-smuggling threat via drones from Pakistan, with 179 cross-border cases in 2024, primarily in border districts. NCB reports six-fold increase in synthetic drug seizures, highlighting growing national narcotics challenge.

Makers of Parmish Verma’s Shera fined ₹40K for creating nuisance while shooting in Ambala
Parmish Verma's film Shera crew fined ₹40,000 for causing public nuisance during shooting in Ambala. Verma reportedly injured during an action scene, sustained minor injuries, and returned to set after first aid.