QUICKREADS

Not in favour of curbs: Vij on rising Covid cases

Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij has said he is not in favour of restrictions on gatherings in the state, despite the recent rise in COVID-19 cases. Vij made masks compulsory in health facilities and places with gatherings of 100 or more, but said ordering restrictions on gatherings may cause chaos. He also ordered the blacklisting of contractors over delays in development works in his constituency.

Chandigarh: Deadlock with MC leaves garbage piling up at PU

A garbage dispute between Panjab University and Chandigarh's Municipal Corporation has led to waste piling up near a gurdwara and temple. The standoff stems from unresolved waste management responsibilities and unpaid property taxes, causing environmental and sanitation concerns.

Aksa beach promenade built illegally, to be razed within 2 months

NGT orders demolition of illegally constructed Aksa beach promenade within two months, citing CRZ violations. The 600-metre pathway, built by Maharashtra Maritime Board without proper permissions, obstructs tidal flow and threatens coastal ecology.

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.