Page 3 - Constitution

PAC head Venugopal working to defame govt, acting unconstitutionally: Dubey

Public Accounts Committee member and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has accused the panel's chairman and Congress member K C Venugopal of raking up non-extent issues to defame the central government and destabilise the country's financial structure and economy. Dubey wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against Venugopal for allegedly misusing his position, bypassing the PAC's remit and working as part of a "tool kit" to damage the economy after reports emerged that the committee may summon SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, who has faced allegations of professional impropriety from US-based firm Hindenburg Research. He had written to Birla against Venugopal's "unconstitutional and disdainful" conduct on September 9. Incidentally, the PAC decided on October 4 to call Buch for deposition on October 24. His strongly worded communication is a clear indication that the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, who are in a majority in the committee, are likely to resist any further move by .

Sharad Pawar urges govt to amend Constitution, raise reservation beyond 50%

NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar urged the BJP-led Centre on Friday to bring a constitutional amendment to increase reservation in education and government jobs beyond the existing cap of 50 per cent. Speaking to reporters here, Pawar said that while granting reservation to Marathas, who have been agitating for quota, care should be taken to ensure that such limits meant for other communities are not disturbed. "Currently, the cap on reservation is 50 per cent. But if Tamil Nadu can have 78 per cent (quota for various communities), why can't Maharashtra have 75 per cent reservation, he asked. The Centre should take the lead and bring a constitutional amendment to raise the quota cap. We will support the amendment, he said. Pawar said the seat-sharing talks among the leaders of the opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will continue next week. I would only advise the leaders to conclude the talks as early as possible so that we can go to the people, who are looking for a change, he

Demolition of properties: SC says it will lay down guidelines for citizens

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it will lay down guidelines for all citizens and not for any particular community on the issue of demolition of properties. Observing that its directions will be applicable pan-India, the apex court said it will make it clear that merely because a person is an accused or even a convict, it can't be a ground for demolition of property. "Whatever we are laying down, we are a secular country. We are laying it down for all the citizens, for all the institutions not for any particular community," a bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan said. Observing that there can't be a different law for a particular religion, the bench said it will not protect any unauthorised constructions on public roads, government lands or forests. "We will take care to ensure that our order does not help the encroachers on any of the public places," the bench said. The hearing in the matter is underway. The top court is hearing arguments on a batch of pleas which ha

Pak govt delays tabling of controversial constitutional amendment Bill

Pakistan's coalition government was on Monday forced to once again delay the tabling of a controversial constitutional amendment bill in the parliament, apparently due to a lack of required numbers to pass it. The details of the amendments are still a mystery as the government has not officially shared it with the media or discussed it publically. What has been reported so far shows that the government plans to increase the retirement age of judges and fix the tenure of the chief justice of the Supreme Court. Senator Irfan Siddiqui of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) told the media that the amendment bill would not be tabled in the parliament on Monday. Speaking to Geo News, Siddiqui said sessions of both houses on Monday were to be "prorogued and would next be called when we would be prepared from all angles to introduce a constitutional amendment. Asked if it was possible for the matter to be delayed for months, the PML-N senator replied in the negative. He added t

'One nation, one election' not possible under Constitution: Chidambaram

Congress leader P Chidambaram on Monday lashed out at the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre over the 'one nation, one election' issue, saying it is not possible under the present Constitution and requires at least five constitutional amendments. Replying to a question on reports that the BJP-led NDA government would implement 'one nation, one election' within its current tenure, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not have the numbers to place those constitutional amendments either in the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. In his Independence Day address last month, the prime minister made a strong pitch for 'one nation, one election', contending that frequent polls were creating hurdles in the country's progress. Addressing reporters here, Chidambaram said, "'One nation, one election' is not possible under the present Constitution. It requires at least five constitutional amendments." "Mr Modi does not have the majority to put those constitutional amendments in either in the Lok .

Sachin Pilot claims BJP tampering with Constitution, reservation policies

Congress leader and in-charge of Chhattisgarh Sachin Pilot on Sunday. criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over alleged attempts to tamper with the Constitution and reservation policies. He also commented on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's recent statement about his resignation from the Chief Minister's post .Regarding Kejriwal's announcement that he will resign from his position in two days unless the public declares him 'honest,' Pilot said, "It is their (people of Delhi) decision whom they will announce as the Chief Minister. The Congress party is ready for every challenge... We will form the government in Haryana and J & K."Pilot also spoke about the BJP's handling of constitutional matters and reservation. He said, "Reservation is given to the people. I am surprised to see the history. After tampering with the constitution and reservation recently, who asked why 400 MPs were needed in the Lok Sabha, the public has answered that further attacks will not work. The

Can Modi 3.0 beat the 3C trap of caste, coalition and Constitution?

Modi govt preparing for Census leads us to examine a new reality, marked by 3 Cs - caste, coalition and Constitution. The BJP machine could take all 3 in its stride, but this election has changed that

Thai court dismisses PM Srettha Thavisin for 'gross' ethics violation

Real estate tycoon Srettha becomes the fourth Thai premier in 16 years to be removed in verdicts by the same court after its judges ruled 5-4 in favour of dismissing him

No provision for creamy layers in SC/ST quota in Constitution: Centre

The Union Cabinet on Friday asserted that there was no provision for a creamy layer in the reservation for SCs and STs in the Constitution given by B R Ambedkar. The Union Cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held a detailed discussion on the Supreme Court judgement on the sub-categorisation of reservation for SCs and STs as granted in the Constitution. "It is the well thought view of the Union Cabinet that the NDA government is firmly committed to the provisions in the Constitution given by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar," Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters here. He said there was a detailed discussion in the Union Cabinet meeting on a recent Supreme Court judgement that made certain suggestions on the reservation for the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). "According to the Constitution given by B R Ambedkar, there is no provision for a creamy layer in the SC-ST reservation," Vaishnaw said. He asserted that the ...

Primary role of Parliament is to preserve Constitution: V-P Dhankhar

Vice-President further said that the present situation is worrying as indecent conduct is being used as a political weapon

'Negative politics': Priyanka slams BJP over 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas'

In a scathing attack on the BJP, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday said it comes as no surprise that those who opposed the Constitution and called for its abolition would indulge in the "negative politics" of marking 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas'. Her remarks came a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the government has decided to observe June 25, the day Emergency was declared in 1975, as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' to commemorate the "massive contributions" of those who endured inhuman pains of the period. Reacting to the development, Priyanka Gandhi said the great people of India have achieved Independence and their Constitution by fighting a historic battle. "Those who made the Constitution, those who have faith in the Constitution, will only protect the Constitution," she said in a post in Hindi on 'X'. "Those who opposed the implementation of the Constitution, formed a commission to review the Constitution, called for the abolition of the Constituti

Salami tactics to fulfill RSS efforts: Cong on 'Manusmriti' proposal in DU

The Congress on Thursday attacked the Centre over a proposal to teach 'Manusmriti' to Delhi University's LLB students, alleging that this is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "salami tactics" to bring fulfilment to the decades-long attempt by the RSS to "assault" the Constitution. The Congress's Scheduled Caste department also called for protests against the proposed move at the state and district levels. The proposal to teach 'Manusmriti' (Laws of Manu) to DU's LLB students is slated to be discussed in a meeting of its Academic Council on Friday. Reacting to the development, Congress general secretary, in-charge communications, Jairam Ramesh said this is "all part of the salami tactics of the non-biological PM to bring fulfilment to the decades-long attempt by the RSS to assault the Constitution and Dr. Ambedkar's legacy". "In its issue dated November 30, 1949, the RSS mouthpiece Organiser had stated: 'The worst about the new Constitution of Bharat is that there is nothing ..

BJP, Cong have made Constitution communal through amendments: Mayawati

BSP president Mayawati on Tuesday said BJP and Congress governments have made the Constitution "casteist, communal and capitalistic" to a large extent through various amendments. At a press conference here, Mayawati said both parties show copies of the Constitution inside and outside Parliament and appear to be chips of the same block. "Their thinking also seems to be similar and both of them have made this Constitution a casteist, communal and capitalist Constitution to a large extent through various amendments," the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said. It is no longer the egalitarian and secular Constitution of Bhimrao Ambedkar, she said. "The way these people are playing with the Indian Constitution for political gains is not at all appropriate," she added. Mayawati also said the BJP and Congress governments did not implement the Mandal Commission report providing reservation benefits to Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

DGCA issues advisory to increase women's representation in aviation sector

DGCA Circular is issued in line with the principle of gender equality that is enshrined in the Constitution of India

South Africa political parties form unity govt amid Prez election deadline

South African lawmakers are expected to elect the country's president on Friday after being sworn in at the first sitting of Parliament that will also reveal the kind of unity government the ruling African National Congress has managed to cobble together after losing its majority for the first time since 1994. The lawmakers are also expected to elect Parliament's new speaker and deputy speaker, choices that will be determined by negotiations that have taken place between the ANC and opposition parties since the country's election results were declared nearly two weeks ago. Parties are under pressure to conclude negotiations by Thursday to fulfil the constitutional requirement to swear in lawmakers and elect the president within 14 days of election results being declared. The African National Congress won 40 per cent of the national vote during the country's highly contested elections, followed by the Democratic Alliance with just over 21 per cent and the newly formed uMkhonto weSizw

My life dedicated to upholding noble values enshrined in Constitution: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed his unwavering dedication to the principles enshrined in the Constitution, which, he said gives crores of people hope, strength, and dignity. Modi, who has often spoken about his humble beginnings, took to X to emphasize the transformative power of the Constitution. "Every moment of my life is dedicated to upholding the noble values enshrined in the Constitution of India given to us by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar," he said in a post on the mincroblogging site and shared a photo of him bowing to the Constitution in a meeting in Parliament with his allies. Highlighting the inclusive nature of the Constitution, Modi added, "It is only due to the Constitution that a person like me, born into poverty and in a backward family, is able to serve the nation. Our Constitution gives crores of people hope, strength, and dignity". Modi was endorsed by his allies as the leader of the NDA to become prime minister for the third time. He acknowledged this

INDIA bloc will protect Constitution with 'dil, jaan aur khoon': Rahul

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Monday that an INDIA bloc government will end the 50 per cent cap on reservation while asserting that the alliance will protect the Constitution with "dil, jaan aur khoon". Addressing an election rally in Uttar Pradesh's Bansgaon with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Gandhi said, "There is INDIA bloc and the Constitution on one side and those who want to finish the Constitution on the other." The INDIA bloc will protect the Constitution with "dil, jaan aur khoon (heart, life and blood)", he said and added that the alliance will end the 50 per cent cap on reservation while also increasing it. On Agnipath, Gandhi said the INDIA bloc, once it assumes power, will tear apart the scheme and throw it in the dustbin. The government rolled out the Agnipath recruitment scheme in June 2022 for short-term induction of personnel with an aim to bring down the age profile of the three armed services. It provides for recruiting youngsters between the age .

LS elections: PM Modi, BJP will change Constitution, says Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday lashed out at the BJP, alleging that it will change the Constitution if it wins the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Addressing his first poll rally in Punjab in support of Amritsar candidate Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Gandhi said these elections are not ordinary. "In this election, Narendra Modi ji and BJP senior leaders are attacking the Constitution. For the first time in the history of independent India, their party leaders have openly said they will change, scrap, finish and throw the Constitution if they win the election," the former Congress president said. He said the elections are a battle between two ideologies. "On one side is Narendra Modi ji and BJP people who want to finish it (Constitution) and on the other hand is Congress which is protecting the Constitution," said Gandhi. He hit out at the BJP government at the Centre, alleging that in the last 10 years, PM Modi did nothing for the farmers of the country. "But you were attacked and they .

Thai Constitutional Court agrees to hear case that could imperil the PM

Thailand's Constitutional Court accepted a petition Thursday from members of the country's outgoing Senate to begin an ethics probe against the prime minister over his appointment of a Cabinet member. If eventually found guilty, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin could be ousted from his position. The court ruled that Srettha's appointment of Pichit Chuenban as minister of the Prime Minister's Office was in violation of Section 160 of the constitution, which requires those in ministerial positions to be of evident integrity" and bars those who fail to comply with ethical standards. Pichit was jailed for six months in 2008 on contempt of court charges after he tried to bribe a judge presiding over former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's land purchase case with 2 million baht (USD 55,000) in a grocery bag. Pichit resigned from his post Tuesday in what he described in his resignation letter as an effort to protect the prime minister. The minister of the Prime Minister's Office is a ..

LS polls 2024: Election is fight to safeguard Constitution, says Rahul

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday charged that the BJP always wanted to "tear and throw away" the Constitution, and asserted that the Lok Sabha elections this time is a fight to safeguard it. At an election meeting in northeast Delhi's Dilshad Garden in support of party candidate Kanhaiya Kumar, he claimed that the BJP always wanted to change the Constitution. "These people (BJP) have always wanted to tear and throw it (Constitution) away. They never accepted neither the Indian Constitution nor the Indian flag. In this election finally they have accepted that they want to change it," he charged. "In this election, the fight is for safeguarding the Indian Constitution. It is not simply a book, our Constitution carries thousands of years of ideological heritage of Gandhi, Ambedkar and Nehru ji," the Congress leader said. The former Congress president said the BJP has finally "accepted" in this election that it wanted to change the Constitution. However, the BJP will have to f