Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 22, 2024, South 24 Parganas : The Kakdwip Sub-Divisional Administration has ramped up its preparedness for an approaching cyclone, with authorities on high alert for potential natural calamities. A control room has been activated, and flat shelters and schools have been prepared as temporary relief centers. Sub-divisional officer (SDO) Madhusudan Mandal confirmed that all necessary measures are in place to deal with any eventuality arising from the cyclone. “Our control room is operational 24/7, and flat shelters have been readied to accommodate those in need during the storm,” he stated.
As of October 21, a cyclone forming over the North Andaman Sea has intensified into a depression, with its eye about 1,000 kilometers off the coasts of Bakkhali and Puri. The current wind speed is around 30 km/h, and the air pressure is recorded at 1006 hPa. Forecasters warn that the depression will intensify into a deep depression and move northwest by the morning of October 22. It is expected to strengthen into a cyclonic storm by October 23, posing a serious threat to coastal regions.
The projected landfall is likely to occur along the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha, with a wind speed ranging from 90-110 km/h and gusts potentially reaching up to 120 km/h. This could bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to the region, raising concerns about flooding and widespread damage. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red, yellow, and orange alerts for several states, including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, and the northeastern states.
While the exact path of the cyclone remains uncertain, the coastal areas of Odisha and West Bengal are on high alert. More details regarding the cyclone’s trajectory will be released over the next 24 to 48 hours. Both states are expected to experience the full impact of the storm starting October 23, with the cyclone likely making landfall on October 24.
In anticipation of the cyclone, the Kakdwip administration has intensified its coordination efforts with disaster management teams and local authorities. Relief and rescue teams have been placed on standby, and residents in vulnerable coastal areas have been advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and evacuation orders.
As the situation develops, the authorities are urging people to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to minimize risks. Coastal areas are expected to experience severe weather conditions, and preparedness is key to reducing the impact of the cyclone’s landfall.
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, 30 September 2024, Kolkata: In a significant step towards mitigating the perennial flood crisis in West Bengal’s Ghatal region, the state government has committed ₹1,500 crore for the implementation of the much-anticipated Ghatal Master Plan. The ambitious project, which has been in the pipeline for years, aims to provide lasting relief to the flood-ravaged residents of the Ghatal subdivision in East and West Midnapore. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) has already been prepared, with a targeted completion timeline of two years.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, emphasizing the urgency of the project, held a high-level meeting at Nabanna to fast-track its execution. “The Ghatal Master Plan has been stalled for far too long. We must expedite this crucial work. There is also a need for a similar master plan for the Sundarbans, where rising water levels near Kapil Muni Ashram in Gangesagar are becoming a growing concern,” the Chief Minister said during the meeting.
Ghatal, located about 120 km west of Kolkata, has become synonymous with devastating annual floods that impact both urban and rural areas. Local residents, many of whom live on or below the poverty line, have faced the brunt of these floods for decades. Every year, heavy monsoon rains and post-monsoon tropical cyclones from the Bay of Bengal inundate the region, causing immense damage to property and livelihoods.
The Ghatal region’s geographical challenges exacerbate the situation. It lies in a basin-shaped topography, surrounded by rivers like the Shilabati, Dwarkeshwar, and Rupnarayan, which frequently overflow during the monsoon season. The stagnant floodwaters make recovery even more difficult for the affected communities. Moreover, the release of excess water from upstream reservoirs of the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and the Kangsabati Project adds to the problem, contributing to prolonged waterlogging in the area.
The Ghatal Master Plan, seen as a long-term solution, will include extensive dredging of riverbeds and the reinforcement of embankments. The project is expected to alleviate the flood situation by improving drainage systems and controlling the water flow. Experts, like Dr. Sayantan Das of Dum Dum Motijheel College’s Geography Department, have emphasized the importance of managing the water released from the DVC and Kangsabati reservoirs, which frequently leads to severe flooding in the region.
For decades, the Ghatal area has seen little progress despite repeated promises from successive governments. Residents like Ashok Santra, a long-time CPI(M) worker, have expressed frustration over the delayed action. “The Left Front government tried for years to address this issue, but it remained unresolved. Even before that, Congress ruled for 30 years, yet the problem persists. The original funding structure, with a 60-40 split between the central and state governments, never materialized,” Santra lamented.
With the ₹1,500 crore allocation, the state government hopes to bring about tangible improvements. As Paschim Medinipur heads to the polls in May 2025, the success of the Ghatal Master Plan will be a critical issue for local voters. The project’s implementation is not only a matter of infrastructure but a lifeline for the region’s flood-weary residents who have endured decades of hardship.
The urgency and scale of the project mark a turning point in the state’s flood management strategy, offering renewed hope for the people of Ghatal.
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, 26 September 2024, West Medinipur – Relentless rainfall and the release of water from multiple streams have left large parts of West Bengal’s West Medinipur district, particularly Debra block, reeling under severe flooding. Villages along the banks of the Kansai River, including Bhavanipur, Bharatpur, Tabageria, Loada, and Trilochanpur, are among the worst affected, with Trilochanpur facing the brunt of nature’s fury.
Residents in these areas are grappling with extreme hardships, as their homes remain submerged, and access to food and clean drinking water is becoming increasingly scarce. The situation in Trilochanpur is particularly dire, with many homes still underwater. People are desperate for potable water, some resorting to drinking contaminated floodwater mixed with alum. “We have never seen such a disastrous situation before,” said one local resident with tears in his eyes.
Anger and frustration against the local administration are mounting as residents claim they have to travel up to 3 kilometers through waist- or chest-deep water to receive government-provided relief. Dry food and essentials are being distributed, but the relief effort has not been able to reach all affected areas swiftly enough.
Charitable organizations and volunteers have also stepped in to help, distributing food and relief materials to those stranded by the rising waters. In villages like Trilochanpur and Tangashree, families are surviving on this aid, with some sheltering on the upper floors of their homes where possible. For others, the situation is even grimmer—entire homes are flooded, and many have no choice but to spend nights under the open sky, waiting for the waters to recede.
With Durga Puja, the most anticipated festival for Bengalis, just around the corner, the usual festive spirit has been drowned in sorrow for these families. “The joy of Durga Puja has faded for us. We are just trying to stay alive, spending one waterlogged night after another,” said one distressed resident.
To make matters worse, heavy rain returned on Thursday due to a renewed low-pressure system. The dark clouds are bringing fresh torrents of rain, further worsening the already catastrophic situation. Residents, already disoriented by days of unrelenting flooding, now face an even bleaker future. As they wait for relief from the ceaseless downpour, their hopes rest on a swift resolution to the nightmare they are enduring. Many are turning to the divine, praying to Goddess Durga (Uma) for an end to the disaster.
The question on everyone’s minds remains: when will this watery nightmare end, and when will the residents of Debra block find respite from nature’s wrath?
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 24, 2024, Calcutta: In response to the devastating floods that have impacted Birbhum district, an action planning meeting was held on Tuesday to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts. The relentless heavy rains over the past few days have caused significant chaos in the region, prompting swift action from the state government.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally visited the flood-affected villages, bringing much-needed relief and support to those in distress. “The people of my state are being engulfed by the consequences of this man-made flood. Such tragic events are rare in Bengal, and I have no purpose in life except to serve the people,” she stated during her visit.
As the waters slowly recede in various affected areas, the Chief Minister reassured residents that the government is working tirelessly to address the crisis. “Our administration is committed to rebuilding everything from homes to roads,” she emphasized, reflecting the government’s determination to restore normalcy.
During her visit, Banerjee announced that the families of migrant workers who lost their lives in the floods, as well as those who died without receiving treatment, will be provided with compensation of ₹2 lakh from the government. “I am always by their side in their sorrows,” she added, expressing her heartfelt condolences to the grieving families.
In a message of hope, the Chief Minister prayed to Maa Jagajjanani for a swift return to normalcy for all affected. “May Bengal never have to see such a sad day again. May the people of my state be freed from all calamities and sufferings,” she concluded.
The state’s proactive response and compassionate leadership during this crisis highlight the commitment to supporting those in need and rebuilding the community. As relief efforts continue, the people of Birbhum can take solace in knowing that help is on the way.
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 24, 2024, Calcutta: After 151 years of service, the iconic trams of Kolkata, West Bengal, are set to retire from the city’s bustling streets. The West Bengal government announced this significant decision, marking the end of an era for one of the city’s most beloved modes of public transport.
Transport Minister Snehashis Chakraborty made the announcement on Monday, revealing that while the last operating tram lines from Dharmatala to Ballygunge and Dharmatala to Shyambazar will be discontinued, a two-kilometer heritage route from Dharmatala to Maidan will remain operational for tourists. This route aims to preserve the rich tradition and nostalgia associated with Kolkata’s trams.
The history of trams in Kolkata dates back to February 24, 1873, when horse-drawn trams first traversed the city. Over the years, the tram system evolved, with the introduction of electric trams in 1902, courtesy of the Calcutta Tramway Company Limited, which was registered in London. At its peak, the tram service connected various parts of the city, becoming an integral part of Kolkata’s urban landscape.
In celebration of its 150th anniversary, the city commemorated this milestone on February 24, 2023, with various events organized by the Calcutta Tram Company, highlighting the trams’ unique place in the hearts of Kolkata’s residents.
As Kolkata transitions away from its traditional tram system, the heritage route will serve as a reminder of the trams’ long-standing legacy, offering both locals and tourists a glimpse into the city’s rich transport history. This decision reflects a blend of modernization and tradition, ensuring that the spirit of Kolkata’s trams will continue to be celebrated, even as they bid farewell to their once-bustling routes.
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, August 30, 2024 : We are all somewhat familiar with Napoleon’s famous saying: “Give me an educated mother, and I will give you a civilized nation.” Even Napoleon recognized that there is no substitute for education. While alternative education through self-learning is valuable, traditional education is essential to integrate society, build an ideal society, and create a strong nation in the present era of globalization. True education is necessary because strong leadership emerges from a well-educated populace, and we need to be well-educated to keep pace with globalization and technological advancements.
Today, as a society, we have moved far away from religious and moral education, which has led to chaos and a severe degradation of morality. To address this, various levels of government institutions and civil society must play a critical role in fostering moral education. A bridge must be built between civil society and the government to establish stability and balance, which is crucial for a stable government system.
It is important to remember that democratic systems are now institutionalized, and we practice democracy through these institutions. This highlights the importance of education for the proper practice of democracy. Along with spreading education throughout society, we must also prioritize moral education and the practice of ethics. Neglecting moral education is akin to abandoning civilization itself.
The current social system often seems contrary to the ideals of a civilized society. Therefore, we cannot overlook the basic aspects of education and training, such as raising awareness and respecting women’s dignity. If social awareness increases, it will encourage underprivileged families to send their children to school. At the same time, socio-economic development should be accelerated by creating more employment opportunities. This ensures that after completing their education, educated citizens have access to quality job opportunities.
Alongside fostering economic balance in society, there must be a revival of respect for work, life, and mutual respect for one another. The government should step forward to improve the quality of life. It is also crucial for developing countries to allocate more budget resources for education than their developed counterparts. Furthermore, teachers should be properly evaluated and valued. The focus should be on nurturing individuals with a strong moral and humanitarian consciousness.
Education should be seen as a spiritual and intellectual pursuit rather than merely a mundane one. As Swami Vivekananda’s Vedanta philosophy points out, education must impart spiritual awareness, leading to greater strength, self-confidence, and respect for others in shaping one’s life.
Ambiguity can have its own beauty, says Rohit Trilokekar
Situationships invariably mean different things to different people, even the ones involved in the same one: Pixabay
ROHIT TRILOKEKAR | TT | 16.06.24 :
Sohini Chatterjee sank into her favourite plush recliner by the window, in the living room of her expansive Mumbai apartment. Her lover had just left, though traces of his scent lingered. On her skin. In her soul. Forty-year-old Sohini had been seeing the twenty-something lad for a while, although the term ‘seeing’ remained something of an ‘ambiguity’ for a relationship that wasn’t yet defined. Only recently, he had tried tossing the term into their conversations. While she did his underwear during their steamy encounters.
But Sohini wasn’t ready to commit. On the other hand, the earnest lad told her he wasn’t ashamed of introducing her to his parents!
“What’s stopping you?” he asked her once, a pot of tea not the only thing brewing between them. A storm seemed around the corner, what with her just having told him it wasn’t going to work out. Perhaps it was merely for the sex that she found herself in this situationship, defined as something that means different things to different people. The one thing Sohini knew for certain was that when he filled her, she didn’t feel empty.
Things took an abrupt turn when, one day, Sohini suddenly stopped texting. It had been an unwritten rule that he would come to her place only after her confirming the rendezvous over a WhatsApp message. For months, the arrangement had proceeded smoothly. For the major part, Neel hadn’t minded the lack of commitment himself. Until he started harbouring more intense feelings for Sohini. He thought back to the time he had first laid eyes on her. She had been a breath of fresh air. They met at the Bandra railway station. In an autorickshaw line. They ended up sharing the ride, not knowing they would soon be sharing much more.
She seemed frantic…As though he were a sin she was desperately trying to hide
When Neel had asked Sohini her name, she had replied: “Oh well, you can call me Miss Chatterjee.” It was Sohini who had asked for Neel’s number. Neel’s profound shyness when he obliged was utterly endearing. The first time he came home, Sohini tutored him in the art of making love.
The one thing Neel struggled with was the secrecy. It was odd, considering they always met in Sohini’s home, never a public place. She seemed frantic, each time she opened the door to usher him in. As though he were a sin she was desperately trying to hide.
“Do you even have feelings for me?” he asked her once, to the sound of silence. Sohini was relaxing in her favourite recliner. She had just made love to Neel on it. Ah! The energy of youth… Perhaps that was what excited her most — the fact that Neel was half her age. That, and his dreamy chocolate boy looks.
A month after Sohini mysteriously vanished, Neel heard his phone ping at work. It would ping several times a day, of course, but he rarely looked at it. This time, it was different. It was almost as though he knew it were a text from Sohini. And it was. Not a single message, but several. The texts began with an apology and ended with an appeal.
Sohini knew she had to handle the situation tactfully, or she might run the risk of losing him forever. The mere thought of Neel disappearing cut like a knife through her fragile heart
From the moment Neel walked in, Sohini sensed the shift in energy. Something wasn’t quite right. She started kissing her lover passionately, but only a few moments in, Neel pulled away.
“What’s the matter, darling? Did I upset you?”
“You bet you did! What’s wrong with you? You embark on this strange relationship with me, before cutting me off like I’m some kind of tumour?”
Sohini was stupefied. In her wildest dreams, she wouldn’t have thought this innocent-looking lad could ever muster the courage to scream at her.
“Are you looking to put a label on us?” asked Sohini, teary-eyed.
“Yes! And what the hell is wrong with that?” responded Neel, shaking, almost out of control. Sohini knew she had to handle the situation tactfully, or she might run the risk of losing him forever. The mere thought of Neel disappearing cut like a knife through her fragile heart.
“I’m… sorry, jaan. I just thought we were doing fine, you know.”
“Fine? You call this fine? You’ve been using me for sex! That’s it. I just can’t take this any longer. Why did I even come here?”
Neel had fallen in love with Sohini — the cardinal sin in a situationship
Something transitory need not be meaningless, as long as it provides a genuine connection
Pixabay
Sohini’s heart was racing wildly. All of a sudden, the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on her. While she might have been comfortable with this arrangement they had shared, poor Neel had evidently wanted much more.
Neel had fallen in love with Sohini — the cardinal sin in a situationship.
That was the last day they saw each other. She went on with her mundane life, each day like the preceding one.
One day, against a backdrop of beautiful hibiscus flowers blooming in the garden, with a drizzle in motion, Sohini thought of Neel and all he meant to her. How could she ever have explained to someone fresh out of the throes of adolescence that only the quality of moments matter? That she made love to him because it made her feel something?
Neel had every right to want more. Especially because he loved Sohini. Only now did Sohini realise that she might have loved him, too. Yet, she had her own compulsions, the amorphous boundaries of another situationship that she had been in for years. One that had a label, but no clarity. Her marriage with Mr Chatterjee.
Most of us amble through life, in relationships as predictable as dal bhaat. Commitment isn’t the only thing that binds people. Especially when it’s a word sprinkled casually, like tadka on dal.
In common parlance, a situationship is defined by a lack of commitment. Some situationships, in the guise of relationships, don’t suffer from a lack of commitment to a person. What they lack is a commitment to love itself. And yet, such a fickle thing is love that the most compelling moments it produces are often transitory. Like butterflies.
Rohit Trilokekar is a novelist from Mumbai who flirts with the idea of what it means to love. His heart’s compass swerves ever so often towards Kolkata, the city he believes has the most discerning literary audience.
EOI, DARJEELING, MAY 27, 2024 : The civic body in Darjeeling on Monday formed a committee to keep vigil on people dumping their garbage in areas outside those which had been allocated for the dumping of garbage at the stipulated time. Violations may result in penalty on the defaulters.
This step by the Darjeeling Municipality has been taken because some residents of Darjeeling are in the habit of throwing their garbage throughout the day. The conservancy department staff collect wastes and garbage on a daily basis from residential houses and shops, but only at a stipulated time. .
Darjeeling Municipality, conservancy department In-charge Nitesh Gurung said: “An order was issued by the Municipality chairman today that as per the meeting held on May 3 there will be three teams made for the purpose of inspection of all hotels, restaurants and areas in the municipal area. These three teams have been made to check if the waste and garbage being disposed of by them are being done properly or not.
They will also check if the local people are disposing garbage at the proper time or not and in the proper place.
”“We have made a schedule for the hotels, restaurants and the local people to dispose of their garbage. People can only dispose of their garbage after seven in the evening till five in the morning in the respective allocated place in their area. If we find the people are not throwing their garbage in the allotted time and in the proper place then a penalty will be issued on them,” he added.
Gurung said people caught not following these rules would be fined on the spot to the tune of Rs 500 to Rs 1000. He said that the new rules also applied to the tourists who would behanded over seizure list and fined on the spot, if they were found littering wastes. “As far as the tourists are concerned, they will not know about the rules here so we are making a brochure ready which will be handed to them indifferent places, informing them about the do’s and don’ts,” he said.
“At present we are seeing that as soon as the municipality collects the garbage from different areas then people go and dispose of their garbage there. It gives the wrong impression that the civic body is not doing their work,” he said, adding that they have also received videos showing people throwing garbage soon after their waste collection vehicles have collect the wastes.
The civic body had removed garbage vats from most places in the recent past in an effort to minimize waste being thrown there as people used to throw garbage all around the vat area, making the whole area filled with garbage.
The civic body had the vats replaced with dustbins along with the introduction of a door-to-door collection of garbage.
However, what is being seen at present is people throwing more garbage than the dustbins can hold, making the area look filthy while in some areas the dustbins are missing.“ This is also to do with the mentality of the people. The civic body is doing its work, but the people should also be conscious and think that it is their Darjeeling and it is also their duty and responsibility to keep it clean. Everyone should be involved in keeping Darjeeling clean,” said Gurung.
Dr Naveen Kichi had been on the run since the fire outbreak late on Saturday, police said
PTI, NEW DELHI, May 26, 2024 : A massive fire broke out at a private children’s hospital in east Delhi’s Vivek Vihar, leaving seven newborns dead, officials said on Sunday.
The officials of the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) said the blaze broke out at the Baby Care New Born Hospital at around 11:30 pm on Saturday and soon spread to two other adjacent buildings.
Sixteen fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the blaze, Divisional Fire Officer Rajendra Atwal said.
Oxygen cylinders kept in the two-storey building exploded due to which the adjacent buildings were damaged, he said.
Another fire official said two boutiques, a portion of IndusInd Bank operating from an adjacent building and a shop on the ground floor were also damaged besides an ambulance and a scooty parked outside the building.
Condoling the death of children, President Droupadi Murmu prayed for strength to the bereaved parents.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said those responsible for negligence will not be spared.
Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj also said strictest punishment will be given to those found negligent or involved in any wrongdoing.
In a post on X, Kejriwal said the Government stood with those who lost their children in the fire incident, and added the administration was ensuring proper treatment to the injured.
He said the reasons behind the fire were being probed and those found negligent will not be spared.
DFS chief Atul Garg said 12 newborns were rescued from the medical facility but seven of them died.
Five babies are undergoing treatment at another hospital, he said, adding some of them have received minor burn injuries.
The bodies have been shifted to the GTB Hospital for postmortem, police said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Surendra Choudhary said owner of the hospital Naveen Kichi has been booked under Sections 336 (Act endangering life of personal safety of others) and 304A (causing death by negligence) at Vivek Vihar police station.
The officer said teams have been formed to nab the owner.
Choudhary said they are checking the fire NOC of the hospital and if it is found with out it, IPC sections may be added.
According to eyewitnesses, locals and members of an NGO, Shaheed Seva Dal, were the first to rush to help.
Some residents climbed the building from the back side and rescued some of the newborns. Members of Shaheed Seva Dal, an NGO operating in the area, were also involved in the rescue efforts, an eyewitness said.
Ravi Gupta, a local resident, said some locals climbed from the back side of the building and evacuated children one by one.
Fire Department officials, local police and members of Sewa Dal joined them in the rescue operation, another resident Sanju Verma said.
A member of Sewa Dal claimed the hospital staff ran away soon after the hospital building caught fire.
Another resident, Mukesh Bansal claimed that an ‘unauthorised’ oxygen refilling cylinder work was being carried out in the building.
“We had complained about it to the local Councillor as well. But nothing was done. It was all happening under the nose of the police,” Bansal alleged.
Bansal also said that he used to live next to the hospital but due to the ‘illegal’ work of refilling cylinders, he shifted to the next lane.
PTI, New Delhi, May 19, 2024 : The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Monday a petition challenging the enactment of three new laws that seek to overhaul India’s penal codes claiming that they suffer from many “defects and discrepancies”.
A vacation bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal is likely to hear the matter.
The Lok Sabha, on December 21 last year, passed three key legislations — the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the bills on December 25.
These new laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Act — will replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the Indian Evidence Act respectively.
Seeking a stay on the operation of the three new laws, the PIL filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari has said they were enacted without any parliamentary debate as most of the opposition members were under suspension.
The plea has sought directions from the court for the immediately constitution of an expert committee that will assess the viability of the three new criminal laws.
“The new criminal laws are far more draconian and establish a police state in reality and violate every provision of fundamental rights of the people of India. If the British laws were considered colonial and draconian, then the Indian laws stand now far more draconian as, in the British period, you could keep a person in police custody for a maximum of 15 days. Extending 15 days to 90 days and more is a shocking provision enabling police torture,” the plea has said.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita encompasses offences, such as acts of secession, armed rebellion, subversive activities, separatist activities or endangering the sovereignty or unity of the country, in a new avatar of the sedition law.
According to the new laws, anyone purposely or knowingly, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, by visible representation, by electronic communication, by use of financial means, or otherwise, excites or attempts to excite secession or an armed rebellion or subversive activities, or encourages feelings of separatist activities or endangers the sovereignty or unity and integrity of India or indulges in or commits any such act shall be punished with imprisonment for life or with imprisonment that may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine.
According to IPC section 124A, which deals with sedition, anyone involved in the crime may be punished with life imprisonment or with a three-year jail term. Under the new laws, “Rajdroh” has got a new term, “Deshdroh”, doing away with the reference to the British crown. Loosely explained, “Rajdroh” refers to a rebellion or an act against the ruler, while “Deshdroh” represents such acts against the nation.
Also, for the first time, the word “terrorism” has been defined in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. It was absent in the IPC. Under the new laws, the magistrate’s power to impose fines has been increased as well as the scope for declaring a proclaimed offender.
PTI, New Delhi, May 17, 2024 : The Supreme Court on Friday sought the Centre’s stand on a petition challenging the marital rape exception under the new criminal laws.
A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud issued notice on the petition by the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) and said it would be listed for hearing in July along with other petitions seeking to criminalise marital rape.
“It is a constitutional issue. This will be live even after the new code,” the bench, also comprising Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra, said.
The top court had on January 16, 2023 sought the Centre’s response on certain petitions assailing the Indian Penal Code (IPC) provision which provides protection to a husband against prosecution for forcible sexual intercourse if the wife is an adult.
Under the exception given in Section 375 of the IPC, sexual intercourse or sexual acts by a man with his wife, the wife not being minor, is not rape.
Even under the new law — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), exception 2 to section 63 (rape) has clarified that “sexual intercourse or sexual acts by a man with his own wife, the wife not being under eighteen years of age, is not rape”.
The newly enacted laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Act — that would completely overhaul the criminal justice system will come into effect from July 1.
Besides the exception under the BNS, AIDWA has also challenged in the Supreme Court the constitutionality of section 67 of the BNS, which prescribes imprisonment ranging from two to seven years for married men who rape their separated wives.
The plea, filed through lawyer Ruchira Goel, objected to the provision on the ground that the penalty is lower than the mandatory minimum 10-year sentence otherwise applicable in cases of rape.
It also assailed as unconstitutional section 221 of BNSS, which facilitates a “lenient regime” under section 67 by prohibiting a court from taking cognizance of the offence without “prima facie satisfaction of the facts which constitute the offence upon a complaint… by the wife”.
The petitioner emphasised that the marital rape exception violates Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution as it negates a married women’s consent to sex and perpetuates sexual and gender stereotypes about the subordination of a woman’s individuality.
“The impugned provisions, in pegging the legal status of a woman’s consent to her marital status, are manifestly arbitrary. There is no determining principle to justify the select deprivation of married women of a legal right to complain of the commission of the offence under Section 63 of the BNS by her husband,” the petition said.
It further stated that the protection of the “institution” of marriage as the “objective” to sustain the exception is wholly unjust and unfair.
The petition also stated that the marital rape exception is against Article 19(1)(a) and Article 21 of the Constitution because it takes away a married women’s rights to bodily integrity, decisional autonomy, and dignity.
“Given that this Hon’ble Court is seized of the matter insofar as it concerns the pari materia (in similar matter or when two provisions of two different statutes deal with the same subject) provisions of the BNS and BNSS as they were contained in the IPC and CrPC, it is prayed that this Hon’ble Court hear the instant case, which challenges provisions of the BNS and BNSS that constitute and secure the MRE (marital rape exception), respectively,” the plea said.
One of pending pleas in the Supreme Court has been filed in relation to the Delhi High Court’s split verdict of May 11, 2022 on the issue. This appeal has been filed by a woman, one of the petitioners before the Delhi High Court.
However, two HC judges — Justice Rajiv Shakdher and Justice C Hari Shankar — had concurred on granting a certificate of leave to appeal in the Supreme Court as the matter involved substantial questions of law which required a decision from the top court.
AIDWA was also one of the petitioners before the high court.
While Justice Shakdher, who headed the division bench, favoured striking down the marital rape exception for being “unconstitutional” and said it would be “tragic if a married woman’s call for justice is not heard even after 162 years” since the enactment of the IPC, Justice Shankar said the exception under the rape law is not “unconstitutional and was based on an intelligible differentia”.
Another plea has been filed by a man against the Karnataka High Court verdict which had paved the way for his prosecution for allegedly raping his wife.
The Karnataka High Court had on March 23, 2022 said exempting a husband from allegation of rape and unnatural sex with his wife runs against Article 14 (equality before law) of the Constitution.
Villagers contribute labour to building motorable link, Ajoy Edwards joins ‘apolitical project’
Villagers helped by Ajoy Edwards build a 135-foot-long bridge, which has been a poll issue for the last 40 years, to connect Bijanbari: The Telegraph
Vivek Chhetri, TT, Darjeeling, 17.05.24 :
Villagers are constructing a 130-foot-long concrete motorable bridge in Darjeeling, a lifeline that governments have failed to build in decades.
In the thick of things is Ajoy Edwards, a relatively new politician in the hills with his Hamro Party, but he has stressed that this is an “apolitical initiative” with villagers irrespective of their political affiliations.
The bridge is being built over Chota Rangit river connecting Singtom tea garden with Pulbazar-Bijanbari area.
Ajoy Edwards chips in with villagers to build the bridge.: The Telegraph
During the British era, a suspension bridge was built for people and horses to cross the river. This was the most used road during earlier times with strong business ties between Darjeeling and Pulbazar-Bijanbari area.
At the moment there are two circuitous routes to reach Bijanbari from Darjeeling — one through Ghoom-Jorebunglow and the other through Jamuni. “While the two routes need anything between one-and-half to two hours to cover the distance, this bridge would ensure that the distance will be covered in half an hour,” said Edwards.
There has always been a demand to build a motorable bridge through the old route. “It seems this has been a poll issue of the area for decades,” said Edwards.
Edwards’s involvement with the plan started when he started distributing relief during Covid-19 in 2000.
“While visiting the area during Covid days I had told the villagers that I would be a part of this bridge initiative if the villagers joined hands,” said Edwards.
Nothing moved for around four years.
Early this year villagers of more than 20 villages decided to build the bridge on their own.
Edwards decided to contribute raw materials and the daily wages of seven to eight masons. The villagers decided to contribute free labour, including procuring raw materials like sand and break stones from the river.
For the past three months, villagers have been working long days to build the bridge.
Edwards has spent around Rs 20 lakhs on the project so far. “But the contribution of the villagers is much more,” he said. “Last Sunday, when we had to cast the slab of the bridge, over 350 people turned up to volunteer.”
The story of the bridge is intertwined with the politics of Darjeeling.
The Singtom-Pulbazar Bijanbari area was predominantly CPM when the Subash Ghisingh-led Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) led the Gorkhaland agitation.
Clashes between the CPM and the GNLF were frequent.
When the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) elections were held in 1988, the GNLF swept the hills but the Chungthung-Marybong and Pulbzar-Bijanbari seats still went to the CPM.
“In 1992, the (CPM-led) state government wanted to construct a bridge over the river at an approximate cost of Rs 2 crore but despite laying the foundation stone the project could not start as the DGHC did not provide the no-objection certificate,” said Saran Gurung, a resident of the area, who added that he joined the initiative because Edwards has termed the initiative “apolitical.”
Again in the late 1990s, CPM MP S.P. Lepcha, also a resident of Singtom, sanctioned an amount to build the bridge.
“The government erected three pillars but that was it. There was no further progress,” said Gurung.
Even Gurung, a contractor by profession, has pooled around Rs 2 lakhs for the project. “My people from outside that region have also contributed by paying for cement and other costs,” said Edwards.
More than 75 per cent of the bridge is complete. “We are confident of completing the bridge in the next 15 days before monsoon sets in,” said Edwards.
PINAK PANI CHOWDHURY, MP, 16 May 2024, BALURGHAT: Gurupada Burman, who spent half his life at a correctional home, has been released after spending 28 years behind bars for murder.
At 60 years of age, he aims to reintegrate into society by raising ducks and goats, seeking support from the South Dinajpur district administration. The district administration has also assured him of all support in an attempt to rehabilitate him.
The incident occurred in 1987 during a land dispute in Rainagar village, Balurghat Block, resulting in the tragic deaths of eight family members.
Four persons were arrested and eventually sentenced to death in 1996, after nine years of legal proceedings. While two were executed and one committed suicide,
Gurupada’s sentence was commuted to life imprisonment due to positive behaviour in prison. Periodic paroles allowed him to support his family with earnings from prison farming.
Following the murders, Rainagar villagers vandalised Gurupada’s home, causing his wife and five children to relocate to Shalgram.
However, based on recommendations from authorities, including the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, the review board granted Gurupada full release.
Reflecting on his wife’s struggles, Gurupada expresses readiness for employment through duck and goat farming. “I will now start a new life with the help of the district administration.
I will take up animal farming as my livelihood,” Gurupada said. Jayanta Kumar Sur, district administration official, citing comprehensive assessments, plans to provide him with livestock through the Animal Resource Development department.
“The board released him after considering all aspects. We are considering providing him with livestock,” Sur said.
Agencies & PTI, MAY 16, 2024: At least 12 people were killed on 16 May in lightning strike in different places across Malda district of West Bengal, a government official said to news agency PTI. The district administration has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased, he said. A number of injured people are being treated at various hospitals.
Malda SP Pradip Kumar Yadav says, Twelve persons have lost their lives in the (lightning) incident but the cause of their death will confirmed after post-mortem, as reported by news agency ANI. Following the guidelines of MCC and after discussing with the concerned authorities, the administration will provide Rs 2 lakh each as compensation and Rs 2000 for last rites, said DM Nitin Singhania.
Meanwhile, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee in a post on X wrote, “My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones in Malda due to the tragic lightning strikes. I extend my deepest condolences to them during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured, and I pray for their swift recovery. Our district administration is working tirelessly to provide all necessary support to the affected. We will do everything in our capacity to assist those in need”.
Three persons Chandan Sahani (40), Raj Mriddha (16) and Manajit Mandal (21) were killed in Malda’s Sahapur area, while another person identified as Asit Saha (19) died in Gajol after he was struck by lightning while working in a mango orchard, he said.
Eight-year-old Rana Sheikh in Manickchak’s Mohammed Tola and a couple, Nayan Roy (23) and Priyanka Singha (20) of Harishchandrapur, also lost their lives due to lightning, the official added. Eight-year-old Rana Sheikh in Manickchak’s Mohammed Tola and a couple, Nayan Roy (23) and Priyanka Singha (20) of Harishchandrapur, also lost their lives due to lightning, the official added.
In Haddatola, lightning killed Atul Mandal (65) and Sheikh Sabrul (11) while Sumitra Mandal (45) lost her life in Mirdadpur, he said. In Englishbazar’s Milki, a man identified as Pankaj Mandal (23) was killed. In Englishbazar’s Milki, a man identified as Pankaj Mandal (23) was killed.”,
My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones in Malda due to the tragic lightning strikes. I extend my deepest condolences to them during this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with the injured, and I pray for their swift recovery.
PTI, Malda, May 16, 2024 : At least 11 people were killed and two others injured in lightning strikes at various places across West Bengal’s Malda district on Thursday, police said.
Two among the deceased were minors, both residents of Manikchak police station area, while three hailed from Sahapur under the jurisdiction of Malda police station, police added.
Two others were from Adina under Gajol police station and Balupur under Ratua police station. A couple died in Harishchandrapur when they were working in the fields. The rest were residents of Englishbazar and Manikchak police station areas.
Shringla made this announcement while delivering a lecture at Southfield College in Darjeeling on Saturday
Harsh Vardhan Shringla at Southfield College, Darjeeling, for a lecture : File image
Vivek Chhetri, TT, Darjeeling,12.05.24 :Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a former foreign secretary to have the rare honour of a road named after him in another country, has decided to help groom young minds from the region to crack the UPSC examinations.
Shringla made this announcement while delivering a lecture at Southfield College in Darjeeling on Saturday.
Apart from the announcement, Shringla’s public appearance after he was pipped to the post by sitting BJP MP Raju Bista for the BJP Darjeeling Lok Sabha ticket was a talking point in town. Shringla traces his roots to Darjeeling.
Although Shringla has remained mum on his political aspirations, his supporters are rooting for his entry to Parliament through the Rajya Sabha route.
On Saturday, Shringla spoke of the “interconnected nature of global affairs” and the way India’s image had transformed over the years.
Shringla also encouraged students to train on skills, spoke on techniques to crack the UPSC and announced the Darjeeling Welfare Society, a nonprofit he heads, would set up UPSC coaching centres in Darjeeling.
“The Darjeeling Welfare Society and Southfield College will soon be signing a MoU for establishing a coaching centre,” said Shringla, who until recently the chief coordinator of India’s G20 Presidency.
Shringla has previously served as India’s foreign secretary and the country’s ambassador to the United States, high commissioner to Bangladesh and ambassador to Thailand.
“Given his vast experience, the BJP is very keen to use his expertise (in this region). There are enough indicators on this front,” said a source.
The source added that although Shringla was never interested in politics, his name was strongly proposed by a strong lobby within the BJP as the party’s candidate from Darjeeling.
“The decision to drop him (as the BJP nominee) was taken at the very last moment. In fact, top guns of the BJP such as Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and Yogi Adityanath had deliberated long on Shringla’s candidature,” said a source.
The BJP has won the Darjeeling seat back-to-back from 2009.
Shringla, 62, has a road at Bakerganj in Barishal district of Kalaskathi Union in Bangladesh named after him as a symbol of Bangladesh-India friendship.
The 2.7km “Shree Harsh Vardhan Shringla Road” was inaugurated on August 7, 2023, by local MP Nasreen Jahan Ratna Amin.
Shringla visited Kalaskathi when he was the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh from 2016 to 2019.
Kalaskathi also has a Satindra Smriti Gandhi Ashram founded in 1946 by the then Gandhian leader Satindranath Sen and his associates. In 1971, the Pakistani occupation forces killed at least 360 people together on the bank of Kalaskathi canal. That is why the area has important memories of the Bangladesh liberation war.
The districts in south Bengal, which suffered a long spell of heatwave with the highest temperature in Calcutta breaking a 50-year record at 43 degrees Celsius, got relief from the scorching heat from early this week with conditions becoming favourable for thunderstorms and rain in the region
PTI, Calcutta, 09.05.24: A thundersquall accompanied by hailstorms lashed Calcutta and adjoining districts of South and North 24 Parganas on Thursday afternoon.
The presence of a cyclonic circulation over Bangladesh and its neighbourhood besides strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal will cause thunderstorms with lightning and gusty wind over West Bengal till May 12, the Met department said.
A thundersquall hit Calcutta and adjoining South and North 24 Parganas district, accompanied by hailstorms in some places of the city, the Met said.
The districts in south Bengal, which suffered a long spell of heatwave with the highest temperature in Calcutta breaking a 50-year record at 43 degrees Celsius, got relief from the scorching heat from early this week with conditions becoming favourable for thunderstorms and rain in the region.
PIB, GANGTOK, MAY 9, 2024 : President of India Droupadi Murmu conferred Padma Shri on Jorden Lepcha from Sikkim in the field of Art at a Civil Investiture Ceremony in New Delhi today. Born on July 28,1971, in the serene village of Rubeyam Ram, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Dzongu, Mangan District, Sikkim, Lepcha’s early years were shaped by the teachings of his parents who introduced him to the art of bamboo crafting.
Driven by a deep passion to revive ancient traditions, Lepcha immersed himself in mastering the intricate techniques of crafting Lepchahats, known as Thyaktuks. The pivotal moment came in 1997 when he participated in a six- month training programme for traditional hat weaving organized by the Government of Sikkim’s Industry department. Despite facing challenges in selling his creations initially, he persevered, taking on additional jobs to support his family while honing his craft.
In 2005, Lepcha began sharing his knowledge by conducting training sessions for aspiring artisans in Gangtok, summoned by the Directorate of Handicrafts &Handlooms (Govt. of Sikkim).
His commitment extended to offering free training sessions at his own residence, empowering individuals to embrace and propagate the ancient craft of Lepcha hat weaving. Lepcha’s legacy goes beyond individual accomplishments; it’s about the impact one person can have in preserving and perpetuating cultural traditions.
Through his efforts, he has not only safeguarded a cherished cultural heritage but also empowered countless individuals to embrace their heritage and sustain themselves through craftsmanship.
Through dedication and hard work, Lepcha’s expertise gained recognition, earning him accolades such as a Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Textile(Government of India) and the esteemed title of Master Craftsman for the State of Sikkim. But beyond personal achievements, his journey has always been about giving back to his community and preserving their cultural legacy.
Brief citation about the life and work of the awardee Jorden Lepcha is given below-
1. Shri Jorden Lepcha is a famous bamboo craftsman from Sikkim.
2. Born on July 28, 1971, in the serene village of Rubeyam Ram, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Dzongu, Mangan District, Sikkim, Shri Lepcha’s early years were shaped by the teachings of his parents who introduced him to the art of bamboo crafting.
3. Driven by a deep passion to revive ancient traditions, Shri Lepcha immersed himself in mastering the intricate techniques of crafting Lepcha hats, known as Thyaktuks. The pivotal moment came in 1997 when he participated in a six- month training program for traditional hat weaving organized by the Government of Sikkim’s Industry department. Despite facing challenges in selling his creations initially, he persevered, taking on additional jobs to support his family while honing his craft.
4. In 2005, Shri Lepcha began sharing his knowledge and skills by conducting training sessions for aspiring artisans in Gangtok, summoned by the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms (Govt. of Sikkim). His commitment extended to offering free training sessions at his own residence, empowering individuals to embrace and propagate the ancient craft of Lepcha hat weaving.
5. Shri Lepcha’s legacy goes beyond individual accomplishments; it’s about the impact one person can have in preserving and perpetuating cultural traditions. Through his efforts, he has not only safeguarded a cherished cultural heritage but also empowered countless individuals to embrace their heritage and sustain themselves through craftsmanship.
6. Through dedication and hard work, Shri Lepcha’s expertise gained recognition, earning him accolades such as a Certificate of Merit from the Ministry of Textile (Government of India) and the esteemed title of Master Craftsman for the State of Sikkim. But beyond personal achievements, his journey has always been about giving back to his community and preserving their cultural legacy.
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