Category Archives: law

Plea to remove Afzal Guru’s grave from Tihar Jail rejected

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**Plea to Remove Afzal Guru’s Grave from Tihar Jail Rejected**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 24, 2025 | 02:12 PM*

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**Overview**

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition seeking the removal of the graves of convicted terrorists Mohammad Afzal Guru and Mohammad Maqbool Bhat from Tihar Jail. The petitioners contended that maintaining the graves of these terrorists within a state-run prison was illegal and unconstitutional, urging judicial intervention to relocate the remains. They argued that such graves could encourage glorification of terrorism and lead to misuse of prison premises.

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**Judicial Stance: Decision Reserved for Competent Authorities**

The Delhi High Court observed that the matter involves sensitive decisions which were taken by the government at the time of execution. The court emphasized that reopening such issues after more than a decade is unwarranted.

It was noted that only competent authorities have the jurisdiction to decide on such matters. The court further highlighted that without specific legislation banning burials or cremations inside prison premises, judicial intervention is not justified.

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**Concerns Raised by Petitioners**

The petitioners, Vishwa Vedic Sanatan Sangh and Jitendra Singh, argued that the presence of the graves has transformed Tihar Jail into a “radical pilgrimage” site. According to them, extremist elements visit the prison to venerate these convicted terrorists, which in turn undermines national security and public order.

They asserted that this scenario sanctifies terrorism and violates the principles of secularism and the rule of law enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Additionally, they cited violations of the Delhi Prisons Rules, 2018.

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**Health and Security Arguments**

The plea also claimed that the burial of the bodies within prison grounds poses risks of infectious and hazardous diseases to inmates and staff.

For context, Mohammad Maqbool Bhat was hanged at Tihar Jail on February 11, 1984, for the murder of a policeman, and his body was buried on the prison premises. Mohammad Afzal Guru, a key conspirator in the 2001 Indian Parliament attack that resulted in nine deaths, was executed in February 2013 at Tihar Jail, with his body similarly buried on site.

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**Conclusion**

The Delhi High Court’s refusal to interfere leaves the graves of Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat at Tihar Jail intact, affirming that decisions regarding their location rest with appropriate governmental authorities and legislative frameworks.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/hc-dismisses-plea-to-remove-afzal-guru-s-grave-from-tihar/story

Plea to remove Afzal Guru’s grave from Tihar Jail rejected

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**Plea to Remove Afzal Guru’s Grave from Tihar Jail Rejected by Delhi High Court**

*By Snehil Singh | September 24, 2025 | 02:12 PM*

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition seeking the removal of the graves of convicted terrorists Mohammad Afzal Guru and Mohammad Maqbool Bhat from Tihar Jail. The petitioners contended that maintaining the graves of terrorists within a state-run facility was illegal and unconstitutional. They urged judicial intervention to relocate the remains, arguing that doing so would prevent the glorification of terrorism and curb the misuse of prison premises.

### Judicial Stance: Authorities to Decide on Sensitive Issues

The Delhi High Court observed that such matters are sensitive and were decided by the government at the time of the executions. The court emphasized that after more than a decade, these issues cannot be reopened. It noted that only competent authorities are empowered to make decisions regarding burials or cremations within prison premises. The court further stated that judicial intervention is unwarranted in the absence of specific legislation prohibiting such practices inside prisons.

### Petitioners’ Concerns: Graves as ‘Radical Pilgrimage’ Sites

The petitioners, Vishwa Vedic Sanatan Sangh and Jitendra Singh, argued that the presence of these graves has transformed Tihar Jail into a “radical pilgrimage” site. According to them, extremist elements visit the graves to venerate the convicted terrorists, which undermines national security and public order.

They claimed this situation sanctifies terrorism and violates the principles of secularism and the rule of law enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Additionally, they cited violations of the Delhi Prisons Rules, 2018, which govern prison premises.

### Health and Security Concerns Raised

The plea also highlighted potential health risks, asserting that burials within the prison compound pose a threat of infectious and hazardous diseases to inmates and staff.

### Background

Mohammad Maqbool Bhat was hanged at Tihar Jail on February 11, 1984, after being convicted for the murder of a policeman. His body was buried on the prison grounds.

Mohammad Afzal Guru, a key conspirator in the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament that resulted in nine deaths, was executed in February 2013 at Tihar Jail. His remains were also interred within the prison premises.

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The Delhi High Court’s decision maintains the status quo, leaving the sensitive issue of terrorist graves within Tihar Jail in the hands of the authorities.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/hc-dismisses-plea-to-remove-afzal-guru-s-grave-from-tihar/story

Police cracking down on drunk driving during AFL grand final weekend

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Victoria Police are cracking down on drunk and drug drivers over the AFL Grand Final long weekend.

As part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety during this significant event, authorities will increase patrols and conduct random breath and drug testing across the state.

Stay safe and avoid driving under the influence during the festivities.

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*September 24, 2025*
https://www.theage.com.au/national/police-cracking-down-on-drunk-driving-during-afl-grand-final-weekend-20250924-p5mxos.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

Bombay HC Slams Thane Municipal Corporation For Illegal Construction On Govt Land, Orders Demolition

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**Bombay High Court Orders Demolition of Illegal Buildings in Thane, Slams TMC for Inaction**

*Mumbai:* The Bombay High Court has come down heavily on the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) for shielding illegal constructions allegedly built with the blessings of a former municipal corporator. In a strong ruling on September 22, a bench comprising Justices Girish Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe ordered the demolition of three multistorey buildings along with an unauthorized bar and restaurant established on government land designated for cattle grazing.

The court expressed shock at the civic body’s persistent inaction. “This is another case which would shock the conscience of the Court inasmuch as on the land in question,” the bench remarked. It further noted that the three buildings were constructed without any permission from the Thane Municipal Corporation. The constructions appeared to have the approval of the then Municipal Corporator, as alleged in the petition.

### About The Plea

The High Court was hearing a petition filed by Niraj Kabadi, who alleged that three buildings—Wings A, B, and C—were erected on plots at Mauje Majiwada, Thane, without obtaining the necessary conversion permissions from the state government.

Additionally, former corporator Bhushan Bhoir and others had started “Mogambo Bar and Family Restaurant” (later renamed Madhushala Bar) in their wives’ names without the required approvals. These facilities have been reportedly used for parties and events.

### Court Observations on TMC’s Inaction

Despite a coordinate bench granting police protection for demolition back in January 2025, the TMC failed to take any action against the illegal constructions. The court observed, “It appears that the Municipal Corporation had adopted an approach to subsist such illegality and was not very keen to implement the law of the land,” questioning the delay in enforcing court orders.

The judges also referred to earlier proceedings involving a plea by Subhadra Takle, which led to the demolition of 17 similar unauthorized structures in Thane after court mandates—a decision later upheld by the Supreme Court.

### Defense and Court’s Response

Senior advocate Ram Apte, representing the TMC, argued that demolition attempts were hindered due to protests and attempts to gather public crowds at the site. However, the court refused to accept this excuse. It stressed, “If the real intention of the Municipal Corporation was to undertake demolition, then the first step would have been disconnection of electricity and water supply.”

### Court Directives

Accepting an undertaking from advocate Apte, the court directed the TMC to:

– Issue notices to the occupants within one week
– Disconnect electricity and water supply within 15 days
– Proceed with demolition thereafter, with police protection if necessary

The court clarified that the concession of allowing notice before demolition was granted only considering the ongoing festive season. It emphasized that the occupants had long been aware that they were residing in unauthorized premises.

### Conclusion

The bench ordered the demolition of the “rank illegal and unauthorized” buildings and stressed that the TMC must demonstrate a “real intention” this time to dismantle illegal structures and uphold the law.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bombay-hc-slams-thane-municipal-corporation-for-illegal-construction-on-govt-land-orders-demolition

Judge fines Galway farmer over €9,300 for destruction of ‘rare’ limestone pavement

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A farmer has been ordered to pay over €9,300 in penalties for the destruction of 10 acres of an “extremely rare and unique” limestone pavement habitat within a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) on the periphery of the Burren in Co Clare.

At Ennis District Court on Tuesday, Judge Adrian Harris recorded a conviction against Galway farmer Martin Feeney, stating that 10 acres of limestone habitat were destroyed as a result of his actions.

Mr. Feeney, of Mincloon, Rahoon, Galway, pleaded guilty to two offences related to the adverse impact on the limestone pavement. Judge Harris imposed fines totaling €3,000 and costs of €6,307.

Helen Carty, Regional Manager with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), told the court that 4.3 hectares (10.6 acres) of limestone pavement had been impacted by reclamation works for agriculture carried out by Mr. Feeney between March and August 2022.

Ms. Carty emphasized that limestone pavement is an “extremely rare and unique habitat,” listed as a priority habitat under the Habitats Directive due to its risk of disappearance. She noted that any loss of priority habitat is significant.

The affected lands are located within the Moyree River system SAC, one of five SACs in the Burren, situated on its periphery.

According to Ms. Carty, Mr. Feeney undertook reclamation works by removing limestone pavement blocks and infilling the area with material sourced from a nearby drumlin on the lands. The area was then re-seeded for approved agricultural grassland.

The works involved leveling infill material over the limestone pavement habitat. Additionally, Ms. Carty stated that a wall was constructed from very large limestone boulders, likely sourced from the SAC in the vicinity.

To assess the damage, Ms. Carty conducted a helicopter survey of the area, providing before-and-after satellite images as evidence in court.

She also detailed a January 2024 site visit to Mr. Feeney’s farmyard, which required assistance from two gardai due to Mr. Feeney’s uncooperative behavior.

Counsel for Mr. Feeney, Evan O’Donnell BL, acknowledged the State’s evidence and confirmed that his client accepts responsibility for his actions. Mr. O’Donnell requested that no conviction be imposed, highlighting that Mr. Feeney has farmed the lands since the late 1980s.

He also noted that Mr. Feeney was previously subject to a prosecution by the NPWS in 2008, which was later withdrawn. Mr. Feeney believed that the reclamation works he carried out were lawful and that they were not impacting limestone pavement.

Mr. O’Donnell mentioned that substantial areas of limestone pavement on Mr. Feeney’s landholding remain untouched.

Furthermore, he revealed that Mr. Feeney was recently hospitalized, including a period in intensive care, after being struck by a cow.

Mr. O’Donnell added that Mr. Feeney is retiring from farming, with his daughter set to take over the farming activities. He expressed that Mr. Feeney is eager to resolve the matter and is willing to make a charitable contribution in lieu of a conviction.

Representing the State, Thomas Wallace O’Donnell BL, instructed by the State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey, emphasized the importance of a conviction being recorded in this case.

Mr. Feeney pleaded guilty to carrying out works on the lands between March 26th, 2022, and August 10th, 2022, within a SAC without the consent of the Minister. He also pleaded guilty to bringing plant machinery onto a SAC, adversely impacting its integrity.

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*This case highlights the serious consequences of damaging protected habitats and serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to environmental regulations.*
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/judge-fines-galway-farmer-over-e9300-for-destruction-of-rare-limestone-pavement-1810114.html

Madhya Pradesh Legal Team, OBC Mahasabha Gear Up For 27% Quota Fight

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**Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Preparations Intensify Ahead of Supreme Court Hearing on 27% OBC Reservation**

With the Supreme Court scheduled to resume hearings on the 27% Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation case from September 24, the Madhya Pradesh government and the OBC Mahasabha have stepped up their legal preparations.

A strategic meeting was held in Delhi on Sunday, bringing together senior legal officers of the state and key representatives of the OBC Mahasabha to finalize arguments and action plans. The meeting lasted over two and a half hours and focused on how to remove the existing 13% cap on OBC-reserved posts and push for full implementation of the 27% reservation in the state.

The discussion was led by senior advocate and former Additional Solicitor General of India, P. Wilson, who worked closely with Madhya Pradesh’s legal team to align strategies for the upcoming hearings.

This high-level meeting was organized with the approval and involvement of the OBC Mahasabha and included in-depth deliberations on legal tactics and constitutional positioning. Participants comprised Additional Advocate Generals Nilesh Yadav and Dhirendra Parmar, Standing Counsel Mrinal Elkar, and Deputy Advocate General Harmeet Rooprah.

Lokendra Gurjar, national core committee member of the OBC Mahasabha, told Free Press that the meeting was crucial in shaping the legal approach ahead of the Supreme Court proceedings. He added that Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta will represent the Madhya Pradesh government in court, while former ASG P. Wilson will argue on behalf of the OBC Mahasabha.

Gurjar also reiterated the Mahasabha’s firm stance that full 27% reservation for OBCs is a constitutional right and must be enforced in both letter and spirit.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/madhya-pradesh-legal-team-obc-mahasabha-gear-up-for-27-quota-fight

Quebec premier promises new legislation inspired by federal major projects law

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**Quebec Premier Legault to Introduce New Legislation to Speed Up Environmental Approvals**

*MONTREAL* — Quebec Premier François Legault announced plans to table new legislation aimed at expediting environmental approvals, modeled on the federal major projects law. Speaking on the popular Quebec talk show *Tout le monde en parle* on Sunday evening, Legault said the Quebec bill will be “equivalent” to Bill C-5, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s signature legislation designed to fast-track projects considered to be in the national interest.

“Currently, it takes years to get environmental permits,” Legault said. “We can’t afford that.”

The new Quebec legislation, informally known within the government as “Q-5,” references the federal law and aims to accelerate the development of large projects to create new jobs in the province. Despite the focus on speed, Legault insisted that environmental protections would not be compromised.

However, the premier has recently hinted at the possibility of “taking a pause” on some environmental policies. In an earlier interview with Radio-Canada this month, he expressed concerns that Quebec “cannot be the only state in North America making an effort” to combat climate change.

Legault’s governing party, the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), has been struggling in the polls for several months and faces the risk of complete defeat in the next provincial election scheduled for October 2026. According to polling aggregator Qc125.com, the CAQ could lose all of its 83 seats if an election were held today.

Adding to the party’s challenges, one of Legault’s former ministers, Maïté Blanchette Vézina, resigned from the caucus last week after being removed from the cabinet earlier this month. She stated she had lost faith in Legault and suggested he should reconsider his future as party leader.

On Sunday, however, Legault maintained that he still enjoys the support of “the vast majority” of his caucus and implied that Blanchette Vézina’s resignation stemmed from personal disappointment over her cabinet ousting.

The premier also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening secularism rules in Quebec. Last month, Secularism Minister Jean-François Roberge announced plans to introduce a bill to ban prayer in public places.

“The majority of Quebecers do not like to see people on their knees in our streets,” Legault said during the interview, specifically referring to Muslim prayers held during pro-Palestinian demonstrations outside the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, which have stirred controversy across the province.

“What’s happening in Gaza is unacceptable,” he added. “But is this our fight?”

Originally, Quebec’s National Assembly was set to resume sitting on September 16, but Legault decided to prorogue the legislature until September 30 amid a cabinet shuffle.

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*This report was first published on September 21, 2025, by The Canadian Press.*

*Maura Forrest, The Canadian Press*
https://www.sudbury.com/national/quebec-premier-promises-new-legislation-inspired-by-federal-major-projects-law-11243515

A drunken chase, a disputed identity: Man challenges breath test charge

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A man accused of drunkenly fleeing his car after being pulled over by police has challenged his charge of refusing to submit to a breath test.

Shaun Richard Rowell has disputed the charge of refusing breath analysis at a hearing at the Magistrates Court.

The charge relates to an incident that occurred in Claremont at about 10pm on April 25, 2024, when Senior Constable Matthew Bowden detained Mr Rowell as he was attempting to open the garage of his house.

The officer had moments earlier pulled over a red Mitsubishi ASX that he suspected was being driven by an intoxicated person. The suspect fled the vehicle into a nearby street after being stopped.

The court heard that Constable Bowden began the pursuit but was forced to turn back after realizing he had left the keys in his unlocked car. When he resumed the chase, he had lost sight of the suspect he had seen fleeing the Mitsubishi.

As he rounded the corner, video footage from his body-worn camera showed him focusing on a figure bending over to lift a garage door of a private residence.

During his testimony before Magistrate Reg Marron at the Hobart Magistrates Court, Constable Bowden said he had “no doubt” that the man he intercepted at the garage door was the same man who had fled from the Mitsubishi.

The police prosecutor asked how many seconds had elapsed between losing sight of the suspect and then seeing Mr Rowell at the garage door.

“It would have been close to 20 seconds,” Constable Bowden told the court.

“Why did you focus on this person?”

“I believed they were the driver of the vehicle and that they were required to submit to the breath test.”

The witness told the court that the defendant smelled strongly of alcohol.

“He wasn’t very steady on his feet when I pulled him away. I felt like I was holding him up to make sure he didn’t fall,” Constable Bowden said.

Defence counsel Fabiano Cangelosi suggested Constable Bowden was trespassing when he entered the driveway to detain the defendant.

“If nobody gave you permission to go onto that property and grab hold of the defendant, how were you able to do it?” the lawyer asked.

“I saw only one person get out of the car,” Constable Bowden said.

Magistrate Marron ordered the lawyers to make final written submissions by the end of October and reserved his decision until November 14.
https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/9069430/man-challenges-breath-test-refusal-charge-in-court-hearing/?src=rss

AI chatbot found showing explicit scenarios involving preteen characters

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**Disturbing AI Chatbot Generating Explicit Scenarios Involving Preteen Characters Raises Serious Concerns**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 21, 2025, 06:25 pm*

A chatbot website that generates explicit scenarios involving preteen characters has raised serious concerns over the potential misuse of artificial intelligence (AI). The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), a child safety watchdog, was alerted to this disturbing platform.

### Disturbing Content Discovered

The IWF found several unsettling scenarios on the site, including descriptions such as “child prostitute in a hotel,” “sex with your child while your wife is on holiday,” and “child and teacher alone after class.”

Worryingly, some chatbot icons led users to full-screen depictions of child sexual abuse imagery. These images were then used as backgrounds for future chats between the bot and the user. The site, which remains unnamed for safety reasons, also allows users to generate more images similar to the illegal content already displayed.

### Regulatory Response: The Need for Child Protection in AI

The IWF has urged that any future AI regulation must include child protection guidelines integrated into AI models from the outset. This appeal comes as the UK government prepares an AI bill focused on the development of cutting-edge models and includes provisions to ban the possession and distribution of models that generate child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Kerry Smith, CEO of the IWF, commented, *“The UK government is making welcome strides in tackling AI-generated child sexual abuse images and videos.”*

### Industry Accountability: Tech Firms Must Ensure Children’s Safety

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has also called for comprehensive guidelines to address this issue. NSPCC CEO Chris Sherwood emphasized, *“Tech companies must introduce robust measures to ensure children’s safety is not neglected, and government must implement a statutory duty of care to children for AI developers.”*

This stresses the critical need for technology firms to take responsibility for safeguarding children within their AI systems.

### Legal Implications and Enforcement

User-created chatbots fall under the UK’s Online Safety Act, which includes provisions for multimillion-pound fines or even site blocking in extreme cases. The IWF noted these sexual abuse chatbots were developed by users as well as the website’s creators.

Ofcom, the UK regulatory body responsible for enforcing the Online Safety Act, has warned online service providers that failure to implement necessary protections could result in enforcement actions.

### A Rising Trend: Surge in AI-Generated Abuse Material

The IWF has reported a massive spike in incidents involving AI-generated abuse material, with reports rising by 400% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year. This alarming increase largely stems from technological advancements that enable the creation of such images.

Currently, the chatbot content is accessible in the UK but has been reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) as it is hosted on US servers.

—

The emergence of AI tools capable of generating harmful content highlights the urgent need for comprehensive safeguards. As AI technology continues to evolve, protecting vulnerable populations, especially children, must remain a top priority for developers, regulators, and industry leaders alike.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/disturbing-ai-chatbot-shows-explicit-scenarios-with-preteen-characters/story

Madhya Pradesh: ED Attaches Properties Worth ₹4.5 Crore In Alirajpur District

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**Enforcement Directorate Attaches Properties Worth Rs 4.5 Crore in Alirajpur Fraud Case**

*Indore (Madhya Pradesh)* – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached 14 immovable properties valued at Rs 4.5 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with a case involving the misuse of government funds and fraudulent billing in Alirajpur district.

The attached properties belong to the main accused, Kamal Rathore, and others associated with the Block Education Office (BEO) of Katthiwada village, Alirajpur. The attachment operation was carried out by the Indore sub-zonal office of the ED.

This action follows an investigation initiated after a case was registered at the Katthiwada police station against officials and employees of the Block Education Office, Katthiwada. The probe uncovered large-scale misuse of government funds through fake bills generated and approved on the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) between 2018 and 2023.

Earlier searches conducted under Section 17 of the PMLA resulted in the seizure of incriminating documents and a substantial amount of cash. Kamal Rathore, the principal accused, was arrested by the ED on August 7 and is currently in judicial custody.

The investigation further revealed that approximately Rs 20.47 crore was fraudulently deposited into 134 bank accounts via 917 fake bills. The accused reportedly withdrew large sums in cash and laundered the money through relatives. Several properties purchased in the names of family members were subsequently sold to conceal the illegal origins of the funds.

The ED continues its probe to unearth the full extent of the financial irregularities and recover the misappropriated assets.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/madhya-pradesh-ed-attaches-properties-worth-45-crore-in-alirajpur-district