Tag: citizens

Gupta brothers are still South African citizens: Motsoaledi

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Johannesburg: The South African government said on Friday that fugitive businessmen Rajesh and Atul Gupta are still its citizens using the country’s passports amid reports that Indian-origin brothers have acquired Vanuatu’s citizenship.
South Africa said last week said that the UAE has turned down its request to extradite the two to face trial in the country on fraud and corruption charges.
The three Gupta brothers, Ajay, Atul and Rajesh are wanted in South Africa for their alleged roles in the looting of billions of rands from state enterprises. They are alleged to have used their closeness to former President Jacob Zuma to do this.

The family fled to Dubai five years ago as the net closed in on them following Zuma’s ousting by his own African National Congress when he refused to step down.
“The Guptas are using South African passports, I just can’t tell when, because when you are a South African passport (holder) away from us, we won’t know. Our movement control system doesn’t show if you crossed into China (or anywhere else). It doesn’t show,” Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said.
The minister was reacting to media reports that the Guptas were now citizens of Vanuatu, a small island nation in the South Pacific Ocean east of Australia.
Last week South African Justice Minister Ronald Lamola said his government was “shocked and dismayed” after the UAE declined the request to extradite the Gupta brothers to face trial in South Africa on fraud and corruption charges.
Motsoaledi said the Guptas had acquired their passports irregularly from a corrupt home affairs official against whom action had been taken.

But the Department has no plans yet to cancel their passports or revoke the citizenship of the Guptas as an appeal to the UAE on the extradition request would then be meaningless, Motsoaledi said,
“We can’t take back the passport before we take away the citizenship. We have to start there. We are chasing them because we believe they belong to us. So, if we take away that citizenship, do we still have any rights?” the minister said.
A report in the Vanuatu Daily Post said Vanuatu’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) had advised Vanuatu’s Citizenship Office on the hostile information against the corruption-accused fugitive brothers on two separate occasions in 2018.
The Daily said the Vanuatu Citizenship Office and the Department of Immigration have declined to confirm or deny whether the Guptas are currently residing in Vanuatu.
Previous reports indicated that the Guptas were seeking asylum in the African nations of Cameroon and the Central African Republic.
Originally from Saharanpur in India, the Guptas built an empire in the IT, media and mining industries after first arriving in the country to start a shoe shop soon after Nelson Mandela was released from 27 years as a political prisoner to become the first democratically-elected president.
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#Gupta #brothers #South #African #citizens #Motsoaledi
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 15, 2023
“Get ready to answer citizens’ questions”, Prakash Raj to Kichcha Sudeep

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Bengaluru: A day after Kannada superstar Kichcha Sudeep confirmed he would campaign for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), another south star Prakash Raj took a jibe at him for choosing a ‘political party’.
Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Prakash wrote, “Dear Sudeep.. as an artist loved by everyone.. I had expected you to be a voice of the people. But you have chosen to colour yourself with a political party .. WELL .. Get ready to answer ..every question a citizen will ask YOU and YOUR party…@KicchaSudeep#justasking.”
Kichcha Sudeep hogged the limelight throughout Wednesday amid speculations of his joining BJP.

Addressing a joint press conference with CM Basavraj Bommai, Kichcha Sudeep said, “I had no necessity to come here, and I have not come here for any platform or money. I have come here only for a person. I have high regard for CM Mama (Bommai). That’s why I am announcing that I am giving my full support to Bommai sir”.
On being asked if he agrees with the ideology of BJP, Sudeep said, “As a citizen, I totally respect certain decisions PM Modi has taken, but that’s my perspective. But that has got nothing to do with me sitting here today”.
Karnataka CM Bommai also said that Sudeep doesn’t belong to any political party.
Reacting to Sudeep’s words on Wednesday, Prakash Raj said, “I am shocked and hurt by Kichha Sudeep’s statement.”
The Assembly election in Karnataka is scheduled to be held on May 10 and the counting of votes will take place on May 13.

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#ready #answer #citizens #questions #Prakash #Raj #Kichcha #Sudeep
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 7, 2023
State impotent, why can’t citizens pledge to not vilify others: SC on hate speeches

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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday orally observed how many contempt actions could it take against people in connection with hate speech, why the petitioner has to first move the apex court, and “why cannot the citizens of this country take a pledge to not vilify others” as it wondered “what kind of pleasures we are deriving by making these speeches”.
It observed that the menace of hate speech is a vicious circle which is going on because the state is impotent, powerless, and doesn’t act in time.
A bench of Justices K.M. Joseph and B.V. Nagarathna termed hate speeches as a “vicious circle”, while adding that fringe elements make these utterances and people should restrain themselves from doing so.
Citing speeches of former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, it said that people from remote areas used to gather to hear them. Justice Nagarathna observed: “Now fringe elements from all sides are making these statements and we are now asked to take contempt action against these people.”
The bench queried the parties on how it could curtail “intellectual deprivation” which comes from lack of knowledge and education. She added, “How many contempt after contempt we can take against these people. That’s why I asked the other day, how the apex court will deal with this. Why do you (petitioner) start with the apex court? Should not there be some restraint on speeches else we will not become the India we desire for.”
Justice Nagarathna stressed: “Why cannot the citizens of this country take a pledge to not vilify others and what kind of pleasures we are deriving by making these speeches”.
The top court made these strong observations while hearing a contempt petition against various state authorities including Maharashtra for failing to lodge FIRs against people making hate speeches.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta pointed out a hate speech made in Kerala against Hindus and Christians and questioned that petitioner Shaheen Abdullah, a Kerala resident, has selectively pointed at hate speeches in the country but been silent on speech made in his state, and also cited alleged statement made by a DMK spokesperson against Brahmins. Mehta further questioned, why has the petitioner not made them party in the contempt petition.

The bench referred to those speeches and said “every action has equal reaction” and stressed, “we are following the Constitution and orders in every case are bricks in the structure of rule of law”.
It added that it is hearing the contempt petition because states are not taking action in time and added, “This is because the state has become impotent, powerless and does not act in time…..”
Mehta immediately retorted: “Can’t say that about any State but Centre is not. The Centre has banned PFI (Popular Front of India). Please issue notice to the State of Kerala so that they can respond to this.”
After hearing detailed submissions, the apex court allowed an intervention application, filed by an organisation which had held rallies in Maharashtra.
The bench noted that they are saying things which are denigrating and demolishing the dignity of others on a regular basis, and queried counsel: “Do you have the right to break the law of land? If you break the rule of law of the land it will befall on your head like a tumble of bricks..”.
Advocate Nizam Pasha, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that 50 rallies were held in Maharashtra in the last four months where hate speeches have been made.
The top court issued notice to Maharashtra government and scheduled the matter for further hearing on April 28.
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#State #impotent #citizens #pledge #vilify #hate #speeches
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 30, 2023
Conman Kiran Patel’s wife held for illegally occupying senior citizen’s bungalow

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New Delhi: The Crime Branch of Ahmedabad Police on Tuesday said it has arrested conman Kiran Patel’s wife Malini Patel for allegedly trying to illegally take over the bungalow of a senior citizen Jagdish Chavda (63).
In the FIR both Kiran Patel and Malini have been named as accused.
Kiran Patel is accused of impersonating as a PMO official in Jammu and Kashmir. He was arrested and is in judicial custody.
A case of cheating was filed against Malini based on the allegations of the victim. In this case both Kiran Patel and his wife Malini have been named as accused.
The bungalow which they tried to occupy is located in a posh area of Ahmedabad. Kiran Patel had threatened the bungalow owner that he had links with the PMO.
Chavda lodged a complaint with the local police and finally a FIR was registered. He said in his complaint that Kiran Patel contacted him in the first week of February and told him that he was a property dealer.
Kiran Patel tried to convince the victim that if the bungalow is renovated they might get a good price. Chavda fell into their trap and agreed to their suggestion. Later, Malini and some interior designers met him. The accused took Rs 35 lakh initially from Chavda. Due to the renovation work, Chavda had to shift.
Later Chavda came to know that Kiran Patel and Malini had changed the name plate and had been living in the house claiming to be the owners. They didn’t even renovate the house.

Now the police has made the first arrest in the matter.
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#Conman #Kiran #Patels #wife #held #illegally #occupying #senior #citizens #bungalow
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 28, 2023
Criticising govt at home or abroad citizen’s right, does not amount to being unpatriotic: Sibal

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New Delhi: Amid a political storm over Rahul Gandhi’s “democracy under attack” remarks made in the UK, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Wednesday said criticising the government whether at home or abroad is a citizen’s right and does not amount to criticising India or being unpatriotic.
Gandhi’s remarks during his recent trip to the United Kingdom have rocked Parliament, with both Houses failing to transact any significant business on the first three days of the budget session’s second half.
In a tweet, former Union minister Sibal said, “House Logjam, Why? Government is not synonymous with India, India is not synonymous with the Government. Criticising the Government whether at home or abroad is a citizen’s right. That does not amount to criticising India or being unpatriotic.” “Modi ji did it often in the past,” added Sibal, the eminent lawyer who on Saturday had laid down the agenda and a new vision for the country with his newly-launched platform ‘Insaaf’ that is aimed at fighting injustice.
Sibal, who had been a Union minister during the UPA I and II, had quit the Congress in May last year and was elected to Rajya Sabha as an independent with the support of the Samajwadi Party.
During his interactions in the UK, Gandhi alleged that the structures of Indian democracy are under attack and there is a “full-scale assault” on the country’s institutions.
The former Congress president also told British parliamentarians in London that microphones are often “turned off” in Lok Sabha when an opposition member raises important issues.
Gandhi’s remarks triggered a political slugfest, with the BJP accusing him of maligning India on foreign soil and seeking foreign interventions, and the Congress hitting back at the ruling party by citing instances of Prime Minister Modi raising internal politics abroad.

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#Criticising #govt #home #citizens #amount #unpatriotic #Sibal
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 15, 2023
Karnataka Assembly polls: Senior citizens, people with disability to get vote-from-home option

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Bengaluru: Chief Election Commissioner of India Rajiv Kumar said on Saturday announced that all senior citizens above 80 and people with disability will get a vote-from-home option in the Karnataka Assembly elections.
The term of the 224-member Karnataka Assembly is set to end on May 24.
“The term of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly is till May 24, 2023. So, the new Assembly has to be in place, and elections have to be completed before that,” said Kumar.
Kumar further said that form 12D will be available within five days of the notification so that any 80 plus or PwD voter, desirous of voting from home, can be facilitated.
“For the first time, we are going to provide in Karnataka the facility to all 80 plus and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) voters, if they so desire, to vote even from their homes. There is a form 12D which will be available within five days of the notification so that any 80 plus or PwD voter, desirous of voting from home, can be facilitated,” the CEC added.
In the 2018 Assembly elections, BJP won 104 seats and emerged as the single largest party, while the Congress and JD(S) bagged 78 and 37 seats, respectively.
The three-member Election Commission of India is on a three-day visit to Karnataka to review preparations.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioners Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel are in Bengaluru to review the poll preparedness for forthcoming Assembly Elections in Karnataka, the ECI had said in a tweet.

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#Karnataka #Assembly #polls #Senior #citizens #people #disability #votefromhome #option
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 11, 2023
India restores e-Visa services for citizens of Saudi Arabia; here’s how to apply
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India has announced that restoration of e-Visa facility for citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) with immediate effect.
The announcement was made on Twitter by the Embassy of India in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“The Embassy is happy to announce that the facility of e-visa has been restored for the nationals of Saudi Arabia with immediate effect in all five sub-categories i.e e-tourist visa, e-business visa, e-medical visa, e-medical attendant visa & e-conference visa,” embassy tweeted on Thursday.
The Embassy is happy to announce that the facility of e-visa has been restored for the nationals of Saudi Arabia with immediate effect in all five sub-categories i.e e-tourist visa, e-business visa, e-medical visa, e-medical attendant visa & e-conference visa. pic.twitter.com/XAuOqgnqZT
— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) March 9, 2023
In 2019, India launched e-Visa service for the citizens of Saudi Arabia. Although it was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It should be noted that it is necessary to submit the application and pay the fees at least 4 days before the date of travel and await approval.
For online filling and submission of application, link can be accessed here.
For more information applicant can also log on to embassy website.
Here’s how to apply for e-Visa
To fill and submit the application online, applicants need to visit the official website
Apply online and upload a photo and passport page
Pay your e-Visa fee online using a Credit/Debit Card/Pay Wallet
Receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online (ETA will be sent to email)
Source: With inputs from ANI
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#India #restores #eVisa #services #citizens #Saudi #Arabia #heres #apply
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )
March 11, 2023
Dubai provides short breaks for caregivers of senior citizens

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The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai has launched the “Respite Care” programme, which provides short-term breaks for caregivers of senior citizens and people of determination, the Dubai Media Office (DMO) reported.
The programme enables caregivers to take short-term breaks to attend to their daily activities without having to compromise on their caregiving responsibilities.
This ensures that the elderly and people of determination continue to receive needed care even when their primary caregiver is unavailable for a short period.
The programme, which falls under the umbrella of the Supreme Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs, gives primary caregivers an opportunity to focus on their physical and mental well-being.
The Programme eligibility requires that caregivers are Dubai citizens and first-degree relatives of senior citizens or people of determination they care for, and must also live in the same home.
Eligibility for the program requires that caregivers be Dubai nationals and first-degree relatives of the senior citizen or people of determination they are caring for, and must also live in the same household.
Caregivers of a senior citizens or determinate people residing in Dubai can apply for the temporary care service. Once the request is received, CDA will review the case and, upon approval, make arrangements to accommodate the request based on caregiver needs.
During the primary caregiver’s time off, the authority will provide a substitute to care for senior citizens or determined people, either at home or in temporary care centres.

The authority will appoint specialists to provide the necessary care and supervise them during the absence of the primary caregiver.
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#Dubai #short #breaks #caregivers #senior #citizens
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 10, 2023
Doors open for common citizens, no space for trouble mongers: LG Manoj Sinha

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Jammu, Mar 03: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that his doors remained open for common citizens to address their genuine grievances but there is no space for trouble mongers, who are spreading misinformation about property tax.
“The doors of Raj Bhawan are 24X7 open for common citizen of Jammu and Kashmir, be it farmers, traders, scientist, cops or youth, if they have any valid grievance administration is there to listen it round the clock,” the LG said, as per news agency— Kashmir News Observer (KNO), addressing the passing out parade of police at Kathua, adding, “However, some influential try to manipulate common citizens by spreading misinformation on property tax to save their own wealth, which administration would not be tolerate at any cost.”
The LG further said that by misusing positions and law, some people make huge wealth for their next generations and friends but their time has gone.
“The administration of Jammu and Kashmir will work for the welfare of 1.30 crore people and not 1000-2000 ‘special’ citizens,” the governor said.
The Lt Governor was speaking at the attestation-cum-passing out parade of recruit constables of 29th Basic Recruitment Training Course (BRTC) at S Prithinandan Singh Police Training School here.
Earlier, the LG maintained that the proposed property tax in Jammu and Kashmir is lowest in the country.
“The total households in municipal areas of Jammu and Kashmir is around 5 lakh 20 thousand out of which 2 lakh six thousand household are exempted from all taxes as it is below 1000 Sq Ft, another 2 lakh three thousand household are between 1000 to 1500 Sq ft and its maximum tax in Jammu and Srinagar cities is not above Rs 1000”.
He further added that when it comes to commercial complexes and shops, Jammu has 1 lakh 1000 buildings and 46000 is below 100 Sq ft, which invites just Rs 600 tax in a year.

He maintained that around 40 percent of households in municipalities are exempted from any tax while the remaining 40 have to pay very nominal tax.
The Government said that how the system works if owners take lakhs of rent for commercial property and not give 5000 to corporation.
On land eviction drive, the LG ensured that no poor will be affected during the anti-encroachment drive, adding, “All the land taken away from encroachers will be utilized for development and creating facilities for the citizens.
The LG also lauded the role of Jammu and Kashmir Police in its fight against terrorism and highlighted the need to neutralise the ecosystem providing ‘ideological and financial’ support to terrorists in the Union Territory.
“I am confident that you will discharge your responsibility towards the nation with utmost sensitivity, commitment and dedication,” added the Lt Governor.
“The integrity, dedication and professionalism of J&K Police are pivotal in the fight against terrorism, ” he said, and stressed upon the future-ready policing strategies to tackle the new forms of internal security challenges.
“These are challenging times for our police forces as the world today is facing conventional & non-conventional threats. We need to be vigilant & determined to neutralise the ecosystem providing ideological and financial support to terrorists,” the Lt Governor said.
“We believe in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and peaceful coexistence. There is no place for subversive elements in a civilized society,” observed the Lt Governor. Narco-Terrorism has become one of the biggest threats to society.
J&K UT is on the march and is being transformed. It is our sacred duty to provide a safe, secure and right environment to fulfill the aspirations of the common man, he said.
Noting that the top positions in the batch have been secured by women constables, the Lt Governor said that these achievements show that our women are no less than anyone. The Lt Governor further asked the DGP, Dilbag Singh to consider increasing the quota of reservation for women in the police force.
An oath was administered to the passing out cadets for performing their duties with dedication and honesty.
The Lt Governor took the Rashtriya Salute and witnessed the spectacular parade and martial art demonstration. He also felicitated the cadets who excelled during their training course.
R/Ct. Sunali Bhagat emerged as the best all-rounder. Recruit Constables Sarleen Kour, Sapna Saini, Heena Choudhary and Nitika Rajput were also felicitated by the Lt Governor for their excellent performances.
A total of 480 new recruits, including 49 women recruit Constables have completed their rigorous training today at the PTS Kathua. Out of 480, as many as 330 constables have already served as SPOs, 32 as followers, and 85 have been appointed under SRO—(KNO)
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#Doors #open #common #citizens #space #trouble #mongers #Manoj #Sinha
( With inputs from : roshankashmir.net )

March 3, 2023
Bounden duty of state to ensure lives, properties of citizens are always protected: SC

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New Delhi: The Supreme Court has said that it is the bounden duty of any State to ensure that the lives and properties of its citizens and other persons are at all times protected.
It said that every attempt which succeeds at the hands of anyone “whereby the efficacy of criminal law is diluted, will remove the very edifice of the rule of law fatally”.
A bench of Justices K M Joseph and B V Nagarathna made these observations while deciding a petition seeking to transfer a criminal case pending before a Jhajjar court in Haryana to a court in Delhi.
The transfer petition has been filed by 38 people of Jhajjar, whose properties were allegedly vandalized during 2016 agitation by members of the Jat community who were seeking reservation in government jobs and educational institutions.
It is the case of the petitioners that during this agitation, the members of Jat community vandalized and committed acts of arson which allegedly caused huge irreparable damage to them by setting their houses, godowns and other belongings on fire.
The petitioners led by one Sunil Saini sought transfer of the case on the ground that due to an advocate who is alleged to be very influential and had remained President of the Bar, couple of material witnesses have been forced to turn hostile as well as material documentary evidence has not been placed on record.
Counsel for the petitioners contended that they had an application under Section 319 of the CrPC to summon the said advocate and his son but their application was not countersigned by the public prosecutor of the case and therefore they had to knock at the door of this court to get their case transferred to another state so that interest of justice is sub-served.
The bench, in its recent verdict in the matter, did not transfer the case on the ground that 42 witnesses have already been examined but said that the matter requires that some observations and directions be passed.

“The State exists on the basis of implied consent of the Governed. The principal reason for people to come together under the organization of the State is the fundamental principle that the State will be in a position to always protect the lives and properties of the citizens. This is the fundamental unalterable premise for the creation, existence and preservation of any civilized State. It is all the more so, when the State is functioning under a written constitution which guarantees fundamental rights such as ours,” the bench said.
The top court further said, “It is accordingly that rule of law is rightfully treated as part of the basic structure of the Constitution. It is the bounden duty of any State to ensure that the lives of its citizens and other persons are at all times protected. The same goes for their properties.”
The bench added that this is the elementary function of the State but “we are not at this stage called upon to deal with the duties of the State with the mantle of a welfare State falling upon it. Even if this indispensable function to constitute a State is not performed, it would be a lamentable state of affairs”.
It said that the principal mechanism for vindicating the rule of law and upholding the rights of the citizens is the judicial branch of the State.
“One of the fundamental methods by which rule of law is preserved consists of sanctions of which the criminal law is the principal branch. The criminal courts must be allowed to function in a manner by which at the end of the day the guilty are punished and the innocent are exonerated,” it said.
The top court further said that the role of the public prosecutor in all of this is paramount and he is duty bound to always act in a fair manner; not of course, to secure conviction by hook or crook but at the same time, it is his duty to fearlessly adduce evidence so that those who are guilty do not get away scot free.
“Unless this is done, it is very likely that the common man will cease to have faith in the very functioning of the State itself. It is, therefore, integral to the upholding of the integrity of the State itself that the access to justice which is also comprehended in the principle that an offence is committed against the State and the State therefore prosecutes the offender is always borne in mind,” the bench said.
The top court said that it is, therefore, of the utmost importance that in the case in hand, the Special Public Prosecutor who has been appointed will hopefully uphold the highest principles and play the difficult role so that while the innocent are not convicted, the guilty do not escape due punishment.
The bench noted that the Special Public Prosecutor for the case has been appointed only recently and not being unmindful also of his credentials which have been brought to court’s notice, at this stage “we are not persuaded to direct that another person be appointed in his place. However, this is not to be the end of the destiny of this case”.
It said that it will be open to the petitioners to approach the Director of Prosecution in case they believe that even the Special Public Prosecutor appointed is not discharging his duties in a fair and impartial manner.
“It is thereupon for the Director (Prosecution) to look into the matter and take appropriate steps. As far as protection to the witness is concerned, it will be open to the petitioners to move the presiding Judge or Special Public Prosecutor or the Superintendent of Police of the concerned district seeking protection in which case needful shall be done in accordance with law,” the bench directed.
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#Bounden #duty #state #ensure #lives #properties #citizens #protected
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 26, 2023