New Delhi, Oct 16: The Supreme Court on Thursday adjourned, to November 4, the hearing of a batch of petitions challenging the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) decision to conduct Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar.

In a brief hearing, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi remarked that the poll body is aware of its statutory responsibility to disclose details of additions and deletions made to the voters’ list.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), submitted that the ECI must publish separate lists of names that were added and deleted, along with reasons for deletions.

“They (ECI) have not been putting out the final roll on their website. That needs to be done immediately,” he said.

In response, senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the ECI, submitted that such directions from the apex court were unnecessary as the poll body was already in the process of publishing the final electoral rolls.

“Till tomorrow is the time, how can you say we will not put out?” argued Dwivedi.

At this, the Justice Surya Kant-led Bench observed that the matter was not closed and the ECI knew its responsibility.

“They (ECI) know their responsibility and after doing addition and deletion, they are bound to publish it,” the apex court remarked, adding that final lists must be available to political parties and polling agents in each constituency.

It also noted the ECI’s submission that no appeals against deletions had been filed despite the availability of legal aid, as directed by the previous apex court order.

On the larger constitutional question raised by petitioners regarding the ECI’s power to conduct a SIR of the electoral rolls, the bench asked the ECI to file written submissions.

In the previous hearing, the Justice Surya Kant-led Bench requested the Bihar State Legal Services Authority (BSLSA) to communicate with the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) to ensure the availability of paralegal volunteers and legal aid lawyers who can assist the persons omitted from the voters’ list in filing appeals.

“The DLSAs must publicise contact details of these volunteers across villages, coordinate with Booth Level Officers (BLOs), and ensure that all eligible citizens are informed of their rights,” the apex court ordered, asking BSLSA to file a status report within a week.

In that hearing, the ECI refuted the allegations that a large number of names were deleted from the final voter list following the SIR of the electoral rolls in Bihar.

Palakkad, Oct 16: A wave of anger and grief swept through Palakkad after a Class 9 student from Kannadi Higher Secondary School allegedly committed suicide, leading to the suspension of two staff members and the temporary closure of the school.

State Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Thursday directed the district Education authorities to conduct a detailed probe into the incident and submit a report.

The 14-year-old student, identified as Arjun from Pallenchathannur, was found dead at his home earlier this week.

His family has accused a class teacher of mental harassment that allegedly pushed him to take the extreme step.

Police have launched an investigation based on the family’s complaint, and the school will remain closed for four days.

The incident has triggered massive protests from students, parents, and political organisations.

According to the family, the teacher, identified as Asha, had threatened to file a complaint with the Cyber Cell and have Arjun jailed over a message sent on Instagram.

“She humiliated him in front of the class and even called the Cyber Cell during class hours. He was visibly disturbed after that,” one of his classmates said.

Soon after news of the “suicide” broke, students boycotted classes and staged a sit-in on the school campus.

Several student organisations joined the agitation and laid siege to the principal’s office, demanding immediate action.

The situation escalated when the principal, Lisy, defended the teacher, saying no wrongdoing had occurred, further intensifying the protests.

Amid mounting pressure, the school management convened an emergency meeting and decided to suspend both the class teacher and the principal, pending inquiry.

Education officials have sought a detailed report on the incident, and counselling support has been arranged for students.

The tragic incident has reignited a debate on mental health, bullying, and accountability in schools.

Police officials said statements are being recorded from students, staff, and the teacher involved.

A case has been registered, and further action will follow based on the investigation.

Guwahati, Oct 16: In a major development in the ongoing probe into the mysterious death of Assam’s cultural icon Zubeen Garg, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday announced that the Singapore Police authorities will hold a meeting with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Assam on October 21.

Taking to the social media platform X, Sarma said the meeting signifies a crucial step in the pursuit of justice for the late singer.

“Another step forward towards justice for our beloved Zubeen. The Singapore Police authorities will meet the Assam Police team led by Sri Munna Gupta, ADGP and Head of SIT, on 21st October. Our collective resolve remains — Justice for Zubeen will prevail,” he posted.

The meeting will be held between officials of the Singapore Police and the SIT, headed by ADGP (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta, who is leading the probe from Assam.

The discussion is expected to focus on the exchange of key evidence and findings related to Garg’s death, which occurred in Singapore under mysterious circumstances last month.

The Assam government had constituted the SIT shortly after the incident to ensure a comprehensive and transparent investigation.

The team has been coordinating closely with Singapore authorities and gathering information from individuals connected to Garg’s final days abroad.

Zubeen Garg, one of Assam’s most celebrated singers and cultural figures, was found dead in Singapore, triggering an outpouring of grief and anger across the state.

His death has since led to widespread protests, including violent demonstrations in parts of Assam, as fans and civil society groups continue to demand a thorough probe.

Security has been tightened in several areas following clashes near Baksa jail earlier this week, where protestors had gathered. Police have since said the situation is under control.

The upcoming meeting between Singapore and Assam Police is expected to be pivotal in advancing the investigation and uncovering the circumstances that led to the untimely demise of the beloved artist.