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SC questions Gujarat govt over FIR against Cong MP Imran Pratapgarhi

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New Delhi, Feb 10: The Supreme Court on Monday raised questions over an FIR registered against Congress Rajya Sabha MP and poet Imran Pratapgarhi for allegedly disturbing social harmony.

The complaint dates back to January 3, 2025, when a complaint was filed at Jamnagar police station by an advocate’s clerk.

The complainant alleged that a video posted by Pratapgarhi on Instagram, which featured a poem, was inciting unrest and harming social peace.

“Please see the poem. It’s ultimately a poem. It is not against any religion. It is not against any particular community. Please apply your mind to the poem,” remarked a Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan as it adjourned a hearing on the request made by the Gujarat government’s counsel.

The matter will be heard next after three weeks.

Earlier on January 21, the Justice Oka-led Bench, in an interim order, shielded Imran Pratapgarhi from arrest as it issued a notice to the Gujarat government and posted the matter for further hearing on February 10.

In the meantime, the apex court ordered that no coercive steps would be taken against Pratapgarhi in any manner on the basis of the impugned FIR.

The Gujarat High Court had turned down Pratapgarhi’s plea to quash the FIR lodged against him.

In its order, the Gujarat HC stated that as a lawmaker, Pratapgarhi must act responsibly and respect the legal process.

It further directed him to submit an affidavit clarifying the origin of the poem used in the video.

Pratapgarhi was asked to specify whether the poem was written by him or sourced from elsewhere, and if so, provide the details of its author.

During the hearing before the Gujarat High Court, Pratapgarhi claimed that the poem in question was either written by renowned poets Faiz Ahmed Faiz or Habib Jalib.

He stated that he had found the poem through online sources, including internet forums and chat rooms, but could not provide a definitive source.

Pratapgarhi presented screenshots from an AI tool (ChatGPT) to support his claims.

He argued that the poem, which promotes love and non-violence, was harmless and did not constitute a criminal act.

However, the prosecution disagreed, asserting that as a Parliamentarian, Pratapgarhi had a responsibility to act with caution and not to incite public unrest through social media.

The police had issued a notice to Pratapgarhi on January 4, asking him to appear on January 11, but he failed to cooperate with the investigation.

The Gujarat High Court highlighted that Pratapgarhi’s action could not be defended simply based on his status as a public figure.

His failure to appear before the authorities and his lack of clarity about the origin of the poem were key factors in turning down his petition.

The Gujarat HC ultimately dismissed Pratapgarhi’s plea, reinforcing that lawmakers must uphold the law and act responsibly.

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INDIA bloc still strong but internal discussion required: Kapil Sibal

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New Delhi, Feb 11: Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has asserted that the INDIA bloc remains intact and has a bright future, though internal discussions are necessary.

Sibal dismissed any notion of the alliance falling apart.

“It has a very bright future. There is no such issue. This was a national alliance, as Sharad Pawar Ji said. During national elections, the alliance remains intact. However, at the state level, there is no national alliance as such,” he explained.

Sibal also responded to Congress leader Tariq Anwar’s recent remarks questioning his party’s leadership and calling for fundamental changes.

Acknowledging the validity of Anwar’s concerns, Sibal pointed out that such discussions should have happened earlier.

“I believe there is some truth in what Tariq Anwar Sahab has said. However, this question should have been raised when Kejriwal Ji was fielding candidates, whether in Haryana, Goa, Gujarat, or Karnataka. Nevertheless, this issue must be discussed,” he said.

When asked about West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to contest the upcoming elections alone, Sibal refrained from commenting directly.

“I have no comments on that. They will decide among themselves. These are mature and responsible leaders, and they will sit together and determine the way forward,” he remarked.

His statements come at a time when the INDIA bloc faces challenges, with Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress, part of the INDIA bloc charting its own course in Bengal and Congress leaders questioning internal strategies.

Earlier the Trinamool Congress chief on Monday blamed the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress for the failure of the Opposition in Delhi and Haryana Assembly elections, ruling out the possibility of having any alliance with the grand old party for the 2026 West Bengal polls.

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Delhi Police conducting raids to arrest AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan

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New Delhi, Feb 11: Trouble continues to mount for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Okhla, Amanatullah Khan, as a joint team of the Delhi Police and the Crime Branch is conducting raids to apprehend him.

Police sources claim that Khan’s arrest is imminent, following allegations of obstructing law enforcement operations.

The Delhi Police have registered an FIR against the lawmaker, accusing him of interfering with a Crime Branch operation in Jamia Nagar.

The FIR cites multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 221, 132, and 121(1), which pertain to harbouring offenders, obstructing public servants, and conspiracy against the state.

On Monday, the Crime Branch launched a raid in Jamia Nagar to capture Shahbaz Khan, a criminal wanted for attempted murder and a declared Proclaimed Offender. However, during the operation, Amanatullah Khan allegedly intervened, enabling Shahbaz Khan to escape.

According to police officials, Khan and his supporters deliberately obstructed the police operation, leading to chaos.

Law enforcement sources claim that when the officers attempted to detain the AAP leader for obstructing their work, a heated argument broke out between him and the police team. Amid the commotion, Shahbaz Khan managed to flee from police custody.

Authorities also allege that Khan and his supporters assaulted police personnel during the confrontation.

“Following the scuffle, two officers were sent for medical examination, though no serious injuries were reported,” a Crime Branch officer stated.

Following the altercation, the police filed a complaint against Amanatullah Khan, and legal proceedings are going on. The police have stepped up efforts to locate and arrest him, with raids being conducted at multiple locations.

Amanatullah Khan is a prominent AAP leader who has been representing the Okhla constituency since 2015. In the recently-concluded Delhi Assembly elections, he secured a third consecutive victory, defeating BJP candidate Manish Chaudhary by a margin of 23,639 votes. Khan garnered a total of 88,392 votes, while Chaudhary received 65,304 votes.

Khan is also among the Delhi MLAs with the highest number of criminal cases.

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India is driving global growth: PM Modi on India Energy Week

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New Delhi, Feb 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday underscored India’s crucial role in driving both domestic and global economic growth, with the energy sector playing a pivotal part.

Speaking at the India Energy Week, he expressed confidence that the event would foster productive discussions and collaborations.

“I extend my greetings to all the delegates and partners from across the country and the world who have gathered here at Yashobhumi. You are not just participants in Energy Week; you are an important part of India’s energy ambitions,” PM Modi said.

“Today, every expert in the world is saying that the 21st century is India’s century. India is not only driving its own growth, but also the global growth and our energy sector has an important role in it,” PM Modi said.

Laying out foundation of India’s energy ambitions, the Prime Minister said they rest on five pillars — abundant resources, brilliant minds, economic strength, political stability, strategic geography, and a commitment to global sustainability.

“The next two decades are crucial for achieving the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, and in the next five years, we will accomplish several milestones. Many of our energy goals align with the 2030 deadline,” he said.

PM Modi outlined key targets for 2030, including adding 500 gigawatts of energy capacity, achieving net-zero carbon emissions for Indian Railways, and producing green hydrogen gas. While these goals may appear ambitious, he asserted that India’s achievements over the past decade have built confidence in their feasibility.

“Over the last 10 years, India has become the fifth-largest economy, doubled its solar generation capacity, and emerged as the third-largest solar power-generating nation. Our non-fossil fuel energy capacity has tripled,” he noted.

Citing India’s leadership in sustainability, the Prime Minister highlighted that the country is the first to meet the Paris G20 agreement goals, achieving a 90 per cent ethanol blending rate and making significant progress in biofuels.

“India’s biofuels industry is poised for rapid growth, with 500 million metric tons of sustainable feedstock available. The Global Biofuels Alliance, established during India’s G20 presidency, continues to expand, now comprising 28 nations and 12 international organisations. This initiative is transforming waste into wealth and creating Centers of Excellence,” he said.

Discussing India’s strides in hydrocarbon resources, PM Modi mentioned key policy initiatives such as the Open Acreage License Policy (OALP), the opening of the exclusive economic zone, and the implementation of a single-window clearance system to attract investment.

He also highlighted efforts to empower ordinary families and farmers as energy providers.

“Last year, we launched the PM Suryodaya Mukt Bijli Yojana. This scheme goes beyond energy production; it fosters new skills in the solar sector, builds a new service ecosystem, and enhances investment opportunities,” he stated.

Reaffirming India’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions, PM Modi expressed hope that the India Energy Week would lead to innovative breakthroughs in the sector.

“India is dedicated to providing energy solutions that drive our growth while preserving nature. I hope this Energy Week brings new ideas and solutions for a sustainable future,” he concluded.

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