National News
Bombay HC: Delimitation decision not arbitrary, irrational & unconstitutional
The Bombay High Court has observed that the present Shiv Sena- BJP government’s notification reversing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) wards back to 227 from 236 is “in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court” and hence cannot be said to be “arbitrary, irrational and unconstitutional”.
A division bench of Justices SB Shukre and MW Chandwani, on Monday, dismissed the petitions filed by two former councillors, Raju Pednekar and Sameer Desai, stating “We find no substance in both the petitions. Both the petitions stand dismissed.”
HC observed legislation in accordance to Supreme Court
In a detailed order made available late Monday night, the HC has observed that the legislation is “in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court and, therefore, cannot be found to be manifestly arbitrary, irrational and unconstitutional, nor could they be found to be actuated by any political consideration or motive, although that may not be relevant for examining the validity of the impugned legislations”.
The judges have clarified that they have held the legislations valid “on the touch-stone of directions of the Supreme Court”.
The HC noted that The Statement of Objects and Reasons in the Ordinance gives two reasons and spells out two objects for its promulgation by the Governor of Maharashtra.
Statement of Objects and Reasons
The first reason is that it was noticed that the number of Councillors in MMC (Mumbai Municipal Corporation) and minimum and maximum number of elected Councillors of other local bodies were increased considering the growth in the population and speed of urbanization on the basis of the figures of census of 2011 and hypothetical calculation of population in 2021-22 respectively. The second reason is that the SC on May 4, 2022, and July 20, 2022 had directed the Election Commission to notify the election programme on the basis of delimitation done prior to coming into force of the said Amendment Acts with effect from March 11, 2022.
Court’s observations
“Insofar as both the objects are concerned, we do not find that their basis is wrong or factually incorrect, rather their basis is to be found in the directions issued by the Supreme Court,” said the HC, while dismissing the petitions.
Pednekar and Desai had challenged the Maharashtra government’s decision reversing the previous Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government’s decision to go ahead with the delimitation of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) wards.
In 2021, the MVA initiated the delimitation process and increased the number of electoral wards from 227 to 236. However, on August 8, the present government reduced the number of wards to 227. On September 8, the ordinance was replaced by the Act.
National News
‘No minister can issue such orders’: Jitendra Singh rejects Rahul’s claims of Amit Shah ordering firing on protesting students

New Delhi, July 29: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday criticised Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for his remarks about Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a discussion in the House, alleging that he spoke without verifying facts and lacked basic knowledge of administrative procedures.
Speaking during the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, Jitendra Singh said: “First of all, it is disappointing to see the conduct of the Opposition when such an important Bill is being discussed. This legislation has been brought with great sensitivity and reflects the commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards ensuring fairness in public examinations. Instead of participating in a constructive discussion or offering suggestions, the Opposition is trying to politicise the issue.”
The Union Minister also expressed surprise over Gandhi’s conduct in Parliament.
“I am surprised by the behaviour of the Leader of the Opposition. The kind of language he used in Parliament was inappropriate. Such expressions should not be used in the House. If any Member of Parliament wishes to describe himself in a certain manner, that is a matter for outside Parliament, but such language has no place here,” he said.
Singh further said that Gandhi appeared unaware of parliamentary norms despite holding a position of responsibility.
“The office of the Leader of the Opposition carries great respect. It is surprising that he does not seem to know the basic norms of Parliament. If he claims that his remarks were not directed at any individual, then one wonders whether he was referring to the students. If students are being described in such terms, then nothing could be more unfortunate,” he said.
Referring to Gandhi’s allegations against Amit Shah, Singh said, “When Rahul Gandhi claims that Amit Shah ordered action against students, he has failed to provide any evidence to support the allegation. For basic information, no minister can issue such orders. Such decisions are taken by a magistrate, District Magistrate (DM), or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). This is basic administrative knowledge, and it appears he lacks even this understanding.”
He further rejected Gandhi’s other claims.
“There was no firing; only tear gas was used. He also claimed that the Home Minister travels with 30 vehicles, which suggests he may be mistaken even in his calculations. He further alleged that the Home Minister was abroad, but there is no evidence to support that claim. Amit Shah has not gone abroad. Making statements without facts or evidence is not the conduct expected from the Leader of the Opposition,” Singh said.
National News
Mumbai: Woman, 21-year-old biker killed in high-speed collision on Mahim Causeway

New Delhi, July 29: A 50-year-old woman and a 21-year-old motorcyclist were killed after a speeding motorcycle hit the woman while she was crossing the road on Mumbai Mahim Causeway on Tuesday night, police said.
According to Mahim Police, the accident occurred at around 9:20 p.m. on General Arun Kumar Vaidya Marg near Mahim Causeway. The deceased have been identified as Mangala Tandel (50) and Dhruv Manoj Gurav (21), both residents of Mahim.
Police said Mangala Tandel was crossing the road along with her two daughters to visit a relative who lived on the opposite side when a speeding KTM motorcycle allegedly struck her. The impact left both Tandel and the rider critically injured.
Mangala’s husband, Ashok Tandel, who works with Bank of Baroda, told police that he was at home when he heard a loud crash. Rushing outside, he found his wife and the motorcycle rider lying seriously injured on the road, with the KTM motorcycle at the scene.
With the help of local residents, Mangala was rushed to Raheja Hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival.
Meanwhile, the injured rider, identified as Dhruv Gurav, was initially taken to Bhabha Hospital before being shifted to Raheja Hospital for further treatment. He later succumbed to his injuries during treatment, police said.
Mahim Police said they are awaiting the rider’s blood sample report to determine whether he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
Based on a complaint filed by Ashok Tandel, Mahim Police have registered a case against Dhruv Manoj Gurav under Sections 106(1) and 281 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Police alleged that Gurav was riding the motorcycle in a rash and negligent manner at high speed, leading to the fatal collision.
Crime
Hyderabad Police officer suspended on allegation of sexually exploiting woman

Hyderabad, July 29: Station House Officer (SHO) of Jubilee Hills Police Station in Hyderabad has been suspended following allegations of sexually exploiting a woman and blackmailing and threatening her.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar issued orders suspending Station House Officer U. Srinivasulu Reddy. An announcement to this effect was made late on Tuesday night.
Following the allegations by a 31-year-old woman from Sangareddy district, the officer was sent to the Vacancy Reserve. After the preliminary investigation, the Commissioner ordered his suspension, pending a departmental inquiry.
The woman had complained to the Director General of Police (DGP) C.V. Anand that Srinivasulu sexually assaulted her, forced her to undergo an abortion and threatened her. She also accused him of physically assaulting her.
She alleged that the SHO was blackmailing her by threatening to post her personal videos and demanding that she pay Rs 2 crore. She claimed she had paid several thousands of rupees on different occasions.
The incident dates back to 2021, when she approached Ameenpur police station over a family dispute. Srinivasulu was then serving as an inspector there. She alleged that he later contacted her regarding the case and gradually demanded sexual favours.
The woman alleged that Srinivasulu later asked her to visit his residence in KPHB and, when she refused, he threatened to come to her house. She alleged that he later sexually assaulted her at his residence. She also claimed that he took her to a hospital when she became pregnant, where she underwent an abortion.
The woman also alleged that Srinivasulu had paid Rs 25 lakh to get posted as Jubilee Hills SHO.
Reddy, who was posted as SHO of Jubilee Hills just four months ago, denied the allegations. He reportedly told senior officials that the woman threatened him and extorted money from him.
Police are likely to record the statements of both the suspended officer and the complainant as part of the investigation into the allegations.
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