Mumbai: On the third day of Maharashtra Assembly in Mumbai, the opposition accused the ruling party of corruption and protested on the stairs of Vidhan Bhavan, accusing the government of giving contracts to every company of its choice. The state’s construction and development department has given a contract of Rs 3000 crore to Mahagathbandhan government’s Megha Engineering Company. Many shortcomings have been found in the work of this company, but despite this it is dear to the government. Therefore, slogans were raised on the stairs of Vidhan Bhavan that giving contract to this company is condemnable. Opposition members were also holding banner posters of contractor Megha Engineering, in which the picture of the owner of Megha Company was also visible. The opposition has intensified its protest against corruption in the Mahagathbandhan government. Shiv Sena opposition leader Ambadas Danve, Congress members and all parties including Congress protested loudly on the stairs of Vidhan Bhavan and drew the attention of the government towards this.

Mumbai: A horrifying case has come forward from a well-known Mumbai school where a 40-year-old English teacher from a renowned Mumbai school was arrested under the POCSO Act for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old student multiple times over a year.

The attacks began after the teacher developed an attraction to the boy while organising dance groups for the school’s annual function in December 2023. Initial advances made in January 2024 were rebuffed by the student, prompting the teacher to enlist a friend to persuade him, claiming such relationships were common. Following this, the teacher picked the boy up, took him to a secluded location, and assaulted him.

According to a report by media, in the ensuing weeks, the teacher provided the student with anti-anxiety medication and arranged outings to luxury hotels, where they had several sexual encounters, often intoxicating him beforehand. The teacher’s arrest has shocked the school community.

The student’s behavioral changes raised concerns with his family, but they decided against reporting the incidents, hoping it would resolve on its own as he neared graduation. After leaving school earlier this year, the student fell into depression, and the situation escalated when the teacher attempted to contact him through the domestic staff. This prompted the family to file a complaint with the police.

Authorities have charged the teacher with penetrative sexual assault and related offenses under the POCSO Act and other relevant laws. The case underscores serious issues concerning student abuse within educational institutions. The teacher has been remanded in police custody until Wednesday, as investigations continue into this disturbing incident involving a minor.

Similar Incident

In another incident a mathematics teacher in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh was arrested for allegedly sexually harassing 24 girl students in classes VIII to X last week. Complaints to the principal led to the teacher’s suspension and subsequent police custody. The Director of School Education initiated an inquiry due to the seriousness of the situation, tasking the Deputy Director of Elementary Education with gathering information promptly. The teacher now faces charges under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO provisions, reflecting the education department’s urgency in addressing these allegations.

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court today issued a notice to Mumbai police authorities and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) regarding a petition filed by five mosques challenging what they term as arbitrary actions involving the removal of loudspeakers and the non-renewal of their licenses.

The petition raises concerns over the recent enforcement actions carried out by police officials, which the mosques allege are unauthorized and infringe upon their religious rights. The petitioners argue that the actions lack proper authority and transparency, leading to undue hardship and disruption of religious activities.

The High Court has directed the police to submit an affidavit along with relevant records concerning the actions taken against these mosques by the next hearing scheduled for July 9, 2025. The court’s directive aims to ensure accountability and transparency in the actions undertaken by law enforcement agencies.

Senior Advocate Yusuf Moochala appeared for the petitioners, effectively representing their interests. Among the legal representatives was Advocate Mubin Solkar, who was highlighted for his advocacy in the proceedings. Other junior counsel also participated in the hearing, emphasizing the case’s importance and the need for clear directives in matters involving religious practices and civil authority.

This case underscores the ongoing tension between law enforcement and religious communities regarding the use of loudspeakers and other religious paraphernalia. The court’s upcoming order will be closely watched by various stakeholders, emphasizing the delicate balance between public regulation and religious freedom.

As the legal process continues, the petitioners hope for a resolution that respects their religious rights while adhering to necessary regulations. The next hearing on July 9 will likely provide further clarity on the measures to be taken by authorities.