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Maharashtra

Our govt with BJP formed legally, CM Eknath Shinde remains firm as Sanjay Raut asserts Thackeray faction is ‘real’ Sena

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Mumbai: As the hearing on Sena vs Sena continues in the top court, both factions of the party have made assertions that they are the ‘real’ Shiv Sena. As the Supreme Court reserved its ruling in the case after Uddhav-faction sought referral to the Nabam Rebia case.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday said that his party believes in the judiciary and hopes that the top court’s verdict on the June 2022 case of Maharashtra’s political crisis will be made on the basis of merit.

Meanwhile, Sanjay Raut, Sena [UBT] leader asserted that the party led by former CM Uddhav Thackeray is the ‘real’ Shiv Sena. He said truth will prevail at the next hearing on February 21.

Supreme Court posts hearing on Feb 21

The Supreme Court on February 17, refusing to refer pleas pertaining to last year’s political crisis–triggered by Shiv Sena’s division to a seven-judge bench for reconsideration of the 2016 Nabam Rebia judgement–said that they will have to consider merits of the case. A five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud pronounced the same.

The 2016 verdict deals with powers of assembly speakers to decide on disqualification pleas.

Reactions to SC move

Reacting to development, CM Shinde said, “We trust the judiciary. We expect a verdict based on merit. We are a majority government formed legally.”

He further alleged that Uddhav-faction demanded larger bench to prolong the case hearing. “In a democracy, the majority has a say and our government was formed on that basis. We are working for the welfare of people,” he said according to news agency PTI.

Meanwhile, Raut said that his party believes justice will be delivered. “Governments and political parties cannot be destabilised through use of power and money. We want a clean political system,” he told the news agency.

Shinde faction alleges Uddhav-faction tried to prolong case

Two leaders from Shinde faction–Rahul Shewale and Sajay Shirsat alleged that the other faction tried to prolong the case. Shewale said that they wanted to do so because their stance is weak. Meanwhile, Shirsat said that the verdict is expected soon.

Nabam Rebia case

In 2016, a five-judge Constitution bench, while deciding the Nabam Rebia case of Arunachal Pradesh, had held that the assembly speaker cannot proceed with a plea for disqualification of MLAs if a prior notice seeking removal of the speaker is pending before the House.

How does it affect Sena vs Sena case

The 2016 judgement helped Shinde-led rebel MLAs. Thackeray faction sought their disqualification when a notice of the Shinde group for removal of Maharashtra Assembly Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal, Thacekray loyalist, was pending before the House.

Shinde led a rebellion last year which caused a vertical split in Shiv Sena and resulted in the collapse of Maha Vikas Aghadi government led by Uddhav Thackeray. On June 30, a day after collapse of MVA, Shinde with Devendra Fadnavis as his deputy took oath as CM,

Maharashtra

Online Gaming Ban: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Mulls Shutdown Of Online Gaming Due To Rise In Suicide, Scams, And Crimes

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is calling for a complete ban on online gaming within the state, citing alarming spikes in addiction, financial ruin, crimes, and suicides linked to real-money gaming. Fadnavis confirmed to the assembly that he has written to Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and is working closely with the Centre, stressing that current IT rules are insufficient to curb harm.

In the Assembly, Fadnavis said that he has written to the Centre, urging it to regulate or ban online real money gaming. “The Centre has jurisdiction over online gaming regulation because the majority of these platforms are hosted outside of India. We are committed to working closely with the Union government to combat this growing threat,” he was quoted as saying in reports. 

In recent years, online gaming has spawned a web of distressing cases. In one gut-wrenching example, a man in Dharashiv allegedly sold his land, poisoned his pregnant wife and 2-year-old, and then took his own life after falling into crippling losses from online rummy.

Another tragedy from Pimpri‑Chinchwad involved a 16‑year‑old boy who leapt from a 14th‑floor balcony after succumbing to gambling addiction.

Cyber fraud tied to gaming is also soaring. In Mohali, police uncovered an Rs. 18 crore online-gaming fraud syndicate that entrapped people through fake WhatsApp pitches, with eight arrested . In Mumbai’s Navi Mumbai, a businessman lost Rs. 2.74 crore to online betting over two years—prompting a police FIR.  

Fadnavis warned that unchecked gaming platforms are “a new-age addiction” fuelling mental health crises and criminal activity, calling for a crackdown on celebrity endorsements that glamourise gambling

With nearly 97 illegal betting cases since 2023—including dozens in Mumbai—the state’s cyber police have intensified searches, training 3,000 officers, opening 50 cyber labs, and launching helpline services 1945/1930, though admits only central legislation can truly shut down offshore platforms.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Road Accident: 36-Year-Old Kurla Biker Killed In Sion Flyover Crash As Car Comes From Wrong Side

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Mumbai: A 36-year-old resident of Kurla, Suhel Shakil Ansari, lost his life on Sunday morning after the motorcycle he was riding pillion on was struck by a car allegedly driving on the wrong side of the Sion flyover. The vehicle was being driven by a 75-year-old senior citizen, who was later served a notice by the police and allowed to leave the scene.

According to officials, the incident occurred around 10:45 am while Suhel and his friend Abu Faizan Ehsaanhul Haq Ansari were returning home from Marine Drive. Abu was riding the bike, as reported by Hindustan Times.

According to the report, a police officer mentioned that, “When they reached the Sion flyover, their motorcycle collided with a car being driven on the wrong side of the road. The flyover doesn’t have a divider, and the car suddenly came into their lane and hit them.”

Suhel sustained severe injuries and was bleeding from the nose and mouth. He was rushed to Sion Civic Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Abu suffered leg injuries, according to the officials.

The police identified the car driver as Chandulal Jain, 75, a Byculla resident. He has been booked under Sections 106(1) (causing death by negligence), 125(b) (endangering life or personal safety of others), and 281 (rash or negligent driving) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 184 (dangerous driving) of the Motor Vehicles Act. A notice was served to him, and he was permitted to go, said the officer.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai: Ola, Uber Strike To Resume On Wednesday Noon As Cab Drivers’ Demands Remain Unaddressed

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Mumbai: The Ola and Uber driver strike in Mumbai, suspended until Tuesday, is set to resume on Wednesday if the Maharashtra government fails to address their demands.

The strike was initially called off on Saturday, allowing the government to respond to issues like fare rationalisation, the establishment of a welfare board for drivers, and restrictions on new permits. The Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch confirmed that the strike is merely suspended and will restart if demands remain unmet.

Key driver demands include:

Drivers advocate for fare alignment with traditional taxis.

A financial and legal support board for app-based cab drivers is requested.

There’s a push to limit new cab and auto-rickshaw permit issuance.

Protections under the Maharashtra Gig Workers’ Act for taxi workers are sought.

A review of aggregator platform operations regarding surge pricing and driver ID blocking is desired.

If unresolved by the deadline, drivers plan an escalated protest on Wednesday. According to a report, passengers have been asked to de-board in various locations across Mumbai due to the impending strike. A cab driver from Navi Mumbai highlighted their demand for a fixed rate per kilometre, contrasting current inconsistent rates with a previously established government-fixed rate of Rs 32 per km for AC taxis.

Cab unions have discussed these concerns with Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who has promised a solution within 15 days. Nevertheless, drivers remain skeptical, recalling previous unfulfilled promises. Sarnaik acknowledged the reasonableness of the demands and assured adjustments in policy would be made.

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