General
Supreme Court puts sedition law on hold, no new FIRs to be lodged till review is complete
The Supreme Court on Wednesday urged the Centre and state governments to refrain from registering any FIRs invoking sedition provision, Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code, till review of the law by the Centre is complete.
A bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana and comprising Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli said till the review of the sedition provision by the Centre is complete, the governments should not use the sedition provision.
In an interim order, the bench said no new FIRs should be lodged under the sedition provision and those already in jail can approach courts for relief.
The Centre proposed issuing an advisory to the state governments that only a police officer of the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) — who may record in writing the reasons for a case involving sedition provision (Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code) — as it cannot prevent police from registering a cognizable offence under sedition provision.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, submitted that the government proposes that a police officer of the level of SP or above should decide, for now, on whether a sedition charge should be filed in future FIRs. He added that as the government reviews the sedition law, pending sedition cases can be reviewed, and the courts can decide on the bail application of those under Section 124A IPC, expeditiously.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing one of the petitioners, contended that Section 124A has become prima facie unconstitutional and the apex court must stay application of the sedition provision, till the Centre reviews the provision.
Mehta submitted that as far as pending cases are concerned, gravity of each case is not known, maybe there is a terror angle, and also the pending cases are before judicial forum. “We need to trust the courts,” he added.
Justice Kant told Sibal, “What is this argument…Can it be struck down today?” The bench added that it is looking for an answer who can be an impartial authority, in the view of Centre’s proposal, and asked Sibal what an arrangement in the interregnum can be done.
On Tuesday, the top court had sought the Centre’s response on pending and future cases registered under the sedition law.
The Ministry of Home Affairs in its affidavit said the Prime Minister of India has been cognizant of various views expressed on the subject and has also periodically, in various forums, expressed his clear and unequivocal views in favour of protection of civil liberties, respect for human rights and giving to the constitutionally cherished freedoms to the people of the country.
The home ministry added that the Prime Minister has repeatedly said that one of India’s strengths is the diverse thought streams that beautifully flourish in the country. The ministry said the Prime Minister believes that at a time when the nation is marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (75 years of Independence), as a nation it is essential to work harder to shed colonial baggage that passed its utility, which includes outdated colonial laws and practices.
“The Government of India, being fully cognizant of various views being expressed on the subject of sedition and also having considered the concerns of civil liberties and human rights, while committed to maintain and protect the sovereignty and integrity of this nation, has decided to re-examine and re-consider the provisions of Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code, which can only be done before the competent forum,” said the affidavit.
Maharashtra
Mumbai BEST strike continues… Additional buses to be provided for NEET exam centers, passengers inconvenienced due to strike

Passengers were left stranded for the second day due to the BEST bus strike in Mumbai. Due to the public transport strike, private vehicles, autorickshaws and taxis have become silver. Complaints have also been received from passengers about double fare being charged. Meanwhile, the BEST administration has claimed in a press release that comprehensive measures are being taken by the administration to ensure passenger services. The administration is keeping an eye on the strike called by the BEST Kamgar Karti Samiti amidst the strike and has taken all necessary steps to ensure that passengers do not face any kind of inconvenience. On June 20, notices under MEMSA (Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act) were served to the employees participating in the strike, and notices under MEMSA have also been sent. Along with this, the porters have also been contacted. Considering the situation that has arisen, the Maharashtra State Road Transport has been directed to arrange 100 additional buses so that the passengers do not face any kind of trouble. Additionally,
63 examination centres of NEET exam will ensure best service to students so that they do not face any inconvenience.
60 additional buses have been arranged in Mumbai from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and orders have been given to depot managers in this regard.
The power supply department is not affected by the strike. The undertaking, and its essential power services are functioning smoothly. Providing uninterrupted, safe and reliable service to the passengers is the top priority, and all possible measures are being implemented accordingly. Mumbai is in a state of chaos due to the strike. There are no buses on the roads.
Maharashtra
Parbhani : Maharashtra ATS cracks down on Youth Islamic Federation, Popular Front of India Raids conducted at 15 locations

Mumbai: Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has conducted raids at a total of 15 places in Parbhani and has also started questioning suspected members of Islamic Youth Federation, Popular Front of India, ISIS. ATS has conducted this operation in a case of online extremism. After the raid in Parbhani, there has been a sensation and tension here. ATS conducted this operation early in the morning in which electronic gazettes and other documents have also been recovered from the possession of these suspects, which have been seized by ATS. Along with this, ATS has also conducted raids at the house of Honorable Bari Raeesuddin on charges of ISIS in 2016. About 14 youths have been taken into custody and their interrogation is also underway. ATS said that these youths were victims of online extremism. In such a situation, investigation is also underway on which sites these youths used to propagate extremism online. Operations were also carried out in Nanded and Chhatrapati Samhhani Nagar. Search operations were also conducted at 15 different places in Parbhani city, including Mumtaz Colony, Master Cafe, Iftikhar Colony, Saint Colony, Mustafa Bazaar, Azmat Khan Road to Saint Colony Road, Rajkot Sweet, Noble Handloom and Hosiery Shop, etc. A total of 14 people are still being arrested in this raid. The ATS has not arrested them yet. This raid operation is causing fear and panic in Muslim-majority areas of Parbhani, Nanded and other places. ATS sources have claimed in this matter that no innocent person will be harassed. The ATS is investigating in this regard. No one has been formally arrested.
Maharashtra
Mumbai Press Report Leads to Crime Branch Raid on Soortaal Dance Bar; Eight Women Detained

Mumbai: The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has reportedly conducted a raid at the controversial Soortaal Dance Bar, located within the jurisdiction of Santacruz East and Vakola Police Station, and detained eight women who were allegedly found performing dance activities on the premises.
According to local residents, complaints regarding the bar’s alleged illegal operations had been raised on several occasions. Residents claimed that the establishment continued functioning until the early hours of the morning, allegedly operating beyond permitted timings. They further alleged that obscene dance performances were being conducted and that several incidents involving disputes and assaults between customers had taken place at the venue in the past.
Local residents had reportedly shared information about the bar’s activities with Mumbai Press, which subsequently brought the matter to the attention of senior officials of the Mumbai Police Crime Branch. Sources alleged that after regular business hours, customers were being allowed entry through a rear entrance and that gatherings continued on the upper floors of the premises until the morning.
Some residents have also alleged that despite repeated complaints, action against the establishment had not been taken earlier. However, following the Crime Branch operation, locals expressed relief and welcomed the police action.
Residents thanked Mumbai Press for highlighting the issue and said the raid had helped address a long-standing concern in the area. Police officials are expected to continue their investigation into the matter and examine whether any laws or licensing conditions were violated by the establishment.
Further details are awaited.
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