National
News 1
India, Australia Sign Framework Mechanism for Mutual Recognition of Qualifications
Under this agreement the two countries will recognise the degree but professional registrations of engineering, medicine and law pass-outs will remain outside the framework’s ambit.
Current Affairs: A Framework Mechanism for Mutual Recognition of Qualifications has been signed between India and Australia. This agreement is signed between the two countries to help ease the mobility of students and professionals between the two countries. Under this agreement the two countries will recognise the degree but professional registrations of engineering, medicine and law pass-outs will remain outside the framework’s ambit.
The India-Australia Agreement
- This agreement was signed between the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Jason Clare, Minister of Education, Australia.
- Jason Clare was on a five day visit to India and the delegation led by him also visited the University Grants Commission (UGC).
- The delegation includes vice-chancellors of more than 10 Australian Universities and other higher education officials.
- Approx. 11 institutional-level memorandum were exchanged between India and Australia’s University sectors. These memorandums will help promote research and academic collaborations between both the countries.
- The Australian Government will be contributing 1.89 million dollars for running skill development programmes in India in the area of agriculture.
Statement of the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
“Australia and India are aligned to make the knowledge pillar a key aspect of the bilateral relationship. Both the countries agreed to create new frameworks of partnership to take our bilateral relations to new heights.”
“The developments today will create more opportunities for two-way mobility of students and professionals for the purpose of education and employment, and pave the way for making education the biggest enabler in taking India-Australia bilateral relationship to greater heights and realise shared aspirations.”
About Australia India Education Council (AIEC)
- It is a bi-national body chaired by the Education Ministers of India and Australia to expand collaboration in education, training and research.
- It provides a forum for members to collaborate with Ministers in deciding major bilateral education priorities.
- AIEC inaugurated in the inaugural meeting which was held in New Delhi in August 2011.
Australia-India Strategic Partnership
- Australia is the third most popular education destination for international students.
- More than 52,000 Indian students are enrolled in educational programmes in Australia.
- The top programmes that draw students from around the world are computer science, engineering, business management, social sciences, mathematics, and health professions.
India and Australia Relations
Both the countries have well-established Foreign diplomatic relations, sharing a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”. Both the countries were part of the British Empire and are members of the Commonwealth of Nations and share political, economic, security, lingual and sporting ties.
About Australia
President- Anthony Albanese
Capital- Canberra
Currency- Australian Dollar
News 2
Youth Affairs & Sports Minister Anurag Thakur to launch Yuva Utsava – India@2047 from Ropar in Punjab
In the first phase, programmes are being conducted by schools and colleges of the districts.
Current Affairs: Anurag Singh Thakur, the Youth Affairs and Sports and Information and Broadcasting Minister launched Yuva Utsava- India@2047 from Ropan in Punjab on 4th March 2023. During the event the minister also launched the Dashboard of Yuva Utsav.
Statement of the Youth Affairs and Sports and Information and Broadcasting Minister
“In the first phase , Yuva Utsav is being organised in 150 districts across the country to promote youth power till the 31st of March, 2023. In the first phase, programmes are being conducted by schools and colleges of the districts.”
“As the country is celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahatsav, it is a matter of pride that Yuva Utsav has started from Punjab which has immensely contributed to the freedom struggle.”
“The youth of the country contribute in taking our country’s development, heritage and values at higher levels as India has a biggest population who is under 35 years. India is a mother of democracy and has the biggest Yuva Shakti.”
“There are a lot of hopes from Yuva Shakti in Janbhagidari. He urged the youth to work in building the nation and bring a change in whatever field they think is required as youth are the builders of tomorrow.”
About Yuva Utsav India@2047
- This event is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through its flagship youth organisation Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan.
- It will be held from March to June 2023 and the first phase will be organized in 150 districts from the 4th to 31st March,2023.
News 3
Centre approves new Nano ‘game changer’ fertiliser, IFFCO says it will help increase farmers’ income
It will cost between Rs 600-700 much cheaper than the conventional DAP.
Current Affairs: Fertilizer cooperative IFFCO announced that its IFFCO Nano DAP fertilizer has been approved for sale by the Government of India. IFFCO Nano DAP Fertilizer will act as a game changer for Indian Farmers.
Statement of the IFFCO Chief Dr. US Awasthi
“IFFCO will manufacture Nano DAP fertilizer which is a game changer for Indian agriculture and economy. It will cost between Rs 600-700 much cheaper than the conventional DAP.”
“It’s again a giant step towards Attmanirbhar Bharat and Attmanirbhar Krishi. It is also a way forward for Sahkar Se Samriddhi.”
About Nano DAP LIQUID
- It is a unique foliar formulation and it supplies nano nitrogen i.e. 8.0 % and phosphorus i.e. 16.0 % to crops.
- It works as a Seed Primer, Growth Enhancer, Productivity and Quality Booster and is also suitable for all types of crops.
- Nano DAP is 90% more efficient under the optimum condition.
- Use of the Nano DAP also helps in reducing the requirement of the conventional DAP and other phosphatic fertilizers.
- Use of the Nano DAP will decrease farmers input cost as well as the pollution of soil, air and water.
Benefits of Nano DAP Liquid
- It increases seed germination
- Improves root development
- Reduces fertilizers cost
- Increasing farmer’s income.
About Indian Farmers Fertilizers Cooperative Limited (IFFCO)
It is a multi-state cooperative society and is wholly owned by Cooperative Societies of India. The society is engaged in the business of manufacturing and marketing of fertilizers. IFFCO is headquartered in New Delhi, India and was founded in 1967. The CEO of IFFCO is Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi.
News 3
President Of India Presents Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman 2023
Today the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, presented the Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman 2023 and launched Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch The Rain-2023 in New Delhi.
In her speech, the President emphasised the importance of water and sanitation in the lives of citizens, especially women who often bear the responsibility of arranging drinking water for their homes. She praised the Government of India’s efforts to provide clean drinking water and sanitation facilities through initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission, which have improved the health of infants and freed up time for women to engage in other productive work.
Water Conservation and Management is the Need of the Hour
- The President stressed the need for water conservation and management, citing the limited and uneven distribution of water resources in India.
- She urged stakeholders to work together for sustainable water supply and the revival of traditional methods of water management and water harvesting.
- The President also highlighted the importance of making efforts to conserve water not only for ourselves but also for future generations.
Collective Responsibility for Cleanliness and Water Conservation
- The President commended the two lakh villages in India that have declared themselves as ODF-plus villages with solid and liquid waste management systems in place.
- She emphasised the need for proper and environment-friendly management of household wastes, including recycling and preventing contamination of underground water sources.
- The President reminded citizens that making India a clean nation is not solely the responsibility of the government, but a collective responsibility of all citizens.
- She called for the united power of ‘Jal Shakti’ and ‘Nari Shakti’ for social prosperity and the empowerment of women through initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Awardees as Role Models for Cleanliness and Water Conservation
- Finally, the President commended the awardees for their dedication and hard work in the fields of water conservation, waste management, and rainwater harvesting.
- She urged them to inform people in their respective areas about the work being done in the field of cleanliness and water conservation across the country and inspire them to adopt an environmentally friendly lifestyle.
- She expressed her hope that India would set an example before the world community in water management and cleanliness due to the dedication and hard work being done by its citizens.
India’s 15th President: A Journey of Humble Beginnings and Monumental Achievements
- Draupadi Murmu is the 15th President of India, affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party.
- She previously served as cabinet minister of Odisha and governor of Jharkhand.
- She began her political career with BJP in 1997 and won two elections to the Odisha state legislative assembly.
- Though her personal life remained full of struggle and tragedy, Murmu touched the pinnacle of public life and achieved monumental records in politics and social services.
- She is accompanied by her daughter and son-in-law in her family.
- She was awarded the Nilakantha Award for best MLA in 2007 by the Legislative Assembly of Odisha.
International
News 1
Belarusian court sentences Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski to 10 years in prison
The court has found him guilty of financing protests in a trial condemned by the United States
Yesterday, Ales Bialiatski, the Nobel Prize Winner and human rights activist was sentenced to 10 years in prison. The court has found him guilty of financing protests in a trial condemned by the United States and the European Union as a “Sham.”
Nobel Prize to Ales Bialiatski
- He was awarded the Nobel Prize in October for his work promoting human rights and democracy.
- He worked to promote human rights and democracy in a country which President Alexander Lukashenko, a staunch ally of Russia, has ruled with an iron hand for nearly 30 years.
Charges framed against Ales Bialiatski
- Ales, was arrested with three other co-defendants in 2021 and was charged with financing protests and smuggling money.
- As per the Belarusian State News Agency, all of them have handed down long jail sentences.
- Ales, denied the charges against him stating that these were politically motivated.
Statement of the Exiled Belarusian opposition leader
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the Exiled Belarusian opposition leader has said that
“Bialiatski and the three other activists had been unfairly convicted, describing the court verdict as “appalling”.
“We must do everything to fight against this shameful injustice & free them.”
The other 3 men convicted with Ales were
- Valentin Stefanovich, sentenced to nine years,
- Vladimir Labkovich sentenced to seven years, and
- Dmitry Solovyov, sentenced to eight years.
Statement of the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken
“The court’s ruling was a “sham” and “an attempt to suppress democracy and human rights in Belarus.”
Statement of Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief
“The trials were an attempt to silence them, a tactic which would fail.”
“Lukashenko will not succeed. Their call for freedom is loud, even behind bars.”
Statement of the German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock
“The trial was a farce.”
“The Minsk regime is fighting civil society with violence and imprisonment.”
“It is as much a daily disgrace as Lukashenko’s support for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.”
Statement of Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights
“The lack of fair trial proceedings and access to an independent judiciary in Belarus”.
“That placed human rights defenders at risk of criminal prosecution for their legitimate activities.”
India and Belarus Relations
Both the countries have diplomatic relations which was established on April 12, 1992. Since May 1992 the Embassy of India has been functioning in Minsk. In June 1998, the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus was opened in New Delhi.
About Belarus
President- Alexander Lukashenko
Capital- Minsk
Currency- Belarusian Ruble
News 2
World’s First National Park – Yellowstone
The first US national park was born, and with it, a worldwide movement to protect places for their intrinsic and recreational value.
Earlier this week, the 151st anniversary of the Yellowstone National Park was celebrated. As per the visitors brochures- “The first US national park was born, and with it, a worldwide movement to protect places for their intrinsic and recreational value.”
About Yellowstone National Park
- It is located in the Northwest corner of Wyoming and extends into Montana and Idaho.
- It was established by the 42nd United State Congress with the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872.
- It is spread in an area of over 9000 sq. Km comprises lakes, canyons, rivers, iconic geothermal features such as the Old Faithful geyser and mountain ranges.
Statement of Doug MacDonald, anthropologist and author of Before Yellowstone: Native American Archaeology in the National Park
“The big myth about Yellowstone is that it’s a pristine wilderness untouched by humanity.”
“Native Americans were hunting and gathering here for at least 11,000 years. They were pushed out by the government after the park was established.”
“When people look at Yellowstone, they should see a landscape rich with Native American history, not a pristine wilderness. They’re driving on roads that were Native American trails. They’re camping where people have camped for thousands of years.”
Yellowstone National Park Protection Act
As per the original legislation, it is mentioned that-
“Yellowstone would be “reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy, or sale under the laws of the United States,” and that it would be set aside as a “public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”
Statement of the Historian Richard West Sellers
“Congress was more interested in extracting resources and promoting tourism to the West than in promoting conservation.”
Statement of the Shane Doyle, a researcher and member of the Apsaalooke Nation
“The park is a slap in the face to Native people… There is almost no mention of the dispossession and violence that happened. We have essentially been erased from the park.”
Statement of the Matthew Sanger, a curator at the Smithsonian National Museum
“Creating a massive park in tribal lands was a distinct political act and it happened under a president who was fervently against Native peoples.”
Findings of the Science Journal, 2021
“Indigenous people in the United States have lost nearly 99 per cent of the land they historically occupied” through “forced migration”. The consequences of this mass dispossession can be felt in the socio-economic deprivations of Native Americans till date. However, this is seldom spoken out in mainstream US discourse and even when it is, its sheer scale is often underplayed.”
The National park’s visitors brochure
“When you watch animals in Yellowstone, you glimpse the world as it was before humans.”
News 3
China is the strongest and most disciplined ‘enemy’ that U.S. has ever faced, warns Haley
Republican Presidential Candidate Nikki Haley, states that China is the United States’ greatest and most well-organized “enemy” ever and that U.S. shouldn’t provide aid to nations that oppose it.
In an impressive speech addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference, the top annual event of the Republican Party and its support base, the Indian-American politician Nikki Haley continued with her focus on America’s foreign policy and asserted that the US should not give aid to countries that hate it. She expressed strong reservations against China and called it the most disciplined “enemy” that the US has ever faced. “Make no mistake: Communist China is the strongest and most disciplined enemy we have ever faced. We need to hold China accountable. Let us start with Covid,” she said.
Foundations for reservations against China:
The Spy Balloon Situation:
“Never in my life did I think Americans would look at the sky and see a Chinese spy balloon looking back at us. It was a national embarrassment” She commented, about the recent spy balloon situation that was created in the US. Before being shot down last month off the Atlantic Coast, the balloon, which Beijing denies being a spy vessel, spent a week traveling over the United States and Canada.
China’s foreign ministry condemned the downing of a Chinese-operated balloon as “a serious violation of international practice” and vowed retaliation, reasoning that it wasn’t a spy balloon but a civilian weather-monitoring craft that accidentally veered into U.S. airspace.
The Covid-19 Situation:
She suggested that China should be held accountable for spreading Covid-19. In late 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus quickly spread from its point of origin, the epicenter of the pandemic was the Huanan market in Wuhan, central China, to other parts of Wuhan and eventually the rest of the world.
Haley explained her stance on China by calling for universities to choose between accepting Chinese money or American money, but not both, and expressed concern over Chinese corporations owning American land, including near military installations.“What Joe Biden is allowing China to get away with is unbelievable. More than 380,000 acres of American land are now owned by Chinese corporations, some of it close to our military installations. Who or what are we? Never allow a foe to purchase land in our nation.” she said.
About the Presidential Candidate:
Nikki Haley, the 51-year-old former two-term Governor of South Carolina and US Ambassador to the United Nations has officially launched her bid for the 2024 presidential race, gaining her party’s and national audiences’ attention. However, she faces competition from her former boss, Donald Trump, and is currently the only woman in the race. Haley is the third Indian-American to seek the presidency of the United States in three consecutive election cycles, following Bobby Jindal and Kamala Harris. In order to run for president, she must first prevail in the Republican Party’s presidential primary in January 2024.
Haley believes that the American period has not come to an end, despite what US adversaries may believe. She criticized President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party, claiming that they are causing oppression, poverty, and anarchy, and stated that she is running for president to end this.
US and China Relations:
The United States and China have one of the world’s most essential and complex bilateral relationships. Since 1949, the countries have experienced periods of both tension and cooperation over issues including trade, climate change, and Taiwan.
The recent spy balloon shooting incident has created tension and caused the Biden administration to cancel a trip by U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, to Beijing; raising fresh concerns over a worsening of U.S.-China relations which are already strained by the U.S. supporting Taiwan and trade frictions between the countries.
News 4
United States To Hold AOL Cultural Festival 2023
Ravi Shankar’s AOL Cultural Festival to be held at National Mall, Washington DC.
The First World Cultural Festival was attended by 3.5 million people in audience and over 37000 artists were a part of the festival which had lasted over three days in New Delhi, in 2016. It is one of the flagship programme under the purview of the Art Of Living Foundation
- It was chaired by Justice RC.Lahoti and Dr.Boutros Boutros- Ghali from the United Nations was also asked to be a co- chair but wasn’t able to be a part of it, due to his death which took place prior to the event.
- The festival was highly criticized in the news and media due to environmental reasons and the Art Of Living Foundation was involved in a legal battle with the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
- It had directed the foundation to pay a fine of Rs 5 Crores i.e. USD $ 630,000 prior to the commencing of the event.
World Cultural Festival 2017
- The World Cultural Festival took place in the city of Ho Chi Minh- Gyeongju, in Vietnam to celebrate the 25 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and The Republic Of Korea(RoK).
- “Addressing the opening ceremony on November 11, Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong highlighted the similarity in culture, history and people of Vietnam and the RoK, and stressed that this year marks the 25 years of the fruitful cooperation between the two nations in numerous fields, including economics, culture, trade, education and tourism.”
World Cultural Festival 2018
- The next Art Of Living World Cultural Festival was held in Australia in 2018.
- Sri Sri Ravishankar was not only invited to host the Art Of Living Foundation’s World Cultural Festival at Melbourne in 2018, but was also invited to speak at the Australian Parliament.
The World Cultural Festival Chronicle:
The Four World Cultural Festivals were held in Bangalore in 2006, In Berlin in 2011 and in New Delhi in 2016 and in Australia in 2018 simultaneously and respectively, and now The United States Of America Is all set to host the World Cultural Festival at Washington DC in 2023 at the National Mall from September 29th all till October 1st in 2023. This will be the fourth in the Chronicle and Saga of the Art Of Living Foundation World Cultural Festivals and Fifth in the overall World Cultural Festivals if we count the World Cultural Festival held in the HCM- city of Vietnam in 2017.
Motto Of The World Cultural Festival Hosted By The Art Of Living Foundation-
It’s true Motto is One World One Family as explained beautifully by the terminology,
“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and it plans to bring together the different cultures of the world together on one platform and celebrate it through the expressions of artistic excellence.
WASHINGTON DC-
- Capital Of – United States Of America
- Situated on – Banks of Potomac River
- The city was named after George Washinton the founding father and also one of the Presidents of the United States of America.
- Washington DC is not a part of any state of the United States Of America and is not one itself.
- Currency- USD
- Leader – Joe Biden
Important Days
News 1
National Safety Day is observed on March 4
This day is celebrated every year to commemorate the establishment of the National Safety Council.
The National Safety Day is observed on March 4, every year. The main purpose to celebrate this day is to highlight safety measures and ensure that people are aware of them and follow them in order to avoid workplace accidents. March 4th is also marked as the start of National Safety Week in India.
The theme for National Safety Day 2023
- The Theme of the year 2023 is “Our Aim-Zero Harm”.
- The theme depicts the significance of protecting society as a whole.
- The goal of the event is to cause as little harm as possible.
History of National Safety Day 2023
- This day is celebrated every year to commemorate the establishment of the National Safety Council. It was established for the first time in 1972.
- The Ministry of Labour and Employment of the Government of India established the National Safety Council on March 4, 1966.
- It was established as a public trust under the Bombay Public Trust Act of 1950 in the year 2000.
Significance of National Safety Day 2023
- This day serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and health in our daily lives, particularly in the workplace.
- Its goal is to raise awareness about the risks and hazards associated with various occupations and industries, as well as the preventative measures that can be taken.
- It also serves as a reminder of the importance of employers, employees, and the government in ensuring a safe and healthy workplace.
About National Safety Council
- It is an NGO that works to raise awareness about road safety, human health safety, and environmental safety protocols.
Sports
News 1
The first-ever Women’s Premier League begins in Navi Mumbai
The long wait for the women’s T20 franchise-based cricket league in India finally came to an end on March 4, 2023.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) successfully organized the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023, a standalone T20 franchise-based cricket league for women. The WPL is on the lines of the popular Indian Premier League (IPL).
The inaugural edition of WPL saw five teams participate, namely Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), UP Warriorz (UPW), and Gujarat Giants (GG). The tournament was set to change the women’s cricket scenario in India.
WPL 2023 captains named
- India captain Harmanpreet Kaur led the MI team, while opener Smriti Mandhana led RCB’s women’s team.
- Australia’s successful skipper Meg Lanning was at the helm of Delhi Capitals, and Beth Mooney led the Gujarat Giants team.
- Australian wicketkeeper and batter Alyssa Healy led UP Warriorz in the WPL 2023.
WPL 2023 fixtures
The first match of the WPL 2023 was played between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants at DY Patil Stadium Navi Mumbai on March 4 at 7.30 pm. The tournament final is to be held at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, on March 26.
The grand opening ceremony
- The WPL 2023 opening ceremony took place on March 4 at DY Patil Sports Stadium, Navi Mumbai, before the first match.
- The ceremony started at 6:25 PM IST and was aired live through Sports18 and Sports18 Khel channels.
- The ceremony featured popular celebrities like Kriti Sanon, Kiara Advani, and Punjabi-Canadian pop star AP Dhillon, who performed for the sellout crowd.
- The BCCI also launched the official anthem of the WPL, ‘Yeh Toh Bas Shuruat Hai,’ composed by Shankar Mahadevan, featuring six artists. Jemimah Rodrigues and Harleen Deol also jammed with AP Dhillon before the opening ceremony.
Live streaming and telecast of the opening ceremony
The WPL 2023 opening ceremony was streamed live on the Jio Cinema app and website. The ceremony was also aired live through Sports18 and Sports18 Khel channels.
News 2
Hockey India appoints South African Craig Fulton as new Chief Coach of Indian men’s hockey team
Craig Fulton has tremendous experience in coaching and his work ethic induces confidence in raising the team’s performance in world hockey.
Craig Fulton, a former South Africa men’s field hockey international and a former coach of the Ireland men’s national field hockey team, has been appointed as a New Chief Coach of the Indian men’s hockey team. Hockey India’s coach Graham Reid has resigned after India’s poor outing at the World Cup in January 2023. Craig Fulton will be succeeding Graham Reid.
Statement of the Hockey India President
Dilip Tirkey, the President of Hockey India said that-
“Craig Fulton has tremendous experience in coaching and his work ethic induces confidence in raising the team’s performance in world hockey.”
“I am very pleased to state that Hockey India has finalised Craig Fulton for the chief coach’s role with the Indian men’s hockey team. I have had the honour of playing against him and now I look forward to closely working with him in this new phase,”
“He comes with tremendous experience in coaching and his work ethic induces confidence in raising the team’s performance in world hockey. I welcome Craig to India and wish him the best.”
About Craig Fulton
- He has nearly 25 years of coaching experience and earned 195 caps over a span of 10 years for South Africa from 1996 to 2005.
- He has also played in the Atlanta and Athens Olympic Games.
- He has also played at the World Cup and Commonwealth Games.
Achievements of the Craig Fulton
- In the 2015 EuroHockey Championship, he guided Ireland to bronze and also helped them qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
- He won the FIH Coach of the year in 2015.
- In 2018, Craig joined Belgium as an assistant to head coach Shane Mcleod which helped them in winning the World Cup in Bhubaneswar.
- He was also part of the Belgian outfit that won the Tokyo Olympics gold and silver at the 2023 World Cup in Odisha.
- He has also received the award Belgium Coach of the year 2023 after coaching the Belgian club to the league title.
Statement of the Craig Fulton
“It is an honour to be appointed in the role of chief coach for the Indian men’s hockey team. India has a deep history and legacy of the sport and I look forward to working with the current team which has some very promising talent.”
Upcoming Matches
India will play four matches, two each against newly crowned world champions Germany and Tokyo Olympics silver medallists Australia, at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela from March 10 to 15.
Legal
News 1
Mere Registration Of Subsequent Case Against Accused By Itself Cannot Result In Automatic Cancellation Of Bail In Earlier Case: Kerala High Court
The possibility of false accusations with oblique motives cannot be ignored, says court
On Friday, the Kerala High Court observed that bail granted in one crime cannot be cancelled merely because the accused has got himself involved in a subsequent crime, violating the bail conditions. As per the court observation, the presumption of innocence available to the accused in the second crime, the right to liberty as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India which envelopes every provision of the Code of Criminal Procedure are factors which cannot be forgotten by the Court when called upon to cancel the bail.
Kerala High Court’s Observation
- Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas has observed that a bail that had been once granted ought not to be cancelled on the mere asking, but that there ought to be cogent and overwhelming circumstances existing to cancel the bail.
Statement from the Court Proceedings
“Section 437 Cr.P.C. provides for grant of bail to a person accused of a non-bailable offence when produced before a court other than the High Court or Court of Sessions, it also confers power on the court to impose conditions while granting bail.”
“In this case, it is in pursuance of the same that the Magistrate imposed the condition that the ‘petitioner shall not involve in any other crime while on bail’.”
“Bail ought not to be cancelled on the mere asking, but that there ought to be cogent and overwhelming circumstances to do so. The bail should not be cancelled in a mechanical manner.”
Charges against the Petitioner
- The petitioner was accused with offences punishable under section 341, 323, 324, 325, 394 and 201 read with section 34 of the Indian Penal Code.
- The Petitioner was charged for attacking a woman and causing grievous hurt and stealing her phone.
- On May 23, 2022, the petitioner was taken into custody and was granted bail on June 2, 2022.
- In the bail, the magistrate has imposed the condition that the petitioner should not get involved in any other crime.
- Later on, the petitioner got involved in another crime for “Displaying his nudity before a lady and brandishing a chopper” and attempted to commit culpable homicide and use of obscene words on a public road.
- He was booked under the sections 294(b), 323, 308, 354 and 354A IPC.
Court’s Decision
- The accused was granted bail in the second crime as well as in the first crime.
- The prosecution then filed the petition to cancel the bail granted in the first crime due to his involvement in the second crime.
- The Magistrate allowed the petition filed by the prosecution.
About Kerala High Court
It is the highest court in the Indian state of Kerala and the Union territory of Lakshadweep. It is located in Kochi. The Chief Justice of Kerala High Court is S. Manikumar.
News 2
SC denied interfering in HC order
SC REFUSED TO INTERFERE IN POCSO matter where HC Rajasthan has ordered
HC of Rajasthan allowed writ petition quashing a FIR registered against a 22-year old over a physical relationship with a 16-year old girl which led to her pregnancy and child birth, the writ was asking for dismissal of order passed about quashing of a complaint
What is the POCSO Act?
- Child sexual abuse laws in India have been enacted as part of the child protection policies of India.
- POCSO Act provides for a variety of offences under which an accused can be punished
- The Act came into effect on 14th November 2012
Rajasthani
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HC order
The Rajasthan High Court, A single bench of Justice Dinesh Mehta, in November 2022, has quashed the FIR registered against a 22-year old man under Section 376 of the IPC and Sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act for impregnating a 16-year old girl, leading to delivery of a child.
Observation by Rajasthan HC
Court observed that it cannot stay silent about family in pain. If the court stays silent about it, it will cause accused to undergo imprisonment upto 10 years. Both the accused and the complainant and their respective family will have to go through unnecessary pain, eventually it will also make impact on the new born.
Observing the above fact, court decided to quash the complaint in the abovesaid matter
SC
KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna Justice was hearing the matter at SC.
Writ was filed by the State of Rajasthan against the High Court order SC denied involvement into the matter
Writ prayed the Bench to look into the larger question, if the court would comment upon the matter where girl less than 18 years is involved into sexual relationship with consent and about her consent to marriage
Argument by Petitioner
Advocate pointed out that, girls aged between 16 years to 18 years marry their ‘partners’. Which gets v the male into a legal problems which includes imprisonment up to 10 years. Advocate further mentioned these as “grey areas” of the Constitution.
Apex court observed, while deciding to stay silent about the issue, court observed that, the decision of the girl or complainant to stick upto her decision regarding the physical relationship, marriage after attaining majority with accused and giving birth to child out of the relationship shall be taken into consideration. Which made the court to decide about dismissal of the writ.