India

New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday highlighted that with a strategic location in the Indian Ocean and a legacy of trade and cultural exchange, India is poised to become a global hub and a leading maritime player.

In his special message for the India Maritime Heritage Conclave being held here, PM Modi said, “As we march ahead towards realising the vision of building Viksit Bharat by 2047, further strengthening the maritime framework for the 21st century is integral to our efforts.”

“I am sure that the deliberations at the Conclave will enable India to not just take pride in her rich maritime heritage, but also draw up a futuristic blueprint that enables her to become a global hub and a leading maritime player,” he remarked.

He highlighted that the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, coupled with initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor in the G20, reflects India’s growing role in global maritime affairs. The Conclave offers a platform to celebrate this heritage while charting a path towards realising India’s vision of becoming a leading maritime hub by 2047.

"Be it for spices, beads, jewellery, cotton, or the richness of our culture, the thriving sea lanes served as bridges of commercial and intellectual exchange," PM Modi said.

Inaugurating the conclave, Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, highlighted India’s commitment to preserving and promoting its maritime heritage.

Speaking about the significance of this initiative, Sonowal said, “Our rich maritime heritage is not merely a story of our past but a beacon for our future. This conclave reaffirms India’s leadership in maritime innovation and conservation, advancing sustainable practices while preserving our cultural legacy for future generations.”

“The National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal is a step in that direction, a place where we will bring our maritime past to life for future generations. It will showcase the brilliance of our ancestors while inspiring young minds to carry forward their legacy,” he added.

The conclave witnessed the participation of four state ministers from Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. The event also marked the inaugural meeting of the Apex Committee for the development of the National Maritime Heritage Conclave. An exhibition featuring over 20 stalls showcased India's shipbuilding techniques, navigation systems, and historical trade routes, inaugurated by distinguished dignitaries.

The India Maritime Heritage Conclave fosters collaboration with key ministries like Labour and Employment, Youth Affairs and Education, and Culture and Tourism and highlights opportunities for skill development and employment, aligning with the Labour Ministry's goals of creating sustainable livelihoods.

It also inspires youth to explore maritime careers and integrates heritage into education. In partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the event promotes India’s maritime legacy as a catalyst for cultural preservation and tourism. Together, these ministries create a unified framework for national development, youth empowerment, and global engagement.

Day 2 of the conclave promises engaging discussions on themes such as the Cholas’ contributions to maritime history, advancements in traditional shipbuilding, and the evolution of naval power in India. A valedictory session will summarise the key takeaways and outline a roadmap for preserving and promoting India’s maritime legacy.

--IANS

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Kurukshetra, Dec 11 (IANS) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Wednesday that the theme park located on the sacred land of 'Dharmakshetra' -- Kurukshetra, will be known as Keshav Park.

This initiative aims to further preserve and promote the cultural and spiritual heritage of Kurukshetra -- a place of immense religious and historical significance in India.

The Chief Minister declared a special holiday on Thursday for school students who participated in the Global Gita Path here.

He urged the students to utilise this holiday to prepare diligently for their upcoming examinations.

Chief Minister Saini participated in the Global Gita Paath -- Ashtadashi Shloka programme, which saw the participation of 18,000 children, during the International Gita Mahotsav here.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Haryana Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana, Tanzania Tourism Minister Pindi Chana, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj were among those present.

Extending greetings on Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi and Gita Jayanti, the Chief Minister prayed that God may illuminate the lives of residents with the light of knowledge.

He highlighted that 5,162 years ago on this day, Lord Krishna proclaimed the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.

"Today the sky has resonated with the Ashtadashi verses by 18,000 students. It is a matter of great pride that the Gita is being recited in numerous countries around the world."

Chief Minister Saini said this recitation "holds not only religious significance but also a scientific one. The 18 verses recited today embody prayer, song, and a call for peace".

He added that every shloka of the Bhagavad Gita offers a fresh perspective and new inspiration for living life.

"Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is not merely a dialogue between Arjun and Lord Krishna but provides answers to all of our questions. The first and most significant message of the Gita is that every individual should follow their dharma and duty in life."

"If each person in society fulfills their duties with loyalty and dedication, it will maintain discipline and balance within the community. This teaching encourages us to set aside selfishness and prioritise our responsibilities toward society and the nation," the Chief Minister said.

Pindi Chana, Tourism Minister of Tanzania, a partner country of the International Gita Mahotsav, said Kurukshetra is a sacred place where the Vedas and Puranas were composed.

"In mythology, it is considered one of the most revered pilgrimage sites. According to the Mahabharata, Kurukshetra is regarded as the most significant pilgrimage. This is the very land where, thousands of years ago, Lord Krishna imparted the divine knowledge of the Gita to Arjun."

Minister Chana said the International Gita Mahotsav "is not merely a religious event, but a celebration of culture, heritage, and the fundamental principles of life".

The teachings of the Gita, she said, convey that the highest purpose of human life lies in truth and that the Gita serves as a guiding light in every aspect of life, in the service of both religion and humanity.

--IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) Maharashtra BJP Chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday claimed that some of the legislators and MPs of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), who are upset over the current state of affairs in the opposition alliance in the state, are in touch with his party.

However, he did not divulge further details about what will be BJP's strategy to deal with them.

“Some MLAs and MPs from Maha Vikas Aghadi are upset and they are expressing their uneasiness to us and many are in touch with BJP. Those who are in touch with us are complaining that they are being ignored in their respective parties and they are not getting support from their parties. Their parties are not convening meetings to discuss the present ground-level situation post-elections in their constituencies," Bawankule said.

Bawankule's statement is crucial as cracks surfaced among MVA allies over boycotting the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and later skipping the election of Rahul Narwekar as the Assembly Speaker for the second time during the three-day special session that concluded on December 9 in Mumbai.

Besides, some MPs are not happy with the lack of a cohesive approach to the functioning of MVA or the INDIA bloc.

Regarding 'Operation Lotus' alleged by the Opposition to split their parties, Bawankule said that the investigation agencies are doing their work.

"We have nothing to do with them. The opposition's usual cry is that ED and CBI are being used against them. However, if anyone comes to our party under Devendra Fadnavis' leadership to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a Developed India, he is welcome," he added.

Bawankuke accused the Opposition of running a fake narrative about EVMs to garner votes in the upcoming civic body elections in the state.

"Instead of blaming EVMs, the leaders of Maha Vikas Aghadi should find out where they fell short in the elections," he remarked.

He further targeted the Opposition, saying that it is their agenda to run a campaign against EVMs after defeat in the recently held Assembly election.

"The Supreme Court has already dismissed objections regarding EVMs, rebuking them saying that EVMs are good when they win and not good when they lose. So even now, even if they go to court, nothing will happen. The opposition should accept the fact that the people have rejected them and reflect on their defeat. The MahaYuti fell short as a party in the Lok Sabha elections. But then MahaYuti went back to the people, worked at different levels, and organised again," he said.

According to Bawankule, the State Congress president Nana Patole has been kept on edge by the people as he won with a thin margin.

"Patole should find out the reasons why people turned their backs on him. The Congress leader filed a petition in the High Court to stop the Ladki Bahin Yojana which proved fatal for the Congress," he said.

On the issue of the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Bawankule said that the Assembly Speaker will take the appropriate decision after considering the laws and rules.

"The Opposition should introspect why they did not get enough support to get the position of the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly," he added.

Asked about the cabinet expansion in the state, Bawankuke said that the leaders of the three parties in the Opposition and BJP central leadership will discuss it and make a proper decision in coordination.

He further added that MahaYuti's priority is to fulfill the promises that were made to the people in the poll manifesto.

Bawankuke snubbed the party legislator Gopichand Padalkar for his personal attack against NCP-SP Chief Sharad Pawar at a rally in Markadwadi in Solapur district held on Tuesday.

He said that Padalkar would be reprimanded, asking him to refrain from making such a personal attack against Sharad Pawar.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday briefed the parliamentary standing committee on the current state of India-Bangladesh ties after his visit to the neighbouring country on Monday, during which he had called on Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus, met with the country's Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain and also held Foreign Office Consultations with his counterpart Jashim Uddin.

According to sources, Misri told the gathering of about 21-22 MPs, who attended the detailed briefing, that the interim government in Dhaka has assured action on perpetrators behind attacks on Hindus in the country.

The Foreign Secretary also emphasised that, during his meetings, the Yunus administration didn't mention about review of any agreement.

MPs across party lines also enquired about Sheikh Hasina's status in India, sources revealed after the briefing.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who heads the Standing Committee on External Affairs, later told reporters that "a lot of questions were asked" during the "excellent" briefing.

"We had an excellent briefing on Bangladesh and the Foreign Secretary, as you know, has returned only yesterday from Bangladesh. Fresh off the trip, he was able to give us a very thorough briefing. I am not at liberty to go into details but all the important questions that you can imagine were asked by the MPs. There was a good 21-22 MP turnout and a lot of questions were asked. The Foreign Secretary answered comprehensively and candidly. We will in any case be reporting to Parliament on the subject because it's an official topic of the committee, which would require a report," said Tharoor.

The briefing took place on a day when a Bangladesh court once again rejected the bail plea of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu priest and spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote also associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), who has been arrested and jailed by the local authorities on charges of sedition.

India has been reiterating that it hopes that the trial will be held in a "fair and transparent" manner as the arrested Hindus have legal rights that should be respected.

New Delhi has also urged the interim government's authorities in Dhaka to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression while highlighting that the arrest of Das follows multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh.

"The interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities. We are concerned at the surge of extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence and provocation. These developments cannot be dismissed only as media exaggerations. We once again call upon Bangladesh to take all steps for the protection of minorities," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said last month.

On Monday, during his visit to Dhaka, Misri had conveyed India's concerns, especially those related to the safety and welfare of minorities, during his meetings with the Muhammad Yunus, Touhid Hossain and Jashim Uddin.

"We also discussed some regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural, religious, and diplomatic properties. We expect, overall, a constructive approach on all these issues by the Bangladesh authorities, and we look forward to moving the relationship forward in a positive, forward-looking, and constructive direction," Misri told reporters in Dhaka on December 9 following his meeting with Hossain.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) Former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student and Kashmir-based activist Shehla Rashid, on Wednesday, shared how her views on the Indian Army underwent a significant transformation after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019 in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

Speaking to IANS, Rashid, known for her vocal opposition to the Indian government and its policies, reflected on how her perspective of the Army had evolved over time, particularly after the controversial revocation of Article 370, which had granted Jammu and Kashmir special autonomous status.

“Earlier, I used to be a strong opponent of the Army, but my views have changed," Rashid said.

She further stated, "Before 2019, we would see the Army entering homes, interrogating people. This created a negative image of the Army among the local population, and I was among those who never questioned it. But after the abrogation of Article 370, we began to question, 'Where is all this starting from?' It became clear that much of the unrest in Kashmir was being fueled from across the border, with Pakistan sending terrorists into the region."

Rashid emphasised that the lack of a critical understanding of the broader geopolitical situation had contributed to the initial negative sentiment towards the Indian Army in Kashmir.

“We never asked, nor were we allowed to ask, about the root causes of this tension," she said, reflecting on the long-standing conflict and the role of external factors.

Drawing attention to the plight of local soldiers, Rashid acknowledged the risks and sacrifices made by the Indian Army in the volatile region.

“We have seen the death of many soldiers and even today, we witness brave young soldiers posted in difficult territories in J&K. The Army has had to enter homes and pick up people for interrogation, but this is not out of malice. It’s a result of the larger geopolitical dynamics and the need to secure our borders from terrorism,” she said.

She also pointed out that while the Indian Army is often associated with militarised actions, it is crucial to understand the context that leads to such measures.

Rashid, who has also written about her experiences and perceptions in her book, reiterated the importance of questioning the root causes of the Kashmir conflict, especially as it relates to Pakistan’s role in promoting anti-India sentiments through terrorism.

“Pakistan has been promoting hatred against India by orchestrating terrorist activities in J&K,” she added.

Shehla Rashid further reacted to the ongoing issue of atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.

“This is not just an issue for the Opposition to address,” Rashid stated when asked about the silence of political leaders regarding the atrocities in Bangladesh.

“If you ask me specifically, I can’t speak for the entire Opposition parties. However, the Gandhi family should definitely speak up on this issue, as it is part of their legacy.”

She said it was former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who played a pivotal role in the liberation of Bangladesh, a moment that led to the martyrdom of many Indians and Bangladeshis.

“It is my expectation that the Gandhi family will take a stand on this matter,” Rashid said, adding that the legacy of the 1971 war and the creation of Bangladesh should not be forgotten when discussing the current plight of Hindus in the region.

--IANS

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Kollam, Dec 11 (IANS) The Kerala Police on Wednesday arrested two young men, both of whom are history sheeters, for robbing actor-turned-politician and Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi’s ancestral home located within the Eravipuram police station limits.

The arrested people identified as Shiminas and Arun, who are in the age group of 18-20, have previous cases of robberies registered against them, an official from the Kerala Police said on Wednesday.

The two criminals fell into the Kerala Police net after a relative of Minister of State Suresh Gopi arrived at the house to check on it and found the doors of the outhouse left wide open.

Upon checking, the relative found that someone had stolen certain old materials kept in the outhouse of the minister’s home.

The relative of the minister alerted the police who rushed to the crime spot.

After a thorough probe of the area, the cops were able to zero down on the two miscreants after they were spotted in the footage of the CCTV in the neighbouring house.

The ancestoral home of the minister is locked and the relatives of Suresh Gopi at times visit it to ensure its safety.

During the interrogation of the two young men, police found out that they had earlier also decamped with old materials kept at the outhouse as they realised that no one lived there and they found it an easy target.

However, it is not clear yet if they realised that they were robbing the house of Minister of State, Suresh Gopi.

Their arrests have been formally recorded, a police officer said and added that the two criminals will be produced before a local magistrate soon.

Suresh Gopi and his family reside in the state capital city of Thiruvananthapuram and come down to the house rarely now.

--IANS

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Amaravati, Dec 10 (IANS) Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy said on Wednesday that people are vexed with the coalition government in just six months as it has failed on all fronts.

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) President called on party leaders and workers to counter the false propaganda and diversion politics of the TDP-led coalition government.

Addressing the local bodies leaders of YSRCP from Prakasam district, Jagan Mohan Reddy accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of engaging in diversion politics to cover up the coalition government failures.

The coalition has failed to implement its election promises and failed to make budgetary allocations while during our term we had given an annual welfare calendar with dates and strictly followed it in the DBT format to avoid corruption and middlemen, he said.

“The coalition on the other hand has done away with all the welfare schemes we implemented with farmers not getting MSP and paddy procurement not being taken up. Fee reimbursement was not given affecting the students and power charges have been increased burdening the people,” he said.

Jagan Mohan Reddy claimed that the YSRCP’s governance focused on transparency, welfare, and infrastructure development, including the RBKs, door-to-door rice distribution reforms, and infrastructure projects like medical colleges, Ramayapatnam Port and Veligonda irrigation tunnels.

Addressing the controversy over rice distribution, Jagan questioned how the opposition could spread false claims when the central and state machinery, including customs and security, remains under their control. He accused Finance Minister P. Keshav's relatives of monopolising rice exports while misrepresenting facts.

Under the YSRCP, rice was directly delivered to beneficiaries, eliminating corruption. He noted that the current government has reversed these reforms, reintroducing dealer-based distribution, low-quality rice, and ration mafia practices.

He blamed the coalition government for burdening people with taxes and escalating electricity tariffs by over Rs 15,000 crore. "Chandrababu’s idea of wealth creation is exploitation and burdening the common man," Jagan remarked, referring to Naidu’s governance as "tax-heavy and oppressive." He accused Naidu of privatising public assets like ports and medical colleges.

YSRCP has announced a series of campaigns, including a farmers’ support programme on December 13, a protest against electricity tariff hike on December 27, and a rally on January 3 to address fee reimbursement delays. Jagan urged party members to strengthen grassroots connections and actively counter misinformation through social media.

"This fight isn’t just against an opposition leader but against a machinery of lies," Jagan said, affirming his confidence in the YSRCP’s return to power through trust and credibility.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, Dec 11 (IANS) In a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress spokesperson Alok Sharma on Wednesday accused AAP of functioning as the "B team" of the BJP and reiterated that the Congress would contest the Delhi Assembly elections independently.

Sharma questioned AAP’s electoral performances in recent elections. "In Haryana, AAP garnered fewer votes than NOTA. Clearly, they should contest elections alone instead of meddling with the Congress' prospects. AAP is behaving as the BJP's B team. They are a big distraction. After such a dismal showing, they need to introspect on their strategy and purpose," Sharma told IANS.

Sharma also expressed confidence in the Congress' chances in Delhi. "We are fully prepared to fight the Delhi Assembly elections on our own. Our Nyay Yatra has just concluded, and the overwhelming response from the public has been highly encouraging. Delhi has deteriorated under AAP’s governance, and people are ready for change. This time, the Congress will emerge victorious and restore Delhi’s lost glory," he added.

Kejriwal also said early on Wednesday that there was no possibility of any alliance with the Congress in the Delhi Assembly elections which are likely to be held early next year. "Aam Aadmi party will be fighting this election on its own strength in Delhi. There is no possibility of any alliance with congress," he said in a post on X.

Kejriwal’s AAP has already released names of 31 candidates for the upcoming elections.

Sharma also launched a broadside against the BJP-led Central government and the Punjab government on the issues of unemployment and the rising drug menace in the state.

"The twin crises of unemployment and drug abuse have gripped Punjab. Our demand is clear --- jobs, not drugs. Drug smuggling must be curbed, and youth need gainful employment opportunities. The Congress has been actively raising these issues across India. Yesterday, the Punjab Youth Congress staged a massive protest, and today, we are here to emphasize these concerns," Sharma told IANS.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) Shehla Rashid, a former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student and Kashmir-based activist on Wednesday shared why Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership is different from other leaders and what made her an admirer of the PM from a one-time critic. She also called the PM a 'fair administrator.'

Rashid spoke about how the Modi administration stands apart from previous ones, especially regarding schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, and others that have benefitted a wide cross-section of society.

Talking to IANS, Rashid said, "PM Modi is a fair administrator. When he brings out a scheme, it’s for everyone — whether it’s the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana or Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, or any other initiative. Everyone gets its benefits, irrespective of their background. Unlike previous schemes, like the Jawahar Rozgar Yojana, today everything is digital. There’s no officer sitting in the office; it's a completely transparent system where people can access these benefits without discrimination or bribery.”

She further highlighted how the digitalisation of government services has reduced bureaucratic interference and opened doors for people across the country, particularly the marginalised sections of society.

“Earlier, there was a clear bias, especially against Muslim women. But today, the system has been made transparent, and anyone who needs help can easily access the government’s benefits without middlemen,” she claimed.

Rashid also pointed out that while PM Modi is focussed on providing development for all, he does not specifically highlight any religious community in his policies.

"PM Modi never says that he is doing something for Muslims or Hindus. He speaks of doing things for the poor, for women, and for the youth. He does not use communal language, and he doesn’t expect votes from any particular community. He wants the Muslim community to become self-sufficient, to stand on its own feet," she claimed.

She alleged that there are a few parties in India who believe that there will be no development in the country if they don't come to power.

“The Sachar Committee report showed that Muslims have lagged behind even more than the SC/ST communities in India. The so-called secular parties have failed to bring them into the mainstream. It’s not about waiting for a government to give us something, it’s about self-empowerment. We need to educate ourselves, train our youth, and prepare them for the future," she said.

Rashid’s message to the Muslim community, and the country at large, was clear: The future lies in education and skill development.

"We have to give our children the right exposure and skills to succeed in this rapidly changing world. The rise of Artificial Intelligence, the global economy — these are areas we need to focus on," she said.

"PM Modi’s message to us is clear: Stop waiting for someone to topple the government or give you handouts. Believe in yourself and take responsibility for your progress."

Rashid further asserted what made her become PM Modi's admirer from being a critic.

"There’s only one reason for this — PM Modi has shown us the dream of a developed India. His focus is on the country’s progress. We are facing external threats, whether it’s from China, Pakistan, or anti-India sentiment in other parts of the world. We cannot afford to be divided by language, region, caste, or religion. We need to unite to build a strong, developed India," she said.

Rashid emphasised that India’s focus should be on fostering unity and putting the country’s development at the forefront, setting aside social divisions that often detract from the larger goal.

"The reality is that we need to work towards a cohesive society. The enemies of India are many, but the only way we can confront these challenges is by focussing on building a strong, developed India. That’s what PM Modi has been advocating for all these years," she concluded.

--IANS

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Kochi, Dec 11 (IANS) The Kerala High Court on Wednesday issued a contempt notice to an officer of the Cochin Devaswom Board under the Contempt of Courts Act for allegedly breaching its guidelines on the use of elephants during temple festivals. The action comes amidst growing concerns over the treatment of elephants at such events.

The court pointed to violations that took place during the Tripunithura Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple festival held from November 29 to December 6. It noted that on December 2, 15 elephants were cramped into a small space, disregarding the mandatory three-meter distance between each animal, as stipulated in the court's guidelines.

Last week, the court had directed the officer to file an affidavit explaining the alleged misconduct.

While the officer admitted to violations on only one day, he attributed it to non-cooperation from devotees, who accused the Devaswom official of disrupting temple rituals.

In response, the Court stated: "Will you disobey the Court's mandate just because some devotees say so? Sorry, we cannot accept this affidavit. We will initiate contempt proceedings for outright defiance of our directions. The state cannot descend into lawlessness. How dare you jeopardize lives? We have zero tolerance for such behaviour."

The Court further noted that the officer’s actions amounted to civil contempt and directed the registry to formally register a contempt case. The officer was ordered to respond by January 9, 2025. “We, therefore, direct the registry to formally register a Contempt of Court case and to issue a notice to the deponent Devaswom officer forthwith so that the deponent officer can respond to the same on or before January 9, 2025,” the court added.

During the proceedings, the court was informed about the deteriorating condition of a 65-year-old elephant. This prompted the bench to remark: "Elephants are symbols of Lord Ganapathi. Is this how we treat Lord Ganapathi? Why are we so cruel?"

The Court instructed the amicus curiae to consult experts regarding the determination of elephants' age and condition and to submit a report.

“We need some rules in place if captive elephants are to be paraded, existing captive elephants must be taken care of, there should be places to rehabilitate elephants that are unfit to parade. Who will rehabilitate these elephants and where does the fund come from," the court said and posted the matter to December 19.

--IANS

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