India

Ranchi, Dec 15 (IANS) Madhusudan Rai, also known as Madhu Rai, a real estate businessman, was shot dead in broad daylight by criminals in the Namkum area of Ranchi on Sunday.

The brazen attack, carried out in the middle of the road, created panic across the city.

According to reports, Rai had left his home in Rajaulatu Unidih, under the Namkum police station, on a scooter. He was attacked near Kawali, where the assailants shot him and fired 12 bullets after he collapsed on the road. The criminals fled the scene without any resistance.

Rai succumbed to his injuries on the spot. Upon receiving the news, his family members and local residents gathered at the site and blocked the road in protest. Police later managed to clear the blockade after lengthy discussions and sent the body to RIMS for postmortem.

Several senior police officials arrived at the scene to assess the situation. The case is under investigation, but the motive for the murder remains unclear. Authorities suspect the attack took place due to business rivalry or personal enmity, as Rai had a history of disputes.

Notably, Rai had been the target of previous attacks. Around 15 years ago, his wife was killed in a firing incident in Rajaulatu during a land dispute. He was also shot and injured in 2016.

In another incident, the body of a woman Chandravati Devi, a resident of Murkunda Kumhartoli in Jharkhand’s Gumla district, was recovered on Sunday from a forest near her village, three days after she went missing.

Chandravati Devi’s son, Sunil Mahato, had filed a missing person report at the local police station on December 12, suspecting her kidnapping.

The family has alleged that Chandravati was murdered by villagers who suspected her of practicing witchcraft. On Saturday, her family discovered broken bangles and a bundle of firewood in the forest, which they reported to the police. Acting on this information, the police intensified their search, leading to the recovery of her body.

The victim’s family claims that Chandravati had been harassed for months by certain villagers who accused her of being a witch.

Despite filing a complaint about these threats at the Gumla police station, no action was reportedly taken.

--IANS

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Chandigarh, Dec 15 (IANS) In an intelligence-led operation, Punjab Police’s State Special Operation Cell of Amritsar has busted an inter-state illegal gun trade backed by US-based handlers with the arrest of its two members and recovered 10 country-made pistols along with 20 magazines and ammunition from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday.

Those arrested have been identified as Satnam Singh and Manjit Singh, both residents of Batala.

DGP Yadav said preliminary investigations have revealed that primarily, accused Satnam was in touch with his US-based handler, Sunny Masih alias Gulli, who is wanted in multiple cases of heroin smuggling.

For his convenience, accused Satnam also involved his relative Manjit in drug peddling and transportation of illegal weapons, he said.

Yadav said investigations have also revealed that the accused were procuring illegal weapons from Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand to further supply them to Punjab-based gangsters.

The DGP said investigations are going on to establish linkages to unearth the entire network of this module.

Assistant Inspector General Sukhminder Singh Mann said they have received a tip-off that Sunny Masih is running an inter-state weapons smuggling module in the state with the help of his associates.

In pursuit of the input, the police launched an operation and arrested two members of this module after recovering a weapon consignment from their possession, he said.

During questioning, the arrested accused Satnam revealed that Sunny Masih used to pay him courier charges on a delivery basis. The accused also revealed that around one month ago, he smuggled four weapons from Madhya Pradesh to Punjab for which he was paid Rs 10,000 and for the current delivery, Sunny had promised him to pay Rs 20,000.

He said the accused Satnam Singh has a criminal history with at least three cases under the NDPS Act registered against him. He was released on bail on July 30.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 15 (IANS) The world can expect another pandemic any day, due to virus spillover from animals, said Mario C.B. Raviglione, former Director of the Global Tuberculosis (TB) Programme at the World Health Organization (WHO) on Sunday.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, Raviglione said that a highly interconnected world is the perfect way for the spread of another pandemic, like COVID-19.

“Everyone is expecting another pandemic. This may happen any day because we live in a very interconnected world,” said Raviglione, Full Professor of Global Health at the University of Milan, Italy.

“Italy was the first country that was hit in the Western world by Covid. And that is obviously linked to the rapid transportation means that we have nowadays. So in an interconnected world, in a global village, apart from some countries, they are trying their best to rebuild barriers. We know that they exist, unfortunately.

The Professor noted that some countries are trying their best to rebuild barriers by means of conflicts, but we all are “interconnected”.

“It is such that, any, particularly respiratory type of disease, viruses, as we have seen, can spread very, very quickly,” he said.

He explained that the majority of newly emerging diseases are viral, and they are emerging mostly from the animal world. That means they are zoonosis, like Covid.

In the recent past, the world has seen COVID-19, Ebola, chikungunya, West Nile fever, the most recent mPox, and H5N1 influenza -- all related to the animal kingdom in one way or another.

Despite the emerging threats, the preparedness by countries is extremely low, and this will have several implications, Raviglione lamented.

“You need to invest. And governments are not particularly keen to invest in something for preparation, for preparedness. They like to invest more because it's more visible. If I have a disease, then I'm going to massively mobilise resources to treat the disease. But it will then be too late to prevent it. So, the issue of preparedness is fundamental,” the expert said.

He suggested preparedness hubs to counter and detect new threats in the early phase, citing the example of the Covid pandemic, where world countries were not prepared, and how vaccine inequality led to the loss of so many lives, particularly in the low-income countries.

“Preparedness implies that you need to have the support of laboratories, the support of pharma and biochemical, or the biochemical sector to rapidly develop the test, not just in Europe or in North America, but also in India, also in other countries,” Raviglione said.

He urged that the BRICS countries should have this kind of mechanism in place in such a way that if there is a need for a vaccine, then certain conditions can be applied regardless of the patent.

(Rachel V Thomas can be contacted at rachel.t@ians.in)

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 15 (IANS) Ranjit Savarkar, the great-grandson of ‘Veer’ Savarkar, on Sunday, shared his views regarding the mention of freedom fighter and nationalist Veer Savarkar by Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha. He also opened up on “the world’s greatest honey trap.”

Given that Rahul Gandhi has been lately repeatedly making personal comments on Savarkar, Ranjit Savarkar said that he does it to polarise Muslim votes as Savarkar was a pioneer of Hindutva. “He wants to prove that Savarkar was a Manuvadi. He thinks if he talks bad about Savarkar, Muslims will vote for him,” he said, adding “I think the comments and false narratives will continue.”

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha had said in the House on Saturday, “When you speak about defending the Constitution, you are ridiculing Savarkar, you are abusing Savarkar, you are defaming Savarkar.”

Speaking about who struck a deal with the British, Savarkar or Nehru, he maintained that it was Nehru who compromised for power and to keep relations cordial with Britain, before recounting the course of events on the eve of Independence. “It's about being an agent [of the British]” he said, adding that Nehru betrayed the nation for power.

Explaining further, he pointed to letters in the book 'Daughter of Empire: My Life as a Mountbatten', written by Lord Mountbatten's daughter Pamela Hicks. The book contains letters exchanged between her mother Lady Mountbatten and Nehru for 11 to 12 years after Independence.

He mentioned that Mountbatten retained a position in India as its first Governor General (while Jinnah became the Governor General of the freshly carved Pakistan). In the letters to Lady Mountbatten, "only the first and the last paragraphs used to be romantic, the rest was Nehru’s dairy," he said.

He called this exercise “the world’s greatest honey trap operation – making the Prime Minister your agent for 12 years as all important information was going to Lady Mountbatten.”

The Chairman of Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak, Ranjit Savarkar was recently accused of deeming Mahatma Gandhi a casteist.

He explained that Gandhi advocated the caste system, that one must adhere to the occupation of their respective caste, and he interpreted this as a denial of opportunities to an individual outside their caste-based occupation. “The Constitution gives us the right to choose our occupation,” he told IANS.

Commenting whether Ambedkar, Gandhi and Savarkar are relevant in today’s politics, he maintained that Ambedkar and Savarkar have similar thoughts and are "most relevant" today, however, “Gandhi’s thoughts, today, are most irrelevant,” he concluded.

--IANS

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Chennai, Dec 15 (IANS) The AIADMK executive council meeting held at the Shrivaaru Venkataachalapathy Palace Hall in Vanagaram, Chennai, on Sunday passed sixteen resolutions.

Among these, the party resolved to make Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu again in 2026.

The session, chaired by AIADMK Presidium Chairman Tamil Magan Hussain, was attended by 2,523 general and executive committee members, along with 1,000 special invitees.

During the general body meeting, condolences were expressed for the death of senior Congress leader E.V.K.S. Elangovan. Tributes were also paid to industrialist Ratan Tata, CPM General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, former Karnataka Chief Minister S.M. Krishna, and late actor Delhi Ganesh.

Another resolution also urged the Central government to abandon the construction of a tungsten mine near Melur, Madurai and condemned the Tamil Nadu government for its failure to halt the project despite public pressure.

The AIADMK in another resolution condemned the state government’s hypocritical stance on the cancellation of the NEET exam. The party also called on the Central government to amend the Constitution to return education to the state list.

The Tamil Nadu government was criticised for failing to address the basic needs of people impacted by Cyclone Fengal.

The party condemned the rising prices and high taxes, stating these issues are severely affecting the livelihoods of Tamil Nadu’s people.

Another resolution criticised the DMK government for the deteriorating law and order situation and failure to fulfil election promises.

The party urged the central government to declare the Thirukkural a national book and to make Tamil the language of litigation in the Chennai High Court. Additionally, it called for laws to be named in English instead of Hindi.

The DMK government was criticised for wasting funds on initiatives like Formula 4 racing and pen memorials. The AIADMK also condemned the discontinuation of the Kudimaramathu Scheme.

The party also condemned the lack of progress on the Godavari-Cauvery, Parambikulam-Aliyar, and Pandiyar-Punnambuzha irrigation projects.

A resolution urged the DMK government to conduct a caste-wise census and criticized its inaction in releasing Muslim prisoners.

The AIADMK urged the central government to ensure fair financial distribution, noting Tamil Nadu contributes significantly to the central treasury but receives less than one-fourth in return. It emphasised this disparity hinders development projects in the state.

The AIADMK executive council reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the concerns of Tamil Nadu’s people and reiterated its goal of regaining power in the 2026 state elections.

--IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 15 (IANS) P. Sreekumar, Kerala State Coordinator of Hindus of America and a senior leader of the RSS-affiliated Hindu movement in Kerala, has presented a copy of the Rig Veda to Pope Francis at the Vatican in Rome.

Sreekumar handed over the sacred text during his visit to the Vatican, where he attended the World Religious Convention.

The event featured Pope Francis as a keynote speaker.

Sreekumar told IANS: “If you recall, former Kerala Chief Minister and late CPI-M leader E.K. Nayanar gifted a copy of the Bhagavad Gita to Pope John Paul II during his Vatican visit in 1997. I felt the most appropriate gift this time would be the Rig Veda itself.”

He emphasised that the late Swami Satyānanda Saraswati, a renowned Kerala Hindu leader and saint, had often highlighted the importance of the Vedas as the foundational scripture of Hinduism, advocating that every Hindu household should possess a copy.

Building on this vision, Kerala Hindus of North America initiated the distribution of Rig Veda copies.

At a convention in Houston in 2023, participants were gifted the sacred text, complete with Sanskrit verses and English translations. Sreekumar, who is also a writer and journalist, contributed to the preparation of these editions.

He explained that the gift was approved through prior security protocols at the Vatican.

Handing it over personally to the Pope, he remarked that the Rig Veda symbolises the essence of Hindu philosophy.

Pope Francis accepted the gift with a thoughtful smile, asking, “Is this for me?”

The World Religious Convention was organised by the Sivagiri Mutt, founded by Sree Narayana Guru.

President of Sivagiri Mutt, Swami Sachithananda, also presented Pope Francis with a replica of the Ashoka Pillar and an interfaith logo.

Sreekumar shared a memorable moment from the convention, recalling how Pope Francis stepped off the stage after his speech to sit among children, engaging in prayer and personal conversations.

“The entire experience underscored shared values of respect, inclusivity, and the power of interfaith dialogue within a global community,” he noted.

An Indian delegation led by Union Minister of State George Kurien visited the Vatican to witness the elevation of George Jacob Koovakad, a 51-year-old Keralite priest, to the rank of Cardinal by Pope Francis.

Koovakad is the first Indian priest directly elevated to Cardinal.

Ordained in 2004, Cardinal Koovakad trained at the prestigious Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy before beginning his diplomatic career at the Apostolic Nunciature in Algeria in 2006.

By 2020, he had joined the Secretariat of State of the Holy See, overseeing the organisation of the Pope’s global travels.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 15 (IANS) December 16 holds a significant place in South Asian history, marking not only the anniversary of the Bangladesh Liberation but also a defining moment that reshaped the region’s political and social landscape. This day commemorates the struggle for independence, but it also serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight for a new nation.

As we celebrate Bangladesh's victory, it is crucial to reflect on the long-standing plight of its minority communities, particularly Hindus, whose survival has been marked by continuous persecution. The echoes of 1971, when political, geographical, and ethnic struggles led to widespread violence against minorities, still resonate today.

The blood of these marginalised groups has flowed through the rivers of Bangladesh, both then and now, raising a pressing question: is history repeating itself in the ongoing fight for their survival and dignity?

Struggle for identity and justice

In 1948, Jinnah's declaration of Urdu as the state language of Pakistan disregarded the linguistic majority of Bengali-speaking East Pakistanis, who comprised the largest population group. Jinnah believed that their identity as Muslims should supersede their cultural and linguistic identity, declaring, “The essential condition for the success of Pakistan is complete internal solidarity… Urdu must be the State language of Pakistan.”

This sidelined Bengali identity, fueling deep resentment and cultural suppression despite vague promises of regional language autonomy.

The (West) Pakistanis also perceived Bengalis as racially and ethnically inferior, systematically excluding them from military and administrative services. Despite accounting for 55 per cent of Pakistan’s population, Bengalis had negligible representation in civil, military, and bureaucratic services. The elite of West Pakistan considered Bengalis “lesser Muslims” due to their perceived Hindu cultural influence.

The Pakistani government's response to Cyclone Bhola in 1970 exposed its apathy. The central government, dominated by West Pakistan, delayed and poorly coordinated relief efforts, further exacerbating tensions. President Yahya Khan visited the affected areas days later but took minimal action beyond declaring a day of national mourning. This indifference highlighted systemic neglect, fueling demands for autonomy.

Decades later, echoes of such neglect persist. During the August 2024 floods in Bangladesh, similar concerns arose. A leading television network shed light on distressing incidents of discrimination against Hindus in relief distribution.

A viral video featured a man from the Hindu community in Cheoria, Tulabaria, in Kalidah Union's Ward No. 8, Feni district, expressing anguish: "We have not received a single person for relief. Our only crime is that we are Hindus. People in Noakhali and Barisal are receiving aid, but when they see us, they turn away."

The video underscores ongoing inequities, urging authorities and humanitarian groups to address such biases and ensure equitable relief measures. Temples like ISKCON have stepped in to fill the gap, offering shelter and aid to affected Hindu families.

West Pakistan’s refusal to accept the 1970 election results—in which the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won decisively—escalated protests in East Pakistan. On March 7, 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman laid out conditions for talks, including troop withdrawal, halting reinforcements, and granting autonomy.

He initiated a non-cooperation movement marked by strikes, tax refusal, and village-level liberation committees. However, these demands for equality were met with violent suppression, culminating in the declaration of independence on March 26, 1971, by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Operation Searchlight: A genocidal prelude

On March 25, 1971, the Pakistani military launched “Operation Searchlight,” a campaign of terror against civilians in East Pakistan. Intellectuals, students, and cultural leaders were targeted, with cities like Dhaka witnessing bloodbaths. This systematic violence is a stark reminder of how unchecked power can devastate communities.

According to Taqbir Huda’s article ‘Remembering the Barbarities of Operation Searchlight’ in The Daily Star, the campaign began with death squads killing 7,000 unarmed Bengalis in a single night. Military generals in West Pakistan, unwilling to relinquish power, decided that a genocidal campaign was necessary. President Yahya Khan infamously declared, “Kill three million of them, and the rest will eat out of our hands.”

The army targeted Dhaka University’s teachers and students, the core of the resistance, killing hundreds. Survivors recounted horrifying atrocities: slum dwellers gunned down as they fled burning homes, children witnessing their parents’ murders, and women abducted from dormitories. Journalist Anthony Mascarenhas, the first to report on the genocide internationally, quoted a Pakistani army major: “This is a war between the pure and the impure… They may have Muslim names, but they are Hindu at heart.”

According to a research paper published in the Security & Defence Journal titled ‘Genocide, Ethical Imperatives, and the Strategic Significance of Asymmetric Power: India’s Diplomatic and Military Interventions in the Bangladesh Liberation War (Indo-Pakistan War of 1971)’: The demand for independence in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) was not initially universal, as pockets of support for Pakistan persisted.

Political groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and the Muslim League aligned with West Pakistan during the liberation war. Leaders such as Nurul Amin, Ghulam Azam, and Khwaja Khairuddin formed the Citizen Peace Committee, later called the East Pakistan Central Peace Committee (Shanti Bahini), which supported the Pakistani Army. Shanti Bahini facilitated the recruitment of Razakars, a paramilitary force notorious for war crimes, including kill lists targeting Bengali nationalists, intellectuals, and Hindus, as well as systemic rape and sexual slavery. With nearly 73,000 personnel, including Razakars, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams, these forces caused immense suffering, cementing the term "Razakar" as a symbol of betrayal in Bangladesh.

While Mukti Bahini fought for Bengali independence, Shanti Bahini supported Pakistan’s efforts to suppress the rebellion, creating a tragic divide among citizens. As civil war erupted, violence consumed the local population.

The role of the Razakars, local collaborators with the Pakistani military, was particularly heinous. Razakars were infamous for their brutal attacks on Hindu villages, aiding in mass killings, and abducting women for exploitation. Their involvement amplified the genocide, as highlighted in ‘The Blood Telegram’ by Archer K. Blood, where the systematic targeting of Hindus was explicitly described.

The genocide statistics are staggering:

Three million Bengalis were killed; 200,000 to 400,000 women were raped by the Pakistani military and collaborators; 10 million refugees fled to India; and over 942 killing fields were discovered across Bangladesh.

In 2024 the resurgence of ISI-backed Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) in Bangladesh politics threatens both progressive forces in the country and Indian interests, given its five-decade-long record of fostering radicalism and supporting terror groups

Role of India: A humanitarian and strategic response

The Bangladesh Liberation War, lasting 13 days, witnessed significant contributions and sacrifices by India. Over 3,000 Indian soldiers lost their lives in the conflict, underscoring India's resolute support for the liberation movement.

On December 16, 1971, approximately 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered to the Indian forces marking the largest military capitulation since World War II. This decisive victory not only liberated Bangladesh but also showcased India's commitment to defending human rights and supporting the oppressed.

India's efforts included providing shelter to over 10 million refugees, extensive military and logistical support to the Mukti Bahini, and diplomatic manoeuvres to rally international backing for Bangladesh’s independence. The day is celebrated as Vijay Diwas, honouring the bravery and sacrifice of Indian forces and the shared vision of freedom.

On the present situation, India has strongly condemned the attack on Bangladeshi Hindus. During Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s recent visit to Bangladesh, he reiterated India’s commitment to fostering strong bilateral ties, emphasising support for a stable, democratic, and inclusive Bangladesh. He raised concerns about recent attacks on cultural and religious properties, highlighting the importance of cooperation to address these challenges.

Plight of minorities: Then and now

The Liberation was marked by atrocities, with the Hindu minority disproportionately targeted. Fifty-two years later, targeted violence against Hindus in Bangladesh continues, including attacks on temples and forced conversions. The cycle of persecution has led to an alarming decline in the Hindu population in Bangladesh from 13.50 to 07.95 per cent. Reports from The Daily Star and human rights organisations document a pattern of mob violence against Hindus, echoing the horrors of 1971.

Lessons for present

While we remember the courage of the Mukti Bahini and the determination of the Bangladeshi people, we must also reflect on the failure of the world to protect the Hindus of Bangladesh in 1971. The international community's inaction during that time must serve as a stark reminder that the protection of human rights remains a critical issue today.

This anniversary calls for urgent action from all governments and human rights organisations to ensure the safety and dignity of minorities, and to prevent further persecution and oppression. Let this be the wake-up call for the world to not fail the Bangladeshi Hindus again.

(The writer is an author and columnist. Her latest book is Blood in the Sea: The Dark History of Hindu Oppression in Goa)

--IANS

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Chandigarh, Dec 15 (IANS) Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday announced the success of the Bill Liayo Inam Pao scheme, which has rewarded 3,592 winners with prizes of Rs 2,11,42,495 for uploading their purchase bills on the ‘Mera Bill’ app till December.

Cheema said this innovative scheme, launched in September 2023, aimed to promote tax compliance and reward honest taxpayers, has successfully encouraged consumers to upload 1,27,509 bills since its inception.

He said that the prizes of Rs 1,59,93,965 have already been distributed among 2,752 winners. “As many as 247 winners, winning prizes of Rs 15,02,010, have been declared for November 2024,” he said in a statement.

Highlighting the significant impact of the scheme in curbing tax evasion and increasing revenue for the state, Finance Minister Cheema lauded the scheme for its effectiveness in promoting transparency and accountability in tax collection.

He emphasised that the initiative has not only incentivised consumers to participate actively in the tax system but has also played a crucial role in identifying and penalising irregularities.

“A fine of Rs 8,21,87,862 has been imposed against 749 bills found with discrepancies, showcasing the government's commitment to ensuring tax compliance and fairness,” said Cheema.

The Finance Minister said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government has implemented several progressive measures to enhance revenue generation and ensure the efficient utilisation of public funds.

“This scheme is a shining example of the government's proactive approach to governance and its unwavering commitment to the welfare of its citizens,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention here that the bills related to the sale and purchase of petroleum products, including crude oil, petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, and natural gas, as well as business-to-business (B2B) transactions, are excluded from participating in this scheme.

--IANS

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Ranchi, Dec 15 (IANS) Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PM-JAY), since its launch in 2018 has evolved into a game-changer scheme, playing an instrumental role in transforming the country’s health landscape. Over the years, lakhs of people and their families have benefitted from the scheme, also called Ayushman Bharat.

In Jharkhand’s Sahebganj district, thousands of people have got their Ayushman Bharat cards issued under the PM-JAY scheme while thousand other applications are in the pipeline. Scores of people are making formal applications for getting Ayushman Health cards issued for them as well as their families.

Many beneficiaries of the scheme spoke to IANS and talked about the wide array of benefits received under the scheme.

Aman Kumar Pandey, the co-ordinator of Ayushman Bharat at the city’s Sahibganj Sadar Hospital said that the health cards of beneficiaries are being made on the basis of their applications.

“A large number of beneficiaries are coming and getting Ayushman cards made. Even 70-year-old beneficiaries are showing interest in making Ayushman cards. They are going to the centre and getting their Ayushman cards made,” he said.

“The treatment of patients is done free of cost. Even after discharge from the hospital, they continue to receive all kinds of medical assistance for the next 15 days for free,” he further said.

“Those below 70 years of age are mandated to bring ration cards - red, blue and yellow along with their Aadhar cards for getting their Ayushman cards while those above 70 years of age can bring only Aadhar cards,” he informed.

A couple of patients and their relatives also spoke about their eagerness for the Ayushman Bharat cards and expressed gratitude to the Modi government for launching such an initiative.

“We have got an Ayushman card made under the scheme, launched by PM Modi. We are getting free treatment at hospitals. We have been told that the cards will continue our medical expenses in future as well,” said a beneficiary.

A retired teacher, speaking to IANS, said that he and many of his colleagues were getting Ayushman Bharat cards made because they had been assured of medical assistance up to Rs 5 lakh.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 15 (IANS) The Supreme Court is likely to issue detailed directions on Monday regarding the implementation of the policy formulated by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to curb air pollution in Delhi and adjoining states.

As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Manmohan will take up for hearing on December 16 a public interest litigation (PIL) relating to the control of pollution in Delhi and NCR region.

In the previous hearing, the top court had said that directions would have to be issued for the actual implementation of various aspects of the policy formulated by the CAQM in July 2022.

“We will fix a schedule for the purposes of issuing directions for implementation of the policy on the next date of hearing,” said the order passed on December 12.

Further, it had directed the CAQM to implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-II in Delhi and adjoining areas with additional measures.

The SC reiterated that restrictions under GRAP-III restrictions should be imposed if the AQI crosses 350 and GRAP-IV if the AQI goes above 400 in the coming time.

It also asked the state governments of Delhi and NCR states to take a call on a permanent ban on the use of firecrackers.

Asking the state governments to place their stand on record, the top court had said that it would issue guidelines, including on the manufacture, storage, sale and distribution of firecrackers.

It had said, “The ban on firecrackers will be helpful not only to curb the air pollution but the noise pollution as well. We will consider issuing necessary directions to the state governments on the issue of ban on use of firecrackers.”

Earlier in November, after Diwali, the Supreme Court had remarked that the ban on firecrackers was hardly implemented in the national capital and pulled up the Delhi government for not implementing the firecrackers ban

It had called for an affidavit from the Delhi government and Police Commissioner detailing the steps taken to enforce the same.

The apex court had suggested that the premises of sellers of firecrackers should be sealed, apart from enforcing a ban on importing firecrackers from neighbouring states.

The Delhi government, in September this year, issued a notification imposing a ban on firecrackers till January 1, 2025, to mitigate air pollution in winter.

Delhi's Environment Minister had said that to keep the air clean in the national capital, a notification was issued to mitigate pollution caused by firecrackers by banning their use in the winter months. The notification also banned online sales and delivery of firecrackers in Delhi.

--IANS

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