Centre moves Supreme Court for Muslim quota in educational institutions and jobs

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February 18, 2014

New Delhi, Feb 18: Ahead of general elections, the Centre on Monday moved the Supreme Court requesting lifting of stay on implementation of 4.5% subquota for Muslims, to be carved out from the 27% OBC quota, for admissions to central educational institutions and jobs.

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Solicitor general Mohan Parasaran mentioned the application for interim relief, which was refused on June 13, 2012. The Centre has cited the Supreme Court's earlier order of March 25, 2010 permitting Andhra Pradesh government to implement similar reservation for backward Muslims within the state.

Parasaran requested a bench of Chief Justice P Sathasivam and Justices Ranjan Gogoi and RK Agrawal for an urgent hearing on the pending petition to bring parity between the conflicting orders.

Muslim quota has been a wedge issue, with the BJP slamming it as unconstitutional and part of Congress's policy of appeasement, political shorthand for pro-Muslim bias.

Congress's decision to seek operationalization of 'Muslim quota" signifies a determined effort to wean the community away from other its "secular" rivals.

The SC stayed the quota in 2010 in response to an appeal by Congress-ruled Andhra Pradesh against the high court verdict, striking down a legislation that sought to provide 4% reservation to group 'E' of backward classes (among Muslims) in the state.

The SC on March 25, 2010 had ordered, "As several constitutional issues are involved in these appeals, as an interim measure, we direct that for the time being, reservation of 4% be extended first to the 14 categories mentioned in the Schedule appended to the Act (the Andhra Pradesh Reservation in Favour of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes of Muslims Act, 2007), excluding creamy layer."

Buoyed by AP's success, the Union HRD ministry on December 22, 2011 issued an office memorandum providing 4.5% subquota for socially and educationally backward sections in minority communities in central educational institutions and jobs ahead of assembly elections in five states including UP and Punjab.

But the AP High Court again on May 28, 2012 struck down the HRD ministry's decision carving out 4.5% subquota for socially and economically backward section among Muslims from the 27% OBC quota.

The Centre appealed against the HC order. The SC on June 13, 2012 entertained the appeal, but refused to stay the HC order quashing 4.5% subquota for backward Muslims.

The application, drafted by advocate Chidanand, sought an interim order on the lines of the March 25, 2010 verdict to allow extension of similar reservation to backward Muslims in all states.

It pointed out that the March 25, 2010 order was passed by a larger bench and hence it was logical to "extend benefit of the same interim order to the present case (central decision to give quota to backward Muslims)".

"It will be anomalous if one set of matter pending before the Supreme Court is not extended benefit of the interim relief whereas the benefit on the same issue has been extended by the court to similarly situated parties," the Centre said. The application will be mentioned again on Tuesday.

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News Network
November 11,2024

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Mangaluru: In a deeply tragic turn of events, a 28-year-old woman named Ranjitha, who had recently given birth but tragically lost her newborn, ended her life by suicide on Monday. She reportedly leapt from the fourth-floor window of Lady Goschen Hospital’s luggage room.

Ranjitha, whose strength and resilience had carried her through a difficult pregnancy, was scheduled for discharge on Monday. Her journey to Lady Goschen Hospital began on October 24, when she was transferred from Karkala. She was a high-risk patient, battling both hypertension and diabetes. At the time of her admission, she was just 27 weeks pregnant.

Due to the complexities of her health, doctors made the difficult decision to perform an emergency C-section on October 30. She delivered a baby girl, premature and weighing only 960 grams. The newborn was immediately moved to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where doctors did all they could. Despite these efforts, the baby passed away on November 3.

Ranjitha’s sorrow was profound. She stayed under hospital care even after her initial recovery and was preparing to go home on November 9. She had even requested a couple more days at the hospital, seeking time perhaps to cope with her unimaginable grief.

On the day of her discharge, a discharge card ready and her family eagerly waiting to take her home, Ranjitha reportedly made her way to the luggage room in the early hours. There, standing on a cot placed for patients' family members, she climbed to a window and fell from the fourth floor. Despite the attempts of another visitor to intervene, tragedy was inevitable. She was rushed to Government Wenlock Hospital, where doctors confirmed the worst—she was no more.

Dr. Durgaparasad M R, the Medical Superintendent at Lady Goschen Hospital, shared his grief and spoke of the ongoing investigation. A post-mortem is to be conducted, and the local Tahsildar will complete the necessary inquest procedures. Ranjitha’s exact reasons for taking this step are yet to be confirmed, though the weight of her recent losses paints a sorrowful picture.

If you or anyone you know is struggling emotionally, please remember that help is available. Reach out to mental health experts who can provide support and guidance. The toll-free helpline number 9152987821 is available to assist anyone in distress.

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News Network
November 11,2024

Mangaluru: Six youths including teenagers have been arrested by the Bantwal Rural Police in connection with a brutal assault on 21-year-old Aboobakar (name changed to hide identity), an incident that was widely shared on social media after footage revealed the victim tied to a pole and violently beaten.

The arrested individuals, all from Kanchinadkapadavu, Sajipanadu village in Ullal Taluk, have been identified as Mohammad Sapwan (25), Mohammad Rizwan (25), Irfan (27), Anis Ahmad (19), Nasir (27), and Shakeer (18). According to police reports, the assault took place on November 7 in Kanchinadkapadavu.

The sequence of events began when Aboobakar was reportedly called to a residence in Kanchinadkapadavu by a female relative. Upon his arrival, he was confronted by the accused, who questioned his presence, tied him to a pole with ropes, and attacked him while he was shirtless. 

Aboobakar managed to file a police complaint the following day, detailing the assault. As his injuries worsened, he was admitted to a private hospital in Mangaluru.

While in the hospital, Aboobakar alleged that his attackers intended to kill him during the assault. This statement led to additional charges of attempted murder being filed. 

Police officials stated that the suspects were subsequently apprehended, charged with group assault and attempted murder, and placed in judicial custody. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited.

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News Network
November 18,2024

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Mangaluru: The Ullal police have arrested Manohar, the owner of Vazco Beach Resort, and its manager Bharath in connection with the drowning of three college girls from Mysuru at the resort’s swimming pool on November 17.

City Commissioner of Police Anupam Agrawal confirmed the arrests, stating that a case has been registered under Section 106 of BNS. The bodies of the victims, all in their twenties, have been handed over to their parents. The women had arrived at the resort for a weekend getaway on November 16.

Following the tragic incident, the resort was sealed by officials led by Mangaluru Assistant Commissioner Harshavardhan. The trade license of the resort, issued on June 13, 2024, has been suspended, and the tourism department has temporarily revoked the resort's registration. These actions prohibit the resort from engaging in any tourism-related activities until further notice.

Someshwara TMC Chief Officer stated that the suspension was due to the resort's failure to implement adequate safety measures, which resulted in the loss of three lives. Further investigations are underway.

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