Amend sedition law; Abolish AFSPA: Justice Saldanha

June 14, 2011

Mangalore, June 14: The Karnataka Chapter of Transparency International India (TII) demanded drastic amendments to the sedition law, abolition of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and urged legal stability to divorces granted to Christians as per canon law.



Addressing the media persons here on Tuesday, Justice MF Saldanha, Chairman of TII Karnataka chapter said that if the sedition law is not changed, many more people would be targeted by the state machinery.


He said sedition law and AFSPA are heavily being misused by the government. The authorities have pursued sedition charges against activists, despite a long-standing Supreme Court ruling that prosecution under the sedition law requires incitement to violence, he said, adding that these laws give protection to wrong doers.


He said AFSPA has been used widely to violate fundamental rights for 50 years mainly in Jammu Kashmir and North-East states. Terming the Act as retrograde he said India has adequate laws to deal with serious problems such as insurgency, and application of AFSPA if necessary should be selectively done and for short period of time.


Cannon Law Vs Civil Law



In a letter to the City Police Commissioner Mr Saldanha has raised the issue of police inaction in the case of Godwin D'Souza, who is being harassed by his first wife.


Godwin D'Souza, a resident of Kulshekhar was married to Shanthi D Souza on August 22, 1999 at Cordel Church, Kulshekhar and the marriage was dissolved by the Ecclesiastical Court (canon law). The decree of nullity was passed by the same court in September 19, 2002 which held that the earlier marriage no longer presents obstacles for entering into a new and valid marriage in the Catholic Church for the both parties.


Based on this cancellation of the church, Godwin got remarried in the same church in 2003 by the same priest. Godwin has two children from his second marriage.



Godwin and his family came to know after 10 years of annulment, that Godwin's first wife Shanti has filed a private complaint with the Chief Judicial Magistrate under Section 200 of the Criminal Procedure Code for various offences punishable under law including section 494 of IPC which deals with bigamy.

Saldanha alleged that this was an extortion attempt by Shanthi because she has threatened Mr Godwin and his father repeatedly and asked them to pay a sum of Rs 60 lakh or else his family will be ruined.

Saldanha said although two FIRs have been registered in Mangalore Rural police station, no action has been taken.


He also urged the Police Commissioner to reconsider the case in the light of legal position.


Activists PB D'Sa, Suresh Bhat Bakrabail, Kabeer Ullal, Brigadier C D'Souza, Godwin D'Souza and others were present at the press meet.

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News Network
November 19,2024

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In the wake of the tragic drowning of three students at a resort near Ullal on the outskirts of Mangaluru city, the tourism department in Dakshina Kannada is set to implement comprehensive safety guidelines for properties with swimming pools or beach access. This initiative aims to ensure guest safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.

New Safety Mandates for Resorts and Homestays

Rashmi S.R., deputy director (in-charge) of the tourism department, announced, “We will instruct all homestays and resorts to enforce precautionary measures, especially those with pools or direct beach access. Properties must ensure 24/7 supervision, particularly during guest hours. This tragedy highlights the importance of having trained personnel on-site.”

Key Safety Guidelines

The district, home to around 150 homestays and 130 resorts, will see the following measures enforced:

  • Clearly displaying pool depths.
  • Installing adequate safety equipment, such as life buoys.
  • Employing trained lifeguards at all times.
  • Establishing clear pool operating hours.
  • Reviewing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for pool and beach usage.

Booming Beach Tourism Calls for Vigilance

Manohar Shetty, president of the Association for Coastal Tourism (ACT), Udupi, highlighted the growing popularity of beachside resorts, particularly during peak seasons. Properties in Udupi, often fully booked with tourists from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kodagu, and Shivamogga, face increasing pressure to maintain safety standards.

Udupi district boasts 22 beachside commercial properties catering to this rising demand.

Shetty emphasized, “Authorities must scrutinize safety measures and carefully evaluate guidelines before issuing new resort licenses. Panchayats should rely on the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act when handling such cases.”

Long-Term Solutions for Water Safety

Recognizing the need for a cultural shift in water safety, Shetty proposed integrating swimming lessons into school curricula. This move would not only equip students with essential skills but also encourage safe participation in water-based activities.

A Safer Tomorrow for Coastal Tourism

As the tourism sector thrives, Mangaluru’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to visitor safety. The tragic incident serves as a wake-up call, propelling the industry towards stricter regulations and better preparedness, ensuring that coastal vacations remain both enjoyable and safe.

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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 11,2024

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Udupi, Nov 11: The Karkala town police in Udupi have arrested Krishna Naik, the sculptor responsible for installing a 33-foot Parashurama statue at Umikkal Hill in Bailur, Karkala taluk. 

Naik, the owner of Krish Art World and a resident of Bengaluru's Visvesvaraya Layout, was apprehended in Mahe, part of the Union Territory of Puducherry, for allegedly substituting a look-alike statue in place of a genuine bronze figure at the Parashurama Theme Park in Karkala.

Udupi Superintendent of Police Dr. Arun K confirmed the arrest, stating that Naik faces charges under Sections 420 (cheating) and 409 (criminal breach of trust) of the Indian Penal Code. 

This legal action followed a complaint lodged in June by Krishna Shetty, a resident of Nallur village, Karkala. Shetty claimed that Naik had received a payment of ₹1,25,50,000 from Udupi Nirmithi Kendra for the installation of a bronze Parashurama statue. However, Naik allegedly deceived the government by installing a replica instead.

The statue was unveiled on January 27, 2023, by then Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. Current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has since ordered a CID investigation to probe deeper into the alleged fraud surrounding the statue's installation at the theme park.

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