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SC refuses to give marriage equality right to LGBTQIA community

editor October 17, 2023Leave a comment

NEW DELHI: A majority of the five-judge Supreme Court Constitution bench has declared that there is no unqualified right to marriage for LGBTQIA+ couples and that only legislation can grant civil unions legal status. On May 11 of this year, the decision that had been reserved by the bench that included Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, S Ravindra Bhat, Hima Kohli, and PS Narasimha was given. However, the court ruled that the verdict will not restrict the ability of queer people to form relationships. The Special Marriage Act (SMA) challenge on the grounds of under-classification is not supported, according to the supreme court.These seats were shared by Justices Ravindra Bhat, Narasimha, and Hima Kohli, but not by Chief Justice Chandrachud or Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul. The bench made it clear that there were four judgements in the case at the beginning of the judgement. CJI Chandrachud, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Justice Ravindra Bhat, and Justice Narasimha each presided over one, with the last being handled by CJI Chandrachud. According to his ruling, the CJI gave the Union and State governments the mandate to make sure there is no discrimination against the LGBTQ community. It should be made sure that the queer community has equal access to goods and services, according to the CJI. Sensitising the public about LGBT rights is necessary. To stop harassment, the federal and state governments must establish a hotline for the queer community. For gay couples, the government must establish safe houses. Additionally, the government must make sure that intersex youngsters are not made to undergo procedures. It should be made sure that no one is forced to receive hormone therapy, according to the CJI. The gay community shall not be subjected to harassment by being called into a police station merely to answer questions about their sexual orientation. Queer people shouldn't be made to return to their birth families by the police. Before filing a formal complaint (FIR) against a homosexual couple for their relationship, the police should do some preliminary inquiries. According to the CJI, this Court has the authority to consider the case.India has long been aware of the existence of the LGBTQ community. It is neither elite nor urban. Marriage is dynamic. Due to institutional constraints, the Supreme Court is not permitted to invalidate the Special Marriage Act or add new provisions to it. Discrimination occurs when the State refuses to acknowledge the slew of rights that result from an LGBT relationship. There must be any limitations on the right to union based on sexual orientation. According to current legislation, including personal laws, heterosexual relationships including transgender people are legal. In his ruling, the CJI stated that unmarried couples, including LGBT couples, are permitted to jointly adopt children.The right of the LGBT community to form unions must not be subject to discrimination by the Union Government, State Governments, or Union Territories. The CJI ordered the Union Government to form a committee to determine the privileges and rights of those who belong to homosexual unions. The Committee will think about allowing gay couples to apply for joint bank accounts, privileges derived from pensions and gratuities, etc. The Committee will also think about including gay couples as family in ration cards. The Union Government will review the committee report. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul stated in his concurring opinion that while marriage is not the end, legalising same-sex relationships is a step towards marriage equality. Justice Kaul urged us to maintain autonomy because it does not violate the rights of others. On a number of points in the ruling, Justices Ravindra Bhat and Narasimha dissented from the Chief Justice of India. The right to marry cannot be viewed as a fundamental right without any restrictions, according to Justice Bhat. Even while we concur that there is a right to relationships, we are clear that this right is covered by Article 21. It involves the freedom to select a partner and engage in physical intimacy with them, as well as the freedom to enjoy privacy and autonomy. These rights should be exercised freely and unhindered by the rest of society, and the state is required to defend them when they are in danger.…

Same-sex marriage: CJI says it is for Parliament to effect changes in law, equality demands that queer persons not discriminated against

editor October 17, 2023Leave a comment

NEW DELHI:The Special Marriage Act should be changed by Parliament, not the court, according to Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud, who delivered his ruling on Tuesday on 21 petitions seeking legal recognition for same-sex unions. Justice Chandrachud stated at the opening that there were four judgements in the case, including those of himself, Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, S Ravindra Bhat, and P S Narasimha. A fifth judge, Justice Hima Kohli, is included on the five-judge panel. The CJI, who is in charge of the constitution bench, instructed the federal government, the states, and the Union Territories (UTs) to make sure that the LGBT population is not subjected to discrimination, stating that queer is a long-known natural phenomena that is neither urban nor elitist. In regards to the CJI's decision to provide certain rights to queer couples, Justice Kaul said he concurs. He added that legal recognition of non-heterosexual unions is a step towards marriage equality and that "non-heterosexual and heterosexual unions must be seen as both sides of the same coin." During the reading of his verdict, Justice Bhat stated that he shares some of the CJI's opinions and holds others of his own. The Chief Justice of India stated in his decision on the crucial issue that Parliament must consider whether a change in the Special Marriage Act's administration is necessary. The court cannot create laws. It can only interpret it and make it happen, he continued. According to Justice Chandrachud, the court has taken note of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta's declaration that the government will convene a committee to deliberate on the privileges and rights of those who are members of LGBT unions. He ordered the Centre, states, and UTs to take actions to educate the public about gay rights and make sure that intersex children are not allowed to have sex-change procedures at a young age when they cannot fully understand the consequences as he read out the operative portion of his decision. Before filing a police report (FIR) against a gay couple for their relationship, the CJI instructed the police to make some preliminary inquiries. He claimed that homosexuality or queerness is not a phenomenon unique to urban areas or the wealthy.According to Justice Chandrachud, it would be erasing to think of gay people as just living in metropolitan areas. Queerness can exist regardless of caste or status. To say that marriage is a "static and unchanging institution" would be false, he claimed. According to Justice Chandrachud, the right to life and liberty guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution begins with the freedom to select one's life mate. The CJI stated that refusing to accept such an association would constitute discrimination and that the right to join into a union involves the freedom to select a partner and its recognition. All people, including queers, have the freedom to assess the morality of their own lives, he said. According to the CJI, this court has acknowledged that equality mandates that LGBT people not be subjected to discrimination. According to him, it would be discriminatory against gay couples if the law made the assumption that only heterosexual couples could make excellent parents. The verdict is currently being announced. After a lengthy, 10-day hearing, the bench deferred its decision on the pleas on May 11. The Centre had stated to the Supreme Court during the arguments that any constitutional ruling it reached on the petitions seeking approval of same-sex unions might not be the "correct course of action" since the court would not be able to predict, envision, understand, and cope with any consequences. On April 18, the supreme court began hearing arguments in the case. The bench made it clear during the arguments that it will not consider personal laws governing marriages when deciding the petitions for judicial recognition of same-sex unions and that the Special Marriage Act's definition of a man and a woman is not "an absolute based on genitals." Some petitioners had requested the supreme court to utilise its full authority, "prestige, and moral authority" to pressure society into recognising such a union so that LGBTQIA++ people might live "dignified" lives like heterosexuals. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, pansexual, two-spirit, asexual, and ally persons are collectively referred to as LGBTQIA++.The Centre informed the court on May 3 that it would form a committee under the direction of the cabinet secretary to look into administrative measures that may be done to meet the "genuine humane concerns" of same-sex couples without addressing the question of legalising their union. On April 27, the court requested information from the Centre regarding whether same-sex couples can receive social welfare advantages such as opening joint bank accounts and designating a life partner in provident fund, gratuity, and pension plans without worrying about whether their marriage would be recognised by the law. [caption id="attachment_4086" align="alignnone" width="300"] Same-sex marriage:…

Jammu-Srinagar blocked in Ramban due to incessant rains, schools closed

editor October 17, 2023Leave a comment

RAMBAN: An official said on Tuesday that the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) in the Ramban area was closed by nonstop rain. On her social media page, Deputy Commissioner of Ramban Mussarat Zia requested that people avoid going today on NH-44 because it has been closed off by nonstop rain. "NH-44 is closed at Cafeteria Morh, close to Ramban, as a result of heavy rainfall. It is urged that people check TCUs for updates and stay home today, according to Deputy Commissioner Ramban's X post. Additionally, he stated that all public and private schools in Ramban up to the Higher Secondary level will be closed today due to the ongoing rain.All public and private schools in District Ramban up to the high school level will be closed today due to the ongoing rain since yesterday. Exams, if any, must be held on the day that has been announced, he added. On October 17, the India Meteorological Department expects scattered areas of heavy rain in Jammu and Kashmir with a chance of lightning and thunderstorms. [caption id="attachment_4083" align="alignnone" width="300"] Jmu-Sri blocked in Ramban due to incessant rains, schools closed[/caption]

IGP reviews security situation in Kathua district

editor October 17, 2023Leave a comment

KATHUA: Anand Jain, the Inspector General of Police for the Jammu Zone, met with all the supervisory officers and other police personnel on Monday to evaluate the crime situation and general operation of the Kathua District. A press statement stated that the resolution of cases filed during the current year and those that were previously pending was reviewed, discussed, and given directions. Anand Jain, the inspector general of police for the Jammu Zone, arrived at Kathua in the company of DIG JKS Range Shakti Pathak and his team of officers. IGP Jammu Zone talked with all the officers on his first visit and greeted them, stating that the main goal of the meeting was to identify and discuss any problems with the investigation and how to make it better.The cases involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (NDPS), cattle smuggling, crimes against property and crimes against people, and inquest proceedings were the main topics of discussion. According to the statement, the participants were instructed to focus on NDPS cases with a specific focus on identifying the source, carrier, and destination. "In order to address the theft incidents, a plan must be developed, night patrols must be strengthened, and the beat system must also be improved. He also stressed the need of successfully prosecuting NDPS cases and other instances with a high likelihood of conviction, according to the press release.In his briefing to the officers, the IGP instructed them to wrap up any open cases or public complaints in order to provide relief to the general people. He also gave I/Os instructions to quickly wrap up any cases that were given to them for conducting the investigation. By exercising effective oversight over the operations of police stations, he urged the officers to improve the CI grid and boost the fundamental operations of the police. The IGP Jammu Zone was updated by SSP Kathua Shivdeep Singh Jamwal, JKPS, on the law and order, crime, and security situation as well as other actions being carried out by Kathua Police in the district through a thorough power point presentation. According to the press release, he also emphasised steps taken to bolster the security system and enhance policing. "Subsequently, IGP Jammu, Anand Jain, convened a public meeting at the Conference of DPL Kathua, in which a sizable number of honourable persons, including DDCs, BDCs, senior citizens, Beopar Mandal Members, etc., participated and discussed different topics of public concern. The chairing officers gave them assurances that their legitimate complaints about the police would be addressed in a timely manner, according to the press release. Participants were urged to work with authorities to stop the drug epidemic and identify ANEs and ASEs who constantly try to disturb the tranquilly, according to the release. [caption id="attachment_4080" align="alignnone" width="300"] IGP reviews security situation in Kathua district[/caption]

CS Dr. Mehta reviews completion of JSCL projects

editor October 17, 2023October 17, 2023Leave a comment

JAMMU: Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, the chief secretary, reviewed the projects under the Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) that are planned to be finished at this time of the year today. Along with other relevant officers, the meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary, H&UDD, the Commissioner Secretary, IT, the Commissioner JMC, and the CEO, JSCL. The Chief Secretary urged the officers to act forcefully and take all required steps to improve Jammu's general atmosphere. He emphasised that the city's ongoing beautifying initiatives should be finished right away to increase its visual attractiveness.Dr Mehta remembered that in order to significantly improve the outlook of this capital city, measures like providing Vikram Chowk a facelift, installing view cutters before SRTC Yard, upgrading Bahu Fort Road, Satwari Chowk and Airport Road should also be carried out. In light of the officers' commitment to provide all services online in the UT, he also urged them to deliver all IT-based smart solutions to city people. He implied that city dwellers deserved not only top-notch infrastructure but also all services that could be accessed by simply pressing a button. The Chief Secretary gave the order to dedicate the already received ones to the public as soon as possible while taking note of the new 100 e-buses that JSCL plans to put into service. He requested that the department either hire those with the necessary skill sets or deputise the necessary staff from the sizable employment base of the UT. He urged them to finish the procedures as soon as possible so that the people could use the bus service without further delay. On this occasion, the Chief Secretary officially launched a number of new and reorganised IT-based services on the "MyJammu" webpage. He urged the administration to inform municipal residents of the uses and advantages of these programmes. He requested that service delivery for the general population be made both efficient and affordable by using their comments to continuously improve the quality. The Chief Secretary was informed that several of these services would guarantee that the residents' quality of life would be improved. It was stated that these include litigation and document management systems in addition to general information services, tourism information services, GIS services, smart addressing system, grievance portal, and G2C services. Such IT-based solutions allow citizens to reserve services like renting machines, cleaning septic tanks, water tankers, community halls, and hoarding space.Additionally, it would inform app users of the precise locations of public infrastructure such as hospitals, fire stations, blood banks, government buildings, schools, libraries, parking lots, bike stations, bus stops, train stations, and airports, in addition to senior citizen and women utility infrastructure in the city. You can use the portal to upload photos to the service for submitting GPS-based complaints about sanitation. The municipal body would then visit the area, dispatch a sanitation team to check the area's cleanliness, and provide an immediate response to the resident who had complained. The firm received praise from the country's chief secretary for making decisions equal to those observed in the nation's large, cutting-edge cities. [caption id="attachment_4074" align="alignnone" width="300"] CS Dr. Mehta reviews completion of JSCL projects[/caption]

LG chairs District Development Review meeting at Anantnag

editor October 17, 2023Leave a comment

ANANTNAG: The District Development Review meeting was presided over by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in Anantnag. The meeting evaluated the status of development projects, the implementation of Centrally Sponsored & UT Sector Schemes, and the saturation of Welfare Schemes in the District. Ch Mohd. Yousuf Gorsi, Chairman DDC Anantnag, Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir, Shailender Kumar, Principal Secretary Public Works (R&B), Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt. Governor, Vijay Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, and top officers were present at the meeting. The Lt. Governor praised the District Administration for its outstanding efforts to guarantee the effectiveness, openness, and dependability of public services. To reap the advantages of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme, he instructed other districts to adopt the innovative Main Bhi Kisan idea of the Anantnag District Administration.According to him, this project will increase young involvement in the developing agriculture and related sectors and bring about a qualitative change in the industry. The District Administration was given the go-ahead by the Lt. Governor to ensure that the power and road infrastructure is always in good condition and acceptable for traffic, as well as to be well-prepared for the winter season. The district administration and the relevant departments should properly implement measures of vital items and increased contingency plans for sensitive areas, he said. He also gave specific instructions to the district officials about the distribution of incentives under programmes geared towards farmers, health care, and education.The Lt. Governor demanded that "Poshan Abhiyan" become a Jan-Andolan in order to enhance important nutrition-related metrics. The 'Poshan Abhiyan''s' success depends on public participation. He emphasised that society as a whole should take action to raise awareness and cooperate with the District Administration for the welfare, development, and safety of mother and child. The Lt. Governor also reviewed the developments in a number of different fields and programmes, such as tourism, youth empowerment, infrastructure, sports, employment creation, industries, cooperatives, PMAY, Jal Jeevan Mission, the state of transit accommodations, and revival, restoration, and heritage preservation in architecture.The chair was updated by Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag, on the general operation of the district administration as well as the advancement…

Div Com Jammu reviews progress on Delhi Katra Expressway, Ring Road

editor October 17, 2023Leave a comment

JAMMU: Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar presided over a meeting of interested Deputy Commissioners and NHAI executives today to assess the status of the construction on the Jammu Ring Road Project and the Delhi Amritsar Katra Motorway Project. The meeting was attended by Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Deputy Commissioner for Jammu; Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner for Kathua; Abhishek Sharma, Deputy Commissioner for Samba; ACR Reasi, Chief Engineer for JPDCL; Project Directors for NHAI; and other relevant personnel. The Jammu Ring Road Project and the Delhi-Amritsar Katra Motorway were also closely investigated by the Div Com. It was notified that all executed packages had work ongoing. The Div Com also looked at the distribution of compensation and the acquisition of land.For the efficient completion of work on prestigious road projects, he gave the pertinent Deputy Commissioners instructions to resolve land difficulties and bottlenecks, if any, on a priority basis. Additionally, he gave them instructions to finish the payment of land acquisition payments in a timely way. The Div Com urged NHAI officers to keep in constant contact with the relevant Deputy Commissioners in order to handle minor remaining concerns, and it was reported that the majority of the land issues had been resolved. In order to meet the expressway's deadline for completion, NHAI officers were urged to speed up construction on the Delhi-Katra section. The Div Com strongly noted the slow development on the package falls in the Reasi district and gave the Project Director the order to hire extra workers and equipment for quick progress.The Divisional Commissioner emphasised the importance of maintaining surfaces where work has been done properly in order to ensure efficient traffic flow on the National Highway. The Div Com instructed Chief Engineer JPDCL to move a power line that was coming into the Ring Road project's route at Jagti as soon as possible while studying Ring Road. [caption id="attachment_4068" align="alignnone" width="300"] Div Com Jammu reviews progress on Delhi Katra Expressway, Ring Road[/caption]

Dr Jitendra inaugurates Katra Navratri festival, expresses concern over drug menace

editor October 16, 2023Leave a comment

KATRA : Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, expressed his concern today about the drug epidemic that is now affecting the holy sites of Katra Vaishnodevi and Reasi district. The minister expressed his concern over hearing reports of an increase in juvenile substance usage in this area. In the previous two days, the Minister had review talks on the issue with the local government and police enforcement. In order to accomplish Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's goal of making India a developed country by 2047, Dr. Jitendra Singh pleaded with parents and the local government to wean children off of narcotics. He said that children's potential must be tapped into in this endeavour.He asserted that the sanctity of the holy city of Katra must be upheld and that it must serve as a model for societal principles. According to the minister, a strategy plan is being created at the social and local administration levels to combat drug addiction. He said that in order to stop the threat, hotspots would be found and social awareness would be raised. Dr. Jitendra Singh was addressing after the Central Bureau of Communication, Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, opened the Navratri festival and Multimedia Exhibition in this location to commemorate the auspicious Navratras.The Government Boys' Higher Secondary School in Katra is hosting a week-long exhibition with the theme "9 Years of Seva, Sushasan and Garib Kalyan." The display takes place during Katra's Navratri Festival. Dr. Jitendra Singh, who spoke at the event, declared that the development of the area is the top priority of the administration at the Centre, which is led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He claimed that over the past nine years, the area had undergone revolutionary transformation. Dr. Jitendra Singh mentioned infrastructure projects and stated that Reasi now boasts the highest railway bridge in the entire world. Soon, the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Motorway will be completed.According to him, Katra was the second station in the nation to receive the Vande Bharat train, and when the rail line is completed with Kashmir Valley by the end of this year, Katra would be a significant junction. The Minister was informed that Katra was chosen for the Modi government's PRASAD programme and that it would soon also receive a Multimode Inter Station. Joint Director of the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Shri Ghulam Abbas, stated in his speech that the division has been educating the people about government initiatives and projects. He stated that this show is a part of attempts to spread the word to the general public. Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Ms. Babila Rakwal, SSP Reasi Amit Sharma, and DDC Chairman Reasi Sarv Singh Shashi Gupta, the chairman of the municipal council, Vice Chairman Ajay Baru, DDC members, PRIs, and other top administrators were present. Ajay Nanda, a former minister, Baldev Sharma, Prabhat Singh, Rohit Dubey, and other local activists were also in attendance. [caption id="attachment_4064" align="alignnone" width="300"] Dr Jitendra inaugurates Katra Navratri festival, expresses concern over drug menace[/caption]…

Mughal road blocked due to snowfall, heavy rain in Jammu

editor October 16, 2023Leave a comment

POONCH: The Mughal road that connects Shopian in the Kashmir Valley to Poonch was blocked on Monday as the high-altitude portions of the Jammu region received additional snowfall and the plains were pummelling by rain. According to officials, the Pir ki Gali area's severe snowfall has obstructed the Mughal road. They warned that until the weather improves, no vehicles would be permitted to travel from the Poonch and Rajouri districts towards the valley. [caption id="attachment_4061" align="alignnone" width="300"] Mughal road blocked due to snowfall, heavy rain in Jammu[/caption]

Mini-Bus Turns Turtle In Reasi, many Pilgrims Injured

editor October 16, 2023Leave a comment

Reasi : Several people were hurt in an accident involving a minibus carrying pilgrims in Jammu's Reasi area. According to reports, the tragedy happened early on Monday when a tourist minibus with the licence plate JK02AG 4643 overturned on the Katra-Reasi route close to Nau Deviya. A police officer who confirmed the accident to News Agency said the minibus had lost control and turned turtle while travelling from Katra to Shiv Khori. On board, some pilgrims were hurt. According to him, swift reaction teams quickly responded on the site and promptly supplied the injured with the required medical care before transporting them to CHC Katra for additional care. [caption id="attachment_4058" align="alignnone" width="300"] Mini-Bus Turns Turtle In Reasi, many Pilgrims Injured[/caption]

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