A Delhi court criticized BJP leader Kapil Mishra for using the word “Pakistan” to spread hatred during his election campaign. The court refused to cancel the summons issued against him in an electoral malpractice case. It also condemned the use of communal speeches to influence voters. The ruling emphasized the need for fair and unbiased campaigning.
In West Bengal, both the TMC and BJP urged the Election Commission to address the issue of alleged “ghost voters.” Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of adding outsiders to the voter rolls through online means ahead of the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, the BJP, which has long raised concerns about bogus voters linked to infiltration, is now highlighting the issue from a different angle. The demand for electoral transparency has intensified as both parties push for action.
U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the $. 21 million grant, saying it was meant to affect India’s elections. He spoke after the DOGE, supported by Elon Musk, canceled the funding. The money was supposed to help increase voter participation. Trump claimed it was meant to benefit a specific candidate.
Rahul Gandhi questioned why the Chief Justice of India (CJI) was removed from the panel that appoints Election Commissioners. He asked why this change was made and how it might affect fair elections. Gandhi stressed that judicial supervision is important for such key decisions. His statement comes as people discuss election reforms and the independence of institutions.
Today, On 3rd February, The Delhi High Court summoned Congress leader Shashi Tharoor in a defamation case filed by BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Chandrasekhar alleges that Tharoor made false statements during the 2024 General Elections, damaging his reputation. He is seeking Rs.10 crore in damages along with a public apology. The court has asked Tharoor to respond to the allegations.
The Uttarakhand government is set to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) starting today. This new law will replace personal laws based on religion with a common set of rules for all citizens. It will govern matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, aiming to ensure equality and justice. While some see it as a step toward fairness, others believe it could affect cultural and religious practices.
A Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, will hear a plea seeking a policy for verifying Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The petition, filed by former Haryana minister Karan Singh Dalal, calls for clear rules to check EVM components. It also asks for compliance with an earlier court order on the matter. The case aims to ensure transparency in the use of EVMs.
Today, On 24th January, The Supreme Court dismissed a PIL filed by Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay challenging the constitutionality of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) provisions. The petition argued that TDS imposes undue administrative and financial burdens on taxpayers. However, the court rejected these concerns, emphasizing the importance of TDS in ensuring tax compliance. This decision reinforces the legal validity of the current TDS framework.
Today, On 23rd January, The Karnataka High Court temporarily stayed police action against BJP’s CT Ravi over an obscene remark made about a Minister. The Court plans to evaluate whether the Speaker is the only authority to address this matter, given that it occurred on the floor of the house, or if an external agency can also conduct an investigation.
The Supreme Court extended the stay on defamation proceedings against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. This decision came after the complainant’s lawyer requested additional time to submit a counter-affidavit. The case remains pending until further developments. The extension delays further legal action for now.
