Delhi Police bust alleged ISIS module, arrest five in multi-state raids
New Delhi: In a major counter-terror operation, the Delhi Police Special Cell, in coordination with central agencies, has busted an alleged ISIS-linked terror module and arrested five suspects during simultaneous raids across multiple states.
The raids were conducted in Delhi, Mumbai, Madhya Pradesh, Hyderabad, and Jharkhand. Two of the accused, identified as Aftab Qureshi and Sufiyan Khan, were apprehended in the national capital.
According to media reports, Qureshi, a resident of Nevalifata, Hajimalag Road in Kalyan (East), and Khan, from Mumbra, were under surveillance for alleged links to ISIS radicalisation networks. Searches at their residences in Kalyan and Mumbra led to the recovery of digital devices and other incriminating materials.
Separate searches in Delhi allegedly yielded weapons and components for improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Officials said both men had recently shifted to the capital on instructions from an alleged ISIS handler.
In Ranchi, another accused, identified as Danish, was arrested after chemicals and raw materials allegedly used for assembling explosives were found in his possession. Investigators believe he was actively preparing IEDs for an imminent attack.
Authorities suspect the module was in the advanced stages of plotting a major terror strike in India, with plans to flee abroad following its execution.
In a related operation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out searches at 21 locations across Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Jammu & Kashmir in connection with an alleged ISIS-linked conspiracy.
The NIA recovered digital devices, mobile phones, laptops, and documents believed to contain vital leads on the network. A 35-year-old man from Mumbai’s Kurla area was briefly detained for questioning over his alleged online activities, which reportedly included following ISIS-linked social media accounts.
Though later released, his devices remain under forensic scrutiny. Officials said the ongoing probe aims to expose the broader web of radicalisation and support for the alleged terror network within India.
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Ordinance issued to increase number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38
New Delhi (PTI): The government has promulgated an ordinance to increase the strength of the Supreme Court from the present 34 judges to 38, including the Chief Justice of India.
The law ministry notified the ordinance on Saturday, which amended the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, to increase the sanctioned strength of the top court.
So far, the sanctioned strength of the top court was 34, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Now, the number of judges has been increased by four, taking the sanctioned strength to 38.
The top court will now have 37 judges, other than the CJI.
With the apex court having two vacancies at present, and the ordinance coming into force immediately, the Supreme Court Collegium will now have to recommend six names for appointment as judges in the top court.
A bill will be brought in the Monsoon Session of Parliament to convert the ordinance – an executive order – into a law passed by Parliament.
The Union Cabinet had cleared a draft bill on May 5 to increase the number of apex court judges.
The strength of the Supreme Court was last increased from 30 to 33 (excluding the CJI) in 2019.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, as originally enacted in 1956, put the maximum number of judges (excluding the CJI) at 10.
This number was increased to 13 by the Supreme Court (Number of Judges), Amendment Act, 1960, and to 17 by another amendment to the law.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 1986, augmented the strength of judges from 17 to 25, excluding the CJI.
A fresh amendment in 2009 further increased the strength from 25 to 30.
Article 124(3) of the Constitution lists the qualifications required to become a Supreme Court judge.
An Indian citizen who has either served as a high court judge for at least five years, or as an advocate for 10 years, or is a distinguished jurist, can be appointed to the top court.
The strength of the Supreme Court is increased based on the recommendations of the CJI, who writes to the Union law minister. After consulting the finance ministry, the Department of Justice under the law ministry moves the Cabinet with a draft bill.
