Panchayat president killed in landslide in Sikkim's Gyalshing district
Gangtok (PTI): A 47-year-old panchayat president was killed in a landslide, triggered by incessant rain, in Sikkim's Gyalshing district, police said on Sunday.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening when a massive landslide buried Rajen Gurung, the president of the Sardung Lungjik Gram Panchayat unit, near his residence, a senior officer said.
He was looking at the drainage system near his residence when the landslide occurred, the police said.
Chief Minister PS Tamang said he was deeply saddened to learn about the "untimely demise of Gurung, who succumbed to his injuries caused by a landslide near his residence on Saturday night".
"In this moment of profound grief, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and pray for eternal peace to the departed soul. Late Shri Gurung's selfless service to his community and his tireless contributions towards the welfare of the people will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude," the chief minister said in a social media post.
The CM said he, on behalf of the state government and the people of Sikkim, stands in solidarity with the grieving family in this hour of irreparable loss.
Tamang said it was also reassuring to note that the district administration and authorities concerned have promptly responded to the incident and are extending all necessary support to the family members and the affected area.
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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.
