Sandeshkhali woman alleges fake rape complaint, says made to sign blank paper
Sandeshkhali: A woman from Sandeshkhali has accused individuals associated with the BJP of orchestrating a false rape complaint in her name. This accusation has escalated the already intense political fight between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP as elections loom large.
The woman claimed that she was coerced into signing a blank paper by a person named Piyali, who allegedly then fabricated a rape complaint against local Trinamool leaders. The woman further said that she and her family have faced threats for speaking out against Piyali.
Trinamool MP Sushmita Dev lambasted the BJP for intimidating the brave women of Sandeshkhali, accusing them of deceit and exploiting the dignity of women for political gain.
In response, the BJP dismissed Trinamool's claims as a belated attempt at damage control. Party spokesperson Priyanka Tibrewal questioned Trinamool's silence over the past months and challenged the authenticity of their sudden outcry.
Amidst the turmoil, the Trinamool Congress has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against several BJP leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari, for allegedly concocting false allegations in the Sandeshkhali matter.
Sandeshkhali, a remote island in North 24 Parganas, gained national attention when residents accused local strongman Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates of various crimes. Shahjahan, expelled by Trinamool, was arrested after being on the run for over a month and is now in CBI custody.
A recent video featuring a local BJP leader, purportedly admitting to the fabrication of rape complaints, has further fueled the controversy. However, the BJP claims the video was doctored, filing a police complaint in this regard.
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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.
