Mangaluru: Senior lawyer Mohammed Ali passes away
Mangaluru: Long-time lawyer and noted social worker U. Mohammed Ali (71) passed away in New Delhi on Monday morning.
Mohammed Ali, son of former judge Ullal Hamebba, was known for his decades of legal practice and his active contribution to community work. He had also been involved in politics for a period and had contested from the Ullal Assembly constituency.
According to family members, he had travelled with friends two days ago and passed away in Delhi during the trip.
He is survived by three daughters, one son and a large circle of relatives and well-wishers.
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Guv Gehlot clears bill paving way for Panchayat elections through ballots
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has given his assent to the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act that will pave the way for holding the Panchayat elections through ballots instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Following the assent, the Act was notified in the state gazette on Wednesday.
The bill was passed by both houses of the Karnataka legislature in March during the budget session, amid protests by the opposition BJP.
As per the law, the principle of secrecy of the ballot is a cornerstone of free and fair elections, as recognised by the judiciary, which emphasised that the secrecy of the ballot protects voters from coercion, intimidation, and undue influence, thereby safeguarding the sanctity of the democratic process in several judgments of the Supreme Court.
Some concerns have been raised regarding the functioning of EVMs, necessitating a return to the robust secret ballot paper system to restore public trust, according to the Act.
Justifying its decision, the Karnataka government said there is “a growing consensus on the need to strengthen electoral mechanisms that prioritise anonymity and transparency”.
