Karnataka HC raps state over protest against Waqf Act amid pending SC case
Bengaluru, Apr 17 (PTI): The Karnataka High Court on Thursday criticised the state government for permitting a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act while the matter is still under consideration by the Supreme Court.
Justice M Nagaprasanna observed that allowing such a demonstration was inappropriate given the ongoing proceedings before the apex court.
"The state shall bear in mind that the matter is seized by the apex court qua the amendment to the Waqf Act, and a protest of this kind should not be permitted," the judge stated.
The court directed the government to ensure public roads are not obstructed by such events and emphasised that protests must be held only at designated locations and with official approval.
"If there is no permission, there is no protest," the court asserted.
These observations came during the hearing of a petition filed by Rajesh A, a resident of Mangaluru.
The plea challenged a communication issued by the city’s Police Commissioner, directing both private bus operators and the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation not to operate services along a section of National Highway 73 from noon to 9 PM on Friday, due to a protest against the Waqf Act amendment.
According to the petitioner, the advisory caused undue disruption to public transport. Advocates Hemanth R Rao and Leelesh Krishna represented him.
In response, the state government told the court that the initial communication had been revised and normal traffic flow would be maintained.
However, authorities advised that heavy and medium commercial vehicles take alternative routes as a precaution.
The matter will be heard again on April 23.
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G7 countries urge India, Pakistan to de-escalate situation
New Delhi, May 10 (PTI): The Group of Seven (G7) nations on Saturday urged India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint and called for immediate de-escalation of their military conflict through dialogue.
The call by the powerful grouping came amid the continuing escalation of the military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
The G7 said it is continuing to monitor the situation "closely and express our support for a swift and lasting diplomatic resolution".
In a statement, the foreign ministers of the G7 countries said further military escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability.
"We, the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US and the High Representative of the European Union, strongly condemn the egregious terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 and urge maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan," the grouping said in a statement.
"Further military escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability. We are deeply concerned for the safety of civilians on both sides," it said.
"We call for immediate de-escalation and encourage both countries to engage in direct dialogue towards a peaceful outcome," the G7 said.
