Who could succeed Ali Khamenei as Iran Supreme Leader?
Tehran: The question of who will succeed Ali Khamenei as Iran’s Supreme Leader has become a major subject of international political attention.
Under Iran’s Constitution, the authority to appoint the next Supreme Leader rests with the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body of senior Islamic jurists. The Assembly is constitutionally mandated to select and, if necessary, remove the Supreme Leader.
Reports indicate that three names had been considered in internal discussions in the event of a leadership transition.
One of the prominent figures mentioned is Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i, the current Head of Iran’s Judiciary. He is regarded as a senior official with significant experience in the judicial and administrative structure of the country.
Another name discussed is Ali Asghar Hejazi, a long-serving official known for his role within the leadership establishment.
The name of Hassan Khomeini has also surfaced in discussions. He is the grandson of Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His family lineage has drawn attention in political circles.
There has also been discussion surrounding Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei. While he is believed to have influence within religious and security networks, no official confirmation has been made regarding his candidacy.
Separately, reports have indicated that Ali Larijani, a senior political figure with extensive experience in government, has been entrusted with key responsibilities amid ongoing developments. However, no formal announcement has been made regarding succession.
Ultimately, the selection of the next Supreme Leader will be determined by the Assembly of Experts in accordance with constitutional procedures.
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SC asks Centre to consider amending law on terminating pregnancy of rape survivors
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Thursday took strong exception to a plea by AIIMS seeking to set aside its order allowing a 15-year-old girl to medically terminate her 30-week pregnancy, and asked the Centre to consider amending the law to permit rape survivors to terminate unwanted pregnancies even beyond 20 weeks.
The top court said when there is pregnancy due to rape, there should not be a time limit.
Law needs to be organic and in sync with evolving time, it stressed.
A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said this is a case of child rape and the survivor will have a lifelong scar and trauma if termination is not allowed.
The top court said if the mother does not have permanent disability then it should be carried out.
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It asked AIIMS to counsel parents of the survivor over the issue and said the decision has to be of the person concerned.
"There are children for adoption. In this country we have lot of sympathies...There are deserted, abandoned children on the streets and even mafias on it. We have to look at them. This is an unwanted pregnancy of a 15-year-old child.
"This is a curative petition. Unwanted pregnancy cannot be thrusted on a person. Imagine she is a child. She should be studying now. But we want to make her a mother. Imagine the pain, the humiliation the child has suffered in this," the bench said.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for AIIMS, mentioned the curative plea, and said the termination of pregnancy is not possible.
"It will be a live baby with severe deformities. Minor mother will have lifelong health issues and cannot reproduce. Minor mother will have lifelong health issues. This child can be given for adoption. It has been 30 weeks now. It is a viable life now," she said.
The top court said the decision on termination has to choice of the survivor and her parents and AIIMS may help them take an informed decision.
On April 24, a bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan had allowed the girl to medically terminate her pregnancy of 30 weeks.
