Delhi High Court dismisses PIL against Centre’s move to observe Samvidhaan Hatya Divas
On Friday, the Delhi High Court rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union Government notification designating June 25 as Samvidhaan Hatya Divas (Constitution Murder Day). The day is meant to honor those who suffered and resisted the 1975 National Emergency imposed by the Government of India.
The Bench, comprising Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, stated that the July 13 notification by the Central government was not a critique of the emergency proclamation under Article 352 of the Constitution. Instead, it was against “abuse of power and misuse of constitutional provisions and excesses that followed it,” as reported by Bar and Bench. "The notification does not violate or disrespect the Constitution," the Court asserted while dismissing the PIL.
The petition, filed by Samir Malik, argued that the Emergency was declared under Article 352 and thus could not be considered to be done by murdering the Constitution. He also contended that the government's notification was derogatory. However, the Court dismissed this argument, stating that terms like "murder of democracy" are often used by politicians. "We are not inclined to entertain this PIL," the Bench noted, emphasising that the petition lacked merit.
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Centre must roll back LPG price hike, says Kerala CM
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday demanded that the Centre immediately roll back the recent steep hike in LPG prices, alleging that it has severely impacted common people and small businesses.
In a statement, Vijayan described the increase as "one of the most cruel" in the history of cooking gas price revisions, saying it has pushed ordinary households and entrepreneurs into distress.
He said the price of commercial LPG cylinders had been raised by Rs 993 in one go, crossing Rs 3,000, which would adversely affect the hotel and restaurant sector.
The hike in the price of 5-kg LPG cylinders by Rs 251.50 would hit migrant workers and small families who depend on them, he added.
The chief minister alleged that the hike came immediately after the conclusion of Assembly elections in states, placing an additional burden on common people, small-scale entrepreneurs and migrant labourers.
Pointing to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, Vijayan said the hospitality sector has already been facing a shortage of cooking gas for months and the latest price increase would be difficult to absorb.
The burden would ultimately be passed on to consumers, he said, warning that several small establishments, including those in Kerala, could be forced to shut down.
Accusing oil companies of prioritising profits over public welfare, he said such a trend of imposing additional financial burden on people cannot be accepted.
Vijayan also alleged that the Centre's policies favour corporate interests and called for a correction in approach.
He urged the Union government to withdraw the excessive hike without delay.
The price of commercial LPG was hiked by the steepest ever Rs 993 per 19-kg cylinder on May 1, marking the third straight monthly increase due to rising global energy prices linked to the West Asia conflict.
