High Court judge 'loses' pet dog, lets out anger on police before cooling down
New Delhi (PTI): A former Delhi High Court judge got furious and demanded the suspension of the security staff posted at his official residence after he "lost" his pet dog who ventured out of the open gates due to the "callousness" of the sentries.
Justice Gaurang Kanth, however, recanted on his demand later and said he wanted no action against the security personnel.
He had written a letter to a top city police official seeking suspension of security personnel posted at his residence for their alleged lapse of not locking the gates of his bungalow leading to the loss his pet dog, Delhi police officials said on Saturday.
It was not known whether the dog got lost in the city's traffic mayhem or was crushed under a vehicle.
Justice Kanth was recently transferred to the Calcutta High Court.
"I am writing this letter with a lot of pain and anguish. Due to lack of devotion and incompetence on the part of the officers providing security at my official bungalow, I have lost my pet dog.
"In spite of repeatedly telling them to keep the door locked, the security officials deputed at my residence have failed to comply with my directions and carrying out their professional duty. Such dereliction of duty and incompetence needs immediate attention as the same can cause grave danger to my life and liberty," he said in the letter to Delhi police.
"Such callousness in carrying out their duties by the said security personnel may cause any untoward incident at my residence and I fear for my security. Not manning the gate and lack of devotion in keeping a check on the movement and ingress and egress from the gate of my residence is intolerable," he said.
Kanth's letter, which he wrote on June 12 to the Joint Commissioner of Police (Security), has gone viral on social media.
He requested Delhi police to immediately suspend the officers, as their conduct was unbecoming of government servants, and carry out a thorough investigation.
A senior police officer, who did not wish to be named, said Kanth wrote the letter to them last month. Kanth, however, later informed them that he does not want any action against the posse of policemen posted at his residence.
The incident came to light days after Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud wrote letters to the chief justice of high courts where he said protocol facilities available for judges should not be used in a manner that is "liable to result in inconvenience to others or to bring public criticism of the judiciary."
Justice Chandrachud had taken serious exception to the Allahabad High Court registry demanding an explanation from the railways over the 'inconvenience' caused to a judge who did not get pantry facilities on a train running late.
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Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.
In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.
Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.
"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.
He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.
Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.
"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.
He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.
"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.
According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.
The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
