New Delhi: Delhi court Special Judge Niyay Bindu has become the target of online troll from influential right-wing accounts on 'X' (formerly known as Twitter) following her decision to grant bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a liquor policy case.
These accounts have accused the judge of failing to thoroughly review the documents submitted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) before making her decision.
The backlash comes after Special Judge Niyay Bindu granted bail to Kejriwal, a decision that has been met with disdain by supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and their associated online influencers. These individuals have used social media to question the judge's diligence and impartiality, alleging that she did not properly consider the extensive documentation provided by the ED.
Fact-checker and Alt News Co-founder Mohammed Zubair highlighted the wave of online attacks by sharing screenshots of several critical tweets. Zubair commented on his 'X' account, stating, "Tweets by influential right-wing X accounts targeting Delhi court Special Judge Niyay Bindu because she delivered a judgment they and their leaders didn't like. This is dangerous and scary."
Supporters of Judge Bindu have come forward to clarify the legal processes involved in bail hearings, which have been misunderstood by the critics. One user, replying to Zubair’s tweet, provided a detailed explanation:
"1. Scope of Bail Hearings: Bail hearings primarily focus on the arguments and key evidence presented by both parties rather than a detailed review of all submitted documents.
2. Judicial Efficiency: The judge acknowledged the volume of documents but emphasized the impracticality of reviewing thousands of pages at this juncture. This does not imply a neglect of duty but rather a focus on pertinent issues relevant to the bail decision. Also, did Swarn Kanta read all the 55,000 documents while rejecting the bail of AAP leaders (Manish Sisodia etc)."
The user emphasized that bail hearings are designed to address the immediate concerns related to bail, relying on critical evidence and arguments rather than a comprehensive analysis of all case documents. This perspective is shared by many legal experts who argue that the role of the judge in such hearings is to weigh the necessity and justification for bail, rather than delve into the full depth of the case, which would be more appropriate during a trial.
The online criticism against Judge Bindu has raised concerns about the increasing pressure on the judiciary from social media. Critics argue that such campaigns can undermine judicial independence and the fair administration of justice.
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Virudhunagar (Tamil Nadu) (PTI): At least 23 people were charred to death, and six others sustained grievous injuries following a massive explosion at a private firecracker manufacturing unit near here, police said on Sunday.
According to police and fire service officials, four of the six injured are in critical condition and are undergoing treatment at the Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital.
The explosion occurred at the ‘Vanaja’ fireworks factory owned by one Muthumanickam, in Kattanarpatti near here. The place is located within the Vachakarapatti police station limits.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the unit reportedly holds a license from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), Nagpur. Over 100 labourers were reportedly engaged in work in the complex.
The blast is believed to have originated in the front veranda area, where workers were allegedly handling raw materials and engaged in the final stages of manufacturing firecrackers.
The impact of the blast was so severe that at least three rooms were reduced to rubble, and several adjacent structures were completely levelled.
"We have recovered 23 bodies so far, many of which were charred beyond recognition," a police official told PTI.
The officials are yet to ascertain the sex of the bodies recovered.
Of the six injured, three are women and have sustained 60 per cent burn injuries, the police official added.
Sources said fire and rescue services personnel battled the flames for several hours. Rescue operations were significantly hampered as crackers continued to burst long after the initial explosion. There are fears that more workers may be trapped under the debris.
This incident marks the deadliest industrial accident in the region this year. It comes just days after a similar blast in the Vembakottai area of the same district that claimed four lives.
Further details are awaited as the search and rescue operation continues.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed his sorrow and said that he sent two ministers to the site to expedite rescue operations.
In a post on X, he said, "The tragic news of the deaths of several people in the firecracker unit explosion that occurred in Kattanarpatti, Virudhunagar district, causes immense sorrow. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives".
"I have requested Ministers K K S S R Ramachandran and Thangam Thennarasu to rush to the site immediately to expedite and monitor the rescue operations and to offer solace to the affected families," he added.
"Upon learning of this accident, I have contacted the district collector and given instructions to coordinate all necessary assistance," he further said.
Conveying his “deep sadness” at the tragedy, Leader of the Opposition of the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, wished a “swift recovery to all those injured".
“These were workers who left home in the morning to earn a living for their families. My thoughts are with the grieving families, and I wish a swift recovery to all those injured,” he wrote on his official X account.
Congress leader and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also took to X to convey her condolences.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic explosion at a firecracker factory in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, that has claimed many lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. My thoughts are with those injured, and I pray for their speedy recovery,” wrote Vadra.
