SC sets aside HC order staying conviction of Lakshadweep MP Faizal in attempt to murder case
New Delhi(PTI): The Supreme Court on Tuesday set aside the Kerala High Court order suspending conviction and sentence of Lakshadweep Lok Sabha MP Mohammed Faizal in an attempt to murder case and remanded the matter back to the high court for fresh adjudication in six weeks.
A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan, however, protected the MP from any possibility of disqualification, saying the protection of the earlier order will remain in force for six weeks.
The high court will have to decide the appeal of the Lakshadweep administration afresh during that period.
The top court said the approach of the high court was "erroneous" in suspending the conviction and sentence of the Lok Sabha MP in the case.
On January 11, 2023, Faizal and three others were sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 1 lakh each by a sessions court in Kavaratti in Lakshadweep for attempting to kill Mohammed Salih, son-in-law of the late union minister P M Sayeed, during the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.
Faizal had moved the Kerala High Court against the order and the HC suspended his conviction and sentence on January 25.
In its order, the high court said it was suspending the conviction and sentence of the NCP leader pending disposal of his appeal against the trial court order. It said not doing so will result in fresh elections for the seat vacated by him which will impose a financial burden on the government and the public.
The Lakshadweep administration moved the Supreme Court against the high court's order, and on January 30, the top court agreed to hear its petition.
On March 29, the top court had disposed of Faizal's separate plea against his disqualification as a Member of Parliament in view of the Lok Sabha secretariat's notification restoring his membership following the high court order.
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Siddaramaiah urges youth to stay away from divisive forces misusing religion, caste
Davangere (Karnataka), Jan 5: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday said that divisive forces are misusing religion and caste to disrupt peace in Karnataka and the country, which hampers progress, and called upon the youth to stay away from such harmful influences and safeguard their future.
Speaking after inaugurating the state-level Yuvajanotsava (youth festival) programme here, he emphasised the importance of youth developing a socially responsible outlook.
"When youth grow with social consciousness, they become assets to the nation. To achieve this, they must pursue scientific and rational education, create equal opportunities, and contribute to society's progress," Siddaramaiah said.
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Urging young people to shape their future with a resolve to be assets rather than liabilities to the nation, he said, "The essence of the Constitution must be understood by everyone. It ensures economic, social, and political freedom for all citizens and allows everyone to practice their faith freely. It is because of this Constitution that I could become the chief minister. Protecting the Constitution is our responsibility."
The CM further stressed that "Instead of asking what the nation has done for us, we should reflect on what we have contributed to the nation. Many divisive forces misuse religion and caste to disturb peace and derail progress. Youth must distance themselves from such influences, cultivate humanity, and grow socially responsible. This will help preserve and strengthen democracy."
Highlighting the government's support for unemployed graduates, he said, "We have transferred funds to the accounts of 1.62 lakh young beneficiaries under the Yuva Nidhi scheme and are providing skill training. A budget of Rs 213 crore has been allocated for this. The government is committed to standing firmly with educated unemployed youth."
