Such persons should be barred from fighting polls: SC on Tahir Hussain's plea
New Delhi, Jan 20 (PTI): All such persons should be barred from contesting elections, the Supreme Court on Monday remarked as it deferred to January 21 the hearing on a plea filed by former councillor and Delhi riots accused Tahir Hussain who has sought interim bail to campaign for the upcoming Delhi assembly polls.
A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Ahsanuddin Amanullah adjourned the hearing due to paucity of time but just as it was rising for the day, Hussain's lawyer mentioned the matter and requested for a hearing on January 21.
"It is easy to win elections sitting in jail. All such persons should be barred from contesting the elections," the bench remarked in response.
His lawyer submitted Hussain's nomination was accepted.
The Delhi High Court on January 14 granted custody parole to Hussain to file nomination papers from the Mustafabad constituency on an AIMIM ticket.
It, however, refused his plea for interim bail from January 14 to February 9 to fight the polls, saying the gravity of allegations against Hussain, being the main perpetrator in the violence, resulting in the death of several persons, could not be overlooked.
The high court said about 11 FIRs were registered against him in connection with the riots and he was admittedly in custody in a related money laundering case and UAPA case.
The senior counsel counsel appearing for Hussain argued fighting elections was a complicated process, which required him to not only file his nomination by January 17 but also open a bank account and campaign.
Maintaining that contesting elections was not a fundamental right, the police had alleged that Hussain who was the "main conspirator" and "funder" of the February 2020 riots could complete formalities and fight polls on custody parole.
Violence broke out in northeast Delhi on February 24, 2020, leaving 53 dead and several injured.
According to the prosecution, on February 26, 2020, complainant Ravinder Kumar informed the Dayalpur Police Station that his son Ankit Sharma, posted in the Intelligence Bureau, was missing since February 25, 2020.
Sharma's mortal remains were reportedly recovered from Khajuri Khas nullah in the riot-affected area and his body bore 51 injuries.
Hussain, in the bail plea, said he spent 4.9 years in jail and though the trial started in the case, only 20 of the 114 prosecution witnesses were examined so far.
Pleading he had suffered a long incarceration, Hussain said the fact that several witnesses were still left to be examined meant the trial wouldn't be over soon.
The co-accused, his plea said, allegedly involved in the riotous mob and committing the offence of murder were granted bail by the high court.
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Melania Trump joins her husband in backing a meme coin
Washington (AP): Melania Trump is out with her own cryptocurrency token, days after her husband and US President-elect Donald Trump launched a meme coin of his own.
The incoming first lady launched the meme coin with posts on her social media accounts on Sunday while her husband's rally was underway in Washington.
Trump's coin soared in value after it was announced late Friday, potentially boosting his net worth as he prepares to take office.
Some crypto enthusiasts hailed the Trump meme coin's release, saying it's symbolic of the incoming president's support for an industry that felt unfairly targeted by the Joe Biden administration.
Trump has promised to usher in crypto-friendly regulations and picked crypto cheerleaders for key government positions.
Critics said the Trump meme coin could be a dangerous way for special interests and foreign governments to try and buy influence with the president.
The Official Melania Meme is live!
— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) January 19, 2025
You can buy $MELANIA now. https://t.co/8FXvlMBhVf
FUAfBo2jgks6gB4Z4LfZkqSZgzNucisEHqnNebaRxM1P pic.twitter.com/t2vYiahRn6
