High Court rebukes MLA Harish Poonja for protest outside police station
asks him to refrain from acting like court
Bengaluru: Belthangadi MLA Harish Poonja faced severe criticism from the State High Court for staging a protest outside a police station, demanding the release of an individual arrested for illegal mining and stockpiling explosives.
A bench led by Justice Krishna Dixit, presiding over the petitions filed by MLA Harish Poonja contesting two FIRs against the police, expressed deep disapproval of the MLA's actions. The court questioned the appropriateness of an elected representative engaging in such protests, observing that individuals detained by the police have legal remedy through the local magistrate's court or habeas corpus petitions.
Justice Dixit further observed the importance of legislators focusing on lawmaking rather than interfering with police duties, urging MLA Poonja to refrain from acting like a court. The bench emphasized the need to protect law enforcement agencies and warned against any disruptions to their functioning.
The court also observed that while conflicts with the police may arise, it is crucial to uphold the rule of law and ensure due process for those arrested. Following arguments, the bench issued a notice to the government and instructed MLA Poonja to refrain from causing further disturbances until further notice, adjourning the hearing.
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PM Modi speaks to Iranian president, discusses 'serious' situation in West Asia
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday night spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the phone and discussed the "serious situation" in West Asia.
Modi expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the region and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.
The prime minister told the Iranian President that the safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priorities.
“Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure,” Modi said in a post on X.
The prime minister also reiterated India's commitment to peace and stability and urged dialogue and diplomacy to end the crisis.
The prime minister had spoken to leaders of several West Asian countries in the last 10 days in the wake of the coordinated offensive launched against Iran by the United States and Israel, in which the Islamic country's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed last month.
In retaliation, Iran has fired drones and missiles at Israel and US military installations around the Gulf region, including the global business and aviation hubs of Dubai and Doha.
Modi earlier spoke to the leaders of Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Israel and Qatar, and expressed concern over the attacks on their countries, and condemned the violation of some nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also discussed the welfare and security of the Indian community residing in those countries.
Around 1 crore Indians live in the Gulf and West Asia. While about 10,000 Indian citizens live, study and work in Iran, more than 40,000 live in Israel.
