LAW AND GOVERNANCE
Mumbai Special Court Grants Bail to Yes Bank Founder Rana Kapoor
A Mumbai special court granted bail to Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor, criticizing the CBI’s sole blame on Kapoor for loans. The court noted no substance in the CBI’s claim that Kapoor alone sanctioned a Rs 400 crore loan to Avantha Reality Limited. Kapoor was arrested in 2020 for alleged money laundering, with eight cases against him. The court cited delays and the ED’s ongoing investigation, stating continued detention would be pre-trial conviction. It emphasized that evidence showed Yes Bank didn’t incur the alleged loss, and referenced CJI Chandrachud’s concern over bail denials.
Supreme Court Emphasizes Timeliness in Writ Petitions under Article 226
The Supreme Court highlighted the importance of timeliness in Article 226 writ petitions, overturning a High Court decision. Justices P.S. Narasimha and Aravind Kumar stressed that delay and laches should be considered, denying relief to a petitioner who delayed filing. The case involved an LPG distributor challenging a delayed decision by the High Court. The court ruled that indolent litigants cannot revive dead causes of action, emphasizing that delay defeats equity. The appeal was allowed, setting aside the High Court’s decision.
Supreme Court Grants 8 Weeks for UP Government to Review Gangsters Act
The Supreme Court granted the Uttar Pradesh government 8 weeks to consider guidelines for the Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act. The Bench of Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan acceded to the request, postponing the matter to August 2. This followed an FIR against a petitioner under the Act, dismissed by the Allahabad High Court. The Supreme Court expressed displeasure with the authorities’ attempt to render the case infructuous with a chargesheet. It stayed further proceedings and directed the chargesheet be kept in abeyance.
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
(Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment)
Garima Greh aims to provide shelter, food, medical care, and recreational facilities to destitute and abandoned transgender persons. The broader objectives include safeguarding the rights of transgender individuals, establishing a congenial atmosphere with uniform rules, empowering them through skill development, and protecting them from social stigma and atrocities.
Eligibility:
- Transgenders certified through the National Portal for Transgender Persons, preferably living below the poverty line.
- Transgenders aged above 18 years and below 60 years, abandoned and not engaged in sex work or beggary.
- Transgenders must be unemployed and not involved in productive commercial activities.
Benefits:
Transgender residents of Garima Greh receive shelter, food, medical care, and recreational facilities. Eligible individuals can apply by filling out the admission form (Annexure 2) and the prescribed personal affidavit (Annexure 3) as per the scheme’s guidelines.
Scheme 2: Pragati Scholarship
(Ministry of Education, AICTE)
Pragati Scholarship, by AICTE under the Ministry of Education, is designed to empower girl students pursuing technical degree courses. The scheme aims to provide financial support and encourage young women to excel in education, enhancing their knowledge, skills, and self-confidence for a successful future.
Eligibility:
- Girl students admitted in the first or second year of a technical degree course in an AICTE approved institution.
- Maximum of two girl children per family eligible.
- Annual family income not exceeding ₹ 8,00,000/-.
- Students from 13 Union Territories and North Eastern States are eligible.
Benefits:
Qualified applicants receive ₹ 50,000/- per annum for a maximum of 4 years for first-year students and 3 years for second-year students through lateral entry. This amount can be used for college fees, purchase of computer, stationery, books, equipment, software, etc.
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Read also–DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (20 APRIL 2024)
