LAW AND GOVERNANCE
WRESTLERS VS BRIJ BHUSHAN: DELHI COURT DEFERS ORDER ON FRAMING OF CHARGES TO MAY 10
The Delhi Rouse Avenue Court has postponed its decision on framing charges against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a sexual harassment case involving six female wrestlers. The court cited the final stage of vetting for the delay and announced the new date as May 10. Singh faces charges under Sections 354, 354-A, 354-D, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code related to assault, sexual harassment, stalking, and criminal intimidation. The chargesheet was filed by the Delhi Police in June last year. Singh had requested further probe into his presence at the WFI office on September 7, 2022, which was dismissed on April 26, leading to the scheduled order on May 7 being deferred.
ARVIND KEJRIWAL HEARING: AAP, PROBE AGENCY LAWYERS DIFFER ON SUPREME COURT PROCEEDINGS
In a case concerning Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest in a Delhi excise policy case, contrasting interpretations emerged from the lawyers of Kejriwal and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) before the Supreme Court. While Kejriwal’s lawyers claimed that the bench had reserved its order on his interim bail plea, the ED’s legal team stated that their arguments were inconclusive. The ED opposed any consideration of bail for Kejriwal, emphasizing that he should not receive special treatment in facing criminal prosecution, even as a sitting Chief Minister. The bench expressed its intention to entertain arguments regarding interim bail for Kejriwal due to exceptional circumstances but did not make a definitive statement on the order. The case is set to continue in subsequent hearings.
CELEBRITIES MUST BE RESPONSIBLE WHILE ENDORSING PRODUCTS: SC IN PATANJALI CASE
The Supreme Court highlighted the responsibility of celebrities, influencers, and public figures in endorsing consumer products, emphasizing the need for responsible behavior. The court’s observation came during a case related to misleading advertisements by Patanjali Ayurved Ltd., based on a plea filed by the Indian Medical Association in 2022. The bench directed a stringent protocol requiring advertisers to provide a self-declaration before airing advertisements, in compliance with the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994. The court urged relevant ministries to update them on misleading advertisements and actions taken by the Central Consumer Protection Authority. It expressed dissatisfaction with misleading Patanjali product advertisements still accessible online despite being prohibited.
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
Swadhar Greh Scheme
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Objective:
The Swadhar Greh Scheme, initiated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, aims to provide a safety net for women facing challenging circumstances, offering them shelter, support, and opportunities for rehabilitation.
Beneficiaries:
The scheme targets women above 18 years of age who find themselves in dire situations such as domestic violence, abandonment, trafficking, or homelessness due to natural disasters. Additionally, children accompanying these women are also eligible for support under the scheme.
Services Provided:
Swadhar Greh facilities offer more than just temporary housing. They provide vocational training and skill development programs to empower women economically. Counseling services, legal aid, and medical facilities are also available to address their emotional and physical needs.
Duration of Stay:
The scheme allows for a stay of up to one year for women affected by domestic violence, giving them time to recover and plan their next steps. For other categories of women, the maximum stay is up to three years, enabling them to rebuild their lives and gain stability. Older women above the age of 55 may stay for a maximum period of five years, after which they are encouraged to shift to old age homes or similar institutions for continued care.
National Youth Award
Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
Objective:
The National Youth Award, supported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, aims to recognize and celebrate the exceptional contributions of young individuals in various fields, including social service, health, sports, and academia.
Eligibility Criteria for Individuals:
To be eligible for the National Youth Award, individuals must be Indian citizens aged between 15 and 29 years. They should have made extraordinary contributions to society, demonstrating a strong commitment to national development and social service. Applicants should not be employed in any government service to be considered for the award.
Eligibility Criteria for Organizations:
For organizations to qualify for the National Youth Award, they must be registered under the Societies Act for a minimum of three years. These organizations should be non-profit and inclusive, with a track record of exceptional service involving youth in various fields. They should also have a positive reputation within their local communities.
Read Also–DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (7 MAY 2024)
