NGO Vanashakti Asks Maharashtra Chief Minister to Revoke Hydroelectric Project
An NGO has written to the chief minister seeking revocation of a hydroelectric project affecting villages in eco-sensitive areas.
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Three villages affected by Torrent Power's hydroelectric project in Karjat fall under the Western Ghats draft notification, prompting NGO Vanashakti to write to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, as reported by Hindustan Times.
The project requires 377 hectares of land, including 233 hectares of forest area and 144 hectares of private land.
The environmental clearance lists multiple Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
A senior forest official stated that Fadnavis had addressed all issues on Sunday and the forest department had nothing more to say.
Election Commission Defends Decision-Making Process Before the Supreme Court
The Election Commission defended its unanimous decision-making process under Section 18 of the 2023 CEC Act in the Supreme Court.
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The Election Commission of India filed a counter affidavit in the Supreme Court relying on Section 18 of the 2023 CEC Act to defend its decision-making, according to Hindustan Times.
The poll panel stated that its three special intensive revision orders were made unanimously.
Opposition petitioners argue that collective powers were exercised unilaterally by the Chief Election Commissioner.
The Supreme Court previously held in a 1995 case that the chief election commissioner has no superior authority over other commissioners.
Supreme Court Collegium Recommends New Chief Justices for Four High Courts
The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended judges as chief justices for the Delhi, Gujarat, Telangana and Uttarakhand high courts.
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The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended four high court judges to serve as chief justices for the Delhi, Gujarat, Telangana and Uttarakhand high courts, according to a Hindustan Times report.
Justice P Sam Koshy has been recommended as the chief justice of the Delhi high court.
Justice Sudhir Singh of the Patna high court has been recommended as the chief justice of the Uttarakhand high court.
The vacancies in Gujarat, Delhi and Telangana arose following the recent elevation of previous chief justices to judges of the Supreme Court.
Maharashtra Proposes Repealing Gramdan Act, Sparking Debate Over Collective Land Management
The Maharashtra government proposed repealing the Gramdan Act, 1964, affecting 21 villages under collective land management.
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The Maharashtra government proposed repealing the Maharashtra Gramdan Act, 1964, citing changing socio-economic conditions and administrative difficulties, according to a report by Hindustan Times.
The proposal affects 21 villages in the state that currently operate under a collective land-management system.
Under the draft proposal, cooperative gramdan mandals would be dissolved and land ownership restored to original owners or their legal heirs based on revenue records.
Sarvodaya activists opposed the move, arguing it could invite land grabs, while supporters stated collectivism hinders villagers from accessing bank loans and government schemes.
Bombay High Court Urges Celebrities to Volunteer for Noise Pollution Awareness Without Demanding Payment
The Bombay High Court has asked celebrities to volunteer for noise pollution campaigns instead of demanding payment.
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The Bombay High Court urged celebrities to volunteer for noise pollution awareness campaigns after state authorities reported payment demands, according to Hindustan Times.
The court expressed concern over firecrackers being burst until 2am in Mumbai's slum areas.
Authorities were directed to step up awareness through schools, public announcements, and transport networks.
The observations came during suo motu proceedings regarding noise pollution caused by religious processions across Maharashtra.
