Friday, July 11, 2025 WORLD POPULATION DAY | 29 Pages | `5 & for State (+4 pages) `6 Reg.No MCS/048/2021-23; RNI No. 1541/1957 M.p.c.s office Mumbai. PIN 400001 THE FREE PRESS JOURNAL Vol. 68 No. 239 | Leader in E-paper circulation l www.freepressjournal.in ● EDITIONS: ● MUMBAI ● INDORE ● PUNE ● BHOPAL ● NASHIK ● KONKAN ● E-paper ● Member: Audit Bureau of Circulation (July to December 2024) GAMES NATION There is no vacancy for CM post in Karnataka: Siddaramaiah dismisses speculation Sachin Tendulkar's portrait was unveiled in the MCC Museum at Lord’s on Thursday BIHAR ELECTORAL ROLL REVISION | Apex Court questions time-line set by Election Commission, says petition goes to the root of functioning of democracy — the right to vote EC’s point discounted enior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, for the Election Commission of India, asserted that the ECI, being a constitutional body, has no intent to exclude any genuine voter. "But they are saying they have been voting for the past 20 years and that now you are asking people for documents suddenly, which they don't have," Justice Dhulia said. "Who is saying? These are not voters. Before you are some section of people who write articles and then come forward to file a petition," Dwivedi said, raising objections to the petitions, saying that they are not filed by voters. The bench however was not impressed with this line of argument. "Are you serious with this objection?" Justice Dhulia asked. When Dwivedi answered in the affirmative, Justice Bagchi said, "This can't be your best point. May be one of the points. Let's move on." S Consider Aadhaar card, ration card, voter ID: SC Online Report NEW DELHI The Supreme Court has told the Election Commission of India to consider Aadhaar card, voter ID card and ration card also as acceptable documents for the "Special Intensive Revision" of electoral rolls in Bihar. The Court also recorded the ECI's submission that the list of eleven documents specified by it in its June 24 order as acceptable documents to show citizenship was not exhaustive and was illustrative, Live Law reports.Tak- ing note of this, the Court on Thursday observed in its order : "Therefore, in our prima facie view, since the list is not exhaustive, in our opinion, it will be in the interest of justice, the ECI will also consider the Aadhaar card, Electoral Photo Identity Card issued by the Election Commission and the ration card." The Court verbally clarified that it was not a direction to the ECI to include anyone's name in the roll solely on the basis of these documents, and it has the discretion to accept or reject them. We have a serious doubt whether this is realistic. It is a question of practicality. If you ask for these documents immediately, even I will not be able to produce it now, look at the practicality, look at the time-line. – Justice Dhulia A partial working days bench of Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Joymalya Bagchi listed the batch of petitions challenging the ECI's decision for further hearing on July 28, 2025. The ECI has been asked to file the counter-affidavit by July 21. The Court recorded that the petitioners were not pressing for any interim relief at this stage as the next hearing is before the scheduled date(August 1) of publication of the draft electoral roll. The Court observed that the petitions raised "an important question which goes to the very root of the functioning of the democracy in the country- the right to vote." 4Contd on | nation The question is why you are making this exercise relatable to an election coming in November, if it is an exercise that can be independent of the election for the whole of the country? – Justice Bagchi Cinema Unleashed: Arjun Rampal’s dark side Edit A bridge built on false promises Make way for others when you turn 75, says Bhagwat S Balakrishnan MUMBAI Chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Mohan Bhagwat has rekindled the demand for public figures to hang their boots at the age of 75. He reiterated his view while speaking at a ``guru purnima'' event at Nagpur where the RSS is headquartered. He said when someone greets you on your attaining 75 years of age it Kapil Sharma’s Canada cafe under Khalistani attack HC quashes ban on convenience fees charges Urvi Mahajani MUMBAI The Bombay HC on Thursday struck down two government orders issued by the Maharashtra Revenue and Forest Departments that prohibited cinema theatres and online platforms from charging “convenience fees” for online ticket bookings. Declaring them “unconstitutional,” the court held that such restrictions violated the fundamental right to carry on business under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution. A bench of Justices MS Sonak and Jitendra Jain quashed clause 3(d) of the Government Order (GO) dated April 4, 2013, and clause (a) of the GO dated March 18, 2014. These clauses had barred cinema exhibitors and agents from charging extra fees for online ticket bookings. The petitions were filed by PVR Limited, FICCI-Multiplex Association of India, and Big Tree Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. (which operates BookMyShow). The petitioners said the orders imposed unreasonable curbs on their right to conduct business. Advocates Naresh Thacker and Rohan Rajadhyakshas, representing the petitioners, contended that the government had no statutory authority under the Maharashtra Entertainment Duty (ED) Act, 1923 to issue such orders. 4Contd on | nation Briefs Assembly nod to Public Security bill The Maharashtra legislative assembly on Thursday passed the ‘Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill', which seeks to prevent unlawful activities of Left Wing Extremist organisations with focus on urban Naxalism and "passive militancy". Maharashtra will be the fifth state after Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Jharkhand to enact a special public security law to curb `urban Naxalism'. The bill is yet to be tabled in the legislative council. SEE CITY Ganeshotsav now State Festival Kalpesh Mhamunkar MUMBAI The over-a-century-old Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav has been declared the State Festival of Maharashtra. This announcement was made on Thursday by Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar during a session of the Legislative Assembly. Minister Shelar emphasized, "Ganeshotsav is not just a celebration. It is a symbol of Ma- harashtra's cultural pride and identity." The roots of the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav date back to 1893 when it was initiated by the visionary freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak. Shelar highlighted that the festival, from its inception, has served as a beacon of social unity, nationalism, self-respect, and pride in the local language and culture. "Ganeshotsav is not just Priority for Marathi home-buyers assured about celebrations — it is a powerful reminder of Maharashtra’s spirit and unity," said Shelar. He also noted that despite attempts by certain individuals to challenge the festival’s long-standing traditions through court petitions, the Mahayuti government has taken swift action to ensure the celebration continues unhindered. 4Contd on | nation Maharashtra belongs to the Marathi-speaking people, and their rights will not be compromised, assured Minister Shambhuraj Desai while declaring that a policy would soon be introduced to ensure priority housing access for Marathispeaking individuals in new residential buildings. “No developer will be allowed to deny homes to Marathi people in Mumbai. If any builder or person discriminates against a Marathi home-buyer, strict action will be taken against them. Discussions will be held with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar to finalize the policy,” Desai said in the state legislative council. Earlier Uddhav Thackeray Sena Legislator Anil Parab had demanded a 50% reservation of houses in real estate projects for Marathi speaking people. He had also demanded that along with construction of large houses flats of upto 500 No developer will be allowed to deny homes to Marathi people in Mumbai. If any builder or person discriminates against a Marathi homebuyer, strict action will be taken against them. Shamburaj Desai Tourism Minister Agencies NEW DELHI An Indian commerce ministry delegation is preparing to visit Washington again for another round of negotiations on a proposed trade pact with the US, a senior official said Thursday. The official, who did not wish to be named, said the talks will cover both an interim deal and the first phase of the Bilateral Trade Agreement. The exact dates of the visit are Agencies 4Contd on | nation MUMBAI Unidentified assailants opened fire at a newly inaugurated restaurant owned by comedianactor Kapil Sharma in Canada on Wednesday night, media reports said. Harjit Singh Laddi, an operative of the banned Khalistani outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and one of the NIA’s most-wanted terrorists, has claimed responsibility for the attack in British Columbia's Surrey, where Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed in 2023. yet to be finalised, but sources indicate the team could travel to the US as early as next week. This follows a recent round of talks in Washington between June 26 and July 2. The Indian side was led by Rajesh Agrawal, Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce. The proposed deal aims to resolve issues in several sectors, including agriculture and automobiles. “We aren’t differentiating between an interim or the first phase of the pact. We are negotiating a complete deal. Whatever will be finished can be packaged as an interim deal, and talks will go on for the rest,” the official said. The visit gains further importance as the US has extended the imposition of extra duties to 26% in India’s case until August 1. India is seeking the removal of these tariffs and asking for relief on US duties for steel and automobiles. 4See also | money Tribunal indicts Hasina DHAKA sqft should be made available for Marathi speaking people so they could afford them. Desai was responding to a question raised during Question Hour by MLC Milind Narvekar regarding reservation for Marathi-speaking residents in new housing developments in Mumbai. Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina was formally indicted on Thursday by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh in a case related to crimes against humanity. The charges stem from a violent crackdown on studentled protests that took place in July and August 2024. The ICT announced that the trial will begin on August 3. Hasina has been charged in absentia alongside her former Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and the then Inspector General of Police, Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun. Only Mamun appeared in court and pleaded guilty when produced from custody. Prosecutors said the charges include mass killings, murder, torture, and the burning of bodies during the government's attempt to suppress the protests. The protests, led by a group called Students Against Discrimination (SAD), resulted in widespread violence and the eventual fall of Hasina’s Awami League government on August 5, 2024. 4Contd on | nation ‘Why South Indian? Let Marathi run canteen’ Ravikiran Deshmukh MUMBAI Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who assaulted the manager of the MLA Hostel canteen, appeared unfazed Thursday, saying his action may have been harsh but finally led to a food quality check after repeated complaints. “Why are those who criticise me taking the side of South Indians who were playing with your lives,” asked the MLA, referring to the caterer who operated the canteen. The Shettys run dance bars, ladies bars in the state. They have ruined the culture of Maharashtra, and the younger generation also. They have tainted the state, and now they are playing with our health. Sanjay Gaikwad, Shiv Sena MLA “What I did helps all the Marathi people,” the MLA from the Eknath Shinde-led group claimed. “The Shettys run dance bars and ladies bars in Maha- FILM STARS AMONG 29 IN ED’S ONLINE BETTING CASE Agencies New Delhi's relations with Ottawa hit a rough patch when then Canadian PM Justin Trudaeu alleged involvement of "Indian agents" in Nijjar's killing. Ties have improved since Mark Carney trounced Trudeau in polls earlier this year. Sharma and his wife Ginni Chatrath launched their new venture, Kap's Cafe, over the weekend. At least nine shots were fired, but no one was injured. Authorities immediately sealed off the area, and an investigation is currently underway. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a money laundering case to investigate the role of 29 celebrities — including prominent actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, and Prakash Raj — in connection with alleged illegal online betting platforms, official sources said on Thursday. The celebrities under scanner also include some social media influencers and YouTubers. The platforms under scrutiny are suspected of generating illicit funds amounting to several crores of rupees through unlawful betting and gambling activities. The ED’s case has been registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), taking cognisance of at least five FIRs filed by state police forces. 4Contd on | nation 4Contd on | nation Indian trade team set for more US talks Sweety Bhagwat MUMBAI 4Contd on | nation HYDERABAD FPJ News Service ONLINE TICKETS means that you must stop (being active) and make way for others. Sanjay Raut of the Shiv Sena (UBT) was quick to interpret this as a direct message to prime minister Narendra Modi to step down. The PM will be completing 75 years on September 17 this year. Incidentally, Bhagwat himself will be completing 75 years a few days before that on September 11. He has been the ``sarsangchalak" of the RSS since March, 2009. The Sangh itself will complete 100 years on September 27, 2025. rashtra. They have ruined the the state’s culture, and the younger generation also. They have tainted the state, and now playing with our health.” Gaikwad, who was seen assaulting the canteen manager on Tuesday night in a video clip, came in for widespread criticism from all quarters. Speaking with media persons, he said hundreds of complaints were made in the last few years, but no action had been taken. Even the FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal had pointed out that despite his instructions to FDA officials, reports did not reach him for two or three months. 4Contd on | nation 4See also | city Trump, Lula spar over 50% tariff Agencies WASHINGTON After threatening a 10% additional tariff on Brics nations, US President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tax on goods made in Brazil. He announced the plan in his latest tariff letter, which was shared on social media, BBC reported. In it, Trump accused Brazil of "attacks" on US tech companies and of conducting a "witch hunt" against former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing prosecution over his alleged role in a plot to overturn the 2022 election. 4Contd on | nation Parrot slur on Tharoor for Emergency critique Agencies NEW DELHI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has called the Emergency of 1975 a “dark chapter” in India’s history, drawing sharp reactions both within his party and from the BJP. In strongly worded articles published in a leading English daily and the Malayalam daily Deepika on Thursday, Tharoor warned that the lessons of the Emergency must not be forgotten. He said the 1975 Emergency showed how fragile democratic institutions can be and highlighted how media freedom, judicial independence, and basic rights were trampled upon. "The India of today is not the India of 1975," Tharoor wrote, adding that India is now a more confident and stronger democracy. But he cautioned that the tendency to centralise power and silence dissent can reappear in new forms, often justified in the name of stability or national interest. He also criticised the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her son Sanjay Gandhi, cit- When a colleague starts repeating BJP lines word for word, you begin to wonder is the bird becoming a parrot? Mimicry is cute in birds, not in politics. Manickam Tagore Congress ing the forced sterilisation campaigns and slum demolitions during the Emergency. “Thousands of people were rendered homeless. Their welfare was not taken into consideration,” he wrote. 4Contd on | nation