Name: Muscat-Chennai flight: passenger smokes in plane, handed over to cops
Uploaded: 2023-12-23T20:33:35.000+05:30
Duration: T00M22S
Channel: PTI
Description: Muscat-Chennai flight smokes during in plane, handed over to cops

Rahul Gandhi claims BJP is attempting to undermine India’s Constitution and institutional framework, calling Indian democracy a global asset and pledging organized opposition resistance.

BJP proposing elimination of Indian Constitution: Rahul Gandhi in Berlin

Rahul Gandhi claims BJP is attempting to undermine India&rsquo;s Constitution and institutional framework, calling Indian democracy a global asset and pledging organized opposition resistance.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has alleged that the BJP is proposing "elimination of the Constitution" that grants equal rights to all and vowed to create a system of opposition's resistance that will succeed in removing the party from power.
Speaking at the Hertie School in Berlin last week, Gandhi also alleged that the BJP has launched a full-scale assault and has captured the institutional framework of the country to help use it as a tool for building its political power and that is what the Opposition is fighting against.
In an hour-long video released by the Congress on Monday, Gandhi said India's largest and complex democracy is a global asset and the "assault" on the Indian democratic system is also an attack on the global democratic system.
"What the BJP is proposing essentially is the elimination of the Constitution. Elimination of the idea of equality between states, elimination of the idea of equality between languages and religions, elimination of the idea of the central core of the Constitution which is that every individual will have the same value," the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha said to a group of students at the Hertie School.
In the video, 'Politics is the art of listening', Gandhi said, "We will create a method, a system of opposition resistance that will succeed. But, we're not fighting the BJP. You have to understand that we're fighting their capture of the Indian institutional structure."
Answering queries of students, Gandhi claimed that there is a weaponization of the institutional framework.
"We fundamentally believe that there is a problem with the electoral machinery in India. Second thing is that there is a wholesale capture of our institutional framework. There is a full-scale assault taking place on the institution framework of our country," he claimed.
He noted that there is an atmosphere in India where the institutions are not performing the role they should be performing.
Gandhi said while the Europeans struggled to build a European Union, India built an economic and political union in 1947, which was based on the Constitution.
"If you are going to have any conversation about democracy on the planet, you cannot ignore by far the largest and most complex democracy in the world. That is why I say Indian democracy is a global public good, it is not just an Indian asset, it is a global asset.
"So when I talk of the attack on the Indian democratic system, I don't say it but it is actually an attack not just on the Indian democratic system, it is an attack on the global democratic system," Gandhi observed.
The Congress leader was on a tour to Germany last week.

Bangladesh has suspended visa services at its missions in New Delhi and Tripura following protests, as India and Bangladesh exchange concerns over security and unrest.

Bangladesh suspends visa services in New Delhi, Tripura

Bangladesh has suspended visa services at its missions in New Delhi and Tripura following protests, as India and Bangladesh exchange concerns over security and unrest.

Bangladesh has suspended visa services in its high commission in New Delhi and its mission in Tripura amid mounting strain in ties between the two countries.
The decision to suspend the visa services was taken after groups of protesters held demonstrations outside the two missions, people familiar with the matter said.
The Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi put out a public notice mentioning suspension of visa services in view of unavoidable circumstances.
The assistant high commission of Bangladesh in Tripura also made a similar announcement on the suspension of visa services after protests were held outside the mission on Sunday.
It is learnt that a private operator tasked by Dhaka to process visa applications in West Bengal's Siliguri has also suspended its services.
Bangladesh has witnessed a fresh wave of unrest following the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi last week.
Hadi was a prominent face in the anti-government protests that forced the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government.
Some of the protesters last week also trained their anger against India.
Amid the fresh protests, a Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, was killed in Bangladesh's Mymensingh.
On Thursday, a group of angry protesters tried to storm India's assistant high commission in Chittagong.
India subsequently suspended its visa services in the mission.
India on Wednesday summoned Bangladesh envoy Riaz Hamidullah and conveyed its strong concern over certain extremist elements announcing plans to create a security situation around the Indian mission in Dhaka.
India's action followed after certain extremist elements announced plans to hold protests around the Indian high commission in Dhaka.
In a statement, the MEA said that India "completely rejects the false narrative" sought to be created by extremist elements regarding certain recent events in Bangladesh.
"It is unfortunate that the interim government has neither conducted a thorough investigation nor shared meaningful evidence with India regarding the incidents," it said shortly after summoning Hamidullah.

AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava announced a large public convention on December 23 in Gujarat’s Kharoj village to discuss steps for protecting the Aravalli hills and forests.

Gujarat AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava announces Aravalli protection convention on December 23

AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava announced a large public convention on December 23 in Gujarat&rsquo;s Kharoj village to discuss steps for protecting the Aravalli hills and forests.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Chaitar Vasava on Sunday announced that a major public programme will be held on December 23 in Kharoj village of Khedbrahma taluka on the issue of saving the Aravalli hills. Vasava shared details of the event while addressing a press conference.
He said a large public convention will be organised under his leadership, during which a contemplation meeting will be held to discuss possible steps and programmes aimed at protecting the Aravalli through constructive action. According to him, thousands of people are expected to gather at Kharoj, and a memorandum will also be submitted to the government.
Vasava said decisions will be taken at the convention on what needs to be done and in which direction action should be taken to protect mountains, forests and rivers.
Responding to a question on Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s statements on conserving the Aravalli range and the support extended by BJP governments to the cause, Vasava alleged that in states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana and Rajasthan, forest land is being handed over for mining activities. He claimed that this is being done at the behest of industrialists.
Referring to the Prime Minister&rsquo;s &ldquo;Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam&rdquo; call, Vasava said that despite such statements, large numbers of trees have been felled in the name of development. He said forests cannot be protected through statements alone and added that tribal communities and people from other communities have historically safeguarded forests.
The AAP MLA further alleged that new laws are being introduced to facilitate mining and mineral extraction for industrial purposes, a move he said the Aam Aadmi Party opposes. He said the party would continue to raise its voice on issues related to the Aravalli hills and forests in Gujarat and would stand with people in efforts to protect them.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah met Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Delhi, discussing state development and upcoming cabinet expansion within the NDA government.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah meets Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in Delhi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah met Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Delhi, discussing state development and upcoming cabinet expansion within the NDA government.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday met Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is visiting the national capital for the first time after being sworn-in for a record fifth consecutive term a month ago.&nbsp;
During the meeting at Shah's residence, both leaders discussed various issues related to the development of the state.&nbsp;
"Met Chief Minister of Bihar Shri @NitishKumar ji, Union Minister Shri @LalanSingh_1 ji, and the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Shri @samrat4bjp ji. Under the leadership of Modi ji and Nitish ji, the NDA government is committed to taking public welfare and good governance in the state to even greater heights," Shah said in a message on 'X' in Hindi.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
बिहार के मुख्यमंत्री श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/NitishKumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NitishKumar</a> जी, केन्द्रीय मंत्री श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/LalanSingh_1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LalanSingh_1</a> जी और बिहार के उपमुख्यमंत्री श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/samrat4bjp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@samrat4bjp</a> जी से भेंट हुई। मोदी जी और नीतीश जी के नेतृत्व में NDA सरकार प्रदेश में जनकल्याण व सुशासन को और अधिक ऊँचाई देने के लिए कटिबद्ध है। <a href="https://t.co/G3XkbWjULS">pic.twitter.com/G3XkbWjULS</a>
&mdash; Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/2003041201470263536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Kumar had arrived in Delhi on Sunday for a two-day visit, where he is expected to meet top NDA leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The expansion of the state Cabinet is likely to figure prominently in the talks, with the exercise expected to take place after Makar Sankranti.&nbsp;

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi following the NDA’s landslide win, with talks focused on development and cabinet expansion.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Dy CM Samrat Choudhary call on PM Modi in Delhi

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi following the NDA&rsquo;s landslide win, with talks focused on development and cabinet expansion.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a month after retaining charge of the eastern state following the NDA's landslide victory in the assembly election.&nbsp;
Kumar was accompanied by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary and JD(U) leader and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh during his meeting with the prime minister.&nbsp;
"Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri @NitishKumar, Deputy CM, Shri @samrat4bjp and Union Minister, Shri @LalanSingh_1 met Prime Minister @narendramodi today," the Prime Minister's Office said on 'X'.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/NitishKumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NitishKumar</a>, Deputy CM, Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/samrat4bjp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@samrat4bjp</a> and Union Minister, Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/LalanSingh_1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LalanSingh_1</a> met Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> today. <a href="https://t.co/PUBfVW5llj">pic.twitter.com/PUBfVW5llj</a>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/2003035569182659070?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
After the meeting, Choudhary said that following the resounding mandate received by the NDA in Bihar, the chief minister, he and Singh had a courtesy meeting with PM Modi, the "world's most popular leader".&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
बिहार में एनडीए के प्रचंड जनादेश के बाद आज नई दिल्ली में विश्व के सर्वाधिक लोकप्रिय नेता, माननीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> जी से बिहार के लोकप्रिय मुख्यमंत्री श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/NitishKumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NitishKumar</a> जी के साथ शिष्टाचार मुलाकात हुई। आदरणीय मोदी जी के निर्देशन और नेतृत्व में देश एवं बिहार निरंतर&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/HiQVcLmTkW">pic.twitter.com/HiQVcLmTkW</a>
&mdash; Samrat Choudhary (@samrat4bjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/samrat4bjp/status/2003030091346153685?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Under the guidance and leadership of esteemed Modi ji, the country and Bihar are continuously progressing. During this time, valuable guidance was also received on the goals of a developed Bihar," Choudhary wrote on 'X' in Hindi.&nbsp;
Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah met the Bihar chief minister, who had arrived in Delhi on Sunday for a two-day visit. During the meeting at Shah's residence, the leaders discussed various issues related to the development of the state.&nbsp;
The issue of expansion of the state cabinet is likely to figure prominently in Kumar's talks with NDA leaders during the visit, with the exercise expected to take place after Makar Sankranti.&nbsp;
Election to the 243-member Bihar assembly was held in November, in which the NDA secured 202 seats and Kumar returned as chief minister for the 10th term in office.&nbsp; Among the NDA partners, the BJP won 89 seats, the JD-U bagged 85, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) 19, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) five and Rashtriya Lok Morcha won four seats.&nbsp;

Delhi High Court asks Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others to respond to ED plea challenging trial court’s refusal to take cognisance of National Herald chargesheet.

National Herald case: Delhi HC seeks Gandhis' reply on ED plea against trial court order

Delhi High Court asks Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others to respond to ED plea challenging trial court&rsquo;s refusal to take cognisance of National Herald chargesheet.

The Delhi High Court on Monday asked Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others to respond to a plea by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) challenging a trial court order refusing to take cognisance of its chargesheet against them in the National Herald case.
Justice Ravinder Dudeja issued notice to the Gandhis and others on the main petition as well as on the ED's application seeking a stay on the December 16 trial court order, which held that cognisance of the agency's complaint in the case was "impermissible in law" as it was not founded on an FIR.
The high court listed the matter for further hearing on March 12, 2026.
While Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented the ED in the case, senior advocates Abhishek Singhvi and R S Cheema represented the Gandhis.
In its order, the trial court said an investigation and the consequent prosecution complaint (equivalent to a chargesheet) pertaining to the offence of money laundering is "not maintainable" in the absence of an FIR for the offence mentioned in the schedule to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). It said the agency's probe stemmed from a private complaint and not an FIR.
It said cognisance upon the complaint being liable to be declined on a question of law, other arguments relating to the merits of the allegations are not required to be adjudicated upon.
The trial court said despite receiving the complaint made by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy and the consequent summoning order in 2014, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) refrained from registering an FIR in relation to the alleged scheduled offence.
The ED has accused Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, as well as late Congress leaders Motilal Vora and Oscar Fernandes, along with Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, and a private company, Young Indian, of conspiracy and money laundering.
It has been alleged that they acquired properties worth approximately Rs 2,000 crore belonging to Associated Journals Limited (AJL), which publishes the National Herald newspaper.
The investigating agency further alleged that the Gandhis held the majority 76 per cent shares in Young Indian, which "fraudulently" usurped the assets of AJL in exchange for a Rs 90 crore loan.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announces 2.12 lakh new PUC certificates issued under GRAP-IV measures, warns strict action against polluting industries and non-compliant offices.

Delhi: Over 2.12 lakh PUC certificates issued in four days as GRAP-IV enforcement intensifies

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announces 2.12 lakh new PUC certificates issued under GRAP-IV measures, warns strict action against polluting industries and non-compliant offices.

More than 2.12 lakh new PUC certificates were issued following the strict implementation of GRAP-IV measures over the past four days, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Monday.
The minister also warned of stringent action against polluting industries and private offices flouting work-from-home directives.
Speaking at a press conference, Sirsa noted that weather conditions are expected to improve by Tuesday as the impact of a western disturbance recedes. He said 2,12,332 new Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates were issued by late night on December 16. During the same period, approximately 10,000 vehicles failed the mandatory emission tests.
Sirsa announced an intensified enforcement drive across the capital, saying polluting factories and industries will now be sealed without further notice. "Action will also be taken against industries that have not applied for the mandatory Online Consent Management (OCM)," he added.
The minister warned private companies to comply with the 50 per cent staff capacity and work-from-home norms. He said such offices would face strict penalties, while polluting industrial units would be shut down.
Currently, Deputy Commissioners and officials from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) are conducting drives to close illegal industries immediately, he said, adding that other mitigation measures include city-wide road-washing operations and the clearing of garbage through biomining.
Sirsa said the chief minister has directed authorities to ensure Delhi becomes dust-free through the coordination of multiple local bodies and agencies. The minister also said efforts are underway to revive the city's water bodies in collaboration with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Revenue Department.
The government aims to restore at least 50 per cent of the water bodies that have disappeared over the years, he added.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says the state is closely monitoring Bangladesh following unrest after student leader Sharif Osman Hadi’s death, with border security tightened.

Assam on high alert in view of fresh unrest in Bangaldesh: Himanta

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says the state is closely monitoring Bangladesh following unrest after student leader Sharif Osman Hadi&rsquo;s death, with border security tightened.

Assam is on "high alert" in the wake of the fresh wave of unrest in neighbouring Bangladesh, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday.
Sarma, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme, said the state government was closely monitoring the developments in Bangladesh.
''We have seen that in Bangladesh, Hindus are being subjected to atrocities and burnt alive... those who are currently in power in Bangladesh have been talking about including northeast India in their country,'' the CM claimed.
It is also well known that people from Bangladesh entered Assam at different times and the state is &ldquo;full of these people&rdquo;, he asserted.
''We have to be vigilant and must keep a sharp eye on the developments in that country,'' Sarma said.
Sarma had claimed last week that &ldquo;Bangladeshi elements&rdquo; have been repeatedly saying that northeast India should be merged with the neighbouring country, which is ''irresponsible and dangerous'', and India will not remain silent on this.
''India is a very big country, a nuclear nation and the fourth largest economy of the world. How can Bangladesh even think about it?'' the chief minister had said.
Bangladesh has witnessed a fresh wave of unrest following the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi. He was a prominent face in the anti-government protests that forced the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government.
Meanwhile, prohibitory orders are in force along the India-Bangladesh border in Assam's Cachar district to prevent illegal movement and potential law and order threats, officials said.

Recent precipitation in Kashmir has increased night temperatures and lowered daytime highs, with the weather department forecasting another spell of snow and rain.

Kashmir sees rise in night temperatures; more snow, rain likely in next 12 hrs

Recent precipitation in Kashmir has increased night temperatures and lowered daytime highs, with the weather department forecasting another spell of snow and rain.

Recent precipitation across Kashmir has led to a rise in night temperatures and a dip in day temperatures, with the Meteorological Department forecasting another spell of snow or rain over the next 12 hours.&nbsp;
The minimum temperature in Srinagar on Sunday night was recorded at 4.0 degrees Celsius, which is 6.4 degrees above the seasonal normal, an official with the department said.&nbsp;
On contrary, the maximum temperature on Sunday settled at 6.0 degrees Celsius, 3.4 degrees below the normal, the official said. Gulmarg in North Kashmir was the only weather station to record sub-zero temperatures, with the mercury settling at minus 2.4 degrees Celsius. Despite this, the minimum temperature the ski resort remained four degrees above normal for this time of the year.&nbsp;
Other weather stations, including the Pahalgam resort in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, recorded minimum temperatures ranging between 2.0 degrees Celsius and 4.4 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;
Maximum temperatures across the valley remained below normal on Sunday, the official said. The department has forecast moderate snowfall in the higher reaches of Kashmir, while light rainfall is expected in the plains.&nbsp;

A Delhi court has reserved its order till January 22 in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case involving former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar.

Delhi Court Reserves Verdict on Sajjan Kumar's 1984 Riots Case

A Delhi court has reserved its order till January 22 in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case involving former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar.

A Delhi court on Monday reserved its order in a case related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar is an accused.
Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh reserved the order for January 22 after the final arguments concluded in the case.Kumar was produced before the court amid heavy security.
In February 2015, a special investigation team registered two FIRs against Kumar based on complaints of violence in Delhi's Janakpuri and Vikaspuri during the riots.
The first FIR was over the violence in Janakpuri, where two men, Sohan Singh and his son-in-law Avtar Singh, were killed on November 1, 1984.
The second FIR was registered in the case of Gurcharan Singh, who was allegedly set ablaze on November 2, 1984, in Vikaspuri.

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Muscat-Chennai flight smokes during in plane, handed over to cops

Muscat-Chennai flight crew stopped the passenger from smoking in the flight and later handed him over to the police.&nbsp;

A passenger who reportedly smoked inside the Muscat-Chennai flight was handed over to the airport police here on Saturday, a source at the airport said.
The traveler smoked inside the flight in violation of the rules. Following this, the crew handed him over to the airport police.&nbsp;
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/drone-hits-merchant-ship-linked-to-israel-in-indian-ocean-1703330807741">Drone hits merchant ship linked to Israel in Indian Ocean</a> &nbsp;

A British Airways flight from London to Hyderabad received a bomb threat, prompting airport authorities to implement standard safety protocols after landing.

London-Hyderabad British Airways flight gets bomb threat, lands safely

A British Airways flight from London to Hyderabad received a bomb threat, prompting airport authorities to implement standard safety protocols after landing.

Hyderabad-bound British Airways flight from London has received a bomb threat, prompting aerodrome authorities to initiate standard safety protocols after the aircraft landed in Hyderabad, airport sources said on Tuesday.
The customer support service of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport received a mail bearing a bomb threat to the BA 277 flight from Heathrow to Hyderabad on Monday, they said.
"The flight landed safely, and a standard safety protocol was initiated. The flight has already departed for Heathrow," the sources told PTI.
Standard safety protocols include isolation of the aircraft, screening of baggage and passengers, keeping fire engines ready and pressing sniffer dogs into service, among others, sources added.
Earlier this month, two similar emails targeting Indigo's Madina&ndash;Hyderabad and Sharjah-Hyderabad flights were received by the airport, separately.Madina&ndash;Hyderabad flight was diverted to Ahmedabad Airport.

The Calcutta High Court refuses to intervene in the SIT investigation of the chaos at Lionel Messi’s Salt Lake Stadium event, citing preliminary stage of inquiry and lack of evidence of bias.

Calcutta HC Declines Intervention in Messi Event Chaos Probe

The Calcutta High Court refuses to intervene in the SIT investigation of the chaos at Lionel Messi&rsquo;s Salt Lake Stadium event, citing preliminary stage of inquiry and lack of evidence of bias.

The Calcutta High Court refused to interfere at this stage in a probe being conducted by a special investigation team (SIT) over chaos during Argentine football legend Lionel Messi's event at Salt Lake stadium here on December 13.
A division bench presided by Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul held that the investigation and enquiry in the case is in the preliminary stage and no material could be placed before it to establish that "investigation/enquiry is vitiated or polluted".
The petitioners in three PILs sought transfer of the investigation into the incident to CBI as well as the refund of ticket prices to the spectators, a section of whom had gone on a rampage over not being able to see their favourite star and early conclusion of the event following a messy situation on the ground.
Some people were seen jostling around Messi, thus blocking the view of those seated on the stands.
Rejecting a prayer for interim relief on the matter, the court said that at this stage, it is not inclined to interfere and stay the investigation.
The division bench, also comprising Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, said that it could not be established that members of the SIT had any interest in the event in question and for this reason, "we are not inclined to interfere into investigation at this stage".
The bench, which passed the order after conclusion of the hearing on Monday for the three PILs, said that it is trite that an investigation cannot be directed to be transferred to CBI or to any other agency on mere asking or merely because a party has levelled allegations.
It said that in rare and exceptional cases, only such directions can be issued when it can be established with accuracy and precision that the investigation in question is vitiated or faulted.
The court directed the state government and the organiser of the event to file their affidavit-in-opposition to the petitioners' contentions in four weeks.
It said that the petitioners can file their affidavit-in-reply to those within two weeks therefrom.
The three PILs, which were heard analogously, will be taken up for hearing again in the week commencing on February 16, the bench said.
The counsel for the West Bengal government argued before the court that the state did not sell the tickets and that it was an event organised by a private event management company.
Claiming that the investigation was being done in right earnest by the SIT, he stated before the court that the state's director general of police (DGP) was issued a show cause letter over the incident.
The owner of the event management company, Satadru Dutta, was arrested by the police soon after the programme on December 13, in connection with the fiasco.
Dutta's lawyer submitted before the division bench that they were unaware as to how so many people, who milled around Messi, blocking the view of the spectators, entered the ground, as the police were in charge of the entry points.
He further stated that the football legend's events were also held in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi and that all went off smoothly.
Billwadal Bhattacharya, the lawyer for Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who is one of the petitioners, questioned the source of funds for organising the event and prayed for a court order for an investigation by a competent central agency.
Senior advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, representing another petitioner, submitted before the court that the enquiry committee formed by the state is not a judicial commission, but is simply an administrative one.
The court noted that the state produced a gazette notification of the formation of the committee.
The state's lawyer further stated that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had, soon after the incident, expressed regret for the fiasco and that her government formed the committee comprising a retired high court judge and top officers of the administration.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath honors former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh on his birth anniversary, highlighting his lifelong dedication to farmers, rural welfare, and social justice.

Uttar Pradesh CM Honors Charan Singh on Kisan Diwas

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath honors former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh on his birth anniversary, highlighting his lifelong dedication to farmers, rural welfare, and social justice.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday hailed Chaudhary Charan Singh, saying the former prime minister dedicated his entire life to the welfare and prosperity of villages, the poor, the deprived, and farmers.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
किसानों के मसीहा, पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री, 'भारत रत्न' चौधरी चरण सिंह जी की जयंती पर उन्हें विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि। अन्नदाता किसानों एवं प्रदेश वासियों को 'किसान दिवस' की हार्दिक बधाई। चौधरी साहब का संपूर्ण जीवन गांव, गरीब, शोषित, वंचित और किसान बंधुओं की समृद्धि में समर्पित रहा। डबल&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/ukYcKSOg8q">pic.twitter.com/ukYcKSOg8q</a>
&mdash; Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/2003264825418555417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Adityanath was paying his tributes to the farmer leader on Charan Singh's birth anniversary, observed as Kisan Diwas. He said the BJP's "double-engine government" is working with full commitment to ensure the welfare of farmers and fulfil the ideals of the Bharat Ratna awardee.&nbsp;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री, 'भारत रत्न' चौधरी चरण सिंह जी की जयंती 'किसान दिवस' के अवसर पर लखनऊ में आयोजित कार्यक्रम में... <a href="https://t.co/zt7Spx510M">https://t.co/zt7Spx510M</a>
&mdash; Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/2003320047050404120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote>
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BJP's UP president, Pankaj Chaudhary, called Charan Singh a true champion of farmers.&nbsp;
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, in a post on X, said his leadership for farmer welfare, social justice and the empowerment of rural India remains an invaluable legacy for nation-building.&nbsp;
Brajesh Pathak, also a deputy chief minister, conveyed his greetings to the state's farmers on the occasion.&nbsp;
A stalwart grassroots leader, Charan Singh served as India's prime minister from July 28, 1979, to January 14, 1980. He was born in 1902 in Meerut's Noorpur and also served as Uttar Pradesh's chief minister.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath appeals to citizens to help domestic workers, sanitation staff, and others cope with the severe cold, while government ramps up shelters and blankets.

UP CM Adityanath urges citizens to help needy as UP steps up measures against cold wave

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath appeals to citizens to help domestic workers, sanitation staff, and others cope with the severe cold, while government ramps up shelters and blankets.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday appealed to the citizens to participate in efforts to protect vulnerable people from the ongoing cold wave, urging them to ensure domestic workers, sanitation staff, security guards and others around them have adequate arrangements to cope with the severe cold.&nbsp;
"The government is working with full sensitivity and promptness to protect people from the cold wave in north India. Officials have been instructed to adopt a humane and highly sensitive approach," he wrote in a post on X in Hindi.&nbsp;
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मेरे सम्मानित प्रदेश वासियों, उत्तर भारत में शीतलहर से बचाव के लिए सरकार पूरी संवेदनशीलता और तत्परता से कार्य कर रही है। अधिकारियों को मानवीय और अति संवेदनशील दृष्टिकोण अपनाने का निर्देश दिया गया है। एक नागरिक के नाते आप भी इस सद्प्रयास में भागीदार बन सकते हैं। अपने आसपास&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/oYoNvrTp9f">pic.twitter.com/oYoNvrTp9f</a>
&mdash; Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) <a href="https://twitter.com/myogiadityanath/status/2003276909267018149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Across the state, he added, night shelters are being operated at full capacity while arrangements for quilts, blankets, drinking water, bonfires and heaters have been ensured at these shelters.&nbsp;
"Examinees coming from other places and relatives of patients are also being provided shelter here. For the government, every human life is invaluable," the CM said.&nbsp;
He further said woollen clothes and blankets are being distributed to the needy through urban local bodies and tehsils, and mentioned that bonfires have been arranged at public places.&nbsp;
The UP CM also said that arrangements of blankets and bonfires are being made at cow shelters too, besides informing that extra security personnel are being deployed on roads to ensure travel safety amid fog.
"As a citizen, you too can become a partner in this collective effort. Look around you. Do ask once whether domestic helpers, sanitation workers, watchmen or others have adequate arrangements to protect themselves from the cold. Invite them for a cup of tea. Help the helpless reach government-run night shelters," Adityanath said.

Delhi woke up to hazardous air quality with AQI levels above 400 at multiple stations, dense fog, and severely reduced visibility, posing serious health risks.

Delhi Faces Hazardous Air Quality Amid Dense Fog and Pollution

Delhi woke up to hazardous air quality with AQI levels above 400 at multiple stations, dense fog, and severely reduced visibility, posing serious health risks.

Delhi woke up to choking air on Tuesday morning as thick fog and haze engulfed the city, with AQI levels crossing 400 (severe category) at 27 monitoring stations and several others slipping into the 'severe plus' range, exposing residents to extremely hazardous pollution.
At 9 am on Tuesday, the city recorded an AQI of 415, slipping from the 'very poor' category a day earlier, as pollution levels continued their upward climb, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Out of 40 monitoring stations, 27 recorded severe air quality with AQI readings above 400, a level known to have serious health impacts.
Five stations were in the 'severe plus' category with AQI readings above 450, with Anand Vihar recording an AQI of 470, Nehru Nagar (463), Okhla (459), Mundka (459) and Sirifort (450), as per data from the CPCB's SAMEER app.
According to the CPCB standards, an AQI from 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.
On the weather front, dense fog led to a sharp drop in visibility, with Palam recording 50 metres visibility under dense fog conditions with west-southwesterly winds at 5 kmph at 8 am, while Safdarjung reported 100 metres visibility with calm winds at the same time.
Visibility improved slightly by 8.30 am, with Palam recording 100 metres visibility under dense fog with west-southwesterly winds at 5 kmph and Safdarjung reporting 150 metres visibility with calm winds.
Delhi's minimum temperature dropped to 8.8 degrees Celsius, which is 1.3 degrees above normal, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 23 degrees Celsius, with the forecast indicating dense fog conditions during the day.

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