TVK Government To Drop DMK-Era Cases Against Farmers & Teachers; CPI Demands Relief In NEET Protests

A major controversy has erupted in Kerala following remarks by Muslim cleric and Grand Mufti of India, Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, asserting that women should remain confined within the four walls of their homes and must not appear publicly. Citing religious scriptures, the cleric claimed that women's modesty and dignity are protected when they avoid public life. The remarks have drawn severe criticism and condemnation from political leaders, who stated that such regressive ideas belong to the nineteenth century and cannot be accepted in a progressive twenty-first-century society. Critics pointed out that Islamic history itself provides examples of female leadership and empowerment, including prominent businesswomen and leaders. Meanwhile, political ally Indian Union Muslim League sought to defend the cleric by framing his remarks around women's safety concerns, triggering debate within the United Democratic Front alliance regarding its stance on women's rights and empowerment.

The Bombay High Court has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation to register a fresh First Information Report and conduct a comprehensive inquiry into a six-year-old death case that had previously been closed as a suicide. The court directed that a fresh investigation be initiated to examine forensic aspects, witness statements, and related evidence, while stipulating that individuals cannot be named as accused without substantive evidence. The directive follows a petition filed by the deceased manager's father seeking a fair inquiry after earlier police investigations and closure reports concluded suicide. The petitioner's legal counsel stated that new evidence would be presented to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Legal experts and spokespersons noted that due process of law must be adhered to and facts established through evidence rather than speculation. The High Court's ruling reopens the criminal probe, mandating central investigators to address alleged forensic gaps and examine all dimensions of the matter.

The Bombay High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to register an FIR in the Disha Salian death case following a petition moved by her father, Satish Salian. The petitioner's legal counsel pointed out discrepancies in CCTV footage, the recorded timing of the incident, and injuries found on Disha Salian's body. The court specified that no person should be treated as an accused unless reasonable grounds and substantive evidence emerge during the investigation. The matter, previously investigated and closed as suicide by the Malwani Police and examined by a Special Investigation Team, will now be investigated afresh by the CBI. Legal counsel representing Aditya Thackeray submitted that repeated allegations amounted to character assassination without substantive evidence. The central agency will record the petitioner's statement, re-examine technical evidence, and inspect the scene to establish whether offences are made out.

The Bombay High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to register a First Information Report and conduct a comprehensive probe into the death of celebrity manager Disha Salian. The High Court instructed the Joint Director of the CBI Mumbai region to appoint a senior, suitably experienced officer to record the statement of the petitioner, Satish Salian, and carry out the investigation. The court clarified that no individual will be treated as an accused unless reasonable evidence and material emerge during the investigation. The court noted that if no case is established, the agency can submit a summary closure report, which the petitioner retains the liberty to challenge. The order follows a petition filed by Disha Salian's father alleging foul play and irregularities in the initial probe conducted by the Mumbai Police. While the petitioner expressed satisfaction with the directive to lodge an FIR, the defence had argued that the plea was politically motivated. Political leaders also reacted to the court directive demanding a transparent investigation.