May 28, 1985, Forty Years Ago: Indira Memorial
The iron curtain of security was lifted from 1 Safdarjung Road after two decades as the Indira Gandhi Memorial opened for public viewing. Crowds thronged to the spot where the late Prime Minister was assassinated, and there was hardly a person who did not see the glass case which encloses the kidney shape outlining the bloodstain that coloured the stone footpath on which she fell. .
The Delhi High Court directed that Sonia Gandhi and Maneka Gandhi be appointed guardians of the minor children, Rahul and Priyanka, and Feroze Varun, in the Indira Gandhi probate case, as they had not raised any objection to the petition filed by PM Rajiv Gandhi. The court's registrar, Usha Mehra, ordered that Sonia Gandhi and Maneka Gandhi be given the guardianship because they had not contested this in their replies and even otherwise, they had 'no adverse intent' against Rahul, Priyanka and Feroze Varun.
The devastating cyclone that lashed Bangladesh's southern coast has claimed 25,000 lives and left more than five lakh people homeless, reports said. An official said he would not be surprised if the toll crossed 100,000. The tidal fury completely washed away Urichar island near Chittagong, inhabited by some 10,000 people.
Two separate conclaves, that of the newly formed working committee of the 'merged' Akali Dal and the youth wing of the Akali Dal-L, both scheduled for May 31, will precipitate the impending collision between moderates and extremists. The conclaves will gauge both factions' youth power, a decisive factor for their survival. They will take into account the relative strength of the All-India Sikh Students Federation, which claims to have survived Operation Blue Star relatively unscathed.
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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Under pressure, Akal Takht jathedar skips speech on Operation Bluestar anniversary; breaks tradition; SGPC chief steps in, honours ‘martyrs'
Amritsar: Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj refrained from delivering his traditional address to the Sikh community from the Akal Takht rostrum on the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar, observed as "Ghallughara Diwas", on Friday, yielding to mounting pressure from Sikh religious organisations, mainly the influential Damdami Taksal (Chowk Mehta), Sources at the Akal Takht secretariat said the decision to forgo the address was taken to preserve peace within the panth and to avoid confrontation or embarrassment. With religious sentiments running high, several Sikh activists opposed to Giani Gargaj's appointment had mobilised, threatening large-scale protests should he deliver the customary speech. Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, chief of Damdami Taksal, along with a large group of supporters, arrived early Friday morning at the Akal Takht, underscoring the Taksal's firm opposition. Baba Harnam Singh had previously urged the SGPC to prevent Giani Gargaj from speaking and claimed backing from various Sikh sects, Nihang Singh groups, and other religious bodies. Breaking with long-standing tradition, Giani Gargaj neither spoke nor honoured the families of those recognised as 'martyrs'—Sikhs who lost their lives during the 1984 military operation aimed at flushing out militants from the Golden Temple complex. Instead, the ceremony of honour was carried out by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami. However, Giani Gargaj did perform the ardas (prayer) marking the solemn occasion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Following the ardas, activists from radical Sikh organisations raised pro-Khalistan slogans, brandishing posters depicting the damaged Akal Takht and images of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the 14th chief of Damdami Taksal who was killed during the Army operation. On the other hand, Bhai Dhian Singh Mand—the officiating parallel jathedar of Akal Takht appointed at a gathering held under the name of Sarbat Khalsa—delivered his address to the community from within the Akal Takht complex. Ardas by Giani Gargaj During the ardas, Giani Gargaj prayed for strength, unity, and harmony within the Khalsa Panth, seeking blessings for the community to emulate its warriors and martyrs. He voiced concerns over alleged efforts to dilute Sikh identity nationwide and condemned perceived anti-Sikh govt policies targeting Sikh articles of faith (kakaars). He appealed for communal unity in demanding the release of all Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners). Highlighting the targeted killings of Sikhs both in India and abroad, he asserted that Punjab remains the sacred homeland of Sikhs and must never become a battlefield. Giani Gargaj prayed for adherence to the principle of unity and peace, as demonstrated during the commemorations of the Ghallughara, and called for continued unity among Sikh taksals, religious organisations, and Nihang sampradas under the Khalsa's Nishan Sahib. Activists from radical Sikh organisations, including Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Dal Khalsa, and Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwale raised slogans in support of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and the Khalistan movement. BOXES Opposition to 'crusade' religious conversion events Speaking to mediapersons, Giani Gargaj strongly condemned planned events being held in Batala city under the term, 'crusade,' linked to religious conversions. He stated Punjab, sanctified by Sikh Gurus, should not be a ground for sowing hatred. Emphasising compassion, he urged the Sikh community to embrace those who have shifted toward other faiths and expressed hope that the 'Khuar hoye sab milenge' campaign for religious preaching would address conversions effectively. Concern over jathedar's position Sarchand Singh, former spokesperson of Damdami Taksal (Chowk Mehta), said, "For the first time since 1984, the jathedar of the Akal Takht was compelled to forgo delivering the customary message on Ghallughara Diwas amid widespread protests due to his politically controversial appointment in violation of maryada—the Sikh code of conduct." He added, "It is deeply concerning that the Akal Takht's highest temporal authority, traditionally a voice for peace and unity, is embroiled in such controversy. The Panth must reflect seriously on this state of affairs." MSID:: 121674416 413 | Amritsar: Akal Takht officiating jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj refrained from delivering his traditional address to the Sikh community from the Akal Takht rostrum on the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar, observed as "Ghallughara Diwas", on Friday, yielding to mounting pressure from Sikh religious organisations, mainly the influential Damdami Taksal (Chowk Mehta), Sources at the Akal Takht secretariat said the decision to forgo the address was taken to preserve peace within the panth and to avoid confrontation or embarrassment. With religious sentiments running high, several Sikh activists opposed to Giani Gargaj's appointment had mobilised, threatening large-scale protests should he deliver the customary speech. Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, chief of Damdami Taksal, along with a large group of supporters, arrived early Friday morning at the Akal Takht, underscoring the Taksal's firm opposition. Baba Harnam Singh had previously urged the SGPC to prevent Giani Gargaj from speaking and claimed backing from various Sikh sects, Nihang Singh groups, and other religious bodies. Breaking with long-standing tradition, Giani Gargaj neither spoke nor honoured the families of those recognised as 'martyrs'—Sikhs who lost their lives during the 1984 military operation aimed at flushing out militants from the Golden Temple complex. Instead, the ceremony of honour was carried out by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami. However, Giani Gargaj did perform the ardas (prayer) marking the solemn occasion. Following the ardas, activists from radical Sikh organisations raised pro-Khalistan slogans, brandishing posters depicting the damaged Akal Takht and images of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the 14th chief of Damdami Taksal who was killed during the Army operation. On the other hand, Bhai Dhian Singh Mand—the officiating parallel jathedar of Akal Takht appointed at a gathering held under the name of Sarbat Khalsa—delivered his address to the community from within the Akal Takht complex. Ardas by Giani Gargaj During the ardas, Giani Gargaj prayed for strength, unity, and harmony within the Khalsa Panth, seeking blessings for the community to emulate its warriors and martyrs. He voiced concerns over alleged efforts to dilute Sikh identity nationwide and condemned perceived anti-Sikh govt policies targeting Sikh articles of faith (kakaars). He appealed for communal unity in demanding the release of all Bandi Singhs (Sikh prisoners). Highlighting the targeted killings of Sikhs both in India and abroad, he asserted that Punjab remains the sacred homeland of Sikhs and must never become a battlefield. Giani Gargaj prayed for adherence to the principle of unity and peace, as demonstrated during the commemorations of the Ghallughara, and called for continued unity among Sikh taksals, religious organisations, and Nihang sampradas under the Khalsa's Nishan Sahib. Activists from radical Sikh organisations, including Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Dal Khalsa, and Sikh Youth Federation Bhindranwale raised slogans in support of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and the Khalistan movement. BOXES Opposition to 'crusade' religious conversion events Speaking to mediapersons, Giani Gargaj strongly condemned planned events being held in Batala city under the term, 'crusade,' linked to religious conversions. He stated Punjab, sanctified by Sikh Gurus, should not be a ground for sowing hatred. Emphasising compassion, he urged the Sikh community to embrace those who have shifted toward other faiths and expressed hope that the 'Khuar hoye sab milenge' campaign for religious preaching would address conversions effectively. Concern over jathedar's position Sarchand Singh, former spokesperson of Damdami Taksal (Chowk Mehta), said, "For the first time since 1984, the jathedar of the Akal Takht was compelled to forgo delivering the customary message on Ghallughara Diwas amid widespread protests due to his politically controversial appointment in violation of maryada—the Sikh code of conduct." He added, "It is deeply concerning that the Akal Takht's highest temporal authority, traditionally a voice for peace and unity, is embroiled in such controversy. The Panth must reflect seriously on this state of affairs." MSID:: 121674416 413 | Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Damdami Taksal pushes for panth-wide consensus for jathedar appointments to avoid controversies
Amritsar: After successfully pressuring the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to withhold officiating Akal Takhr jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj from delivering a message during the Operation Bluestar anniversary ceremony over objections to his controversial appointment, Damdami Taksal (Chowk Mehta) has announced plans to push for a formal 'panth parvanat' procedure for selecting jathedars. Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, chief of Damdami Taksal, said the appointment of jathedars should involve consultation with all Sikh sects, Nihang organisations, Singh Sabhas, federations, and other Sikh bodies to prevent disputes. He added that he intends to engage with all Panthic organisations soon to discuss a unified selection process. "It is only when decisions are made without Panthic consensus that controversies arise," Baba Harnam Singh said, emphasising that collective approval from the Sikh Panth would eliminate future conflicts. He further stressed that retirement or removal of jathedars should also be conducted with due respect and dignity, calling for lasting solutions to the recurring issues surrounding these appointments. Baba Harnam Singh urged the SGPC to ensure broad-based agreement among Sikh organisations for all future appointments. Addressing the demand that the officiating jathedar should not deliver the customary address or honour the martyrs, he declined to claim this as a victory, saying such an attitude would reflect ego, which is unacceptable in the house of the Guru. Noting the significance of this year's ceremony, he said, "Since June 1984, this is the first time the Panth conducted the martyrdom ceremony with great peace, goodwill, and unity—without the brandishing of swords." He also praised SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami for his wisdom, patience, and foresight in preventing conflict during the event. "There should be no internal clashes within the Panth while commemorating the martyrs. Today, a message was sent across the world that the entire Sikh Panth peacefully and respectfully remembered the martyrs of June 1984 at Akal Takht," Baba Harnam Singh concluded. MSID:: 121674565 413 | Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
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Business Standard
5 hours ago
- Business Standard
Justice Varma case: Can't lodge FIR due to judicial order, says Dhankhar
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday said the government of the day is handicapped, as it can't register an FIR because there is a judicial order. Dhankhar's made the remarks in connection with the Justice Yashwant Varma episode. A fire broke out at Varma's residence in the national capital in March when he was a judge in the Delhi High Court, leading to the discovery of several burnt sacks of cash from the outhouse. Dhankhar was interacting with a delegation of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association here. The four members of the Bar association led by its president Sartej Singh Narula called on the vice-president at the Punjab Raj Bhavan, where Dhankhar arrived on Thursday evening before travelling to Shimla on Friday. Narula later said the matter pertaining to Justice Varma came up during general discussions. According to an official statement issued on Friday evening, the vice-president said, "The government of the day is handicapped. It can't register an FIR because there is a judicial order, which is more than three decades old. "It provides a virtually impregnable cover. Unless permission is accorded by a functionary at the highest level in the judiciary, an FIR can't be registered. "So I pose a question to myself, in deep pain, worried and concerned -- why was that permission not given? That was the minimum that could have been done at the earliest occasion". He added, "I have raised the issue. If a motion is brought to remove a judge, is that the answer? If a crime was committed, a culpable act shaking the foundations of democracy, why wasn't it punished?" "We have lost more than three months, and the investigation has not even been initiated. Whenever you go to court, they ask why the FIR was delayed. "Does the committee of judges have a constitutional sanction? Does it have statutory sanction? Can its report result in any outcome? Can the report, by itself, be actionable? The Constitution says the mechanism to remove a judge can be initiated either in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha," Dhankhar added. The vice-president said even the president of India or the governors have immunity from prosecution only till the time they are in office. "No other constitutional office enjoys this immunity, and that too while in office," he said. "I hope an FIR is filed," Dhankhar said. "Let us not destroy the idea of democracy. Let us not dilute our ethical standards. Let us not decimate integrity. A very painful incident happened mid-March in Delhi at the residence of a sitting judge. There was a cash haul, obviously tainted, unaccounted, and illegal," he added. The incident appeared in the public domain after 6-7 days, he said. "Imagine what would have happened had it not appeared (in public domain). We don't know if it was an isolated incident. Whenever such a cash haul is made, the system has to find out whose money was it. What was the money trail? Where did the loose cash come from? Were big sharks involved? Did the money influence judicial work? All these questions bothered lawyers and common people alike," Dhankhar said. "Let the skeletons come out of the closet. Why was there no FIR? Why has there been no probe," Dhankhar asked. The vice-president added that he was happy that the Bar associations are picking up the issue, which will restore people's confidence. "If you remember the famous case -- Sarwan Singh vs State of Punjab, 1957 -- the gap between establishing the truth is sometimes very thin. The distance between 'may be true' and 'must be true' is very thin. But this thin distance has to be negotiated by evidence of unimpeachable veracity. "I am not aware as to who is guilty. But one thing is for sure -- a crime of great enormity took place which shook the foundations of the judiciary and democracy. I hope the matter will be addressed," Dhankhar said. On Wednesday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju underlined the government's resolve to take all political parties on board in moving an impeachment motion against Justice Varma, saying corruption in the judiciary cannot be approached through a "political prism". Rijiju told reporters that he has already initiated discussions with all the political parties to bring the motion in Parliament's Monsoon Session starting July 21 against Varma. Although Varma claimed ignorance about the cash discovery, a Supreme Court-appointed committee indicted him after speaking to a number of witnesses and recording his statement. The apex court has since transferred Varma to his parent cadre, the Allahabad High Court, where he has not been assigned any judicial work.
