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New Indian Express
4 days ago
- New Indian Express
Booked for naming rape victim in 2016 case, Delhi court acquits Swati Maliwal
NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Thursday acquitted MP and former Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal in a case alleging that she disclosed the identity of a 14-year-old rape victim who later died. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Neha Mittal also acquitted Bhupender Singh, then DCW's Public Relations Officer, saying the prosecution had failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt. Prosecutors alleged that Singh, at Maliwal's behest, sent a copy of a notice issued by her to the Burari police station house officer (SHO) on a WhatsApp group, 'DCW Media', which was later aired by a TV channel. The FIR claimed the notice, in which Maliwal sought details of the rape investigation, was 'intentionally circulated.' 'This court is of the considered opinion that the prosecution has failed to prove the commission of offence under Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, read with Rule 86 of the Juvenile Justice Rules, by the accused persons beyond a reasonable doubt,' the magistrate said. She noted that the sending of the notice on WhatsApp by Singh, or its sharing with a news channel, was not proved. 'Court holds the accused persons not guilty of the commission of said offence. Accused persons, namely Swati Maliwal Jaihind and Bhupender Singh, are hereby acquitted of the offence under Section 74, read with Rule 86 of the Juvenile Justice Act,' she added, citing 'complete failure on the part of prosecution or complainant (Inspector Satyabir Singh) to prove the sending of WhatsApp messages by the accused no. 2 (Singh). Thus, admission made by him, in his statement, if any, cannot discharge the burden of proof placed upon the prosecution.' On claims that a TV channel showed the notice on July 25, 2016, the court said no such notice appeared in the footage and the anchor did not reveal the victim's name. 'Thus, the allegations of the prosecution to this extent appear to be baseless and unfounded,' it said.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- The Hindu
Delhi court acquits Swati Maliwal accused of revealing rape victim's name
A Delhi court on Wednesday (August 14, 2025) acquitted MP and former chairperson of Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), Swati Maliwal, accused of allegedly disclosing the identity of a 14-year-old rape victim who succumbed to injuries. Additional chief judicial magistrate Neha Mittal also acquitted Bhupender Singh, then public relations officer of DCW. The prosecution alleged Mr. Singh disclosed the minor rape victim's name to electronic media at Ms. Maliwal's behest. According to the FIR, the notice sent by Ms. Maliwal as the chairperson of DCW, in which she sought to know about the investigation in the rape case, was "intentionally circulated" on a WhatsApp group and shown by a TV channel. "Prosecution has failed to prove the commission of offence under Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, read with Rule 86 of the Juvenile Justice rules by the accused persons beyond a reasonable doubt," the order said. The court said neither the notice revealing the identity of the minor victim on WhatsApp nor Mr. Singh sharing a copy of the notice with a news channel was proved. While Section 74 of the law prohibits any such disclosure to the media, Rule 86 deals with the classification of offences as cognisable or non-cognisable and designated courts. "Accused persons, namely Swati Maliwal Jaihind and Bhupender Singh, are hereby acquitted of the offence under Section 74, read with rule 86 of the Juvenile Justice Act," the court said. The order referred to the testimony of witnesses and underlined "complete failure" on the part of the prosecution or complainant to prove the charges. On the allegations that the notice revealing the minor's name was displayed by a news channel on July 25, 2016, the court noted when the footage of the news item was viewed neither such a notice was seen, nor did the anchor disclose her name. "Thus, the allegations of the prosecution to this extent appear to be baseless and unfounded," the court held. It also rejected the prosecution's argument that Ms. Maliwal could be convicted based on the notice she sent to the SHO, revealing the minor's name. "It does not appeal to common sense to hold accused 1 (Maliwal) criminally liable for disclosing the name of the minor victim to SHO of Burari police station, who otherwise is in knowledge of all her details, being the one responsible for filing the chargesheet in the FIR," the court said. The court in the meantime referred to the legislative intent behind the enactment of Section 74 JJ of the act, saying the aim was "to avoid scrutiny of the proceedings in which a juvenile is tried to insulate and protect the juvenile from stigma and emotional trauma". "Some measures like restricted access to records of trials, sealing and destruction of records of prosecution of juvenile delinquents are finding acceptance among legislatures across the world. The courts have been anonymising trials of children in conflict with the law to protect their identities," it said. Delhi Police booked Ms. Maliwal in 2016 and said there was a blatant violation of provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, which protect the identity of a minor victim of sexual offence. The minor girl succumbed to her injuries on July 23, 2016, at a hospital after being sexually assaulted by her neighbour who allegedly forced a corrosive substance down her throat and damaged her internal organs. On account of the presence of the consent of the victim's parents to disclose her name, Section 228A (Prohibition on disclosure of identity of the victim) of the IPC was dropped, and Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice Act was added in the case.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Delhi Court Acquits Swati Maliwal In Case Of Revealing Rape Victim's Name
New Delhi: A Delhi court on Wednesday acquitted MP and former chairperson of Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), Swati Maliwal, accused of allegedly disclosing the identity of a 14-year-old rape victim who succumbed to injuries. Additional chief judicial magistrate Neha Mittal also acquitted Bhupender Singh, then public relations officer of DCW. The prosecution alleged Singh disclosed the minor rape victim's name to electronic media at Maliwal's behest. According to the FIR, the notice sent by Maliwal as the chairperson of DCW, in which she sought to know about the investigation in the rape case, was "intentionally circulated" on a WhatsApp group and shown by a TV channel. "Prosecution has failed to prove the commission of offence under Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, read with Rule 86 of the Juvenile Justice rules by the accused persons beyond a reasonable doubt," the order said. The court said neither the notice revealing the identity of the minor victim on WhatsApp nor Singh sharing a copy of the notice with a news channel was proved. While Section 74 of the law prohibits any such disclosure to the media, Rule 86 deals with the classification of offences as cognisable or non-cognisable and designated courts. "Accused persons, namely Swati Maliwal Jaihind and Bhupender Singh, are hereby acquitted of the offence under Section 74, read with rule 86 of the Juvenile Justice Act," the court said. The order referred to the testimony of witnesses and underlined "complete failure" on the part of prosecution or complainant to prove the charges. On the allegations that the notice revealing the minor's name was displayed by a news channel on July 25, 2016, the court noted when the footage of the news item was viewed neither such a notice was seen, nor did the anchor disclose her name. "Thus, the allegations of the prosecution to this extent appear to be baseless and unfounded," the court held. It also rejected the prosecution's argument that Maliwal could be convicted based on the notice she sent to the SHO, revealing the minor's name. "It does not appeal to common sense to hold accused 1 (Maliwal) criminally liable for disclosing the name of the minor victim to SHO of Burari police station, who otherwise is in knowledge of all her details, being the one responsible for filing the chargesheet in the FIR," the court said. The court in the meantime referred to the legislative intent behind the enactment of Section 74 JJ of the act, saying the aim was "to avoid scrutiny of the proceedings in which a juvenile is tried to insulate and protect the juvenile from stigma and emotional trauma". "Some measures like restricted access to records of trials, sealing and destruction of records of prosecution of juvenile delinquents are finding acceptance among legislatures across the world. The courts have been anonymising trials of children in conflict with the law to protect their identities," it said. Delhi Police booked Maliwal in 2016 and said there was a blatant violation of provisions of Juvenile Justice Act, which protect the identity of a minor victim of sexual offence. The minor girl succumbed to her injuries on July 23, 2016, at a hospital after being sexually assaulted by her neighbour who allegedly forced a corrosive substance down her throat and damaged her internal organs. On account of the presence of the consent of the victim's parents to disclose her name, Section 228A (Prohibition on disclosure of identity of the victim) of the IPC was dropped, and Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice Act was added in the case. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
The Hindu
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
The New Punjab Club in Anna Nagar offers classic Punjabi cuisine in an elevated space
There is always debate about which club is the best in the country, but each offers its own charm, legacy, and an air of exclusivity. The appeal is undeniable, and many would like a bite of that club sandwich. However, entry often comes with a hefty fee and an even longer waiting list. But every now and then, an alternative comes along that feels as special. The New Punjab Club in Anna Nagar East evokes the mood of an exclusive dining room, but invites you in with the warmth and generosity of Punjabi hospitality. Emerald green and gold accents run through the space, while cane-and-fabric lamps cast a soft, amber glow that adds to the restaurant's cosy atmosphere. The scent of candles placed on each table mingles with the aroma of spices drifting in from the kitchen, offering an early preview of the meal to come. Private, pod-like dining spaces are arched and adorned with Persian rug-style patchwork wallpaper and mirrors, offering a secluded setting for a romantic meal. 'The outdoor dining space will also be open and ready for operation shortly,' says area manager Bhupender Singh, as we walk through the area overlooking the Anna Nagar East Metro station. 'We have curated the menu in such a way that you will find familiar names, but they are plated in a unique, elevated way,' says chef Te Yuan Peter Tseng, culinary director at Pricol Gourmet. 'We have kept it as authentic and close to the original as possible in the main menu, but the drinks have a tropical touch as an ode to Chennai,' he adds, serving the tamatar dhaniya shorba— a light, brothy tomato and coriander soup. The murg badami shorba offers a heavier, creamier alternative for meat eaters. The restaurant features a live chaat counter where diners can watch dishes being assembled and plated. 'Chennai is very fond of chaat, so we have brought that in, though there are a few elements guests may not be familiar with,' says the chef. The aloo tokri chaat lives up to the hype: a crisp potato basket filled with lotus stem tikkis, finished with chutneys, pomegranate seeds, and lightly sweetened curd. 'We also serve an assorted plate of paani puri with six different paani options,' he adds. The starters section leans into comfort and familiarity, with dishes such as makhan malai tikka, bharwan paneer tikka, and tandoori tiger prawns. Each arrives perfectly charred and delicately spiced. A glass of Ganne ka Zing, a sugarcane-based mocktail with a hint of citrus and ginger, offers a bright counterpoint. The sesame-crusted malai broccoli, however is underseasoned and slightly overcooked. Regardless of how inventive the menu may be, every North Indian or Punjabi restaurant is ultimately measured by its dal makhni. 'We know how important it is, so we cook it the traditional way for 12 to 14 hours,' says the chef. The result is a rich, nutty dal that draws out depth and creaminess without relying heavily on added cream. It is comforting, familiar, and pairs beautifully with the extra-crisp garlic naan and a gently spiced paneer pasanda. The mutton rogan josh, a slow-cooked Kashmiri-style lamb curry, is intensely aromatic, with tender meat that yields effortlessly to the touch. Its richness is tempered by a carefully layered blend of warm spices, making it ideal to savour with tandoori or missi rotis. It also complements the fragrant dum biryani, served in a clay pot that, once opened, releases an unmistakable saffron-laced aroma which is heady, inviting, and deeply comforting. True to Punjabi tradition, the final course leans into richness, comfort, and nostalgia—with a few refined touches. A ras malai-inspired tres leches arrives delicately spiced with cardamom and dried rose, its soft sponge soaked in lightly sweetened milk and topped with whipped cream and a generous helping of nuts. The food is well executed, but in a city that abounds with Punjabi fare, offering authentic dal and parathas at competitive prices, The New Punjab Club's greatest challenge will be to create meals and experiences that make it distinctive. Pricol, at the moment, has a host of city restaurants covering a gamut of cuisines, including Soi Soy, Savya Rasya and the chameleon-like Dou, which has changed names and personalities multiple times in the last couple of years alone. Given that New Punjab club has played safe with the menu, pivoting on conventional pan-Punjabi favourites, it is important that the kitchen focuses on consistency to draw and retain diners. The New Punjab club may not be the kind of club that inspires long and fervent waiting lists, but it can be one that keeps diners coming back to, for comfort, familiarity and dal makhni. The New Punjab Club is located at C Block 6th St, A Block, Annanagar East. A meal for two costs ₹1,800. For reservations call 9500947295.
NDTV
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Nimrat Kaur Reveals Her Father Bhupinder Singh Was Kidnapped By Terrorists In Kashmir: "They Killed Him"
New Delhi: In recent days, the conversation around national security and terrorism has grown louder – with the Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor, Pakistan's aggressive moves, India's strong retaliation, ceasefire announcement and then its violation by Pakistan. Through it all, one constant has stood tall: the courage and resilience of the Indian Armed Forces. It is in moments like these that we are reminded of the real heroes – and the families behind them. Actress Nimrat Kaur, for instance, knows this all too well. She is the daughter of the late Major Bhupender Singh, a brave army officer, who was martyred in a terrorist attack in Kashmir back in 1994. In an old interview with Bombay Times, Nimrat Kaur talked about her father and how he was killed by terrorists. She said, 'He (Major Bhupender Singh,) was a young army major, an engineer posted on the border roads of the army in a place called Verinag.' The actress shared that during those days, Kashmir was not considered a family station. So while her father was posted there, Nimrat and her family were living in Patiala. 'We were on our winter vacation in January 1994 and visiting our father in Kashmir, when the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen kidnapped him from his place of work and after seven days, terminated him,' Nimrat Kaur added. Sharing the heartbreaking reason behind her father's killing, Nimrat Kaur revealed that the terrorists had made some 'ridiculous demands' – asking for the release of certain individuals – which her father, true to his duty, refused to comply with. Nimrat Kaur shared, 'He (Major Bhupinder Singh) was just 44 when he died. We got the news and flew back with his body to Delhi and I saw his body for the first time only in Delhi. We then moved to Noida and lived with my nana-nani for a few months before my mother bought her own place (with my father's pension money and our savings) and we moved out.' The actress also shared that after her father's martyrdom, the government allotted a piece of land to her family in Rajasthan. As a tribute to his bravery, Major Bhupender Singh was posthumously honoured with the Shaurya Chakra – one of India's highest gallantry awards. On the work front, Nimrat Kaur was last seen Sky Force, directed by Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Anil Kapur. The movie also featured Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya and Sara Ali Khan in pivotal roles.
