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New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
President nod for Act to dispose of civil disputes in two months in Karnataka
BENGALURU: President Draupadi Murmu has given assent for the Code of Civil Procedure (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2024. The presidential assent was given on May 19. This was notified in the Karnataka Gazette (extraordinary) on May 26. The Act comes into force with the amendment to the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, for the purpose of expeditious disposal of cases of civil dispute in nature and providing speedy justice. It has scope for disposal through mediation by the Legal Services Authorities between the parties within two months and, if failed, by two years with the dates of judgment being certain. 'Notwithstanding anything contained in the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, the Authority authorised by the State Government shall complete the process of mediation within a period of two months from the date of reference Provided that the period of mediation may be extended for a further period of one month with the consent of the parties.' If the parties to the civil dispute arrive at a settlement, the same shall be reduced into writing and shall be signed by the parties to the dispute and the mediator and shall be submitted to the court. The court shall effect a compromise between the parties and shall follow the procedure as prescribed. The court shall hold the first case management hearing, not later than four weeks from the date of completion of pleadings in the suit. The court shall ensure that the arguments are closed not later than 24 months from the date of the first case management hearing. Law Minister HK Patil had remarked that the new Act will be a game changer in terms of clearing the huge pendency of civil dispute cases.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Karnataka considering law against hate speech and online betting, says CM Siddaramaiah
BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that his government is "seriously considering" a law against hate speech added that discussions were on regarding enacting a law against online betting. The CM said this at the end of a two-day review meeting with Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of all districts and CEOs of all Zilla Panchayats here. "I have said if anyone makes hate speech, action should be taken against them. We will bring a law against it. The government is seriously considering it," Siddaramaiah said. Speaking to reporters here, he said, "Merciless action should be taken against those making hate speeches irrespective of how influential they are. Criminal cases should be filed against them." Reiterating that there is a direct relationship between law and order and development and that they should be ensured across the state, the CM said he has given strict instructions to the DCs and SPs to nip in the bud, the forces that disrupt the intentions and objectives of the Constitution. This statement has come in the wake of recent communal murders that have taken place in the coastal district of Dakshina Kannada. Regarding online betting, Siddaramaiah said Law Minister H K Patil and IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge are discussing the action that needs to be taken in this regard and if there is need for a legislation. "Based on what they suggest after the discussion, necessary action will be taken," he said. Youngsters are falling prey to the cricket betting, and activities such as gambling, matka should be strictly controlled in the districts, he further said, this menace should be curbed ruthlessly without giving in to any pressure. Also, instructions have been given to take strict action against those violating the law that has been enacted, aimed at protecting borrowers from harassment by microfinance institutions (MFIs), he said. Noting that about 700 child marriages took place in the state last year (2024-25), Siddaramaiah said he has instructed to ensure that child marriages don't happen at all at any cost. "There are laws against child marriage. Preventing them is one part. It should also be ensured that they don't happen at any cost. Also child pregnancy cases should also be prevented," he said, adding that the officers at the grassroot level should be used to ensure that they are stopped in both urban and rural areas. Officials have been asked to bring down the Infant Mortality Rate and Maternal Mortality Rate in the state, he said. The DCs, CEOs and SPs are the three most important posts in the districts and these officers should leave their ego and work as a bridge between the government and the people. "Only if there is coordination between these three, the development of the district is possible," he said.
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
SC order on Transferable Development Rights to Mysuru royal family interim justice: Minister HK Patil
BENGALURU: Law Minister HK Patil termed the Supreme Court order keeping in abeyance the earlier four orders on Transferable Development Rights (TDR) worth Rs 3,400 crore to the Mysuru Royal family as interim justice. The SC three-judge bench restrained the parties from using the TDR already issued by the government to the legal heirs of the Royal family against the utilisation of 15.36 acres of land on the Bengaluru Palace Grounds until outcome of the final adjudication in August. 'To avoid further complications, the consequential effect of the Order of the SC dated 10.12.2024, 22.05.2025, 17.05.2022, and 9.03.2024 shall be kept in abeyance. This interim arrangement is without prejudice to the rights of the parties,' he quoted the order. 'The hearing will start in August, and we expect that the state will get justice in the final judgment', he said while addressing the press. 'Having regard to the issues involved and to protect the interests of both sides, CA 3303/1997, and all proceedings arising there from are listed for final hearing in the week commencing August 18. As an interim measure, all the TDR issued in contempt order should be retained in the registry of this Court, and those handed over to the applicants are directed not to utilise or sell the DRC (Default Risk Capital) till further orders', the order stated. 'It is made clear that no third-party interest or personal benefit should be made by the release of the TDR. The Review petition filed by the applicants - state shall be listed before the bench in the week commencing 21st July 2025. The interim directions are subject to the outcome of the review petition. However, if the review petition is declined, the interim directions shall continue in force for four weeks from the date of passing such order or till it is heard by the three-judge bench, whichever is later,' it clarified.
New Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Vidhana Soudha opens doors to public for guided tours from June 1
BENGALURU: For the first time, the public will get a guided tour of Karnataka's iconic seat of power — the Vidhana Soudha. Starting June 1, visitors can explore the grandeur of the State's legislative building by paying an entry fee of Rs 50. However, students up to Class 10 or under the age of 15 will get free entry, but registration is mandatory. Visitors can tour the building on all Sundays, as well as on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, as part of the initiative by the Department of Tourism, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) in coordination with Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speakers Office (KLASO) and others. Approximately 300 visitors will be allowed per day, divided into slots of 30 participants each. The guided tour, in Kannada and English, will begin at 8am and go on till 5pm. However, carrying and using single-use plastic items is strictly banned within the complex premises. Tickets for the guided tour that covers a distance of 1.5km are available at The organisers informed that the tour will not operate on days when the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council is in session, or when security advisories are in place. Inaugurating the guided tour on Sunday, Speaker UT Khader called the initiative unique, where the citizens can immerse themselves in the rich legacy of the state's democratic heritage. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil said, 'Vidhana Soudha is the very heart of our democracy. By opening its halls and corridors for guided walks, we are giving the public a chance to witness history, architecture and governance.' The visitors will also need to carry a physical copy of their original Aadhaar card, while students will need a valid school ID along with Aadhaar. Foreigners should produce their original passports for verification. 'Kengal Hanumanthaiah, the architect of the majestic Vidhana Soudha, wanted to build something that reflected Indian identity — a building with Indian composition which did not carry the colonial imprint,' said tourist guide Septhar.
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka: Cabinet discussion on caste survey inconclusive, second time in 2 weeks
The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday held another round of discussions on the Social and Educational Survey report, commonly referred to as the caste census, but once again stopped short of reaching a decision, with Law and Parliamentary Affairs minister HK Patil confirming that the deliberation remained 'incomplete'. Most ministers have submitted their written responses to chief minister Siddaramaiah, while a few are yet to do so. 'The cabinet today once again discussed the Social and Educational Survey report, the discussion was incomplete. The chief minister had earlier asked the cabinet ministers to give their opinion in writing and most of the ministers' opinions have reached the Chief Minister except three or four,' Patil told reporters after the meeting. 'The subject will be discussed in the next cabinet meeting or the one after that, after getting certain details and studying them,' he added. The Thursday's meeting marks the latest in a series of delays by the Congress-led government in deciding on the caste census report. The meeting on May 10 was also inconclusive, with ministers receiving additional data, including population statistics broken down by taluks and districts, prompting calls for a more detailed review. The cabinet convened a special meeting on April 17 exclusively to debate the report, but it too ended without a resolution. At that time, some ministers reportedly raised concerns about the methodology and accuracy of the survey, labelling it as unscientific and outdated, and pointing to possible undercounting. These concerns led Siddaramaiah to request written feedback from each minister. Criticism of the survey has intensified in recent weeks, particularly from influential community groups. The Vokkaligas and Veerashaiva-Lingayats, Karnataka's two dominant communities, have strongly objected to the findings, demanding that the report be scrapped and a fresh survey conducted. The groundwork for the caste census was laid during Siddaramaiah's initial tenure as chief minister, involving an extensive 2015 survey costing ₹162 crore. Although Siddaramaiah announced his acceptance of the report in June, its contents and release date remain undisclosed. The leaked data indicated that Scheduled Castes (SCs) accounted for 19.5% of the state's total population, followed by Muslims at 16%. Lingayats and Vokkaligas represented 14% and 11% of the population, respectively. Within the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), the Kuruba community alone comprised 7% of Karnataka's population, contributing to the OBCs' overall representation of 20% in the state. Collectively, these groups, including SCs, STs, Muslims, and Kurubas, formed a substantial portion of the population at 47.5%. The political implications of these findings could significantly impact the state's political landscape, according to federations of marginalised sections.
