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Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Adman Sandeep Goyal seeks government grip on surrogate ads in High Court battle
HighlightsSandeep Goyal, managing director of Rediffusion Brand Solutions, has filed a Public Interest Litigation in the Punjab and Haryana High Court advocating for a government-led regulatory body to address surrogate advertising issues. The petition highlights violations of key regulations, including the Cable Television Network Rules of 1994 and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act of 2003, citing examples of surrogate advertising from prominent brands like Vimal Elaichi and Pan Bahar. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has acknowledged the petition, issuing notices to the Central Government, Central Consumer Protection Authority, and Central Board of Film Certification, indicating serious public health concerns related to misleading advertising practices. In a significant legal challenge, veteran adman Sandeep Goyal , the managing director of Rediffusion Brand Solutions , has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Punjab and Haryana High Court , urging for a direct government-led regulatory body to curb the pervasive issue of surrogate advertising . The petition, currently under the scrutiny of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel, contends that existing self-regulatory frameworks are insufficient and too sluggish to combat the real-time impact of these misleading promotions. Goyal, who has consistently refused to work with tobacco and alcohol brands since their advertising was banned in India, asserts that he holds no personal or financial stake in the outcome. His PIL highlights what he describes as blatant violations of crucial regulations, including the Cable Television Network Rules 1994, the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003, and the CCPA Guidelines on Misleading Advertisements 2022. The petition specifically points to prominent examples of alleged surrogate advertising, citing brands like Vimal Elaichi, Rajshree Silver Coated Elaichi, and Pan Bahar. These ads, often featuring well-known celebrities, are frequently seen during prime-time television slots and high-profile events such as IPL broadcasts. Goyal argues that such promotions subtly endorse restricted products, misleading consumers and contributing to a growing public health crisis, particularly among young people. "The country is undergoing a health crisis wherein the youth of the nation is getting addicted to alcohol and tobacco at a tender age," the petition states, emphasizing how celebrity endorsements "glamorize" and "validate" the consumption of these products. The PIL underscores the ineffectiveness of current industry self-regulation, including the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), in adequately reining in these deceptive practices. Goyal's petition, argued by advocate Aadil Singh Boparai, seeks strict enforcement of existing laws and guidelines. Crucially, it calls for a more robust, government-led mechanism to actively supervise all advertising content. The High Court has taken cognizance of the matter, issuing notices to the central government, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). This move signals the judiciary's recognition of the potential public health implications of unchecked surrogate advertising, setting the stage for a significant legal debate on the future of advertising regulation in India.
India Gazette
5 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Karnataka HC quashes state cabinet's decision to withdraw 43 criminal cases including Hubballi riots
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 29 (ANI): The Karnataka High Court on Thursday quashed the state cabinet's decision to withdraw 43 criminal cases, including those linked to the 2022 Old Hubballi riots. Advocate Girish Bhardwaj had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the legality of the government order issued in October 2024 to withdraw criminal cases in which former ministers, former MLAs and persons belonging to influential organisations were made accused. Karnataka High Court Chief Justice NV, who heard the arguments, a division bench comprising Justices Anjaria and Arvind has set aside the cabinet decision and issued the order. The petition mentioned that serious charges have been framed against some of the accused in these 43 cases, including the 2022 Hubballi riots case, in which a mob attacked and assaulted several police personnel over a controversial post on social media. The petitioner had argued that the government order of October 15, 2024, violated Section 321 of the Criminal Procedure Code. This provision specifically empowers only the prosecutor to initiate any action to withdraw the prosecution. Therefore, it was argued on behalf of the petitioner that the state cabinet does not have the power to direct the prosecutor to withdraw these criminal cases. Also, contrary to the opinion of the police and prosecution departments, which said that these criminal cases were not fit to be withdrawn, the petitioner had referred to the cabinet decision on which this order was based. The petitioner had pointed out that while the state government had withdrawn the criminal cases in 2020, the High Court had made it clear in 2022 that the withdrawal of cases against former and sitting MPs and MLAs would be governed by the judgment of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court had said that criminal cases against former and sitting MPs and MLAs cannot be withdrawn without the permission of the respective High Courts. In this case, there were several accused, including Muslim leader Arif, who entered the old Hubballi police station and rioted. However, a decision was made during the cabinet meeting to withdraw the case of the accused. In the incident, stones were pelted, and police vehicles were damaged. In addition, four policemen were injured. On April 16, 2022, a riot broke out in front of the old Hubballi police station for sharing a photo of a Bhagwadhwa on a mosque on social media. Thousands of Muslims gathered in front of the police station and rioted. During this, stones were also pelted at the police station, hospital, temple, and houses. The police fired in the air to control the situation. In the wake of the riot, the police registered 12 cases and arrested 158 people. The social organization Anjuman-e-Islami had decided to fight the law on behalf of the accused arrested in the case. In December last year, the court had granted bail to 35 accused in the old Hubballi riots case. Earlier, 11 accused had been granted bail by the court. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had written to the government to drop the case. A case was registered against AIMIM leader Mohammed Arif and others. Arif and 138 others were charged with attempt to murder, rioting and other serious charges. (ANI)
Hans India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
SC orders Assam human rights body to enquire into ‘fake' encounters
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC) to enquire into the allegations of "fake" encounters in the state. A Bench headed by Justice Surya Kant set aside the decision passed by the full Bench of the AHRC in January 2022 which had disposed of the issue of alleged fake encounters in the state on the pretext that the same was sub-judice before the Gauhati High Court. 'The matter is directed to be reinstated on the Board of the AHRC for necessary enquiry into the allegations independently and expeditiously, in accordance with law,' ordered the Bench, also comprising Justice N.K. Singh. The apex court directed the AHRC to issue a public notice inviting all aggrieved individuals (victims and their family members) to come forward and furnish relevant information or evidence before the state human rights body. 'The notice shall be published in at least one national English daily and one prominent vernacular newspaper with wide circulation throughout the State of Assam. The publication of such a notice shall be carried out in a manner that is accessible and understandable to the general public, including those residing in remote and conflict-prone areas,' it ordered. The Justice Kant-led Bench told AHRC to adopt robust measures akin to witness protection protocols to safeguard the privacy, safety and security of those participating in the process. 'We trust that the AHRC will proceed with the highest degree of sensitivity, impartiality, and diligence, thereby reinforcing public faith in the institutional mechanisms for protecting human rights,' said the top court. Further, it ordered the Assam government to extend full cooperation to the AHRC and ensure that all logistical, financial, and administrative requirements for such an investigation are promptly and adequately met. The apex court directed the state government to provide access to records, facilitate the availability of forensic and expert resources, and remove any institutional barriers that may hinder the functioning of AHRC. Earlier in January 2023, the Gauhati High Court had dismissed the appellant's Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging that as many as 80 fake encounters took place in Assam, between May 2021 and December 2021, and during these encounters, 28 people were killed and 48 were left injured. The PIL had sought records of all alleged fake encounters in Assam, registration of FIRs against the erring police officials and an independent investigation against such officials in compliance with the guidelines laid down by the apex court in the case of People's Union for Civil Liberties vs. State of Maharashtra. Though, the Gauhati High Court held that the PIL was premature and the documents placed on record only made out vague assertions, it had directed that the appellant will be provided all legally-permissible documents in connection with all such cases, if so applied.
Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Brought from Hyderabad, 8 racehorses die mysteriously in Madhya Pradesh, govt launches probe
The Madhya Pradesh government has launched an investigation into the mysterious deaths of eight high-value racehorses — belonging to heritage breeds — that were recently transported from Hyderabad to Raipura village in Jabalpur district. Jabalpur Collector Deepak Saxena ordered the probe after the local veterinary department responded to reports of multiple horse deaths at a private farm in Raipura. Officials are now examining allegations that a total of 57 horses were transferred from Hyderabad to Madhya Pradesh without the required veterinary documentation. Authorities are investigating claims that 'around 57 horses were covertly moved between 29 April and 3 May' by a local resident, Sachin Tiwari, in collaboration with a businessman based in Hyderabad. Among the breeds transported were Marwari and Thoroughbred horses. The Marwari, native to Rajasthan, is distinguished by its inward-curving ears and known for being a hardy riding horse with a natural ambling gait. Thoroughbreds, originally bred in England, are globally renowned for their speed, agility and racing prowess. Marwari horses are often crossed with Thoroughbreds to produce a larger horse with more versatility. According to Prafulla Moon, deputy director of the state veterinary department, four teams were deployed after officials located the horses. 'The horses were transported in a hot atmosphere from Hyderabad. The horses began falling sick due to stress. In total, eight horses have died. We have sent blood samples of 57 horses to a lab in Haryana. The reports of 44 horses have come negative for any infectious disease,' Moon said. Preliminary findings suggest that the animals were housed in inadequate conditions—a cramped cattle shed with insufficient shade and limited space to move. Following public outcry, the National Horse Breeding Society of India dispatched a truck carrying medical supplies to the farm. However, farm owner Sachin Tiwari allegedly barred the vehicle from entering the premises. In response, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which is expected to hear the matter in the coming days. The PIL, filed by Jabalpur-based animal rights activist Simran Issar through her advocate Umesh Tripathi, seeks urgent court intervention to 'protect the life of 49 horses' still held at the facility. The petition describes the animals being kept in open fields during a heatwave without adequate access to water, sanitation, or shelter. The petition further claims that one of the respondents—a Hyderabad-based businessman—is the 'kingpin behind sponsoring all big horsing races in the country, with online betting ventures exclusively for the Philippines'. According to the PIL: 'At the peak of this horse racing venture, they have 154 horses for racing. They had 24 horse races everyday according to Manager for these horse races… This horse racing, which is illegal in India, was streamed on an app in the Philippines.' The petition also asserts that the operation fell into neglect after staff salaries were allegedly not paid, leaving '154 horses without food and water'. 'That, in the first week of February, 2025, out of 154 horses only 64 horses were left…That, these remaining horses were loaded on truck and were sent to Jabalpur from Hyderabad in the command and control of Sachin Tiwari,' the PIL stated.
Hans India
24-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Allahabad HC slams deplorable state of Swarup Rani Nehru Hospital, orders urgent action against corruption
New Delhi: In a scathing indictment of the state of public healthcare in Uttar Pradesh, the Allahabad High Court on Saturday came down heavily on the condition of Swarup Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital, calling it a 'mortuary' instead of a hospital. The bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Dr Arvind Kumar Gupta, issued a series of stringent orders to both medical and administrative authorities in Prayagraj. The court expressed outrage over the unhygienic, dysfunctional and corrupt state of affairs at SRN, Colvin, and Dufferin hospitals. Justice Agarwal directed the Municipal Commissioner to ensure that all three hospitals were thoroughly cleaned and restored to proper working condition within 48 hours. He also instructed the hospital staff and administration to fully cooperate in the clean-up drive. Taking note of severe allegations regarding absentee doctors, poor infrastructure, and illegal private practice, the court ordered raids on the residences of all doctors and professors associated with SRN. 'Form a team of two to three honest officers and raid the homes of doctors. Take strict action and file FIRs against those involved in unauthorised private practice,' the court instructed. In a pointed rebuke to the SRN hospital administration, the Single In-Charge (SIC) and Deputy SIC were questioned about alleged bribery in the operation of private ambulances. 'Are these ambulances running through corruption? If you don't fix this, I'll send you to Naini jail in this 45-degree heat,' the judge warned. The amicus curiae's report, which revealed shocking details of negligence and malpractice, played a pivotal role in the court's severe stance. It was noted that basic amenities like water, fans, and air-conditioning were missing in the hospital, while doctors were frequently absent. Brokers from private diagnostic centres were seen roaming within hospital premises, allegedly luring patients away for profit. The court further criticised the local administration, municipal authorities, and elected representatives of Prayagraj for failing to uphold their duties, especially in the run-up to Maha Kumbh 2025, during which over 66 crore devotees are expected. 'Had a major accident occurred, the consequences would have been catastrophic,' said the court. The High Court directed the Municipal Commissioner to initiate an investigation into the private medical shops operating outside the SRN hospital. It also made the presence of the hospital superintendent, deputy SIC, and chief medical officer mandatory for the next hearing scheduled on May 29. Justice Agarwal concluded with a strong message: 'If things don't improve, why not shut down SRN Hospital altogether?'
