Latest news with #SaketGokhale
News18
2 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
TMC MP writes to CJI appealing for stay on SC directions on stray dogs
Agency: PTI Last Updated: New Delhi, Aug 12 (PTI) Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale on Tuesday wrote to Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, appealing to him for a stay on directions by the Supreme Court for removing stray dogs in Delhi. The issue has caused a sharp divide, especially on social media, with one side supporting the apex court's Monday directive, citing the risk of rabies and inconvenience caused to residents by stray dogs, and the other side calling it impractical and inhumane. In a letter addressed to the CJI, Rajya Sabha member Gokhale contended that the SC directions are in contravention of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, and urged that the apex court should consider instituting a committee of experts and other stakeholders towards ensuring a holistic and humane solution to the issue taken up suo-moto in this matter. He also said the directions do not take into account the impediments involved in setting up a large number of animal shelters, and the unintentional consequence of these directions will be to consign all stray dogs in Delhi to 'a certain death in extremely inhumane conditions". 'I have written to the Hon'ble Chief Justice of India this morning with an appeal for a stay on the directions passed by the SC yesterday regarding stray dogs in Delhi and for the review of the order by a larger Bench," Gokhale said in a post on X. He said the issue of management of stray dogs, as well as the safety of the people, is definitely a matter of concern. 'However, it is not something that can be resolved by arbitrary orders passed by the judiciary without any larger consultative process. Also, subjecting defenceless animals to wanton cruelty can never be a solution," Gokhale said. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also took to X to oppose the SC directive, saying it is going to result in horrendously inhumane treatment of them and is a step back from decades of humane, science-backed policy. 'We have sufficient laws in the country to deal with the issue of stray dogs and their sterilisation as well as population control. And I agree that it is a very important issue where the welfare and safety of common people are concerned," Gokhale said in his post. He said the 'failure" of municipal authorities to implement these laws and do their job cannot and should not become a reason for the judiciary to impose 'cruel and inhumane directions". In his letter, Gokhale said the directions 'fail to appreciate the practical impediments involved for the State to set up a large number of animal shelters within a short span of 8 weeks". 'With the limited deadline given by the Hon'ble Court, it will be almost impossible for the authorities to set up shelters that can accommodate all stray dogs in the city of Delhi which will invariably lead to the creation of substandard infrastructure, endangering the lives of captured stray dogs". 'Therefore, the unintentional consequence of these directions will be to consign all stray dogs in Delhi to a certain death in extremely inhumane conditions," he said. Gokhale also said the directions are 'unreasonable with regards to taking an adversarial and hostile approach towards animal lovers and feeders". He also urged that the apex court should consider allowing intervention applications in the matter in order to allow stakeholders to participate and assist in the resolution of the issue taken up. Hearing a suo motu case initiated on July 28 over stray dog bites leading to rabies in the national capital, the apex court on Monday directed authorities to remove all stray dogs from Delhi-NCR localities and put them in shelters, while saying the canines won't return to the streets. A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan passed a slew of directions and warned of strict action, including contempt proceedings, against anyone obstructing the process. PTI AO RT RT (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: August 12, 2025, 16:45 IST News agency-feeds TMC MP writes to CJI appealing for stay on SC directions on stray dogs Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
7 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
‘Death Sentence': SC's Order To Remove Stray Dogs From Delhi's Streets Sparks Online Debate
Last Updated: The Supreme Court's order on stray dogs have left public opinion divided as people engaged in a heated debate online. The Supreme Court's order for the removal of stray dogs from the streets of Delhi-NCR has triggered massive debate online, where netizens shared divided and sharp opinions in favour and against the decision of the top court. The apex court on Monday ordered the Delhi government and civic bodies in Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad to round up stray dogs, sterilise them, and move them permanently to shelters within eight weeks. It also warned of strict action against any individual or organisation attempting to block the authorities' drive to pick up stray dogs. While the Resident Welfare Associates welcomed the order, some animal activists protested against the court online. How Did People React To SC's Stray Dog Order? Congress MP Karti Chidambaram backed the Supreme Court's order and said, 'Hope this is the beginning of serious & concerted action #StrayDogs". TMC MP Saket Gokhale termed the court's order as 'cruel and inhumane" and called for a review of the order by a larger Bench. 'The issue of management of stray dogs as well as safety of people is definitely a matter of concern. However, it is not something that can be resolved by arbitrary orders passed by the judiciary without any larger consultative process. Also, subjecting defenseless animals to wanton cruelty can never be a solution. We have sufficient laws in the country to deal with the issue of stray dogs and their sterilization as well as population control. And I agree that it is a very important issue where the welfare and safety of common people is concerned. However, the failure of municipal authorities to implement these laws and do their job cannot and should not become a reason for the judiciary to impose cruel and inhumane directions," he posted on X. Author Suhel Seth linked the Supreme Court's order to compassion and said that there needs to be a review petition for the same. 'A country that can't care for its animals especially dogs is not a country that is compassionate. The Supreme Court is so so wrong on this one. Said both as a dog lover and a proud Indian. Some one needs to file a review petition! Soonest…" he tweeted. A country that can't care for its animals especially dogs is not a country that is Supreme Court is so so wrong on this one. Said both as a dog lover and a proud Indian. Some one needs to file a review petition! Soonest… — SUHEL SETH (@Suhelseth) August 11, 2025 Actor Vir Das urged residents of Delhi-NCR to adopt a dog off the streets, citing 'humanity". 'If you are a resident of Delhi. Can I persuade you to adopt an indie off the streets, more than one? They are extremely healthy, low maintenance, and will provide you with more love affection and gratitude than you could ever imagine. Am also asking you to wholeheartedly and generously support your nearest animal welfare NGO. I plan on doing so, I hope you will too. As appeals are filed in court and processes take their time, it's important for our humanity to kick in immediately. Please do your part, big or small, it all adds up," he tweeted. If you are a resident of Delhi. Can I persuade you to adopt an indie off the streets, more than one? They are extremely healthy, low maintenance, and will provide you with more love affection and gratitude than you could ever imagine. Am also asking you to wholeheartedly and… — Vir Das (@thevirdas) August 11, 2025 Writer and Director Simi Garewal appealed to the people to sign the petition, alleging that the authorities will 'kill" stray dogs under the guise of shelter. 'Please please sign this petition for the voiceless. They will starve and kill these beautiful animals under the guise of a shelter. Please help to save them from the cruel, inhuman order of the Supreme Court," she tweeted. Please please sign this petition for the voiceless. They will starve and kill these beautiful animals under the guise of a shelter. Please help to save them from the cruel, inhuman order of the Supreme Court. 🙏🙏🙏 — Simi_Garewal (@Simi_Garewal) August 11, 2025 PETA India objected to the Supreme Court's order and said that the removal of dogs will 'cause uproar in communities" that care for them. 'Communities think of neighbourhood dogs as family, and the displacement and jailing of dogs is not scientific and has NEVER worked. Per a population survey conducted in 2022–23, Delhi has around 10 lakh community dogs, with less than half sterilised. Forced removal of some 10 lakh community dogs from Delhi's streets will cause uproar in communities that care deeply for them and chaos and suffering for the dogs on a large scale. It will also ultimately do nothing to curb the dog population, reduce rabies or prevent dog bite incidents," PETA India said. Netizens React 'The Supreme Court order on stray dogs in Delhi is nothing but a death sentence for every single stray on every single street in the national capital – and each one of us needs to raise our voice against it," wrote one user. 'I heard about cow shelters but never heard of #straydogs shelter homes I have heard about deportation centres for foreigners but never heard of deportation centres for stray dogs," a user wrote. 'Earth belongs to everyone, and not just humans. #straydogs were living with us and should live in future as well," another said. 'If a dog bites — kill it. If a bull hits — kill it. If pigeons spread disease — stop feeding them, let them die. But if a luxury car owner runs over someone — silence. If someone misbehaves with a girl — silence," a user said. 'This is going to have the biggest consequences!! Not only will we protest against it, but this will also turn everything upside down. I've always respected innocent street dogs, they're already ignored, and now this stupid decision will only raise tensions more," another netizen wrote. Expressing support for the court's order, a user wrote, 'This is a very good decision, everyone is appreciating it except some are dog lovers or they have dogs at home, we need to get rid of stray dogs asap." top videos View all Bike Riders in Delhi & all across India can relate to this Stray Dog Menace especially at Night #straydogs #straydogsmenace — Rosy (@rose_k01) August 11, 2025 'Bike Riders in Delhi & all across India can relate to this Stray Dog Menace especially at Night #straydogs #straydogsmenace," another one said. About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @ More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 12, 2025, 10:53 IST News india 'Death Sentence': SC's Order To Remove Stray Dogs From Delhi's Streets Sparks Online Debate Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
MHA says more facial recognition CCTVs to be installed in Delhi
New Delhi Security is being strengthened in the run-up to Independence Day. (Representative photo) Select parts of Delhi will be covered with facial recognition-enabled closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras as part of the ministry of home affairs' 'Safe City Project', the ministry said in a written response in Rajya Sabha to a question by Trinamool Congress (TMC) Parliamentarian Saket Gokhale. It stated that the project aims to enhance urban security and surveillance infrastructure, including the establishment of an Integrated Command, Control, Communication & Computer Centre (C4I). The 'Safe City Project', funded by the Centre, aims to ensure technology-enabled enhanced policing and better security, especially for women, and costs around ₹798 crore, officials associated with the programme said. This involves the setting up of command and control centres, with facilities for video analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and facial recognition. The ministry stated that the facial recognition system will be used to monitor 'suspected persons/criminals', and that its operation is governed by Standing Order No. Tech. & PI/04/2022, issued by Delhi Police on June 9, 2022. In August 2024, Delhi Police procured 700 facial recognition CCTV cameras to ensure robust security arrangements for the Independence Day celebrations in the city. These cameras were installed in and around the north and central districts, especially covering the Red Fort, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his Independence Day speech, to monitor VVIP movement and keep a close eye on suspicious activities. Delhi Police officers said that presently, there are nearly 25,000 CCTV cameras installed by them under various schemes, including the Safe City Project, besides installations by other agencies, such as Indian Railways and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). The city police's C4I has a facial recognition software (FRS) database of around 350,000 criminals with facial details. 'The 10,000 CCTV cameras that we will be installing under the Safe City Project will all be dynamic cameras on which the FRS can be run. Even now, we have the FRS software in our C4I through which live feed of normal CCTV cameras can also be used for identification of the suspect,' a senior police officer with the modernisation unit of the city police said. The Delhi Police has recently issued directions to commercial establishments in Aerocity, including hotels, guest houses, restaurants and petrol pumps, to install a 'sufficient number' of CCTV cameras covering a 50-metre radius outside their premises to bolster surveillance and enhance public safety ahead of Independence Day. The CCTV footage must be stored for a minimum of 90 days, officials said. 'The FRS helps us in identifying and locating high-value targets and criminals who are wanted by the law enforcement agencies or those looking for a safe haven,' said special commissioner of police (operations and modernisation) Manish Kumar Agarwal. The directive, which remains in force until September 2, aims to prevent crimes and strengthen monitoring in high-profile areas near the IGI Airport, which clocks heavy tourist footfall. A senior Delhi Police officer said that all establishments in and around the Aerocity have been asked to ensure their CCTV systems are in working order, and report any malfunction immediately to the nearest police station.
The Hindu
31-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Bihar SIR: Day ahead of publication of draft roll, CEC assures voters on claims of inclusion and exclusion
A day ahead of the publication of draft electoral rolls in Bihar following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar assured voters in the State that all electors and political parties would be invited to give claims and objections from August 1 to September 1. 'The draft electoral rolls of Bihar are being published on Friday, August 1, at the CEC said in a message to voters. 'Physical as well as digital copies will also be given to all recognised political parties in Bihar in all 38 Districts by all the 38 District Election Officers (DEOs) of Bihar.' The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar and 243 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) will also be inviting electors or any recognised political parties in Bihar to come forward and give claims and objections from August 1 to September 1 for adding and removing names and correction of entries in the draft electoral rolls, the CEC added. The final electoral roll after the SIR exercise, which began on June 24, would be published on September 30. Also Read | Bihar SIR: Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale slams electoral roll revision; claims 1.26 crore voters 'deleted' On July 27, the EC had in a detailed press note said that 91.69% of electors registered in the 2025 voter list in Bihar had submitted enumeration forms and would figure in the draft list to be published on August 1. Of the 7.89 crore electors as on June 24, 2025, over 7.24 crore electors had submitted enumeration forms, indicating overwhelming participation, the poll body said in a statement. This, in effect, means that the names of 65 lakh voters would not make it to the August 1 draft roll. The EC said the reasons for names not being found in the rolls include death, permanent relocation and being enrolled at multiple places. The poll body said young electors, who have attained 18 years of age on July 1, 2025, or would be attaining 18 years on or before October 1, 2025, are being encouraged to file their application in Form 6, along with the prescribed Declaration Form. The commission said it would conduct special campaigns across Bihar from August 1 to September 1 to enrol such young electors, so that all eligible electors can be enrolled, and no one is left out. The SIR order on June 24 had said that the exercise would be carried out across the country beginning with Bihar. The contentious exercise has also been challenged in the Supreme Court. Opposition parties have branded it as National Register of Citizens (NRC) 'through backdoor'.
Scroll.in
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Scroll.in
ED secured convictions in only 0.1% of money-laundering cases since 2015: Centre
The Enforcement Directorate secured only eight or 0.1% convictions out of the 5,892 money-laundering cases it investigated between January 2015 and June 2025, the government told Parliament. As many as 1,398 prosecution complaints, including 353 supplementary ones, had been filed in special courts under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in the 5,892 cases, Union Minister Pankaj Chaudhary said in a written reply to a question by Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale. 'Out of which, so far, the special courts have framed charges in 300 prosecution complaints, including 66 supplementary PCs [prosecution complaints],' Chaudhary said. 'As on [June 30], the PMLA special courts have convicted 15 persons in eight conviction orders.' He added that the Enforcement Directorate had filed 49 closure reports before the special courts during the 10-year period. Sharing the reply on social media, Gokhale said the data showed how the central agency functioned as a 'political mafia' for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. 'Of all cases filed by ED in 10 years, a shocking 77% cases never made it to court for trial because zero evidence,' Gokhale said in a social media post. 'Modi [government] has used the ED as a personal mafia to target the Opposition.' The Rajya Sabha MP added that in ED cases, ''the process is the punishment', which means that even innocent people take months to get bail'. He added: 'After spending crores of public money and jailing thousands of people, ED has a success rate of only 0.13% in 10 years. ED is nothing but a criminal syndicate of Modi & Shah whose only task is to run extortion rackets & washing machines for the BJP.' Shocking details given by Modi Govt in Parliament *How ED works as a political mafia for Modi & Shah* Yesterday, in Parliament, I asked the Modi Govt a question about the number of cases filed by ED that actually went to court for trial. Here's the shocking information: 👉In… — Saket Gokhale MP (@SaketGokhale) July 31, 2025 Earlier this year, the Union government said that there had been two convictions out of the 193 cases registered by the ED against MPs, MLAs and local body members in the last 10 years. One conviction took place in 2016-'17, and another took place in 2019-'20, Chaudhary had told the Rajya Sabha in March.
