Election Petition to Challenge Poll in Arunachal
July 16, 2009
The Gauhati High Court received and admitted into court an Election Petition filed by former BJP MP Kiren Rijiju.
The Election Petition was filed against Congress MP Takam Sanjoy and others. It challenges the results of the poll held on 16th April 2009 in Arunachal Pradesh, and accuses Congress of vote rigging. In May, the Election Commission of India refused Rijiju’s request for a repoll of 65 voting booths.
The next hearing is scheduled for 20th August 2009.
India’s Monsoon 2009
July 3, 2009
The delay in India’s monsoon rains has ended. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that the southwest monsoon has now covered the entire country. The monsoon is currently 12 days ahead of its normal schedule.
Like many other places in India, the Roing Township, Lower Dibang Valley District, is being affected by flash floods. Power and water supplies have been disrupted. Residents are being advised to preserve as much water as possible whenever water is available in the system.
In the neighbouring state of Assam, a red alert was sounded as a result of severe rainfalls. Flash floods have displaced approximately 200,000 people.
The monsoon is vital to many Indian farmers, who rely on the rainfalls to water their crops.
Homosexuality Decriminalised in India
July 3, 2009
On 2nd July 2009, the Delhi High Court issued a landmark ruling in favour of gay rights. It decriminalised homosexual acts between consenting adults.
The court held that Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code was in violation of India’s Constitution. The Chief Justice stated:
If there is one constitutional tenet that can be said to be underlying theme of the Indian Constitution, it is that of ‘inclusiveness’.
Where society can display inclusiveness and understanding, such persons can be assured of a life of dignity and nondiscrimination.
It cannot be forgotten that discrimination is antithesis of equality and that it is the recognition of equality which will foster the dignity of every individual.
This ruling is a huge step forward for human rights groups and the gay community in India.
Those opposed to gay rights have already indicated that they will challenge this landmark ruling.