Main Page                                                 Archives

Now, right to 'not to vote' in the offing

     New Delhi: The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Attorney General of India today on a petition filed seeking confirmation of a voter's right to not to vote on the ground that the candidates in fray are not suitable. At present, the provisions of the Representation of Peoples Act allows a voter to visit the Returning Officer's office and register his name as the one who does not want to use his voting right as the candidates in the fray are not suitable according to him or her. The petition has already been supported by the Election Commission, saying that it has already written twice to the Government in 2001 and 2004 seeking amendment to the Representation of People Act. The EC has written to the government to ensure that a voter can exercise his right not to vote in the ballot paper or the electronic voting machine itself. The court, after issuing the notice, adjourned the matter for four weeks.

Governor removal petition to Constitution bench (Go To Top)

     New Delhi: The Supreme Court has referred the petition challenging the removal of four Governors by the UPA Government to the constitution Bench. Referring it to the constitution bench, the SC said, it required interpretation of constitutional provisions relating to appointment and removal of Governors. The Congress-led UPA Government removed the Governors of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Gujarat after it assumed power at the Centre. The Centre has earlier justified the removal of Governors. It has said in the Supreme Court that the term of office of five years for a Governor is subject to the doctrine of pleasure of the President embodied in Article 156 (1) of the Constitution. In response to a petition in the Supreme Court, Centre has said that the President had unfettered powers to order removal of Governors and they could not be questioned by a Court of law. The Union Home Ministry said this in an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, which has admitted a petition filed by B P Singhal challenging the July 2, 2004 Presidential order removing Kailashpati Mishra, Kidar Nath Sahani, Babu Parmanand and Vishnu Kant Sashtri as Governors of Gujarat, Goa, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, respectively.

President inaugurates folk dance festival (Go To Top)

     New Delhi: President APJ Abdul Kalam today inaugurated a six day-long festival of folk dances, a part of Republic Day celebrations. The festival will continue till January 29 when Republic Day celebrations conclude with the Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk. Authorities believe the festival will go a long way in preserving, promoting and disseminating Indian folk dances. Over 800 folk artists and 750 school children from across the country are participating in the annual festival. Folk dances are also part of the cultural fiesta at the Republic Day parade. The festival present colourful folk dances from 27 states and two union territories, beginning with a dance sequence by Leh followed by different northeastern states, finally showcasing talents from other parts of the nation.