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CJI rules out Lok Pal for judiciary

     New Delhi: Chief Justice of India RC Lahoti has expressed his disagreement with any proposal of bringing the judiciary under the Lok Pal bill as the Constitution doesn't permit it. The UPA Government had set up a Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Pranab Mukherjee to tighten up the provisions of the existing Lok Pal Bill by bringing judiciary also within the ambit of the inquiry powers of the Lok Pal. Union Law Minister H R Bharadwaj had said that there was public demand to bring all three wings of the State within the ambit of a watchdog to bring in transparency in their functioning. Bharadwaj had also said that GoM would not consult the CJI and would give its suggestions by working independently. The government felt that every one except the head of the three wings - the President, the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of India - should be brought within the purview of the Lok Pal. The Bill is getting delayed due to differences over its powers regarding the Prime Minister and other authorities.

Karthikeyan 15th in Australian Grand Prix (Go To Top)

     Melbourne: Narain Karthikeyan, the Indian Diver participating in the Australian Grand Prix, who was successful in securing ninth place in the first qualifying, 12th in the second, was finally placed 15th in the Australian Grand Prix. Renault driver Giancarlo Fisichella won the title of Formula One champion at the 5.303 km Albert Park circuit. Rubens Barrichello secured second position and Renault driver Fernando Alonso got the third rank. India`s Formula One rookie Narain Karthikeyan pushed behind several veterans. Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher retired after a collision with Williams` Nick Heidfeld. The 28-year-old is the first Indian to compete in the Formula One circuit. He started in 12th place at the season opening Australian Grand Prix. He bettered his timing at 1 minute 32.735, which was almost 12 seconds faster than his previous effort. Karthikeyan, who was driving Jordan, finished the two qualifying rounds at a combined timing of 3 minutes 17.092 seconds at the Albert Park Circuit.

First batch of 1,000 Pak cricket fans arrive (Go To Top)

     Wagah: The first batch of Pakistani cricket fans crossed into India on Sunday amidst beating of drums and dancing by their Indian hosts. Pakistan takes on India next week in Mohali in the first of the three-test series being held after a span of six years. About 1,000 fans crossed over to India through Wagah check post, the only land route between the two countries. Around 4,000 Pakistani cricket fans are expected to follow their national team for the first match in the much-anticipated test series. Salem Khan, who arrived with his family in India, hoped to watch a good cricket series. "We are feeling very nice after coming here. It feels as though we are in Pakistan only. We gave them good hospitality and hope the same from them. Cricket and politics should remain separate," said Khan.

      The External Affairs Ministry has issued visas to all the cricket fans who want to see the clash. Indian fans had received a very warm welcome in Pakistan in a series that help build goodwill between the citizens of two nuclear rivals. For 70-year-old Shahrukh Khan, whose brother lives in Amritsar, the series has given him a chance to meet his brother again. "This is a very good thing we should meet. There should be a true game, whether it is cricket, hockey or football. With this friendship strengthens, otherwise these things continue. God has given both the countries a chance to come together and meet each other," said Khan. "About 7000-8000 fan are going to come. Tickets were given to us easily," said Liyaqat Khan, another fan. Relations between India and Pakistan, which have fought three wars, have improved in the past 15 months and sporting, diplomatic, commercial and travel links have been strengthened. The Pakistan side have already arrived in Chandigarh after their opening warm up match against a first-class side in Dharamshala.

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