SC Puts Brakes on ‘Temple Beneath Mosque’ Surveys, Prepares for Legal Clash Over Places of Worship Act
The Supreme Court on Thursday directed that no new lawsuits or pleas seeking surveys of mosques to determine if temples exist beneath them should be entertained, while also halting proceedings in ongoing cases. This comes as the court examines petitions challenging the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which preserves the religious character of places of worship as they stood at the time of India’s Independence. The law, however, has been contested by petitioners who argue it infringes upon the rights of Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs to reclaim worship sites they believe were destroyed during historical invasions. The court’s intervention aims to prevent further communal tensions while it reviews the constitutional validity of the Act.
Union Cabinet clears ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill; Set to Be Presented in Ongoing Winter Session
The Union Cabinet has approved the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill, which aims to hold simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. The bill, expected to be tabled in the ongoing Winter session of Parliament, will be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for review. This initiative, backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and supported by leaders like former President Ram Nath Kovind and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is seen as a potential game-changer for India's electoral system, with proponents citing benefits like reduced wastage of time and public funds, as well as possible economic growth.
Devendra Fadnavis Confirmed as Maharashtra’s Next Chief Minister: Report
A senior BJP leader confirmed on Sunday that Devendra Fadnavis has been finalized as Maharashtra's new Chief Minister. The party is set to hold a meeting to elect the new BJP legislature party leader on December 2 or 3. Caretaker CM Eknath Shinde expressed his "unconditional support" for the decision, which will be made by the BJP's top leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and party president JP Nadda. Shinde also addressed speculation about his son Shrikant Shinde potentially becoming Deputy CM and emphasized that the Mahayuti allies will form the government through consensus.
SC Directs Sambhal Trial Court to Refrain from Passing Orders on Survey of Mughal-Era Mosque
The Supreme Court on Friday intervened in the dispute over the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, halting a controversial survey ordered by a local court. The Court restrained any further action on the survey until January 8, 2024, and directed the mosque’s management committee to approach the Allahabad High Court for a review. The decision comes after violence erupted during the survey on November 24, resulting in four deaths. The mosque committee challenged the survey, citing concerns over communal tensions and violations of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which prohibits changes to the religious character of sites as they existed on August 15, 1947.
Netanyahu Announces Support for a Proposed Ceasefire with Hezbollah
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday recommended that his Cabinet approve a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, aiming to end nearly 14 months of conflict tied to the Gaza war. As Israel intensified its bombardment of southern Lebanon, Netanyahu warned that any violation by Hezbollah would lead to strong retaliation. The ceasefire proposal includes a two-month halt in fighting, with Hezbollah withdrawing from southern Lebanon, and U.N. peacekeepers monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for an immediate ceasefire, condemning Israeli airstrikes and urging the international community to intervene swiftly.
