PM Modi’s Silence on Manipur Initial Minutes Creates Buzz in Newspapers

Several newspapers from Manipur prominently covered Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech in the Parliament on Friday regarding the no-confidence motion. While many newspapers from Manipur featured Prime Minister Modi’s speech on the front page, some have also raised questions about his speech lasting only a few minutes.

Sourced from BBC News Hindi

The local-language Poknapham newspaper in Manipur displayed a large headline with Prime Minister Modi’s picture on its front page, stating that the Prime Minister spoke only briefly on the issues of Manipur.

According to this newspaper, it has been over three months since the Manipur violence began, yet incidents of violence continue in various areas, leading to loss of lives.

Several English newspapers from different parts of the country have prominently covered the assurance given by Prime Minister Modi in the Parliament about establishing peace in Manipur.

The English daily People’s Chronicle from Imphal, in its report published from the capital, highlighted the fact that the opposition walked out during Prime Minister Modi’s speech. In the same report, the newspaper briefly stated that there was no mention of Manipur during the first 90 minutes of Prime Minister Modi’s speech.

Apart from this, the newspaper covered the incident of sexual assault on a dead woman in Churachandpur on its front page. Similarly, the English daily Sangai Express from Imphal published a picture of Prime Minister Modi along with a headline that Amit Shah had explained in detail. In its report, the newspaper mentioned that the country stands with the people of Manipur according to Modi’s statement.

This newspaper also highlighted the opposition protest against Prime Minister Modi’s speech and mentioned the alleged rape incident with a deceased woman by Meira Paibi. Prime Minister Modi’s speech on the Manipur crisis has become a topic of discussion among local people through newspapers on Friday.

In order to convey their message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about finding an immediate solution to the Manipur crisis, a mass silent protest was organized in Imphal on Friday. Meira Paibi, a women activist, is leading this protest primarily.

Meanwhile, the English newspaper Imphal Free Press published the headline “Efforts Ongoing to Bring Peace to Manipur” while highlighting Prime Minister Modi’s speech.

This newspaper also mentioned the efforts being made by the central government in this news report

Sourced BBC News Hindi

Death Penalty for Mob Lynching, , Jail for False Marriage Pledges

Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced three bills in the Lok Sabha on Friday aimed at repealing the British-era Indian Penal Code, the Indian Evidence Act, and the Code of Criminal Procedure. Among these, the Bharatiya Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023 proposes capital punishment as the maximum penalty for mob lynching and suggests a ten-year imprisonment term for cases involving sexual intercourse with women under false promises of marriage.

Notably, the bill clarifies that consensual sexual intercourse between a man and his wife, where the wife is above eighteen years of age, cannot be considered rape. Mr. Shah also highlighted the removal of the sedition section and emphasized that the bill introduces definitions for terrorism and related offenses, such as separatism and armed rebellion against the government, which were previously covered by different legal provisions.

He added that property confiscation would require court orders. Addressing absconding criminals like Dawood Ibrahim, the bill introduces the concept of in-absentia trials, where the court can try and sentence such individuals. With 313 proposed amendments, Mr. Shah described the bills as revolutionary changes to the criminal justice system, emphasizing their aim to provide swifter justice and align with contemporary societal needs.

Mr. Shah introduced three bills: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Bill, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Bill, 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya (BS) Bill, 2023. These bills are set to replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860; the Criminal Procedure Act, 1898; and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, respectively.

The intention behind these changes is to ensure expeditious justice delivery that resonates with current requirements. Mr. Shah requested that these bills be referred to the parliamentary standing committee on home affairs.

Regarding cases of sexual violence against women, Mr. Shah mentioned the mandatory video-recording of survivor statements. He also highlighted the new provision that deems marrying or engaging in sexual relations with a woman under deception as a distinct criminal offense. In the context of police processes, Mr. Shah indicated that police must provide updates on complaint statuses within 90 days. For cases carrying a punishment of seven years or more, consultation with the victim is mandatory before withdrawal.

The bills also introduce community service for specific crimes. Regarding the timeline for filing chargesheets, a maximum limit of 180 days has been enforced. Mr. Shah stressed that investigation delays would not be accepted indefinitely; police have 90 days for filing chargesheets, extendable by 90 days by court order but no more.

Prosecution sanction against police officers and civil servants needs to be decided by the government within 120 days; otherwise, it is assumed to be approved.

To expedite trials, the Superintendent of Police (SP) in charge will now present evidence in court, eliminating delays caused by the officer’s field visits. Videography of search and seizure is made compulsory, and chargesheets won’t be accepted without it.

A designated police officer in each station will notify the relatives of an accused about their custody status, both online and physically, to prevent illegal detention.

To prevent undue favoritism in sentence remission, death sentences can only be commuted to life imprisonment, life imprisonment can only be reduced to seven years, and seven years’ imprisonment can be waived only up to three years, regardless of political influence.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) recently confiscated 6.33 kilograms of dry ganja, with an estimated value of Rs 3.16 lakh, from a train at the Mangaluru Junction railway station.

This seizure occurred on Thursday during an inspection conducted by the RPF team, in collaboration with the Crime Investigation Bureau of Palakkad railway division and the state excise department.

The inspection was part of preparations ahead of Independence Day.

The ganja was discovered in a general coach of the Karwar-Yeshwantpur Express train. Since no individual claimed ownership of the baggage containing the cannabis, RPF personnel took possession of the bag and subsequently uncovered the illicit substance concealed within. Subsequently, the confiscated contraband was handed over to the excise department. In accordance with the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, a case has been registered.