Latest news with #Lal
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
University staff organisation against exclusion of Vedan's songs from CU syllabus
The Confederation of University Employees Organisations, Kerala, has urged Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who is also the Chancellor of Calicut University (CU), to direct P. Raveendran, Vice-Chancellor (V-C), not to exclude the songs of rapper Hirandas Murali (Vedan) and singer Gowry Lekshmi from the syllabus of the B.A. (Malayalam) course. In a letter to the Chancellor, Hari Lal, general secretary of the organisation, alleged that the V-C is reportedly planning to remove the songs earlier included in the syllabus based on a report by M.M. Basheer, literary critic. Mr. Lal claimed that Mr. Basheer was asked to examine the songs after some people with a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh background filed complaints against them. 'This is a ploy to saffronise the secular mindset of the State. The V-C's move is based on complaints lodged by people illegally nominated by the Chancellor,' Mr. Lal alleged. He pointed out that the reported plan to bypass the powers of the Board of Studies, faculty members, and the academic council in designing the syllabus and curricula of courses in universities by an expert committee constituted by the V-C could lead to serious repercussions. Mr. Lal said that the functioning of these bodies was based on an Act and statutes framed and approved by the State legislature. Disturbing this system would affect the democratic fabric of the academic system, he said. 'We shall not axe the creativity of our society by edging out universally accepted rap music from the aspect of comparative studies. We must try to incorporate musical icons of our land to enrich our higher education,' he said.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Gehlot admits Udaipur beheading case impacted 2023 poll loss
1 2 Jaipur: Former CM Ashok Gehlot acknowledged Thursday that BJP's campaign focusing on the 2022 Kanhaiya Lal murder case contributed to his govt's electoral defeat in 2023. The case involved the brutal killing of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor in Udaipur, who was beheaded inside his shop on June 28, 2022, by two assailants who filmed and shared the act on social media. The accused, Mohammad Riyaz Akhtari and Ghaus, were arrested within four hours after the crime. The murder occurred against a backdrop of escalating communal tensions following riots in Karauli, Jodhpur and Bhilwara. Despite claims by the Police Headquarters' intelligence wing about issuing a statewide alert, local law enforcement failed to act on multiple warnings. Investigation revealed that Lal had been facing threats after an FIR was filed against him on June 10 for allegedly supporting controversial remarks by former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. Although Lal explained that a child had accidentally liked a social media post from his phone, which he later removed, he continued receiving threats. Nevertheless, threats followed, and the environment in Udaipur grew increasingly volatile, with a series of protests and provocative slogans. Lal began receiving threats on his mobile phone and WhatsApp. On June 15, he formally approached police, fearing for his life. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Instead of initiating a probe, police called both parties for a "compromise." Lal shut his shop for several days. When he reopened on June 28—having installed a CCTV camera—he was murdered the same day. The incident sparked widespread outrage, particularly due to the contrast between swift action on the initial FIR against Lal and the negligent handling of his protection plea. Subsequently, several police officials, including the SHO and an ASI, were suspended, while senior officials, including the Udaipur IG and SP, were transferred. Though the Congress govt was initially reluctant to involve central agencies, it later agreed to hand over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Gehlot publicly urged the NIA to expedite its investigation, framing the act as one of terrorism, not merely communal violence. The case significantly impacted the political landscape of Rajasthan, ultimately contributing to the Congress party's defeat in the 2023 state elections, as acknowledged by Gehlot himself.
India.com
6 days ago
- India.com
7 Unexpected Reasons Why Indore Is A Backpacker's Dream Come True
Indore is the largest city in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Most international tourists neglect this city and head to bigger hotspots like Jaipur, Goa, and Kerala. However, Indore silently became a hot spot for backpackers who try to experience real India at a fraction of a cost. With cultural diversity, delicious street bites, cheaper places to stay, and welcoming locals, Indore has almost everything a traveler needs without burning a hole in their pocket. Here are seven compelling reasons why Indore is the perfect destination for backpackers. 1. Affordable Accommodations Backpackers flocking to Indore will not have a hard time finding affordable lodging. Indore boasts a wide range of cost-effective accommodations ranging from hostels and guesthouses to mid-range hotels. Many hostels in Indore are tailored specifically for backpackers and provide basic amenities in dormitory-style rooms. Those in search for budget hotels can find them easily in Indore. Starting from only ₹500-₹800, budget hotels offer clean rooms with air conditioners and breakfast. This lets backpackers enjoy all the city has to offer and relax their travel budgets. 2. Paradise For The Gastronomes Their specialties add Indore to the list of culinary cities in India. Street food is very famous in Indore, for example: Poha-Jalebi, bhutte ka kees, and Sabudana khichdi. The night market Sarafa Bazaars is an open food court during night, where you can find all local specialties for cheap. Indore is also known for its delicious North Indian, Rajasthani, and Mughlai restaurants. And the best part is, these meals won't leave you penniless – they are within the range of 50 to 200 rupees. 3. Preservation of Old Traditions Modern as it is, Indore continues to gloat over its old world charm because of its key architectural features and cultural heritage. The Rajwada Palace is one of the most famous structural beauties in the city which reflects the Maratha, Mughal, and French styles of architecture. Furthermore, Indore houses Lal Baag Palace which is appreciated for its grandiose looking interiors and huge lawns built around. Spirituality enthusiasts can go visit Khajrana Ganesh Temple or can appreciate all the beauty and peace at Annapurna Temple. These places not only give an understanding of Indore's culture but are also great for photography. 4. A Hidden Nature Paradise Naturist lovers are in for a treat as Indore is an entry point to a spectacular nature zone that is only a few hours drive away. 'The queen of Satpura' Pachmarhi Hill Station is approximately 180 kilometers from Indore and is a green master piece of forest, mounted with hundreds of breathtaking waterfalls and is home to innumerable trekking paths for adventure junkies. Also, the town of Mandu is a city in ruins that is magically placed on a plateau. This city has powerful remains of ancient forts and palaces and will take your breath away with its striking views. These places can be reached using public transportation or private taxis, and are perfect for backpackers as they can be visited on weekends or even for day trips. 5. Colorful Local Markets Indore's dynamic markets will certainly catch the eye of shopping lovers. Often referred to for the traditional attire and souvenir sale, Sitabuldi Market and Chappan Dukan also have a range of handicrafts and jewelry on offer at incredibly low rates. Do remember to negotiate as no one pays the marked price. Additionally, aside from shopping, these markets provide an insight into life in Indore and offer a chance to meet the locals, thus getting the feel of the city. 6. Great Connectivity Backpackers find it very easy to travel within and to the outskirts of the city because of Indore's good infrastructure. Major cities in India are connected to Indore through the Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport and intercity trains are also available at the Indore Junction railway station. The city itself has no scarcity of means of transport such as auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and even app based taxi services such as Ola and Uber. Also, with Indore being located in central Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, Ujjain, and Omkareshwar are also very easily accessible. 7. Indore offers their guests warm hospitality and safe environment Indore is famous for its hospitality as residents tend to go out of their way to make guests comfortable. The locals are quite friendly and love to share more details about their city which greatly adds to the experience. Regarding safety, Indore's crime rate is one of the lowest in the country, which gives it a top position in the list of safest cities in India. Solo women travelers will be glad to learn that the city is considered a women friendly city and there are plenty of cafes and co-working places for women on the go. Final word on Indore For those who enjoy backpacking, India may not be the most welcoming country Indore, India is certainly a city that you will definitely want to visit. The indescribable blend of affordable living, delicious food, amazing history and great nature of the city makes it a dream come true for any penny pinching traveler. It enables you to stroll in its old parts, relish its amazing street food or plan for some adventures in nearby hills and ruins. Indore is guaranteed to be one of your best experiences ever. Hence get all your adventure gear and a camera and get ready to explore and see for yourself how Indore is the mecca for backpackers.
Scroll.in
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Scroll.in
SC refuses to lift stay on ‘Udaipur Files' release, asks Centre to review film by July 21
The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to lift the stay on the release of the Hindi film Udaipur Files, which is reportedly based on the 2022 killing of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal, Bar and Bench reported. The film was scheduled to be released on July 11. The Delhi High Court had stayed the release on June 10 and directed the Union government to examine the film's content. On Wednesday, a Supreme Court bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymala Bagchi said that it expected the Union government to take its decision ' immediately, without loss of time ', reported Live Law. The bench added that it would await the outcome of the government's review and listed the matter for further hearing on July 21. In June 2022, Lal, a tailor, was killed in Rajasthan's Udaipur for purportedly sharing a social media post in support of suspended Bharatiya Janata Party Spokesperson Nupur Sharma. She had made disparaging remarks about Prophet Muhammad during a television debate in May 2022. The assailants and several other persons accused in the matter were arrested by the Rajasthan Police. A video showed two men claiming responsibility for the killing of Lal as they brandished the cleavers used in the murder. The murder case was investigated by the National Investigation Agency and the persons accused in the matter were charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. The trial is underway in a Special NIA Court in Jaipur. The High Court had stayed the release of Udaipur Files while hearing a batch of petitions, including one filed by Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind chief Maulana Arshad Madani, seeking a ban on the film. The petitioners had alleged that the film is communally provocative and vilifies the Muslim community A day before the order, the Supreme Court had heard a writ petition filed by Mohammed Javed, one of the eight persons accused in the murder case. Javed argued that the release of the film would violate his right to a fair trial. He had sought that the release of the film be postponed until the trial in the matter concluded. The petitioner also argued that the film, based on its trailer, appeared to be communally provocative. In response, the Supreme Court said that the petition could be mentioned before the appropriate bench when the Supreme Court reopened on July 14 after the summer break. It added that the movie could be released in the meantime.
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Business Standard
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
SC defers hearing on 'Udaipur Files', tells makers to await govt decision
The Supreme Court on Wednesday postponed the hearing on the controversial film 'Udaipur Files – Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder' to July 21 and asked the filmmakers to await the decision of the panel appointed by the Centre to assess objections against the movie, news agency PTI reported. The government panel is scheduled to meet at 2:30 pm on Wednesday. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi observed that if the film is released and later found to be problematic, no compensation would be available to the accused in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case in terms of restoring their reputation. In contrast, the filmmakers, if the release is delayed or blocked, can be compensated monetarily. Why did Delhi High Court stay film's release? The film's release, originally scheduled for July 11, was stayed by the Delhi High Court on July 10. The court directed the petitioners, who had filed pleas seeking a permanent ban on the movie, to approach the Centre within two days, stating that the film had the potential to "promote disharmony" in society. The high court bench noted that the petitioners had not first approached the Union government, as required, and asked the govt panel to grant the accused in the murder case an opportunity to be heard. Kanhaiya Lal's murder and controversy around the film 'Udaipur Files' is based on the killing of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur, Rajasthan, in June 2022. Lal was allegedly murdered by Mohammad Riyaz and Mohammad Ghous, who later released a video claiming responsibility. In the video, they said the attack was in retaliation for an alleged social media post by Lal supporting former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, who had made controversial remarks about Prophet Muhammad. The incident triggered nationwide outrage, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the probe. The accused were booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and various sections of the Indian Penal Code. Their trial is ongoing in a special NIA court in Jaipur. Petitioners flag trailer, allege risk of communal tension The legal challenge against the film was led by petitioners including Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president and Darul Uloom Deoband principal Maulana Arshad Madani. Their petition cited the film's trailer, released on June 26, which they claim contains provocative dialogues and instances that led to communal disharmony in 2022. They argue that releasing the film could rekindle those tensions and disrupt public order. The petitioners have demanded that the release of 'Udaipur Files' be stayed to prevent the judicial process from being compromised and to avoid societal prejudice. They have also objected to the trailer and the film's promotion campaign. (With agency inputs)
