Latest news with #TerroristandDisruptiveActivities(Prevention)Act
Mint
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Who is Ujjwal Nikam? Rajya Sabha nominee and prosecutor in 26/11 Mumbai attack trial against Ajmal Kasab
President Droupadi Murmu nominated four prominent leaders to the Rajya Sabha on Saturday, July 12. One of them is Advocate and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ujjwal Deorao Nikam. Ujjwal Deorao Nikam is a public prosecutor known for handling high-profile criminal cases. He hails from Maharashtra's Jalgaon. One of the key cases he handled as the Special Public Prosecutor was the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack trial. The celebrated lawyer had represented Maharashtra and lead the prosecution against terrorist Ajmal Kasab. The 1991 Bombay bomb blasts case, the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, and the 2003 Gateway of India bombings are among other terror-related cases where he represented Maharashtra. Nikam also argued in major cases such as the Gulshan Kumar murder case and the murder trial of BJP leader Pramod Mahajan, News 18 reported. In his decades-long career, Nikam worked under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, the Hindu reported. Nikam has also received several awards for his contribution to the legal field. In 2016, the Government of India awarded him the prestigious Padma Shri. Ujjwal Nikam is also a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader. He lost Maharashtra's Mumbai North Central seat in the Lok Sabha elections 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Ujjwal Nikam, saying that his 'devotion to the legal field and to our Constitution is exemplary.' Nikam "has not only been a successful lawyer but also been at the forefront of seeking justice in important cases," PM Modi said, adding that during his entire legal career, he has always worked to strengthen Constitutional values and ensure common citizens are always treated with dignity. "It's gladdening that the President of India has nominated him to the Rajya Sabha. My best wishes for his Parliamentary innings," Nikam said. On being nominated to the Rajya Sabha, Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said, "Its a proud moment for me. I never thought or expected to be nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha by the President of India." He said he had received a phone call from PM Narendra Modi, who had asked him 'if he should talk in Hi ndi or in Marathi. Both of us started laughing.' "He then spoke to me in Marathi and told me that the President wants to give me responsibility, after which he informed me about the President's decision. I immediately said yes...," Nikam said. "I want to thank the President, the Prime Minister and the party leadership. I assure that I will discharge my duties as a member of the Rajya Sabha, representing the President of India, truly and honestly...," he added. Besides Nikam, three others have also been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President Murmu. They are Former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Kerala BJP leader C Sadanandan Master, and historian Meenakshi Jain.
The Hindu
13-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Kasab prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to former diplomat Shringla — a look at the four nominees for Rajya Sabha
The President has nominated former diplomat Harsh Shringla, Special Public Prosecutor in Ajmal Kasab case Ujjwal Nikam, historian Meenakshi Jain, and Kerala teacher C. Sadanandan Master to the Rajya Sabha, marking an entry of two high-profile people to the Upper House. In a notification issued on Saturday (July 12, 2025) The Union Home Ministry said the President nominated the four to fill the vacancies caused due to retirement of nominated members. In total, the President of India nominates 12 persons as her nominees to the Rajya Sabha — persons known for their eminence in the fields of arts and letters, and public service. Out of these 12, four seats are currently vacant. A look at the four new members of the Rajya Sabha Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a retired diplomat of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), served as a Foreign Secretary of India and as an Ambassador to the United States. Prior to that, Mr. Shringla served as India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh. Graduating from St. Stephen's college, Delhi University, Mr. Shringla worked in public sectors before joining as a (1984 batch) IFS officer. Mr. Shringla, in his first ambassadorial assignment, served Thailand for a period of two years. He was also given the charge as the coordinator of G-20 Summit, which India hosted for the first time, across multiple cities in November 2023. Ujjwal Nikam, a celebrated lawyer, has represented Maharashtra in several court cases, the most notable being a Special Public Prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack trial of Ajmal Kasab and the 1991 Bombay bomb blasts case. In his decades-long career, Mr. Nikam has worked under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act. Mr. Nikam has also been a recipient of several awards for his contribution to the legal field. He was fielded by the BJP in 2024 in the Lok Sabha elections as a candidate from Maharashtra's Mumbai North seat, replacing Poonam Mahajan. C Sadanandan Master, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran from Kannur district in Kerala, is reckoned a 'living martyr' by the party after he lost both his legs in a suspected Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] attack in 1994. The lower primary school teacher had contested as the BJP candidate from the Koothuparambu constituency in the 2021 Kerala legislative Assembly elections. Mr. Sadanandan Master had served as the president of the National Teachers' Union and is an active member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh think tank. Bharatiya Vichara Kendram. Dr. Meenakshi Jain, a noted historian, served as an Associate Professor of history at Gargi college, Delhi University. She has served as a fellow of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, was a member of the governing council of Indian Council of Historical Research, and was a senior fellow of the Indian Council of Social Science Research. Her most notable published works include: The Battle for Rama: Case of the temple at Ayodhya, Sati: Evangelicals, Baptist Missionaries and the changing Colonial Discourse, Parallel Pathways: Essays on Hindu–Muslim Relations, Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples. Dr. Jain was also conferred the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, for her contribution to the the field of literature and education.
Hindustan Times
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Abu Salem told to approach SC for clarity on remission in 1993 blasts case
MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court on Monday directed gangster Abu Salem to approach the Supreme Court for clarification on whether he is entitled to remission while serving a life sentence in two Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) cases, including the 1993 Mumbai serial bombings. Mumbai : Underworld don Abu Salem walks out of the Sessions Court after a hearing in Mumbai on Wednesday. PTI Photo by Mitesh Bhuvad (PTI1_18_2012_000148A) (PTI) {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} A division bench of Justice Ajey Gadkari and Justice Rajesh Patil was hearing Salem's plea seeking early release on the grounds that he would complete 25 years of imprisonment by March 31, 2025. Salem argued that his release was mandated under the terms of his 2005 extradition from Portugal, in which the Indian government had given a solemn assurance to Portuguese authorities that he would not be sentenced to death or imprisoned for more than 25 years. {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} The confusion stems from the fact that Salem was arrested in one case on October 11, 2005, and in another on October 24, 2005. He was later convicted in both cases on February 25, 2015, and September 7, 2017, respectively. In July 2024, he had moved a special TADA court seeking a tentative date of release, but the court declined to consider remission, citing the grave nature of the offences. {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} In July 2022, while deciding Salem's appeals against convictions in both cases, the Supreme Court observed that Salem's sentence must be computed from October 12, 2005, the date of his arrest, and that he was entitled to release upon completing 25 years in custody. The apex court also stated that the Centre would be bound to advise the President under Article 72 of the Constitution once this term was completed. {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} In July 2022, while deciding Salem's appeals against convictions in both cases, the Supreme Court observed that Salem's sentence must be computed from October 12, 2005, the date of his arrest, and that he was entitled to release upon completing 25 years in custody. The apex court also stated that the Centre would be bound to advise the President under Article 72 of the Constitution once this term was completed. {{/usCountry}} Read More {{^usCountry}} On Monday, however, additional solicitor general Anil Singh contended that Salem was conflating separate conviction periods to claim that he had already completed 24 years and nine months of detention by the time he approached the TADA court. Singh submitted that, as per the Ministry of Home Affairs' calculation, Salem had only completed 19 years, five months, and 21 days of imprisonment. {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} On Monday, however, additional solicitor general Anil Singh contended that Salem was conflating separate conviction periods to claim that he had already completed 24 years and nine months of detention by the time he approached the TADA court. Singh submitted that, as per the Ministry of Home Affairs' calculation, Salem had only completed 19 years, five months, and 21 days of imprisonment. {{/usCountry}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Salem's counsel, senior advocate Rishi Malhotra, insisted that both sentences were running concurrently and, taking into account his pre-trial custody, time served, and jail-earned remission, Salem had effectively completed 25 years on March 31, 2025. 'They are not considering my jail-earned remission,' Malhotra told the court. Remission can be granted on various grounds, including good behaviour and completion of a portion of the sentence. However, the high court pointed out that the Supreme Court's 2022 ruling made no mention of remission. 'Do you want us to say something that the Supreme Court has not said?' the bench asked. 'This clarification needs to come from the Supreme Court,' it added. The bench admitted Salem's petition but declined interim relief, stating that it would be heard in due course. {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
1993 serial blasts: Bombay HC says Abu Salem's 25-year jail term prima facie not over yet
The Bombay High Court on Monday prima facie observed that gangster Abu Salem, who has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, has not completed 25 years of incarceration to qualify for remission of his sentence. Salem has claimed that he has completed nearly 25 years in prison as per extradition treaty between India and Portugal and therefore he should be given a tentative date of release from jail. The HC admitted Salem's plea seeking remission and premature release from jail argued through senior advocate Rishi Malhotra and advocate Farhana Shah 'As per the Supreme Court judgment, it is recorded that the date of arrest is October 12, 2005. On completion of 25 years of incarceration, the central government is bound to exercise the powers of remission and release the applicant. Prima facie, it is clear that the 25 years of incarceration is yet to be completed,' a bench of Justices Ajey S Gadkari and Rajesh S Patil observed and admitted the plea. Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh for Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sought dismissal of Salem's plea stating that honouring the 25-year period mentioned in assurance will arise only when the 25 years were to expire, which will happen on November 10, 2030. The MHA said that it would abide by the period of 25 years at an appropriate time subject to remedies, which may be available. Salem, who was transferred from Taloja Central Prison in Navi Mumbai to Nashik Central Prison last year, was extradited to India from Portugal on November 11, 2005. He was placed under arrest on November 24, 2005, and subsequently tried for the offences he had been charged with. In September 2017, Salem was convicted in the Mumbai serial blasts case. Two years earlier, in 2015, he had been sentenced to life imprisonment for the 1995 murder of Mumbai-based builder Pradeep Jain. On July 11, 2022, the Supreme Court observed that the central government was bound to advise the President to exercise his powers of remission to release Salem after he completes 25 years in prison, in accordance with the sovereign assurance given by the Indian government to Portugal at the time of his extradition. However, the court declined to extend any special privilege to commute or restrict the sentence imposed on him. In October last year, Salem argued before the special court designated under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) that he had neared 25-year term and same included time spent as an undertrial and later as a convict, along with nearly three years of remission he was entitled to under prison rules. In December, 2024, the special court rejected Salem's claim, after which he approached the High Court. The MHA's affidavit in response stated that the plea was 'entirely misconceived, baseless and is based on a misplaced understanding of law'. The Centre further said that the petitioner should approach the SC for further clarification as it would be the appropriate forum. The MHA said that the petitioner's calculation was 'not correct' and he has 'attempted to combine two separate conviction periods undergone in separate cases to arrive at a conclusion' that he completed a conviction period of 24 years and nine months on December 31, 2024. However, the MHA in its May, 2025 affidavit claimed that till March 31, 2025 he had served 19 years, 5 months and 21 days. The HC will hear the plea in due course.
Indian Express
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Top 10 celebrities convicted for crimes ranging from murder, rape to shoplifting: Diddy, Shiney Ahuja to Robert Downey Jr
Top 10 celebrity crime convictions: In a world where fame often brings power, influence, and adoration, it can be easy to forget that celebrities are still fallible – just as human, just as flawed as anyone else. But when public figures cross legal lines, the consequences unfold not just in courtrooms but also under the relentless scrutiny of the public eye. One name that recently forced this uncomfortable truth into the spotlight is Sean 'Diddy' Combs, the hip-hop mogul and music industry titan who, after years of whispers and lawsuits, has now been convicted in a federal court. In July 2025, a jury found Combs guilty on two felony counts of transportation to engage in prostitution under the Mann Act, a law dating back to 1910. These charges relate to the coerced travel of his former partner, singer Cassie Ventura, and another woman identified only as 'Jane,' both of whom testified during the trial. Combs was acquitted on three other charges, including racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking. Still, the guilty verdict marks a seismic fall for the 55-year-old artist once synonymous with glamour, success, and cultural dominance. Diddy's story is far from unique. Over the years, several A-listers have been convicted of crimes — from drug possession and assault to manslaughter and tax evasion. This listicle delves into 10 high-profile celebrities with criminal records, focusing only on those with confirmed legal outcomes. Once a towering figure in global music, Diddy's legacy has been rocked by criminal convictions. In a 2025 federal trial, he was found guilty of two counts of transporting women – including ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura – for prostitution, under the Mann Act. Though acquitted of more serious charges like racketeering and sex trafficking, the felony convictions carry serious legal and reputational consequences. More fallout may follow. Attorney Tony Buzbee claims over 100 men and women have accused Diddy of rape and assault. One woman alleged she was gang raped at age 17 after being drugged at a 2003 party. While Combs's team dismisses the lawsuits as publicity stunts, the convictions have added weight to the mounting allegations. Sanjay Dutt's conviction remains one of the most talked-about legal sagas in Indian cinema. In 1993, following the devastating Mumbai bomb blasts, Dutt was arrested under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) for illegally possessing an AK-56 rifle, which was part of a consignment linked to the bombings. Though he was acquitted of terrorism charges, he was convicted in 2006 under the Arms Act for illegal possession of firearms. After years of legal proceedings and appeals, Dutt was sentenced to five years in prison and ultimately served over four years, including time at Yerwada Central Jail. Before becoming Tony Stark, Robert Downey Jr. was one of Hollywood's most tragic cautionary tales. Struggling with addiction in the 90s, Downey was repeatedly arrested for possession of heroin, cocaine, and unlicensed firearms. He was famously found wandering into a neighbour's house under the influence and passed out in their bed. In 1999, after multiple probation violations, he was sentenced to three years in prison, though he served roughly a year before early release. In 2009, Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja was arrested for raping his domestic help—a case that sent shockwaves through the film industry. Though the victim later recanted her statement, the court found the original testimony credible and convicted Ahuja in 2011 under Section 376 (rape) and other charges. He was sentenced to seven years in prison, though he spent about three years in jail before being released on bail pending appeal. Wesley Snipes' high-flying Hollywood career hit a wall when he was convicted in 2008 on three misdemeanor counts of failing to file federal income tax returns. Prosecutors claimed he hadn't paid taxes for years, despite earning tens of millions. Though he was acquitted of the more severe felony tax fraud charges, he still served nearly three years in prison. In 1992, boxing champion Mike Tyson was convicted of raping 18-year-old Desiree Washington, a beauty pageant contestant, in an incident that took place at a hotel in Indianapolis in July 1991. The jury found Tyson guilty after about 10 hours of deliberation, rejecting his defense that the encounter was consensual. Tyson was sentenced to six years in prison and served approximately three years before being released on parole in 1995. The conviction shocked the sports world and dramatically altered Tyson's public image overnight, marking a significant turning point in his career. Despite this setback, Tyson later returned to the boxing ring and expanded his career into entertainment, including notable acting roles such as in The Hangover film series. In 2001, Stranger Things star Winona Ryder was arrested for shoplifting over $5,500 worth of merchandise from a Beverly Hills Saks Fifth Avenue store. She was later convicted of felony grand theft and vandalism, receiving three years' probation, 480 hours of community service, and fines. The incident damaged her career for years, leading to a hiatus from leading roles in Hollywood. Ryder eventually made a well-received comeback, and her 2000s-era troubles are now often seen as part of the conversation around mental health and celebrity pressure. Shia LaBeouf is known for his acting talent as well as his history of erratic behaviour and legal troubles. Over the years, he has been arrested multiple times for offenses such as disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and drunk driving. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2017, when LaBeouf was arrested in Savannah, Georgia, for public drunkenness and disorderly conduct. During this arrest, he was caught on camera making a racially charged outburst toward police officers. These incidents, along with other arrests for similar behavior, have contributed to his reputation for instability. LaBeouf has also faced civil lawsuits from former partners, most prominently from singer FKA Twigs, who accused him of sexual battery and emotional abuse. While he has not been criminally convicted in these civil cases, the combination of his legal issues and public controversies has overshadowed his career achievements, leading many to view him as a cautionary example of wasted potential in Hollywood. Before becoming a blockbuster actor and producer, Mark Wahlberg had a violent and troubling past. At 16, Wahlberg was charged with attempted murder after assaulting two Vietnamese men during a racially motivated attack. He was convicted of assault and served 45 days in prison. The case drew renewed attention in 2014 when Wahlberg applied for a pardon, sparking criticism from civil rights groups and raising questions about accountability and privilege. Wahlberg has publicly acknowledged his past and expressed remorse, though his request for a pardon was ultimately dropped. Phil Spector, the music genius behind the Wall of Sound, became infamous for a far more sinister reason. In 2009, he was convicted of second-degree murder for the 2003 death of actress Lana Clarkson, who was found shot in his mansion. The trial, his second, after a hung jury, ended in a conviction and a 19-years-to-life prison sentence. Spector died in custody in 2021.
