Author: NewsDesk

  • Brahmavar: Police Raid Gambling Den, Arrest Five in Card Game Operation

    Brahmavar, September 15, 2025: In a swift raid, Brahmavar Police arrested five individuals and seized cash, playing cards, and vehicles during an illegal Andar Bahar card gambling session in Bikadi village, Brahmavar taluk, Udupi district, on September 14, 2025. The operation was led by Head Constable Sadananda Naik, based on credible information about the illicit activity.

    The arrested accused are: Sharif Nadhap (36), Ravi (30), Yamanur (45), Kalingappa (26), and Sharanappa (37). One suspect managed to flee the scene. Police seized ₹1,800 in cash used for betting, playing cards, five mobile phones, and four two-wheelers with registration numbers KA-20-U-3253, KA-20-R-6349, KA-20-HE-4707, and KA-20-EK-0891.

    A case has been registered at Brahmavar Police Station under Crime No. 189/2025, invoking Section 87 of the Karnataka Police Act.

  • Kollur: Suspected Suicide Case Uncovered After Discovery of Human Remains

    Kollur, September 15, 2025: A grim discovery was made on Saturday, September 14, 2025, at around 3:30 PM near Belekodlu Road, Jadkal Er, Hosur village, Byndoor taluk, when Ravi alias Ravish (42), a resident of Jadkal village, stumbled upon evidence suggesting a possible suicide. While searching for his cattle in a government forest path, Ravi found a pair of pants, a shirt, a keypad mobile phone, a pair of slippers, and fragments of human bones. A nylon rope, partially cut, was also found tied to a nearby tree.

    Police suspect that an unidentified man, approximately 2-3 months ago, may have committed suicide by tying one end of the rope to the tree and the other around his neck. After the rope broke, the body likely fell and was consumed by wild animals, such as pigs, leaving only bone fragments. The Kollur Police have registered a case under UDR No. 22/2025, invoking Section 194(3)(iv) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and are investigating to identify the deceased and confirm the circumstances.

  • Supreme Court Stays Key Provisions of Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, No Blanket Interference

    New Delhi, September 15, 2025: The Supreme Court on Monday, September 15, 2025, pronounced its interim orders on pleas challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, staying certain contentious provisions while declining to interfere with others, including the mandatory registration requirement. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and comprising Justice A.G. Masih, observed that legislation enjoys a “presumption of constitutionality” and stays are granted only in rare cases. The court reserved its final judgment on the Act’s validity, heard over three days in May 2025.

    The Act, notified on April 8, 2025, after Presidential assent on April 5, has been challenged by over 100 petitioners, including AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, Delhi AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, Association for Protection of Civil Rights, Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, and others, as a “creeping acquisition” of Muslim properties, violating Articles 14, 21, 25, and 26. The Centre, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, defended it as a measure to curb “rampant encroachments” on public and private lands, ensuring better management without infringing religious rights.

    Key Interim Orders

    CJI Gavai, pronouncing the verdict, noted that while the entire Act was challenged, only specific provisions warranted interim protection:

    1. 5-Year Islamic Practice Condition (Section 3(1)(r)): Stayed until State Governments frame rules for determining if a person has practiced Islam for five years. The court acknowledged the provision’s intent to prevent misuse (e.g., conversions to evade debts) but found it arbitrary without a mechanism, risking “arbitrary exercise of power.”
    2. De-Notification of Waqf Lands (Sections 3C(2), 3C(3), 3C(4)): Stayed the provison allowing government officers (e.g., District Collectors) to de-recognize waqf properties during encroachment disputes. The court held this violates separation of powers, as executives cannot adjudicate property rights. Until title disputes are resolved by Waqf Tribunals or courts under Section 83, disputed properties remain unaffected, and no third-party rights can be created. Revenue records and Waqf Board entries will not be altered pending final adjudication.
    3. Non-Muslim Members in Waqf Bodies:
      • Central Waqf Council (Section 9): Limited to no more than four non-Muslims out of 20 members.
      • State Waqf Boards (Section 14): Limited to no more than three non-Muslims out of 11 members.
      • CEO of State Waqf Boards (Section 23): Not stayed, but the court directed that “as far as possible,” a Muslim should be appointed.

    Provisions Not Stayed

    The court declined to stay:

    • Mandatory Registration: Noted as a pre-existing requirement since 1923 (and 1995-2013), it does not infringe rights and ensures transparency.
    • Abolition of ‘Waqf-by-User’: For future waqfs, as it aligns with statutory recognition.
    • Bar on Waqfs Over Scheduled Areas/Protected Monuments: No prima facie arbitrariness.
    • Application of Limitation Act: To prevent stale claims.
    • Restrictions on Waqf Creation: Only by Muslims, and limits on women members (up to two).
    • Dilution of Waqf-alal-aulad (family waqfs) and appeals against Tribunal orders.

    The orders are interim and based on a prima facie view, not precluding final arguments on constitutionality. Petitioners like Samastha Kerala Jamiat Ulama, All India Muslim Personal Law Board, and DMK argued the Act enables executive overreach, invalidating historical waqfs (e.g., by user or court decree). The Centre countered that it promotes efficiency, women’s inheritance rights, and prevents mutawalli (manager) misuse, citing precedents that Article 26 does not confer absolute property rights.

    In April 2025, a bench led by then-CJI Sanjiv Khanna secured the Centre’s undertaking not to alter waqf status during pendency. Six BJP-ruled states (Assam, Rajasthan, etc.) intervened in support, while Kerala backed the challenge. The verdict balances regulatory reforms with protections against arbitrary executive actions.

  • Gangolli’s Karate Champion Mohammed Rashdan Felicitated at JCI Saptaha – 2025

    Kundapura, September 14, 2025: On the fifth day of “JCI Saptaha – 2025”, organized by JCI Kundapura City at Rotary Lakshminarasimha Kalabhavana (Board High School, Kundapura), several achievers from different walks of life were honored for their contributions to society. Among them, the spotlight was on Gangolli’s budding karate talent, G. Mohammed Rashdan, who was felicitated for his outstanding achievements in martial arts.

    Rashdan, a Class 10 student of Stella Maris English Medium School, Gangolli, recently won accolades at the Hanshi Praveen Kumar Memorial All India Open Karate Championship 2025, held at Amruth Garden, Udupi, on September 6–7. Competing in the Male Individual Brown Belt (14–16 years) category, Rashdan secured a Gold Medal in Kumite and a Bronze Medal in Kata, He also won Taluk and District Titles and medals in International Open Championship held in Shivamogga bringing pride to his hometown. Trained under KDF Karate & Fitness Academy, Kundapura, his dedication and discipline have already established him as a promising karate star at the national level.

    The felicitation program was presided over by eminent guests including Malyadi Shivaram Shetty (President, Land Development Bank, Kundapura), Shiriyaar Gopalakrishna Shetty (President, Bar Association, Kundapura), JFS Karthikeya Madhyastha (Past National Vice President, JCI India), Jc Vighnesh Prasad (Zone Director, Zone XV, JCI India), Ganesh Mogaveer (Principal, Janata PU College, Hemmadi), Zahir Ahmed Nakhuda (Gangolli), Akshay Shetty (Owner, Udaya Jewellers, Kundapura), Sri Adil Gafar (Coordinator, The Falcon Club, Kannukere), and Jc Hussain Haikadi (Charter President, JCI Kundapura City).

    Apart from Rashdan, other achievers honored on the occasion included:

    • Krishiratna Award: Harish Adiga, Bannur
    • Business Icon Award: Mohammed Nihal, Proprietor, Happy Cars, Kannukere
    • Best Club Award: The Falcon Club, Kannukere

    The evening began with a cultural performance by students of Bhandarkars’ College, Kundapura, followed by a formal stage program at 7:00 PM.

    The event not only celebrated Rashdan’s karate glory but also recognized individuals and organizations contributing to agriculture, business, and social development, embodying JCI’s theme – “Unity of Vision, Creating Change.”

  • Byndoor: Fight Between Two Friends Ends in the Murder of One

    Byndoor, September 14, 2025: A fatal altercation between two alcohol-addicted friends turned deadly on Saturday night, September 13, 2025, near Kosalli in Yadthare village, Byndoor taluk, Udupi district. The victim, Bino Philip (45), a native of Kerala, was stabbed to death by his associate, Uday, during a drunken brawl at Devaragadde, close to Toodalli Devaragadde orchard.

    Bino Philip and Uday, both working as rubber tappers in the orchard owned by Thomas from Toodalli Devaragadde, had been employed there for the past two years. Reports indicate they frequently quarreled under the influence of alcohol. On Saturday night, their argument escalated, leading Uday to stab Bino with a rubber tapping knife. Bino succumbed to his injuries at the scene due to severe bleeding.

    Kundapur DYSP H.D. Kulkarni and Byndoor Police visited the crime scene for inspection. A case has been registered at Byndoor Police Station.

  • Kundapur: Deer Collides with Moving Bike, Rider Dead, Passenger Injured

    Kundapur, September 14, 2025: A tragic accident occurred near Tarekudlu, close to Kamalashile in Kundapur taluk, on Saturday afternoon, September 13, 2025, when a deer suddenly leapt onto a moving motorcycle, causing it to lose control and crash. The rider, Shreyas (22), a resident of Nellikkatte, Kavradi village, died on the spot, while the pillion rider, Vighnesh (19) from Paduvalooru, sustained serious injuries and was admitted to a private hospital in Kundapur.

    The two friends had visited the Kamalashile Durgaparameshwari Temple and were returning when a large deer crossed their path near Tarekudlu, colliding with their bike. The impact, coupled with the deer’s antlers piercing Shreyas’s body, caused severe bleeding, leading to his immediate death. The motorcycle was completely wrecked, and the deer also died at the scene. Shreyas, who was employed in Bengaluru, had recently returned to his hometown.

    The Shankaranarayana Police have registered a case and are investigating the incident.

  • Supreme Court to Pronounce Verdict on Stay of Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 on September 15

    New Delhi, September 13, 2025: The Supreme Court is scheduled to pronounce its judgment on Monday, September 15, 2025, on pleas seeking an interim stay on the implementation of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and comprising Justice Augustine George Masih, had reserved its verdict on May 22, 2025, after three days of back-to-back hearings in May. The order will be delivered at 10:30 AM in the matter titled ‘In Re: Waqf Amendment Act, 2025’, as per the Supreme Court’s causelist.

    The Act, notified on April 8, 2025, following Presidential assent on April 5, 2025, has been challenged by over 100 petitioners, including Muslim organizations and individuals, who describe it as a “creeping acquisition” of Muslim properties, violating fundamental rights under Articles 14, 21, 25, and 26 of the Constitution. Key contentious provisions include the abolition of “waqf by user” (long-standing religious use without formal registration), allowing non-Muslims in Waqf Boards, and empowering District Collectors to de-notify waqf properties declared as government land. Petitioners argue these changes deprive historical mosques, graveyards, and charitable properties of their status, especially those without deeds since 1923.

    The Union government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, defended the amendments as necessary to curb “rampant encroachment” on public and private properties, emphasizing that they regulate the secular management of waqf without interfering in religious practices. Mehta highlighted that mandatory registration has existed since 1923, and the Act ensures inheritance rights for women and children while preventing misuse by mutawallis (managers). He cited Supreme Court precedents that Article 26 does not confer absolute rights over religious property management. The Centre urged the court not to stay any provisions, noting the Act’s presumption of constitutionality.

    During hearings, CJI Gavai observed, “I have already said that there is a presumption of constitutionality,” and the bench identified three issues for interim orders: waqf by user, non-Muslim nominations, and government land identification as waqf. Kapil Sibal, for petitioners, warned of “irreparable injury” if provisions are activated, calling it a “systematic capture” via non-judicial processes.

    The Act, passed after 12-hour Lok Sabha and 14-hour Rajya Sabha debates on April 4, 2025, renames the 1995 Waqf Act as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act. Six BJP-ruled states have filed in support. The verdict could impact ongoing surveys and registrations under the new law.

  • Byndoor Farmers Stage Massive Protest Against Town Panchayat’s Inclusion of Rural Areas

    Byndoor, September 12, 2025: On Friday, September 12, 2025, thousands of farmers, led by the Byndoor Farmers’ Association, staged a massive protest outside the Byndoor Town Panchayat office, demanding the exclusion of rural areas from the panchayat’s jurisdiction. The protesters marched from the town panchayat to the Taluk Administration Office, voicing their grievances against the “unscientific” inclusion of rural villages, which they claim has caused severe hardships for agricultural communities.

    Deepak Kumar Shetty, President of the Byndoor Farmers’ Association, led the protest, highlighting the plight of farmers in the surrounding villages. He stated that agriculture is the lifeline of these rural areas, spanning 23 km of the panchayat’s jurisdiction, much of which includes forest land. The inclusion has led to a lack of basic amenities like Akrama-Sakrama regularization and crop-related facilities, forcing farmers to travel to Udupi for minor administrative tasks. Despite multiple appeals to the district administration, no action has been taken, and the recent announcement of election reservations has further aggravated the issue. Shetty emphasized that the protest was a symbolic call for justice for rural communities.

    The farmers issued an ultimatum, demanding a clear response from the district administration by Thursday, September 18, 2025. They warned that failure to address their concerns would lead to an intensified protest on Friday, September 19, 2025, outside the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, with farmers holding poison bottles and staging an indefinite sit-in at the Byndoor Taluk Office.

    The protesters also demanded the Deputy Commissioner’s presence at the site, but as the official was attending a program with the Chief Minister and the Assistant Commissioner was in Bengaluru, tensions escalated. When some protesters attempted to enter the Taluk Administration Office, police intervened to maintain order.

    Kundapur Tahsildar Pradeep Kurdekar, representing the district administration, accepted the farmers’ memorandum and assured that a report would be submitted to the government. The protest saw participation from leaders across political affiliations, with Ganesh Poojary, former Yadthare Gram Panchayat member, anchoring the event, and Veerabhadra Ganiga delivering the vote of thanks.

  • Lorry Carrying Wooden Logs Overturns on NH-66 Near Ekkur, Mangaluru; Traffic Disrupted

    Mangaluru, September 12, 2025: A lorry laden with wooden logs overturned on National Highway 66 near Ekkur, en route to Talapady, causing significant traffic disruption on this busy stretch. The accident occurred around 2:30 PM on Thursday, September 11, 2025, when the driver lost control of the vehicle, leading to the lorry toppling onto the road.

    Fortunately, the driver escaped with minor injuries and was promptly attended to by passersby. No other casualties were reported. The mishap was attributed to overspeeding and reckless driving, as per initial police investigations. The scattered logs blocked both lanes, resulting in a traffic jam that lasted for over an hour until a crane cleared the obstruction.

  • Nepal’s First Female Chief Justice Sushila Karki Sworn In as Interim Prime Minister

    Kathmandu, September 12, 2025: In a historic milestone, Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, was sworn in as the country’s interim Prime Minister on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the President’s Office. President Ram Chandra Poudel administered the oath, marking Karki as the first woman to lead Nepal’s government. The ceremony, attended by Vice President Ram Sahay Yadav and Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, was broadcast on state television.

    “Congratulations! We wish you success, wish the country success,” President Poudel said after the swearing-in. While administering the oath, he announced that House of Representatives elections would be held in six months, signaling a roadmap to restore full democratic functioning amid the transitional government.

    Karki’s appointment follows deadly anti-corruption protests led by Gen Z activists, which ousted Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and dissolved parliament. Her selection, endorsed by protesters for her neutrality and anti-corruption stance, ends days of political turmoil.

    Who is Sushila Karki?

    Born on June 7, 1952, in Biratnagar, Karki earned a BA from Mahendra Morang Campus in 1972, an MA in political science from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1975, and an LLB from Tribhuvan University in 1978. She began her career as an advocate in 1979 and taught at Mahendra Multiple Campus, Dharan, in 1985.

    Appointed as an ad-hoc Justice of the Supreme Court in 2009 and made permanent in 2010, Karki became Nepal’s first female Chief Justice on July 11, 2016, recommended by the Constitutional Council under then-PM K.P. Sharma Oli. Her tenure, lasting until June 6, 2017, was marked by landmark judgments, including overturning the appointment of Lokman Singh Karki to the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority.

    Known for her strict anti-corruption stance, Karki faced an impeachment motion in 2017, accused of “biased verdicts” and judicial overreach. The motion failed to secure a two-thirds majority amid public outcry and UN concerns over threats to judicial independence. She retired at 65 but continued advocating for rule of law and governance reforms.

    Karki’s neutrality, lack of political affiliation, and judicial legacy made her the protesters’ preferred choice for interim leadership. As interim PM, she is expected to oversee elections and address corruption demands.