Month: September 2024

An FIR has been filed against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Mayur Borgohain from Charaideo district in eastern Assam, following serious allegations of assault and threats against Bengali-origin Muslim workers. The complaint, lodged by nine workers, accuses Borgohain’s associates of attacking them after Assamese nationalist groups called for Miya Muslims to leave Upper Assam. “Miya Muslims” is a term used for Muslims of Bengali origin, who are often wrongly labeled as “illegal immigrants.” Upper Assam, a key region in Assamese politics, is home to a diverse range of ethnic communities. The FIR, registered on August 26, includes charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, encompassing unlawful assembly, rioting, being armed with deadly weapons, causing hurt,...

The Supreme Court of India has raised serious concerns over the practice of demolishing houses of individuals accused or even convicted of crimes, emphasizing that such actions cannot be justified under the law. This statement came during a hearing on Monday, where the Court was addressing a petition filed by the Muslim scholars' body, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, challenging the use of bulldozers to demolish properties of those accused in various cases. Justice B.R. Gavai, who was presiding over the hearing, questioned the rationale behind such demolitions, asking, "How can a house be demolished just because someone is accused? It can't be demolished even if he's a convict." He further noted that despite previous admonishments from the Supreme Court Bar, there seems to be no change in th...