SC notice to Centre on plea challenging NIA Act

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 20

The Supreme Court today issued a notice to the Centre on a PIL challenging the validity of the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019, on the ground that it conferred “unfettered discretionary powers” on the government.

A Bench headed by Justice Rohinton F Nariman asked the Centre to respond in four weeks to the petition filed by Solidarity Youth Movement that contended the amendment diluted the nature and operation of the Act, aimed at prosecuting offences affecting national security by incorporating laws unrelated to terrorism.

Notice to UP on plea against renaming of Allahabad

New Delhi: The Supreme Court today issued a notice to the UP Government on a petition challenging the renaming of Allahabad as Prayagraj.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde asked the Uttar Pradesh Government to respond to the petition challenging the Allahabad High Court’s verdict dismissing plea against renaming of Allahabad. The HC had refused to interfere with the policy decision of the state government, saying a mere name change of the city would not affect public interest.

Court refuses to stay electoral bond scheme

New Delhi: Amid ongoing campaign for the February 8 Assembly poll in Delhi, the Supreme Court today refused to stay the Electoral Bond Scheme for funding political parties. The government has opened sale of electoral bonds for 10 days for the Delhi Assembly elections.