Government of Punjab appeal against Saeed

Government of the Punjab province of Pakistan on Friday filed an appeal in the Pakistan's Supreme Court against release from detention of Jamaat-ud Dawah Chief Hafeez Mohammad Saeed, who India claims is the mastermind of the Mumbai terror attacks.

The appeal against the Lahore High Court order, filed in the apex court this morning, said Saeed needed to be detained for his own "protection".  Saeed was released as per the Lahore High Court order on June 02.

"He (Saeed) cannot move without informing the government. According to my information he cannot move to any place," Punjab government's lawyer Rana Sanaullah said. Shortly after release of Saeed, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah and Pakistan's Attorney General Latif Khosa had said an appeal would be filed within "a matter of days". The delay in approaching the Supreme Court could be due to differences on the issue between the federal and provincial governments, sources said.

Pakistani officials maintain that the restrictions imposed on JuD by UN Security Council – including a ban on travel and freezing the organisation's bank accounts – are being implemented. 59-year-old Saeed and several of his aides were placed under house arrest in December last year in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks. He was freed after he filed a petition challenging his detention in the High Court.

India had recently expressed concern at the delay by Pakistani authorities in appealing against the release of Saeed. Since his release, Saeed has held meetings with several political hardliners and militant leaders, including United Jehad Council chief Syed Salahuddin. 

Delhi High Court legalises Gay relations 
New Delhi, July 02: Delhi High Court, in its path-breaking judgement on Thursday, legalised gay sex among consenting adults holding that the law making it a criminal offence violates fundamental rights. In a courtroom packed with around 100 people, half of them activists, Chief Justice Ajit Prakash Shah and Justice S Muralidhar sought changes in Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), saying it violated Article 21 of India's constitution promising all citizens equality before law. In a 105-page judgement, the judges said that Section 377 should be amended and any sex between consenting adults must be legalised. This must not apply to those under 18 years. "We declare Section 377 of IPC in so far as it criminalises consensual sexual acts of adults in private is violative of Articles 14, 21 and 15 of the Constitution," a Bench comprising Chief Justice A P Shah and Justice S Murlidhar said. The Court said "the provision of Section 377 IPC will continue to govern non-consensual penile non-vaginal sex and penile non vaginal sex involving minors". It however clarified that "by adults we mean everyone who is 18 years of age or above". It further said that this judgement will hold till Parliament chooses to amend the law. "In our view Indian Constitutional Law does not permit the statutory criminal law to be held captive by the popular misconception of who the LGBTs (lesbian gay bisexual transgender) are. "It cannot be forgotten that discrimination is antithesis of equality and that it is the recognition of equality which will foster dignity of every individual," the Bench said.
While allowing the PILs filed by an NGO, Naz Foundation and others fighting for gay rights, the Court clarified that "its judgement will not result in the reopening of criminal cases involving Section 377 of IPC that have already attained finality" It observed that the inclusiveness that the Indian society traditionally displayed in every aspect of life manifested in recognising a role in society for everyone. "Those perceived by the majority as 'deviants' or 'different' are not on that score excluded or ostracised," the Chief Justice writing the judgement for the Bench, said. Where society can display inclusiveness and understanding, such persons can be assured of a life of dignity and non-discrimination, it said. "This was the spirit behind the resolution of which Jawaharlal Nehru spoke so passionately," the Bench said referring to the Objective Resolution moved by him on December 13, 1946 at the Constituent Assembly debate. Quoting Nehru, Justice Shah said "words are magic things often enough, even the magic of words sometimes cannot convey magic of human spirit and of a nation's passion ...(this resolution seeks very feebly to tell the world of what we have thought or dreamt of so long, and what we now hope to achieve in near future)".
He said Nehru was of the view that the House should consider the resolution not in a spirit of narrow legal wording, but rather look at the spirit behind that resolution. The Bench was critical of the provision of section 377 of IPC holding that "a provision of law branding one section of people as criminal based wholly on states' moral disapproval of that class goes counter to equality guaranteed in the Constitution." "The provision of Section 377 runs counter to the Constitutional values and the notion of human dignity which is considered to be cornerstone of our constitution. "Section 377 in its application to sexual act of consenting adults in privacy discriminates a section of people solely on the ground of their sexual orientation which is analogous to prohibited grounds of sex," the Bench said. It said that any discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation was against Article 15 of the Constitution which prohibits any discrimination on grounds of sex, religion, caste or place of birth. "We hold that sexual orientation is a ground analogous to sex and that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is not permitted by Article 15". The Bench pulled up the government for its stand that judiciary should refrain from interfering on the issue as it pertains to legislative function coming under the ambit of Parliament. "We are constrained to observe that the submission of Additional Solicitor General reflect rather poorly on his understanding of the Constitutional scheme.
"The judiciary is constituted as the ultimate interpretor of the Constitution and to it is assigned the delicate task of determining what is the extent and scope of the power conferred on each branch of government," the bench said. "A constitutional provision must be construed, not in a narrow and constricted sense, but in a wide and liberal manner so as to anticipate and take it out of changing conditions and purposes so that the Constitutional provision does not get atrophied or fossilised but remains flexible enough to meet the newly emerging problem," the Bench said quoting a Supreme Court judgement. The High Court judgement assumes importance as the Government was still grappling with the option to scrap section 377 from the statute. 

When the verdict was reserved on November 7 last, the previous UPA government had vociferously opposed scrapping of section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which prescribes punishment upto life imprisonment for indulging in unnatural sexual acts. There were contradictions within the Government as the Home Ministry had opposed scrapping of section 377 while Ministry of Health came out openly in support of the gay rights activists. The Government later sidelined the stand of the then Health Minister Ambumani Ramadoss and opposed the PIL by describing homosexuality as "the most indecent behaviour" in society. The Centre had submitted that gay sex is immoral and reflection of a perverse mind and its decriminalisation would lead to moral degradation of society. "Every citizen has the right to lead a decent and moral life in society and the right would be violated if such behaviour (gay sex) is legalised in the country," the government had contended and added that allowing gay sex would pose a health hazard to society.
The Centre had said that homosexuals comprise only 0.3 per cent of the population and the right of rest 99.7 per cent of the population to lead a decent and moral life in society would be violated if such behaviour (gay sex) is legalised. The gay rights activists had contended that the government is infringing upon their fundamental right to equality by criminalising homosexual acts on the ground of morality. "The Constitution gives fundamental right to equality and it prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. But the rights of 25 lakh homosexuals in the country are being violated," they had contended. Earlier, the government had put a contradictory stand on the issue with the Home Minister of the then UPA government favouring the retention of the penal provision for homosexual acts while the Health Minister opposed the enforcement of Section 377 in cases involving consenting adults.
But when the day-to-day hearing began on the case, the government set aside the stand of the Health Ministry and opposed the plea of gay rights activists.
Once the order was passed, many gay rights workers from India and abroad broke into tears in the court while others shouted in joy before realising that their action would amount to contempt of court. They quickly trooped out screaming "We have won, we have won!" and "Justice has prevailed". Outside, boisterous gay activists hugged one another and burst into noisy celebrations, which were later extended to the Jantar Mantar observatory complex in the heart of the national capital. The reaction from Hindu, Muslim and Christian leaders was swift and bordered on anger and disbelief, with some threatening mass protests if parliament legalised gay sex. Gay activists, however, voiced confidence that the government would do that in the wake of the court edict.
According to one official estimate, there are around 2.5 million males who indulge in gay sex. Homosexuality is legal in 150 countries including South Africa, China, Nepal, Australia, Canada and Argentina. It is illegal in many others such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. 
Akash Radio celebrated its 7^th anniversary in The House of Lords

 

Akash Radio celebrated its 7th anniversary by officially launching Akash Newspaper at The House of Lords, the upper house of parliament in the UK. The launch function was attended by Akash Radio supporters, shareholders, members, and renowned political, religious and business personalities of the area. The function started with Lord Nazir Ahmed introducing Akash Radio and congratulating it on its anniversary besides lauding its efforts towards the global Punjabi community.S Malkit Singh, ex-president and committee member Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall and president Shiromani Akali Dal UK presented good wishes to Akash Radio on behalf of his organisation. Referring to the efforts made by CEO S Sukhwinder Singh through his discussion programmes, which have lead to addressing various religious, social, cultural and political issues relating to Sikh and Punjabis. He said Akash Radio has played a significant role in bringing together various communities and has contributed positively for their welfare. Councillor Manjit Singh said Akash Radio has come a long way since its start 7 years and launch of Akash Newspaper will further benefit the Punjabis living worldwide. He expressed his appreciation for its founding director and CEO S Sukhwinder Singh diligence and hardwork towards Akash Radio’s continuous progress.Renowned businessman and property investor Mr Kulwinder Kumar also expressed his support to Akash Radio, Akash Newspaper and its future projects. Akash Radio and Newspaper Managing Director Mrs Kamal Preet Kaur, presented business report and alexa survey according to which Akash Radio is best listened to online Punjabi radio in the UK. In fact, even Sunrise Radio lags way behind in this territory.Akash Radio CEO S Sukhwinder Singh thanked the guests and promised to strive for truth and welfare of Punjabis and Sikhs around the world without any prejudice or bias. He said that Akash Newspaper too will allow an opportunity for all to express their views just like Akash Radio which has now over the span of seven years established itself as a well-respected Punjabi media. 
Sunrise Radio way behind Akash Radio in

UK ranking: Alexa survey report

Akash Radio SKY 0168 in UK and Europe, as well as online and on mobile phones worldwide, turned 7 on 27th June, 2009. Akash Radio, in its seven year journey has received many coveted honours, including ‘Best Punjabi Broadcasting in Europe Award’ from The House of Lords, followed by UK AMA nominations as the only Punjabi radio station for two consecutive years, three gold medals for its founding director and CEO Mr Sukhwinder Singh for excellence in broadcasting and community service, each in France, Italy and India, launching on mobile phones around the world besides various community awards and honours.

This year Akash Radio has added to its service and has launched online daily newspaper. CEO Mr Sukhwinder Singh says, “It’s another way of saying thank you to all our supporters, listeners and business partners who have made Akash Radio most popular Punjabi radio station around the world. If you compare us with other Punjabi radio stations on alexa.com, you will see we are far ahead of all of them and this is simply because of our excellent programming content. We are even far ahead of Sunrise Radio in the UK ranking.”

India wins Asia Cup Polo against England

Akash Radio celebrated its seventh anniversary function with Celebrasian’s Asia Cup Polo, which was won by India 6-5. Initially trailing 2-0 from the London team, India then had a wonderful comeback thanks to a wonderful teamwork of Satnam Dhillon, Varun Sharma, Abhimanyu Pathak and royal teammate Maharaj Raghav Raj Singh. The London team gave them a tough fight with John Gunn, Lucas Talamoni, Jack Kidd and Johnny Lynn putting on their best performance. Asia Cup Polo was the last of the event in series of high-profile events organised annually by Mr Neil Sen and Mrs Renu Sen’s  Celebrasian. Mr Neil Sen said, “I am glad that the series of programmes has ended on a high note.” He thanked his sponsors Sanjay Foods Ltds, One World, Aspinal London, Lufthansa, Polistas and Ni4 property, for making this event a great success. The event also held a charity auction for the Loomba Trust and raised money for good cause.

The event was attended by distinguished guests including Bollywood and ex-eastender actor Mr Dalip Tahil, Conservative Councillor and MP Nominee fromEaling Southall Mr Gurcharan Singh, Councillor Manjit Singh, Mr Kulwinder Kumar of renowned Paul’s Bakers, Mr Baljit Komal of Chandni Chowk, Ms Pam Suri of Sa Re Ga Ma dance and music academy. Akash Radio team, including CEO Mr Sukhwinder Singh, MD Mrs Kamal Preet Kaur, presenters Sukhwinder Kaur and Mahi cheered on the players while being part of the anniversary celebrations on the occasion.

 Akash Radio celebrates 7th anniversary at

Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Southall

The second day anniversary celebrations included bhog of sehaj path sahib at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Havelock Road, Southall. This was attended by Akash Radio listeners and dignitaries, including Sri Guru Singh Sabha vice-president Mr Harjit Singh Sarpanch, Lion Group chairman Mr Gurmail Singh Malhi, Dr P.B. Singh Johal, Giani Gurbaksh Singh Ji Gulshan, Mr Kulwinder Kumar, Clouncillor Gurcharan Singh and Councillor Manjit Singh and others. While Akash Radio CEO thanked the congregation for supporting Akash Radio, he announced the launch of Akash Newspaper. Mr Harjit Singh Sarpanch and Giani Gurbaksh Singh Ji, addressing the congregation applauded Akash Radio's efforts towards positive journalism through news and discussions, and offered their support on all projects.

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