The big news: Senior judge says Supreme Court collegium lacks transparency, and 9 other top stories
Narendra Modi said self-appointed guardians threatened by his commitment to work for Dalits, and Navjot Singh Sidhu formed new political party Aawaaz-e-Punjab.
A look at the headlines right now:
- Collegium meetings should be recorded, says senior judge and member of the body: Citing lack of transparency, Justice J Chelameswar has informed Chief Justice of India TS Thakur that he will not be attending future meetings.
- Self-appointed guardians threatened by NDA's commitment to work for Dalits, says Narendra Modi: About UP polls, the prime minister said the poison of casteism and communal vote bank politics has done enough damage, hence BJP will focus only on development.
- Navjot Singh Sidhu forms Aawaaz-e-Punjab party along with Pargat Singh, Bains brothers: His wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu, a BJP lawmaker, said she will resign after her term is over if the party decides to continue its alliance with the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal in the state.
- Supreme Court cannot 'rewrite personal laws' or decide on validity of triple talaq, says Muslim board: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board said in an affidavit that Islam permitted the practice as 'the husband is in a better position to make a decision'.
- President Islam Karimov has died, confirms Uzbekistan government: The news came after much speculation over his health, with local media reports saying there were strong indications that the 78-year-old had died last week.
- Consider sharing Cauvery water with Tamil Nadu, Supreme Court tells Karnataka: It gave the Siddaramaiah government time till Monday to inform the court about the quantity of water that can be released to the neighbouring state.
- At least 10 killed, dozens injured in night market explosion in Davao city, Philippines: A spokesperson for the police said they believed the blast was caused by a bomb, and fire trucks and ambulances are at the location.
- Vietnam a 'central pillar' of India's Act East Policy, government says as Narendra Modi begins visit: Senior External Affairs Ministry official Preeti Saran said the prime minister’s trip to the country aims to strengthen bilateral ties in defence and trade.
- All India Trinamool Congress granted national party status, confirms Election Commission: Party Vice President Mukul Roy had earlier said that he had received an unofficial confirmation on the same from the monitoring body.
- Prove that investors were refunded Rs 18,000 crore: Supreme Court tells Sahara chief Subarata Roy: It also ordered market regulator SEBI to look into how the company was selling its properties abroad to raise money to secure bail for its head.