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A late-evening road accident on the Trichy&ndash;Chennai National Highway in Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s Cuddalore district claimed nine lives on Wednesday, triggering a swift response from the state government. Chief Minister MK Stalin announced financial assistance for the families of the deceased and ordered enhanced medical care for those injured.
The accident occurred around 7.30 pm near Eluthur village in Thittakudi taluk, when a State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) bus travelling from Trichy to Chennai collided with two cars. All nine victims, five men and four women, travelling in the cars, died on the spot. Four others were injured and rushed to nearby government hospitals.
The Cuddalore district administration confirmed that the injured are receiving treatment at government medical facilities. Two of the injured are children, and special care has been directed for their recovery.
Expressing grief over the tragedy, the Chief Minister announced ex gratia relief from the Chief Minister&rsquo;s Public Relief Fund. Families of the deceased will receive Rs 3 lakh each, while those critically injured and undergoing treatment will receive Rs 1 lakh each.
Authorities said medical support and assistance to the affected families remain the priority, while routine procedures are underway to determine the exact cause of the collision.

Trichy–Chennai NH crash in Cuddalore prompts CM Stalin relief announcement

9 killed in SETC bus-car crash in Tamil Nadu

A 17-year-old Class 12 boy from a government school in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, died after being attacked with wooden blocks by a group of Class 11 students. 
Police have arrested 15 students and changed the case to murder.
A Class 12 student of a government school near Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s Kumbakonam succumbed to his injuries early Sunday morning after he was allegedly attacked by a group of Class 11 students, police said.
Fifteen Class 11 students of Government Arignar Anna Model Higher Secondary School in Patteeswaram allegedly assaulted their senior on December 4 following a clash between the two classes.
The accused reportedly hit the student on the head with a wooden stick, leaving him critically injured.
The boy&rsquo;s parents rushed him first to the Government Hospital in Kumbakonam. 
He was later shifted to a private hospital in Thanjavur for further treatment, where he underwent surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain. Police said he died around 2.30 am on Sunday.
All 14 accused students were arrested and lodged in a juvenile home. 
Patteeswaram Police said an attempt to murder case was initially registered and would be altered to murder following the post-mortem.
Reacting to the incident, Anbumani Ramadoss, PMK leader, said it was worrying that students studying in government schools to progress in life were getting involved in unnecessary conflicts. 
He said the issue went beyond education, with students being drawn toward the wrong path.
&ldquo;In any school, especially government schools, controlling students has become extremely challenging for teachers. If the environment is one reason, the reduction in teachers' authority is another contributing factor. This does not help educational development or student welfare,&rdquo; he said.
He further said that along with lessons, schools should also teach other arts to prevent students&rsquo; attention from being distracted. 
He suggested moral education classes be conducted for at least two periods a week in every grade and said parents must monitor their children&rsquo;s activities, stay in touch with teachers and cooperate for their children&rsquo;s future.
&ldquo;In any school, especially government schools, controlling students has become extremely challenging for teachers. If the environment is one reason, the reduction in teachers' authority is another contributing factor. This does not help educational development or student welfare,&rdquo; he said.
He further said that along with lessons, schools should also teach other arts to prevent students&rsquo; attention from being distracted. 
He suggested moral education classes be conducted for at least two periods a week in every grade and said parents must monitor their children&rsquo;s activities, stay in touch with teachers and cooperate for their children&rsquo;s future.
Read the following information and rewrite it into a professionally formatted news article. 
Maintain a formal journalistic tone and structure, including an appropriate headline, dateline, and coherent paragraph flow. 
Ensure that all statements in quotation marks remain exactly as they are written. 
Do not mention or imply that the content was reported by or taken from any agency orexternal source. 
The article should be neutral, factual, and concise, following standard news writing conventions.

Police outside school after fatal student assault

Tamil Nadu school tragedy: 15 held after Class 12 student dies in assault

Class 12 Boy Dies After Assault By Juniors

The Madras High Court has once again asked the Tamil Nadu government to clarify why it repeatedly failed to permit the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam lamp atop the Deepathoon, an ancient stone pillar on Thiruparankundram hill in Madurai. This comes even as the Supreme Court agreed to consider the state government&rsquo;s challenge to the High Court&rsquo;s orders.
Despite the festival being over, tensions continue to rise. Tamil Nadu Police registered a case against 113 individuals, including BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran, senior leader H Raja, and six women, for participating in a protest on December 4 in support of the lamp-lighting ceremony.
The issue turned into a major flashpoint after authorities denied permission despite multiple High Court directions. The DMK government has approached the Supreme Court, seeking urgent relief from the order that allowed devotees to light the lamp. The Chief Justice of India has asked the state to get its petition formally listed.
At the Madurai bench, Justice G R Swaminathan reviewed a contempt petition against the district administration and police after reports that devotees were blocked from reaching the hill on December 4, despite clear judicial instructions. Lawyers for the petitioners claimed that police detained more than 300 devotees, citing extended prohibitory orders and the state&rsquo;s decision to move the Supreme Court.
Justice Swaminathan instructed the state to file a detailed report and asked the CISF commandant, who had accompanied the devotees following earlier directions, to submit an account of the obstruction they had faced.
State representatives argued that compliance was not possible due to ground conditions, denying any deliberate disobedience. They confirmed that both the state and the Madurai police had appealed to the Supreme Court against the High Court&rsquo;s earlier order. The contempt hearing has been adjourned to December 9.
Thiruparankundram hill, home to the Subramaniya Swamy temple, Kasi Viswanathan temple, and the Sikkander Badusha dargah, has traditionally remained peaceful. However, the region became sensitive earlier this year after a protest over individuals consuming meat on the hillock. With the 2026 assembly elections approaching, the dispute has taken on sharper political and religious undertones.
The petition to light the lamp, filed by a group of devotees, intensified the controversy. Justice Swaminathan allowed the ritual on December 1, calling it a cultural tradition of Tamil society. The state opposed the move, citing law-and-order risks and the hill&rsquo;s proximity to a dargah. On December 3, the judge struck down the district administration&rsquo;s prohibitory order, calling it an attempt to bypass the court&rsquo;s direction. A Division Bench later upheld his ruling.
However, the administration continued to block access, resulting in protests by BJP leaders, religious organisations, and the detention of several hundred devotees.
Chief Minister MK Stalin responded indirectly to the controversy, highlighting development priorities such as Metro Rail, AIIMS, and new industries for Madurai. He said that the people would decide whether they preferred developmental progress or political confrontation.

TN faces legal and political friction as lamp-lighting dispute intensifies in Madurai

Karthigai Deepam Row Escalates in Tamil Nadu

A 32-year-old man in Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s Coimbatore fatally attacked his estranged wife with a sickle and then posted a selfie with her body on his WhatsApp status, according to police. The accused, Balamurugan, remained at the crime scene in a private women&rsquo;s hostel until officers reached the spot and detained him.
The victim, 30-year-old Sirpriya, had separated from Balamurugan and moved with her children from Tirunelveli to Coimbatore. After leaving her children in the care of her mother, she began living in a women&rsquo;s hostel and worked at a nearby store.
Police said Balamurugan suspected she was involved with one of his relatives, leading to frequent arguments. After a heated phone call, he travelled to Coimbatore carrying a sickle, confronted her in the hostel&rsquo;s waiting area, and repeatedly attacked her. Sirpriya died instantly, while other hostel residents fled and alerted authorities.
Following the murder, Balamurugan sat beside the body and took a selfie, which he uploaded to his WhatsApp status along with an accusation. He was arrested shortly after.

Man kills estranged wife in Coimbatore hostel and posts a selfie with her body

Coimbatore Man Kills Estranged Wife in Hostel

A red alert has been issued for several districts in Tamil Nadu as Cyclone Ditwah moves steadily toward the north Tamil Nadu&ndash;Puducherry coastline. The system, currently positioned close to Sri Lanka and the southwest Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify slightly as it tracks northward.
According to the latest update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is progressing north-northwest and is likely to approach the coasts of north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh by the early hours of November 30. The weather agency expects the storm to emerge from Sri Lanka into the Bay of Bengal before intensifying further.
Tamil Nadu is set to witness extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations on Saturday, while coastal districts may experience widespread heavy to very heavy showers. The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a red alert for Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu and Puducherry due to the threat of heavy rain.
Wind speeds along the north Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts are forecast to reach 70&ndash;80 kmph, with gusts touching 90 kmph from Saturday morning through Sunday morning. Such conditions could lead to waterlogging in low-lying and urban areas, as well as flash-flood-like situations in hilly regions.
Strong winds may also uproot trees, damage hoardings and affect vulnerable structures. Standing crops, including vegetables, fruits and flowering plants, especially those nearing harvest, are at risk of significant damage.
Rainfall is expected to gradually reduce from December 1, with light to moderate showers likely at many locations and isolated heavy rain in some areas.
Kerala may receive light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy showers on Saturday. Coastal Andhra Pradesh&ndash;Yanam and Rayalaseema are likely to see moderate rain at most places, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at select locations on Sunday. Telangana is forecast to receive light to moderate rain, with isolated heavy rainfall on Sunday.

Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and nearby states brace for extreme rain, strong winds and flooding

Red Alert as Cyclone Ditwah Nears Tamil Nadu

A deep depression forming over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the Sri Lankan coast intensified further on Thursday, with meteorologists confirming it will strengthen into a cyclonic storm by evening. Once intensified, the system will be named Cyclone Ditwah, a name provided by Yemen on the WMO-UN ESCAP naming list.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), the system will track northwestwards across the Bay, moving towards north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh by Saturday.
The RMC has maintained its warning of heavy rainfall across south Tamil Nadu and the delta districts on Thursday, followed by a sharp surge in statewide rainfall from Friday. Delta and nearby regions are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rain on Friday, while northern districts of Tamil Nadu may witness intense showers on Saturday as the system travels up the coast.
After prolonged heavy rain in the southern belt earlier this week, precipitation eased on Wednesday, with only isolated light showers reported. Thangachimadam in Ramanathapuram recorded the highest rainfall of 3 cm, while Oothu in Tirunelveli, recently hit by widespread floodin,g received 1 cm.
In anticipation of further intensification, storm warning signals have been issued at major ports including Chennai, Cuddalore, Ennore, Thoothukudi, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal. Fishermen have been advised to avoid the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas until conditions improve.
The forecast also indicates isolated light rain over Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli as the deep depression continues to organise over the sea.
Meanwhile, Cyclone Senyar, currently positioned near northeast Indonesia and the Strait of Malacca, is expected to drift eastwards and is not expected to impact Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s weather, according to RMC officials.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]

Deep depression intensifies into Cyclone Ditwah, triggering heavy rain alerts across TN

Cyclone Ditwah to Bring Heavy Rain to Tamil Nadu

Police have arrested a woman and her female partner in Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s Krishnagiri district for allegedly killing a six-month-old baby, days after the infant&rsquo;s father accused them of foul play.
The child was initially believed to have died while being breastfed earlier this month. Investigators had registered a case of unnatural death and permitted the burial on family farmland without a post-mortem.
However, the case took a grim turn when the father later approached police, presenting messages and photos that appeared to show his wife in a relationship with another woman. He alleged the baby might have been harmed due to tensions stemming from that affair. Acting on his complaint, police exhumed the body for re-examination.
A post-mortem conducted earlier this week confirmed the child&rsquo;s death was not natural. Forensic experts found signs of smothering and strangulation. &ldquo;The report clearly indicates the infant was suffocated,&rdquo; a senior officer said.
During interrogation, the mother allegedly confessed to the crime, citing emotional distress and marital issues. Police said she admitted resentment toward her husband and unhappiness in the marriage. Her partner was also taken into custody after evidence linked her to the case.
Authorities said both women are in judicial custody as electronic evidence provided by the father is being verified. Police are considering psychological evaluation to better understand the motive.
&ldquo;This is a sensitive case involving emotional turmoil and domestic conflict that tragically ended in the death of a child,&rdquo; an investigating officer said.

Tamil Nadu Woman, Partner Held for Baby’s Murder

Father’s complaint, post-mortem expose murder in Krishnagiri district

In a shocking crime near Coimbatore airport, police have arrested three men accused of abducting and sexually assaulting a college student on Sunday night. The incident occurred when the survivor was in a car with a male friend. The suspects reportedly broke the window, attacked the friend, and took the student to another location where the assault took place.
According to Coimbatore City Police Commissioner Saravana Sundar, the accused, identified as Guna, Karuppasamy, and Karthik alias Kaleeswaran, were arrested after an intense manhunt. While attempting to flee during the operation in Vellakinaru on the city&rsquo;s outskirts, all three were shot in the legs by police and later taken to the Government Hospital in Coimbatore for treatment. A head constable also sustained injuries during the encounter.
The survivor was rescued the following morning and is undergoing medical treatment. Authorities have formed seven special teams to investigate the case further.
The incident has triggered a political controversy in Tamil Nadu, with opposition parties criticising the ruling government over rising crimes against women and alleged lapses in law enforcement.
&nbsp;

Police arrest and injure three accused in Coimbatore student sexual assault case

Three Arrested for Coimbatore Student Assault

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially taken charge of probing the Karur stampede, which claimed 41 lives during a political rally of actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Velusamypuram, Tamil Nadu, on September 27. Over 60 people were injured in the tragic incident.
Following the Supreme Court orders, the CBI re-registered the state police FIR and informed the local court. A senior officer has been appointed to lead the investigation, supported by other CBI officers.
To ensure transparency and oversight, a three-member supervisory committee headed by former apex court judge Ajay Rastogi will monitor the investigation. The Supreme Court emphasised that the stampede has significant implications for citizens&rsquo; lives and fundamental rights, underscoring the need for an impartial and unbiased probe.
The bench criticised prior public comments by top police officers, noting that such statements could cast doubt on the fairness of the investigation. Restoring public faith in the criminal justice process is essential, the court said, stressing that a fair and independent investigation is the right of every citizen.

Supreme Court orders CBI probe into Karur stampede, 41 dead, over 60 injured

CBI Takes Over Karur Stampede Investigation

In a politically charged move that&rsquo;s expected to reignite the language debate, the Tamil Nadu government is preparing to introduce a bill banning Hindi hoardings and Hindi-language films across the state. Chief Minister MK Stalin is set to table the legislation in the Assembly today, underscoring the DMK government&rsquo;s commitment to preserve Tamil linguistic identity and resist what it calls &ldquo;Hindi imposition.&rdquo;
According to senior officials, the bill will prohibit the display of Hindi in public spaces, advertisements, and cinema. The government maintains that the measure is necessary to protect Tamil culture and promote the use of the state&rsquo;s official language in all spheres of life. &ldquo;Tamil is not just a language, it&rsquo;s our identity and it will be safeguarded at all costs,&rdquo; a senior DMK leader said ahead of the session.
The move comes amid a prolonged ideological clash between the DMK and the BJP. The Tamil Nadu ruling party has repeatedly accused the Centre of attempting to impose Hindi through the National Education Policy (NEP) and the three-language formula. The Union government, however, has dismissed these allegations, insisting that the NEP allows flexibility and promotes multilingualism.
If passed, the bill would mark a major step in Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s longstanding resistance to the central push for greater Hindi adoption, a sentiment rooted deeply in the Dravidian movement&rsquo;s history. The legislation is also expected to intensify the political battle ahead of the 2026 state elections, setting up a fresh confrontation between Chennai and Delhi over the question of cultural autonomy.

Tamil Nadu Moves To Ban Hindi Hoardings, Films

CM MK Stalin set to table bill banning Hindi displays, sparking fresh linguistic row

Gujarat Congress Internal Dispute: The countdown to the 2027 Gujarat Assembly election has already begun. The 2029 Lok Sabha election is not far away either. The Congress high command is making claims of a change of power in Gujarat. Rahul Gandhi is talking about rebuilding the Gujarat Congress from the ground up. There is talk of removing the &lsquo;lame horses&rsquo; and putting the &lsquo;race horses&rsquo; on the field. But looking at the current state of the Gujarat Congress, one question cannot be avoided: before entering the race, will the Congress even be able to get its own team to stand in one line? Before declaring war against the BJP, the Congress is caught in a political battle within its own house. The question is bitter, but necessary: if a party cannot create unity within its own organisation, how does it expect to take on the BJP&rsquo;s formidable organisational machinery in Gujarat?
Leaders Changed, But Why Didn&rsquo;t the Problem? Keeping the 2027 Assembly and 2029 Lok Sabha elections in mind, the Congress has begun making changes to its Gujarat organisation. The high command wanted to remove the old and inactive structure and bring forward leaders with the ability to fight elections. But when a party repeatedly needs to change its state in-charge, the question becomes bigger than the capability of the individual holding the post. Mukul Wasnik was replaced by Randeep Singh Surjewala as Gujarat Congress in-charge. With the new in-charge came expectations of a new direction, a new strategy and greater discipline within the organisation. Yet, barely had Surjewala taken charge when a controversy erupted within Banaskantha Congress over the organisational structure. That is where the Congress&rsquo;s real trouble begins.
A Symptom of Congress&rsquo;s Organisational Illness Banaskantha is not an ordinary constituency. It is the only Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat that the Congress won in the 2024 general election. That makes it the biggest symbol of political hope for the Congress in Gujarat. So when differences emerge over organisational posts and responsibilities in precisely this constituency, when questions are raised over decisions taken by the state leadership, and when the district organisation itself becomes a subject of controversy, this cannot simply be dismissed as a &lsquo;local dispute&rsquo;. It is a symptom of the Congress&rsquo;s organisational illness. And if this illness continues until 2027, the BJP will be the direct beneficiary. The Congress needs to understand one basic reality: elections are not won through posters, press conferences and speeches by big leaders. Elections are won at the booth. The BJP&rsquo;s organisational machinery is active right down to the booth level. To challenge it, the Congress needs a strong network of workers, clearly defined responsibilities and a united district-level organisation. But here, the very formation of the district organisation is becoming a source of controversy. So where exactly will the Congress find the strength to challenge the BJP at the booth level?
&lsquo;Race Horses&rsquo; or Obstacles in Each Other&rsquo;s Way? Rahul Gandhi talks about identifying the &lsquo;lame horses&rsquo; in Gujarat and bringing the &lsquo;race horses&rsquo; to the forefront. It sounds attractive. But politics does not work that way. Simply choosing good horses does not guarantee victory in a race. The horses must run together rather than pull each other down. The direction of the race must be clear. And the coaching staff cannot be fighting among themselves. Only then can a team win. The Gujarat Congress&rsquo;s problem may not simply be about &lsquo;which leader should be promoted&rsquo;. The real problem is whether the leaders who are brought forward will actually work together. Mukul Wasnik is gone. Randeep Singh Surjewala has arrived. The state in-charge has changed. But if factionalism remains unchanged, internal power struggles remain unchanged, coordination between the district and state organisations remains weak, and organisational decisions themselves continue to trigger controversy, then what exactly is the Congress talking about when it talks of change? Changing faces will not change the Congress&rsquo;s fortunes. Its working style must change. Leadership accountability must be fixed. Factionalism must be brought under control. And above all, the party worker must be given confidence that the Congress is genuinely one team. Because if the Congress wants to fight the BJP, it must first stop its own leaders from fighting each other.
When Will the Political Infighting Within Gujarat Congress End? The biggest illusion for the Congress in the 2027 election would be to assume that public anger against the BJP will automatically translate into Congress votes. Politics does not work that simply. Reaching voters requires sustained ground-level work. It requires a booth-level organisation. It requires coordination among local leaders. It requires worker morale. And above all, it requires leadership running in one direction until election day. If even one of these five links is weak, the entire electoral calculation can collapse. For the Congress, this is no longer the time for experiments. It is the time for decisions. How many state in-charges will be changed? How many meetings will be held? How many times will the organisational structure be reshuffled? The question is no longer who the next Gujarat Congress in-charge will be. The real question is: when will the political infighting within the Gujarat Congress finally end? If every new in-charge is going to inherit the same old disputes, factionalism and internal resentment, then how can a new Congress emerge simply because a new face has arrived?
Will &lsquo;Race Horses&rsquo; Remain Just Another Political Slogan? If the Congress wants to win Gujarat, it must first win within its own organisation. It must win the trust of its workers. It must win the confidence of its district organisations. It must bring its leaders onto one platform. Otherwise, the Congress will lose its internal battle before its fight against the BJP has even begun. And then the talk of &lsquo;race horses&rsquo; will remain nothing more than another political slogan. The Congress has very little time left in the race for power in 2027. If it wants to take on the BJP, it must first stop its own leaders from fighting each other. Because power in Gujarat will not be won through statements from the Gandhi family. It will be won through organisational strength on the ground. The final question is simple: Is the Congress preparing to defeat the BJP, or is it still calculating whom it needs to defeat inside its own house? Want to win Gujarat? Then first, win the Gujarat Congress.

Congress has set its sights on defeating the BJP in Gujarat. But there’s a bigger battle brewing inside its own house.

Congress Wants to Defeat BJP in Gujarat, But Who Will Save Congress From Itself?

Gujarat High Court Launches Study Circle for Advocates: In a major initiative to strengthen the professional skills and legal knowledge of young advocates, the High Court of Gujarat, in collaboration with the Gujarat State Judicial Academy (GSJA), has announced the launch of a Study Circle (Symposium/Workshop) for Advocates Practicing before the High Court of Gujarat with up to 10 years of practice. The programme will be conducted at the Lecture Hall of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, High Court Campus, Ahmedabad.
Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal Announces Study Circle The initiative was announced by Gujarat High Court Chief Justice and Patron-in-Chief of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, Justice Sunita Agarwal, after the Flag Hoisting Ceremony held at the High Court Lawns on August 15. The announcement was made in the presence of Justice Bhargav D. Karia, Judge of the Gujarat High Court and President of GSJA, members of the Board of Governors of GSJA, other High Court judges, Senior Advocates and members of the Bar.
Focus on Legal Education and Professional Skills The new Study Circle is being introduced as a continuous legal learning and professional development programme for young members of the Bar. The initiative aims to enhance advocates&rsquo; understanding of legal principles, legal research, drafting and advocacy skills through direct interaction with Senior Advocates and subject experts. The programme is also expected to strengthen academic engagement between the Bench and the Bar and provide advocates with an opportunity to discuss important and evolving legal issues.
Justice Sunita Agarwal Highlights Importance of Continuous Learning Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal highlighted the indispensable role of advocates in the administration of justice. She emphasized that continuous legal education has become increasingly important in an era of rapidly evolving jurisprudence. The Chief Justice also stressed that effective advocacy and strong legal research are essential components of a robust justice delivery system. She appreciated the efforts of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy in conceptualizing and developing the Study Circle programme.
Three Key Legal Modules in First Phase The first phase of the Study Circle will feature three major academic modules covering important areas of High Court practice. Module I will focus on the expanding contours of maintainability in writ jurisdiction under Article 226, an important area of constitutional and administrative law practice. Module II will cover the basic principles of Administrative Law and Second Appeals under Section 100 of the CPC, with particular emphasis on the Doctrine of Substantial Question of Law. Module III will focus on Criminal Law Jurisdiction, particularly the inherent powers of High Courts under Section 482 of the CrPC and Section 528 of the BNSS, including their scope, limitations and principles of judicial discipline.
Study Circle to Be Held Fortnightly The Study Circle is proposed to be conducted on a fortnightly basis, providing advocates with regular opportunities for legal learning and professional interaction. Future sessions will cover a wide range of subjects, including Constitutional Law, Writ Jurisdiction, Arbitration and Conciliation Law, Commercial Law, Public Interest Litigation, Service Law, Taxation Law, Admiralty Jurisdiction, Legal Ethics and Drafting Skills. The programme will also address contemporary legal issues that are particularly relevant to advocates practicing before the Gujarat High Court.
Registration to Begin Soon Registration for the Study Circle (Symposium/Workshop Series) for Advocates Practicing in the High Court of Gujarat &ndash; Series of Academic Modules 2026 will begin shortly through the official website of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy. The programme is specifically intended for advocates practicing before the Gujarat High Court who have up to 10 years of professional practice.
Registration Fee The registration fee for the Study Circle has been fixed at ₹100 per programme, which will be paid by each participating advocate. The workshops will be conducted at the Lecture Hall of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, High Court Campus, Ahmedabad. Advocates attending the workshops will also receive Certificates of Participation.
Major Step Towards Strengthening Justice Delivery The Gujarat High Court and Gujarat State Judicial Academy's new Study Circle is being viewed as a significant step towards professional excellence and development of the legal fraternity. By bringing young advocates, Senior Advocates and legal experts together for regular academic discussions, the initiative aims to improve legal knowledge, research and advocacy skills while strengthening the Bench-Bar relationship. The broader objective is to contribute towards a more effective and efficient justice delivery system in Gujarat.

Study Circle Launched for Advocates With Up to 10 Years of Practice

Gujarat High Court Big Move

A chilling video of the accused in the Indore MBA student murder case has sparked outrage after he was seen smiling and appearing unconcerned when questioned about the crime.
The accused, Piyush Dhanotia, was arrested for allegedly raping and murdering his 25-year-old classmate in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Police said he strangled the woman on February 10 inside his rented accommodation and later locked the room before fleeing. Her partially decomposed body was discovered days later after residents complained of a foul smell.
However, what has intensified public anger is the accused&rsquo;s demeanour. In a video that surfaced online, Dhanotia is seen smiling when reporters ask him why he committed the crime. When pressed for answers, he responded dismissively, saying that what had happened had already happened and that he would speak at the right time. Throughout the interaction, he showed no visible sign of regret.
Police officials said he admitted during interrogation that he forced the woman into sexual acts and killed her when she resisted, though he has reportedly changed his version multiple times. Investigators are also examining allegations that he circulated objectionable videos of the victim in their college WhatsApp group.
The victim&rsquo;s father has accused the accused of blackmailing his daughter with obscene images and attempting to extort money.
As the investigation continues, the accused&rsquo;s apparent lack of remorse captured on camera has become a focal point of the case, drawing sharp reactions both online and offline.
&nbsp;

Video shows MBA student murder accused laughing amid probe

Indore Murder Accused Smiles on Camera

Galgotias University has landed in controversy after showcasing a robotic dog at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 that was widely believed to be developed by its students. The robot, however, was later identified as a commercially available product made by Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics.
The backlash began after a video from the summit went viral, in which a university professor introduced the robot dog, named &ldquo;Orion,&rdquo; and referred to it as being developed at the institution&rsquo;s Centre of Excellence. Social media users were quick to point out that the machine closely resembled Unitree&rsquo;s quadruped robots, which are already available globally for research and industrial use.
Unitree is known for manufacturing advanced four-legged robots designed for tasks such as inspection, obstacle navigation and research applications. Its products are often compared to models developed by global robotics players.
Following the uproar, the Greater Noida-based university issued a clarification stating that it never claimed to have built the robot. It maintained that the robodog was purchased as part of its AI investment initiatives and is being used as a research and learning tool for students. Another faculty member present at the summit reiterated that the display had been misinterpreted and that there was no attempt to conceal the original manufacturer&rsquo;s branding.
Despite the clarification, sources familiar with the developments said the university was asked to vacate its pavilion at the summit amid mounting criticism. The institution, however, denied receiving any formal directive from the organisers or the ministry.
Notably, the robotic dog was removed from display shortly after the controversy escalated online.

Robodog row sparks backlash at India AI Impact Summit 2026

Galgotias Asked to Exit AI Summit

Actor Sidharth Malhotra is mourning the loss of his father, Sunil Malhotra, who passed away recently. The actor shared the news with an emotional message on social media. His wife, Kiara Advani, has now also paid a heartfelt tribute to her father-in-law.
On Wednesday, Kiara took to Instagram to share pictures from her wedding reception, where she and Sidharth were seen smiling alongside his parents. In a deeply personal note, she remembered Sunil Malhotra as a warm, generous, and steady presence in the family. She reflected on how he welcomed her with open arms and unconditional love, describing his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to his family.
Kiara wrote that his stories, laughter, and quiet strength would remain with her forever. She added that his legacy of integrity and gentleness lives on through his children and grandchildren. Concluding her message, she expressed that he would always be loved and remembered.
The couple is currently in Delhi with their family during this difficult period. Members of the film industry extended their condolences online. Jacqueline Fernandez offered prayers, while Karan Johar and Manish Malhotra shared messages of support.
On the professional front, Sidharth will next appear in Vvan: Force of The Forest, directed by Arunabh Kumar and Deepak Mishra and produced by Balaji Motion Pictures. The film also stars Tamannaah Bhatia and is slated for release later this year.
Kiara, meanwhile, awaits the release of Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, directed by Geetu Mohandas. The film features Yash, Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi, and Rukmini Vasanth in key roles. The film is expected to release on March 19, alongside Dhurandhar 2, directed by Aditya Dhar.

Actor pens heartfelt note after Sunil Malhotra’s passing

Kiara Mourns Sidharth’s Father

Days after 23-year-old Sahil Dhaneshra lost his life in a fatal SUV crash in Delhi&rsquo;s Dwarka, the father of the 17-year-old accused has expressed regret over the incident, stating that his family is &ldquo;deeply grief-stricken.&rdquo; He also confirmed that the Scorpio SUV involved in the accident is part of his commercial transport business.
The crash occurred around 11:50 am on February 3 near Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management in Sector 11, Dwarka. According to police, the SUV rammed into a Yamaha R15 motorcycle, killing Sahil on the spot. The vehicle then struck a parked Swift Dzire, injuring cab driver Ajit Singh.
Post-mortem findings revealed that Sahil sustained a fractured skull, multiple rib fractures, and an elbow injury due to the high-impact collision.
The minor driver was detained at the scene and booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rash driving, negligence causing death, and endangering life. He was later presented before the Juvenile Justice Board and sent to an observation home. On February 10, he was granted interim bail to appear for his Class 10 board examinations.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police registered a separate case against the boy&rsquo;s father under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which holds guardians or vehicle owners accountable when a minor commits a traffic offence.
Speaking to the media after being questioned, the father said he was not in the city at the time of the accident and was unaware that his son had taken the vehicle. He stated that the family has cooperated with investigators and provided all necessary documents.
Sahil&rsquo;s mother alleged that her son was killed by a &ldquo;reckless teen&rdquo; just minutes away from his workplace. The 23-year-old, who worked part-time at an insurance firm, had plans to pursue higher studies in the United Kingdom later this year.

Minor held in SUV crash; father booked under MV Act provisions

Dwarka Crash: Accused’s Father Apologises

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday set aside a March 2025 judgment of the Allahabad High Court that had ruled that grabbing a minor girl&rsquo;s breasts and dragging her under a culvert did not amount to an attempt to rape. The apex court termed the ruling a &ldquo;patently erroneous&rdquo; application of criminal law principles.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N.V. Anjaria, held that the high court had incorrectly reduced the charges from attempt to rape under Section 376 read with Section 511 of the IPC and Section 18 of the POCSO Act to lesser offences. The court restored the original summons issued by the Special POCSO Court in Kasganj, clarifying that its observations were prima facie and would not influence the trial&rsquo;s outcome.
Rejecting the high court&rsquo;s reasoning that the accused had merely &ldquo;prepared&rdquo; to commit rape, the Supreme Court reiterated the settled distinction between preparation and attempt, noting that an attempt begins when intent moves into execution. Based on the allegations, including forcibly taking the minor on a motorcycle, dragging her near a culvert, and fleeing only after she screamed, the Bench held that a prima facie case of attempt to rape was clearly made out.
The proceedings were initiated suo motu after senior advocate Shobha Gupta raised concerns over the high court&rsquo;s reasoning. The Supreme Court had earlier stayed the controversial observations and later the entire judgment.
Beyond correcting the legal error, the court addressed a broader concern about insensitivity in judicial handling of sexual offence cases. It requested the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal to constitute a five-member expert committee to frame guidelines aimed at fostering compassion and sensitivity in courts, especially in cases involving minors and vulnerable victims.
The committee, to be chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice Aniruddha Bose, has been directed to submit a report within three months. The guidelines are to be drafted in simple, accessible language and tailored to Indian realities to ensure they are understandable to victims and laypersons alike.

Top court restores rape attempt charge, seeks sensitivity guidelines

SC Sets Aside HC Order in POCSO Case

India&rsquo;s merchandise imports from Russia plunged by over 40% in January 2026, falling to about $2.86 billion from $4.81 billion a year earlier, official trade figures show, largely reflecting a steep reduction in crude oil purchases.
Crude oil typically accounts for roughly 80% of India&rsquo;s imports from Russia, and estimates suggest purchases of Russian crude last month were significantly lower than in previous years. Other goods imported from Russia include coal, fertilisers, iron, pulses, and precious stones, but these have not offset the slump in oil imports. The downturn in oil imports intensified after mid-2025, following punitive tariffs levied by the United States on Indian goods connected to purchases of Russian oil and ongoing diplomatic pressure. India&rsquo;s refiners, including some major private and state firms, have substantially reduced or halted buying Russian crude as they explore alternative sources.
In early February 2026, Washington eased the additional tariff on Indian products after New Delhi signalled a commitment to &ldquo;stop directly or indirectly importing&rdquo; Russian oil and to increase purchases of energy products from the United States, as well as broadening ties in global energy markets.
Analysts expect the shift in crude sourcing to continue, with Indian refiners eyeing other suppliers, including Middle Eastern and Venezuelan grades, as part of broader diversification strategies.

January sees 40% fall in Russia merchandise imports amid crude cutbacks

India’s Russia Imports Drop Sharply

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in Andhra Pradesh&rsquo;s Annamayya district for allegedly abducting and murdering a seven-year-old girl from his neighbourhood in Madanapalle town.
The child had been playing outside her home on Sunday evening when she went missing, sparking panic among her family and local residents. A missing complaint was filed the following morning, prompting an intensive search operation led by district police.
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from across the town, which reportedly showed the suspect, a neighbour living opposite the victim&rsquo;s house, taking the child into his residence. Acting on this lead, police searched the house on Tuesday morning.
During the inspection, officers discovered the girl&rsquo;s body concealed inside a water storage drum within the premises. The accused was present at the house at the time and was immediately taken into custody.
Preliminary findings suggest the child was killed inside the residence on Sunday night, and her body was hidden thereafter. Authorities are probing whether sexual assault occurred before the murder, with confirmation pending post-mortem and forensic examination results.
Following the discovery, tensions escalated in the area. Residents and family members staged a protest on the Madanapalle highway, briefly preventing police from shifting the body to the government hospital for autopsy and demanding strict punishment for the accused.
Police have stated that all possible angles, including prior allegations of inappropriate behaviour by the suspect, are being examined as the investigation continues.

Child’s body found in drum; protest erupts in Madanapalle town

7-Year-Old Killed, Neighbour Arrested

The United States and Iran held their second round of indirect negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, as diplomatic efforts continue amid heightened regional tensions. While both sides indicated forward movement in discussions, parallel military developments have added complexity to the fragile engagement.
Reports suggest the US has significantly reinforced its military presence in the Middle East. Over 50 advanced fighter aircraft, including F-35, F-22 and F-16 jets, were reportedly repositioned to the region within a 24-hour window. The deployment follows Washington&rsquo;s decision to send a second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to Middle Eastern waters, underscoring its strategic posture.
Despite the show of force, the Geneva discussions were described as substantive and focused. Iranian officials signalled that preliminary understandings were reached on broad guiding principles that could shape a future agreement. However, they cautioned that drafting and finalising any deal would take time.
On the American side, officials maintained that the talks unfolded largely as anticipated. Washington&rsquo;s core objective remains preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a position repeatedly emphasised by senior US leadership.
Meanwhile, regional tensions persisted. Iran temporarily restricted navigation in parts of the Strait of Hormuz during a naval drill, highlighting the waterway&rsquo;s vulnerability. Additionally, US leaders suggested that differences remain over key conditions laid out by President Donald Trump.
As diplomacy continues, both nations appear to be balancing dialogue with deterrence, leaving the broader geopolitical landscape uncertain.

Second Geneva round shows progress as military moves raise stakes

TAMILNADU News