A Chandigarh civil court has temporarily restrained retired Justice Ranjit Singh, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia and Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira from publishing, circulating or disseminating any allegedly baseless or defamatory material on social media platforms or through any other medium concerning allegations that Punjab Chief Minister’s wife Gurpreet Kaur had demanded a bribe. Civil Judge (Junior Division) Dr. Parikshit passed the interim order on a suit filed by Gurpreet Kaur seeking damages and an injunction. The court has issued notices to the respondents re

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has once again summoned Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal in connection with the Behbal Kalan firing case. Badal has been asked to appear before the SIT in Chandigarh on September 11 for questioning. Badal had previously appeared before the SIT on July 20. The latest summons comes as the investigation into the 2015 firing incident continues. The Behbal Kalan firing took place in October 2015, when police opened fire on protesters in Behbal Kalan, Faridkot district. The protesters were demonstrating against incidents of sacrilege involving th

Punjab Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Majithia have been served legal notices by Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, wife of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. In the notice, Dr. Gurpreet Kaur alleged that Khaira had published and circulated allegedly false, defamatory and objectionable content, including graphic posters and videos related to her, across social media platforms. Khaira has been given 24 hours to remove and withdraw the alleged content from his social media accounts. The notice also demands that he refrain from creating or circulating similar material i

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday directed officials to ensure foolproof arrangements for the fourth season of ‘Khedan Vatan Punjab Diyan-2026’, which will begin on September 5 from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium in Bathinda. The Chief Minister said around 10 lakh players are expected to participate in this year’s games. Athletes from nine age groups, ranging from 14 years to above 70 years, will take part in the sporting event. A total of 38 sports disciplines will be contested this season. Four para-sports — athletics, powerlifting, badminton and wheelchair basketball — h

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who arrived in Punjab on the occasion of Rakhar Punnya, said the Indian government would not enter into any agreement with any country at the expense of farmers’ interests. Chouhan said all agreements signed by the Indian government have been made keeping public interests in mind and have benefited the people. Clarifying India’s position on talks with the United States, he said that no agreement has been reached with the U.S. so far and that discussions are still underway. On the possibility of an alliance between the BJP and Shiromani Akal

The Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government is preparing to take strict action against government employees who participated in the mass strike across the state. The government has sought a list of employees who remained absent from duty without prior permission during the strike. Secretary-level officials have been directed to submit the list by tomorrow. The government has argued that the strike disrupted public services and caused considerable inconvenience to ordinary people. Officials have indicated that action will be taken against employees found absent from duty without authorization. Ea

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Tuesday paid obeisance at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda district, nearly two weeks after surviving a life-threatening attack in Nanded, Maharashtra. He was accompanied by his wife, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, and senior party leaders. A large number of Akali workers gathered at the religious shrine to welcome him. Speaking to reporters after paying obeisance, Sukhbir Badal alleged that certain forces were working to weaken Punjab and Sikh leadership and disturb peace and communal harmony in the state. He said the Shiroma

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has strongly objected to the government granting another furlough to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Dhami said the decision reflects a “double and discriminatory approach” by the government. He questioned why Ram Rahim is repeatedly granted furloughs and paroles while Sikh prisoners, who have been incarcerated for long periods, are allegedly denied parole even to meet seriously ill family members. He said such treatment raises questions about the credibility of equal application of law

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin may attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13. During his meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Moscow on Monday, Putin expressed hope of meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon. The two leaders discussed India-Russia relations and ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Jaishankar, who arrived in Moscow on Sunday for a two-day visit, also met Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. They discussed ways to further expand India-Russia trade and economic cooperation. Putin also noted that trade between Russia and India