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The world is watching us: Karnataka High Court on hijab row

On the same day, similar scenes were witnessed at Sir M Vishweshwaraiah Government Arts and Commerce College in Bhadravati of Shivamogga district…reports Asian Lite News

Labeling it “Talibanisation” and “go to Pakistan”, leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have lashed out at students demanding that hijab be allowed. Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) leaders have come in support of the Muslim students, urging the state government to not infringe on their fundamental right to education.

A timeline of events

December 2021

While the ‘hijab vs saffron scarf’ row is not new to Karnataka, the latest wave of communal flare up began in December 2021. Six students of Udupi Women’s PU College staged a protest for weeks after college authorities allegedly refused to let them sit in classrooms wearing hijab. After approaching district commissioner, education department officials, the girls have now petitioned the Karnataka High Court seeking relief.

3 January

Hindu students of the Government First Grade College in Koppa, Chikmagalur, which also has an uniform and a dress code, staged a sit-in protest sporting saffron scarves Monday. Their demand was also to allow them to wear saffron scarves if Muslim girl students were allowed to wear hijabs.

6 January

Similar scenes were witnessed in Pompei college of Mangaluru. Speaking to ThePrint then, Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Minister B.C. Nagesh had said the state was mulling a uniform dress code.

31 January

The issue flared up after students of Udupi Women’s PU college approached the HC seeking interim relief to attend classes wearing hijab.

The Karnataka government meanwhile asked all government colleges and schools to maintain status quo until the government committee comes up with a recommendation on dress code.

2 February

Kundapur Government PU college shut its gates on students wearing hijab after Hindu students wore saffron scarves. Videos of the girl students pleading with the principal to let them attend classes went viral.

On the same day, similar scenes were witnessed at Sir M Vishweshwaraiah Government Arts and Commerce College in Bhadravati of Shivamogga district.

3 February

The protests spread to another college in Kundapur. Bhandarkars’ Arts and Science College forcing the college management to shut the gates on students sporting hijab as well as saffron scarves.

More protests were witnessed at Byndoor Government PU college where more than 300 Hindu students backed by Hindutva organisatons wore saffron scarves to college. Protests were also seen in Belagavi Government PU college.

Politics over row

Leaders of the ruling BJP have vehemently opposed Muslim students seeking to wear hijab in colleges accusing the community of trying to ‘Talibanise’ educational institutions.

“BJP is in power in the state. There is no space for hijab or such things. School is a (Goddess) Saraswati temple. It is everyone’s duty to study within rules framed by the school. Talibanisation will not be allowed,” Karnataka BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateel told reporters Saturday.

Other leaders of the party too have taken similarly strong stand against the Muslim community.

“If you ask me, Madrasas should be banned too, Urdu schools as well. Learn in Kannada, else go to Pakistan. What work do you have here? You want hijab, you want Urdu and all Islamic practises then go to Pakistan,” former Union minister Basanagouda Patil Yatnal told reporters Saturday.

Opposition parties Congress and JD(S), going after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ (save the girl child, educate the girl child), have urged the government to ensure protesting students get access to education.

“Constitution has given the right to practice any religion which means one can wear any clothes according to their religion. Prohibiting hijab-wearing students from entering school is a violation of fundamental rights. The main agenda of the Sangh Parivar is to deny education to Muslim girls in the name of hijab,” Siddaramaiah, Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka legislature, told reporters Sunday.

Siddaramaiah was the first senior leader of the Congress to speak about the row.

Former party president and senior leader Rahul Gandhi too raised the matter via his social media page.

“The Union government brought in ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ scheme but the BJP government in the state is using hijab as an excuse to implement ‘Beti Hatao’ (remove the girl child),” H.D. Kumaraswamy, former chief minister and JD(S) legislative party leader, told reporters Saturday.

ALSO READ-The world is watching us: Karnataka High Court on hijab row

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Hijab row: Teargas fired in Karnataka college campus

Teargas fired in Karnataka college campus

Amid the Karnataka High Court hearing the hijab matter, more incidents of violence were reported from an educational institute in the state on Tuesday.

The police fired teargas shells and carried out a baton charge to quell the violent mob in the Harihar First Grade College campus in Davanagere district.

Following the violence, the district administration has clamped prohibitory orders in Davanagere and Harihar twin cities.

According to eyewitnesses, several policemen and students were injured in the violent incident. Many two-wheelers have been damaged and a tense situation prevails in the Davanagere town. Police have been deployed at all sensitive places.

Local Congress MLA Ramappa has rushed to the spot to pacify the students. However, outraged students had a heated debate with the MLA.
As many as 2,500 students study in Harihar College. The trouble started when a group of people came to the college in support of the hijab. The group got into an argument with the students wearing saffron shawls and soon the situation turned violent.

Sensing the danger, the police rushed to the spot and asked the mob standing outside to move out of the college area. The group of outsiders did not budge and refused to move. They claimed that they have to protect the hijab-wearing students. This was objected by the other group of students wearing saffron shawls and soon stone pelting began.

To quell the mob, police fired teargas and carried out baton charge.

The town had witnessed protests on Monday night also after an objectionable social media post. The incident turned communal when ‘Pakistan zindabad’ slogans were raised. The police however brought the situation under control.

The tense situation continued in Davanagere Pre-University College as there was confrontation between outsiders and students. The police taking no chances resorted to lathi charge and dispersed the crowd.

Meanwhile, the High Court is hearing the matter of Hijab row and it is expected to give its verdict later in the day. The government has stated that it would come out with a clear cut order on wearing of hijab along with uniform once the court rules on the matter.

Prohibitory orders clamped

Prohibitory orders have been clamped in Shivamogga district of Karnataka on Tuesday following incidents of violence due to hijab row. Considering the volatility of the situation, the district administration has issued curfew orders to stop mobs and students from stone pelting. The agitating students wearing saffron shawl hoisted ‘Bhagva dhwaj’ in the college premises.

Education Minister B.C. Nagesh has given directions to the Education Department to take a call on declaring two-day holiday for the colleges and schools based on the prevailing situation which is turning violent in the backdrop of hijab row.

Even as violence broke out due to the hijab row, the Education Department on Tuesday announced PUC (Class 12) annual examinations to be held between April 16 and May 6.

Shivamogga Superintendent of Police Lakshmiprasad stated that the violence started between two groups of students and they pelted stones at each other. Two students got hurt and the police are still looking for injured persons. The police are looking into how the stone pelting started, he said.

R. Selvamani, District Commissioner of Shivamogga district said that the students were being sent back as a preventive measure to avoid confrontation. A complaint on stone pelting has been received and investigation will be taken up, he said.

Sources said the police have taken four students of Shivamogga Government College into custody following the eruption of violence and their parents have objected to the action by the police. The miscreants have pelted stones at one of the private buses in the city.

Activists in support of students wearing hijab, stage a protest against the order mandating uniforms stipulated by the state government or respective managements of the institutions at Chamarajpet, in Bengaluru on Monday, February 07, 2022. (Photo: Dhananjay yadav/IANS)

Meanwhile, four persons have been taken into custody in Banahatti of Bagalkot district as violence and stone pelting erupted between two groups of students. The violence has spilled over to other areas of the city as well.

Opposition raises issue in Parliament

The opposition raised the Karnataka hijab row in the Lok Sabha and many MPs moved adjournment motions. The Congress, IUML and some other members raised the issue which is hogging the national attention these days.

T.N. Prathapan, Congress MP said, “I request the Education Minister to intervene in this matter to ensure the constitutional rights of the students are upheld and matter is resolved.”

Earlier, IUML Lok Sabha MPs had given adjournment notice to demand discussion on the Udupi Hijab row in Karnataka which took place recently.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Education Minister B.C. Nagesh urged the students not to get provoked and follow government orders.

Addressing the media, Bommai, who is currently in New Delhi, said all the students must follow the state government order issued regarding uniforms.

The students must not make any attempt to disturb peace, he added.
“The court order is coming tomorrow (Tuesday). The state government will take a decision on the issue once the order comes. As the case is before the court I don’t want to speak on it,” he said.

Activists in support of students wearing hijab, stage a protest against the order mandating uniforms stipulated by the state government or respective managements of the institutions at Chamarajpet, in Bengaluru on Monday, February 07, 2022. (Photo: Dhananjay yadav/IANS)

Lashing out at the government, Congress leader in the legislative council B.K. Hariprasad said, “BJP is fishing in dangerous waters by meddling in Hijab-Saffron row in Udupi district. It shows their sinister plans to create issues out of nothing for petty political gains. BJP is posing risk to students’ education which is already affected by the pandemic.”

The state Education Minister defended the order of sending hijab wearing and saffron cladding students to separate rooms in the Udupi Government PU College, adding that the government will frame rules on uniform after High Court order.

The management of Kundapur Government Pre University College also sent hijab wearing and saffron shawls cladding students to separate rooms inside the premises of the college.

The College Development Committee spokesperson Mohan Das Shenoy stated that Muslim students who are agitating outside would be allowed inside the college premises and given a separate room. However, they won’t be allowed to attend classes until they remove the hijab as per the government order.

The hijab row has now spread across the state, including in Chikkaballapur, Chikkamagalur, Hassan, Mandya, Vijayapura.
It has affected seven colleges in Udupi alone, while also spread to Bommai’s native district of Haveri.

The row took a new turn with students of IDSG College in Chikkamaglur district, who came in blue shawls in support of wearing the hijab by Muslim students.

They raised ‘Jai Bheem’ slogans and condemned the communalisation of education.

After declaring a holiday at the Shanteshwar PUC College and GRB Colleges in Vijayapura, the saffron shawl wearing students gathered in front of the entrance gates and raised the slogans of ‘Jai Shri Ram’.

The Muslim students who came wearing the hijab have said that they were not bothered about the state government’s order and were awaiting for the directive from the High Court of Karnataka on the matter.

ALSO READ: The world is watching us: Karnataka High Court on hijab row

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More students wear saffron shawls, hijabs in Karnataka

The Principal of the Venkataramana College has said that students wearing saffron shawls and hijab won’t be allowed inside the college premises…reports Asian Lite News

Despite the Karnataka government issuing a new circular banning hijab as well as saffron shawls in college campuses, the row continued on Monday as students in different cities of the state came wearing the shawls and hijabs, but and were turned out.

In Vijayapura district’s Indi town, Hindu students of the Shanteshwara PUC College and GRB College came wearing saffron shawls in protest against the Muslim students wearing hijab.

Considering the sensitivity of the situation, a holiday was declared by the managements of the two colleges.

Vijayapura is considered a BJP stronghold and also communally sensitive.

Meanwhile, students of Venkataramana College in Kundapur, Udupi district, were stopped at the playgrounds for wearing saffron shawls.

The sub-inspector attached to the Kundapur police station, Sadashiva Gavaroji stopped the students from entering the college premises.

The Principal of the Venkataramana College has said that students wearing saffron shawls and hijab won’t be allowed inside the college premises.

The intelligence agencies and education department are on high alert about disturbing developments regarding the hijab row in the state.

Miscreants threatened BJP leader Raheem Uchil for speaking for the ruling government in connection with row.

Uchil, leader of BJP Minority Morcha and also President of Karnataka Byari Literature, came out in the open and condemned the move by few organizations to kick up the hijab row in the state.

The miscreant had abused the lawmaker and threatened that he would be killed for speaking against the wearing of hijab.

He has lodged a complaint in this regard with the Pandeshwara Police station in Dakshina Kannada district.

In another development, Udupi police have taken two persons into custody for flashing knives during hijab-saffron shawl protest on February 5. The police have launched a search operation for three other persons who were spotted with weapons at the site of a student protest.

The arrested persons have been identified as Abdul Majeed (32) and Razab (41), residents of Gangolli. The police have identified the persons who flashed weapons at the students protest site as Khaleel, Rizwan and Iftikar.

Kundapur police have registered a case and are investigating the case. These developments have put the state agencies on high alert.

The Karnataka High Court will take up the hearing of petitions by Muslim students on hijab row on Tuesday. The students have sought directions for the government and education department to allow them to wear hijab and attend classes. The state government has stated that they would frame a policy on uniform once the High Court gives its orders.

Meanwhile, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the civic agency of the state capital known as Silicon Valley of India, planned to take preventive measures fearing surfacing of hijab row.

The administration has started distributing uniforms, shoes and books to students and aiming to complete the exercise as early as possible.

ALSO READ: Owaisi, Kejriwal sent by BJP to split votes: Congress

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Karnataka okays Anti-conversion Bill amid uproar

The Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021, popularly known as Anti-conversion Bill proposes protection of right to freedom of religion and prohibition of unlawful conversion…reports Asian Lite News

 The Karnataka Assembly on Thursday passed the Anti-conversion Bill amid uproar by the Opposition during the ongoing Winter Session of the Asembly. The day was reserved for discussion on the Bill.

“The Anti-conversion Bill is Constitutional and pro-people,” Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said while speaking to mediapersons at the Suvarna Soudha here.

“Instead of presenting their views on the Bill, the Opposition leaders chose to make political speeches. In fact, the preparations for bringing the Bill was made during the earlier Congress regime itself. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself had agreed to present the Bill before the state cabinet after it was scrutinised by the law department. Doesn’t it amount to his consent to the Bill,” Bommai asked.

“The Bill is especially pro-SC, ST and poor segments of the society. It would help in the protection of all the communities and uphold their dignity. The state government is very clear in implementing the Bill. The government is opposed to conversion by exploiting poverty and offering allurements like employment and education,” Bommai said.

The Congress leaders are opposing the same Bill now in the Assembly, which shows the dual policy of the party, Bommai said.

“The draft Bill was not prepared by former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. He had just referred a request in this regard to the Law Commission. It was the Congress government which prepared the draft Bill after getting a report from the Law Commission. Congress leaders who supported the draft Bill then are now opposing it only because of vote bank politics,” Bommai said.

However, the Congress party said that it would rollback the Bill when it comes to power.

The Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021, popularly known as Anti-conversion Bill proposes protection of right to freedom of religion and prohibition of unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means and for the matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

“No person shall convert or attempt to convert, either directly or otherwise, any other person from one religion to another by use or practice of force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means or by any other means or promise of marriage, nor shall any person abet or conspire such conversion,” the Bill says.

According to new law, any converted person, his parents, brother, sister or any other person who is related to him by blood, marriage or adoption or in any form associated or colleague may lodge a complaint of such conversion which contravenes the provisions, the offence is made to be non-bailable and cognizable.

The bill proposes declaration before conversion of religion and also pre-report about conversion. The declaration of post conversion of religion is also proposed. If any institution violates the Act, imprisonment of up to three to five years with a fine of Rs 25,000 is proposed. If the victim is a minor, the imprisonment is extended up to 10 years.

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London Hosts KannadigaruUK Rajyotsava

The main highlight of this year’s Rajyotsava celebration was scintillating performances by the local talents only. The event proceedings were spearheaded by Namm Radio RJs Girish and Rashmi with the audience engaging through their wonderful compering skills …. Reports Asian Lite News

After two years of confinement to their homes due to Covid-19, Kannadigas in the UK came out to celebrate 66th Kannada Rajyotsava in London.  It was KannadigruUK’s 17th Kannada Rajyotsava, a flagship event held at Feltham, London with grandeur.

The event started with a delicious and sumptuous Karnataka style lunch which some attendees couldn’t resist the second serving.  One minute silence was observed in memory of Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar after the Naadageethe and welcome speech by KUK Executive Committee.

London Hosts KannadigaruUK Rajyotsava

The event was graced by honourable British Deputy High Commissioner, Bengaluru Mr Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford as the chief guest. Mr Pilmore-Bedford, starting with a greeting in Kannada (which received roaring applause) spoke about the role Kannadigas playing in contributing to the economy of the UK. He also spoke about various initiatives taken by the UK post Brexit towards strengthening ties between UK and India and hailed the relation as a Living Bridge and great steps for collaboration.

Addressing  the diaspora, Mr Pilmore-Bedford said “I am absolutely delighted to be here in person on the foundation day of Karnataka. I can see the energy, vibrancy of the Kannadigaru. Last year I attended a virtual event along with Minister Ashwath Naraynan. I am privileged to have lived and worked in Karnataka and have travelled there extensively. We are working in collaboration projects in Bengaluru “

The main highlight of this year’s Rajyotsava celebration was scintillating performances by the local talents only. The event proceedings were spearheaded by Namm Radio RJs Girish and Rashmi with the audience engaging through their wonderful compering skills. The Yakshagana play “Bhasmasura Mohini” was splendidly enacted by Yogindra Maravante and his daughter. There were many dance performances by children including tribute to Puneeth as well by adults that made the audience spellbound.

The KUK committee also presented about various online zoom events and   activities including Yoga camps carried out during covid lock down period emphasizing KUK never stopped serving the community regardless of the situation. There was also a presentation about KannadigaruUK’s Kannada Kali activities, fund mobilisation for Covid victims in Karnataka and KUK’s financial status.

Children paying tribute to Powerstar Puneeth Rajkumar -London Hosts KannadigaruUK Rajyotsava

Soon after the snack and tea break, members of the Kannanda diaspora participated in a colourful fashion show after which followed the events biggest and main attraction, the musical evening presented by singers Dr Shweta Hiremath  a Zee Kannada Saregamapa finalist, Lakshmi Hoysal who has gained popularity after winning the ETV’s ede tumbi Haaduvenu and Harshita who was the popular contestant of Colors Kannada Kogile.

The trio along with compere Rashmi paid tribute to actor Puneeth by singing medley of Puneeth’s songs. They went on to sing popular film songs, folk songs one after the other. The melodious singing by them was so mesmerising and immersive that the audience went delirious by jumping to the dancefloor. The power packed singing by the trio and dancing by the audience went on so long until all realised that it was time for the venue closure.

One more successful, memorable, and grand Kannada Rajyotsava celebration was hosted by KannadigaruUK this time (with all the necessary COVID measures) made an honest attempt to provide cultural experience to fellow Kannadigas.

  • Chief guest British Deputy High Commissioner Mr Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford with Ganapati Bhat
  • British Deputy High Commissioner, Bengaluru Mr Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford
  • British Deputy High Commissioner Bengaluru Mr Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford addressing the audience
  • Children paying tribute to Powerstar Puneeth Rajkumar -London Hosts KannadigaruUK Rajyotsava
  • London Hosts KannadigaruUK Rajyotsava
  • London Hosts KannadigaruUK Rajyotsava
  • London Hosts KannadigaruUK Rajyotsava
  • London Hosts KannadigaruUK Rajyotsava
  • London Hosts KannadigaruUK Rajyotsava
  • London Hosts KannadigaruUK Rajyotsava
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7 students go missing in K’taka, say they are bored with studies

In another case reported on Sunday near AGB Layout, a 21-year girl and three children went missing suspiciously…reports Asian Lite News.

Seven students, including a college girl went missing in Bengaluru, in two separate incidents spread over two days, police sources said on Monday. According to the letters recovered from their houses, the police said the teenagers left home as they were not interested in studies.

Parikshith, Nandan and Kiran, residents of Soundarya Layout in Hesaraghatta Road studying Class 10 have gone missing since Saturday morning. The parents searched for them till evening and complained to the police.

The police recovered letters left behind by the boys. They have mentioned that they do not have an interest in studies and they will come back after earning a good name and money, police said.

Three boys have written separate letters. “We are more interested in sports than studies. Even if you pressure us, we do not have the interest to pursue studies. We will build our careers in the field of sports. We like the game Kabaddi. We will earn a good name in this field and return after excelling and making a name in that field,” their letters mentioned.

They have also addressed the parents not to search them. The jurisdictional Bagalagunte police have taken up an investigation based on the inputs of neighbours and people in the surrounding areas and CCTV cameras.

In another case reported on Sunday near AGB Layout, a 21-year girl and three children went missing suspiciously.

Amruthavarshini (21), a student of BCA Third semester, Royan Sidharth, Chintan and Bhoomi, all 12-year old kids and residents of Crystal Apartment went missing.

All four left their homes on Sunday morning and have not returned. The parents have lodged a complaint with the Soladevanahalli police. They have told th epolice that their children spent most of the time with Amruthavarshini and she has taken the kids along.

Meanwhile, a note has been found from the home of one of the children in which it is mentioned to carry slippers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, water bottle, cash and sports items. The police are investigating the case.

ALSO READ-Karnataka Advocate to head NY bar’s Int’l Human Rights Panel

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Karnataka Advocate to head NY bar’s Int’l Human Rights Panel

Her role includes leading the committee’s work, continuing the ongoing work, seeing how it can intervene with the issues of the oppressed, and how to spotlight legal analysis…reports Asian Lite News.

Ramya Jawahar Kudekallu, a 32-year-old advocate from Bengaluru, who has been appointed as the Chairperson of New York City Bar’s International Human Rights Committee, is all set to take up big challenges in terms of addressing community hardships and getting “impact” in the system to ensure changes.

“I was nominated for the Committee after the background checks and I am extremely happy for being confirmed with an esteemed honorary title. The Committee did not have a woman of colour as the Chairperson all these days. They have also picked a non-white young woman. I am ready to take risks involved with this responsibility. Fighting for human rights is always challenging, whether it is in India or anywhere. New York is comparatively safer,” Kudekallu told said.

Her role includes leading the committee’s work, continuing the ongoing work, seeing how it can intervene with the issues of the oppressed, and how to spotlight legal analysis.

Kudekallu has done her schooling in Ooty and Dubai and studied law at Bishop Cotton Women’s Christian Law College, Bengaluru. She did her masters in International Law and Human Rights at Fordham University, New York. She currently teaches at Cardozo Law School, New York.

Her mother, Dr Amitha Malaki, is a gynaecologist in Kodagu. “My father was a senior advocate from Sullia. I lost him to Covid at the same time when the new assignment came through,” she said. Her appointment was made on September 18, 2021.

She said her association with the Alternative Law Forum (ALF) has been extremely influential. “Here I learned what ‘representation’ is. The perspective shift of placing ‘community hardship’ happened here.

“Presently refugees are landing in the US from Afghanistan. We need to account for their situation and contextualise their difficulties. There is resettling process and funding process are involved,” she adds.

Kudekallu also notes that the “situation of the common man in India and the US is similar as far as inequality is concerned, though context may appear to be different.

“The US may be a developed country and India may be on route to towards development disparity, but inequality is the same. The plight of have-not’s are also similar. In India, predominantly caste and class-based inequalities are found. Oppressed classes and tribals are fighting in India. Whereas in the US, it is African Americans, Native Americans and others who are fighting for their rights.”

Asked about the movement by farmers back in India, she said that India has signed international treaties as far as human rights are concerned, and needs to adhere to them. If there are individuals and organisations fighting for human rights or raising concerns over the issue, it is the duty of the government to address the issue, she stressed.

Her advice for youngsters is that “If you have a path which is the public interest, engagement should continue despite whether appreciation comes or not. The drive to have the commitment of transforming society must continue.”

“My mind is very much in India though physically I am in the US,” Kudekallu said. She underlines that forgoing power and class privilege is the need of the hour. Her views are well received by the committee though opinion is mixed when it comes to a larger audience.

ALSO READ-Karnataka bans processions during Muharram and Ganesha festivals

READ MORE-Karnataka cabinet expansion soon: CM Bommai

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Breastfeeding is fundamental right, says K’taka HC

The mother pleaded with the court that her baby should be handed over to her from the couple who are looking after the baby presently…reports Asian Lite News.

The Karnataka High Court has observed that breastfeeding is an inalienable right of a mother and the Constitution under Article 21 guarantees this fundamental right. The right of the infant needs to be assimilated with that of its mother, the court has underlined.

The high court bench headed by Justice Krishna S. Dixit gave the order on Wednesday while hearing a case of habeas corpus petition filed by a woman from Bengaluru, whose baby was stolen from the hospital.

The mother pleaded with the court that her baby should be handed over to her from the couple who are looking after the baby presently.

A psychiatrist allegedly had stolen the newborn and given it away to the couple from Koppal in May 2020.

The bench has directed the authorities to hand over the baby from the couple to the biological mother.

The bench observed that it is unfortunate that newborn babies remained without being breastfed, “in a civilized society such things should not occur. It is to be recognized that breastfeeding is the inseparable right of a mother”, the bench said.

The counsel appearing for the foster mother contended that the biological mother already has two kids whereas the foster mother had none and she has nursed the baby with all the love and affection.

However, the court rejected the demand of the counsel that the baby should be handed over to the custody of the foster mother. The bench has underlined that the court cannot recognize the rights of strangers as opposed to biological parents as far as an infant is concerned.

The court also set aside the comparison of the “Devaki Mata (the mother of Lord Krishna) and Yashoda Mata (Lord Krishna’s foster mother). “Children are not chattel. The distributive justice intends to bridge the gap does not apply in this case,” the court underlined as it made it clear that the right to breastfeed one’s child can neither be taken away from or given away by the possessor.

Convinced of the biological mother’s rights, the foster mother from Koppal has handed over the baby to her. The biological mother has agreed to the visit by the foster mother whenever she desires.

Justice Dixit appreciating the kind gestures from both mothers belonging to different religions said rarely he has come across such incidents. The court also observed that there will be no action against the foster parents in connection with the kidnapping of the child.

The newborn child was allegedly stolen from a maternity home in Bengaluru. The accused gave it to a couple from Koppal for money claiming that the child was born out of surrogacy.

However, the police cracked the case and arrested the accused psychiatrist and tracked the child to Koppal. The court disposed of the petitions filed by both biological mother and foster mother.

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K’taka police launches self-defence programme for girls

The first batch of girls in Mysuru will give a demo in presence of Home Minister Araga Jnanendra on Tuesday (Sept 27) at Mysuru…reports Ashoka MK

After a series of attacks on women in Karnataka, the state Police department is all set to address the issue with an ambitious project of training all school, and college-going girls with unarmed combat skills.

Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) has undertaken a mission to put school girls and college-going women in combat mode to enable them to face any tough situation single-handedly. KSRP ADGP Alok Kumar says they want to include RWAs and housewives in training.

As many as 3,000 young women have been trained in self-defence in Karnataka in 6 months as part of this initiative. The girls will be taught how to attack, how to break loose, how to gain strength and how to stay strong and positive. They will also be taught to render kicks and punches so strongly that makes the attacker unconscious.

The first batch of girls in Mysuru will give a demo in presence of Home Minister Araga Jnanendra on Tuesday (Sept 27) at Mysuru.

KSRP ADGP Alok Kumar who has launched the initiative explained that the project has been started 6 months ago and then Home Minister who is presently the Chief Minister, Basavaraj Bommai had kicked off the programme.

“We are doing the training programme at so many places. We started from Bengaluru. Here we covered 16 schools and colleges, more than 1,000 girl students belonging to different schools and colleges have been trained. Similarly in Belagavi, Kalaburgi and tomorrow (Tuesday) we are going to have a demo of school girls,” he said.

“Till now more than 3,000 students have been trained, we want to continue with this, at least in urban and semi-urban areas. Such types of incidents take place mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. There is anonymity and unknown people come there and do some mischief,” he said.

In rural areas, they can’t afford to do it as they are known to people. So, if they do something they will complain to their parents. That fear is not there in urban areas. “So our focus is on urban and semi-urban areas. We want to cover the whole of the state. One or two states have started it, but not carried on so vigorously. We have covered it since one-and-a-half months in other places and since 6 months in Bengaluru,” he explains.

So, care has been taken that the training is not symbolic. It should make the girls capable that if a situation arises they should really be in a position to face it mentally and physically. It’s not that they do it for demo purposes and when the real situation arises they forget everything. With that objective in mind, we are imparting a one-month training programme, he noted.

They will be given unarmed combat training. The girls will be using the power of their hands, legs and head to tackle the situation. It is not like you are having lathi or something. You don’t use any arms, when you are travelling or going somewhere you don’t carry anything. But, immediately you have the capability or skill to face them using various techniques, using hands, feet and head, he said.

He said that the response is good. So many girl students are coming forward. Covid has put a spanner in our programme. We launched it on International Women’s Day in March. But, again, the second wave came. Now, things are better.

In Bengaluru city we are proposing to train RWA’s women, housewives by KSRP girls. In some places we are taking the help of local trainers also, Alok Kumar said.

Janardhan R, the Commandant of the 5th Batallion, Mysuru, explained that more than 500 girl students of schools and colleges have already been trained. The police department has tied up with the Wasakayi Martial Arts institution. Even policemen’s daughters who have a black belt in Karate are also training the girls, he added.

Along with students, physical teachers are also being trained. They can pursue the training in future. “We have advised them to include them in their curriculum,” he said.

Jyothi Parande, KSRP inspector who is training girl students in Belagavi says, the training is given to girls before or after school hours. “The training is such that, the girls will be able to deliver punches and kicks so powerful that the opposite person becomes unconscious. The girls will be able to tackle them, even if they have a weapon,” she explained.

The girls are contacting us and showing interest to join self-defence classes, she adds.

K’taka Police (IANS)

Anjali, a 9th standard student from Mysuru explains she did not feel so safe before training. “I learnt how to be positive,” she said.

“I am feeling proud. I have to cover some distance to reach school. My parents used to be scared. Now they are not,” says Soujanya. B, another student.

Disha said she enjoyed the training. I thank trainer Krishnamurthy sir. I have been taught how to attack, how to break loose, how to gain strength and how to stay strong and positive.

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Karnataka cabinet expansion soon: CM Bommai

According to sources in the party, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and the party top brass are said to have agreed upon giving chance to 6 new faces in the cabinet…reports Asian Lite News.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said here on Saturday that a decision on cabinet expansion will be taken very soon.

“I am expecting a call from the high command on Monday in this regard,” he said here on Saturday.

He clarified that he has not given any list to the central leaders in this regard and there is no question of lobbying for cabinet posts, he underlined.

“I have discussed the matter with party President J.P. Nadda and am waiting for their signal,” he added.

Meanwhile, union minister Pralhad Joshi has stated that Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has already discussed the matter with the high command and cabinet expansion will be done in two or three days.

New faces

Uneasy calm prevails in the BJP Karnataka state unit leaders camp as they have got the news that the party is keen on replacing the elderly leaders with new faces, sources said.

According to sources in the party, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and the party top brass are said to have agreed upon giving chance to 6 new faces in the cabinet.

It is said that Bommai has proposed the creation of five deputy chief ministers to give representation to scheduled castes, tribes, other backward communities, Lingayat and Vokkaliga castes.

Bommai’s proposal has been agreed upon by the high command as well as former chief minister Yediyurappa, sources explain.

Though, RSS leaders are said to be hesitant on forming a cabinet on caste lines. They are also of the opinion that the creation of posts of deputy chief ministers will create unnecessary rivalry among themselves.

The senior BJP leaders, who enjoyed plum postings, are said to be disturbed after the news of laying them off in the new cabinet reached.

Former chief minister Jagadish Shettar, S. Sureshkumar, R. Ashok and former deputy chief minister Govind Karajol are lobbying hard to retain their prominence in the party.

The party has decided to induct 21 to 25 ministers into the cabinet in the first phase. After seeing reactions, decisions will be made in future, sources claimed.

But, most of the legislators who joined BJP from the Congress are likely to make it to the cabinet. Yediyurappa has been continuously issuing sympathetic statements on them, party sources say.

Meanwhile, former ministers Umesh Katti, C.C. Patil, C.P. Yogeshwar, former deputy chief minister Lakshman Savadi and MLA Aravind Bellad are camping in New Delhi and are meeting senior leaders.

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