August 25, 2026

‘Unpredictable’ Trump behind no press conference after PM Modi meeting, govt says NEW DELHI: Govt justified its decision not to have a news conference after PM Modi’s meeting with President Donald Trump on the margins of the G7 summit in France, with official sources citing Trump’s “unpredictable behaviour” at media events that have followed his meetings with heads of state/govt, including from South Africa and Ukraine.US ambassador to India Sergio Gor had earlier created a stir with his remarks about how ministry of external affairs had called to limit media interaction to photo opportunities and opening remarks without taking questions. Despite the request from MEA, as Gor had said, Trump went on to have a 45-minute unscripted news conference at the media event. Govt sources here stressed there was no unusual demand made by the Indian side.According to Gor, while MEA wanted to bring in the media, it said, “let’s not do a full news conference”.The ambassador’s disclosure of what might have been a private discussion is learned to have upset the govt. “Discussions regarding arrangements for public appearances of leaders are normal practice ahead of any VVIP visit,” said a govt source, on condition of anonymity. “Delegations when meeting Donald Trump are wary about his unpredictable behaviour, as may be seen from his interactions with president of South Africa, Ukraine, etc. Thus, the cautious approach by India,” he added.In highlighting Trump’s previous interactions with the presidents of Ukraine and S Africa, which devolved into televised confrontations with Trump hectoring his visitors, govt sources framed India’s request as a necessary safeguard against unpredictable diplomatic settings. The standard practice for govt has been to not have unscripted joint news conferences by Modi in company of the host or visiting dignitaries.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines This practice, though, has been questioned by local journalists recently in countries like Norway, the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand.MEA defended the arrangement, stating that standard diplomatic procedures for international visits are followed.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC’s Abhishek Banerjee Moves Supreme Court Over Delay In Disqualification Of 20 Rebel TMC MPsTrump Pushes $103,265 H-1B Fee; 71% Indian Professionals Brace For Major Immigration BlowJaishankar Meets Putin In Moscow, India-Russia Trade Soars As Both Sides Target $100 Billion By 2030Fresh Kashmiri Pandit Threat: Hit List Reveals Addresses, Phone Numbers, Vehicle Details OnlineDelhi-NCR Rain Fury: Gurugram Under Orange Alert, Work From Home Advisory Issued For August 25’Ram-Ram Inside, Fish Feast Outside’: Yogi Adityanath Slams Cong Over Ayodhya Event; Ajay Rai ReactsDisplaced By Ken-Betwa Project, Tribals Now Struggle For Basic Amenities | ExclusiveIn Leaked Audio, Lawrence Bishnoi’s Aide Goldy Brar Claims He Killed Hardeep Nijjar In Canada‘Watching Your Every Move’: Fresh Threat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In J&KChennai Murder Mystery: Woman’s Remains Found on Tamil Nadu Express, Police Hunt Couple in Odisha123PhotostoriesSreeleela’s fish-cut saree just gave traditional draping a seriously savage upgrade10 beautiful baby girl names that capture a sense of wonderOptical Illusion personality test: What you spot first reveals the weak spot in your love lifePriyanka Chopra’s architectural black gown just proved that red-carpet glam needs a little more attitude10 of the world’s most colourful birds to see in the wildBlood sugar running high despite cutting back on sweets? Doctors explain 5 nutrients that may help your body manage glucose better‘She believed in the old nuskhas’: Karisma Kapoor reveals her grandmother’s skincare secret that the Kapoor clan adoptedArchana Puran Singh’s son Aaryamann Sethi set to buy his first luxurious house; tells Parmeet, ‘Your son is becoming a man’Kiara Advani’s black velvet saree is proof that gothic glam looks better with a desi twistFrom water filters to kitchen bowls: 5 practical uses of coconut shell123Hot PicksTCS laptop monitoring softwareSchool holiday todayKPMG AustraliaTrump tariffIOB LBO recruitmentNEET UG 2026Parandur airportSIM card rulesNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingMumbai Auto Driver ProtestReservation Hatao AndolanKurukshetra MurderPunjab SIRCM VijayDelhi ITO AccidentChennai MurderGodhani Water Plant Gas LeakAmravati Hospital FireAston Martin Crash

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‘Unpredictable’ Trump behind no press conference after PM Modi meeting, govt says NEW DELHI: Govt justified its decision not to have a news conference after PM Modi’s meeting with President Donald Trump on the margins of the G7 summit in France, with official sources citing Trump’s “unpredictable behaviour” at media events that have followed his meetings with heads of state/govt, including from South Africa and Ukraine.US ambassador to India Sergio Gor had earlier created a stir with his remarks about how ministry of external affairs had called to limit media interaction to photo opportunities and opening remarks without taking questions. Despite the request from MEA, as Gor had said, Trump went on to have a 45-minute unscripted news conference at the media event. Govt sources here stressed there was no unusual demand made by the Indian side.According to Gor, while MEA wanted to bring in the media, it said, “let’s not do a full news conference”.The ambassador’s disclosure of what might have been a private discussion is learned to have upset the govt. “Discussions regarding arrangements for public appearances of leaders are normal practice ahead of any VVIP visit,” said a govt source, on condition of anonymity. “Delegations when meeting Donald Trump are wary about his unpredictable behaviour, as may be seen from his interactions with president of South Africa, Ukraine, etc. Thus, the cautious approach by India,” he added.In highlighting Trump’s previous interactions with the presidents of Ukraine and S Africa, which devolved into televised confrontations with Trump hectoring his visitors, govt sources framed India’s request as a necessary safeguard against unpredictable diplomatic settings. The standard practice for govt has been to not have unscripted joint news conferences by Modi in company of the host or visiting dignitaries.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines This practice, though, has been questioned by local journalists recently in countries like Norway, the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand.MEA defended the arrangement, stating that standard diplomatic procedures for international visits are followed.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC’s Abhishek Banerjee Moves Supreme Court Over Delay In Disqualification Of 20 Rebel TMC MPsTrump Pushes 3,265 H-1B Fee; 71% Indian Professionals Brace For Major Immigration BlowJaishankar Meets Putin In Moscow, India-Russia Trade Soars As Both Sides Target 0 Billion By 2030Fresh Kashmiri Pandit Threat: Hit List Reveals Addresses, Phone Numbers, Vehicle Details OnlineDelhi-NCR Rain Fury: Gurugram Under Orange Alert, Work From Home Advisory Issued For August 25’Ram-Ram Inside, Fish Feast Outside’: Yogi Adityanath Slams Cong Over Ayodhya Event; Ajay Rai ReactsDisplaced By Ken-Betwa Project, Tribals Now Struggle For Basic Amenities | ExclusiveIn Leaked Audio, Lawrence Bishnoi’s Aide Goldy Brar Claims He Killed Hardeep Nijjar In Canada‘Watching Your Every Move’: Fresh Threat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In J&KChennai Murder Mystery: Woman’s Remains Found on Tamil Nadu Express, Police Hunt Couple in Odisha123PhotostoriesSreeleela’s fish-cut saree just gave traditional draping a seriously savage upgrade10 beautiful baby girl names that capture a sense of wonderOptical Illusion personality test: What you spot first reveals the weak spot in your love lifePriyanka Chopra’s architectural black gown just proved that red-carpet glam needs a little more attitude10 of the world’s most colourful birds to see in the wildBlood sugar running high despite cutting back on sweets? Doctors explain 5 nutrients that may help your body manage glucose better‘She believed in the old nuskhas’: Karisma Kapoor reveals her grandmother’s skincare secret that the Kapoor clan adoptedArchana Puran Singh’s son Aaryamann Sethi set to buy his first luxurious house; tells Parmeet, ‘Your son is becoming a man’Kiara Advani’s black velvet saree is proof that gothic glam looks better with a desi twistFrom water filters to kitchen bowls: 5 practical uses of coconut shell123Hot PicksTCS laptop monitoring softwareSchool holiday todayKPMG AustraliaTrump tariffIOB LBO recruitmentNEET UG 2026Parandur airportSIM card rulesNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingMumbai Auto Driver ProtestReservation Hatao AndolanKurukshetra MurderPunjab SIRCM VijayDelhi ITO AccidentChennai MurderGodhani Water Plant Gas LeakAmravati Hospital FireAston Martin Crash


Donald Trump's volatility may have made India decline G7 presser
‘Unpredictable’ Trump behind no press conference after PM Modi meeting, govt says

NEW DELHI: Govt justified its decision not to have a news conference after PM Modi’s meeting with President Donald Trump on the margins of the G7 summit in France, with official sources citing Trump’s “unpredictable behaviour” at media events that have followed his meetings with heads of state/govt, including from South Africa and Ukraine.US ambassador to India Sergio Gor had earlier created a stir with his remarks about how ministry of external affairs had called to limit media interaction to photo opportunities and opening remarks without taking questions. Despite the request from MEA, as Gor had said, Trump went on to have a 45-minute unscripted news conference at the media event. Govt sources here stressed there was no unusual demand made by the Indian side.According to Gor, while MEA wanted to bring in the media, it said, “let’s not do a full news conference”.The ambassador’s disclosure of what might have been a private discussion is learned to have upset the govt. “Discussions regarding arrangements for public appearances of leaders are normal practice ahead of any VVIP visit,” said a govt source, on condition of anonymity. “Delegations when meeting Donald Trump are wary about his unpredictable behaviour, as may be seen from his interactions with president of South Africa, Ukraine, etc. Thus, the cautious approach by India,” he added.In highlighting Trump’s previous interactions with the presidents of Ukraine and S Africa, which devolved into televised confrontations with Trump hectoring his visitors, govt sources framed India’s request as a necessary safeguard against unpredictable diplomatic settings. The standard practice for govt has been to not have unscripted joint news conferences by Modi in company of the host or visiting dignitaries.

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Omar Abdullah defends J&K power tariff hike, says rise is minimal SRINAGAR: Chief minister Omar Abdullah Monday defended the power tariff hike in Jammu & Kashmir, saying the increase was minimal and that his govt had never promised that electricity rates would not increase.“When did we say that electricity rates will not increase? We said we will provide 200 units of free electricity to the poorest people, those who need it the most,” he said.Hitting back at political parties protesting the tariff hike, Omar said there had been only a 6% increase after a gap of four years, whereas it was much higher earlier. “Those who point fingers at me should remember that they too were in power here at some point. During their govt, electricity rates increased by more than 14%. They did not feel at that time that this was unfair,” he said. “Four years ago, electricity rates were increased by 15%, and even then, BJP remained silent.”“We are not celebrating an increase in electricity rates. This was our compulsion. As our losses in the power sector reduce, we will not need to take such steps,” the CM added.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHis statement came amid criticism that the tariff hike is at odds with the National Conference’s election promise of providing 200 units of free electricity.From Sept 1, consumers in Jammu & Kashmir will get higher power bills after the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission Saturday approved a 6.83% tariff hike across consumer categories.PDP staged a protest seeking a rollback of the tariff hike on Monday. BJP and People’s Conference, too, criticised the move, accusing the govt of burdening the common people.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC’s Abhishek Banerjee Moves Supreme Court Over Delay In Disqualification Of 20 Rebel TMC MPsTrump Pushes 3,265 H-1B Fee; 71% Indian Professionals Brace For Major Immigration BlowJaishankar Meets Putin In Moscow, India-Russia Trade Soars As Both Sides Target 0 Billion By 2030Fresh Kashmiri Pandit Threat: Hit List Reveals Addresses, Phone Numbers, Vehicle Details OnlineDelhi-NCR Rain Fury: Gurugram Under Orange Alert, Work From Home Advisory Issued For August 25’Ram-Ram Inside, Fish Feast Outside’: Yogi Adityanath Slams Cong Over Ayodhya Event; Ajay Rai ReactsDisplaced By Ken-Betwa Project, Tribals Now Struggle For Basic Amenities | ExclusiveIn Leaked Audio, Lawrence Bishnoi’s Aide Goldy Brar Claims He Killed Hardeep Nijjar In Canada‘Watching Your Every Move’: Fresh Threat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In J&KChennai Murder Mystery: Woman’s Remains Found on Tamil Nadu Express, Police Hunt Couple in Odisha123PhotostoriesSreeleela’s fish-cut saree just gave traditional draping a seriously savage upgrade10 beautiful baby girl names that capture a sense of wonderOptical Illusion personality test: What you spot first reveals the weak spot in your love lifePriyanka Chopra’s architectural black gown just proved that red-carpet glam needs a little more attitude10 of the world’s most colourful birds to see in the wildBlood sugar running high despite cutting back on sweets? Doctors explain 5 nutrients that may help your body manage glucose better‘She believed in the old nuskhas’: Karisma Kapoor reveals her grandmother’s skincare secret that the Kapoor clan adoptedArchana Puran Singh’s son Aaryamann Sethi set to buy his first luxurious house; tells Parmeet, ‘Your son is becoming a man’Kiara Advani’s black velvet saree is proof that gothic glam looks better with a desi twistFrom water filters to kitchen bowls: 5 practical uses of coconut shell123Hot PicksTCS laptop monitoring softwareSchool holiday todayKPMG AustraliaTrump tariffIOB LBO recruitmentNEET UG 2026Parandur airportSIM card rulesNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingMumbai Auto Driver ProtestReservation Hatao AndolanKurukshetra MurderPunjab SIRCM VijayDelhi ITO AccidentChennai MurderGodhani Water Plant Gas LeakAmravati Hospital FireAston Martin Crash

Omar Abdullah defends J&K power tariff hike, says rise is minimal SRINAGAR: Chief minister Omar Abdullah Monday defended the power tariff hike in Jammu & Kashmir, saying the increase was minimal and that his govt had never promised that electricity rates would not increase.“When did we say that electricity rates will not increase? We said we will provide 200 units of free electricity to the poorest people, those who need it the most,” he said.Hitting back at political parties protesting the tariff hike, Omar said there had been only a 6% increase after a gap of four years, whereas it was much higher earlier. “Those who point fingers at me should remember that they too were in power here at some point. During their govt, electricity rates increased by more than 14%. They did not feel at that time that this was unfair,” he said. “Four years ago, electricity rates were increased by 15%, and even then, BJP remained silent.”“We are not celebrating an increase in electricity rates. This was our compulsion. As our losses in the power sector reduce, we will not need to take such steps,” the CM added.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHis statement came amid criticism that the tariff hike is at odds with the National Conference’s election promise of providing 200 units of free electricity.From Sept 1, consumers in Jammu & Kashmir will get higher power bills after the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission Saturday approved a 6.83% tariff hike across consumer categories.PDP staged a protest seeking a rollback of the tariff hike on Monday. BJP and People’s Conference, too, criticised the move, accusing the govt of burdening the common people.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC’s Abhishek Banerjee Moves Supreme Court Over Delay In Disqualification Of 20 Rebel TMC MPsTrump Pushes $103,265 H-1B Fee; 71% Indian Professionals Brace For Major Immigration BlowJaishankar Meets Putin In Moscow, India-Russia Trade Soars As Both Sides Target $100 Billion By 2030Fresh Kashmiri Pandit Threat: Hit List Reveals Addresses, Phone Numbers, Vehicle Details OnlineDelhi-NCR Rain Fury: Gurugram Under Orange Alert, Work From Home Advisory Issued For August 25’Ram-Ram Inside, Fish Feast Outside’: Yogi Adityanath Slams Cong Over Ayodhya Event; Ajay Rai ReactsDisplaced By Ken-Betwa Project, Tribals Now Struggle For Basic Amenities | ExclusiveIn Leaked Audio, Lawrence Bishnoi’s Aide Goldy Brar Claims He Killed Hardeep Nijjar In Canada‘Watching Your Every Move’: Fresh Threat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In J&KChennai Murder Mystery: Woman’s Remains Found on Tamil Nadu Express, Police Hunt Couple in Odisha123PhotostoriesSreeleela’s fish-cut saree just gave traditional draping a seriously savage upgrade10 beautiful baby girl names that capture a sense of wonderOptical Illusion personality test: What you spot first reveals the weak spot in your love lifePriyanka Chopra’s architectural black gown just proved that red-carpet glam needs a little more attitude10 of the world’s most colourful birds to see in the wildBlood sugar running high despite cutting back on sweets? Doctors explain 5 nutrients that may help your body manage glucose better‘She believed in the old nuskhas’: Karisma Kapoor reveals her grandmother’s skincare secret that the Kapoor clan adoptedArchana Puran Singh’s son Aaryamann Sethi set to buy his first luxurious house; tells Parmeet, ‘Your son is becoming a man’Kiara Advani’s black velvet saree is proof that gothic glam looks better with a desi twistFrom water filters to kitchen bowls: 5 practical uses of coconut shell123Hot PicksTCS laptop monitoring softwareSchool holiday todayKPMG AustraliaTrump tariffIOB LBO recruitmentNEET UG 2026Parandur airportSIM card rulesNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingMumbai Auto Driver ProtestReservation Hatao AndolanKurukshetra MurderPunjab SIRCM VijayDelhi ITO AccidentChennai MurderGodhani Water Plant Gas LeakAmravati Hospital FireAston Martin Crash

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SC frees bedridden convict as double murder case takes 44 years through courts NEW DELHI: It took a lower court 22 years to complete trial in a double murder case and another 22 years for Jharkhand high court to decide the appeal, and during the long proceedings, five of six accused died and the sole surviving bed-ridden convict in his 70s is fighting a legal battle in Supreme Court from jail.Terming the inordinate delay in deciding the case a failure of the judicial system, a bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran suspended the sentence of the convict and allowed him to come out of jail on bail. It also decided to examine the reason why the trial court and HC took so long in deciding the case of double murder, which took place in 1981.The said case projects failure of the judicial system, when a crime went unpunished and the accused were put to the torture of a prolonged trial of 22 years and then after conviction, the appeal filed having been dismissed after yet another two decades and two years, SC said.Advocate Fauzia Shakil, appearing for the convict, submitted that the petitioner will suffer grave prejudice and irreparable loss if bail is not granted to him inasmuch as there cannot be any adequate compensation for his prolonged incarceration in the event of his eventual acquittal by SC.“Despite the horrendous crime of a double murder, we cannot close our eyes to the ordeal suffered by the accused in the last 45 years. Especially noting his medical condition and the affidavit of the state that the petitioner is admitted in the hospital, though in custody, we suspend the sentence and direct that the petitioner shall be released forthwith on condition of his not committing any crime when on bail and on his personal surety,” it said.“It is very disturbing to note that although the incident is of the year 1981 yet the judgement and order passed by the trial court holding the petitioner guilty of the alleged crime is of 2002. We fail to understand why it took 22 years for the trial court to complete the trial… Even HC took 22 years to decide the appeal preferred by the petitioner challenging the judgement and order of conviction passed by the trial court. This delay highlighted above is something very disturbing,” SC noted in its order.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesAsked by the court to give an explanation for the delay, the registrar general of HC told the court that the delay was also caused as the accused were absconding for six years. But the court noted that there is no explanation for the 12 years it took for the trial to be completed when the charges were framed in 1991.“We were concerned with pendency of the criminal appeals as pointed out in the report of HC and we hence thought it fit to permit the petitioner to implead Centre in the above matter. The learned advocate-on-record appearing for HC would serve a copy of the affidavit of compliance filed by the registrar general to the office of the attorney general/solicitor general,” the court said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC’s Abhishek Banerjee Moves Supreme Court Over Delay In Disqualification Of 20 Rebel TMC MPsTrump Pushes 3,265 H-1B Fee; 71% Indian Professionals Brace For Major Immigration BlowJaishankar Meets Putin In Moscow, India-Russia Trade Soars As Both Sides Target 0 Billion By 2030Fresh Kashmiri Pandit Threat: Hit List Reveals Addresses, Phone Numbers, Vehicle Details OnlineDelhi-NCR Rain Fury: Gurugram Under Orange Alert, Work From Home Advisory Issued For August 25’Ram-Ram Inside, Fish Feast Outside’: Yogi Adityanath Slams Cong Over Ayodhya Event; Ajay Rai ReactsDisplaced By Ken-Betwa Project, Tribals Now Struggle For Basic Amenities | ExclusiveIn Leaked Audio, Lawrence Bishnoi’s Aide Goldy Brar Claims He Killed Hardeep Nijjar In Canada‘Watching Your Every Move’: Fresh Threat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In J&KChennai Murder Mystery: Woman’s Remains Found on Tamil Nadu Express, Police Hunt Couple in Odisha123PhotostoriesSreeleela’s fish-cut saree just gave traditional draping a seriously savage upgrade10 beautiful baby girl names that capture a sense of wonderOptical Illusion personality test: What you spot first reveals the weak spot in your love lifePriyanka Chopra’s architectural black gown just proved that red-carpet glam needs a little more attitude10 of the world’s most colourful birds to see in the wildBlood sugar running high despite cutting back on sweets? Doctors explain 5 nutrients that may help your body manage glucose better‘She believed in the old nuskhas’: Karisma Kapoor reveals her grandmother’s skincare secret that the Kapoor clan adoptedArchana Puran Singh’s son Aaryamann Sethi set to buy his first luxurious house; tells Parmeet, ‘Your son is becoming a man’Kiara Advani’s black velvet saree is proof that gothic glam looks better with a desi twistFrom water filters to kitchen bowls: 5 practical uses of coconut shell123Hot PicksTCS laptop monitoring softwareSchool holiday todayKPMG AustraliaTrump tariffIOB LBO recruitmentNEET UG 2026Parandur airportSIM card rulesNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingMumbai Auto Driver ProtestReservation Hatao AndolanKurukshetra MurderPunjab SIRCM VijayDelhi ITO AccidentChennai MurderGodhani Water Plant Gas LeakAmravati Hospital FireAston Martin Crash

SC frees bedridden convict as double murder case takes 44 years through courts NEW DELHI: It took a lower court 22 years to complete trial in a double murder case and another 22 years for Jharkhand high court to decide the appeal, and during the long proceedings, five of six accused died and the sole surviving bed-ridden convict in his 70s is fighting a legal battle in Supreme Court from jail.Terming the inordinate delay in deciding the case a failure of the judicial system, a bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran suspended the sentence of the convict and allowed him to come out of jail on bail. It also decided to examine the reason why the trial court and HC took so long in deciding the case of double murder, which took place in 1981.The said case projects failure of the judicial system, when a crime went unpunished and the accused were put to the torture of a prolonged trial of 22 years and then after conviction, the appeal filed having been dismissed after yet another two decades and two years, SC said.Advocate Fauzia Shakil, appearing for the convict, submitted that the petitioner will suffer grave prejudice and irreparable loss if bail is not granted to him inasmuch as there cannot be any adequate compensation for his prolonged incarceration in the event of his eventual acquittal by SC.“Despite the horrendous crime of a double murder, we cannot close our eyes to the ordeal suffered by the accused in the last 45 years. Especially noting his medical condition and the affidavit of the state that the petitioner is admitted in the hospital, though in custody, we suspend the sentence and direct that the petitioner shall be released forthwith on condition of his not committing any crime when on bail and on his personal surety,” it said.“It is very disturbing to note that although the incident is of the year 1981 yet the judgement and order passed by the trial court holding the petitioner guilty of the alleged crime is of 2002. We fail to understand why it took 22 years for the trial court to complete the trial… Even HC took 22 years to decide the appeal preferred by the petitioner challenging the judgement and order of conviction passed by the trial court. This delay highlighted above is something very disturbing,” SC noted in its order.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesAsked by the court to give an explanation for the delay, the registrar general of HC told the court that the delay was also caused as the accused were absconding for six years. But the court noted that there is no explanation for the 12 years it took for the trial to be completed when the charges were framed in 1991.“We were concerned with pendency of the criminal appeals as pointed out in the report of HC and we hence thought it fit to permit the petitioner to implead Centre in the above matter. The learned advocate-on-record appearing for HC would serve a copy of the affidavit of compliance filed by the registrar general to the office of the attorney general/solicitor general,” the court said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC’s Abhishek Banerjee Moves Supreme Court Over Delay In Disqualification Of 20 Rebel TMC MPsTrump Pushes $103,265 H-1B Fee; 71% Indian Professionals Brace For Major Immigration BlowJaishankar Meets Putin In Moscow, India-Russia Trade Soars As Both Sides Target $100 Billion By 2030Fresh Kashmiri Pandit Threat: Hit List Reveals Addresses, Phone Numbers, Vehicle Details OnlineDelhi-NCR Rain Fury: Gurugram Under Orange Alert, Work From Home Advisory Issued For August 25’Ram-Ram Inside, Fish Feast Outside’: Yogi Adityanath Slams Cong Over Ayodhya Event; Ajay Rai ReactsDisplaced By Ken-Betwa Project, Tribals Now Struggle For Basic Amenities | ExclusiveIn Leaked Audio, Lawrence Bishnoi’s Aide Goldy Brar Claims He Killed Hardeep Nijjar In Canada‘Watching Your Every Move’: Fresh Threat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In J&KChennai Murder Mystery: Woman’s Remains Found on Tamil Nadu Express, Police Hunt Couple in Odisha123PhotostoriesSreeleela’s fish-cut saree just gave traditional draping a seriously savage upgrade10 beautiful baby girl names that capture a sense of wonderOptical Illusion personality test: What you spot first reveals the weak spot in your love lifePriyanka Chopra’s architectural black gown just proved that red-carpet glam needs a little more attitude10 of the world’s most colourful birds to see in the wildBlood sugar running high despite cutting back on sweets? Doctors explain 5 nutrients that may help your body manage glucose better‘She believed in the old nuskhas’: Karisma Kapoor reveals her grandmother’s skincare secret that the Kapoor clan adoptedArchana Puran Singh’s son Aaryamann Sethi set to buy his first luxurious house; tells Parmeet, ‘Your son is becoming a man’Kiara Advani’s black velvet saree is proof that gothic glam looks better with a desi twistFrom water filters to kitchen bowls: 5 practical uses of coconut shell123Hot PicksTCS laptop monitoring softwareSchool holiday todayKPMG AustraliaTrump tariffIOB LBO recruitmentNEET UG 2026Parandur airportSIM card rulesNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingMumbai Auto Driver ProtestReservation Hatao AndolanKurukshetra MurderPunjab SIRCM VijayDelhi ITO AccidentChennai MurderGodhani Water Plant Gas LeakAmravati Hospital FireAston Martin Crash

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SIA reopens 1998 Wandhama massacre probe, steps up investigation into Kashmiri Pandit killings SRINAGAR: J&K State Investigation Agency (SIA) has reopened the investigation into the 1998 Wandhama massacre of 23 people as part of a wider push to probe the killings of Kashmiri Pandits during the peak of militancy in the Valley.According to sources, SIA has also started a probe into the killings of prominent Kashmiri Pandit advocate-politician Tika Lal Taploo and Justice Neelkanth Ganjoo.On Jan 25, 1998, armed terrorists entered the homes of Kashmiri Pandit families in Wandhama village of Ganderbal district and gunned down 23 people. The case still remains unresolved, but SIA sources in said it will see “substantial progress soon”.Officials said SIA has undertaken a focused and comprehensive investigation into the decades-old cases to bring each of these to a logical conclusion in accordance with law. “Concerted efforts are being made to uncover the circumstances and conspiracies underlying these cases, establish credible evidence, and identify those responsible strictly on the basis of substantiated evidence and witness testimony,” said an official.Taploo, a prominent lawyer and then vice-president of J&K BJP, was shot dead near his residence in Srinagar in Sept 1989, in what among the first targeted killings of prominent Kashmiri Pandits as terrorism took roots in the Valley. Justice Ganjoo, who had sentenced JKLF founder Maqbool Bhat to death, was shot dead on Nov 4, 1989 in Srinagar.On Aug 12, SIA carried out searches at nine locations across J&K in connection with the killing of Kashmiri Pandit poet and writer Sarvanand Kaul Premi and his son by terrorists. Premi, 66, and his younger son Verinder were shot dead in Anantnag in south Kashmir on May 1, 1990, a day after they were abducted from their village. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesTheir bodies were later found hanging from a tree. Five days later, the grief-stricken Kaul family left Kashmir, never to return.Earlier on June 29, SIA filed a 737-page chargesheet in connection with the killing of Sarla Bhat, 27, a nurse at Srinagar’s Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences. She was abducted by terrorists from the SKIMS hostel on April 18, 1990, tortured and shot dead. Her bullet-riddled body was recovered the next day.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC’s Abhishek Banerjee Moves Supreme Court Over Delay In Disqualification Of 20 Rebel TMC MPsTrump Pushes 3,265 H-1B Fee; 71% Indian Professionals Brace For Major Immigration BlowJaishankar Meets Putin In Moscow, India-Russia Trade Soars As Both Sides Target 0 Billion By 2030Fresh Kashmiri Pandit Threat: Hit List Reveals Addresses, Phone Numbers, Vehicle Details OnlineDelhi-NCR Rain Fury: Gurugram Under Orange Alert, Work From Home Advisory Issued For August 25’Ram-Ram Inside, Fish Feast Outside’: Yogi Adityanath Slams Cong Over Ayodhya Event; Ajay Rai ReactsDisplaced By Ken-Betwa Project, Tribals Now Struggle For Basic Amenities | ExclusiveIn Leaked Audio, Lawrence Bishnoi’s Aide Goldy Brar Claims He Killed Hardeep Nijjar In Canada‘Watching Your Every Move’: Fresh Threat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In J&KChennai Murder Mystery: Woman’s Remains Found on Tamil Nadu Express, Police Hunt Couple in Odisha123PhotostoriesSreeleela’s fish-cut saree just gave traditional draping a seriously savage upgrade10 beautiful baby girl names that capture a sense of wonderOptical Illusion personality test: What you spot first reveals the weak spot in your love lifePriyanka Chopra’s architectural black gown just proved that red-carpet glam needs a little more attitude10 of the world’s most colourful birds to see in the wildBlood sugar running high despite cutting back on sweets? Doctors explain 5 nutrients that may help your body manage glucose better‘She believed in the old nuskhas’: Karisma Kapoor reveals her grandmother’s skincare secret that the Kapoor clan adoptedArchana Puran Singh’s son Aaryamann Sethi set to buy his first luxurious house; tells Parmeet, ‘Your son is becoming a man’Kiara Advani’s black velvet saree is proof that gothic glam looks better with a desi twistFrom water filters to kitchen bowls: 5 practical uses of coconut shell123Hot PicksTCS laptop monitoring softwareSchool holiday todayKPMG AustraliaTrump tariffIOB LBO recruitmentNEET UG 2026Parandur airportSIM card rulesNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingMumbai Auto Driver ProtestReservation Hatao AndolanKurukshetra MurderPunjab SIRCM VijayDelhi ITO AccidentChennai MurderGodhani Water Plant Gas LeakAmravati Hospital FireAston Martin Crash

SIA reopens 1998 Wandhama massacre probe, steps up investigation into Kashmiri Pandit killings SRINAGAR: J&K State Investigation Agency (SIA) has reopened the investigation into the 1998 Wandhama massacre of 23 people as part of a wider push to probe the killings of Kashmiri Pandits during the peak of militancy in the Valley.According to sources, SIA has also started a probe into the killings of prominent Kashmiri Pandit advocate-politician Tika Lal Taploo and Justice Neelkanth Ganjoo.On Jan 25, 1998, armed terrorists entered the homes of Kashmiri Pandit families in Wandhama village of Ganderbal district and gunned down 23 people. The case still remains unresolved, but SIA sources in said it will see “substantial progress soon”.Officials said SIA has undertaken a focused and comprehensive investigation into the decades-old cases to bring each of these to a logical conclusion in accordance with law. “Concerted efforts are being made to uncover the circumstances and conspiracies underlying these cases, establish credible evidence, and identify those responsible strictly on the basis of substantiated evidence and witness testimony,” said an official.Taploo, a prominent lawyer and then vice-president of J&K BJP, was shot dead near his residence in Srinagar in Sept 1989, in what among the first targeted killings of prominent Kashmiri Pandits as terrorism took roots in the Valley. Justice Ganjoo, who had sentenced JKLF founder Maqbool Bhat to death, was shot dead on Nov 4, 1989 in Srinagar.On Aug 12, SIA carried out searches at nine locations across J&K in connection with the killing of Kashmiri Pandit poet and writer Sarvanand Kaul Premi and his son by terrorists. Premi, 66, and his younger son Verinder were shot dead in Anantnag in south Kashmir on May 1, 1990, a day after they were abducted from their village. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesTheir bodies were later found hanging from a tree. Five days later, the grief-stricken Kaul family left Kashmir, never to return.Earlier on June 29, SIA filed a 737-page chargesheet in connection with the killing of Sarla Bhat, 27, a nurse at Srinagar’s Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences. She was abducted by terrorists from the SKIMS hostel on April 18, 1990, tortured and shot dead. Her bullet-riddled body was recovered the next day.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC’s Abhishek Banerjee Moves Supreme Court Over Delay In Disqualification Of 20 Rebel TMC MPsTrump Pushes $103,265 H-1B Fee; 71% Indian Professionals Brace For Major Immigration BlowJaishankar Meets Putin In Moscow, India-Russia Trade Soars As Both Sides Target $100 Billion By 2030Fresh Kashmiri Pandit Threat: Hit List Reveals Addresses, Phone Numbers, Vehicle Details OnlineDelhi-NCR Rain Fury: Gurugram Under Orange Alert, Work From Home Advisory Issued For August 25’Ram-Ram Inside, Fish Feast Outside’: Yogi Adityanath Slams Cong Over Ayodhya Event; Ajay Rai ReactsDisplaced By Ken-Betwa Project, Tribals Now Struggle For Basic Amenities | ExclusiveIn Leaked Audio, Lawrence Bishnoi’s Aide Goldy Brar Claims He Killed Hardeep Nijjar In Canada‘Watching Your Every Move’: Fresh Threat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In J&KChennai Murder Mystery: Woman’s Remains Found on Tamil Nadu Express, Police Hunt Couple in Odisha123PhotostoriesSreeleela’s fish-cut saree just gave traditional draping a seriously savage upgrade10 beautiful baby girl names that capture a sense of wonderOptical Illusion personality test: What you spot first reveals the weak spot in your love lifePriyanka Chopra’s architectural black gown just proved that red-carpet glam needs a little more attitude10 of the world’s most colourful birds to see in the wildBlood sugar running high despite cutting back on sweets? Doctors explain 5 nutrients that may help your body manage glucose better‘She believed in the old nuskhas’: Karisma Kapoor reveals her grandmother’s skincare secret that the Kapoor clan adoptedArchana Puran Singh’s son Aaryamann Sethi set to buy his first luxurious house; tells Parmeet, ‘Your son is becoming a man’Kiara Advani’s black velvet saree is proof that gothic glam looks better with a desi twistFrom water filters to kitchen bowls: 5 practical uses of coconut shell123Hot PicksTCS laptop monitoring softwareSchool holiday todayKPMG AustraliaTrump tariffIOB LBO recruitmentNEET UG 2026Parandur airportSIM card rulesNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingMumbai Auto Driver ProtestReservation Hatao AndolanKurukshetra MurderPunjab SIRCM VijayDelhi ITO AccidentChennai MurderGodhani Water Plant Gas LeakAmravati Hospital FireAston Martin Crash

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NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday put speculation over an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal to rest, saying the saffron party will contest all 117 seats in the upcoming Punjab assembly elections.BJP national general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh said the party was fully prepared for the polls and would form the government in Punjab.”Punjab is fully ready for change, and the BJP is fully prepared to make this change a reality. In the upcoming assembly elections, the BJP will contest all 117 Assembly seats in Punjab and, by securing a victory, will form its government in the state,” Santosh said.The statement comes days after speculation grew over a possible BJP-SAD alliance following SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Former Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal had also hinted at the possibility of the Akali Dal joining hands with the BJP again, while expressing a cryptic wish for “agreements” that brought progress to Punjab from Delhi.Earlier, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia also said that people in Punjab want his party to join hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party for the upcoming polls.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesMajithia cited Punjab’s status as a border state and the need to protect social harmony and the state’s social fabric as reasons for public sentiment favouring a reunion.”We should understand that the Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP have worked together. Vajpayee ji and Badal ji strengthened this alliance, and it continued during Modi ji’s time,” Majithia said.The SAD had parted ways with the National Democratic Alliance in September 2020 over the three farm laws, which were later repealed.Santosh began his two-day visit to Punjab to review the party’s organisational functioning and strengthen coordination and preparedness at the grassroots level in the poll-bound state.His visit comes amid dissent within the BJP’s state unit over a recent organisational reshuffle, with a section of leaders accusing the state leadership of sidelining the old cadre.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His stories track elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi-NCR Rain Fury: Gurugram Under Orange Alert, Work From Home Advisory Issued For August 25’Ram-Ram Inside, Fish Feast Outside’: Yogi Adityanath Slams Cong Over Ayodhya Event; Ajay Rai ReactsDisplaced By Ken-Betwa Project, Tribals Now Struggle For Basic Amenities | ExclusiveIn Leaked Audio, Lawrence Bishnoi’s Aide Goldy Brar Claims He Killed Hardeep Nijjar In Canada‘Watching Your Every Move’: Fresh Threat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In J&KChennai Murder Mystery: Woman’s Remains Found on Tamil Nadu Express, Police Hunt Couple in Odisha’No Full Press Conference’: US Envoy Gor On India’s ‘No Questions’ Request Before Modi-Trump Meet‘Represented India In 3 Nations’: Former Envoy Flags ‘Trouble Establishing Citizenship’ During SIRJaish Rebuilds Bahawalpur Complex Struck By India During Op Sindoor’India Can Attract Global Talent With Your Help’: PM Modi Meets Space Startups On National Space Day123PhotostoriesSreeleela’s fish-cut saree just gave traditional draping a seriously savage upgrade10 beautiful baby girl names that capture a sense of wonderOptical Illusion personality test: What you spot first reveals the weak spot in your love lifePriyanka Chopra’s architectural black gown just proved that red-carpet glam needs a little more attitude10 of the world’s most colourful birds to see in the wildBlood sugar running high despite cutting back on sweets? Doctors explain 5 nutrients that may help your body manage glucose better‘She believed in the old nuskhas’: Karisma Kapoor reveals her grandmother’s skincare secret that the Kapoor clan adoptedArchana Puran Singh’s son Aaryamann Sethi set to buy his first luxurious house; tells Parmeet, ‘Your son is becoming a man’Kiara Advani’s black velvet saree is proof that gothic glam looks better with a desi twistFrom water filters to kitchen bowls: 5 practical uses of coconut shell123Hot PicksTCS laptop monitoring softwareSchool holiday todayKPMG AustraliaTrump tariffIOB LBO recruitmentNEET UG 2026Parandur airportSIM card rulesNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingMumbai Auto Driver ProtestReservation Hatao AndolanKurukshetra MurderPunjab SIRCM VijayDelhi ITO AccidentChennai MurderGodhani Water Plant Gas LeakAmravati Hospital FireAston Martin Crash

NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday put speculation over an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal to rest, saying the saffron party will contest all 117 seats in the upcoming Punjab assembly elections.BJP national general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh said the party was fully prepared for the polls and would form the government in Punjab.”Punjab is fully ready for change, and the BJP is fully prepared to make this change a reality. In the upcoming assembly elections, the BJP will contest all 117 Assembly seats in Punjab and, by securing a victory, will form its government in the state,” Santosh said.The statement comes days after speculation grew over a possible BJP-SAD alliance following SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Former Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal had also hinted at the possibility of the Akali Dal joining hands with the BJP again, while expressing a cryptic wish for “agreements” that brought progress to Punjab from Delhi.Earlier, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia also said that people in Punjab want his party to join hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party for the upcoming polls.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesMajithia cited Punjab’s status as a border state and the need to protect social harmony and the state’s social fabric as reasons for public sentiment favouring a reunion.”We should understand that the Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP have worked together. Vajpayee ji and Badal ji strengthened this alliance, and it continued during Modi ji’s time,” Majithia said.The SAD had parted ways with the National Democratic Alliance in September 2020 over the three farm laws, which were later repealed.Santosh began his two-day visit to Punjab to review the party’s organisational functioning and strengthen coordination and preparedness at the grassroots level in the poll-bound state.His visit comes amid dissent within the BJP’s state unit over a recent organisational reshuffle, with a section of leaders accusing the state leadership of sidelining the old cadre.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His stories track elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi-NCR Rain Fury: Gurugram Under Orange Alert, Work From Home Advisory Issued For August 25’Ram-Ram Inside, Fish Feast Outside’: Yogi Adityanath Slams Cong Over Ayodhya Event; Ajay Rai ReactsDisplaced By Ken-Betwa Project, Tribals Now Struggle For Basic Amenities | ExclusiveIn Leaked Audio, Lawrence Bishnoi’s Aide Goldy Brar Claims He Killed Hardeep Nijjar In Canada‘Watching Your Every Move’: Fresh Threat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In J&KChennai Murder Mystery: Woman’s Remains Found on Tamil Nadu Express, Police Hunt Couple in Odisha’No Full Press Conference’: US Envoy Gor On India’s ‘No Questions’ Request Before Modi-Trump Meet‘Represented India In 3 Nations’: Former Envoy Flags ‘Trouble Establishing Citizenship’ During SIRJaish Rebuilds Bahawalpur Complex Struck By India During Op Sindoor’India Can Attract Global Talent With Your Help’: PM Modi Meets Space Startups On National Space Day123PhotostoriesSreeleela’s fish-cut saree just gave traditional draping a seriously savage upgrade10 beautiful baby girl names that capture a sense of wonderOptical Illusion personality test: What you spot first reveals the weak spot in your love lifePriyanka Chopra’s architectural black gown just proved that red-carpet glam needs a little more attitude10 of the world’s most colourful birds to see in the wildBlood sugar running high despite cutting back on sweets? Doctors explain 5 nutrients that may help your body manage glucose better‘She believed in the old nuskhas’: Karisma Kapoor reveals her grandmother’s skincare secret that the Kapoor clan adoptedArchana Puran Singh’s son Aaryamann Sethi set to buy his first luxurious house; tells Parmeet, ‘Your son is becoming a man’Kiara Advani’s black velvet saree is proof that gothic glam looks better with a desi twistFrom water filters to kitchen bowls: 5 practical uses of coconut shell123Hot PicksTCS laptop monitoring softwareSchool holiday todayKPMG AustraliaTrump tariffIOB LBO recruitmentNEET UG 2026Parandur airportSIM card rulesNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingMumbai Auto Driver ProtestReservation Hatao AndolanKurukshetra MurderPunjab SIRCM VijayDelhi ITO AccidentChennai MurderGodhani Water Plant Gas LeakAmravati Hospital FireAston Martin Crash

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