THE ENTIRE CAPITAL and the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan were plunged into darkness for several hours following the power breakdown. No power was available for essential services like hospitals, airports, railway stations, and TV stations. The residents, in a state of panic following total darkness, started making frantic inquiries about whether it was an act of sabotage.

Notice To Ministers

THE J&K HIGH Court issued notice to the 12 ministers of the G M Shah cabinet with regard to the Speaker’s reference to the high court under section 70 of the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution read with section 24 (G) of Jammu and Kashmir People Representative Act. It was to seek disqualification of members for violating the party whip and choosing to withdraw support to Farooq Abdullah.

Worrying Amendment

THE AMENDMENT OF the Indian Evidence Act through the Terrorist Affected Areas Ordinance vests the police with extraordinary power. The amendment was introduced in the context of terrorism in Punjab. But the possibility of misuse is immense according to legal circles as its applicability extends to any disturbed area. The new provision puts the burden of proof on the accused, if the accused is charged with criminal conspiracy.

PM Gandhi Reshuffle

SIX MONTHS BEFORE her current term was to come to an end, PM Indira Gandhi appointed P V Narasimha Rao, Minister of Home Affairs. Prakash Chandra Sethi was appointed Minister of Planning and the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, with the task of completing the Seventh Five Year Plan.