SC Indicates Time To Decriminalise Defamation After Far-Left Publication Sued; Jaishankar-Rubio Meet In New York; And More

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US-India Leaders Discuss Strategic Partnership at UN General Assembly

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Monday on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly session in New York to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

The meeting focused on enhancing strategic partnerships in trade, defense, energy, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals. "We discussed key areas of our bilateral relationship... to generate prosperity for India and the United States," Rubio posted on social media platform X.

The US State Department emphasized India's "critical importance" to Washington, with both nations agreeing to continue promoting a "free and open Indo-Pacific region, including through the Quad."

Jaishankar described the talks as "constructive," noting they covered "bilateral and international issues of current concern" and agreed on "sustained engagement to progress on priority areas."

This marked their first direct meeting at this level between India-US since trade tensions escalated following President Trump's tariffs on Indian goods over India's Russian oil purchases, signaling efforts to rebuild strained relations.

Far-Left Publication Sued; Supreme Court Suggests Decriminalising Defamation Law

The Supreme Court Monday indicated it may be time to decriminalise India's defamation law while hearing a plea by Foundation for Independent Journalism, which operates a far-left news portal in India.

"I think time has come to decriminalise all this," remarked Justices M M Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma while hearing the organisation's challenge to criminal defamation summons.

The case involves publication and its political affairs editor, who were summoned in a defamation suit filed by a JNU professor over an allegedly defamatory report.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the publication and its editor, noted similar petitions are pending, including one by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. The court tagged this petition with existing ones.

While the Supreme Court upheld criminal defamation's constitutional validity in 2016, it cautioned against using the law for "oppression or needless harassment."

Other developments

Supreme Court Issues Notice To Delhi Police On Umar Khalid, Sharjil Imam Bail Pleas; Hearing On 7 October

The Supreme Court Monday issued notice to Delhi Police on bail applications by activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, and Meeran Haider in the UAPA case linked to the February 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy.

Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria scheduled the matter for October 7 hearing.

The activists challenged the Delhi High Court's September 2 order denying bail to nine individuals, including Khalid and Imam. The high court stated that "conspiratorial" violence disguised as protests cannot be permitted and would "damage the constitutional framework."

The accused, imprisoned since 2020, are charged under UAPA for allegedly masterminding riots that killed 53 people during anti-CAA protests.

India Seeks Critical Mineral Partnerships with South American Nations

India is intensifying efforts to secure stable critical mineral supply chains from Peru, Chile, and Argentina amid growing focus on renewables.

A high-level Indian mines ministry delegation is visiting Peru this week to explore lithium, copper, and rare earth imports. India plans third-round FTA negotiations with Chile soon, while considering a Peru FTA. Five Indian companies have invested $61 million in Peru's mining sector, making it a top Latin American trading partner.

BJP Launches 'GST Savings Festival' Campaign for New Two-Rate Tax System

All BJP MPs have been directed to organise foot marches in constituency markets during this week-long initiative, coinciding with the festive season and new tax implementation.

The 56th GST Council meeting rationalised rates into two main slabs: 5 per cent for essentials like food items, dairy products, agricultural equipment, handicrafts, and medical devices; and 18 per cent for most goods including small cars, motorcycles up to 350cc, consumer electronics, and household items.

A 40 per cent rate remains for luxury and sin goods including tobacco, expensive vehicles, and aerated beverages.

From the states

Bihar: RJD's Rohini Acharya Denies Political Ambitions Amid Family Feud Speculation

RJD president Lalu Prasad's daughter Rohini Acharya dismissed "baseless rumours" about her political aspirations, stating she has no interest in Rajya Sabha berths or assembly tickets.

Acharya posted on X that she harbours no rivalry with family members, particularly younger brother Tejashwi Yadav.

Her statement follows cryptic tweets that sparked speculation about internal family tensions within the RJD ahead of Bihar assembly polls. Reports suggest Acharya "unfollowed" her father and brother on social media, though both continue following her.

West Bengal: "Our Suggestion"—Mamata Banerjee Accuses Centre of Taking Credit for GST Rate Reduction

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Sunday accused the Centre of claiming undue credit for lowering GST rates, asserting the initiative came from Bengal.

Without naming PM Modi, she said, "We had sought a lowered GST. It was our suggestion at the GST Council meeting."

Banerjee claimed West Bengal will lose Rs 20,000 crore revenue but hasn't received compensation, while alleging differential treatment for BJP-ruled states in revenue generation.

Karnataka Caste Census Battle Reaches High Court

Karnataka's caste census faces legal challenge as organisations representing Lingayats, Vokkaligas, and Brahmins contest the state government's authority to conduct the socio-economic survey that began Monday.

A division bench led by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru will hear interim stay requests today, 23 September. Petitioners argue the survey violates Article 342(A) and Aadhaar Act provisions, claiming census operations fall under central jurisdiction, not state competence.

Senior advocate Prabhuling Navadgi said geo-tagging and Aadhaar linking violates legal provisions, while others alleged the exercise serves political manipulation rather than genuine welfare purposes.

State counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi defended the survey as distinct from census operations, citing Indra Sawhney case precedent and emphasizing its necessity for welfare scheme implementation.

The 15-day survey covering seven crore people officially began yesterday, 22 September, but reportedly got off to a slow start with multiple glitches and hurdles.

Assam Records 70.53 Per Cent Turnout in Bodoland Council Elections

Voting for the 40-member Bodoland Territorial Council in Assam concluded peacefully Monday with 70.53 per cent turnout by 4:30 pm.

Elections were held across 3,359 polling stations in five districts with 316 candidates contesting. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma campaigned extensively for the BJP-UPPL alliance. The counting of votes is scheduled for September 26.

You’re all caught up—until next time.