Calcutta HC disqualifies Roy
The Calcutta High Court disqualified senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mukul Roy from the Bengal Legislative Assembly, marking the first instance of judicially disqualifying an elected representative. Roy, a former Union Railway Minister and close aide of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, had won the Krishnagar North seat in 2021 as a BJP candidate before returning to TMC within months. The BJP demanded his disqualification, but Speaker Biman Banerjee refused, citing lack of official information. Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari subsequently filed a petition, leading to Thursday’s ruling, which retroactively disqualified Roy from June 11, 2021, and annulled his chairmanship of the Public Accounts Committee. The court invoked the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and 1986 Rules, also overruling the Speaker’s decision. Adhikari hailed the verdict as a constitutional victory and criticised Banerjee for bias, while alleging multiple defections in Bengal politics and warning of four more potential disqualifications of MLAs in similar cases.
Delhi police issues advisory
Amid heightened security in Delhi, the Delhi Police has issued an advisory urging passengers to reach transport hubs well ahead of their scheduled departures to avoid inconvenience. Joint Commissioner of Police (Transport Range) Milind Dumbre said the advisory, issued on Wednesday, aims to facilitate smooth security checks at railway stations, metro stations and the airport. Passengers are advised to arrive at least one hour before train departures, 20 minutes before metro rides and three hours before flights. The security measures include detailed screening of passengers, luggage, and vehicles entering these facilities.
CISCE releases date sheet
The CISCE board exams for 2025 are set to begin soon, with Class 12 (ISC) exams starting on February 12 and Class 10 (ICSE) exams from February 17, officials announced. Approximately 2.6 lakh students will appear for the ICSE exams, while around 1.5 lakh candidates are expected for the ISC exams. Joseph Emmanuel, Chief Executive and Secretary of the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, stated that the schedule has been designed to provide a balanced academic calendar and sufficient preparation time between major subjects. The Class 10 examinations will continue until March 30 and the Class 12 exams will conclude on April 6.
