Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Aside
Analysis of Pending Criminal Cases of Lok Sabha MPs from 2009
 
In response to a PIL filed by Public Interest Foundation, the Supreme Court on 10th March, 2014 directed that the criminal cases against MPs and MLAs should be completed within a year from the date of framing of charges by the trial court. Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch (NEW) analysed the affidavits of the Lok Sabha MPs elected in 2009.
The following report analyses the duration of time in years for which the criminal cases against Lok Sabha MPs have been pending in a court of law.
 
 
 
Out of the 162 MPs that have criminal cases against themselves, 76 have serious criminal cases like murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping and robbery against themselves. As the analysis below will show, some of these cases against the MPs have remained pending for ten years and more.Detailed report in English attached with this mail. 
 
  1. The following analysis contains only those cases for which the MP has provided the start date(s) of case(s). While filing the details of the self declared cases, most of the candidates contesting the elections do not  provide the relevant dates of the cases such as FIR Dates, Date of Filing of Charge Sheets, Date of Convictions etc.
  2. The current status of these cases are not known, we have simply taken these cases from the affidavit declarations of the MPs and calculated the time period (in years) for which the cases have been pending (For example- if an MP has declared in his affidavit during the Lok Sabha elections in 2009 that a case against him has been pending since 1999 then we have evaluated the pending years as only 10 and not 15)
 
Summary and Highlights
 
 Lok Sabha MPs with criminal cases: 162 Lok Sabha MPs from 2009 out of 543 analysed have declared criminal cases against themselves.
 
 Lok Sabha MPs with serious criminal cases: 76 Lok Sabha MPs have declared serious criminal cases against themselves including murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, robbery etc
 
 
Average Number of Years Criminal Cases have been Pending: The average number of years that criminal cases against MPs have been pending is 7 years (until 2009). 
 
Serious Criminal Cases pending for the longest:
Inline image 1
 
Party-wise MPs with multiple serious IPC count: 162 Lok Sabha MPs have declared a total of 306 serious IPCs against themselves. The MPs of JMM have declared 69 serious IPC counts followed by BJP MPs who have declared a total of 55 serious IPC counts, SP MPs with 34 serious IPC counts and INC MPs with 30 serious IPC counts.
           
MPs with multiple serious IPC count: Kameshwar Baitha of JMM from Palamau Constituency, Jharkhand has declared 69 counts of serious IPC against himself followed by Jagdis Sharma of JD(U) from Jahanabad Constituency, Bihar with 17 serious IPC counts, Sivasami C of AIADMK from Tiruppur Constituency, Tamil Nadu with 15 counts of serious IPC and Bal Kumar Patel of SP from Mirzapur with 14 counts of serious IPC.
 
Winners with criminal cases who got tickets for the second time: 24 Lok Sabha MPs were re-elected winners and had criminal cases in 2009. They also had criminal cases during Lok Sabha, 2004 which they won. This shows that political parties continue to give tickets to candidates despite the fact that they have criminal cases pending against them.
 
Analysis of Criminal Cases Pending for 10 years and more
 
Criminal Cases pending for ten years or more: 50 Lok Sabha MPs from 2009 have a total of 136 criminal cases pending against them for ten years or more.
 
Serious Criminal Cases pending for ten years or more: 30 Lok Sabha MPs have a total of 58 serious criminal cases pending against them for ten years or more.
 
Average Number of years Cases of Murder have been Pending: There are 5 Lok Sabha MPs who have declared a total of 14 cases of murder which have been pending for ten years or more. Kameshwar Baitha of JMM has declared 10 cases of murder against himself which have been pending for an average of 12 years. Guddu Premchand of INC from Ujjain Constituency, Madhya Pradesh has declared a case of murder which has been pending for the longest i.e. for 29 years.
 
Average Number of Years Cases of Attempt to Murder have been Pending: There are 9 Lok Sabha MPs who have declared a total of 14 cases of attempt to murder which have been pending for more than 10 years. Kameshwar Baitha of JMM has declared 6 cases of attempt to murder against himself which have been pending for an average of 11 years. Venugopala Reddy Modugula of TDP from Narasaraopet Constituency has declared a case of attempt to murder which has been pending for the longest i.e. for 23 years.
 
Average Number of Years Cases of Kidnapping and Wrongful Confinement have been Pending: There are 20 Lok Sabha MPs who have declared a total of 30 cases of kidnapping and wrongful confinement which have been pending for 10 years or more. Kameshwar Baitha of JMM has declared 7 cases of kidnapping and wrongful confinement which have been pending for an average of 14 years. Kalmadi Suresh of INC from Pune Constituency has declared a case of Wrongful confinement for three or more days which has been pending for 28 years.
 
 
Average Number of Years Cases of Robbery and Dacoity have been Pending: There are 4 Lok Sabha MPs who have declared a total of 4 cases of robbery and dacoity which have been pending for more than 10 years. Ramkishun of SP from Chandauli Constituency has declared a case of robbery which has been pending for 24 years. 
 
 
Recommendations
 
While the judiciary has taken very important steps during decriminalizing Indian politics (including the 10th July, 2013 judgment in the case of Union of India vs Lily Thomas, where the SC debarred elected representatives from continuing in office upon conviction) political parties have continued to field candidates with serious criminal cases because of their “winnability” factor. In this scenario, the role of citizens becomes pre-eminent. The upcoming Lok Sabha elections gives us the opportunity to elect a cleaner and more accountable Parliament. The Association for Democratic Reforms and National Election Watch urges all citizens to vote for clean candidates during 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
 
 
For more information, visit: www.myneta.info and www.adrinindia.org  
 
Media and Journalist Helpline
 
+91 80103 94248
Mr Anil Verma
Head
National Election Watch,
Association for Democratic Reforms
011 4165 4200,
+91 88264 79910
adr@adrIndia.org,
Prof Jagdeep Chhokar
IIM Ahmedabad (Retd.)
Founder Member,
National Election Watch, Association for Democratic
Reforms
+91 99996 20944
 
Prof Trilochan Sastry
IIM Bangalore
Founder Member,
National Election Watch,
Association for Democratic Reforms
+91 94483 53285
 
 
– 
Association for Democratic Reforms
“Kiwanis Centre”, 4th Floor,
B-35, Qutub Institutional Area
(Near Rockland Hospital)
New Delhi-110 016
 
M: +91 8010394248 
T: +91 11 41654200/01/02/03
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– 
Aside
RAJ DHARAM FOR POLITICAL PARTIES GOVENMENTS
March11, 2014
 
Though Kautilya Arthshashtradescribed the duties and responsibilities of every official of a state – but we didn’t learn anything from it. Following is the Raj Dharam of Union Cabinet & States.
 
1.  It is Raj Dharam of the Union Cabinet to ensure Every Person of India Is Not Hungry & Starving.
 
2.  It is Raj Dharam of the Union Cabinet to ensure there is Equitable / Justifiable Distribution of Income & Wealth.
 
3.  It is Raj Dharam of the Union Cabinet to ensure there is No PARASITE of Society Middlemen, Moneylenders, Multi-Traders.
 
4.  It is Raj Dharam of the Union Cabinet to ensure there Peace & Prosperity for everyone in the country.
 
5.  It is Raj Dharam of the Union Cabinet to ensure there are No Criminals, Looters, Thugs,Robbers in the country or State.
 
6.  It is Raj Dharam of the Union Cabinet to ensure to Protect Life & Liberty of all Citizens & against Foreign Invasions, Internal Conflicts.
 
7.  It is Raj Dharam of the Union Cabinet to ensure There is Genuine Competition among Companies who are treated Equally By The Government.
 
8.   It is Raj Dharam of the Union Cabinet to ensure Intellectual Property of Every Citizen is Protected and Promoted.
 
9.  It is Raj Dharam of the Union Cabinet to ensure Country Adopts Latest Technologies for Progress of Society.
 
10.  It is Raj Dharam of the Union Cabinet to ensure to Ensure Natural Resources of the Country are Efficiently Exploited for Prosperity & Progress of entire people.
 
Ravinder Singh, Convener, Mentor & CEO,SABKA BHARAT PARTY
Ph: 9650421857, 9718280435Progressindia008@yahoo.com
Aside
 
India Direct Selling Association (IDSA) with the support of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry has taken an initiative to celebrate International Consumer Day, which is celebrated globally on 15th March every year by organizing a NationalConference on ‘Consumer Rights in Non Store Retail –Unleashing Inclusive Growth’ on 12th March 2014 from 09:30 a.m. – 16:30 p.m. at Le Meridian Hotel, Desire Hall, New DelhiThe Conference will be inaugurated by Shri Manoj Parida, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Government of India . .
 
TAKEAWAYS:
 
·         Broader and deeper understanding of the consumer rights in non store retail sector
·         Expanded perspective from structured interactions with thought leaders and peers
·         Creating an environment for policy framework for the Direct Selling Industry
 
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
 
·         PR Companies
·         Customer Service Personnel
·         Managing Directors, Senior Management and Auditors
·         Law Firms and Consultants
·         Corporate / General / In-house Counsel VPs and Managers from Legal Department
·         Financial Institutions
·         Policy Makers
·         Chambers, Association and Embassy
·         Educational Institutions
·         Direct Sellers &Consumers
 
The detailed minute to minute programme is appended for your ready reference:
 

PROGRAMME

 
09:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Registration
 
 
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
 
INAUGURAL SESSION:
 
 
Welcome Address:
Ms. Chavi Hemanth, Secretary General, IDSA
 
Address:
Mr. Bejon Misra, International Consumer Policy Expert
 
INAUGURAL ADDRESS:
Mr. Manoj Parida, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs
 
Vote of Thanks:
Mr. Amarnath Sengupta, Chairman, IDSA
11:30 a.m. – 13:00 p.m
 
Open Forum
“Creating Transparency for Consumer Rights in Non-Store Retail”
 
 
Session Chair :
Arpita Mukherjee, Professor, ICRIER
 
Panelists:
Mr. Amarnath Sengupta, Chairman, IDSA
Mr. Tony Greig, General Counsel and Director, Amway of Australia and New Zealand and Director Legal, Amway India .
Mr. Shivank Sidhu, Head Marketing, Utsav Fashion
Ms. Dipakshi Khaira, Head, Customer Service, Snapdeal
Mr. Amarjeet Singh, Project Coordinator, CUTS International
 
13:00 p.m.-14:00 p.m.
Networking Lunch Sponsored by Herbalife India
14:00 p.m.-16:00 p.m.
 
Panel Discussion
Challenges & Dispute Management of Consumer Rights
in the business of Direct Selling
 
Panelists:
Ms. Asha Idnani, Chairperson, Consumer Complaint Redressal Council ( India ) and Code Administrator – IDSA
Mr. Sekhar Seshan, Sr. Journalist and Former Executive Editor and Bureau Chief, South Business India Publications Ltd.
Professor Shri Ram Khanna, Senior Vice Chairman, Consumer Voice
Advocate Anand Patwardhan, Leading Consumer Rights Activist, Mumbai
Dr. S.P.Sharma, Chief Economist, PHD Chambers of Commerce
Ms. Chavi Hemanth, Secretary General, IDSA
16:00 p.m.-16:30 p.m.
Concluding Remark and Vote of Thanks by IDSA
 
You are cordially invited to attend the Seminar and nominate other colleagues from your organization. 
 
Looking forward to your positive response.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
Dr. S P Sharma
Chief Economist
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry
 
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Hunter College Human Rights Program hosts Nandita Das

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The Hunter College Human Rights Program hosts
Nandita Das
Co-Sponsored by:
The Hunter College Women and Gender Studies Program,
the India China Institute at The New School,
and South Asia @NYU
 
 
WHEN: Friday, Mar. 21, 2014, 5:30-7PM (doors open at 5:15pm)
WHERE: Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College | 47-49 E. 65th St. (between Park and Madison Avenues), New York, NY
 
Join us as we present Nandita Das in conversation with:
Ritty Lukose, Professor of Anthropology at New York University
Shyama Venkateswar, Hunter Public Policy Distinguished Lecturer
Karna Basu, Professor of Economics at Hunter College
Nandita Das is an award-winning Indian film actress and director, and committed human rights advocate.  She focuses on issues of social justice, especially those of women, children, and marginalized communities, through various platforms.  Her best known works include FireEarth, and Firaaq. In 2008, the French Government conferred upon Nandita the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, their prestigious civilian award. In 2011, she became the first Indian to be inducted into the Hall of Fame of the International Women’s Forum. She has recently finished shooting for a Spanish film, which was with an all women crew. 
 
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Screening of the Czech Teen Comedy “Snowboarders”

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Screening of the Czech Teen Comedy “Snowboarders” – March 11, 2014 at 20:00 at the British Council, 17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg(2)
 
 
 
Czech Embassy – Culture & PR
To andrea_kucerova@mzv.czMe
 
 
 Today at 10:26 AM
Dear all, 
 
allow me kindly to invite you to the screening of the Czech Teen Comedy “Snowboarders” that will be screened tonight, March 11, 2014 at 20:00 at the British Council, 17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, as part of the 19th European Union Film Festival In India. 
“Snowboarders”, the fast-paced teen comedy, full of suspense, romance and action thrills, explores the playful aspects of the new millennium’s younger generation life. Jáchym and Rendy are friends who really like snowboarding. And they’re champions at it — although only on computer simulators. They’re 16 and determined to change their lives. The first step is a fabulous trip to the mountains where they plan to have a blast — on the slopes and off. Their first adult trip together without parents, however, doesn’t start out quite as they expected: like unwanted baggage, they have to take Jáchym’s older sister along. Furthermore, Jáchym’s cousin, who manages the chalet where they are staying, puts them to work as soon as they arrive. On top of everything, some cool dudes from the Snow Panthers Ski Team are messing up their chances with the three most attractive girl snowboarders. Finally, snowboarding isn’t as easy as it looks. But obstacles were made to be overcome: it all depends on what happens on New Year’s Eve. 
 
Great soundtrack, funny teen gags and charming winter atmosphere at the mountains made the film win the Czech Lion Audience Award of 2004 and made it the most popular Czech teen comedy for many years.
Come and enjoy the Czech winter with us tonight! 
Andrea Kučerová
Deputy Head of Mission / Political Affairs
Embassy of the Czech Republic in New Delhi
Tel: +91-11-24155200
Fax: +91-11-24155270
Address: 
50-M, Niti Marg
Chanakayapuri, New Delhi – 110 021
India
 
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Vinexpo International Wine and Spirits Report 2014 -The pattern of consumption of Wine and Spirits in India

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 Vinexpo International Wine and Spirits Report 2014 (IWSR 2014), which was released today. The details about the pattern of consumption of Wine and Spirits in India.:
 
1) Grape-based wine consumption picks up again in India after decreasing for several years 
 
In 2012, wine consumption increased by 11.8% in India. This growth continued in 2013 (up 16.3%) apparently signalling the end of a period of several years of decreasing consumption that ensued after Indage Group closed its doors. 
Between 2013 and 2017, the VINEXPO / The Iwsr study forecasts a striking recovery in this market with assumed growth of 73.5%. 
 
*The VINEXPO / The Iwsr study only concerns light grape-based wines with less than 15° alcohol. With regard to India, the study does not take into account fruit-flavoured communion wines or fortified wines. 
 
2) Indians predominantly drink red 
 
More than 61% of the wines drunk in India are red and this segment is expected to grow by 71.6% between 2013 and 2017. Pushed by local production, the consumption of white wine should also increase by 71% in the same period. 
 
Furthermore, the study forecasts that Indian sparkling wine consumption will double in the next five years. 
 
 3) Australia has become the leading wine supplier to India, ahead of France 
 
One bottle of wine out of four consumed in India is imported. Australia increased its sales of wine to India by 71.7% between 2008 and 2012 and has become the country’s leading supplier of imported wines. In the same period, the volumes of Italian wines doubled (up 104.5%) and those of Chilean wines increased by 75.89%, while at the same time French wines lost ground by 22.88%. 
 
4) Spirits consumption growing fast 
 
Having increased significantly by 73.7% between 2008 and 2012, Indian spirits consumption will continue to grow over the next five years reaching a total of 373.5 million 9-litre cases by 2017, up 20.5% compared to 2013. This growth is largely the result of a 155.47% jump in brandy consumption between 2008 and 2012 and that of Scotch, which doubled (up 109.75%) in the same period. 
 
These remarkable results position India as the fifth largest spirits importer in Asia. According to the forecasts of the VINEXPO / The Iwsr study, India should even become the fourth largest Asian spirits importer by 2017, overtaking Thailand. 

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