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The Right to Food Campaign has expressed `dismay’ over the government’s `reckless’ attempt to renew currency notes, known as “”demonetization””, without any serious attention to the consequences it may have for poor people. This move serves no clear purpose and is a major attack on the right to food and the right to life, a statement issued by the Campaign has said.

“”Demonetization was sold to the public by claiming that it would flush out the black economy. In a rare display of near-unanimity, economists of all persuasions have exposed this misleading claim. Illegal income is not usually held in the form of wads of cash. It is spent, invested, laundered or converted in other ways into safer and more profitable stores of value than currency notes. That is the main reason why the bulk of old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes have found their way back to the Reserve Bank of India during the last two months, contrary to the assumption that demonetization would leave crooks with large amounts of unusable notes,’’ the statement said.

Another possible reason is that demonetization ended up enabling them to launder their black money by dispersing it into Jan Dhan and other accounts. The government is now planning to counter this by investigating millions of accounts and asking people to explain how they earned as little as a few lakhs of rupees. This will open the door to large-scale harassment, and perhaps also to the spread of corruption in the banking system, it said.

“”Even as it makes a song and dance of demonetization, the government is showing no interest in other measures that are likely to be more effective in curbing corruption. Three years after the Lokpal Act came into force, no Lokpal has been appointed. Likewise, the Whistleblowers Protection Act (passed in February 2014) awaits implementation. In fact, the government has introduced amendments in Parliament to dilute these two Acts. It has also failed to reintroduce the Grievance Redressal Bill, which had support of all parties but lapsed with the dissolution of the Lok Sabha in 2014. And of course, political parties continue to evade financial transparency,’’ the statement said.

With the corruption narrative exposed, the statement said, the government is now presenting demonetization as a step towards a “”cashless economy””. “”Whatever the merits of cashless payment systems, blanket demonetization is a ridiculous way of promoting them. The main beneficiaries of this approach are the private companies involved in cashless payments. Never has state power been put so blatantly at the service of corporate interests,’’ the statement added.

While the social benefits of demonetization are limited and uncertain, its stupendous costs are becoming more evident every day. The ravage begins with more than 100 demonetization-related deaths – suffocation in bank queues, heart attacks, suicides and more. This massacre has caused astonishingly little concern in the corridors of power, where passing reference is made, at best, to the “”inconvenience”” faced by the public. And for every person who died, how many have fainted, fallen ill, gone hungry or sunk into depression, the statement sought to know.

Pointing out that this wass only the tip of the volcano, the statement said that the big damage had only begun to unfold, as economic recession hits millions of vulnerable families. It does not require a PhD in economics to understand that when the bulk of the population is strapped for cash, economic activity and employment take a dip. Every day, fresh reports confirm that this is happening. Farmers have been dumping vegetables on the roads for want of a remunerative price. Traders and vendors have seen their sales dive, often by 50 per cent or more. Sales of durable goods have crashed across the board. Construction activity has slowed down. And most importantly, workers have been laid off on a large scale, it further said.

Other victims include pensioners and NREGA workers, who find it difficult to secure their meagre pensions and wages at the best of times. Now, with the banking system jammed, millions of them are in danger of their lifeline being cut off for weeks or even months.

The government’s reaction to this catastrophe is astonishingly smug. For one thing, it is claimed that the recession will be short-lived, and that the economy will bounce back very soon. It is in the nature of a recession, however, that getting out of it may not be easy. For another, the public is being asked to grin and bear it as long as the crisis lasts, without any measures being taken to protect people from insecurity and impoverishment. Instead of facing the crisis, the government relies on propaganda and public relations to deny it, and to give people an illusion that their suffering is a glorious contribution to the nation’s progress, the Campaign said.

The Campaign has demanded an immediate increase of the centre’s contribution to social security pensions for widows, the elderly and disabled persons (under the National Social Assistance Programme) from Rs 200 per month to Rs 1,000 per month; implementation of National Food Security Act provisions for universal maternity entitlements (Rs 6,000 per child) and central assistance for the inclusion of milk, eggs and fruits in school mid-day meals and ICDS.

It has also sought an increase in the annual NREGA budget to Rs 60,000 crore, with effect from 2016-7; compensation for all families of victims of demonetization-related deaths and reversal of all recent reductions in social spending by the central government, as a share of GDP.

The signatories to the statement include among others:  Kavita Srivastava and Dipa Sinha (Conveners – Steering Committee), Annie Raja, (National Federation for Indian Women), Colin Gonsalves , (Human Right Law Network), Aruna Roy, Nikhil Dey and Anjali Bhardwaj, (National Campaign for People’s Right to Information), Madhuresh, Arundhati Dhuru and Ulka Mahajan (National Alliance of People’s Movements), Asha Mishra and Kashinath Chatterjee (Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti), Ashok Bharti (National Conference of Dalit Organizations), Anuradha Talwar, Gautam Modi and Madhuri Krishnaswamy (New Trade Union Initiative), Binayak Sen (People’s Union for Civil Liberties), Subhash Bhatnagar (National Campaign Committee for Unorganized Sector workers), Paul Divakar and Asha Kowtal (National Campaign for Dalit Human Rights), Mira Shiva, Radha Holla and Vandana Prasad (Jan Swasthya Abhiyan), Ranjeet Kumar Verma, Prahlad Ray, Praveen Kumar, Anand Malakar (Rashtriya Viklang Manch), Lali Dhakar, Sarawasti Singh, Shilpa Dey and Radha Raghwal (National Forum for Single Women’s Rights), G V Ramanjaneyulu, Kavita Kuruganthi (Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture), Jashodhara (National Alliance for Maternal Health and Human Rights), Ilango (National Fishworkers Federation), Zasia, Sonam, and Noor Jehan (Bhartiya Muslim Mahila Andolan).”

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced sops of farmers, small entrepreneurs and women. Addressing the Nation on the completion of 50 days of demonetization — announced on November 8, 2016 – Prime Minister said the Government has taken some major decisions to ensure homes for the poor, the neo middle class and the middle class.

Two new middle income categories have been created under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana in urban areas. Loans of up to 9 lakh rupees taken in 2017, will receive interest subvention of 4 per cent. Loans of up to 12 lakh rupees taken in 2017, will receive interest subvention of 3 per cent.

The number of houses being built for the poor, under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana in rural areas, is being increased by 33 per cent. Another scheme has been put in place for the neo middle and middle class in rural areas. Loans of up to 2 lakh rupees taken in 2017, for new housing, or extension of housing in rural areas, will receive an interest subvention of 3 per cent.

“”In the last few weeks, an impression was sought to be created that the agriculture sector has been destroyed. Farmers themselves have given a fitting reply to those who were doing so. Rabi sowing is up by 6 per cent compared to last year. Fertilizer offtake is up by 9 per cent. During this period, the Government has taken care to ensure that farmers do not suffer for want of access to seeds, fertilisers and credit. Now, we have taken some more decisions in the interest of farmers.

Farmers who have taken loans for the Rabi crop from District Cooperative Central Banks and Primary Societies, will not have to pay interest on such loans for a period of 60 days. Farmers who have paid interest during the last two months, will receive these amounts back, directly into their bank accounts,’’ he said.

Arrangements are being made to provide farmers even better access to loans from cooperative banks and societies. NABARD created a fund of 21,000 crore rupees last month. Now, Government is adding 20,000 crore rupees more to this. The loss that NABARD suffers by giving loans to cooperative banks and societies at low interest rates, shall be borne by the Government, Mr Modi said.

The Government has decided, that 3 crore farmers who have Kisan Credit Cards, will be given RuPay debit cards within three months. Kisan Credit Cards were launched in 1998, but so far, it was essential to go to a bank, to use them. Now, farmers will have RuPay Debit Cards, which they can use anywhere.

Just as agriculture is vital for the economy, so are the medium and small scale enterprises also called the MSME sector. Government has taken some decisions in the interest of small and medium businesses, which will also boost employment, Mr Modi said.

“Government of India underwrites loans given by banks to small businesses through a trust. So far, loans were covered upto one crore rupees. This limit is now being enhanced to 2 crore rupees. Earlier the scheme only covered bank loans. Hereafter it will cover loans given by NBFCs as well. This decision will enable better access to credit for small shop-owners and small enterprises. Banks and NBFCs will not levy  high interest on these loans, as Government of India is bearing the cost of underwriting them,’’ he added.

Government has also asked banks to raise the credit limit for small industry from 20 per cent of turnover to 25 per cent. Banks have also been asked to increase working capital loans from 20 per cent of turnover to 30 per cent, for enterprises that transact digitally. Many people connected with this sector have made cash deposits in the last few weeks. Banks have been asked to take this into account when deciding on working capital, he said.

A few days back, Government announced a major tax relief for small businesses.  Income of businesses with turnover of up to Rs 2 crores was calculated at 8% of the turnover. Now, for such businesses income from digital transactions will be calculated at 6%. This will effectively reduce their tax liability by 25%.

The progress of the MUDRA Yojana has been very encouraging. Last year, nearly 3 and a half crore people have benefited from this. The Government now aims to double this, giving priority to Dalits, Tribals, Backward Classes and Women. “We are introducing a nation-wide scheme for financial assistance to pregnant women. 6000 rupees will be transferred directly to the bank accounts of pregnant women who undergo institutional delivery and vaccinate their children. This scheme will help reduce the maternal mortality rate, in a big way. This will help ensure nutrition before and after delivery, and improve the health of mother and child. So far, pregnant women in 53 districts were being given financial assistance of 4000 rupees, under a pilot project.

We are initiating a scheme for senior citizens. Banks often reduce their deposit rates, when they receive a large volume of money. This should not adversely impact senior citizens. Under the scheme, senior citizens will receive a fixed interest rate of 8 per cent for a period of 10 years, on deposits upto 7.5 lakh rupees. The interest will be paid monthly,’’ he said.

 “We have, during the external aggressions, of 1962, 1965, 1971  and Kargil;  witnessed the intrinsic strength of our citizens. Such collective energy and patriotism is understandable, in the face of external threats. However, when crores of Indians unite to fight a war against internal evils, it is unparalleled,’’ he said.

Indians have displayed  the strength of people power, utmost discipline, and the ability to discern the truth in a storm of disinformation. They have shown  that resolute honesty, can defeat dishonesty. “It is historic, that both the people and the government are on the same side in this battle against evil.  The Government is well aware, that in this period, you had to queue up, and face difficulty in withdrawing your own money,’’ Mr Modi said. 

“”`My effort is to take the banking system to normalcy as fast as possible in the new year. I have asked all concerned officers in the Government to focus their attention to this task. They have especially been told to proactively resolve the problems in rural and remote areas,”” he said.

There is no precedent globally, to what India has done. Nations similar to us do not have the amount of currency that we had. Over the last ten to twelve years, 500 and 1000 rupee currency notes were used less for legitimate transactions, and more for a parallel economy. The excess of cash was fuelling inflation and black-marketing. It was denying the poor, their due.  Lack of cash causes difficulty, but excess of cash is even more troublesome. Our aim is to achieve a balance. Economists agree that when cash is outside the formal economy, it is a cause of worry. When it joins the mainstream, it is an opportunity for development, he explained.

 Linking unrest and unlawful activities with black money, Mr Modi said it is accepted the world over, that terrorism, Naxalism, Maoism, counterfeit currency trade, drug trade, human trafficking – all of these depend on black money.

Pointing out that demonetistion has dealt a severe blow to these trades, Prime Minister said youth who had turned to the wrong path, are returning to the mainstream in large numbers.  “If we remain vigilant, we can now save our children from returning to those evil ways of violence and cruelty.  The fact that so much of the cash in circulation has been deposited in the banking system indicates the success of this mission,’’ he added.

Appreciating efforts of bank employees during this Herculean effort, Mr Modi said some grave crimes by some officers in some banks have come to light. Some Government officers have also committed serious offences, and tried to take advantage of the situation. They will not be spared, he warned. “”History is witness that the Indian banking system has never received such a large amount of money, in such a short time. While respecting the autonomy of the banks, I appeal to them to move beyond their traditional priorities, and keep the poor, the lower middle class, and the middle class at the focus of their activities,’’ Prime Minister said.

Political parties, political leaders and electoral funding, figure prominently in any debate on corruption and black money. The time has now come that all political leaders and parties respect the feelings of the nation’s honest citizens, and understand the anger of the people. It is true that from time to time, political parties have made constructive efforts to improve the system.

“”I urge all parties and leaders to move away from a “holier than thou approach,”” to come together in prioritising transparency, and take firm steps to free politics of black money and corruption. This is to break the endless cycle of elections, reduce election expenditure, and minimize pressure on the administrative machinery,’’ Mr Modi said.”

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British medical journal, The Lancet has called for a robust advertising regulation and banning social media promotion covering all milk products for children up to 3 years.

In its latest issue, the journal has said that regulation of the marketing of breast milk substitutes is a cornerstone of global action on breastfeeding. The International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes was drafted in 1981 amid widespread concern about the advertising and promotion of infant formula, particularly in settings where mothers lacked access to the clean drinking water and sterilisation equipment needed to safely prepare formula milk. The Code prohibits direct advertising of breast milk substitutes to mothers, claims that formula milk provides health benefits, and gifts or free supplies to health-care workers and facilities.

A new report by WHO, UNICEF and, the International Baby Food Action Network summarises the status of international implementation of the Code. Encouragingly, 135 of 194 countries in the analysis had at least some legal measures in place, compared with 103 countries in 2011. However, only 39 countries have comprehensive legislation covering all aspects of the Code, it says.

Strikingly, it is high-income countries (including the USA, Australia, and much of western Europe) and middle-income countries such as China that have the fewest legal protections—and some of the lowest breastfeeding rates, particularly beyond 6 months. Meanwhile, many poorer countries lack the resources to effectively implement, enforce, and monitor their existing laws, the journal says.

 The Indian law prohibits advertising of breast milk substitutes but the law is not applicable on online advertising and social media promotion. “

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday trashed the competition in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, saying that BJP’s absence from governing the State for 14 years had led to lack of development and asserted that the only option left was to vote the BJP to power in the State. Addressing a huge rally in Lucknow, Mr. Modi said that politics between parties was acceptable but politics in the matters of development of poor and common people was totally unacceptable.He said that the State government was biased and partisan towards development as it did not pay any heed to the proposals of BJP MPs. He praised the farmers of UP and country to toil hard which has resulted in huge production of rice and pulses but UP government has no interest in buying their produces.

Seeing huge turnout at the Parivartan Maharally, Mr. Modi said that it was evident that people wanted a change in UP as they are fed up with hooliganism, loot, atrocities against women and poor and land grabbing. The Prime Minister said that BJP wants to bring such a change which may provide much needed relief to the people who have been deprived in all these years. Without naming the Dalit icon and BSP supremo Mayawati, Mr, Modi said that we have developed a powerful App and named it BHIM, to easily transact the money and it was a gesture to pay our respects to Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, who was not only a great law expert but also a great economist, but some persons are unable to digest the move. All opposition parties, he said, “”are obsessed with Modi hatao (remove Modi) Me? But I am fixated on removing corruption,”” he said, referring to his demonetisation drive that was launched in November. “”There is only one option for Uttar Pradesh,”” the PM said, “”and it is the BJP.”” “

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In a big relief to the consumers, the government has said restaurants billing `service charges’ in addition to taxes was optional. The move would make eating out cheaper. In a statement, the Department of Consumer Affairs under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, has said it was the discretion of the consumer whether or not to pay `service charge’ and described it as an unfair practice.

The Ministry said that a number of complaints from consumers have been received that hotels and restaurants are following the practice of charging ‘service charge’ in the range of 5-20%, in lieu of tips, which a consumer is forced to pay irrespective of the kind of service provided to him.

The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 provides that a trade practice which, for the purpose of promoting the sale, use or the supply of any goods or for the provision of any service, adopts any unfair method or deceptive practice, is to be treated as an unfair trade practice and that a consumer can make a complaint to the appropriate consumer forum established under the Act against such unfair trade practices.

In this context, the Department of Consumer Affairs, called for clarification from the Hotel Association of India, which said that the service charge is completely discretionary and should a customer be dissatisfied with the dining experience he/she can have it waived off. Therefore, it is deemed to be accepted voluntarily.

The Department of Consumer Affairs has asked the State Governments to sensitize the companies, hotels and restaurants in the states regarding aforementioned provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 and also to advise the hotels/restaurants to disseminate information through display at the appropriate place in the hotels/restaurants that the ‘service charges’ are discretionary/ voluntary and a consumer dissatisfied with the services can have it waived off.”

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The Maternity Benefit Programme—a conditional cash transfer scheme for pregnant and lactating mothers—announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 31, 2016 – has been introduced in accordance with the provisions of Section 4(b) of National food Security Act, the government has said. The cash transfer would be Aadhaar-linked through the individual bank or post office account.

While the scheme has come into effect from January 1, detailed guidelines for implementation and monitoring of the scheme will be issued shortly, the Ministry of Women and Child Development said. Under the scheme, all Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW&LM), those who are in regular employment with the Central Government or State governments or Public Sector Undertakings or those receiving similar benefits under any low for the time being are eligible. The cash incentive of Rs.6,000 will be payable in three instalments for the first two live births and in three phases. It is expected that annually about 51.70 lakh beneficiaries would avail of the benefit.

Expansion of MBP will have huge impact on the PW&LM as it will not only provide them compensation for the wage loss but will also provide them adequate nutrition and rest before and after delivery.  Mothers will have sufficient time to breastfeed the child during first six months of the birth.  Resultantly, it is expected that it will reduce mother mortality rate, IMR, under-nutrition and its adverse effects.

The Ministry said it was committed to ensure that every woman attained optimal nutritional status – especially from the most vulnerable communities as nutrition constitutes the foundation for human development.  This is all the more important during the period of pregnancy and lactation coupled with wage loss.  A woman’s nutritional status has important implications for her health as well as the health and development of her children.  

An under-nourished mother almost inevitably gives birth to a low birth weight baby. When poor nutrition starts in-utero, it extends throughout the life cycle, particularly in women. Owing to economic and social distress many women continue to work to earn a living for their family right upto the last days of their pregnancy.  Furthermore, they resume working soon after childbirth, even through their bodies might not permit it, thus preventing their bodies from fully recovering on one hand, and also impending their ability to exclusively breastfeed their young infant in the first six months.

The Scheme provides cash incentives to pregnant and lactating women for the wage loss so that the woman can take adequate rest before and after delivery; to improve her health and nutrition during the period of pregnancy and lactation; and to breastfeed the child during the first six months of the birth, which is very vital for the development of the child.

The first instalment of Rs 3,000 will be given in the first trimester of pregnancy after early registration of pregnancy and one ante-natal check-up. The second instalment of Rs 1,500 would be transferred at the time of institutional delivery and finally the three instalment will be three months after delivery after the child is registered and has received BCG, OPV and DPT-1 and 2 shots. 

The Maternity Benefit Programme is a Centrally sponsored scheme and the cost sharing between Centre and States is 60:40 for all the States and UTs (with legislature), 90:10 for NER (North-Eastern Region) and Himalayan States and 100% Central share for UTs without legislatures.  The total cost of the proposal for the balance period of 2016-17 and from 2017-18 to 2019-20 including Centre and State share is expected to be Rs. 12,661.00 crore.   Out of this, Government of India’s share for the balance period of 2016-17 ( Rs 584 crore) and from 2017-18 to 2019-20 (Rs 7348 crore) is expected to be  Rs 7932.”

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The two main Left parties — CPI and CPI(M) — have welcomed the majority verdict of the seven-member Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court which held that the electoral process is a secular activity and religion can have no place in such an activity. The judgement of the Bench was by a majority of four to three.

The Polit Bureau of CPI(M) said in a statement that Chief Justice T S Thakur delivered a separate but concurring judgement which says: “…an interpretation that will have the effect of removing the religion or religious considerations from the secular character of the State or state activity ought to be preferred over an interpretation which may allow such considerations to enter, effect or influence such activities.”

The apex court was considering the interpretation of Section 123 (3) of the Representation of the People Act 1951.  Chief Justice Thakur says: “The sum total of Section 123(3) even after the amendment (1961) is that an appeal in the name of religion, race, caste, community or language is forbidden even when the appeal may not be in the name of the religion, race, caste, community or language of the candidate for whom it has been made.  So interpreted religion, race, caste, community or language would not be allowed to play any role in the electoral process and should an appeal be made on any of those considerations, the same would constitute a corrupt practice.””

“”There is a thin line that differentiates an appeal made to the electorate on these considerations by anybody on behalf of a candidate and on raising issues of injustices and discrimination emanating from these factors of religion, caste or language, which will arise in  the debate in an electoral process,” the CPI(M) noted in its statement. 

The dissenting judges held that though the Indian State is secular in character, the Constitution is not indifferent to issues of religion, caste or language.  They say: “The Constitution is not oblivious to the history of discrimination against and the deprivation inflicted upon large segments of population based on religion, caste and language.  Religion, caste and language are as much as a symbol of social discrimination imposed on large segments of our society on the basis of immutable characteristics  as they are of a social mobilization to answer centuries of injustices.  They are part of the central theme of Constitution to produce a just social order.”

It is necessary to clarify the difference between making an appeal on any of these elements for electoral gain or the defeat of an opponent candidate and the raising of issues of social discrimination and injustices.  The latter are essential elements of any electoral discourse for attaining social justice and cannot be prohibited.

“”The clarity on this is essential for strengthening the secular democratic  foundations of the Constitution and the electoral process,” the statement said. 

The Central Secretariat of the Communist Party of India hails the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court of India, on misuse of religion, caste and language to gain votes in the elections. The CPI said that the judgment should put an end to the long litigation used by some vested interests on the issue. The judgment clearly termed misusing of religion, caste or language comes under the clause of corruption. It has rightly described the religious belief as a personal issue between the persona and his/her God.

The judgment will strengthen the core values of the Indian Constitution, secularism and democracy. The party urged the Election Commission of India to suggest necessary amendments for proper implementation of it and disqualification of candidates and parties misusing the religion/caste/language.

Those parties which do not have socio, economic and political policies try to misuse the religion and caste while after coming to power, carry on pro-corporate, anti-people policies. People should be vigilant and utilise the Supreme Court judgment as a weapon to fight against such elements, it noted.”

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The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Bar Council Of India (BCI) on a petition filed by two law aspirants challenging the maximum age limit of 20 years for taking admission to the 5-year integrated law degree. 

Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde and Advocate on Record Zoheb Hossain (both appeared pro-bono) argued that Clause 28 of Legal Education Rules, 2008,  which restored the maximum age limit of 20 years for taking admission to the 5-year integrated law degree, was arbitrary and unlawful. Advocate Hegde submitted that the new stipulation violates the fundamental rights of aspiring law students under Articles 14, 19(1)(g) and 21 of the Constitution. 

After hearing, a two-judge bench comprising Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Arun Mishra issued notice to the BCI, returnable in four weeks. Though the bench has not stayed the operation of the rule, gave liberty to the petitioners to mention the matter for interim relief, if necessary. The petitioners submitted that conflicting judgments were passed by different high courts in writ petitions challenging the validity of Clause-28 and, therefore, the interference of Supreme Court is necessary to ensure that there is certainty in the lives of students and consistency and uniformity in the approach of the BCI in this matter. 

The petitioners pointed out that the said clause was held to be ultra vires the provisions of the Advocates Act, 1961, by the High Court of Punjab & Haryana in Rajan Sharma v. The Bar Council of India and the High Court of Bombay in Yasmin E Tavaria v. Union of India, respectively. However, a conflicting view has been taken by the High Court of Madras in  M. Santhosh Antony Vareed v. The Registrar, Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Chennai, wherein the high court upheld the upper age limit of 30 years for admission to the 3-year bachelor degree course in law. 

About the author: PCI Babai is a Delhi based practicing hack, a cynic to core.”

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Chief Justice of India, TS Thakur retired on Tuesday  amid much fanfare, completing his tenure of a little over a year at the top of the judicial pyramid.

Supreme Court lawyers gathered to bid farewell to the judge who pronounced significant decisions such as outlawing religion based politics, clarifying the law on seminal issues such as entry tax and refusing to be strong armed by institutions such as the BCCI. The soiree was organised by the SCBA in the Supreme Court lawns.

The evening witnessed an impressive turnout of judges, both past and present. Former CJI AM Ahmadi and Justice (Retd.) Anil R Dave were also in attendance. Interestingly, Justice Jasti Chelameswar, who has been abstaining from the Collegium meetings was not present for the function. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, who was present at the event, bid farewell to CJI Thakur in a heart warming speech.

Chief Justice designate Justice JS Khehar was at his wittiest during the evening, proceeding to indulge the audience with several personal anecdotes, including an incident where CJI Thakur once bought two Harris Tweed jackets because he had nothing to do at a New York airport and couldn’t resist the discounts.

The audience was regaled with delightful couplets by all who spoke at the event, as a nod to the Chief Justice’s own love for poetry. The newly elected office bearers of the SCBA testified to his commitment to ensure better facilities for all the members, such as the opening of the litigants’ canteen and the renovation of the library and the ladies bar lounge, all of which were done within the stipulated time.

Justice Thakur only chose to pass on a few words of wisdom, such as his thoughts on senior designations and the race to become a judge. He noted, Ã¢Â€ÂœOf late, I have seen a race to become a judge or a senior advocate. But these distinctions must come to you uninvited. If you truly are capable, wait and let them chase you.” On the accolades he received for writing judgments of far reaching impact, he said, “I don’t have much to say about the judgments I have handed out or delivered. But they might remind you of me later. Judges are remembered through their judgments.” He went on to thank everyone who had been a part of his journey.

Justice JS Khehar will take oath as the 44th Chief Justice of India on Wednesday and will be the first from the Sikh community to hold the post.

About the author: PCI Babai is a Delhi based practicing hack, a cynic to core.”

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Vice-President M. Hamid Ansari on Wednesday said that former President Dr. A.P.J. Kalam was a “”man of technology”” who not only contributed to the progress of defence research organisations but had a way with younger people and motivated them.

Speaking after releasing the book “The People’s President A P J Abdul Kalam’’, written by S,M. Khan who had served as Press Secretary to Dr. Kalam during his presidency from 2002-2007, the Vice President said the book presents an insider’s account and is an important document chronicling different aspects of Dr. Kalam’s life. “Dr. Kalam always showed an eagerness to reach out to the younger generation and students,’’ he said.  It was in July last year that Dr. Kalam collapsed and died following a massive heart attack while delivering a lecture in Shillong. Ironically, he breathed his last among young students whom he much adored and loved to spend his time interacting with them and teaching them to keep their dreams alive and realise them. 

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley described Dr. Kalam as an “”unconventional President’’ with an “”unconventional mind”” who always had a vibrant air of positivity around him. “He was not cynical and exuded positiveness and was very positive about India’s bright future and wanted to see India as a developed nation by 2020,’’ the Finance Minister said.

Mr. Jaitley also recalled his numerous interactions with Dr. Kalam during his presidential tenure at Rashtrapati Bhavan, saying his style and simplicity charmed the people. He recalled Dr. Kalam’s interaction with students in Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in Delhi University when moments after emarking in his car he rushed back for an impromptu photo session with the 20 students who had asked him questions. “”Such was his simple and spontaneous nature and unconventional approach as President,”” he recalled.

Another interesting anecdote, Mr. Jaitley said, pertained to the dissolution of the Lok Sabha in 2004 by the then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. Mr. Jaitley said that he and the Attorney-General Soli Sorabjee had to spend quite some time with Dr. Kalam answering his queries relating to Constitutional provisions. He described Mr. Khan, the author, as a balanced, fair, conscientious and committed civil servant who has served in different capacities in the Indian Information Service and is currently Registrar General of Newspapers in India (RNI).

Mr. Khan said that he had made an attempt in the book to pen down various facets of Dr. Kalam’s life during his tenure in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Dr. Kalam was an inspiration for scientists and it was his vision of the series of missiles that produced Agni, Prithvi, Trishul and Nag, Mr. Khan recalled.

“Dr. Kalam’s accessibility and generous humanism made him immensely popular among people. He developed a grip over legal, judicial and constitutional issues. He was the first President to have returned a bill to the Lok Sabha for reconsideration under Article 111 but when Lok Sabha sent it back to him, he took just a few days to sign it and did not sit over it,’’ Mr. Khan said.

He narrated an incident when a student asked him about population growth in the country. “I am innocent. I have not added to the population,’’ was Dr. Kalam’s witty reply . However, later he explained the problem in detail. Another question which he faced often was about the highlight of the Indian civilization to which his answer used to be “”real open mind, tolerant mindset and pluralism,””, Mr. Khan reveals in the book which is replete with many such instances.

While Dr. Kalam was at ease with students and children, he also enjoyed his breakfast sessions with MPs in Rashtrapati Bhavan. He studied Quran and Gita with equal ease and attention and also played Veena.”