New Delhi: Taking note of an increasingly familiar pattern of gangsters moving across jurisdictions in Delhi and its surroundings, Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Centre to consider enacting a legislation empowering a single agency to pursue organised crime syndicate members in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) states unhindered and produce them before a special court in Delhi, Noida, Faridabad or Gurgaon.“Why not a law to cater to the entire National Capital Region? Create exclusive special courts for central laws like UAPA, PMLA and NDPS Act in Delhi, Gurgaon or Noida, where the offences committed under the central laws would be tried irrespective of the location of the criminal incidents,” CJI Surya Kant told additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati.Gang members take undue advantage of jurisdiction issues: SCTaking stock of the progress made by the Centre and states towards constituting exclusive special courts to try offences probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi highlighted the modus operandi of gangsters who commit crime in one state and move to another to dodge arrest, delay trial, and take advantage of the delay to get bail.“If a gangster commits 10 offences in Haryana, five in Rajasthan and two in Delhi, the NIA can be asked to investigate which would trigger invocation of the special law to enable trial of the accused in one court in NCR,” Justice Bagchi elaborated.Bhati suggested that SC could take this issue up suo motu and provide a framework. The bench said it is a legislative exercise.In its order, the bench said, “In matters relating to grave offences under central penal laws, members of organised criminal gangs take undue advantage of jurisdictional issues in NCR. For prompt police action, there should be a competent court at one location where such gangsters are tried. In absence of this, hardened criminals get the benefit of bail due to delayed trials at different locations, which may not be in the interest of society and the public... It would be desirable that an effective law is enacted to deal with such situations for optimum utilisation of the legal architecture.”SC had earlier directed that no existing court should be designated as special court as these exclusive special courts should be vested with trials of NIA cases and not saddled with routine workload.Bhati informed SC that financial approval has been received from the Centre to the proposal to reimburse states Rs 1 crore each for recurring and non-recurring expenditures towards establishment of exclusive special courts to try NIA cases.Additional solicitor general S D Sanjay informed the court that the Delhi govt has decided to set up 16 exclusive special courts in three months for trial of cases under the central penal law.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said laxity by banks resulting in siphoning of money from people’s accounts due to cyber fraud, including digital arrests, counts as deficiency of service and emphasised that govt and regulators must devise a mechanism to ensure that an alarm goes off when scammers attempt to con account holders, reports Dhananjay Mahapatra .Referring to an earlier disclosure by one of the probe agencies that people have so far been conned to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore through digital arrests and cyber heists, a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said, “The staggering amount taken from people through digital arrest and cyber fraud is shocking. The banking system must have a mechanism to detect these laxities immediately when scamsters attempt to exploit it and raise a countrywide alarm.”This story continues on page 24 in the newspaper. For your reading convenience we have added it below.Stop over-the-counter sale of SIM boxes: SC to authoritiesAttorney general R Venkataramani said, “There are obviously some gaps because of which such scams are taking place. We are putting our heads together to attempt plugging these loopholes.” He said various proposals are under consideration of an inter-departmental ministerial committee to create a robust mechanism to prevent cybercrimes like digital arrest.Amicus curiae and senior advocate N S Nappinai told the court that similar cyber crimes are prevalent in the United Kingdom but more than 90% of the money is recovered and restored to the persons who were cheated. She said the govt and probe agencies must focus on the recovery of the siphoned amount and restore it to the cheated account holders.SC Advocates-on-Record Association president Vipin Nair said SIM boxes, each containing 400 SIMs, continue to be sold over the counter enabling scamsters to use different numbers from the same device to con people. This should be stopped immediately, he pleaded.The bench on Dec 1 had flagged the rampant breach of norms in issuance of SIM cards and said, “Facts brought on record so far reveal an alarming negligent and irresponsible approach of telecom service providers while issuing multiple SIM cards in one name. We direct the department of telecom (DoT) to submit a proposal for the consideration of SC, which may eventually be required to be implemented to prevent misuse of SIM cards.”Nair said despite the directions, no corrective or regulatory steps have been taken by the authorities. The CJI-led bench asked the authorities to immediately address the issue and take all measures to stop over-the-counter sale of SIM boxes. Venkataramani said the CBI, which was entrusted with the probe into digital arrest cases across the country, has made good progress. The bench asked the AG to place the probe status report in sealed cover. The bench said if the CBI needed additional directions for a seamless investigation into all cases, it could approach the court.

Mumbai: The state govt has approved the revision to the development plan (DP) for Backbay Reclamation Scheme (BBRS)—covering blocks III to VI between Nariman Point and Colaba —clearing the way for a series of infrastructure, connectivity and land-use changes in south Mumbai’s premium waterfront zone.Prepared by MMRDA, the revised draft DP looks at planning the Backbay area up to 2041 and proposes new road links, a marina, a helipad, and changes in land-use reservations, while retaining safeguards linked to the coastal regulation zone (CRZ). The BBRS planning area spans over 237 hectares—109.9 hectares of reclaimed land, 123.1 hectares falling under the sea and over 4 hectares of mangroves. The stretch is bounded by Madame Cama Road in the north, block VII in the south, the sea on the west, and Captain Prakash Pethe Marg and General J Bhosale Marg on the east. One of the key proposals cleared is an elevated road connecting National Centre for the Performing Arts with Badhwar Park, intended to improve east-west connectivity between Nariman Point and Colaba. The plan also proposes 15m-wide roads along the fishermen colony and an 18m-wide access road to Ganesh Murti Nagar to ease local traffic congestion. The revised DP also introduces a new marina reservation along the waterfront and earmarks land for a helipad in south Mumbai, citing the need for faster airport connectivity for VIP movement and international visitors. Significant land-use changes have been proposed around Vidhan Bhavan, where plots used for parking and gardens have been reserved for the new council hall’s and ancillary facilities, citing security needs and increased footfall during assembly sessions. The plan specifies that future development must include parking for at least 500 vehicles. The DP acknowledges the presence of 22.5 hectares of slums, including areas formed due to additional reclamation after the 2000-01 sanctioned plan. Slum pockets covered under approved Slum Rehabilitation Authority schemes have been proposed to be designated as residential zones. The DP notes that over 177 hectares falls under CRZ and clarifies that all future development will be governed by the 2019 CRZ norms.Public suggestions and objections will be invited before the plan is finalised.

Navi Mumbai: In a detailed study using satellite imagery and other technical support, environmentalist D Stalin, who is also a member of the Bombay high court-appointed state wetlands committee, has alleged that 160 acres of mangroves have been destroyed due to debris dumping and other illegal means in the three districts of Raigad, Thane and Palghar. Green activists have requested that the state govt stop taking mangroves and wetlands lightly. They alleged, for instance, that more than 4 acres of a partial coastal regulatory zone (CRZ) area near the NMMC head office in Belapur had been earlier converted into a cricket ground, and now the civic body plans to set up a super-speciality hospital on this site and the additional adjoining space. While cricket enthusiasts are also protesting, environmentalists said more CRZ areas in the three districts are vulnerable in this manner.Stalin, who heads NGO Vanashakti, said, “It is shocking that mangroves on 160 acres have been destroyed in the three districts. The actual damage to the environment is much more. We need to understand that this destruction occurred in brazen violation of high court orders that protect wetlands. Apart from mangrove lands, the thousands of acres of wetlands that were reclaimed illegally have not been documented. We urge the govt to restore these ecologically important areas and prosecute those responsible.”The satellite mapping and study of mangroves was conducted by Mahapreit ERAF and Geoinfo Services. Palghar lost the maximum mangroves spread over 78.99 acres, followed by Raigad, where mangroves on a 53.71 acre area were destroyed and encroached upon. In Thane district, 28.26 acres of mangroves land was similarly encroached upon.Environmentalist Nandakumar Pawar, president of the Maharashtra Small Scale Traditional Fish Workers Union and head of Sagarshakti Coastal Projects, said: “The destruction of the green coastal areas is continuing, but the govt is not doing much. This can lead to a serious ecological hazard in the coming years. Just recently, massive mangrove trees were being destroyed at Dadarpada in the Pen taluka of Raigad, while the green coast of Panje in Uran taluka is also being damaged through debris dumping.“The greens have reiterated that if the destruction of mangroves continues, there can be massive flooding and other disastrous events that can severely affect humans.Stalin said, “The satellite study is very detailed and clearly shows (in red colour) how various mangroves have been encroached upon illegally. It is sad that the CRZ area just behind the NMMC head office in Belapur has also been made into a ground, where the authorities now plan to build a super-speciality hospital.”TOI had earlier spoken to NMMC commissioner Kailas Shinde about the ground where a super-speciality hospital is being planned. Shinde had said this matter was currently in court due to litigation among the parties, including cricket match organisers.

Former actor Zaira Wasim recently expressed her anger on social media after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was seen pulling off a woman’s hijab during a public event in Patna. Upset by his actions, the actress said she was “infuriated” and called for an “unconditional apology” from him, stressing that a woman’s modesty and dignity should never be treated lightly or used for show.

Taking to her X account, Zaira wrote, “A woman’s dignity and modesty are not props to toy with. Least of all on a public stage. As a Muslim woman, watching another woman’s niqab being pulled at so casually, accompanied by that nonchalant smile, was so infuriating. Power does not grant permission to violate boundaries. @NitishKumar…owes that woman an unconditional apology.”

In Patna, a newly appointed AYUSH doctor, Nusrat Parveen, was left stunned on Monday when Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unexpectedly pulled off her hijab while handing her the appointment letter. The incident, caught on camera and now viral on social media, took place at the CM’s secretariat ‘Samvad’, where over 1,000 AYUSH doctors received their appointment letters.In the clip, we can see that when Parveen’s turn came, she walked up wearing a hijab that covered her face. Nitish Kumar looked surprised and remarked, “What is this?” before leaning down from the stage and pulling the hijab down himself. The startled doctor was quickly escorted away by an official, while Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, standing next to Kumar, appeared to gently try to stop him by tugging at his sleeve.

Meanwhile, Zaira’s last film was ‘The Sky Is Pink’, a family drama directed by Shonali Bose that was released in 2019. After that, she chose to quit acting, saying that working in films didn’t align with her faith.

Australia are currently leading the 2025-26 Ashes series 2-0 after dominant wins in the first two Tests, putting England under pressure heading into the third Test at Adelaide Oval. A victory here would give Australia an unassailable series lead.​

Australia crushed England in Perth by chasing a target in just 28.2 overs after overcoming a first-innings deficit, highlighted by Travis Head‘s 123. In the second Test, Australia posted 511 in Brisbane before bowling England out cheaply, with Michael Neser starring despite Nathan Lyon‘s absence. England captain Ben Stokes has urged his side to “unleash the dog” amid calls for resilience.​

Adelaide Oval Pitch Report

The Adelaide Oval pitch for the 3rd Ashes Test 2025-26 sets up a balanced daytime red-ball battle with true pace, bounce, and carry that rewards batters who settle in, though recent Sheffield Shield matches reveal quicker deterioration than anticipated. Australia’s Alex Carey cautions against labeling it a batting paradise, noting seamers like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Jofra Archer, and Josh Tongue will extract early movement and lateral nip under sunny conditions, while fuller lengths could induce edges from openers like Head and Zak Crawley.

As the surface dries, Lyon’s spin sharpens with increasing turn, potentially troubling England’s middle order including Joe Root and Harry Brook, given Australia’s dominance in the last three Tests here. Short boundaries (65-70m square) invite aggression, but historical data shows 60% of wickets falling to pace early and spin later, tilting odds toward the hosts in this crucial series decider.

Also READ: Grace Hayden predicts Ashes scoreline amid Australia’s 2-0 lead over England

Test stats and records at Adelaide Oval

• Total Matches: 86
• Matches won batting first: 41
• Matches won bowling first: 25
• Average 1st innings Score: 377
• Average 2nd innings Score: 346
• Average 3rd innings Score: 267
• Average 4th innings Score: 205
• Highest total recorded: 674/10 (151.3 Ovs) by Australia vs India
• Lowest total recorded: 77/10 (40.5 Ovs) by West Indies vs Australia
• Highest score chased: 315/6 (134 Ovs) by Australia vs England
• Lowest score defended: 184/10 (79 Ovs) by Australia vs West Indies

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: England unveil playing XI for the Adelaide Test without specialist spinner Shoaib Bashir

Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Tuesday said it was inclined to allow human rights activist Gautam Navlakha to shift to his house in Delhi till the trial in the Elgar Parishad Maoist links case begins.Navlakha is not a “flight risk” as there have not been any instances where he tried to escape, the high court noted, adding he felt he was forced to stay in Mumbai and also that he was completely uprooted from his life and his social circle.Navlakha was granted bail in the case in 2023 by the high court but a condition was imposed on him that he shall not leave Mumbai without prior permission from the trial court.This year, he filed an application before the special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court seeking permission to stay in Delhi as that was his hometown.The court, however, refused the plea following which he moved the HC.His counsel Yug Chaudhary on Tuesday told a bench of Justices Bharati Dangre and Shyam Chandak that Navlakha was 73 years old now and has been living in Mumbai in rented premises since he got bail.“He is originally from Delhi. He has a house there. He cannot afford to stay in Mumbai. The trial in the case is simply not beginning. If it continues like this then he will go bankrupt,” Chaudhary said.The senior counsel added that Navlakha would attend the trial in the case via video-conference from the NIA’s office in Delhi.As and when the trial court directs or even the prosecutor asks, Navlakha would appear before the trial court physically.The bench said while it was not going to allow Navlakha to attend the trial from Delhi but it was inclined to allow him to shift to Delhi until the trial begins.“We are satisfied with the reasons shown in his plea and there is nothing to show that he is a flight risk. We have made up our mind,” the HC said.The court noted that there have not been any instances where Navlakha has attempted to flee.“The applicant (Navlakha) feels that he is forced to stay in Mumbai when his house is in Delhi. He has assured that he will come back to Mumbai when the trial begins,” the court said.“Consider his age… He feels completely uprooted from his life and his social circle. He is now free in the sense he is out on bail. Just imagine. It is not that we are permitting him to escape the clutches of law,” Justice Dangre said.The bench said the prosecuting agency NIA can specify what conditions need to be imposed on Navlakha and posted the matter for further hearing on Wednesday.The NIA has accused Navlakha of being a co-conspirator who was involved in propagating Maoist activities and ideology under the instructions of leaders of the banned organisation, the CPI (Maoist).The case relates to inciting people and giving provocative speeches during an Elgar Parishad event organised by the Kabir Kala Manch at Shaniwarwada in Pune on Dec 31, 2017, which allegedly promoted enmity between various caste groups and led to violence resulting in loss of life and property and statewide agitation in Maharashtra. PTI