July 27, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Exclusive

Farmer Leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal Breaks 123-Day Fast After Supreme Court Intervention

Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a prominent farmer leader from Punjab, has ended his 123-day hunger strike, during which he was demanding the implementation of key agricultural reforms. Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed the Supreme Court about Dallewal accepting water on Friday, marking the end of his fast-unto-death that began on November 26, 2024. The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh, welcomed the development and expressed relief over Dallewal’s improved condition. Justice Kant remarked, “Very good, very good… Pray for his good health. We have openly acknowledged that he is a genuine farmer leader with no political agenda, only sincere demands.” Demands of the Protest Dallewal had been on a hunger strike to advocate for several demands, including: In January 2025, Dallewal agreed to accept medical aid while continuing his fast and initiated dialogue with the central government. Reopening of Blocked Highways The Supreme Court also acknowledged the reopening of highways at the Shambhu Border and Khanauri Border, which were blocked by protesting farmers. Justice Kant emphasized that the reopening would benefit lakhs of people. The court did not entertain a contempt petition against Punjab officials regarding non-compliance with a previous order to maintain the status quo at the Shambhu Border. Police Action and Detentions On March 19, Punjab Police detained several farmer leaders, including Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher, and cleared the protest sites at both Shambhu and Khanauri Borders. The police dismantled temporary structures and removed trolleys and vehicles from the area, prompting allegations of excessive force. Farmer leader Hardo Jhande mentioned that Dallewal had not consumed water since March 19 in protest against the police action and the arrest of farmers. Dallewal resumed consuming water today, signifying the end of his protest. Court’s Observations and Further Steps The Supreme Court praised the court-appointed committee’s efforts to resolve the issue and requested status and supplementary reports from both the committee and the Punjab Government. The contempt proceedings against Punjab Chief Secretary and DGP were dropped due to subsequent developments. With Dallewal’s fast now over, farmer groups are expected to reassess their strategies moving forward, as the central government and states like Punjab and Haryana seem to be on the same page regarding peaceful resolutions.

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Editor04 mins

Justice Nirmal Yadav Acquitted by Special CBI Court in 2008 Cash Bribery Case

A Special CBI Court in Chandigarh has acquitted former judge Justice Nirmal Yadav in the high-profile cash bribery case dating back to 2008. The verdict was pronounced today by Special CBI Judge Alka Malik, bringing an end to the prolonged legal battle. The case traces back to August 2008 when a peon at the Punjab & Haryana High Court, working under Justice Nirmaljit Kaur, reported that a bag containing Rs. 15 lakh in cash had mistakenly been delivered to her courtroom. The judge immediately alerted the authorities and instructed them to apprehend the peon. Following this, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the probe and alleged that the cash was originally intended for Justice Nirmal Yadav’s residence. In January 2009, the CBI sought permission to prosecute Justice Yadav. Although the Punjab and Haryana High Court granted the sanction in November 2010, Justice Yadav contested the CBI’s request. Her plea to quash the proceedings was dismissed by both the High Court and the Supreme Court, with the latter criticizing her for allegedly delaying the trial through multiple petitions. The President of India’s office finally approved the prosecution sanction in March 2011, following which the CBI filed a chargesheet. During this period, Justice Yadav had been transferred to the Uttarakhand High Court in February 2010 and retired a month later in March 2011. In 2014, the Supreme Court dismissed Yadav’s plea for a stay on trial proceedings, pointing out that her repeated attempts to challenge the process were merely tactics to delay the case. Subsequently, Special CBI Court Judge Vimal Kumar framed charges against Justice Yadav under Section 11 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, while four other accused were charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy). During the trial, the prosecution listed 84 witnesses, of which 69 were examined. In February this year, the High Court allowed the CBI to re-examine 10 witnesses, instructing the trial court to avoid unnecessary adjournments. The court reserved its verdict on March 27. Justice Nirmal Yadav was represented by advocates S.K. Garg Narwana and Shri V.G. Narwana. The court, while delivering the judgment today, concluded that the prosecution failed to substantiate the charges with concrete evidence, leading to her acquittal.

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Editor04 mins

Comedian Kunal Kamra Faces Three More FIRs for Remarks Against Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde

Renowned stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has landed in legal trouble yet again as three additional FIRs have been registered against him in Maharashtra. The cases were filed after Kamra allegedly made derogatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, referring to him as a “gaddar” (traitor). The fresh FIRs, registered in different parts of Maharashtra, were transferred to the Khar police station for further investigation on Friday. The Khar police station is already handling a criminal defamation case against Kamra concerning his controversial remark about Shinde. The police have issued two summonses, asking Kamra to appear for questioning, but his request for a week’s time was rejected. Despite the mounting legal pressure, Kamra managed to secure interim anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court until April 7. The first FIR against the comedian was filed following a complaint lodged by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. The latest FIRs were also filed by Shiv Sena members—Mayur Borse from Manmad, Nashik; Sanjay Bhujbal from Jalgaon Jamod, Buldhana; and Sunil Jadhav from Nandgaon Manmad, Nashik. According to the complainants, Kamra’s statements not only defamed Shinde’s moral conduct but also fueled animosity between political parties. The FIRs have been registered under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 353(1)(b), 353(2) (statements conducing to public mischief), and 356(2) (defamation). A police officer confirmed that the Mumbai police may soon issue fresh summons to Kamra in connection with the new cases. The controversy erupted after Kamra performed his stand-up comedy act titled Naya Bharat at Habitat Studio in Hotel Unicontinental, Khar, in February. A video clip from the show was uploaded to YouTube last Saturday and soon went viral on social media. Shiv Sena workers, angered by Kamra’s remarks, vandalized the studio. In response, the police registered a suo motu case against the workers and arrested 12 of them, who were later released on bail. Despite the backlash, Kamra has remained defiant, declaring on social media that he will not apologize for his remarks. He has continued to criticize the government and ministers through additional videos shared on his social media platforms.

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Editor03 mins

Emraan Hashmi’s Ground Zero Teaser Unveiled: An Intense War Thriller on Real-Life Heroism

The much-awaited teaser of Emraan Hashmi’s upcoming film Ground Zero has finally been unveiled, giving a glimpse into a gripping war thriller inspired by real events. Directed by Tejas Deoskar, the film is set against the turbulent backdrop of Kashmir and is slated for a theatrical release on April 25, 2025. A Tale of Bravery and Sacrifice The teaser opens with a chilling warning from a terror group, immediately setting a tense atmosphere. The story revolves around a devastating attack on Indian soldiers, resulting in the loss of 70 lives. Enter Emraan Hashmi as BSF Deputy Commandant Narendra Nath Dubey, a real-life hero tasked with leading a high-stakes mission to hunt down the enemy and restore order. Hashmi’s commanding presence is evident as he delivers the powerful line:“Sirf Kashmir ki zameen humaari hai ya yahan ke log bhi?”(Does Kashmir’s land belong to us, or do its people also belong to us?) This thought-provoking dialogue hints at the film’s deeper message about unity and belonging, layered with themes of patriotism and sacrifice. A Stellar Production Team Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, Ground Zero is backed by Excel Entertainment. It is co-produced by Kassim Jagmagia, Vishal Ramchandani, Sundeep C Sidhwani, Arhan Bagati, Talisman Films, Abhishek Kumar, and Nishikant Roy. The film promises to be an intense and immersive experience, with gritty action sequences, emotionally charged dialogues, and a performance-driven narrative. What’s Next for Emraan Hashmi? Besides Ground Zero, Emraan Hashmi is also set to headline Awarapan 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the cult classic Awarapan (2007). Directed by Mohit Suri, the film will continue the story of Shivam Pandit, a character that became iconic for Hashmi’s intense portrayal and powerful screen presence. Fans can expect another high-octane action drama filled with emotion and redemption. With Ground Zero and Awarapan 2, Emraan Hashmi seems poised for a major comeback, offering audiences both patriotic fervor and raw action. Get ready to witness his transformation on screen as he brings these impactful stories to life!

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Editor03 mins

“L2: Empuraan” Review: Style Over Substance

A Grand Canvas with a Hollow Core L2: Empuraan bursts onto the screen with gunshots, helicopters, and opulent sets, capturing the larger-than-life presence of Mohanlal’s character — the enigmatic “L” who goes by many names: Stephen Nedumpally, Esthappan, Khureshi Ab’raam, and his most iconic title, Lucifer. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, the sequel to Lucifer (2019) is both a continuation and a prequel, delving deeper into the past while expanding the saga’s grandiosity. But grandeur does not always translate to substance. Empuraan often feels like an exercise in style, with sweeping shots and pulsating music trying to fill the void left by a script that struggles to strike a balance between plot and spectacle. A Tale of Two Halves The film ambitiously merges real-life political undertones with fictional grandeur, particularly drawing parallels to the Gujarat riots of 2002, depicted through disturbing and provocative visuals. However, while it handles the communal violence with some gravitas, its portrayal of Kerala politics feels almost parodic, with caricatured leaders and a lack of nuance. The plot itself gets lost in its own complexity. Prithviraj’s Zayed Masood takes center stage with an extended role, but his backstory — rooted in communal violence — feels both overly dramatized and underexplored. Meanwhile, Mohanlal’s Lucifer remains an enigma, shrouded in shadow and delivered with stoic grandeur, but his limited dialogues, mostly cryptic and metaphorical, leave the audience yearning for more substance. A Galaxy of Stars, Yet Few Shine Bright The ensemble cast is vast and varied, with actors tumbling in and out of the narrative with little to do. Even Manju Warrier’s strong presence feels undercut by a one-note character. Tovino Thomas’s role as the rebellious heir of a political dynasty shows promise but lacks depth. International faces like Jerome Flynn (Game of Thrones) and Eriq Ebouaney add flair but not much substance. Amidst the sea of faces, Baiju’s portrayal of a cunning politician stands out as refreshingly natural, breaking the monotony of grandeur with some much-needed realism. Technical Brilliance with a Purpose? Deepak Dev’s music and Sujith Vasudev’s cinematography are undeniably impressive, setting the stage with intensity and grandeur. The visual language of Empuraan is undeniably cinematic, designed to be larger-than-life. But the style often overshadows the story, making the film feel more like a showcase of technical prowess than a compelling narrative. Final Verdict L2: Empuraan is a film made for the die-hard fans who revel in every slow-motion walk and dramatic entry. While the mass moments and action set pieces will undoubtedly draw cheers, the film’s narrative coherence suffers under the weight of its ambition. If you’re in for the spectacle and iconic moments, Empuraan delivers. But for those seeking a nuanced and substantial story, the film’s dazzling visuals might feel like an elaborate distraction from an otherwise hollow core.

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Editor05 mins

Hrithik Roshan to Direct and Star in “Krrish 4”

In a groundbreaking move for Bollywood’s iconic superhero franchise, Hrithik Roshan is set to make his directorial debut with Krrish 4. The megastar, who headlined all three previous installments of the blockbuster series, will take on the dual role of director and lead actor in the highly anticipated sequel. Production Details The film will be produced by Yash Raj Films in collaboration with franchise creator Rakesh Roshan’s FilmKraft Productions. Aditya Chopra, head of YRF, reportedly played a crucial role in convincing Hrithik to step behind the camera, marking a new creative era for the franchise. Rakesh Roshan Passes the Baton Speaking about the transition, Rakesh Roshan expressed his pride in Hrithik’s vision and ambition for the project. “I’m passing the baton to my son, Hrithik Roshan, who has lived and dreamt about this franchise since its inception. I couldn’t be prouder to see him wear the director’s hat for a film that means the world to us as a family,” he said. The collaboration between YRF and FilmKraft Productions brings together two of Bollywood’s most powerful filmmaking families. Rakesh Roshan praised Aditya Chopra’s involvement, highlighting YRF’s technological capabilities and expertise as invaluable assets to the project. A New Era for India’s Superhero The Krrish franchise began in 2003 with Koi… Mil Gaya, a sci-fi drama that struck an emotional chord with audiences. It was followed by Krrish (2006) and Krrish 3 (2013), cementing Hrithik’s masked crusader as India’s answer to Superman. Known for its spectacular VFX, shape-shifting villains, and mythological undertones, the franchise remains one of Bollywood’s most successful and enduring cinematic ventures. Global Aspirations Rakesh Roshan expressed his confidence in the new director-producer duo, saying, “Hrithik and Adi coming together as a producer-director pair with me behind them is a rare and creatively potent combination. We aim to make Krrish 4 a global cinematic experience like never before.” Production Timeline Filming for Krrish 4 is expected to begin in early 2026, but an official release date has yet to be announced. Fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally powerful chapter in India’s premier superhero saga.

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Editor04 mins

Meerut Police Issues Strict Warnings Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, Threatens Passport and Licence Cancellations

Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr and the last Friday prayers of Ramzan, the Meerut Police has issued a stern warning against offering namaz on public roads. Violators could face severe legal consequences, including the cancellation of passports and driving licences. Official Statement and Warnings Meerut Superintendent Police (City), Ayush Vikram Singh, emphasized that Eid prayers should be performed only at local mosques or designated Eidgahs. He stated that any violation of this directive would result in legal action, including the possible revocation of passports and licences. Union Minister and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Singh Chaudhary elaborated on the legal consequences, stating that individuals facing criminal charges may have their passports and licences confiscated. Furthermore, obtaining a new passport would be challenging without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the court. Enhanced Security Measures To ensure law and order, Meerut Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vipin Tada confirmed that the police have conducted meetings at both district and station levels, with clear directives issued after consultations with community leaders. The police are also monitoring social media to curb the spread of rumors or attempts to incite unrest. Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have been deployed across sensitive areas identified from past experiences. Flag marches are being conducted to display a strong security presence. Aerial and Ground Surveillance Drones will be deployed for aerial surveillance, and local intelligence teams are actively monitoring the situation. Both uniformed and plainclothes officers will be stationed at sensitive locations to maintain peace. Coordination with Community Leaders SSP Tada stated that the administration is working closely with prominent citizens and religious leaders to ensure peaceful observance of Eid and Friday prayers. Consequences of Violations Violators of the road namaz ban could face not only criminal charges but also the cancellation of passports and driving licences. Without clearance from the court, new documents cannot be issued, making it a serious deterrent for potential violators. The police’s stringent stance aims to maintain communal harmony and ensure a peaceful celebration of the festival.

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Editor03 mins

Comedian Kunal Kamra Seeks Transit Anticipatory Bail Amid Legal Troubles

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has approached the Madras High Court seeking transit anticipatory bail after facing multiple FIRs in Maharashtra. The FIRs were filed in connection with his alleged derogatory remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Kamra is seeking protection from arrest while he prepares to contest the charges. Controversial Remarks in YouTube Special The controversy began after Kamra referred to Eknath Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor) in his latest YouTube stand-up special titled “Naya Bharat”. The remark sparked outrage within political circles, particularly among Shiv Sena leaders, who demanded strict action against the comedian. The backlash led to the filing of multiple FIRs against Kamra across Maharashtra. Mumbai Police Summons and Expanding Investigation Earlier this week, the Mumbai Police issued a second summon to Kamra, instructing him to appear for questioning. Initially, Kamra’s lawyer had requested a seven-day extension, but after Kamra failed to appear, the police set a new date after consulting legal advisors. Police officials stated that they are expanding the investigation to examine whether Kamra has made similar satirical comments about other politicians, actors, or sportspersons in the past. If more violations are discovered, additional cases could be filed against him. Political Backlash and Vandalism Incident Kamra’s joke has provoked a strong political reaction, with Shiv Sena leaders condemning his remarks and demanding stringent legal action. The controversy escalated when Shiv Sena workers allegedly vandalised The Habitat comedy club in Mumbai, where Kamra had previously performed. In response to the attack, Kamra released a new video mocking the vandalism and criticising the party’s reaction to his joke. He continued to assert his right to freedom of expression, despite the mounting legal challenges. Government’s Stance on the Controversy Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had already addressed the matter in the state Assembly, assuring that legal action would proceed according to due process. Fadnavis emphasised that while freedom of expression is important, it should not be exploited to spread “tyranny”. The situation remains tense as Kamra awaits the court’s decision on his transit anticipatory bail, while political and legal pressures continue to mount.

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Editor04 mins

Justice Yashwant Varma Removed from Administrative Committees Amid Corruption Allegations

The Delhi High Court has reconstituted its administrative committees, removing Justice Yashwant Varma from all of them amid allegations of corruption. Justice Varma was previously a part of several key committees, including those overseeing finance, court management, judicial training, arbitration, information technology, and case pendency. Committees Affected by Reconstitution Justice Varma held roles in the following committees before his removal: Controversy Following Fire Incident The controversy began when a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s residence on the evening of March 14. During the incident, authorities reportedly discovered unaccounted cash, leading to allegations of corruption. Justice Varma has denied the accusations, claiming that the incident was part of a conspiracy to frame him. In-House Probe Ordered by CJI The Chief Justice of India (CJI) ordered an in-house probe on March 22 to investigate the matter. A three-member committee was set up to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations. As part of the probe, the Delhi Police Commissioner shared a video of the recovery of burnt cash with the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court. This video was subsequently uploaded to the Supreme Court’s website, along with a report from the Delhi High Court Chief Justice and Justice Varma’s response. Supreme Court Collegium’s Decision Following the incident, the Supreme Court Collegium, on March 24, decided to repatriate Justice Yashwant Varma to his parent Allahabad High Court. The decision marks a significant development in the judiciary, reflecting the Supreme Court’s commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability within the judicial system. Justice Varma’s removal from administrative responsibilities comes amid heightened scrutiny and calls for a fair and unbiased investigation. The judiciary remains vigilant as the probe progresses, aiming to uphold its integrity and public trust.

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Editor04 mins

Fourth Policeman Killed as Gunfight Continues in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir

A fourth policeman’s body was spotted on Friday using a drone near the site of an ongoing gunfight in the remote forested area of Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir. Officials reported that the clash, which began on Thursday, has already claimed the lives of three policemen and three terrorists. The security forces, comprising the Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police, resumed their operations at daybreak after a night halt. The focus remains on sanitizing the Safiyan area, retrieving the bodies of the deceased, and locating any remaining terrorists. Intense Firing and Explosions Mark Second Day of Operation For the second consecutive day, heavy gunfire and loud explosions echoed through the dense forests. Security personnel cautiously advanced toward the targeted area, as intelligence suggested that two more terrorists were likely holed up there. The officials initially presumed these terrorists to be dead, but drone surveillance failed to confirm the sighting of their bodies. The operation is concentrated near Jakhole village in the Ghati Juthana area of Rajbagh, where the joint security forces are moving with extreme caution. Authorities believe the terrorists recently infiltrated from across the International Border in the Hiranagar sector. However, it remains unclear whether this group is the same that earlier managed to escape a cordon in the Sanyal forest of Hiranagar. Tragic Losses Among Security Forces The gunfight took a tragic turn on Thursday when three suspected Pakistani terrorists belonging to the banned Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit were neutralized. In the same encounter, three policemen lost their lives, while a fourth officer was reported missing. The missing policeman’s body was discovered on Friday morning. Adding to the casualties, five policemen, including a Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of DSP rank, were reportedly trapped near the encounter site adjacent to a rivulet covered by dense foliage. The SDPO was later evacuated in an injured condition, while three of his personal security officers were found dead. Three other injured policemen were admitted to Kathua hospital, where their condition is reported to be stable. Two Army personnel also sustained injuries during the clash. Terrorist Movement and Initial Encounter The operation began after a group of terrorists was intercepted on Sunday evening at a ‘dhok’—a local nursery enclosure—in Sanyal village, near the International Border. Security forces, including the Army, National Security Guard (NSG), Border Security Force (BSF), CRPF, and police, launched a massive search operation using advanced surveillance equipment. Despite their efforts, the terrorists managed to evade the cordon and later surfaced near Jakhole, approximately 30 km from the initial encounter site. During the search, authorities recovered significant evidence from the Hiranagar encounter site, including four loaded M4 carbine magazines, two grenades, a bulletproof jacket, sleeping bags, tracksuits, food packets, and materials for constructing improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Situation Remains Tense as Operations Continue As the gunfight rages on, security forces are determined to neutralize any remaining threats. The death of four brave policemen has cast a shadow over the operation, but officials remain resolute in their mission to safeguard the region from terrorist infiltration and violence.

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Editor05 mins
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