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MHA Directs States to Conduct Civil Defence Mock Drills on May 7

May 5, 2025, 6:57 pm

As a precautionary step to boost the nation’s readiness against aggressive attacks, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has instructed some states to organize extensive civil defence mock drills on May 7. According to the sources, government officials, the mock drills would mimic different wartime situations and assess the preparedness of authorities as well as civilians in the event of an emergency.

Major Steps to Be Implemented

In order to provide a strong civil defence plan, states will make operational air raid warning sirens as part of the drill. These sirens are essential to inform the public promptly and effectively in case of an aerial attack. “Operationalization of Air Raid Warning Sirens” will be a central component of the drill.

MHA has asked several states to conduct mock drills in for items for effective civil defence on 7th May: Government of India Sources

Following measures will be undertaken –
1.Operationalization of Air Raid Warning Sirens
2. Training of civilians, students, etc, on the civil…

— ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2025

Besides, the MHA has requested states to provide training to civilians, students, and other vulnerable sections on the procedures of civil defence. These courses will impart self-defence during hostile attacks. “Training of civilians, students, etc, on the civil defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack.”

Another important step will involve the use of crash blackout procedures to reduce visibility to hostile aircraft. This involves shutting off external lighting to conceal important areas from aerial detection.

Critical infrastructure and installations will be camouflaged early to safeguard them from being attacked. “Provision for early camouflaging of vital plants/installations” has been made mandatory for successful concealment.

Lastly, all the states are also supposed to revise their evacuation plans and practice for rehearsals so as to facilitate smooth implementation during actual emergencies. “Updation of evacuation plan & its rehearsal” has also been included as a must-do of the drill.

Strengthening Civil Defence Readiness

Mock exercises are a part of the overall central government policy of making sure states and citizens do not get taken by surprise when there is a security threat. The exercises intend to make people aware, instill resilience, and make interagency coordination systems more streamlined.

States would have to submit their findings and results to the MHA once the exercise has been conducted, something that can guide future policy and preparedness responses.

Delhi HC Upholds Vitiligo As Absolute Reason For Rejection in Indian Army

December 27, 2024, 7:32 pm

The Delhi High Court in a landmark decision has held that a candidate suffering from vitiligo is not entitled to be recruited into armed forces.

The Petition was filed against the rejection of his candidature for Assistant Commandant in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

It was argued that though the candidate was suffering from vitiligo, the same was under a covered area and in the Air Force, the candidates suffering from vitiligo can be permitted to be enrolled if the vitiligo is under a covered area.

The Ministry of Home Affairs and ITBP through Central Government Standing Counsel, Ashish Dixit Advocate argued that vitiligo is a specific disability in the recruitment rules to the ITBP, and the same was duly notified in the advertisement. Dixit further argued that the Home Ministry guidelines of 2015 also state vitiligo to be grounds for rejection.

The Division Bench of Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Shailender Kaur accepted the contention and held “…it is clear that the disease of vitiligo is an absolute reason for the rejection of the candidature. Merely because in other armed forces the disqualification is further qualified or whittled down, it cannot be a ground to import that condition into the present recruitment process. The respondent, in fact, is bound to scrupulously follow the advertisement and the conditions laid down therein. Applying which, the petitioner has been rightly rejected from being considered for the said post.”

Vitiligo is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or colour. This happens when melanocytes – skin cells that make pigment – are attacked and destroyed, causing the skin to turn a milky-white colour.

2022 Petition To Identify Ram Janmbhoomi Trust As Public Authority Quashed by Delhi HC

December 20, 2024, 5:11 pm

The Delhi High Court refused to entertain a petition seeking to declare the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust as a public authority on Friday.

The petition, filed by Neeraj Kumar, challenged the Central Information Commission’s (CIC) decision on July 8, 2022, which had refused to disclose details about the Chief Public Information Officer (CPIO) and the First Appellate Authority of the Trust.

Kumar had also filed an RTI request with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in July 2022, seeking similar information, but this was rejected by the MHA. The Ministry argued that the “Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust” is neither owned, controlled, nor financed by the Government of India, and therefore, does not fall under the definition of a public authority.

Represented by lawyer Prashant Bhushan, the petitioner sought the intervention of the Delhi HC to overturn the CIC’s order.

The bench of Justice Sanjeev Narula heard the matter. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ram Janmabhumi Trust opposed the petition. Senior advocates Chetan Sharma (ASG) and Nishant Gautam (CGSC) argued that the Trust is an autonomous body and should not be categorized as a public authority.

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After considering the arguments, after hearing the matter at length, the court refrained from intervening and disposed of the petition by sending it to the CIC with the direction to the parties to present their case before it.

Beware: MHA Warns of Cyber Criminals Posing as Government Agents in Deceptive Schemes

May 14, 2024, 5:50 pm

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a cautionary advisory regarding cyber criminals engaging in deceptive tactics such as ‘blackmail’ and ‘digital arrest,’ while masquerading as officers from various government agencies. This alert comes amidst a surge in complaints reported on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) regarding intimidation, extortion, and fraudulent digital detentions.

According to the MHA, these fraudsters often contact potential victims, claiming that they are either the recipients or senders of illegal parcels containing contraband items such as drugs or fake passports. In some instances, they falsely inform victims that their loved ones are involved in criminal activities or accidents, demanding monetary payments to resolve the purported case.

The Ministry highlighted that unsuspecting individuals are coerced into undergoing ‘digital arrest,’ remaining visually accessible over platforms like Skype until their demands are met. These criminals utilize studio setups resembling police stations and government offices, donning uniforms to appear authentic. Numerous victims across the country have fallen prey to these fraudulent schemes, resulting in significant financial losses. The MHA identifies this as an organized online economic crime perpetrated by cross-border syndicates.

To combat such offences, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the MHA, collaborates with various ministries, agencies, and organizations, including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Measures such as blocking Skype IDs and providing technical assistance to law enforcement agencies are being implemented to counter these fraudulent activities. The MHA urges citizens to remain vigilant and raise awareness about these scams. In the event of encountering such fraudulent activities, individuals are advised to report incidents promptly to the cybercrime helpline number 1930 or the official website www.cybercrime.gov.in for assistance.

Delhi HC Asks Centre About 70,000-kg Heroin Disappearance from Seizure Records

May 3, 2024, 3:21 pm

The Delhi High Court has requested the Centre’s position on a petition alleging the disappearance of 70,772.48 kg of heroin from seizure records between 2018 and 2020. Justice Subramonium Prasad issued a notice on a plea filed by B R Aravindakshan, instructing the Centre to submit its response within four weeks.

The petitioner, a journalist, has asserted a significant inconsistency between the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) data regarding drug seizures in the country from 2018 to 2020.

He (petitioner) states that cumulatively, 70,772.48 kg of heroin has disappeared from seizure records between 2018 and 2020. Issue notice. Let replies be filed within four weeks,” the court said in its order issued on Wednesday.

The petitioner has highlighted that “the alarming disappearance” of over 70,000 kg of heroin, valued at approximately Rs 5 lakh crore in the international market, raises concerns about national security, social stability, and economic repercussions.

The petition emphasizes that the scale of the “discrepancy” is so substantial that if not addressed promptly, it could lead to chaos in society, yet no action has been taken on the matter.

On 12.09.2022, the petitioner filed a complaint before the MHA regarding the mismatch of data provided by NCRB and the data provided by Hon’ble Nityanand Rai, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs, concerning the seizure of heroin during the years 2018 and 2020.

“The petitioner insisted that 70,772.54 kg heroin worth Rs 5 lakh crore seized in India has been missing, thus insisting the ministry that an immediate investigation should be ordered for the safety and welfare of the country,” the petition states.

The petitioner has requested several directives regarding the alleged mismatch, including an instruction to the MHA to initiate an investigation within a specified time frame.

The case is scheduled to be heard next on September 9.

Delhi Schools Bomb Threat: Police Urges People Not To Believe On Fake News Amid Ongoing Investigation

May 2, 2024, 11:36 am

Amidst the ongoing investigation into the bomb threat case involving a Delhi school, the Delhi Police has urged citizens to refrain from believing or spreading false messages or fake news circulating on WhatsApp.

The Delhi Police specifically addressed audio messages circulating on WhatsApp and other chat groups, spreading rumors about suspicious objects allegedly found in schools, stressing that these claims are entirely baseless.

“Some audio messages are being circulated on WhatsApp and other chat groups claiming that suspicious objects were discovered in some schools. These messages are false and completely devoid of truth. I urge everyone to please spread the word that these messages are false,” stated the Delhi Police.

Today, the Mother Mary’s School in Delhi’s Mayur Vihar reopened after receiving an email on Wednesday regarding a bomb threat. The school was evacuated, and a thorough inspection of the premises was conducted by the Delhi Police, resulting in the discovery of nothing suspicious.

According to the Delhi Police, a total of 131 schools in Delhi received threatening emails on Wednesday. One such school, Sanskriti School in Chanakyapuri, received two threat emails, with sources indicating a minimal time gap between them. Despite two thorough searches of the school premises with the assistance of the bomb squad, no suspicious items were found.

The initial email originated from the @mail.ru domain, seemingly linked to a Russian website, while the second email came from a user with a @gmail address. Both emails are currently under investigation by the Delhi Police.

Sources within the Delhi Police disclosed that the threatening emails sent to schools in Delhi-NCR contained the word ‘Swaraiim,’ an Arabic term utilized by the Islamic State since 2014 for disseminating Islamist propaganda.

However, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an official statement declaring the email to be a ‘hoax.’ The statement reassured the public, stating, “There is no need to panic. The mail appears to be a hoax. Delhi Police and security agencies are taking necessary steps as per protocol.”

‘No Need To Panic, Email A Scam’: MHA Reduces Fears After Bomb Threat To Delhi Schools

May 1, 2024, 12:47 pm

Following bomb threats received via email by over 60 schools across Delhi-NCR on Wednesday morning, causing panic among parents and faculty, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released an official statement suggesting that the emails were likely a ‘hoax’.

The MHA’s official release stated, “There is no need to panic. Mails appear to be a hoax. Delhi Police and security agencies are taking necessary steps as per protocol.”

The bomb threat led to increased vigilance at educational institutions, with the presence of police vehicles, ambulances, and fire engines observed outside school premises.

Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) were engulfed in panic as numerous schools reported receiving bomb threats via email. These alarming messages, received early on Tuesday, prompted swift action from authorities, urging parents to retrieve their children from affected schools. Simultaneously, central agencies launched a comprehensive investigation into the threats, intensifying security measures across the region.

Adding to the apprehension, reports surfaced of airports and hospitals also receiving similar threats in recent days. These developments put the national capital on high alert, prompting authorities to redouble efforts to ensure the safety and security of all residents.

The Director of Delhi Fire Services, Atul Garg, confirmed that more than 60 schools had received the threatening calls.

Meanwhile, the Special Cell of Delhi Police initiated an investigation into the bomb threats targeting several schools. The police assured that ongoing searches across school premises have not uncovered anything suspicious, emphasizing that there is no cause for panic.

MHA bans four factions of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples League for five years

March 16, 2024, 1:12 pm

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has banned four factions of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples League (JKPL) as ‘unlawful associations’ for a period of five years. The banned factions are JKPL (Mukhtar Ahmed Waza), JKPL (Bashir Ahmad Tota), JKPL (Ghulam Mohammad Khan alias Sopori), also known as Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Political League, and JKPL (Aziz Sheikh) led by Yaqoob Sheikh.

The MHA’s decision was based on intelligence inputs regarding their involvement in “indulging in unlawful activities, which are prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty, and security of the country.” According to the notification issued, these factions have been involved in supporting terrorist activities, anti-India propaganda, and promoting secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir.

The notification also highlighted their role in organizing violent protests, including stone-pelting on security forces, and discouraging people from participating in elections, thus undermining democratic principles. The MHA stated that immediate action was necessary to control their activities, which pose a threat to the territorial integrity, security, and sovereignty of the country.

“The Central Government, having regard to the above circumstances, is of firm opinion that it is necessary to declare the four factions of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples League (JKPL), namely, JKPL (Mukhtar Ahmed Waza), JKPL (Bashir Ahmad Tota), JKPL (Ghulam Mohammad Khan @Sopori) also known as Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Political League and JKPL (Aziz Sheikh) led by Yaqoob Sheikh as ‘unlawful associations’ with immediate effect,” the notification stated.

The ban will be in effect for a period of five years from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, subject to any order that may be made under section 4 of the said Act.

Centre extends ban on Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front for 5 more years

March 16, 2024, 12:56 pm

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has prolonged the prohibition on the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front as an ‘unlawful association’ for another five years.

According to a notification, the MHA’s decision was prompted by intelligence suggesting the outfit, known as the JKLF-Y, remains engaged in “activities detrimental to security and public order, with the potential to undermine the unity and integrity of the country.”

Under the authority of section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the MHA initially designated the JKLF-Y as an unlawful association on March 22, 2019.

Based on recent reports, the MHA found that the JKLF-Y persists in anti-national and subversive actions aimed at destabilizing India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It maintains connections with militant groups and promotes extremism and militancy, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.

The notification issued on Friday evening states, “The JKLF-Y backs and encourages efforts for the secession of a portion of Indian territory from the union. It supports terrorist and separatist organizations striving for this objective by engaging in activities and statements designed to disrupt India’s territorial integrity.”

The MHA underscores the necessity to curb the unlawful activities of the JKLF-Y promptly. It warns that failure to do so may embolden the organization to escalate its subversive endeavors, including attempts to establish a separate state by destabilizing the legally established government.

Moreover, the MHA asserts that the JKLF-Y will persist in advocating for the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India, disputing the state’s accession with the Union, propagating anti-national and separatist sentiments, and promoting secessionist movements, militancy, and violence.

Given these circumstances, the Central Government has decided to declare the JKLF-Y as an ‘unlawful association’ immediately. This declaration, made under section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), will remain effective for five years from the date of publication in the Official Gazette, subject to any orders issued under section 4 of the Act.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended the ministry’s action via his official handle, emphasizing the Modi government’s commitment to combating organizations that perpetuate terror and secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir. He warned that individuals challenging the nation’s security, sovereignty, and integrity will face severe legal consequences.

Indian Union Muslim League files petition against implementation of ‘CAA’ to Supreme Court

March 12, 2024, 11:29 am

The Indian Union Muslim League has submitted a plea to the Supreme Court, seeking an injunction on the recently introduced Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) Rules 2024. The petition urges a halt to the ongoing implementation of the contentious sections of the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, and the Citizenship Amendment Rules 2024.

According to the plea, the Act and the Rules will lead to the establishment of exclusive rights and the conferment of citizenship solely to individuals of specific religions. This provision is argued to favor only particular religions, thereby creating an unfavorable circumstance during the pendency of the current writ petition.

The Central Government officially announced the rules governing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on March 11, 2024. Despite widespread protests nationwide, the CAA was ratified by Parliament in 2019. The legislation aims to expedite the citizenship procedure for non-Muslim migrants, encompassing Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians, who migrated from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and arrived in India before 2014. However, the Act has encountered significant delays and continuous criticism from opposition parties.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the Union Ministry for Home Affairs declared, “Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be notifying today the Rules under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA-2019). These rules, called the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 will enable the persons eligible under CAA-2019 to apply for a grant of Indian citizenship.”

MHA likely to notify three criminal laws before January 26

January 3, 2024, 3:55 am

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is all set to notify the three new criminal justice acts replacing colonial laws namely the IPC, the CrPC and the Evidence Act before January 26, official sources said.

The procedure to notify the three new laws– Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam– started soon after President Droupadi Murmu on December 25 gave her assent. As per the sources, the MHA will start a training programme for police officers, investigators and those linked to forensic fields soon after the three laws are notified. The training aims to provide training to the policemen to ensure the implementation of these laws, and ensure fair, time-bound and evidence-based investigation and speedy trial.

For the training programme, the sources said, 3,000 officers from different fields will be appointed to train police officers, investigators and those in forensic departments, and this process will be called a “trainers-training” programme, the sources told the ANI on condition of anonymity.

“The training programme will cover almost 90 per cent of those needed to be trained within nine months to one year,” said the sources.
For the judiciary training, officials said, the MHA has already conducted consultations, and it will be done at Bhopal Academy. Besides, the sources said, there would be a model set-up in Chandigarh to ensure a foolproof online mechanism as most of the records would be electronic or digital.

The Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been replaced with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the CrPC with Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Indian Evidence Act has been replaced with the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. The three laws were passed by the Parliament in the recently concluded Winter Session.

As per the new laws, generation and supply of records will be in electronic form like Zero FIR, E -FIR, Chargesheet, and victims will be provided information to the victim in digital form. After the complete implementation of these laws, the victim will get justice within three years and the police officers will have to provide information through digital means within 90 days. The focus will be on forensic evidence for which the sources said 900 FSL vans will be provided to all police districts to visit crime scenes and collect videography and forensic evidence mandatory in cases involving punishment of seven years or more than seven years.

Recording of evidence in an investigation, videography through electronic devices of the entire process of searching or seizing any property by the police, and statements of rape victims can be recorded through audio and video electronic means as per these Acts.

There is a major focus of Section 20 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita for the Directorate of Prosecution and it defines the eligibility, functions and powers of various authorities under it. The duties and responsibilities of different levels of prosecuting officers were laid down to ensure desired coordination. The provision of supervision by the prosecutor has been introduced during the investigation phase.

The post of Directorate of Prosecution will be established on the district level and the criteria for appointment of Director of Prosecution and Assistant Director of Prosecution has been revised in Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Centre Approves Rs 338.24 Crore Financial Aid to Gujarat for Cyclone Biparjoy Damage

December 12, 2023, 4:08 pm

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has given its nod to provide financial assistance worth Rs 338.24 crore to Gujarat in the wake of the severe impact caused by Cyclone Biparjoy in June this year.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah conveyed this update via ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), highlighting that the Central Government had previously released the first installment of Rs 584 crore to the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF).

Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the financial assistance of Rs 338.24 crore to Gujarat today. The state was severely affected by Cyclone Biparjoy, says the Ministry. pic.twitter.com/w24do8R30g

— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2023

“In response to the severe impact of Cyclone Biparjoy, the MHA has sanctioned Rs 338.24 crore for Gujarat today,” Shah shared on ‘X’. He underscored the concerted efforts of both the Center and the state in pre-cyclone preparedness, leading to zero casualties during the natural disaster, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

After the devastating Cyclone Biparjoy, Shah emphasized that the MHA immediately deployed the Inter-Ministerial Central Team to assess the damages without waiting for a memorandum from the state government.

Cyclone Biparjoy, originating in the southeast Arabian Sea on June 6, made landfall over Saurashtra and Kutch on June 15, subsequently weakening into a depression by June 18. According to the IMD’s report, Biparjoy had an extended life cycle of 13 days and three hours, which was more than double the average duration of severe cyclonic storms over the Arabian Sea.

The sanctioned financial aid aims to facilitate the rehabilitation and recovery process in Gujarat, which bore the brunt of Cyclone Biparjoy, providing essential support for the affected areas and communities in the state.

Comply with Flag Code provisions ahead of Republic Day celebrations: MHA

January 20, 2023, 3:49 pm

Ministry of Home Affairs, ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, directed the states and the Union Territories (UTs) to strictly comply with the provisions of the Flag Code of India, 2002 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. It is advised that the National Flag made of paper should be waved by the public on occasions of important national, cultural and sports events, the Ministry said.

The letter requested to ensure that on the occasions of important national, cultural and sports events, flags used by the public, made of paper are not discarded or thrown on the ground after the event, “Such flags are to be disposed of, in private, consistent with the dignity of the Flag.”

The MHA has also requested the states, UTs and government ministries as well as departments to undertake mass awareness programmes in this regard and also to give it wide publicity through advertisements in the electronic and print media.

The letter was issued mentioning that Indian National Flag represents the hopes and aspirations of the people of India and hence should occupy a position of honour and that there is universal affection and respect for, and loyalty to the National flag.

The letter further said, “Yet, a perceptible lack of awareness is often noticed amongst people as well as organizations and agencies of the government, in regard to laws, practices and conventions that apply to display of the National Flag.”

Rajouri terror attack: Civilian succumbs to injuries, toll reaches seven.

January 8, 2023, 12:06 pm

Injured in one of the two separate firing incidents that took place that took place in the Dhangri area of the Rajouri district, one more civilian succumbed to his injuries, taking the total toll to seven.

Prince, who was undergoing treatment at Government Medical College and Hospital Jammu, died earlier on Sunday. Notably, six civilians including two children were killed and many more injured in two terror attacks in Upper Dangri village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district last Sunday evening and Monday morning. The Indian Army on Sunday said that the two terrorists involved in the attack were neutralised by security forces.

“On Saturday, around 8 PM, the alert troops of Indian Army deployed on the border fence in Balakot (District Poonch), observed suspicious movement ahead of the border fence and subsequently neutralised two terrorists,” Indian Army said. The official further said that the area has been cordoned off and operations are in progress.

The Union Home Ministry had issued an order to deploy an additional 18 CRPF companies to Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the civilian killings in the two terror attacks in the Rajouri district.