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SC junks woman’s claim on Red Fort: ‘Why not Fatehpur Sikri too?’

May 5, 2025, 3:28 pm

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a petition filed by a woman asserting herself as a descendant of Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar and seeking ownership rights over Delhi’s Red Fort.

“Why only Red Fort? Why not Fatehpur Sikri? Why leave them also. Writ is completely misconceived. Dismissed,” the bench remarked, dismissing the plea outright.

The woman, presenting herself as the widow of Mirza Mohammed Bedar Bakht purportedly the great-grandson and legal heir of Bahadur Shah Zafar had originally gone to the Delhi High Court in 2021. Not only did she claim ownership of the Red Fort in her plea, but she also demanded compensation from the Union government for what she described as its “illegal occupation” of the historic monument.

Yet, a single judge bench of the Delhi High Court dismissed her request, noting that the petition was made following an ‘inordinate delay of over a century’. The court labeled the appeal as a ‘gross misuse of time’.

She subsequently challenged this ruling, but the High Court division bench also rejected the appeal, observing that even the appeal against the single judge’s order had been made after more than two years’ delay.

After the Delhi High Court ruling in December of last year, the petitioner approached the Supreme Court. On Monday, when the bench led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud indicated its willingness to reject the case, her lawyer contended that the division bench had knocked back the plea on grounds of delay alone and implored the top court to follow suit.

However, the Supreme Court took a step beyond and rejected the petition on merits, refusing to confine its decision to procedural delays.

Vlogger Recommends Tourists THIS Must-Visit Spot in Agra, An It’s Not Taj Mahal

November 14, 2024, 5:47 pm

YouTuber and Instagram influencer Sean Hammond, well-known for his travel vlogs, is currently touring India and sharing his experiences from the streets of Delhi. In one of his recent videos, Sean urged travelers to visit a spot that amazed him, though it’s neither the iconic Taj Mahal nor Delhi’s historic Red Fort. Instead, he recommended Agra Fort, a destination he found captivating.

“Everyone talks about The Taj Mahal, but this place is right beside it and it’s half the price. It’s roughly four times bigger than The Taj Mahal,” Sean shared, building curiosity among his viewers.

Agra Fort

A few seconds into the video, he revealed Agra Fort as the must-see location, initially calling it the “Red Fort” before clarifying his mistake. “So if you are in Agra, make sure you don’t miss The Red Fort—well, actually Agra Fort,” he corrected.

Describing his experience at Agra Fort, Sean highlighted its remarkable structure and historical richness. “It’s got all these little hidden pathways, and though it looks like it’s in excellent condition, it was built over 500 years ago,” he explained. Through his camera, Sean also captured the stunning view of the Taj Mahal visible from within the fort’s walls.

Expressing his admiration for Agra, Sean posted, “The Taj Mahal (for those who don’t know) is in Agra, a city many tourists visit just for a day to see the Taj, then move on. Agra may not have the landscapes, markets, or nightlife of other Indian cities, but it’s still worth exploring.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sean Hammond (@seanhammonds)

Social Media Reaction

Within a week of being posted, Sean’s video gathered thousands of likes on Instagram, with viewers sharing their own love for Agra Fort. One user commented, “Agra Fort is amazing; I was there last October.” Another added, “The red fort is amazing!! I visited in 2017 and can’t wait to go back!”

Several users even recommended other destinations for Sean’s India tour. “Taj Mahal is overrated. Visit the greatest spectacle made by humans on earth—Kailasa Temple at Ellora Caves in Maharashtra,” one suggested. Another wrote, “Do visit the Thanjavur Big Temple! It’s beautiful.”

US Embassy’s Multilingual Independence Day Greeting in 22 Languages Goes Viral

August 15, 2024, 2:27 pm

India is celebrating its 78th Independence Day, marking the day the nation gained freedom from colonial rule. To honor this significant occasion and pay tribute to freedom fighters, people are wearing outfits inspired by the Tricolour, and government buildings, as well as famous monuments, are beautifully lit in the national flag’s colors. Social media is abuzz with netizens sharing images of their celebrations, and among these is a special video shared by the US Embassy in India. The video features embassy members wishing a “Happy Independence Day” in 22 different languages.

The video highlights the 22 languages recognized by the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, including Assamese, Gujarati, Hindi, Bengali, Kashmiri, Kannada, Manipuri, Konkani, Malayalam, Nepali, Oriya, Marathi, Telugu, Urdu, Bodo, Punjabi, Tamil, Sindhi, Sanskrit, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali.

The video caption reads: “Did you know the Indian Constitution defines 22 scheduled languages? All of us at Embassy New Delhi and the consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai couldn’t decide which language to use to express our excitement about Indian Independence Day, so we just used them all! From every corner of the United States to every corner of India… Happy Independence Day!”

Since being posted, the video has attracted nearly 7,000 views and received over 200 likes.

Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort, where the theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Viksit Bharat,’ underscoring the government’s aim to transform India into a developed nation by 2047.

President Murmu Rejects Red Fort Attacker’s Mercy Petition

June 12, 2024, 4:34 pm

In a notable decision, President Droupadi Murmu has denied the mercy plea of Mohammed Arif, also known as Ashfaq, a Pakistani citizen who was convicted for his involvement in the fatal Red Fort attack that occurred almost 24 years ago. This decision underscores India’s firm stance against terrorism and reaffirms the country’s commitment to justice for the victims of such heinous acts.

Arif’s mercy petition, which was submitted on May 15, 2024, was denied on May 27, as per an official statement from the President’s secretariat. The rejection of this plea marks the final chapter in a long judicial process that has seen Arif’s conviction and death sentence upheld by multiple courts, including the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court of India.

The Red Fort attack, carried out on December 22, 2000, was a brazen act of terrorism targeting one of India’s most iconic landmarks. The assault resulted in the deaths of three army personnel from the 7 Rajputana Rifles unit, who were stationed within the historic fort. The attack was orchestrated by members of the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), with Arif playing a main role.

Arif, along with three other LeT operatives—Abu Shaad, Abu Bilal, and Abu Haider—had infiltrated India in 1999 with the objective of executing this attack. While the other terrorists were subsequently killed in separate encounters, Arif was apprehended four days after the incident, leading to his trial and eventual conviction.

A notable judicial development occurred in January 2016 when a constitution bench of the Supreme Court allowed Arif to seek a reopening of the dismissal of his review petitions for an open court hearing. This directive followed a September 2014 judgement that mandated all death sentence cases awarded by the high courts be reviewed by a three-judge bench, ensuring a thorough judicial process.

The Supreme Court, in its rulings, emphasized that the Red Fort attack was a grievous assault on India’s unity, integrity, and sovereignty. It found no mitigating factors in Arif’s favor, reinforcing the appropriateness of the death sentence.

The rejection of Arif’s mercy plea by President Murmu highlights the gravity with which India treats acts of terrorism, particularly those aimed at its symbols of national pride and security. This decision is expected to serve as a stern warning to those who seek to challenge India’s sovereignty through acts of violence.

The memories of the brave soldiers who lost their lives in the Red Fort attack remain a poignant reminder of the cost of safeguarding the nation against terrorism.

PM Narendra Modi interacts with special guests after I-Day speech

August 15, 2023, 2:59 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, interacted with the special guests at the main celebratory event held at the Red Fort, after addressing the nation for the 10th time since assuming the country’s highest office, on the 77th Independence Day.

As the Prime Minister concluded his speech, tricolour balloons were released into the air even as the national flag flew proudly from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

During his interactions with the special guests, PM Modi shook hands with them and many were seen mobbing him for selfies.

A member of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, said PM Modi asked her where she came from. She said, “The PM asked me about my place of residence. He motivated and encouraged us. I could not say anything to him for want of time. But it was a memorable experience seeing him from up close and meeting him.”

Another special guest from the NCC, said, “He (PM) shook hands with everyone. He asked us about our battalion and enquired about us. It felt good meeting him in person. However, I couldn’t speak with him as there wasn’t enough time.”

The Prime Minister also talked with 50 Shram Yogis, the labourers who were associated with the Central Vista Project, which also included the construction of the new Parliament building.

While PM Modi made his way through the lawns of the Red Fort, the guests chanted ‘Vande Bharat’ and ‘Bharat Mati ki Jai Slogans’. Around 1,800 people from various lines of work, along with their spouses, were invited from across the country to take part in the Independence Day celebrations.

Earlier, on 15 August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his official handle on ‘X’, formerly Twitter, to greet countrymen on Independence Day. “Best wishes on Independence Day. We pay homage to our great freedom fighters and reaffirm our commitment to fulfilling their vision. Jai Hind!,” Prime Minister Modi posted.

India to be in World’s top three economies: PM Modi

August 15, 2023, 11:03 am

On the occasion of the 77th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there has been outstanding growth in India’s exports and noted that India has now become the world’s fifth-largest economy due to the efforts of 140 crore citizens.

While addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on Independence Day, the Prime Minister stated India will become the third-largest economy in the next few years. He said, “In coming years, India will be in the top three economies. This is Modi’s guarantee.”

He said the government has taken many steps to fight corruption, stop leakages and contain inflation. “Today, inflation’s impact is felt by everyone, including us. However, India has taken resolute measures to contain and manage inflation,” PM Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while giving a speech at Red Fort, said, “When we came to power in 2014, we were in the 10th position in the global economic system. Today, with the efforts of 140 crore Indians, we have reached the fifth position, This did not happen just like that. The demon of corruption that had the country in its clutches – we stopped leakages and created a strong economy.”

“Our primary goal remains the minimization of inflation, ensuring that the citizens of this great nation can lead prosperous and fulfilling lives,” he added.

PM Modi set to address nation from Red Fort on 77th Independence Day

August 13, 2023, 3:38 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the nation in commemorating its 77th Independence Day on Tuesday, with the major stage set for ceremonies at the landmark Red Fort in the national capital.

According to a press statement published by the Ministry of Defence on Sunday, PM Modi will hoist the National Flag and address the country from the ramparts of the ancient landmark.

This year’s Independence Day will conclude the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, which the Prime Minister launched from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on March 12, 2021, and will usher the country into ‘Amrit Kaal’ with renewed vigour to realize PM Modi’s dream of making India a developed country by 2047.

According to the announcement, a variety of new projects have been planned to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and a larger number of guests have been invited than in 2022.

PM Modi will be greeted at the Red Fort by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Raksha Rajya Mantri Ajay Bhatt, and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane.
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, the General Officer Commanding (GoC), Delhi Area, will be introduced to the Prime Minister by the Defence Secretary.

The GoC Delhi Area will then lead Narendra Modi to the Saluting Base, where a joint Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard will present the Prime Minister with a general salute. The Prime Minister will then inspect the Guard of Honour, according to the announcement.

According to the statement, the Guard of Honour contingent for the PM would include one officer and 25 personnel from the Army, Air Force, and Delhi Police, as well as one officer and 24 personnel from the Navy. This year’s coordinating service is the Indian Army.

“The Guard of Honour will be commanded by Major Vikas Sangwan. The Army Contingent in the Prime Minister’s Guard will be commanded by Major Indrajeet Sachin, the Naval contingent by Lieutenant Commander MV Rahul Raman and the Air Force contingent by Squadron Leader Akash Ganghas. The Delhi Police contingent will be commanded by Additional DCP Sandhya Swami,” it added.

Delhi: Traffic normalizes on roads near Red Fort days after floods

July 19, 2023, 11:51 am

On Wednesday morning, after being suspended for days due to severe flooding and waterlogging as the Yamuna river remained in spate, officials said, vehicular movement on the road near the Red Fort resumed normally.

Water reached the Ring Road at the backside of the Red Fort earlier Thursday as the Yamuna River continued to flow above the danger level. Meanwhile, the water level of the Yamuna River was recorded below the danger level on Wednesday. It was recorded at 205.25 meters at 6 am today against 205.35 meters at 7 pm yesterday. At 3 pm yesterday, it was recorded at 205.26 meters.

A “slight rise” was recorded in the river’s water level on Monday due to rains that lashed some areas of Haryana on Monday.
The danger mark for the river stands at 205.33 meters. The Yamuna River in Delhi crossed the danger mark at 5 pm on July 10.
Meanwhile, as the situation is gradually getting back to track in Delhi, the State Government has lifted the ban on entry of heavy vehicles into the national capital, effective today.
“Considering the improvement of the flood situation and descending water level of Yamuna River, it has been decided by the competent authorities to withdraw all the restrictions imposed as per the orders on July 13th and 17th with effect from July 19th,” read the official statement.

Earlier, in an order issued on July 13, the entry of heavy vehicles into Delhi was restricted from the Singhu border, Badarpur border, Loni border and Chilla border owing to waterlogging. However, heavy vehicles carrying food items and essentials were excluded from it.
However, several areas in the national capital are still grappling with water logging and flood-like situations. Visuals showed the areas near Rajghat reeling under water, earlier today.

Out of the 26,401 people who were evacuated from Delhi’s low-lying flood-affected areas, 21,504 are currently living in 44 camps (including temporary relief camps and Pucca Buildings like schools and community centers). The remainder of those who were evacuated have moved into homes or rented accommodations of their choice.

‘Want to be superpower to work for the welfare of the world’ says Rajnath Singh

December 17, 2022, 12:32 pm

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the FICCI Annual Convention and AGM in Delhi and said for the welfare of the entire world India aspires to be a superpower and work.

Meanwhile, Rajnath Singh said, “We want to be a superpower to work for the welfare of the world.”

“Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) during his address from Red Fort talked about five pledges to the country, which are essential to make India super power and it shouldn’t be considered that we want to dominate any country or we have the intention to capture even one inch of the land of any other country,” Singh said.

Moreover, Union Defence Minister also talked about the recent India-China border clash and said, “Whether it is Galwan or Tawang, our defense forces have proved their bravery and valour.”

“In 1949, China’s GDP was lower than that of India. Until 1980, India was not even on the list of top 10 economies… In 2014, India was in the 9th position in world economies. Today India is close to a $3.5 trillion economy and 5th largest in the world,” Rajnath Singh said.

Monuments in India associated with freedom struggle

November 23, 2022, 6:39 pm

India celebrated its 76th Independence Day on 15 August 2022 and marked its 75 years of freedom. Throughout the country from Champaran to Dandi and Chennai, there are many monuments associated with the freedom struggle. Let’s take a trip to the five monuments in India that are associated with the freedom struggle and pay homage to the ones who died to give us freedom.

Red Fort, Delhi

Since the time Red Fort is built, it is the symbol of Indian power. Red Fort is built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan which is built with red sandstone and stood many onslaughts since the British came to India. After the Mughal ruler Britishers took this fort and turned it into their army headquarters. But on 15 August 1947 India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, hoisted the national flag and since then the tradition has been made and every year Prime Minister of India hoists the flag.

Cellular Jail, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Based on Jeremy Bentham’s idea of the Panopticon the jail was constructed between 1896 and 1906. Since 1857 British used the island as a prison and many freedom fighters like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar were prisoned now this island is a freedom landmark.

Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre which happened on 13 April 1919 still boils every Indian’s blood. In the incident, more than 1000 men, women, and children were killed on the order of Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer. After the death of 1000 people the whole nation woke up and spearheaded many movements. Now the garden is a memorial and is visited by thousands of people every year.

Sabarmati/Gandhi Ashram, Ahmedabad

Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi devoted his life to the country and fighting against the Britishers. After returning from South Africa in 1915 Gandhi made his ashram on the same principles in Ahmedabad. Sabarmati/Gandhi Ashram saw many movements and the Gandhi Salt March of 1930 was one. Meanwhile, now memories of M.K. Gandhi are preserved in the ashram.

Netaji Bhawan in Kolkata

Netaji Bhawan or house museum is made at Bose’s brother’s residence from where Subhas Chandra Bose made his great escape from house arrest in January 1941. The house museum celebrated the life and the vision of the independence struggle which is associated with Subash Chandra Bose.

SC confirms death Penalty to accused in 2000 Red Fort Attack case

November 3, 2022, 2:10 pm

The petition of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Mohammad Arif alias Ashfaq seeking a review of the top court’s earlier order has been dismissed by the Supreme Court. The court ordered to uphold the death sentence awarded to him in connection with the 2000 Red Fort attack case.

Mohammad Arif was sentenced to death by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India UU Lalit and Bela M Trivedi, who noted that his guilt had been established. The prosecution claims that on December 22, 2000, at around 9 o’clock, terrorists from the outlawed militant group Lashkar-e-Toiba entered the Lal Quila and began firing indiscriminately, killing three Army personnel from the 7 Rajputana Rifles.
The invaders successfully made their getaway by scaling the Lal Quila’s rear side boundary wall in the direction of the Ring Road side after the Quick Army Reaction Team members returned fire.

On October 31, 2005, the trial court found seven defendants guilty, including Arif, and sentenced him to death. The Delhi High Court and later the Supreme Court both upheld the death penalty.

Arif filed a review appeal in opposition to the ruling by the Supreme Court maintaining his death sentence in the case.

“It was an attack on Mother India. This is apart from the fact that as many as three persons had lost their lives. The conspirators had no place in India. Appellant was a foreign national and had entered India without any authorization or even justification. This is apart from the fact that the appellant built up a conspiracy by practicing deceit and committing various other offences in furtherance of the conspiracy to wage war against India as also to commit murders by launching an unprovoked attack on the soldiers of Indian Army,”the apex court said while upholding the death sentence.

I-Day speech: ‘Change the mentality towards women’; says PM Modi

August 15, 2022, 11:30 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday unfurled the national flag and addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

While addressing the nation PM urged the citizens to “change the mentality towards women” in everyday life.

“I have one request to every Indian. Can we change the mentality towards our women in everyday life? Pride of Nari Shakti will play a vital role in fulfilling the dreams of India. It is important that in our speech and conduct, we do nothing that lowers the dignity of women. Respect for Women is an important pillar of India’s growth. We need to support our Nari Shakti,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi further said, “Be it education or science, women of the country are at the top… Be it sports or the battlefield, India’s women are stepping forward with a new capability and confidence. I see the immense contribution by women in 25 yrs to come, much more than that in the 75-year journey.”

Meanwhile, PM Modi also stressed duties and disciplined life while mentioning those who achieved something in life.

” The country which have achieved something or even the individuals who have achieved something, some things come to the fore. One is a disciplined life. The other is dedicated towards duties. We will have to stress on duties. It is the duty of the administration to make effort to provide 24-hour electricity. But it is the duty of the citizens to save as much electricity as possible,” PM Modi.

“Giving water to every field is the duty of every government, but per drop more crop voice should rise from every field, saving as much water as possible, PM Modi added.

Moreover, PM said if every citizen will fulfill his duty then the country can achieve the target.

“Be it police or people, nobody is untouched with duties. If every citizen fulfills his duty, I believe we can achieve our desired target before the designated time,” PM Modi said.

However, on the occasion of 75th Independence Day, BJP President J.P. Nadda greeted the people on Independence Day. Nadda also paid tribute to the great revolutionaries and freedom fighters who dedicated their lives to the freedom struggle.

PM Narendra Modi hoists the National Flag for the 9th time at Red Fort

August 15, 2022, 10:23 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the tricolor for the ninth time from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of Independence Day. India is celebrating its 75th Independence Day.

The ceremony started at 7 AM. The PM hoisted the flag at 7.30 AM and later he addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

Meanwhile, on reaching the Red Fort, the three armies of the country gave a guard of honor to the Prime Minister. After this, the national anthem was sung and a 21-gun salute was given.

Addressing the nation PM Modi said that “I congratulate all Indians on the occasion of Independence Day. Today is the day to move towards a new direction with a new determination.”

Moreover, PM Modi first reached Rajghat and offered flowers at the Samadhi of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. After this, he reached the Red Fort.

Apart from the national capital, tight security arrangements have been made across the country.

Independence Day is celebrated in honor of the tireless efforts and sacrifices of our courageous and mighty leaders and freedom fighters who sacrificed their entire lives for the sake of the country and the countrymen.