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With the West Bengal Assembly bypolls around the corner, a recent analysis by the West Bengal Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has shed light on the profiles of candidates in the fray. The study reveals that among the 41 candidates contesting in the upcoming bypolls, seven have serious criminal cases pending, while another seven are crorepatis. <h2>Criminal cases: BJP tops the list</h2>The ADR analysis shows that out of the seven candidates with serious criminal cases, four are from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), two from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), and one from Congress. These cases range from non-bailable offences to electoral violations and financial fraud, with maximum punishments extending to five years or more. Offences in this category include serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping, and violations of the Prevention of Corruption Act or crimes against women. The bypolls will take place on November 13 in the constituencies of Coochbehar Sitai (SC), Haroa, Naihati, Medinipur, Taldangra, and Madarihat (ST). However, the affidavit for one candidate, independent contestant Pankaj Lohra from Madarihat (ST), could not be reviewed due to missing documents. <h2>Wealthiest candidates</h2>In addition to those with criminal cases, seven candidates declared assets exceeding Rs 1 crore. Congress leads in this regard, with three crorepati candidates, followed by the BJP with two, and the TMC and CPIM(L) with one each. According to the affidavits, the wealthiest candidate is TMC's <keyword id="23849799" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sanat-dey" source="keywords">Sanat Dey</keyword> from Naihati, who has assets worth Rs 4.9 crore, including Rs 1.8 crore in immovable property. Following him is BJP's Ananya Roy Chakraborty, who is contesting from Taldangra, with assets totalling nearly Rs 3 crore. TMC’s Shyamal Kumar Ghosh, running for the Medinipur seat, declared assets of approximately Rs 1.69 crore. On average, the candidates’ assets are valued at around Rs 58.14 lakh. In contrast to the wealthiest candidates, Kashikanta Barman from the Kamatapur Peoples Party (United), contesting from Coochbehar Sitai (SC), has declared the lowest assets, amounting to just Rs 5,000. This wide range of wealth highlights the diverse financial backgrounds of candidates in the bypolls. (With inputs from agencies)

West Bengal bypolls to feature seven candidates with serious criminal cases including murder and kidnapping

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Plaintiffs in 14 lawsuits call Sean Combs a rapist, including eight who sued in the past two weeks.</li><li>Credible plaintiffs can help prosecutors win the Combs criminal case, legal experts say.</li></ul>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sean-diddy-combs-arrested-grand-jury-indictment-2024-9">sex-trafficking indictment</a> against Sean "Diddy" Combs mentions a single cooperating accuser, a former longtime girlfriend referred to only as "Victim-1."Legal experts believe she won't be alone for much longer.Plaintiffs from Combs' growing number of sexual abuse lawsuits may soon join her, as "Victim-2," "Victim-3," and beyond, in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/diddy-case-sean-combs-next-court-date-2024-10">an updated indictment</a>, veteran New York defense attorneys predict."You can bet the US Attorney's Office is interviewing the attorneys, if not the clients themselves," attorney Michael Farkas, a former New York prosecutor.While strong civil accusers — those offering proof, corroboration, and believable testimony — can help prosecutors win a criminal trial, their financial stake in the outcome of the case makes them vulnerable to cross-examination."If they are credible, they could amount to very powerful evidence against Mr. Combs, either as additional charges or as witnesses called to the stand to show a pattern," Farkas said."But the US attorneys will use caution in all these plaintiff interviews, entertaining at least the possibility that these are claims of opportunity," he said.Defense lawyers have already signaled that this will be a line of attack against "Victim-1." While she is not identified by name in court papers, her details in the indictment match those in a quickly settled $30 million lawsuit brought in November by Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura, the rap mogul's longtime girlfriend.Ventura's attorney, Douglas Wigdor, declined to comment on this story."There's 30 million reasons" to doubt her credibility, Combs attorney Marc Agnifilo told a judge during bail arguments last month. "One for each dollar that was being sued for."Any dent in a witness's credibility can damage a case, said Stacey Richman, a Bronx-based attorney who has represented rappers including Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, and Ja Rule."If they believe a witness has intentionally testified falsely as to any material fact, the jurors may disregard the witness's entire testimony," said Richman. "And if there is enough momentum with multiple witnesses, it can destabilize the whole case."Farkas, Richman, and other criminal defense lawyers with federal experience told BI prosecutors will be especially interested in the most serious of the two dozen civil claims brought in the year since <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sean-combs-diddy-sex-trafficking-rape-abuse-lawsuit-cassie-venutura-2023-11">Ventura's lawsuit</a> opened the Combs litigation floodgates.So far, 11 women and three men allege they were raped by the music mogul after being beaten or drugged at parties he threw in Manhattan, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas over the past three decades. Nearly a dozen additional plaintiffs allege sexual abuse without using the word rape.In a lawsuit filed this week, a Jane Doe from Alabama said<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sean-diddy-combs-lawsuit-mtv-vma-afterparty-2024-10"> she was 13 years old</a> when Combs and an unnamed "Celebrity A" raped her at an after-party for the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.The lawsuit was one of 13 cases <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sean-combs-diddy-new-allegations-lawsuits-2024-10">filed in the last two weeks</a> by The Buzbee Law Firm in Houston. Founding attorney Tony Buzbee says he'll file 120 in total."We expect to be filing cases weekly naming Mr. Combs and others as defendants as we continue to gather evidence and prepare the filings," he told BI.Combs remains in a federal jail in Brooklyn as he appeals his denial of bail and awaits trial. His indictment alleges he engaged in a decades-long pattern of physical and sexual violence, including during elaborate dayslong sex performances called "freak-offs." He has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers have said that the charged behavior was consensual.In court papers relating to the criminal case, defense attorneys have used the words "false" and "outright absurd" in referring to the lawsuits' allegations. Members of the defense team declined to comment for this story.A spokesman for the US attorney's office also declined comment.<h2 id="86735765-745d-412a-8591-f8240b1d03e2">The vetting will be rigorous</h2>The vetting of these potential plaintiffs-turned-federal-witnesses will be rigorous, said Michael Bachner, a former New York prosecutor who was part of Combs' defense team in 2001, during a Manhattan guns and bribery trial that ended in the rap mogul's acquittal."They'll want to know, is there corroboration or proof?" Bachner said of federal prosecutors. "Many of these allegations are decades old — are there hospital records? Is there an explanation for a 13-year-old going to a VMA party? Why was she alone?"This vetting is already well underway.Federal prosecutors have been interviewing plaintiffs for months in a less-than-secretive process, defense lawyers complained recently, in asking Combs' Manhattan judge to gag potential witnesses and their attorneys.Combs producer Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-prince-harry-was-mentioned-in-sean-diddy-combs-lawsuit-2024-3">filed a $30 million lawsuit in February</a> alleging sexual assault and harassment, allegations Combs has denied and is seeking to have dismissed.Last week, Tyrone Blackburn, an attorney for Jones, told a federal judge in Manhattan that he and his client have met repeatedly with prosecutors, with Jones drawing a map of Combs' home and sharing photos, according to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.law360.com/media/articles/1890836">Law 360</a>.Blackburn, who also represents <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/diddy-lawsuits-celebrities-list">Combs accuser Liza Gardner</a>, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Blackburn dropped Jones' claims against UMG Recordings, Motown Records, and Universal Music Group in May after the music companies' attorneys complained of inconsistencies in the lawsuit.Another of the Combs lawsuits, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/timeline-sean-diddy-combs-sexual-misconduct-timeline-2024-2#july-3-2024-another-woman-files-a-lawsuit-against-combs-17">filed in July by adult film actress Adria English</a>, similarly hit legal shoals this month when her attorneys successfully asked to withdraw from the case, citing "irreconcilable differences" with English, according to court filings. The attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Experts said Combs' defense lawyers will try to impugn the financial motives of not only any plaintiffs who take the stand in May but also their lawyers.In a motion seeking a gag order last week, the defense accused plaintiff attorneys of using "publicity stunt" tactics to drum up a "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/timeline-sean-diddy-combs-sexual-misconduct-timeline-2024-2">torrent of allegations</a>."They singled out Buzbee for live-streaming a press conference last month where anyone with claims was advised to call a "1-800" number. The hotline received 12,000 calls in its first 24 hours, he told the New York Post."We will let the allegations in the filed complaints speak for themselves and will work to see that justice is done," Buzbee told BI this week.

Plaintiffs in 14 lawsuits call Diddy a rapist. These accusers can clinch or crash his criminal case. 

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Eric Adams hired Alex Spiro — also Elon Musk's lawyer — to represent him in his criminal case.</li><li>Spiro has been billing the city for a separate civil sexual assault lawsuit against the mayor.</li></ul>New York City taxpayers aren't on the hook for the legal bill in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-york-city-mayor-eric-adams-indictment-timeline-corruption-investigation-2024-9">Eric Adams' federal bribery case</a>, a spokesperson for the mayor confirmed to Business Insider.Adams is <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/eric-adams-indictment-elon-musk-favorite-lawyer-alex-spiro-2024-9">represented in the criminal case by Alex Spiro</a>, a former Manhattan prosecutor and one of the highest-profile lawyers in the country, representing the likes of Elon Musk and Alec Baldwin.Spiro had already been defending Adams in an unrelated civil sexual lawsuit case since April. For that case, Spiro was billing the city for his work — though <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2024/04/08/adams-lawyer-lawsuit-nyc-00151112">reportedly charging only $250 per hour</a> instead of the $2,025 per hour rate he's charged other clients.But New York City's coffers aren't being emptied for Spiro's work in the criminal case against Adams, according to Fabien Levy, the city's deputy mayor for communications."No, the city is not covering the costs of representation in this matter," Levy told BI in an email.Federal prosecutors in Manhattan have brought five criminal counts against Adams, accusing him of soliciting and accepting bribes from the government of Turkey in the form of luxury travel perks.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/eric-adams-court-appearance-criminal-case-indictment-2024-9">Adams pleaded not guilty</a> to the charges in the indictment at an arraignment Friday afternoon, wearing a somber expression while sitting next to a relaxed-looking Spiro.In remarks to reporters following the court hearing, Spiro mocked the charges as "the airline upgrade corruption case" and said he would file a motion to dismiss — a step that normally takes months to prepare — on Wednesday.Alex Spiro didn't immediately return a request for comment from Business Insider on Friday afternoon.

New York City taxpayers aren't footing the bill for Eric Adams' criminal corruption case

New Delhi: Senior AAP leader <keyword id="19909124" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Manish-Sisodia" source="keywords">Manish Sisodia</keyword> on Saturday called upon party workers and people to fight against the "dictatorship" in the country, a day after he was released from jail in the Delhi excise policy case. Targeting the BJP, he also said these people are not more powerful than the Constitution. Every person has to fight against this "dictatorship" which is not just putting leaders in jail but also harassing citizens, Sisodia said while addressing <keyword id="19935664" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Aam-Aadmi-Party" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Aam Aadmi Party" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Aam Aadmi Party">Aam Aadmi Party</keyword> (AAP) workers at its headquarters here. He claimed that while in jail, he was not worried about getting bail but was pained seeing businessmen being put in prison in "fake cases just because they did not donate money to the BJP". The <keyword id="19895345" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Supreme-Court" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Supreme Court" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Supreme Court">Supreme Court</keyword> on Friday gave Sisodia bail in corruption and money laundering cases linked to the alleged excise policy "scam" and said his long incarceration of 17 months without trial had deprived him of the right to speedy justice. On AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minister <keyword id="19901384" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Arvind-Kejriwal" source="keywords">Arvind Kejriwal</keyword>, who is also in jail in the case, Sisodia said he is the symbol of honesty in the country. Conspiracies are being hatched to defame Kejriwal's work, he said and added that if opposition leaders unite against the "dictatorship", Kejriwal will come out of jail in 24 hours. Sisodia told AAP workers that "we are just horses of a chariot but our real 'saarthi' (charioteer) is in jail, he will come out soon". On his bail verdict, Sisodia said the Supreme Court used the power of the Constitution to "trample dictatorship" yesterday. He said he was hoping to get justice in seven-to-eight months but it took 17 months. But at the end truth triumphed, Sisodia said. Seeking to target the BJP over the Vinesh Phogat issue, Sisodia, without taking the wrestler's name, said she protested against its leader and people saw what happened at the Olympics. Phogat, who was disqualified from the Paris Olympics for being found 100 grams overweight ahead of her women's 50kg final, was at the forefront of a lengthy protest alleging government inaction against former Wrestling Federation of India head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment by women wrestlers.

People have to fight against dictatorship in country: AAP leader Manish Sisodia

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Allies of Donald Trump who backed him during his trial have been tapped for his administration.</li><li>Those supporters include JD Vance, Matt Gaetz, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Mike Waltz.</li></ul>When <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-election-criminal-cases-presidency-2024-11">Donald Trump</a> stood trial in his historic criminal <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-wins-stay-criminal-hush-money-case-2024-11">hush-money case</a> earlier this year, a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/which-republicans-attended-trump-hush-money-trial-2024-5#two-dozen-other-house-republicans-have-also-shown-up-8">bevy of GOP elites</a> flocked to a Manhattan courthouse in support of the former and now future president.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-hush-money-trial-verdict-2024-5">Trump was eventually found guilty</a> of all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.Four of the Trump loyalists who rallied behind him during the trial have already been tapped for roles in the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-white-house-staff-cabinet-picks-list-2024-11">president-elect's incoming administration</a>.Those Trump allies include:<div type="image" title="JD Vance in the background at Donald Trump's hush-money trial." height="4672" width="7008" msid="115315207" hostid="261" sizebytes="4054798"></div><h2 id="78a21a90-c648-45bc-be7c-1c5ab4427922">JD Vance</h2>Ohio Sen. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-vice-president-jd-vance-career-facts-2024-7">JD Vance</a> will become vice president in Trump's upcoming second administration.Back in May, toward the end of Trump's first criminal trial, Vance was among a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-melania-hush-money-trial-gop-support-court-2024-5">slew of Republican politicians</a> to mobilize around Trump as <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-hush-money-trial-charges-explained-narrative-as-jury-deliberates-2024-5">he routinely defended himself</a> to reporters in the hallway outside the 15th-floor downtown Manhattan courtroom where the trial was held.Vance was also the first vice presidential contender to show up at court for Trump."Does any reasonable, sensible person believe anything that Michael Cohen says? I don't think that they should," Vance told reporters on May 13 outside the courthouse after Cohen, Trump's ex-personal attorney-turned-nemesis, first took the witness stand.<div type="image" title="Matt Gaetz in the background at Donald Trump's hush-money trial." height="2666" width="4000" msid="115315198" hostid="261" sizebytes="2368954"></div><h2 id="ab7fe0d6-ce6e-4631-91d1-9142b7291b0f">Matt Gaetz</h2>Trump sent <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/matt-gaetz-trump-nomination-history-controversy-moments-mccarthy-2024-11">shockwaves</a> through Washington after he named Florida Rep. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-nominates-matt-gaetz-attorney-general-2024-11">Matt Gaetz</a> as his pick for attorney general.Gaetz was among an entourage of rank-and-file House Republicans who showed up at Trump's hush-money trial in support of the then-presidential hopeful."We're here of our own volition because there are things we can say that President Trump is unjustly not allowed to say," Gaetz said during a May 16 press conference outside the courthouse.The right-wing firebrand continued, "This is a corrupt judge. These are corrupted witnesses. This is a corrupt prosecution that belies any sense of the facts or the law. And so, we're going to keep speaking out against this."<div type="image" title="Vivek Ramaswamy in the background at Donald Trump's hush-money trial." height="2000" width="3000" msid="115315206" hostid="261" sizebytes="411208"></div><h2 id="25a82047-6a69-4ee6-904a-068de0af0d4f">Vivek Ramaswamy</h2>Ex-GOP presidential candidate <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-vivek-ramaswamy-doge-government-efficiency-what-us-spends-2024-11">Vivek Ramaswamy</a> is set to co-lead a new "Department of Government Efficiency" alongside fellow billionaire <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-doge-hiring-staff-how-to-apply-2024-11">Elon Musk</a>.When Ramaswamy, the tech entrepreneur, showed up to Trump's hush-money trial on May 14, he was considered as a vice presidential contender."This is a politicized persecution that is nakedly apparent," Ramaswamy told reporters at the time outside the courthouse.<div type="image" title="GOP politicians supported Trump outside of his hush-money trial." height="4000" width="6000" msid="115315204" hostid="261" sizebytes="803588"></div><h2 id="ba9ccba4-01b3-447e-91b2-90b201af4fdf">Mike Waltz</h2>Trump has tapped Florida Rep. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-cabinet-picks-so-far-loyalty-resumes-11">Mike Waltz</a> to serve as his next national security advisor.The congressman supported Trump in court during the hush-money trial on May 16."It's a shame our country has fallen to a place where NY Democrats have weaponized the courts to interfere with our election," Waltz said in a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://x.com/michaelgwaltz/status/1791089100323278982">post</a> on X at the time. "President Trump will beat this and we will send him back to the White House this November!"

These Trump loyalists named to roles in the new administration once flocked to a courtroom for his criminal trial

The <keyword id="6354977" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="supreme-court" source="Orion">Supreme Court</keyword> on Thursday issued a slew of directions for speedy disposal of criminal cases against Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assembly (MPs/MLAs) and asked High Courts to register a Suo Motu case for effective monitoring and speedy disposal of such cases. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra said it was difficult for it to form a uniform guideline for trial courts across the country relating to speedy disposal of <keyword id="16453350" type="General" weightage="40" keywordseo="cases-against-mps" source="Orion">cases against MPs</keyword> and MLAs. The top court left it to the high courts to evolve such measures for effective monitoring of such cases. The bench directed that High Court Chief Justices shall register a suo motu case titled "In Re Designated Courts for MPs and MLAs" to monitor the early disposal of pending criminal cases against lawmakers. It directed that the suo motu case be heard by a special bench headed by the Chief Justice or a bench assigned by him or her. It was further directed that the Special Bench of the High Court may list the matter at regular intervals as felt necessary. The top court said the High Court may issue such orders and directions as necessary for expeditious and effective disposal of the cases. The bench further ordered that the Special Bench of the High Court may consider taking the assistance of the Advocate General or prosecutor to assist it. The apex court also directed that cases against MPs and MLAs that are punishable by death should be prioritised over other cases. Then cases punishable with imprisonment for five years or more will be given priority. It further said that the cases would not be adjourned by the trial court except for rare and compelling reasons. The top court said that the High Court may require a Principal District and Sessions judge to bear the responsibility of allocating the subject cases to such courts. The High Court may call upon the Principal District and Sessions judge to send reports on such intervals, it added. The concerned principal and session judge should ensure sufficient infrastructural facilities are available for the trial of such cases, as directed by the top court. The directions of the top court came on a PIL filed by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay seeking speedy disposal of criminal cases pending against MPs and MLAs. Earlier, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a status report stating that there are 51 MPs and 71 MLAs, sitting and former, who stand accused by the agency of offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The report did not specify exactly how many of those are sitting MPs or MLAs and how many are former MPs or MLAs. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had also submitted a similar report stating that a total of 121 cases are pending trial against sitting and former MPs and MLAs. The number of MPs involved in those cases is 51, out of which 14 are sitting, 37 are former and 5 are deceased. The report further stated that 112 MLAs are involved in CBI cases, out of which 34 are sitting, 78 are former and 9 are deceased. The number of cases pending investigation against MPs and MLAs by the CBI is 37, according to the report the CBI submitted. Senior advocate Vijay Hansari, who was assisting the apex court in the case as amicus curiae, had highlighted a "glaring case of inordinate delay" in the trial of cases against lawmakers, submitting that many cases were pending for over five years. The apex court had sought a status report from Hansaria relating to the pendency and grant of sanctions for prosecution, the expected time for completion of the investigation and reasons for delay in the same. Hansaria had sought directions to ensure that courts dealing with cases against lawmakers should exclusively try such issues. The plea sought speedy disposal of cases against them and pointed out that while judges and babus were suspended for such activities, politicians were condoned by the law. As of now, convicted politicians have been banned from the polls for six years.

SC issues directions to HCs for speedy disposal of criminal cases against MPs, MLAs

<ul class="summary-list"><li>If Donald Trump wins the 2024 presidency, it could help him in his four criminal cases.</li><li>"Setting politics aside, there is a lot at stake legally for Trump," one legal expert said.</li></ul>Not only is the presidency on the line for <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> in the 2024 election, but so are his <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-criminal-cases-ranked-how-much-legal-trouble-2023-8">four criminal indictments</a>.Winning would largely free the former president for the foreseeable future from dealing with his criminal cases. Losing to Democratic rival <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kamala-harris-political-career-photos-2024-11">Vice President Kamala Harris</a> means he must face these cases head-on."Setting politics aside, there is a lot at stake legally for Trump" in the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-to-watch-for-election-day-harris-trump-congress-2024-11">November 5 election</a>, former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani told Business Insider.Here's what will happen with Trump's four criminal cases — two federal and two state — if he wins or loses this year's presidency.<div type="image" title="This courtroom sketch from the Manhattan hush-money trial shows Donald Trump conferring with attorney Todd Blanche as Judge Juan Merchan watches from the bench." height="1875" width="2500" msid="114994501" hostid="261" sizebytes="716912"></div><h2 id="06f2e166-49f8-4400-b448-e35dc4e031fa">The New York hush-money case</h2>Whether Trump wins or loses the election, he will have a mandatory November 26 <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-presidential-immunity-could-delay-hush-money-sentencing-legal-experts-2024-8">Manhattan sentencing</a> date on his calendar.Trump, the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-hush-money-trial-verdict-2024-5">first US president convicted of a crime</a>, faces anywhere from zero to four years in jail for his May conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up his $130,000 hush-money payment to adult film actor <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stormy-daniels-takes-stand-donald-trump-hush-money-trial-2024-5">Stormy Daniels</a>.There is some chance that date will be delayed. Trump has promised to fight his indictment and conviction in New York's appellate courts. He will argue that the evidence in the case includes acts that were done in his official role as president — evidence that is barred under July's landmark US Supreme Court <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/supreme-court-trump-immunity-january-6-election-ruling-decision-2024-5">presidential immunity decision</a>.Once he's sentenced, experts say more appeals could keep even a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-going-jail-time-ny-indictment-slim-odds-2023-3">jail sentence</a> on hold for years — though a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nyc-judges-weigh-in-on-trump-hush-money-sentencing-2024">jail sentence is highly unlikely</a>, a quartet of former New York judges previously told BI.Winning the presidency would extend things even further, as Trump could argue he's too busy running the country to tend to his personal legal issues.Cornell Law School professor Michael Dorf said it's likely that if Trump won back the White House, he would immediately file court papers to delay the sentencing until he is no longer president.Rahmani, the president and cofounder of West Coast Trial Lawyers, said that he does not believe Trump would be sentenced to jail "regardless of the outcome of the election.""Trump winning makes it logistically impossible and a certainty that he won't receive any time," Rahmani said.<div type="image" title="Special counsel Jack Smith" height="1667" width="2500" msid="114994492" hostid="261" sizebytes="151876"></div><h2 id="b14beff9-4c49-4e75-8485-3b47fadd7db8">Trump's federal cases</h2>Trump has two federal indictments, both brought by special counsel <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/judge-releases-prosecutors-evidence-against-trump-in-election-interference-case-2024-10">Jack Smith</a>, and both eligible for a presidential pardon, though a self-pardon has never been tried.If reelected president, Trump could ask his attorney general to fire Smith. He could also ask the courts to halt the federal prosecutions as there is long-standing Justice Department policy that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted while in office, or attempt to pardon himself, said Dorf.Trump said in a conservative radio interview last month that if elected, he would fire Smith "within two seconds."Justice Department regulations permit only firing a special counsel for good cause, but Trump could have his attorney general rescind that regulation, Dorf noted.Firing Smith "is basically his right as president, though I would expect Smith to resign before then, just as a matter of course," said Michel Paradis, an attorney who teaches national security and constitutional law at Columbia Law School."The key thing to watch would be what Jack Smith does between Election Day and January 20 to potentially protect those prosecutions from interference," Paradis said."There's not a lot he can do to make them ironclad since, at the end of the day, the president does control the Justice Department," Paradis said.One thing Smith may try prior to Trump taking the oath is to seek to stay both proceedings during the presidency, again on the grounds that sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted while in office, Paradis said.Trump has pleaded not guilty to both federal indictments. In response to a request for comment, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said, "The Lyin' Kamala Harris - Crooked Joe Biden Witch Hunts against President Trump have imploded just like their failed campaign, and should all be dismissed in light of the Supreme Court's historic decision on immunity and other vital jurisprudence." A DOJ spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.<div type="image" title="donald trump washington dc court illustation" height="1666" width="2500" msid="114994505" hostid="261" sizebytes="393128"></div><h2 id="51fce551-72ad-4a09-953b-b04f65b65a0b">The federal election interference case</h2>If Trump loses, that does not mean Smith's prosecution of Trump's most serious federal case — charges that he <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-judge-release-additional-evidence-election-interference-case-2024-10">tried to overturn the 2020 election</a> — will barrel forward at full speed.Citizen Trump would continue to challenge the so-called election interference case on grounds of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/supreme-court-trump-presidential-immunity-jan-6-criminal-case-2024-4">presidential immunity</a>, experts predict.In July, the US Supreme Court issued a landmark opinion that provides presidents with broad protection from being prosecuted for their official acts. The opinion also bars the use of official-act evidence in any prosecution of a former president, even on charges not relating to official acts.In August, Smith <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-hit-with-revised-january-6-indictment-jack-smith-2024-8">won a revised indictment</a> that stresses that Trump is being charged for his conduct as a private, office-seeking citizen.<h2 id="8e077f9c-bb2c-47d1-a4d7-8821deb311f9">The federal classified documents case</h2>Trump's classified documents case, alleging that he failed to return government secrets he took from the White House, was <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-mar-a-lago-classified-documents-case-dismissed-judge-2024-7">dismissed in July</a> by Trump-nominated US District Judge <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/judge-aileen-cannon-just-handed-donald-trump-another-legal-win-2024-5">Aileen Cannon</a>, who said Smith's appointment violated the Constitution.The dismissal, which argues Congress should have approved Smith's appointment, is now being appealed by Smith in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Smith's appeals point to what he calls "the long tradition of special-counsel appointments by Attorneys' General."Whoever loses the appeal can appeal further, keeping Trump busy with the classified documents case for many months.<div type="image" title="Fani Willis" height="683" width="1024" msid="114994496" hostid="261" sizebytes="35968"></div><h2 id="abbc3f6b-4e08-47de-8e59-2820bd0f75a9">The Georgia election interference case</h2>The <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/georgia-trump-indictment-unsealed-read-full-text-charges-2023-8">election interference case in Georgia</a> against Trump and 18 of his allies <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-georgia-election-interference-fani-willis-appeals-court-2024-5">remains in legal limbo</a>, thanks to defendants' efforts to get the Fulton County district attorney, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fani-willis-stand-legal-experts-split-effectiveness-georgia-trump-2024-2">Fani Willis</a>, disqualified from the state case.In May, a Georgia appeals court agreed to consider Trump's bid to get Willis removed from the case.Attorneys for Trump and his codefendants had previously argued in a motion to disqualify Willis that she had a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fani-willis-removed-from-trumps-georgia-election-interference-case-2024-2">conflict of interest in the case</a> because she improperly benefited from a romantic relationship with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nathan-wade-testifies-fani-willis-fulton-county-district-attorney-2024-2">Nathan Wade</a>, the Atlanta lawyer she hired as a special prosecutor.After an evidentiary hearing earlier this year, a judge ruled that Willis and her office could remain on the case so long as Wade stepped aside, and Wade announced his resignation hours later.Trump has pleaded not guilty to the Georgia indictment.If Trump wins the presidency, he could immediately file papers with the Georgia court "saying you got to put this on hold for the time that I'm president because it's just not consistent with federal supremacy to have a state prosecuting a sitting president," Dorf, a constitutional law expert, said."He doesn't control the prosecutors, so you can't fire them, and he can't pardon himself because these are state crimes, so his only option really in the state cases is suspend them," said Dorf.If Trump loses the election, the case could move forward. Though Trump is likely to move to get it dismissed based on the Supreme Court's presidential immunity ruling.

Trump still has 4 criminal indictments waiting for him — here's what happens if he wins or loses

India’s political landscape is increasingly being defined by the troubling nexus between crime and politics. A study has highlighted a startling correlation: the election of politicians with criminal records is directly linked to a rise in crime across the country, particularly in states with weaker institutional frameworks. As India's political system continues to grapple with this issue, the societal consequences are becoming clear. <h2>A history of <keyword id="23341122" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="criminal-politicians" source="keywords">criminal politicians</keyword></h2><keyword id="21026899" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pappu-Yadav" source="keywords">Pappu Yadav</keyword>, a veteran politician from Bihar, serves as a prime example of this disturbing trend. Having represented his constituency for nearly 25 years, Yadav has faced 41 criminal cases, including serious accusations of murder and kidnapping. Despite his conviction in 2008, Yadav was acquitted in 2013, and he continues to hold political influence. His case is not unique; the political scene in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh is littered with politicians facing multiple criminal charges. Anant Singh, another prominent figure from Bihar, holds a political career shadowed by 38 criminal cases, including murder, kidnapping, and attempts to murder. These individuals represent a broader pattern where politicians accused of serious crimes continue to serve in public office despite their criminal backgrounds. "They are getting elected, and over time the number has only been going up," remarks lead author Nishith Prakash. "In some states, it could be as high as almost 40% of people who are representing the state have some kind of a criminal accusation." <h2>Crime begets crime</h2>The research delves into the ramifications of electing criminally accused politicians. The study found that states with a higher number of such politicians also experienced increased <keyword id="22044507" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="crime-rates" source="keywords">crime rates</keyword>. For example, states like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh, known for their historically weak institutions, have seen crime rise by 4.3% annually with the election of criminal politicians. The number increases to 5.8% when the politicians are accused of serious crimes like murder and kidnapping. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113692670" title="What will it take for Kangana Ranaut’s &amp;#39;Emergency&amp;#39; to finally hit theatres?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Prakash notes that weak rule of law and institutional failure create fertile ground for such politicians to not only rise to power but also exacerbate the deteriorating law-and-order situation. When politicians themselves are involved in criminal activities, they often manipulate legal and administrative systems, further weakening law enforcement and emboldening criminal networks. The reign of <keyword id="20122630" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lalu-prasad-yadav" source="keywords">Lalu Prasad Yadav</keyword>, president of the Rashtriya Janata Dal political party in Bihar, illustrates the adverse impact criminal politicians can have. Under his leadership, Bihar’s political environment devolved into what is now infamously known as "Jungle Raj," a period marked by rampant kidnappings for ransom, particularly targeting affluent individuals like doctors and schoolchildren. The researchers note that during this time, the kidnapping industry flourished as criminals enjoyed either direct or indirect support from the state. <h2><keyword id="22404298" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="impact-on-women" source="keywords">Impact on women</keyword> and <keyword id="19900794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-growth" source="keywords">economic growth</keyword></h2>Beyond the immediate rise in general crime rates, the study revealed alarming statistics regarding crimes against women. Electing criminally accused politicians was found to increase crimes against women by 12.6%. In states where such politicians held office, female labour force participation dropped by 10-11%, as women felt unsafe and chose not to engage in work outside their homes. The research also highlighted the economic toll criminal politicians take on their constituencies. Areas represented by politicians accused of serious crimes saw economic growth lag between 2.3% and 6.5% per year compared to other regions. These leaders often misappropriate public funds, divert resources for personal gain, and enable criminal enterprises, all of which stifle local development. <h2>Legal measures taken</h2>India has made strides in identifying and tracking criminally accused politicians. A landmark 2003 ruling by the <keyword id="19895345" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Supreme-Court" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Supreme Court" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Supreme Court">Supreme Court</keyword> mandated that candidates for political office must disclose their criminal records, making it easier for voters and institutions to scrutinise their backgrounds. However, the law only disqualifies convicted individuals from running for office, allowing accused politicians to continue their political careers while facing serious charges. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113446721" title="It&amp;#39;s not just the rhetoric — apathy and jokes could be fueling a spiral of retaliatory political violence, expert warns" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>The research conducted by Prakash and his team has caught the attention of Indian courts and the Election Commission. While reform is slow, there is growing recognition that the quality of political leadership has a profound impact on societal outcomes, from crime rates to economic performance. "The quality of politicians matters," Prakash notes. "Who you elect has implications on outcomes that we care about. It could be economic growth, it could be crime against women, it could be labour force participation. These are very important outcomes for society and the economy." The findings of this research have been published in Journal of Law Economics and Organization and can be accessed <a href="https://docs.iza.org/dp15259.pdf">here</a>.

Not only does electing “criminal” politicians often lead to an increase in crime in India, it can also be terrible for the economy: study

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Attorneys general in 14 different states filed lawsuits against TikTok last week.</li><li>They say TikTok's algorithm is addictive and harmful to children's mental health.</li></ul>TikTok is facing lawsuits from 14 state attorneys general who say the company's algorithm harms children. Legal experts say the coordinated challenge is designed to take down big companies.Adam Wandt, an attorney and deputy chair for technology at the John Jay School of Criminal Justice, said the barrage of state lawsuits mirrors challenges against Big Tobacco in the 1990s and Purdue Pharma, the maker of Oxycontin, in the 2000s. In both cases, the lawsuits were used to "overwhelm those industries," he said."The other advantage it gives is, if there are defects in one of the suits, the other suits still survive," Wandt said. "It's actually a pretty good strategy."Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor and trial lawyer in California, said that attorneys commonly file multiple lawsuits across several states when they go after "multibillion-dollar" companies because they are more expensive for the companies to defend."Opioid companies, for instance, wouldn't have entered into the settlements that they did had they only dealt with one attorney general or a lawsuit in one state, but when they're looking at multiple lawsuits across the country, and really the continued viability of their company, it's more likely that they'll enter into some settlement," Rahmani said."You might win one or two lawsuits. How are you going to win a dozen?" he added.The Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma, ultimately paid over <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/purdue-pharma-oxycontin-sacklers-tentative-settlement-opioid-lawsuits-2019-9">$3 billion in settlements</a> for misleading advertising related to their products. Purdue Pharma later <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/supreme-court-rejects-bankruptcy-plan-protecting-sacklers-2024-6">filed for bankruptcy</a>, but the Supreme Court struck down a $7 billion bankruptcy plan in June that would have given the Sackler's immunity from future civil suits.Big Tech companies like Meta, Google, and TikTok are usually shielded from liability related to the content users post to their sites by Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act. No matter how harmful the content, tech companies are considered by law the uninvolved host or "intermediary" for the content.Rahmani said that courts examining the 14 new lawsuits against TikTok will focus on whether the company's algorithm is causing harm, not whether it is hosting harmful content."There's a difference between passively allowing people to post, but really what we're talking about is TikTok's algorithm," Rahmani said.On Thursday, NPR reported that over 30 pages of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-lawsuit-algorithm-children-internal-documents-revealed-2024-10">accidentally unredacted court documents</a> detailed some of the findings of the joint investigation into TikTok. Wandt said those documents showed that TikTok "has very intentionally ignored" federal regulations."I think that the types of legal protections we give to social media companies might not protect them if they are found to be lax with some of the federal laws," Wandt said.Still, the biggest loss for TikTok may come in the court of public opinion, Rahmani said.Congress passed a bill in April that requires TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-ban-app-american-us-not-worried-2024-9">find a new owner</a> for the app or face a potential ban in the United States. With the prospect of <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tiktok-ban-app-american-us-not-worried-2024-9">that federal ban looming</a> next year, a slew of federal lawsuits helps shape public opinion and "pressure lawmakers to act," Rahmani said."There's now this narrative: Tiktok isn't about fun, silly dancing. It's dangerously pushing out harmful material for our children," he said. "So that's very different."In a statement to BI, a spokesperson for TikTok said the company "strongly disagrees with these claims, many of which we believe to be inaccurate and misleading." The spokesperson said the company cooperated with the investigation for two years and that " it is incredibly disappointing they have taken this step rather than work with us on constructive solutions to industry-wide challenges.""We're proud of and remain deeply committed to the work we've done to protect teens and we will continue to update and improve our product," the spokesperson said.

New lawsuits against TikTok mirror those against Big Tobacco and Purdue Pharma

In Maharashtra’s Thane district, police have registered a case of alleged fraud involving two construction company owners accused of deceiving a family of ₹1.2 crore. The incident came to light after a 28-year-old woman from Thane’s Rabodi area lodged a complaint against the two accused, who are brothers. The accused allegedly persuaded the woman, her mother, and her sister to invest the substantial sum in their construction company based in Mumbai’s Bandra area. Promises were made of a significant payout within five years or, alternatively, the option of acquiring two or three apartments in the city’s prime real estate zone. According to the complaint, the woman’s family entered the deal on December 31, 2022, convinced by assurances of either a return of ₹3 crore over five years or property options in Bandra. To meet the required investment amount, the family borrowed funds from various sources, entrusting their money with the accused based on the lucrative promises. The police official handling the case noted that the family, enticed by the seemingly profitable terms, had not foreseen the outcome that would follow. In May 2023, however, when the family attempted to reclaim their funds and the anticipated profit, the accused allegedly declined the request. The complainant stated that the brothers not only refused to pay but also reportedly threatened the family, citing powerful connections that would shield them from legal repercussions. This behaviour alarmed the family, leading them to seek legal recourse. The Rabodi police have filed a case against the accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 420 for cheating, Section 406 for criminal breach of trust, and Section 506 for criminal intimidation. Additionally, charges were filed under Section 34, indicating common intention, along with relevant provisions of the Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors Act. The case highlights the dangers that investors may face when lured by high-return promises in unregulated sectors. Fraudulent schemes in real estate and construction have been known to target individuals and families looking for profitable investments, often leaving them with financial losses and emotional distress. Authorities are continuing investigations, with the Rabodi police closely monitoring the case to gather further evidence. This incident is expected to bring more attention to regulatory practices within the real estate industry and underscore the need for stricter oversight to protect potential investors from falling prey to deceitful operators. (with PTI inputs)

Thane family loses Rs 1.2 crore as they get cheated by construction company, details here

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The criminal case against Alec Baldwin over the death of Halyna Hutchins has been dismissed.</li><li>The actor has said he may sue a prosecutor and sheriff over their attempt to prosecute him.</li></ul>The involuntary manslaughter charges against <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/alec-baldwin-reality-show-the-baldwins-hilaria-tlc-rust-shooting-2024-6">Alec Baldwin</a> over the 2021 death of "Rust" cinematographer <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/halyna-hutchins-family-lawsuit-filed-against-alec-baldwin-rust-shooting-2023-2">Halyna Hutchins </a>has been dismissed, but the actor isn't able to put all the legal proceedings behind him just yet.While a New Mexico judge dismissed the case after determining that the state withheld key evidence from Baldwin's defense, the actor still faces civil lawsuits from Hutchins' family.Gloria Allred, an attorney representing Hutchins' parents and sister, said the judge's decision was "in no way, shape, or form an exoneration of him," and vowed "to fight to the end for Halyna Hutchins," <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://variety.com/2024/film/news/alec-baldwin-halyna-hutchins-gloria-allred-lawsuit-1236071092/">Variety</a> reported.Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Allred said the judge's decision did "not change the fact that Alec Baldwin killed Halyna Hutchins on the set of 'Rust.'""It does not change the fact that he fired a loaded gun while pointing it at a human being," she added.Representatives for Baldwin did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.It seems the "30 Rock" star is also considering taking his own legal action, informing a New Mexico state prosecutor and sheriff he may sue them over the withheld evidence in the involuntary manslaughter case.Baldwin's lawyers have sent letters to New Mexico prosecutor Kari Morrissey and Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza asking them to preserve documents for future litigation, according to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/alec-baldwin-says-he-may-sue-prosecutor-sheriff-over-rust-trial-2024-07-17/">Reuters</a>.Hutchins was fatally shot on the set of "Rust" in October 2021 after a prop revolver that Baldwin was holding fired during a rehearsal for the Western movie.The film's director, Joel Souza, was also wounded in the incident.<a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/who-is-hannah-guttierez-reed-rust-armorer-alec-baldwin-shooting-2021-10">Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed</a>, who was responsible for the film's prop weapons, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in March and was later <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.courthousenews.com/armorer-in-fatal-rust-shooting-sentenced-to-18-months/">sentenced</a> to 18 months in prison.On Tuesday, Gutierrez-Reed filed a motion to dismiss her conviction after the involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin were dropped.Baldwin's lawyers have maintained that the actor <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/alec-baldwin-rust-bullet-santa-fe-sheriff-interview-lawyers-filing-2022-3">wasn't aware that the gun contained a live round</a>.Baldwin also said in 2021 that <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/alec-baldwin-says-he-never-pulled-trigger-fatal-rust-shooting-2021-12">he did not pull the trigger on the gun</a>, but according to <a target="_blank" class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.npr.org/2022/08/15/1117577604/alec-baldwin-fbi-report-movie-shooting">an FBI report</a>, it could not have been discharged if the trigger was not pulled.In a statement to NPR in 2022, a lawyer for Baldwin said the FBI's report was "misconstrued" and that the gun was in "poor condition."<div type="image" title="Alec Baldwin hugs his attorney Alex Spiro at the conclusion of his trial for involuntary manslaughter in First Judicial District Court on July 12, 2024 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The trial for involuntary manslaughter was dismissed by a judge Friday after she ruled that key evidence over a fatal shooting on the set of &quot;Rust&quot; had been withheld from the defense." height="3384" width="5128" msid="111840549" hostid="261" sizebytes="591374"></div>The hidden evidence at the heart of Baldwin's trial related to ammunition that his lawyers said prosecutors did not disclose and put under a different case number, The New York Times reported.While prosecutor Morrissey said the ammunition had "no evidentiary value whatsoever," the judge found that it could have explained how live ammo ended up on the set of the movie."There is no way for the court to right this wrong," Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer said during her ruling, per The Times.

Alec Baldwin, who still faces civil lawsuits over the Halyna Hutchins case, says he may sue prosecutor and sheriff over criminal trial

<keyword id="22076991" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="zero-FIR" source="keywords">Zero FIR</keyword>, registration of <keyword id="20092859" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="police-complaints" source="keywords">police complaints</keyword> online, summons through electronic modes and mandatory videography of crime scenes of all heinous crimes are the key highlights of the three new <keyword id="19911888" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="criminal-laws" source="keywords">criminal laws</keyword> that will come into effect from July 1. The <keyword id="19899463" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharatiya-Nyaya-Sanhita" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita">Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita</keyword> 2023, <keyword id="19922249" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharatiya-Nagarik-Suraksha-Sanhita" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita">Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita</keyword> 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 mark a significant step towards empowering Indian citizens and aim to create a more accessible, supportive and efficient <keyword id="20453941" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="justice-system" source="keywords">justice system</keyword> for everyone, official sources said. The new laws, enacted late last year, are set to replace the <keyword id="22189969" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="British-era-Indian-Penal-Code" source="keywords">British-era Indian Penal Code</keyword>, <keyword id="19898813" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Code-of-Criminal-Procedure" source="keywords">Code of Criminal Procedure</keyword> and the Indian Evidence Act respectively. Under the new laws, a person can now report incidents by electronic communication, without the need to physically visit a police station. This allows for easier and quicker reporting, facilitating prompt action by the police, the sources said. With the introduction of zero FIR, a person can file a First Information Report (FIR) at any police station, regardless of jurisdiction. This eliminates delays in initiating legal proceedings and ensures immediate reporting of the offence. Under the new laws, victims will receive a free copy of the FIR, ensuring their participation in the legal process. An interesting addition of the law is that in the event of an arrest, the individual has the right to inform a person of his choice about his or her situation. This will ensure immediate support and assistance to the arrested individual. Besides, arrest details will now be prominently displayed within police stations and district headquarters, allowing families and friends of the arrested person easy access to important information. To strengthen the case and investigations, it has become mandatory for forensic experts to visit crime scenes for serious offences and collect evidence. Additionally, the process of evidence collection at the crime scene will be mandatorily videographed to prevent tampering of evidence. This dual approach significantly enhances the quality and reliability of investigations and contributes to a fair administration of justice, the sources said. The new laws prioritised the investigations for offences against women and children, ensuring timely completion within two months of recording information. Under the new law, victims are entitled to regular updates on the progress of their case within 90 days. This provision keeps the victims informed and involved in the legal process, enhancing transparency and trust. The new laws guarantee free first-aid or medical treatment to victims of crimes against women and children at all hospitals. This provision ensures immediate access to essential medical care, prioritising the well-being and recovery of victims during challenging times. Summons can now be served electronically, expediting the legal processes, reducing paperwork and ensuring efficient communication between all parties involved. For certain offences against women, statements of the victim are to be recorded, as far as practicable, by a woman magistrate and in her absence, by a male magistrate in the presence of a woman to ensure sensitivity and fairness, creating a supportive environment for victims. Both the accused and the victim are entitled to receive copies of the FIR, police report, chargesheet, statements, confessions and other documents within 14 days. Courts grant a maximum of two adjournments to avoid unnecessary delays in case hearings, ensuring timely justice delivery. The new laws mandate all state governments to implement witness protection scheme to ensure the safety and cooperation of witnesses and enhancing the credibility and effectiveness of legal proceedings. The definition of "gender" now includes transgender individuals, promoting inclusivity and equality. By conducting all legal proceedings electronically, the new laws offer convenience to victims, witnesses and accused, thereby streamlining and expediting the entire legal process. In order to provide more protection to the victim and enforce transparency in investigation related to an offence of rape, the statement of the victim shall be recorded through audio video means by the police. Women, persons below 15 years, persons above 60 years and those with disabilities or acute illness are exempt from attending police stations and can receive police assistance at their place of residence. A new chapter has been added in BNS specifically to address offences against women and children, ensuring focused protection and justice. Various offences against women and children have been made gender-neutral in BNS, covering all victims and perpetrators regardless of gender. The new laws introduce community service for minor offences in order to promote personal growth and social responsibility of an individual. Under community service, the offenders get the chance to positively contribute to society, learn from their mistakes and build stronger community bonds. Under the new laws, the fines imposed for certain crimes have been aligned with the severity of the offences, ensuring fair and proportional punishment, deterring future offences and maintaining public trust in the legal system. The legal processes have been simplified to make them easier to understand and follow, ensuring fair and accessible justice. The new laws promise a faster and fair resolution of cases, instilling confidence in the legal system. The legislations were considered and passed by Parliament in its winter session in 2023. Total 37 members of Parliament from Lok Sabha and 40 from Rajya Sabha participated in the debate.

You Searched For "criminal case against aap" and got 12 results

West Bengal bypolls to feature seven candidates with serious criminal cases including murder and kidnapping

BI India Bureau

Plaintiffs in 14 lawsuits call Diddy a rapist. These accusers can clinch or crash his criminal case.

Laura Italiano

New York City taxpayers aren't footing the bill for Eric Adams' criminal corruption case

Jacob Shamsian

People have to fight against dictatorship in country: AAP leader Manish Sisodia

PTI

These Trump loyalists named to roles in the new administration once flocked to a courtroom for his criminal trial

Natalie Musumeci

SC issues directions to HCs for speedy disposal of criminal cases against MPs, MLAs

ANI

Trump still has 4 criminal indictments waiting for him — here's what happens if he wins or loses

Natalie Musumeci,Laura Italia…

Not only does electing “criminal” politicians often lead to an increase in crime in India, it can also be terrible for the economy: study

Ankush Banerjee

New lawsuits against TikTok mirror those against Big Tobacco and Purdue Pharma

Kenneth Niemeyer

Thane family loses Rs 1.2 crore as they get cheated by construction company, details here

BI India Bureau

Alec Baldwin, who still faces civil lawsuits over the Halyna Hutchins case, says he may sue prosecutor and sheriff over criminal trial

Eve Crosbie

New criminals laws will allow citizens to lodge police complaints online, file FIR from any jurisdiction

Ankush Banerjee

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