Cold Wave Grips North India; Supreme Court Gears Up Coal Scam Trials with New Judge

A severe Cold Wave India grips North India, plunging temperatures to near freezing in many cities and disrupting daily life. Schools might see extended vacations due to these freezing temperatures. The Supreme Court also made a key decision, appointing a new judge for Supreme Court coal scam trials. These cases are long-pending. The government also clarified a separate issue, denying requiring mobile source code sharing.

North India Braves Bitter Chill During Cold Wave India

North India is under an intense cold spell, with the ongoing Cold Wave India impacting several states as temperatures plummet. Delhi recorded its coldest January day since 2023, with minimum temperatures hitting 3.2 degrees Celsius, a stark 4.2 degrees below normal. Gurugram in Haryana saw temperatures as low as 0.6 degrees Celsius, while Fatehpur, Rajasthan, even recorded a chilling minus 0.4 degrees Celsius. Many areas experienced frost, and dense fog blankets the region, disrupting flights, trains, and road travel. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings, indicating that cold wave conditions and dense fog are likely to persist for days. Health advisories are in place, urging special care for children and the elderly, while outdoor workers face significant risks, and agriculture may suffer crop damage due to this severe Cold Wave India.

Judicial Push for Coal Scam Justice Amid Cold Wave India

In a move to expedite justice, the Supreme Court appointed a new judge to preside over Supreme Court coal scam trials. Ms. Sunaina Sharma, an officer of the Delhi Higher Judicial Service, will now handle these crucial cases, aiming for continuity and impartiality. This appointment replaces Special CBI Judge Sanjay Bansal, who served for over four and a half years. The Supreme Court considered names from the Delhi High Court for this significant role, underscoring the importance of timely resolution for these matters, even as the Cold Wave India continues to affect daily life.

Background of the Coal Allocation Scam and Cold Wave India

The coal block allocation scam, also known as “Coalgate,” is a major scandal involving the allocation of coal blocks between 1993 and 2010 without competitive bidding. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) estimated losses around ₹1.86 lakh crore. In 2014, the Supreme Court quashed 214 coal block allocations, deeming the process illegal and arbitrary, which led to criminal investigations by the CBI. Special courts were established to handle these cases, with 29 CBI corruption cases currently pending. The persistent Cold Wave India has highlighted various pressing national issues, from extreme weather to the need for efficient legal processes.

Judicial Oversight and Expedited Trials Amidst Cold Wave India

The Supreme Court has retained supervisory jurisdiction over the investigations into the coal block allocation scam and is monitoring trial progress. The appointment of Ms. Sharma signifies a commitment to expediting justice, with intentions for day-to-day hearings to speed up these long-pending cases. This judicial action aims for accountability in resource allocation, a critical aspect of governance that continues to be relevant even during periods of extreme weather like the current Cold Wave India.

Government Denies Source Code Sharing Reports Amidst Cold Wave India

Separately, the government has addressed reports concerning mobile security, denying any plans to mandate source code sharing from smartphone companies. A report claimed India circulated security standards that included demands for source code access. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has refuted this, stating it was inaccurate. The government is engaged in consultations on mobile security with industry stakeholders to understand technical burdens and best practices, and there is no proposal to mandate mobile source code disclosure. This clarification comes as the nation grapples with the effects of the Cold Wave India.

Conclusion on Cold Wave India and Judicial Action

As North India endures a harsh Cold Wave India, the judicial system is actively taking steps to address critical pending legal matters. The Supreme Court’s appointment of a new judge to accelerate Supreme Court coal scam trials is a significant development. Meanwhile, the government has clarified its stance on mobile source code policies. These distinct events, occurring against the backdrop of extreme weather, shape the current news landscape, demonstrating the nation’s resilience and its focus on multiple fronts, from tackling freezing temperatures to ensuring judicial efficiency.