The Chhattisgarh High Court has given the state government a final opportunity to submit its response in the case involving allegations of harassment against suspended IPS officer Ratanlal Dangi. The court has directed the government to place details of the action taken on the complaint before it within one week through an affidavit.

The direction came after the state failed to submit the required information despite an earlier order dated August 12, 2026. The matter was heard by Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad on September 2, with the next hearing scheduled for September 29. 

Court Seeks Written Details of Action Taken

The High Court has asked the state to provide written details of the action taken on the complaint and place them on record through an affidavit within the stipulated seven-day period.

The court has also indicated that failure to comply could result in the officer-in-charge being required to appear personally before the court at the next hearing on September 29. The direction reflects the court's concern over the delay in furnishing the information sought in the case. 

Woman Challenges Investigation Process

The case stems from a complaint by a woman who works as a yoga teacher and whose husband is a police sub-inspector. According to the petition, she has alleged that Dangi engaged in inappropriate conversations and behaviour during online yoga sessions and video calls.

The petitioner has further alleged that after she objected to the alleged conduct, she was threatened with consequences involving her husband, including being implicated in a false criminal case and being transferred to a highly Naxal-affected area.

These are allegations made by the petitioner and have not been established by the court as facts.

Complaint Was Filed in October 2025

According to reports on the proceedings, the woman submitted a complaint to the Director General of Police on October 15, 2025, along with material that she said supported her allegations.

A departmental inquiry was subsequently initiated, with IPS officers Anand Chhabra and Milna Kurre named as investigating officers. Dangi was suspended in March 2026, according to reports on the case. 

The petitioner later approached the High Court, questioning the composition and independence of the investigation.

Demand for Woman Senior IAS Officer

The petitioner has sought a change in the investigation process and requested that the matter be examined by a senior IAS officer, particularly a woman IAS officer.

Her petition raises objections regarding the ranks and positions of the officers conducting the inquiry and questions whether the existing arrangement can ensure an impartial investigation. The petitioner has also sought examination of other complaints made against Dangi.

The allegations and demands remain subject to judicial consideration and responses from the state authorities.

High Court Had Sought Response in August

The High Court had earlier directed the concerned authorities to provide information regarding the action taken on the complaint. However, the required response was not placed before the court within the expected period.

During the September 2 proceedings, the delay prompted the court to grant what reports describe as a final opportunity. Senior police officials have now been given one week to file their response along with an affidavit. 

Next Hearing on September 29

The state's response will now be important for the next stage of the proceedings. If the directions are not complied with within the seven-day period, the officer-in-charge may be required to appear personally before the High Court.

The matter will come up for further hearing on September 29, 2026, when the court is expected to consider the response and the status of action taken on the complaint. 

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday refused to set a specific timeline for completing the trial in the Shraddha Walkar murder case against accused Aaftab Amin Poonawala, noting that proceedings in the case are already being conducted on a day-to-day basis. The court was hearing a petition filed by Walkar's brother seeking directions for an early conclusion of the trial. Justice Madhu Jain observed that the trial court was already making efforts to complete the proceedings as quickly as possible and therefore no additional directions were required at this stage. The petition had sought the High Court's intervention to ensure that the trial, which has remained under close public attention, reaches its conclusion without unnecessary delay.

During the hearing, Justice Jain took note of the manner in which proceedings were being conducted before the trial court. The High Court observed that the lower court was making “every endeavour” to conclude the matter at the earliest and that hearings were already taking place on a daily basis. In view of this, the court found no reason to impose a separate deadline. “It is clear that the trial court is making every endeavour to conclude the trial as soon as possible. No further directions are required as the trial is going on a day to day basis,” Justice Jain said. The observation effectively means that the existing pace of proceedings will continue without a High Court-mandated date by which the trial must be completed.

The petition had been moved by Shraddha Walkar's brother with the objective of securing an early conclusion to the proceedings against Aaftab Amin Poonawala. However, the High Court's order makes clear that it is satisfied, for now, with the steps being taken by the trial court. Rather than setting a fixed deadline, Justice Jain allowed the day-to-day trial process to continue. The material provided does not specify how many witnesses have been examined so far, how much evidence remains to be recorded or when the trial court is expected to deliver its final decision. With the High Court declining to issue further directions, the focus will remain on the ongoing proceedings before the trial court and its efforts to bring the case to a conclusion at the earliest possible stage.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken a stern view of the state government's failure to implement its judgment striking down 100% reservation for women in nursing college teaching posts. The court has issued contempt notices to the State Health Secretary Amit Kataria and Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) Secretary D. Rahul Venkat for allegedly ignoring its directions for nearly three years.

The division bench had earlier declared exclusive reservation for women in nursing college faculty recruitment unconstitutional and directed the state to allow eligible male candidates to participate in the selection process. Despite the ruling, the recruitment process has not been revised, prompting aggrieved candidates to move the High Court through a contempt petition.

Recruitment Rule Challenged

The dispute dates back to December 8, 2021, when the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission issued a recruitment notification for the posts of Demonstrator and Assistant Professor in government nursing colleges.

Under Rule 5 and Schedule-III of the 2013 recruitment rules, only women candidates were permitted to apply, effectively excluding qualified male nursing graduates from the selection process.

Male Candidates Approached High Court

A group of petitioners, including Abhay Kumar Kispotta, Dr. Ajay Tripathi, Elyus Ekka, and Aditya Singh, challenged the recruitment rules before the High Court in 2021.

The petitioners argued that both men and women are admitted to B.Sc. Nursing and M.Sc. Nursing courses without discrimination. Therefore, preventing male candidates from applying for teaching positions after completing the same qualifications violated the constitutional guarantee of equality.

Government Defended Women-Only Policy

During the hearing, the state government defended the policy by arguing that nursing services are largely provided by women and cited Article 15(3) of the Constitution, which allows the state to make special provisions for women and children.

However, the High Court held that reserving 100% of teaching posts exclusively for women was unconstitutional and directed the authorities to modify the recruitment process to include male candidates.

Court Order Yet to Be Implemented

According to the contempt petition, despite the High Court's ruling in March 2023, the Health Department and the Directorate of Medical Education have not amended the recruitment rules or issued a revised advertisement permitting male applicants.

The petition also states that six days after the judgment, on March 15, 2023, the CGPSC Deputy Secretary wrote to the Medical Education Department seeking revised recruitment proposals to proceed with fresh appointments. Despite the communication and subsequent representations by candidates, no corrective action was taken.

Contractual Recruitment Sparks Fresh Dispute

Instead of initiating regular recruitment in compliance with the High Court's order, the Medical Education Department issued a fresh advertisement on June 22, 2026, inviting applications on a contractual basis for the posts of Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, and Demonstrator in government nursing colleges.

The move prompted the petitioners to file a contempt plea, alleging deliberate non-compliance with the court's earlier directions.

Taking note of the allegations, the High Court has now issued contempt notices to the Health Secretary and the CGPSC Secretary. The matter has been listed for further hearing after five weeks, during which the state government is expected to explain why the court's directions remain unimplemented.

The outcome of the case is likely to have significant implications for future recruitment in government nursing colleges and could determine whether male nursing professionals receive equal opportunities in teaching positions across Chhattisgarh.

he incident has drawn widespread attention because the criminal case remains pending, while the couple has now entered into a legally recognised marriage through judicial permission.

According to officials, the couple had been in a relationship for a considerable period after meeting while working together at a petrol pump in Jagdalpur. The woman alleged that the man had promised to marry her but later refused after facing opposition from his family. Following the breakdown of their relationship, she lodged a complaint at Parpa police station accusing him of establishing physical relations on the false promise of marriage.

The case was registered under relevant provisions, including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The accused was arrested and has remained lodged in Jagdalpur Central Jail for nearly seven months.

During his incarceration, the woman continued to visit him in jail. Over time, both expressed their willingness to marry and jointly approached the court seeking permission to solemnise their marriage despite the pending criminal proceedings.

After considering their application, the Special Court permitted the wedding to be conducted in accordance with prison rules. Acting on the judicial order, jail authorities arranged the ceremony within the premises of Jagdalpur Central Jail.

A temporary wedding pavilion was set up inside the prison, where the couple performed the traditional Hindu marriage rituals in the presence of lawyers, police officials, prison authorities and family members from both sides. One police constable performed the ceremonial role of kanyadaan during the wedding.

After completing the marriage rituals and exchanging seven traditional vows, the groom was escorted back to his barrack because his release depends on the outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings. Jail officials clarified that the marriage does not automatically affect the criminal case, which will continue under due process of law.

Speaking after the ceremony, the woman said the relationship had begun with mutual affection while they worked together and that she had filed the complaint after feeling abandoned when the marriage proposal was rejected. According to her, the criminal case had severely affected her social standing, but subsequent discussions between the two eventually led to reconciliation.

The groom also acknowledged that both had been in a relationship before the dispute arose. He said they ultimately decided to resolve their differences and proceed with marriage after discussions involving lawyers and family members.

Advocate Avadhesh Jha, who represented the couple, said both individuals had voluntarily submitted a joint application before the Special Court seeking permission to marry. Since both are adults and expressed their willingness to enter into the marriage without coercion, the court directed jail authorities to facilitate the ceremony in accordance with prison regulations.

Jail Superintendent S.L. Nair described it as the first wedding to be conducted inside Jagdalpur Central Jail. He said the prison administration implemented the court's directions after completing all necessary formalities.

The case has generated debate because it combines a pending rape prosecution with a subsequent consensual marriage between the complainant and the accused. Legal experts note that while courts may permit marriage between consenting adults, such permission does not automatically determine the outcome of a criminal case. The judicial process will continue independently based on the evidence placed before the court.

The unusual sequence of events—from a workplace relationship to criminal litigation and finally a marriage inside a correctional facility—has made the case one of the most widely discussed legal developments in Bastar in recent days.

A 65-year-old woman has been arrested in Karnataka's Chikkaballapur district for allegedly performing a black magic ritual inside a courtroom in an attempt to secure a favourable verdict in a pending family civil dispute. The incident, which reportedly took place on July 9, came to light after court officials reviewed CCTV footage and lodged a police complaint.

The accused, identified as Manjula, was produced before a local court after her arrest and has been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody. Police said they are also investigating whether any other person was involved in the alleged act.

Mustard Seeds Found on Judge's Desk

According to the police, the incident occurred at around 9:40 am inside the courtroom of the First Additional Senior Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate First Class in Chikkaballapur.

Investigators alleged that the woman entered the courtroom during working hours and scattered white mustard seeds, believed to have been used in a ritual associated with black magic, on the judge's chair and the dais.

Court staff later noticed the mustard seeds on the judge's desk, prompting officials to examine CCTV footage installed inside the courtroom.

CCTV Footage Led to Identification

The court administration stated that CCTV footage allegedly captured the woman entering the open courtroom and placing the mustard seeds around the judge's chair.

Following the discovery, the Chief Administrative Officer of the court lodged a formal complaint with the Chikkaballapur Town Police, based on which a criminal case was registered.

Police subsequently traced and arrested the accused.

Investigation Underway

Officials said preliminary questioning indicated that the woman allegedly believed the ritual would influence the outcome of a family-related civil case pending before the court.

Police, however, are continuing their investigation to determine whether she acted alone or if anyone encouraged or assisted her in carrying out the alleged ritual.

Authorities have not disclosed additional details about the pending civil case.

Similar Incident Reported in Delhi

The incident has drawn comparisons with a case reported last year at Delhi's Tis Hazari Court, where a doctor facing a murder trial allegedly scattered rice grains inside a courtroom before proceedings began.

The act disrupted court proceedings for nearly 20 minutes, with some lawyers describing it as an attempt at black magic or witchcraft. The presiding judge imposed a ₹2,000 fine on the accused and remanded him to court custody for one day before he paid the penalty.

Case Under Judicial Process

The Karnataka Police have said the investigation remains in progress and further action will depend on the evidence collected during the probe.

Meanwhile, the accused will remain in judicial custody as investigators examine all aspects of the case, including the motive behind the alleged ritual and whether it involved any larger conspiracy.

Taking suo motu cognisance of the recent electrocution deaths of a former village sarpanch and her two sons in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur district, the Chhattisgarh High Court has sought detailed affidavits from the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) and the state Energy Department regarding measures to prevent such incidents.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal treated media reports on the incident as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and directed the Managing Director of CSPDCL and the Principal Secretary of the Energy Department to explain the existing safety mechanisms, inspection protocols and preventive measures related to electrical infrastructure across the state.

Court Raises Public Safety Concerns

The High Court observed that deaths caused by electrically charged fencing have become a recurring concern in Chhattisgarh. Farmers and property owners often install live electric fencing around agricultural fields, farmhouses and residential premises to protect crops, livestock and property. However, such illegal practices have repeatedly resulted in fatal accidents involving unsuspecting people.

The bench remarked that the issue extends beyond human safety, affecting domestic animals and wildlife as well, making it a matter of broader public safety and environmental concern.

Criminal Cases Alone Not Enough

During the hearing, the court noted that merely registering criminal cases against those responsible after accidents is insufficient. The repeated occurrence of similar incidents indicates the need for a comprehensive and long-term preventive framework.

The judges stressed that authorities must establish effective monitoring systems, regular inspections and accountability mechanisms to minimise electrocution-related fatalities across the state.

Questions on Policy and SOP

The High Court has directed that the Managing Director of CSPDCL be formally impleaded as a respondent in the PIL. It has also sought clarification from the state government on whether a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) or any specific policy currently exists to prevent deaths caused by illegal electric fencing and unsafe electrical infrastructure.

If no such policy exists, the court has instructed the authorities to specify the proposed timeline for formulating and implementing one. The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for July 23.

Incident Triggering Court Action

The court's intervention follows the deaths of a former woman sarpanch and her two sons in Bhadam village of Kota block after they allegedly came in contact with an electrified fence while working in their agricultural field.

The tragic incident prompted widespread concern over the growing number of electrocution deaths in rural areas.

Eight Deaths in Two Months

According to reports placed before the court, Bilaspur district has witnessed at least eight electrocution-related deaths over the past two months. Residents have also raised concerns over sagging power lines, deteriorating electrical infrastructure and inadequate preventive action by authorities.

While the power department has largely issued public advisories urging caution, the High Court indicated that stronger institutional measures are necessary to prevent future tragedies.

The matter comes even as another case concerning the state's electricity infrastructure remains pending before the High Court.

Bail Rejected Four Times

A court in Rewa has once again rejected the bail plea of YouTuber Manish Patel, marking the fourth consecutive legal setback for the social media creator. The latest rejection came late on Thursday, effectively blocking any possibility of relief for the next 20 days, as per legal procedures. Patel, who has over 4 million followers, was arrested earlier this week following a complaint over offensive social media posts targeting the Brahmin community.

Judicial Magistrate Panna Nagesh had turned down his bail application on 28 May. This was followed by a dismissal from the court of Fourth Additional Sessions Judge R.K. Sharma on 30 May. Earlier, both the district court and the high court had also refused to grant him any relief.

Social Media Tensions

The arrest has triggered sharp reactions across Rewa and the Vindhya region. While some social groups have welcomed the action, others have gathered in support of the YouTuber. Several organisations from Uttar Pradesh have announced on social media that they will march to Rewa to show solidarity with Patel.

Local authorities confirmed that certain WhatsApp groups and other platforms have been used to circulate messages that could worsen social divisions. Police said they are monitoring posts that include calls to boycott specific communities and their businesses.

Police Advisory Issued

In response, Rewa police issued an advisory urging citizens to stay away from misleading or provocative content. “Social media groups are being closely watched. Anyone found sharing material that disturbs public order will face legal action,” an officer said, quoting from the advisory.

The police have also asked users to delete and not forward any posts or messages that could spread hatred. “Sensational claims, unclear photos, or old videos are often used to provoke. Do not trust such information without verification,” the advisory added.

‘Rewa Chalo’ Call Grows

Support for Patel appears to be consolidating in certain quarters, with calls for a ‘Rewa Chalo’ campaign gaining traction online. Messages circulating on social media urge supporters to gather in large numbers in Rewa. Meanwhile, the police have said they are prepared to handle any law and order situation that may arise from such mobilisation.

Criminal Record

According to advocate Vivek Mishra, who is the complainant in the case, Patel has several criminal cases registered against him since 2016. These include incidents of mobile phone theft, assault, and other charges at various police stations, including University, Civil Lines, and Samaan. In one case, Mishra claimed, Patel remained a fugitive for a long time, leading to a permanent warrant.

Legal Provisions

Legal experts pointed out that the action falls under specific provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Advocate B.K. Mala explained that sections 196(1)(A) and 353(3) deal with acts that promote enmity or hatred between groups. Offences under these sections can lead to imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.

The high court, while earlier rejecting Patel’s anticipatory bail, had noted that the content was created deliberately. As of late evening, Patel remained in judicial custody. Officials said the investigation is ongoing and more digital evidence is being examined.

A Bhopal court on Wednesday rejected a plea seeking a second postmortem of actress and model Twisha Sharma, whose death under suspicious circumstances has triggered widespread public attention in Madhya Pradesh. The court, however, directed police to preserve the body in a mortuary facility capable of preventing decomposition for an extended period.

Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh government has decided to write to the Centre seeking a CBI investigation into the case. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav also assured Twisha Sharma’s family that the state would support further legal proceedings, including arrangements to shift the body to AIIMS Delhi if ordered by the court.

Court Rejects Second Postmortem

The order was passed by Judge Anudita Gupta’s court in Bhopal after hearing arguments related to the demand for a second postmortem examination outside the state. In its observation, the court stated that allowing a second postmortem in another state did not fall within its jurisdiction. The court also noted that the first postmortem conducted at AIIMS Bhopal followed due procedure and there was no evidence on record indicating collusion between doctors and the accused. The court said suspicion alone could not justify ordering another postmortem examination at this stage.

Body Preservation Ordered

While rejecting the plea, the court instructed the Katara Hills police station SHO to ensure proper preservation of the body. The order highlighted concerns regarding the existing mortuary facility at AIIMS Bhopal, where the body is reportedly being stored at minus 4 degrees Celsius, allowing preservation for only four to five days. The court observed that long-term preservation would require storage at nearly minus 80 degrees Celsius to prevent decomposition. Twisha Sharma’s family has now indicated that they will approach the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking permission for a second postmortem at AIIMS Delhi.

CM Assures Family Support

Twisha Sharma’s father Navnidhi Sharma met Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav in Bhopal along with a group of retired armed forces personnel. During the meeting, the Chief Minister reportedly assured the family of all possible assistance from the state government. He also stated that the government would facilitate transportation of the body to Delhi if the High Court orders a second postmortem. The state government additionally plans to request a CBI investigation into the case through an official communication to the Centre.

Bail Cancellation Plea Planned

The Madhya Pradesh government is also expected to file an application seeking cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to Twisha Sharma’s mother-in-law, retired judge Giribala Singh. Twisha’s family has accused Giribala Singh and husband Samarth Singh of dowry harassment and linked them to the actress’s death. The family has separately written to Governor Mangubhai Patel demanding removal of Giribala Singh from her current position in the district consumer forum, arguing that an accused in a dowry death case should not continue in office.

Husband Still Absconding

Bhopal Police has issued a lookout notice against Twisha Sharma’s husband Samarth Singh, who remains absconding. Police Commissioner Sanjay Singh said a Special Investigation Team is probing the matter from every possible angle and efforts to trace the accused are ongoing. Authorities have also increased the reward for information leading to Samarth Singh’s arrest from Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000. The court has directed Samarth Singh to appear before it on May 23 and present his side in the matter.

Questions Over Investigation

The case has sparked debate over forensic procedures and handling of evidence during the initial postmortem process. According to information emerging from the investigation, the belt allegedly used in the hanging incident was not brought to AIIMS Bhopal during the postmortem examination. As a result, forensic experts could not scientifically compare the ligature marks on Twisha’s neck with the alleged object used. Police officials have maintained that preliminary findings indicate suicide and that the neck injuries appear consistent with hanging. However, Twisha Sharma’s family has pointed to injury marks found on her body and continues to allege dowry harassment and foul play.

National Attention On Case

The National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and sought an Action Taken Report from the Madhya Pradesh government within seven days. The commission has asked officials to provide details regarding FIR provisions, CCTV footage, forensic evidence, call records and measures taken to ensure safety of the family. Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha has also written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav seeking a CBI probe into the actress’s death. Retired armed forces personnel additionally organised a motorcycle rally in Bhopal demanding an impartial investigation into the Twisha Sharma death case.

The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak investigation has taken a major turn after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) presented shocking allegations in court, claiming that a senior botany teacher appointed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) was actively involved in the conspiracy. The accused, Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, has been sent to 14 days of CBI custody by the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi, marking a significant escalation in one of India’s most sensitive examination fraud cases.

According to the CBI, the accused was not just a passive participant but a key figure in the alleged paper leak network. Investigators claim that Mandhare, who is based in Pune, had professional expertise in biology and was directly involved in translating NEET question papers. This access, combined with her alleged association with other suspects, has raised serious concerns about internal vulnerabilities within the examination system.

The agency informed the court that Mandhare worked closely with other accused individuals, including Professor P.V. Kulkarni and consultant Manisha Waghmare. Together, they are suspected of planning and executing a coordinated strategy to access and distribute confidential examination material. The CBI argued that this was not an isolated incident but part of a structured network designed to compromise the integrity of one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations.

During the court hearing, the CBI made another startling claim: Mandhare allegedly handed over parts of the question paper to another accused named Shubham. Investigators believe this transfer played a crucial role in spreading the leaked content further through unauthorized channels. The agency has stated that the investigation is still ongoing across multiple states, and custodial interrogation is necessary to uncover the full extent of the network.

The role of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is responsible for conducting major entrance exams in India, has also come under scrutiny. Officials appointed Mandhare as a senior subject expert in botany, which allegedly gave her access to sensitive materials. This has raised serious questions about the vetting process and internal security protocols used by exam authorities.

CBI officials emphasized in court that the accused’s specialization in translation work was a critical factor in the case. Since NEET question papers often undergo linguistic and technical processing, experts like Mandhare are given access under strict confidentiality agreements. However, investigators believe this trust may have been misused to facilitate the leak.

The Rouse Avenue Court, after hearing arguments from both sides, agreed with the CBI’s request for custody. The court stated that the seriousness of the allegations and the need for deeper investigation justified granting 14 days of remand. The accused will now be interrogated further to determine her exact role and connections within the alleged network.

Sources from the investigation suggest that the CBI is examining digital evidence, financial transactions, and communication records linked to multiple suspects. The agency is also tracking whether the leaked material was distributed through coaching networks, private tutoring groups, or online platforms.

The NEET paper leak case has once again brought attention to the recurring issue of examination security in India. Over the past few years, several high-profile exam leaks have raised concerns among students and parents about fairness and transparency in competitive testing systems. The latest allegations have intensified demands for stronger safeguards and technological upgrades.

Education experts say that if internal experts involved in exam preparation are found guilty, it could point to systemic weaknesses rather than isolated wrongdoing. The alleged involvement of a subject specialist in such a sensitive role highlights the need for stricter background verification and monitoring mechanisms.

Meanwhile, student communities across the country have expressed frustration and anxiety over the ongoing investigation. For many aspirants, NEET represents a critical gateway to medical education, and any compromise in its integrity directly affects thousands of futures.

As the investigation continues, the CBI is expected to expand its probe into multiple states and examine whether a larger syndicate is involved. Officials have indicated that more arrests could follow as digital and financial trails are analyzed in detail.

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