Supreme Court orders arrest of murder accused; BJP protests festival restrictions

The Supreme Court of India has directed Haryana police to arrest and produce a murder accused named Vishal before the court. The order follows allegations that Vishal held a ‘victory procession’ after being granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court and has been intimidating witnesses. The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, noted that a non-bailable warrant issued in August had not yet been executed.

In Karnataka, leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have criticized the Congress-led state government over restrictions placed on Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Former Union Minister Pralhad Joshi accused police of intimidating youth involved in festival committees in T. Narasipura, calling for the suspension of the involved inspector. BJP leader R. Ashok further alleged that the government is imposing unnecessary restrictions on religious processions and firecrackers, accusing the administration of appeasement politics.