Must India fight a ‘third war of Independence’and will lawyers be at the vanguard?

Google Search for Web:

Kajal Agrawal

Error validating access token: Session has expired on Sunday, 31-Mar-24 00:00:14 PDT. The current time is Thursday, 23-Jan-25 19:47:24 PST.

Must India fight a ‘third war of Independence’and will lawyers be at the vanguard? ^Featured

Super User 23 August 2020

Rate this item

(0 votes)

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Many years ago, I had occasion to meet several esteemed lawyers who had put up a fierce resistance to the Emergency. They not only protested on the streets but took up every case, small and big, to fight against the authorities in court.

One of these lawyers then had told me, “It is not the judges or the journalists but lawyers like us who kept up the fight relentlessly and never gave a moment's rest to the authorities. Without that resistance, the Emergency may not have been overturned.”

This lawyer had lamented that he had been disappointed by several Supreme Court justices, including a prominent one from Maharashtra, usually a progressive state which always shook off the shackles of bondage. “But there were enough among the lower rungs of the judiciary who held the Constutution supreme and remained our hope throughout those months,” he said.

This lawyer could be facing a sense of dèja vu as he finds the higher judiciary today caving in to a virtual and unending Emergency in the country. It took only 24 days for the Supreme Court to hold Prashant Bhushan guilty of contempt when it has been taking them months and years to even hear so many other important cases – like petitions against the Citizenship Amendment Act or the continuing incarceration of former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mebooba Mufti for no valid reason.

I have my own bone to pick with Bhushan – some years ago he teamed up with the fascist forces and for all his erudition and courage failed to see how they were leading India into the dark ages. It has taken years to recognise that these dark forces do not need an ‘official’ and ‘Constitutional’ Emergency to bend journalists or judges to their will but now, like the advocate from the Emergency days, I am beginning to think that lawyers like Bhushan – and there are many more of them battling the authorities – might become the bane of their existence and not allow all their evil designs to succed.

Bhushan's refusal to apologise and rethink his statement or move for a reconciliation or otherwise give in, quoting Mahatma Gandhi on taking his punishment cheerfully, I believe, could yet prove the first major strike towards the restoration of democratic processes and bringing its revered institutions back on an even keel.

Gandhiji's defiance of the British every step of the way confounded the authorities of that time. I am sure today's authorities have found Bhushan equally confounding. In fact, like Bhushan, we all need to return to the Mahatma Gandhi’s brand of defiance and passive resistance – and in view of this government's previous attempts to deny us basic rights, as in the Citizenship Laws, disobedience rather than contesting them in the courts.

For today that estate of democracy is as much on the side of the government as the institution was with the British during the freedom movement. We know how Gandhiji broke the salt law by cocking a snook at a British judge in Ahmedabad court, who famously forbade him from undertaking the salt march.

But we must also remember that the first strike for Independence began from Champaran in Bihar where Gandhi defied magisterial orders to visit the district and, when hauled up before the court, admitted he had broken the ban order and was admitting to it not to seek mercy or clemency but to accept whatever punishment the court deemed fit. It left the British grinding their teeth and I wonder how many people then realised that British rule in India had just been delivered a body blow and would soon come to an end.

Prashant Bhushan is no Mahatma Gandhi and only recently has collaborated with fascist forces as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru would never have done. But given the times he and others like him may well be given the benefit of the doubt for being taken in by certain elements and trusting them to give us a Ram Rajya.

Now faced with the asuras of democracy, people are slowly waking up to what they lost when they voted the UPA out of power in 2014. The Congress restored democracy after the Emergency that lasted 18 months and lost the election thereafter, allowed the judiciary its independence even when the judgments were unfair and not to their liking, did not threaten or murder independent judges, did not politicise the army, did not go against the Constitution as in the abrogation of Article 370 and did not treat any one as a second class citizen.

I do not believe anyone could have fathomed the extent of lies, crony capitalism, violence and mauling of democratic institutions this regime would go to retain power. Before and after the Emergency we may have faulted the government on various issues but never for turning India into a travesty of its full bodied and full-blooded republican ideals and moorings. The first bugle has been sounded for the restoration of democracy. We must all help fight the third war for Independence.

Read 2082 times

Tagged under

News

Super User

Latest from Super User

Related items

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu detained yet again on way to meet deceased scribe’s family
in National

UPCC president Ajay Lallu, along with party workers, was detained in Rae Bareli on Tuesday while he was on his way to Ballia to meet the family of journalist Ratan Singh, who was shot dead on Monday

Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) president Ajay Kumar Lallu, along with party workers, was detained in Rae Bareli on Tuesday while he was on his way to Ballia to meet the family of journalist Ratan Singh, who was shot dead on Monday night.

The vehicles in which Lallu and other party workers were travelling were stopped by the police. After this, the Congress leaders began walking towards Ballia and were again detained in Salon by the police.This, according to Congress sources, is the 23rd time that Ajay Kumar Lallu has been prevented from reaching his destination by the state police.

Earlier this month, Lallu was detained while going to Bansgaon in Azamgarh to meet the family of a Dalit sarpanch who had been killed.In May this year, he was arrested in Agra and sent to jail for almost three weeks for 'misguiding the government on the issue of buses for migrants.'

Watch: Farooq Abdullah joins in singing …
23-01-2025
Farooq Abdullah, former Jammu and Kashmir CM, attended a religious event at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, advocating for local residents protesting the ropeway project in Katra. He emphasized the significance...
Read more

Authorities issue forest fire warning fo…
23-01-2025
Read more

Jalgaon incident 'unusual', says Railway…
23-01-2025
Railways has launched a high-level investigation into the Jalgaon train incident that led to passenger deaths caused by the Karnataka Express. The probe, by a five-member committee, will focus on...
Read more

HC acquits man convicted by Pocso court …
23-01-2025
Bombay HC's Nagpur bench overturned a Pocso court's conviction of a father for sexually assaulting his daughter, citing lack of evidence and potential motive due to the father's disapproval of...
Read more

Unwelcome office behaviour is sexual har…
23-01-2025
Madras high court holds that the act of sexual harassment at the workplace is more significant than the intention behind it. The court emphasized that unwelcome behavior, regardless of the...
Read more

Brand bar lifted, Kolkata's yellow 'king…
23-01-2025
Kolkata's yellow taxis will continue to operate, though not limited to the iconic Ambassador model. New rules allow all light commercial vehicles with taxi permits to be painted yellow, preserving...
Read more

Saif Ali Khan stabbing: I’ll raise Shari…
23-01-2025
Shariful Fakir's father claims his son was wrongfully arrested for allegedly stabbing actor Saif Ali Khan during a burglary in Mumbai. He argues Shariful doesn't match the CCTV footage and...
Read more

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri to visit …
23-01-2025
India's foreign secretary Vikram Misri is set to visit Beijing for high-level talks as part of efforts to normalize relations post the Oct 21 disengagement agreement. The discussions will cover...
Read more

Mystery deaths in Rajouri could be due t…
23-01-2025
In Rajouri district, Jammu & Kashmir, a mysterious illness has resulted in 17 deaths, potentially due to toxins. Union minister Jitendra Singh confirms ongoing investigations to identify the toxin type...
Read more

Govt notice to Ola, Uber over 'different…
23-01-2025
Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notices to cab aggregators Uber and Ola for allegedly charging different fares based on mobile operating systems. This action follows a report showing...
Read more

SC says fake advocates a serious issue, …
23-01-2025
The Supreme Court expressed concern over the slow pace of verifying law degrees of advocates, fearing 20% of 1.5 million lawyers in India might have fake credentials. The Bar Council...
Read more

Delhi HC lacks jurisdiction to hear copy…
23-01-2025
OpenAI, backed by Microsoft and creator of ChatGPT, challenges Delhi HC's jurisdiction in a copyright lawsuit by ANI. OpenAI argues it lacks an Indian presence and cannot delete ANI's data...
Read more

Defence ministry to hold talks with Maza…
23-01-2025
India is one step closer to finalizing 'Project-75 India' for acquiring six new diesel-electric submarines, as the defence ministry opens the commercial bid submitted by Mazagon Docks and German company...
Read more

Crypto scam: Payment gateways Paytm, Raz…
23-01-2025
Razorpay, PayU, Easebuzz, and Paytm are under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate for their alleged involvement in a cryptocurrency scam led by 10 Chinese nationals via the HPZ Token app...
Read more

Amid opposition demand, Waqf JPC to meet…
23-01-2025
The JPC on Waqf Amendment Bill has revised its schedule and will now have meetings on Friday and Monday, as opposed to the initial Friday and Saturday plan. The opposition...
Read more

All 'ideological tasks' completed in 10 …
23-01-2025
Home Minister Amit Shah highlights the Modi government's achievements in the last decade, including the nullification of Article 370, construction of the Ram temple, and the abolition of triple talaq...
Read more

Sharad Pawar, nephew Ajit in closed-door…
23-01-2025
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar met his uncle, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, in a closed-door meeting at Vasantdada Sugar Institute after nearly two years of their split. Post the...
Read more

Netaji's unity ideals key to Viksit Bhar…
23-01-2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges youth to draw inspiration from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and work towards building a united, developed India. Emphasizing unity, he cautions against divisive forces while...
Read more

ED attaches TN minister's Rs 1.3 crore a…
23-01-2025
ED has attached properties worth Rs 1.3 crore belonging to Anitha R Radhakrishnan, Tamil Nadu's fisheries minister, over money laundering allegations. The probe revealed Rs 17.7 crore proceeds of crime...
Read more

Leopard hit by train dies in Gujarat
23-01-2025
A three-year-old female leopard was killed by a train while crossing a rail bridge near Orsang Gamdi village in Gujarat's Dabhoi taluka at around 7am. This is the second such...
Read more
Cong Mulls Appointing 2 Vice-Prez to Assist Sonia Gandhi as Leaders Seek 'Active, Visible' Leadership
in National

For the past few days, a handful of Congress leaders have been preparing for the Congress Working Committee meeting.

It’s to be a departure from recent past and instead of Zoom, it will now be using WebEx for video conferencing the meet to tide over the fear of hacking. The last time Sonia Gandhi met Rajya Sabha MPs, the incident left a bad experience. So this time, the Congress is taking no chances and the ID for the meeting will be given to the participants just before it begins.

Ironically, the fear of leak or hacking is not from China, Pakistan or even the BJP. It’s from within the party as the Congress faces a crisis of leadership and voices that were silent or reticent till now have started becoming vocal. At such a time, the last thing the top Congress leadership would want is for their internal strife to be made public.

However, the change in the means of conducting the meeting cannot put a lid on the crisis that the CWC could address. The biggest problem remains that of leadership. Most leaders in private and, some publicly, have complained that Congress has lost its steam; that it cannot fight the Modi juggernaut and the listlessness means soon Congress could be eased out of the national narrative. Apart from many leaving the party, those who stayed behind and are with the Congress often wonder what’s happening.

Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari and Rajiv Satav are a few who have raised their voice against this.

The problem before Sonia Gandhi remains the reluctance of Rahul Gandhi to take charge. When recently, a year-old interview of Priyanka Vadra to a book surfaced in which she said she agreed with her brother on a non-Gandhi Congress president, there were alarm bells in the party. The Congress officially made a statement to say the old interview was being used to push an agenda and party workers and leaders accept Rahul Gandhi as their leader.

At the CWC, it’s quite possible more voices may come up asking for Rahul Gandhi to take charge as it’s clear that Sonia Gandhi wants to hand over the reins. But what if he remains adamant? There is a proposal in place which could be implemented.

There could be appointment of more than two vice-presidents to assist Sonia Gandhi. This is to address the concern that Congress needs a full-time president. But such an appointment could also ensure that Gandhis remain in control and the party continues to be headed by one of them, in this case Sonia Gandhi. Names which are doing the rounds are of Ghulam Nabi Azad, P Chidambaram and Mallikarjun Kharge, but it’s quite possible that young leaders could be propped up.

This apart, many new faces could be brought in for key posts and most of them are perceived to be close to Rahul Gandhi. Sushmita Dev and Manickam Tagore are some names doing the rounds.

It would also be interesting to see whether Sachin Pilot is brought to the centre. While Pilot has made it clear that he sees Rajasthan as his ‘karam bhumi’ and CM Ashok Gehlot doesn’t want to leave the state yet, the Congress leadership could bring in Pilot to buy time till the committee submits its report.

The caveat for all this is, of course, that the Congress needs to have the urge to solve this turmoil. For now, the restlessness becomes tough to ignore. Some like Jitin Prasada have formed a Brahmin Samaj and this is to capitalise on the 12% Brahmin vote bank which his party doesn’t seem to be concentrating on. Clearly, he wants to ensure that his politics stays alive.

Few others who don’t want to leave the Congress are looking at ways to stay relevant. But the list of disillusioned leaders is long and growing, and many of these have at one point been influential or important in the scheme of things such as Milind Deora, Veerappa Moily, Anand Sharma, Ashwini Kumar, Salman Khurshid.

Some chose to leave the party, like Jyotiraditya Scindia, some fought back and continue to do so like Sachin Pilot. But as new leaders are being propped up and Rahul Gandhi has his favourites, many feel left out and yet, want to stay in the party. The CWC brings some hope to them that things could change. But will the Congress and CWC once again shy away from taking a decision?

Watch: Farooq Abdullah joins in singing …
23-01-2025
Farooq Abdullah, former Jammu and Kashmir CM, attended a religious event at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, advocating for local residents protesting the ropeway project in Katra. He emphasized the significance...
Read more

Authorities issue forest fire warning fo…
23-01-2025
Read more

Jalgaon incident 'unusual', says Railway…
23-01-2025
Railways has launched a high-level investigation into the Jalgaon train incident that led to passenger deaths caused by the Karnataka Express. The probe, by a five-member committee, will focus on...
Read more

HC acquits man convicted by Pocso court …
23-01-2025
Bombay HC's Nagpur bench overturned a Pocso court's conviction of a father for sexually assaulting his daughter, citing lack of evidence and potential motive due to the father's disapproval of...
Read more

Unwelcome office behaviour is sexual har…
23-01-2025
Madras high court holds that the act of sexual harassment at the workplace is more significant than the intention behind it. The court emphasized that unwelcome behavior, regardless of the...
Read more

Brand bar lifted, Kolkata's yellow 'king…
23-01-2025
Kolkata's yellow taxis will continue to operate, though not limited to the iconic Ambassador model. New rules allow all light commercial vehicles with taxi permits to be painted yellow, preserving...
Read more

Saif Ali Khan stabbing: I’ll raise Shari…
23-01-2025
Shariful Fakir's father claims his son was wrongfully arrested for allegedly stabbing actor Saif Ali Khan during a burglary in Mumbai. He argues Shariful doesn't match the CCTV footage and...
Read more

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri to visit …
23-01-2025
India's foreign secretary Vikram Misri is set to visit Beijing for high-level talks as part of efforts to normalize relations post the Oct 21 disengagement agreement. The discussions will cover...
Read more

Mystery deaths in Rajouri could be due t…
23-01-2025
In Rajouri district, Jammu & Kashmir, a mysterious illness has resulted in 17 deaths, potentially due to toxins. Union minister Jitendra Singh confirms ongoing investigations to identify the toxin type...
Read more

Govt notice to Ola, Uber over 'different…
23-01-2025
Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notices to cab aggregators Uber and Ola for allegedly charging different fares based on mobile operating systems. This action follows a report showing...
Read more

SC says fake advocates a serious issue, …
23-01-2025
The Supreme Court expressed concern over the slow pace of verifying law degrees of advocates, fearing 20% of 1.5 million lawyers in India might have fake credentials. The Bar Council...
Read more

Delhi HC lacks jurisdiction to hear copy…
23-01-2025
OpenAI, backed by Microsoft and creator of ChatGPT, challenges Delhi HC's jurisdiction in a copyright lawsuit by ANI. OpenAI argues it lacks an Indian presence and cannot delete ANI's data...
Read more

Defence ministry to hold talks with Maza…
23-01-2025
India is one step closer to finalizing 'Project-75 India' for acquiring six new diesel-electric submarines, as the defence ministry opens the commercial bid submitted by Mazagon Docks and German company...
Read more

Crypto scam: Payment gateways Paytm, Raz…
23-01-2025
Razorpay, PayU, Easebuzz, and Paytm are under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate for their alleged involvement in a cryptocurrency scam led by 10 Chinese nationals via the HPZ Token app...
Read more

Amid opposition demand, Waqf JPC to meet…
23-01-2025
The JPC on Waqf Amendment Bill has revised its schedule and will now have meetings on Friday and Monday, as opposed to the initial Friday and Saturday plan. The opposition...
Read more

All 'ideological tasks' completed in 10 …
23-01-2025
Home Minister Amit Shah highlights the Modi government's achievements in the last decade, including the nullification of Article 370, construction of the Ram temple, and the abolition of triple talaq...
Read more

Sharad Pawar, nephew Ajit in closed-door…
23-01-2025
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar met his uncle, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, in a closed-door meeting at Vasantdada Sugar Institute after nearly two years of their split. Post the...
Read more

Netaji's unity ideals key to Viksit Bhar…
23-01-2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges youth to draw inspiration from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and work towards building a united, developed India. Emphasizing unity, he cautions against divisive forces while...
Read more

ED attaches TN minister's Rs 1.3 crore a…
23-01-2025
ED has attached properties worth Rs 1.3 crore belonging to Anitha R Radhakrishnan, Tamil Nadu's fisheries minister, over money laundering allegations. The probe revealed Rs 17.7 crore proceeds of crime...
Read more

Leopard hit by train dies in Gujarat
23-01-2025
A three-year-old female leopard was killed by a train while crossing a rail bridge near Orsang Gamdi village in Gujarat's Dabhoi taluka at around 7am. This is the second such...
Read more
Who Will be Next Congress President? Reports of 'Sonia Gandhi Resigning False', Says Randeep Surjewala
in National

New Delhi, August 23: Congress' national spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala dismissed the reports which claimed on Sunday that Sonia Gandhi would step down from her position of party president.

The seniormost Gandhi family member was appointed at the helm n August last year, after her son Rahul Gandhi had stepped down following the humiliating defeat in 2019 general elections.

"Reports of Sonia Gandhi resigning from the post of Congress interim president are false," said Surjewala, whose statement is considered as the official word of the party. Congress President Row: Veterans Back Sonia Gandhi, Ashok Gehlot Says Letter of Dissent 'Unbelievable'.

Surjewala's clarification came amid reports claiming that Gandhi has replied to a letter of dissent sent to her by around 23 seniormost party leaders. The dissenters have sought a complete overhaul of the party structure to re-energise the cadres and end the spree of poll defeats. Gandhi, in her reply, reportedly asked them to "get together and elect a new president".

Update by ANI

Who Will be Next Congress President?

While a section of party old guard including Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot have led their weight behind Sonia Gandhi, a number of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chiefs have demanded the return of Rahul Gandhi to the helm.

Sonia, 73, was given a one-year interim role as party chief last year after no one came forth to claim the presidency following her son's exit. The Congress Working Committee (CWC), which is scheduled to convene tomorrow for a top-level meeting, will take a final call on the next leader, reports said.

Watch: Farooq Abdullah joins in singing …
23-01-2025
Farooq Abdullah, former Jammu and Kashmir CM, attended a religious event at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, advocating for local residents protesting the ropeway project in Katra. He emphasized the significance...
Read more

Authorities issue forest fire warning fo…
23-01-2025
Read more

Jalgaon incident 'unusual', says Railway…
23-01-2025
Railways has launched a high-level investigation into the Jalgaon train incident that led to passenger deaths caused by the Karnataka Express. The probe, by a five-member committee, will focus on...
Read more

HC acquits man convicted by Pocso court …
23-01-2025
Bombay HC's Nagpur bench overturned a Pocso court's conviction of a father for sexually assaulting his daughter, citing lack of evidence and potential motive due to the father's disapproval of...
Read more

Unwelcome office behaviour is sexual har…
23-01-2025
Madras high court holds that the act of sexual harassment at the workplace is more significant than the intention behind it. The court emphasized that unwelcome behavior, regardless of the...
Read more

Brand bar lifted, Kolkata's yellow 'king…
23-01-2025
Kolkata's yellow taxis will continue to operate, though not limited to the iconic Ambassador model. New rules allow all light commercial vehicles with taxi permits to be painted yellow, preserving...
Read more

Saif Ali Khan stabbing: I’ll raise Shari…
23-01-2025
Shariful Fakir's father claims his son was wrongfully arrested for allegedly stabbing actor Saif Ali Khan during a burglary in Mumbai. He argues Shariful doesn't match the CCTV footage and...
Read more

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri to visit …
23-01-2025
India's foreign secretary Vikram Misri is set to visit Beijing for high-level talks as part of efforts to normalize relations post the Oct 21 disengagement agreement. The discussions will cover...
Read more

Mystery deaths in Rajouri could be due t…
23-01-2025
In Rajouri district, Jammu & Kashmir, a mysterious illness has resulted in 17 deaths, potentially due to toxins. Union minister Jitendra Singh confirms ongoing investigations to identify the toxin type...
Read more

Govt notice to Ola, Uber over 'different…
23-01-2025
Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notices to cab aggregators Uber and Ola for allegedly charging different fares based on mobile operating systems. This action follows a report showing...
Read more

SC says fake advocates a serious issue, …
23-01-2025
The Supreme Court expressed concern over the slow pace of verifying law degrees of advocates, fearing 20% of 1.5 million lawyers in India might have fake credentials. The Bar Council...
Read more

Delhi HC lacks jurisdiction to hear copy…
23-01-2025
OpenAI, backed by Microsoft and creator of ChatGPT, challenges Delhi HC's jurisdiction in a copyright lawsuit by ANI. OpenAI argues it lacks an Indian presence and cannot delete ANI's data...
Read more

Defence ministry to hold talks with Maza…
23-01-2025
India is one step closer to finalizing 'Project-75 India' for acquiring six new diesel-electric submarines, as the defence ministry opens the commercial bid submitted by Mazagon Docks and German company...
Read more

Crypto scam: Payment gateways Paytm, Raz…
23-01-2025
Razorpay, PayU, Easebuzz, and Paytm are under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate for their alleged involvement in a cryptocurrency scam led by 10 Chinese nationals via the HPZ Token app...
Read more

Amid opposition demand, Waqf JPC to meet…
23-01-2025
The JPC on Waqf Amendment Bill has revised its schedule and will now have meetings on Friday and Monday, as opposed to the initial Friday and Saturday plan. The opposition...
Read more

All 'ideological tasks' completed in 10 …
23-01-2025
Home Minister Amit Shah highlights the Modi government's achievements in the last decade, including the nullification of Article 370, construction of the Ram temple, and the abolition of triple talaq...
Read more

Sharad Pawar, nephew Ajit in closed-door…
23-01-2025
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar met his uncle, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, in a closed-door meeting at Vasantdada Sugar Institute after nearly two years of their split. Post the...
Read more

Netaji's unity ideals key to Viksit Bhar…
23-01-2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges youth to draw inspiration from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and work towards building a united, developed India. Emphasizing unity, he cautions against divisive forces while...
Read more

ED attaches TN minister's Rs 1.3 crore a…
23-01-2025
ED has attached properties worth Rs 1.3 crore belonging to Anitha R Radhakrishnan, Tamil Nadu's fisheries minister, over money laundering allegations. The probe revealed Rs 17.7 crore proceeds of crime...
Read more

Leopard hit by train dies in Gujarat
23-01-2025
A three-year-old female leopard was killed by a train while crossing a rail bridge near Orsang Gamdi village in Gujarat's Dabhoi taluka at around 7am. This is the second such...
Read more
No Pilots For Rafale Jets – Why Is The Indian Air Force Facing An Acute Shortage Of Trained Pilots?
in International

As India is in the process of overhauling its airforce with the latest Rafale jets and additional MiG-29 and SU-30 MKIs, an RTI (Request To Information) filed by India Today

reveals that in that last 10 years, 798 Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots have resigned and 289 of these pilots were given No-objection Certificates (NOC) to fly private airlines.

New Delhi has been upgrading the military equipment and even purchasing modern combat aircraft to strengthen the IAF. The newly acquired Rafale jets are ready to be inducted in a high profile ceremony in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French defense minister Florence Parly at the air force station in Ambala where the first five aircraft have been stationed.

However, in 2016 and 2017, IAF saw the worst years when 100 and 114 pilots respectively quit the IAF. In 2015, only 37 pilots had quit before superannuation. With an average of 80 pilots quitting the IAF every year, it could be facing an acute shortage of pilots.On February 1, 2018, the government informed the Rajya Sabha that the IAF had 3,855 pilots against a sanctioned strength of 4,231. There was a shortage of 376 pilots which reflects poorly on the preparedness of the IAF.

Of the pilots that quit, more than one-third of them received the NOC to fly private airlines. As per reports, a middle rung pilot earns up to Rs 2 lakh ($2700) in salary per month and can get four times the amount flying with a private airline.Most pilots quit after 20 years of service which makes them eligible for a pension.

“The IAF way of life is very good and apart from the salary, there are several intangible benefits. But my workload is far less as a private airlines pilot and there’s nothing to complain about the remuneration. As captain, I am responsible for everything after the aircraft door closes and once it opens, my job is over,” said an IAF officer who recently quit service and took up a job in a private airline and didn’t wish to be named.

HT reported in February this year, that IAF is working on measures to prevent its pilots from leaving the service and joining private airlines that offer better salaries and perquisites. Even though the report didn’t mention any specific measure, it said that they will be made shortly, and could involve cooling-off periods and changes in pension plans.

The RTI also asked about if such changes are being introduced. “Has the Indian Air Force evolved or is working on any policy to stop their pilots from quitting and joining private airlines. If yes, what is that?” In response to the query in the RTI, IAF said that there exists no such plans or policies.

Experts have said that it is important for the IAF to retain its pilots. “A pilot gets into operational flying after training for almost 250 to 300 hours in different aircraft. That costs a lot of money. You cannot afford to let trained people go. Other global air forces are also struggling with the same issues,” said Air Marshal KK Nohwar (retd), director-general, Centre for Air Power Studies.

President Trump for a third term? Congre…
23-01-2025
Rep. Andy Ogles, a Tennessee Republican, introduced a resolution to amend the US Constitution to allow President Donald Trump and future presidents to be elected to a third term. Ogles...
Read more

Nancy Pelosi's husband, Paul Pelosi, mad…
23-01-2025
Paul Pelosi executed significant stock transactions worth $38 million before Donald Trump's inauguration, including investing in an AI firm with a near 50% value increase. His wife's legal disclosures and...
Read more

'Prices for Americans will go up': Trude…
23-01-2025
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned that American consumers will face higher prices if President Donald Trump imposes sweeping tariffs on Canadian products, including autos, lumber, and oil. Trudeau stated...
Read more

'You can't have it for the rest of your …
23-01-2025
President Donald Trump removed security protection for former officials Mike Pompeo and Brian Hook, despite ongoing threats from Iran due to their roles in the 2020 drone strike against General...
Read more

No federal aid for LA if California does…
23-01-2025
President Trump has threatened to withhold federal disaster relief from Los Angeles unless California changes its water management approach. Trump claims that state fish conservation efforts are causing urban hydrants...
Read more

Trump's defence secretary pick Pete Hegs…
23-01-2025
The Senate advanced Pete Hegseth's nomination for Defense Secretary with 51 Republican votes despite opposition from GOP senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins. Murkowski cited concerns over Hegseth's leadership preparedness...
Read more

Mohammed Bin Salman vows $600 billion in…
23-01-2025
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman informed President Trump that the kingdom plans to boost investments and trade with the US by $600 billion over the next four years...
Read more

Elon Musk clashes with Sam Altman over A…
23-01-2025
Elon Musk questioned the financial commitments of companies involved in Trump's AI infrastructure venture, Stargate, suggesting SoftBank lacks sufficient funding. Sam Altman of OpenAI disputed Musk's claim and defended the...
Read more

Trump bans the creation of a 'digital do…
23-01-2025
US President Donald Trump issued an executive order to ban the establishment of a central bank digital currency in the US. Trump's decision aims to protect Americans from risks associated...
Read more

Security breach at US Capitol: Massachus…
23-01-2025
A Massachusetts man visiting the US Capitol was found with a firearm after passing security checks and completing a tour. Despite initial warning and checks, Capitol Police identified the weapon...
Read more

Donald Trump gets first legislative win …
23-01-2025
The House passed a bill mandating the detention and deportation of unauthorized migrants charged with certain crimes, clearing its way to President Trump's signature. The vote saw bipartisan support with...
Read more

Trump signs executive order to boost US …
23-01-2025
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to enhance America's dominance in artificial intelligence. The order aims to eliminate Biden administration's policies to boost innovation, sustain economic competitiveness, and...
Read more

John Ratcliffe confirmed by Senate as CI…
23-01-2025
The Senate confirmed John Ratcliffe as CIA director, making him President Trump's second cabinet member. Ratcliffe plans to enhance the CIA's use of technology to counter threats like Russia and...
Read more

California governor Gavin Newsom signs $…
23-01-2025
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a $2.5 billion relief package for wildfire recovery in the Los Angeles area, emphasizing emergency response, rebuilding efforts, and support for school districts. The package...
Read more

'Elon hates one of the people in the dea…
23-01-2025
President Trump downplayed the dispute between Elon Musk and Sam Altman over a $500 billion AI project, attributing Musk's criticism to personal animosity. Despite Musk's skepticism about the project's funding...
Read more

'Don't write about it': Former reporters…
23-01-2025
Two former Politico reporters, Marc Caputo and Tara Palmeri, reveal how their attempts to report on Hunter Biden's issues were delayed or blocked. Both experienced significant editorial interference, with Caputo's...
Read more

Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's defense sec…
23-01-2025
Pete Hegseth, Trump's defence secretary nominee, admitted to paying $50,000 to settle a 2017 sexual assault claim, while maintaining his innocence. His nomination faces opposition due to additional concerns including...
Read more

Donald Trump orders full declassificatio…
23-01-2025
US President Donald Trump has ordered the declassification of all remaining classified records related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Reverend Dr. Martin...
Read more

Meghan McCain says her sources confirm B…
23-01-2025
"I have been hearing this rumor that the Obamas are getting a divorce by reputable people. I'm not talking about TMZ. I'm not talking about Perez Hilton... I'm talking about...
Read more

Earthquake of magnitude 4.8 strikes Myan…
23-01-2025
A 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar early Friday. The tremor had a depth of 127 kilometers. There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. Earlier this week, a...
Read more
Turkey Signs Another Contract With Russia For S-400 Missile Defense Systems
in International

Turkey has again signed a contract with Russia to acquire additional S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Moscow, the Russian news agency TASS reported.

This would be a second deal between Moscow and Ankara for the S-400 missile systems. Turkey has already received two batteries of the S-400s worth $2.5 billion, a deal which was inked in April 2017.

Speaking to reporters, the Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport chief Alexander Mikheyev said “The contract has been signed”, and stated that the parties shall now discuss the financial terms of the contract.

He further said that the timeframe of implementing the contract would depend “on our partners’ readiness to finally resolve the procedural issues with the financing of this project”.

Turkey, being the first NATO member country to have received the S-400 air defense system, has damaged its reputation among NATO members and severely strained ties with Washington.

Due to the deal, Washington kicked-out Turkey out from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program – which means it won’t be getting any American 5th generation fighters and could instead look at Russian Su-35 jets.Instead of trying to resolve matters with the United States, Erdogan has pushed forward for a second deal for the S-400.

Past talks between Turkey and the U.S. on the acquisition of the Patriot air defense system had fallen over a large group of issues, from the accessibility of S-400s to Ankara’s disappointment with Washington’s terms and conditions.Turkey has said it will possibly consent to an offer if it incorporates terms for indigenous production and transfer of technology.

Ankara has more than once emphasized that it was the U.S.’ refusal to sell it Patriots that drove it to search out different vendors, adding that Russia offered a superior deal, including the transfer of technology. Turkey even proposed setting up a commission to explain any specialized issues, yet the U.S. has so far not reacted to this proposition.According to TASS, the S-400 ‘Triumf’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise, and ballistic missiles, including medium-range weapons, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km.