Haldwani

Uttarakhand High Court finished a public interest case about names being removed from voter lists during the recent revision process. A person living in Haldwani challenged the removal of nearly 6,000 names. They claimed one person filed all the objections.

The person who filed the case said real residents were taken off the list while outsiders were added. Still, the division bench led by Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta noted that a similar case is waiting for a decision at the Supreme Court. So, the court let the person withdraw the request and said they could return after the top court gives its verdict.

Indian Overseas Congress Chairman Sam Pitroda supports Rahul Gandhi. This follows a recent FIR filed against the Leader of Opposition in Haldwani. Speaking from Chicago, Pitroda praised Gandhi for his sharp thinking and courage.

## Controversy and legal action

The issue started after comments about a purification ritual held at a political rally in Haldwani. Local police filed a case under the SC/ST Act after a member of the Valmiki community complained. Pitroda used this situation to criticize the central government. He claims that too much power in the Prime Minister's Office has weakened key democratic bodies, such as the judiciary and the Election Commission.

Congress leaders call the incident an act against the Dalit community. The party is now planning protest marches across the country to voice their opposition to the legal action taken against their leader.

Sam Pitroda supports Rahul Gandhi after police filed a case against the opposition leader in Haldwani. This case is about comments regarding a purification ritual at a local rally. Pitroda called Gandhi the main voice for the Congress party vision.

Institutional Concerns

Beyond this case, the Indian Overseas Congress Chairman raised questions about the state of democratic bodies in India. He argued that too much power sits with the Prime Minister Office. This shift stops groups like the judiciary and the election commission from acting on their own. These concerns about checks and balances are worrying for the future of democracy.

Police action in Uttarakhand follows a complaint under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. The situation involves local political tensions and claims of an anti-Dalit mindset.

Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera has asked for an immediate First Information Report (FIR) after an incident involving party president Mallikarjun Kharge in Uttarakhand. Reports say a purification ritual took place at Ramlila Maidan in Haldwani soon after Kharge visited the spot.

Legal action requested

Khera said this act is untouchability, which is a crime under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Rahul Gandhi has also asked for legal action and wants the government to hold those responsible to account. These practices in public spaces are concerning. The demand is simple: justice must be served through the legal process.