The Tribune...Spotlight

			Tuesday , July 14, 1998
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Ashok Jain on bail
MUMBAI, July 13 (PTI) — Media baron Ashok Jain, held by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on the charge of violating the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), was today enlarged on a bail of Rs 1 lakh by the Mumbai High Court. He was remanded in judicial custody by a metropolitan magistrate here. Since his arrest on July 3 last, he continues to be in hospital for treatment of a heart ailment.
Haj measures
NEW DELHI, July 13 (PTI) — The All-India Haj Committee today decided not to accommodate the pilgrims in unsafe buildings in Mecca and Medina during next year’s annual pilgrimage in which 66,000 persons, the same number as last year, would take part from India. This was part of the security measures undertaken by the committee, its chairman, Salamat Ullah, said at a press conference here. The last date for receipt of applications, available at all state Haj committee offices free of cost, is August 24, he said. More than 30 Indian pilgrims were killed in a fire and stampede during the pilgrimage last year.

Assam stir
GUWAHATI, July 13 (UNI) — Work in state government offices was disrupted as the employees went on a 120-hour non-cooperation movement sponsored by the Sadou Asom Karmachari Parishad (SAKP) from 6 a.m. today. The SAKP is demanding pay scales for the state government staff on a par with those of Central government employees. Attendance in the state secretariat at Dispur was thin. Reports of non-cooperation were also received from other districts.
Defamation suit
CHENNAI, July 13 (UNI) — Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Navaneetham today adjourned to July 28 further hearing on the defamation suit filed by former Chief Minister and AIADMK leader J. Jayalalitha against Tamil Nadu Health and Electricity Minister Arcot N. Veerasamy. In her suit, Ms Jayalalitha contended that her reputation had been affected by Veerasamy’s statement in April, 1996, that she had called on T.V. Venkataraman, who had retired as chief secretary during the erstwhile AIADMK rule, after conspiring to assault him in his house.
Anoushka Shankar
LONDON, July 13 (PTI) — Teenage Indian sitar sensation Anoushka Shankar has been given the rare honour of playing solo at the prestigious British House of Commons to a distinguished audience of Britain’s Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, MPs and ambassadors. Anoushka, 17, the only daughter of sitar maestro Pt. Ravi Shankar, will perform for 70 minutes on July 17 after which Cook will honour her for her services to Asian music.
Bihar Assembly
PATNA, July 13 (PTI) — The Bihar Assembly was today adjourned amid uproarious scenes over the transfer and posting of officials by the state government in departments within the jurisdiction of the Jharkhand Area Autonomous Council (JAAC) in violation of the provisions of the JAAC Act. Raising the matter through a call attention motion, Mr Prashant Kumar (JMM-S) said a piquant situation had arisen in tribal south Bihar districts with both the state government and JAAC transferring officials of departments handed over to the council under the Act.
Mody’s bail plea
JAMSHEDPUR, July 13 (PTI) — The former Chairman of Tata Steel, the Russi Mody, today filed an anticipatory bail petition in a Jamshedpur court here in connection with a case filed by Subodh Jha, a TISCO officer and BJP supporter, alleging assault by Mr Mody’s supporters on the last day of the previous Lok Sabha election. Earlier, an arrest warrant was issued against him by the court of the district and sessions judge for ignoring summons to depose before the court. The judge has asked for relevant papers from the lower court in connection with the anticipatory bail petition.