National

Draft Legislation Aimed at Simplifying Immigration Laws Introduced in Lok Sabha

Published

11 months ago

March 11, 2025

On Tuesday, a new Bill aimed at establishing comprehensive legislation to address issues related to foreigners, illegal immigrants, and various stakeholders was presented in the Lok Sabha. The Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025 was introduced by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, amidst protests from opposition members who labeled the Bill as unconstitutional.

Minister Rai dismissed claims that Parliament lacked the authority to introduce the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, asserting that the Central government holds the rights under the Union list to legislate on this matter. He emphasized that while India welcomes tourists, it is the government’s duty to maintain national peace and sovereignty.

The proposed legislation aims to streamline various immigration services, covering aspects such as entry, exit, and stay of foreigners in India. Notably, the draft introduces national security and sovereignty as legitimate grounds to deny entry or residency to foreign nationals. It also includes measures to prohibit entry based on an individual’s connections with foreign states.

The Statement of Objects and Reasons for the new Bill notes the necessity to repeal four existing acts—the Passport (Entry into India) Act of 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act of 1939, the Foreigners Act of 1946, and The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act of 2000—and replace them with the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025. Three of these acts date back to the pre-Independence period and were established during the extraordinary circumstances of the World Wars.

The Statement indicates that while the four Acts share common objectives, they contain overlapping provisions, thereby underscoring the need for a single, comprehensive legislative framework.

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 also includes punitive measures against individuals who facilitate illegal immigration into India. Under the proposed law, anyone using or arranging a fake passport could face up to seven years in prison. Those involved in the use or provision of fake travel documents may face a prison term ranging from two to seven years, along with fines between Rs 1-10 lakh, a significant increase from the current penalties of 2-8 years and fines ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000.

Additionally, foreigners overstaying their permitted duration in India may be subject to a three-year prison sentence and fines up to Rs 3 lakh, as opposed to the current maximum of five years.

Entry into India without valid documentation, including passports and visas, may lead to a jail term of two to five years, compared to the existing 2-8 years.

Under the new Bill, carriers (such as airlines or shipping companies) are held responsible for repatriating any foreigner whose entry has been denied. Immigration Officers will transfer such individuals to the carrier, which must ensure their prompt removal from India. Failure to comply could result in the carrier being detained and their cargo confiscated.

Furthermore, carriers operating at ports or locations within the country will need to provide detailed passenger and crew manifests, advanced passenger information, and passenger name records. A penalty of up to Rs 50,000 may be imposed for violations of these requirements.

The Bill also mandates that universities, educational institutions, hospitals, and other medical facilities admitting foreign nationals and their companions submit relevant information to registration officers.

National

Three Burned Alive as Car Falls from Bridge in Gujarat’s Rajkot

Published

1 week ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gujarat: A tragic accident claimed the lives of three people in Gujarat’s Rajkot district on Monday.A car fell from a bridge and caught fire, killing all occupants on the spot.

The incident occurred on the Gondal–Atkot highway.The car was travelling from Chhota Udepur towards Gondal.

According to reports, the vehicle hit the bridge’s safety barrier.After the collision, the car fell nearly eight feet into a small stream below the bridge.

Soon after the fall, the car caught fire.The occupants were trapped inside the vehicle and were unable to escape.All three were burned alive and died at the scene.

Police and fire personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information.The fire was later brought under control.The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.

The exact cause of the accident is under investigation. Further details are awaited.

National

Girl Records Reels Inside Jail, Video Sparks Debate

Published

1 week ago

January 30, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bhopal: A young woman has come under public attention after recording reels inside a jail while meeting her boyfriend.

The incident happened at Raipur Central Jail in Chhattisgarh, which is known for high security. Mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside the jail. Despite this rule, the woman carried her phone into the visitor room.

She recorded videos while talking to her boyfriend during the meeting. In the video, she speaks emotionally about visiting him on his birthday. She says she feels sad because she cannot stay with him on his special day.

After the meeting, she uploaded the video on her social media account. The video quickly went viral on different platforms. The inmate seen in the video is identified as Tarakeshwar.

He is currently lodged in Raipur Central Jail. He is an accused in a case under the NDPS Act. The incident has raised serious questions about jail security.

People on social media are criticising jail staff and officials. Many users are asking how a mobile phone was allowed inside the jail.

They are also questioning the checking process at the jail entrance. So far, jail authorities have not given any official reaction.

National

MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

Published

4 months ago

October 6, 2025

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.