Today in History (July 22nd, 1977)
On 22nd July 1977, Deng Xiaoping was reinstated to power after the Chinese Communist Party restored all his previous high-ranking positions, including vice-premier. This marked a significant comeback for Deng, who had fallen out of favor during the Cultural Revolution (1966–76). His return to prominence paved the way for the major economic and political reforms he would later implement.
Summary of Today’s News
Biden drops out of race, endorses Kamala Harris.
U.S. President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race following a problematic debate with Donald Trump on June 27, which raised concerns about his suitability for office. Biden’s performance was marked by incoherence and a failure to address Trump’s inaccuracies. Endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, Biden cited escalating pressure from party allies and his belief that stepping down is best for the country. He will continue to serve until January 20, 2025.
BCI ban on soliciting litigation work sparks debate among lawyers.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has banned lawyers from advertising and soliciting work through online platforms, following a Madras High Court ruling on July 3. The court criticized platforms like Quikr and Justdial for undermining the legal profession’s dignity by rating and providing lawyer services without authority. Advocate Aditya Kashyap argued for regulating, rather than banning, such platforms to address financial challenges and connect clients with competent lawyers, while Mr. Singh opposed the commercialization of legal services online due to competency concerns.
U.N. calls for Greek pull-out.
The United Nations Security Council unanimously called for a ceasefire in Cyprus, urging Greece, Turkey, and Britain to negotiate to restore peace and constitutional governance while respecting the island’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The resolution demanded an end to foreign military intervention and the withdrawal of 650 Greek Army officers involved in the July 15 coup. It also called for cooperation with the 2,300-man peacekeeping force on the island and tasked Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim with monitoring the situation to ensure a swift return to peaceful conditions.
Bail cannot be denied on ground of serious charges: SC.
The Supreme Court ruled that the seriousness of charges alone cannot justify denying bail to undertrials, emphasizing personal liberty and the right to a speedy trial. Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Ujjal Bhuyan ordered the release of Sheikh Javed Iqbal, an undertrial under UAPA for nine years, citing the lengthy trial process and the minimal progress in witness testimonies. The court stressed that bail conditions should not be “freakish” and the state must ensure an expeditious trial.
