Opinion June 12, Forty Years Ago: All eyes on HC

A look at the front page of The Indian Express, published on June 12, Forty Years Ago.

Justice J.M.L. Sinha of the Allahabad High Court was to deliver on June 12 his verdict on socialist leader Raj Narain’s petition challenging Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s election to the Lok Sabha. The city was agog with speculation and authorities had taken precautions to avoid any disturbance. The case had been in the limelight since the PM had to stand in the dock and plead her innocence. The report also said there would be no restrictions on entry to room number 15, where Justice Sinha would deliver the judgment at 10 am.

Somalia denial
Somalia denied the US government’s claim that the Soviets were building a missile base in its northern port of Berbera. Somali Foreign Minister Omar Arteh Ghalib said in a statement that the Soviets had not asked for a base and that even if they had, Somalia wouldn’t give in since it was against its principles. He said the claim was part of Zionist propaganda designed to justify the US building a military base in Diego Garcia.

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Author to be shot
Uganda charged British lecturer and author Dennis Hills with treason and sentenced him to death by firing squad, according to Uganda Radio. Hills reportedly referred to Ugandan ruler Idi Amin as “black Nero” and a “village tyrant” in the book he was writing, The White Pumpkin.

India’s first win
India won its first World Cup cricket match when it defeated East Africa by 10 wickets. India bowled out East Africa for 120 runs at Headingly and the openers, Sunil Gavaskar (65) and Farokh Engineer (54), met the target easily. Medium pacer Madan Lal took three wickets for just 15 runs.

Gujarat votes
The second, final phase of the Gujarat assembly elections saw a turnout of 60 per cent. Polling was peaceful, unlike in the first phase.