Why only Muslims appointed to lead Minorities Commission, asks PIL

April 8, 2017

Bengaluru, Apr 8: An advocate has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the appointment of only persons belonging to the Muslim community to head the Karnataka State Minorities Commission.

The petitioner Vinod B, has contended that Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Zoroastrians (Parsis) and Jains are identified as minorities. But since the inception of the commission in 1983, only Muslims are being appointed as chairpersons.

The petitioner has sought quashing of the appointment of Balkhees Banu as the chairperson of the commission arguing that it is in violation of Article 16 (Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment) of the Constitution of India.

A division bench headed by Chief Justice S K Mukherjee directed the petitioner to give a representation to the Principal Secretary, Minority Welfare Department, in the matter.

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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