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Maggie Haberman: Five things New York Times reporter Trump slammed as a ‘maggot’ after criticizing Iran war

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March 14, 2026

Maggie Haberman: Five things New York Times reporter Trump slammed as a ‘maggot’ after criticizing Iran war

president Donald Trump On Friday, she launched a scathing attack on New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman, calling her a “maggot” in a post for The Truth Society. Trump’s anger appeared to boil over after Haberman’s explosive interview with CNN. Caitlan Collinsshe lashed out at the president iran is.

Maggie Haberman is a New York Times reporter who has come under fire from Donald Trump. (X/@MatthewNichol5, X/@hfrpodcast)

“Margot Hagman, another SLEAZEBAG writer for the failed New York Times, persists in writing false stories about me, even though she fully knows and understands that everything she says is often the exact opposite of the truth,” Trump wrote.

He added, “Regardless, I am considering adding Maggott and some of her “associates” to the lawsuit I have filed against The Times in Florida, and happily, that lawsuit appears to be moving forward smoothly. Thank you for your attention to this matter! DJT President.”

Haberman’s reportage has been critical of Trump, to say the least, and her author page features articles with titles like “Trump’s Tangled Web of Deals, Policies and Fortunes” and “Trump Frees Fraudster Just Days from Seven-Year Prison.”

ALSO READ | ‘I just love watching her talk’: Donald Trump criticized for ‘sexist’ comments about female journalists

Here’s everything you need to know about Maggie Haberman.

Maggie Haberman: 5 things to know

Haberman was born in New York City, the son of Clyde Haberman, a longtime reporter for The New York Times, and Nancy Haberman, director of media communications at the Rubenstein Institute. Her mother worked for powerful clients in New York, including Donald Trump.
A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, her first reporting job was at the New York Post.
Thereafter, Haberman worked at the New York Daily News and Politico before joining the New York Times. During her career, she has covered five presidential elections, several gubernatorial races and the New York City mayoral race. She is also the author of The Confidence Man: The Rise of Donald Trump and the Collapse of America
Haberman, who is of Jewish descent, is married to New York Daily News reporter Darre Ardash Gregorian. The couple has three children and lives in Brooklyn.
Haberman was part of a team that won a Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for its coverage of Trump’s advisers and their ties to Russia. In 2021, she was part of a team that was a Pulitzer finalist for its coverage of Trump’s handling of the coronavirus.

Haberman on Trump and the Iran War

“The president does know there’s a correlation between gas prices and oil,” Haberman said on Collins’ show. “Everything the president has said is very clear, and he’s said it publicly, he thinks this thing will be over by now. I don’t know why he thinks that, and I don’t know why there isn’t some kind of contingency with what we’re seeing now. But there’s clearly no plan to deal with this other than talking about how the tankers should be tough and keep going. That’s — it’s not — it’s not working.”

She added, “So, it looks like this is going to be a couple more weeks. The president has expressed different timelines as to A, when he’s going to leave, and B, what he wants to accomplish. That may not be up to him at this point. So, we’ll see.”

The New York Times reporter continued, “…different countries have said that they are really waiting for the end of this war to come and the president to make a decision. But even if he makes a decision tomorrow, it does not mean that the impact of this war will stop tomorrow.”

It’s worth noting that the attack on Haberman is not the first time Trump has attacked a female reporter. He told Bloomberg’s Katherine Lucey “a quiet little pig” when asked about Epstein’s files. Collins was also targeted when the president noted that she should “smile” more when she asked the president about Epstein’s survivors.

Video of Trump wearing a cowboy hat

While Trump’s comments about Haberman drew widespread reactions online, the president himself can be seen in the video wearing a cowboy hat in the Oval Office.

This happened during his meeting with the rodeo world champion.

SC: Mandatory furloughs may deter companies from hiring women

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March 14, 2026

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SC: Mandatory furloughs may deter companies from hiring women

NEW DELHI: Upset over an advocate’s repeated attempts to seek two days of paid menstrual leave per month for women workers through PILs, the Supreme Court on Friday said the move may create a psychological barrier in women and make them consider them inferior to men as they cannot work during menstruation. A bench of Justices Surya Kant, Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi of the CJI said, “Please understand the long-term implications of this move. Affirmative action for women is constitutionally recognized. The less attractive the human resources are, the less possibilities there are for consumption in the job market.” “We can rule from a rights perspective. But look at it from an employment model perspective. Will the employer be happy if the employee takes leave every month? You want to create a situation where the employer is not willing to give a woman a job,” the judge said. However, it said, “it is for the government to formulate model policies…”SC warns petitioners not to pursue issues On February 24, 2023, the SC asked the government to consider taking a policy decision on this issue after studying the need and possible consequences of employers being dissuaded from hiring large numbers of women in the workforce. Regarding the petitioner SM Tripathi, senior advocate MR Shamshad said that despite the passage of nearly three years, no action has been taken. Bihar has been doing this since 1992 and Karnataka has also implemented it in schools, Shamshad said. Some private companies have voluntarily implemented menstrual leave policies for female employees. CJI Surya Kant said, “If they do it voluntarily, it is welcome. But once it is forced to do so, you don’t know how much damage it will cause to their careers. No one will give them responsibility. In terms of justice, day-to-day trials cannot be assigned to them.”

The bench warned petitioner Tripathi that if he approaches the court on the issue for the third time, he will be subject to an adverse order. His petition raising the same issue was rejected twice, in February 2023 and July 2024. In February 2023, Spain became the first EU country to implement 3-5 days of menstrual leave, with wages paid by the government. The former Soviet Union had a policy that paid wages to female workers who missed work due to menstrual pain. Japan and South Korea enacted laws in this regard in 1947 and 1953 respectively.

USS Tripoli: Why the US is sending the USS Tripoli and thousands of Marines to the Middle East and what it means for Iran’s war with Israel

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March 14, 2026

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USS Tripoli: Why the US is sending the USS Tripoli and thousands of Marines to the Middle East and what it means for Iran’s war with Israel

Why the U.S. is sending the USS Tripoli and thousands of Marines to the Middle East, and what it means for Iran's war with Israel

US expands Middle East military presence amid tensions between Iran and Israel, USS Tripoli aircraft carrier deploys Marines

The United States is significantly expanding its military footprint in the region middle EastThousands of Marines and a powerful amphibious assault ship have been dispatched to the region as tensions with Iran rise. The deployment comes amid a rapidly escalating conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran that has triggered missile strikes, drone strikes and instability across the Gulf.According to reports, the Pentagon has ordered the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) and its Marine Expeditionary Unit to deploy to the region to transport thousands of combat-ready troops and advanced military equipment closer to the conflict zone. The move signals that Washington is preparing for a broader confrontation while also trying to protect U.S. strategic waterways and assets in the Middle East.

U.S. quickly builds military power in Iran-Israel war

The deployment reportedly includes approximately 2,000 to 2,500 Marines, as well as additional sailors and naval assets that will operate from the aircraft carrier USS Tripoli and its accompanying ships. The Marine Expeditionary Force is designed to be a highly agile force capable of performing a wide range of missions, including:

amphibious assault
evacuate civilians
Attack enemy targets
humanitarian action
Securing strategic infrastructure.

Because these forces operate from amphibious ships rather than land bases, the U.S. military is able to respond quickly to crises without relying on host nation permission. Officials said the deployment was at the request of U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East. The goal is to provide commanders with more options as tensions with Iran continue to escalate.

Why the U.S. is now sending Marines to Iran’s war with Israel

This decision was made against the backdrop of the rapid expansion of regional conflicts triggered by the US-Israeli attacks on Iranian military and nuclear targets in late February 2026. The attacks reportedly killed several senior Iranian leaders and damaged key military installations, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory missile and drone strikes against Israeli and U.S. positions in the Gulf. Since then, the conflict has spread on multiple fronts:

Iranian missiles, drones target Israel, Gulf states
Shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz were attacked
Drones, militias attack US bases in Iraq, Syria
Iran-backed groups launch rocket attacks in Lebanon.

The deployment of the Marines is widely seen as a precautionary measure aimed at deterring further Iranian escalation while ensuring the United States can respond quickly if the conflict expands.

The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz in the war between Iran and the United States and Israel

One of the main concerns driving the deployment is security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. About a fifth of the world’s oil shipments pass through the narrow waterway, making it a vital artery for the global economy.Iran’s recent actions in the region, including threats to shipping and increased naval activity, have raised concerns that the strait may be disrupted or temporarily closed. This move will have an impact on global energy markets and may trigger a major international military response.Therefore, the arrival of amphibious ships and marines serves two purposes:

Protect commercial routes
Prepare for possible military escalation

What the USS Tripoli brought to the battlefield in the war between Iran and the United States and Israel

The Tripoli is an America-class amphibious assault ship that functions almost like a small aircraft carrier.It can host:

More than 1,600 Marines
Helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft
Advanced fighter jets such as F-35B
Landing craft and armored vehicles.

This combination enables the ship to launch air strikes, amphibious landings and rapid reaction missions from the sea. By not requiring a nearby air base, the ship provides U.S. forces with the flexibility to operate in the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and surrounding areas. The Marine deployment is part of a broader U.S. military buildup in the Middle East that has been expanding since early 2026. These gatherings include:

aircraft carrier strike group
Fighters such as the F-35 and F-22
missile defense system
Additional naval battleships.

Analysts say the deployment is the largest in the region since the Iraq War. The build-up reflects growing concern in Washington that the conflict with Iran could escalate into a regional war involving multiple countries and armed groups.

Regional conflict between Iran and US-Israel war has expanded

The war between Iran and the US-Israeli alliance has had ripple effects across the Middle East. According to reports:

Iran retaliatory attacks target U.S. bases, regional allies
Hezbollah rocket launched from Lebanon
The shipping disruptions have raised concerns about the impact on the global economy.

Civilian casualties are also rising in many countries, and governments in the region are bracing for further escalation. Meanwhile, international leaders, including European and Middle Eastern governments, have called for de-escalation and diplomatic negotiations.

What happens next in the Iran-U.S.-Israel war?

Military analysts say the deployment of Marines does not necessarily mean a ground invasion of Iran is imminent. Instead, the move provides the United States with several strategic options:

Evacuate civilians from conflict areas
Protect critical infrastructure and routes
launch a limited attack or operation
Prevent Iranian attacks on U.S. forces.

However, the presence of thousands of additional U.S. troops also significantly increases the risks. If Iran directly targets U.S. forces or allies, the conflict could quickly expand into a broader regional war.The deployment now underscores the level of turmoil in the Middle East in recent weeks. The arrival of the USS Tripoli and its marines shows that Washington is bracing for the possibility of further escalation as missile exchanges, drone strikes and maritime confrontations increase in the region.It remains to be seen whether the move serves as a deterrent or is a prelude to a wider war. The clear message, however, is that the Middle East is once again at the center of a geopolitical crisis that could reshape global security and energy markets for years to come.

Why Judge James Boasberg blocked Jeanine Pirro’s action against Jerome Powell – explained

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March 14, 2026

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Why Judge James Boasberg blocked Jeanine Pirro’s action against Jerome Powell – explained

Federal Judge James Boasberg on Friday blocked the Justice Department’s efforts to subpoena documents from the Federal Reserve, issuing a scathing rebuke to prosecutors investigating the cost of renovating the central bank’s Washington headquarters. In a March 11 ruling, a U.S. district judge vacated a subpoena to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, finding that the subpoena was improperly motivated. Documents detailing the decision were released on Friday.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a news conference after the two-day meeting (Reuters)

“As a result, the court finds that the subpoena was issued for improper purpose and will vacate it,” Boasberg wrote.

What did Judge Boasberg say?

In his order, Boasberg said the subpoena was not to investigate renovation costs but to pressure Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.

“There is substantial evidence that the administration issued these subpoenas to the board to compel its chair to vote for a rate reduction or resign,” the judge wrote.

U.S. Department of Justice investigation

The controversy dates back to January, when Powell revealed that the Justice Department had opened an investigation into cost overruns related to renovations of the Federal Reserve headquarters in Washington.

The investigation is highly unusual because federal investigations into central banks are rare. Powell responded to warnings at the time that the move could be an effort to intimidate the agency and undermine its independence.

“This is about whether the Fed can continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions, or whether monetary policy will be guided by political pressure or intimidation,” Powell said.

Judge criticizes Justice Department

Boasberg’s ruling was particularly critical of the Justice Department’s case, arguing that prosecutors failed to provide meaningful evidence linking Powell to any wrongdoing.

“The government has presented essentially zero evidence that it suspects Chairman Powell committed a crime; in fact, its grounds are so weak and unproven that the court can only conclude that they are pretexts,” the judge wrote.

Jeanine Pirro responded

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro quickly denounced the ruling and confirmed that the Justice Department would challenge the ruling in court.

“This is the antithesis of American justice. Exonerating anyone without any record, without investigation or questioning, is not how our criminal justice system works,” Pirro told reporters.

She added that the government would appeal.

“Friends, no one is above the law, and the U.S. Department of Justice will appeal this outrageous decision,” she said.

Tensions with the White House

The dispute comes amid longstanding tensions between the White House and the Federal Reserve over monetary policy. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Powell and the central bank’s interest rate decisions.

(Using AFP input)

Stranded Iranian navy ship crew flies out of Kochi

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March 14, 2026

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Stranded Iranian navy ship crew flies out of Kochi

Kochi: Nearly 100 crew members of the Iranian naval ship “IRIS Lavan” docked at the Kochi port have left India through the Kochi airport, according to people familiar with the matter. However, the Southern Naval Command has not officially confirmed the news. Sources said the Iranian crew left the Cochin airport on a plane that took off from Colombo. The plane left the Kochi airport late on Friday. The source did not disclose the destination of the plane. The warship and its remaining crew are still in Kochi.The ship was conducting an international fleet review in the area. The naval facility here houses nearly 183 sailors. On March 4, a US submarine sank the IRIS Dena in southern Sri Lanka, just days after Iran contacted India about providing a safe harbor for the ship.Iran received Iran’s request for the IRIS Lavan on February 28, the day the United States and Israel launched an “epic fury” offensive. Iran said the docking in Cochin was urgent due to “technical” problems with the ship.Approved on March 1st. IRIS Lavan docked in Kochi on March 4.New Delhi’s decision may have helped the Iris Rawan avoid the fate of the Iris Dena, which was torpedoed and sunk by a US submarine in international waters. At least 87 Iranian sailors were killed in the attack.

H-1B visas: ‘Not bound by choice’: Indian Americans explain why H-1B visas are dominated by Indians and green cards trap them in temporary status

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March 14, 2026

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H-1B visas: ‘Not bound by choice’: Indian Americans explain why H-1B visas are dominated by Indians and green cards trap them in temporary status

'Not bound by choice': Indian Americans explain why H-1B visas are dominated by Indians and green cards trap them in temporary status

An Indian-American immigration advocate says so many Indians hold H-1B visas not out of choice but because of flaws in the U.S. immigration system that make it extremely difficult for them to obtain permanent residency.Sidharth, founder of the Indian American Advocacy Council, posted on X that the long wait for green cards has forced many Indians to stay in the H-1B program for years. “This is not because Indians like to hold temporary visas. It is because the green card system does not allow them to exit the temporary visa program,” he wrote.In his post, Sidharth pointed to the way green cards are distributed in the United States, saying Indians face longer wait times than people from many other countries. “India gets the same quota as Iceland,” he wrote, adding that the wait for an EB-2 green card could be more than 134 years for Indians, while it could be less than two years for Pakistani and Somali citizens.He said the system differentiated between people with the same job, employer and skills based solely on their place of birth. “A different place of birth equals a different life,” Siddharth writes. He added that Indians are not voluntarily “stuck” on H-1B visas but are “trapped by a system that penalizes one country’s needs while liberally doling out green cards to others.” Additionally, he pointed to the artificial impact of the backlog, claiming that more than 400,000 Indian applicants will die before receiving green cards.The comments come as the United States under the Trump administration is making several changes to the H-1B work visa program that affect Indian workers and employers. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) replaced the traditional random lottery for H-1B visas with a salary-based screening system that prioritizes high-wage and high-skilled applicants. This change takes effect on February 26, 2026 and applies to the 2027 cap season.The annual cap on H-1B visas remains at 85,000, but the agency also charges a hefty $100,000 filing fee for employers seeking H-1B workers.Meanwhile, many Indian applicants for H-1B visas face long waits for appointments to complete their visa stamping interviews in India, with some delayed until 2027. U.S. officials said the delays stemmed from increased vetting and security measures, not discrimination against any nationality.Separately, U.S. immigration experts have noticed a sharp decline in H-1B applications, which they attribute in part to changes such as higher fees. These developments have forced some Indians working or seeking to work in the United States to explore other visa options or postpone their plans while facing longer waits and new rules.

Maha anti-conversion bill proposes seven years’ jail term and fine of Rs 1 lakh

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March 14, 2026

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Maha anti-conversion bill proposes seven years’ jail term and fine of Rs 1 lakh

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government on Friday introduced a bill with strict provisions to prevent religious conversion through coercion, fraud or marriages involving inducement, coercion or deception, joining other BJP-ruled states in enacting “religious freedom” laws. The Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, tabled for debate in the Legislative Assembly, provides that a person who “illegally converts to a religion on the pretext of marriage” can be jailed for seven years and fined Rs 1 lakh. The bill treats the offense as non-bailable and therefore compels the police station officer-in-charge to lodge a complaint. Civil society groups have objected, saying the law is being weaponized to create a climate of fear around interfaith marriages. The bill says any child born out of a marriage or a “relation of a marital nature” arising out of an unlawful conversion shall “be deemed to belong to the religion of the mother prior to such marriage or relationship.”

It requires that anyone intending to convert, as well as any person or institution organizing a conversion ceremony, must give at least 60 days’ advance notice in a prescribed form to the competent authorities. Upon receipt of this information, the authorities will publish the details on the notice boards of their offices as well as the offices of panchayat or local authorities concerned. Public comments will be solicited within 30 days from the date of publication. The bill requires converts and the person or institution organizing the ceremony to submit a declaration to the authorities within 21 days of conversion. It allows relatives by blood, marriage or adoption to file an FIR if they suspect illegal conversion. The bill also provides that those who “participate” in mass conversions can be jailed for seven years and fined Rs 5 lakh. Repeat offenders may be jailed for 10 years and fined Rs 5 lakh. Temptations that may be considered illegal include gifts, employment, education, a better lifestyle, or divine healing. The person who caused, aided or abetted the conversion had the onus to prove that the conversion did not contravene the provisions of the Act. The bill has been called draconian by critics, who say “forced” and “involuntary” religious conversions are increasing in the state. “The right to freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution of India is not absolute but is subject to public order, morals, health and other provisions of Part III of the Constitution relating to fundamental rights of citizens,” the bill said. Dolphy D’Souza of the Mumbai Catholic Congress said: “We are extremely disappointed that the bill has been brought without discussion with the various stakeholders who will be affected. It takes away a person’s right of conscience to follow a religion of one’s choice or marry a partner of one’s choice. We urge the opposition to speak out and demand that it be referred to a special committee for discussion as some of its provisions are very harsh, to say the least.“ HCs from Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Congress have filed legal challenges against the anti-conversion laws filed by civil rights groups like Citizens for Justice and Peace. Parts of those laws have been put on hold and states have taken them to the Supreme Court.

As oil prices fall, Germans turn to Polish gas stations

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March 14, 2026

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As oil prices fall, Germans turn to Polish gas stations

Frugal Germans are crossing into Poland to buy gasoline as oil prices rise as Iran cuts global oil supplies in retaliation for attacks by the United States and Israel.

As of Wednesday, the price of a liter of Super E10 gasoline was 2.01 euros and the price of a liter of diesel was 2.13 euros, up about 15% and 24% from February prices, according to data from German motorists association ADAC.

Although Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said on Wednesday the government would limit price increases at gas stations to once a day, some bargain-hunting Germans told AFP they would not take the chance.

“I will need to drive a lot next week, and gas is cheaper here,” said Joerg, 50, who works for an insurance company and declined to give his first name.

He planned to cross Germany to visit his sister in Stuttgart, crossing for the first time from his East German hometown of Frankfurt an der Oder to the western Polish town of Słubice in order to fill up his gas tank.

“I’d rather spend my money there than here,” he told AFP as he filled up his gray Opel Tigra at a gas station. “But you have to take care of yourself.”

Due to the low value-added tax and fuel tax levied by the Polish government, Jörg’s newly chosen gas station sells diesel for only PLN 7.73, so he can afford the lower price.

It only adds to the feeling that the German government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, elected last year and featuring the far-right Alternative for Germany party, which bills itself as a party to revive the economy and fight insurgency, has distanced itself from the concerns of people like Jörg.

“I don’t think this can go on forever,” Joerger said of rising prices at the pump. “There’s already a lot of dissatisfaction.”

– “Why does it work here but not in Germany?” –

Melanie Adam, a 33-year-old industrial mechanic, told AFP that her monthly trip from Berlin to Słubice to buy cheaper fuel and cigarettes was now more cost-effective than ever.

“It’s easier for all Germans to come here and refuel than there,” she said, adding that the government should lower environmental taxes.

“This works in Poland,” she said. “Why does it work here but not in Germany? That’s the problem.”

Facing growing public anger, a Treasury spokesman said on Friday that the government had not profited from rising prices at petrol stations, noting that VAT was the only tax whose revenue rose with fuel prices.

But criticism is growing in car-crazy Germany, where politicians see an opportunity to demonstrate credibility with their people by calling on the government to do more for drivers.

Markus Soeder, leader of Merz’s Bavarian sister party CSU, told broadcasters RTL and ntv: “In my opinion it is not enough to say that only one price increase is allowed per day, because then they will raise prices even higher.”

He added that more should be done “to address potential price gouging”.

Jörg agreed, telling AFP the government should do more for drivers.

“As long as the war continues, we should do our best to save ourselves,” he said, adding that the situation could be worse, though.

“I’m happy to live here,” he said. “Because I can go to Poland. Not everyone knows that.”

pyv-vbw/pdw

Rongtai Group

This article was generated from automated news agency feeds without modifications to the text.

White House Divided: Trump Aides Debate Dropouts and Escalations

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March 14, 2026

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White House Divided: Trump Aides Debate Dropouts and Escalations

WASHINGTON: A complex tug-of-war within the White House is driving the United States. President Donald Trump’s public statements on the course of the war with Iran have been in flux, with aides debating when and how to declare victory even as the conflict spreads across West Asia.Some officials and advisers have warned Trump of the political costs of soaring gasoline prices, while others have urged him to maintain his offensive against Iran, according to interviews with Trump advisers and others familiar with the matter. Their observations offer a previously unreported glimpse into the decision-making process at the White House as it adjusts its approach to the largest U.S. military operation since the 2003 Iraq War.Economic advisers and officials, including the Treasury Department and the National Economic Council, have warned Trump that an oil crisis and rising prices could quickly erode already weak domestic support for the war, the adviser said. Political advisers including chief of staff Suzy Wells and her deputy James Blair are making similar arguments, sources said.According to people familiar with the matter, hawkish voices urging Trump to maintain military pressure on Iran include Republican lawmakers such as U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Tom Cotton, as well as media commentators such as Mark Levin. They believe the United States must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and respond forcefully to attacks on U.S. troops and shipping.A third force comes from Trump’s populist base and figures such as strategist Steve Bannon and television personality Tucker Carlson, who have been publicly and privately pressuring Trump and his top aides to avoid becoming embroiled in another conflict.Asked for comment, White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt said: “This story is based on gossip and speculation from anonymous sources who were not even in the room to have any discussions with President Trump.” Reuters

HC quotes Einstein to lift PSA detention, Omar’s lawyer son wins case

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March 14, 2026

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HC quotes Einstein to lift PSA detention, Omar’s lawyer son wins case

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has quashed the preventive detention of a Pulwama resident under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) citing contradictions in records and evidence. albert einstein‘Careless’ remarks in case of chief minister’s son Zamir Abdullah and representative Zahir Abdullah Omar Abdullah.Justice Rahul Bharti quoted Einstein in his order on Thursday and ordered the release of salesman Mudasir Ahmad Bhat.While the authority’s order mentioned that Bhat was detained on April 30, 2025, documents from Udhampur jail showed that he had been lodged there since December 5, 2024, a few months before the order was issued.The PSA allows for detention without trial for up to six months on public disturbance issues, which can be extended by six months.Justice Bhatti criticized the authorities for taking a cavalier approach to such a strict law. The judge said: “The exercise of jurisdiction under the PSA is constitutionally meant and understood to be a very serious jurisdiction whose handlers are not at any stage careless, but in this case the conduct of the defendant was found to be inconsistent with the claims of Albert Einstein.”According to a police file that formed the basis of the detention order issued by the Pulwama district magistrate, Bhatt was a “potential” underground worker who allegedly provided information to terrorists about the movements of security forces and tried to lure young people to join their ranks.Bhat challenged the detention in May last year, leaving his wife Shagufta Akhter to approach the Supreme Court. As the case progressed, authorities extended his detention for another six months, until April 30, 2026.The HC found serious discrepancies in the official records. Most strikingly, the Udhampur jail chief mentioned that Bhat had been lodged there since December 2024, more than four months before the Pulwama DM’s detention order on April 30, 2025.Judge Bhatti also highlighted other inconsistencies. While the police file states that Bhat was summoned and warned about his activities on February 28, 2025, and April 23, 2025, the place of detention mentioned by the DM indicates that he was summoned on February 28, 2025, and February 23, 2025.