40 years ago August 13, 1986: Special alert by police for I-Day

Forty years prior to today, on the 13th of August, 1986, the Delhi Police issued a special alert ahead of the Independence Day festivities. Following the assassination of Gen Vaidya in Pune, senior police officers received stern instructions to maintain a high level of vigilance during the celebrations. The Police Commissioner emphasized the importance of close supervision of his officers, as they would be held accountable for any security breaches.

In an effort to upgrade long-range VVIP transportation, Air India opted for a Boeing 747-SP special purpose jet, replacing their current fleet of 707s. The Indian government announced a global tender for the acquisition of a second-hand Boeing 747-SP, intended to serve as a replacement for Air India's "Kanishka" aircraft.

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha passed two significant bills aimed at raising the salaries, allowances, and perks of High Court and Supreme Court judges. The Constitution (54th) Amendment Bill and the High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill received overwhelming support from legislators across all parties.

However, the opposition parties, with the exception of the AIADMK and BJP, vehemently opposed the government's first resolution under Article 249 in the Rajya Sabha. The resolution proposed to grant the central government legislative powers over matters within the state list. Opposition parties, including the CPI(M), Janata, Telugu Desam, and Akali Dal, argued that the resolution aimed to undermine the powers of state governments and threaten the federal structure of the nation.