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Justice Dipak Misra sworn in as 45th Chief Justice of India

Published

8 years ago

August 28, 2017

Justice Dipak Misra sworn-in as 45th Chief Justice of India

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]New Chief Justice will have the unenviable task of presiding over politically sensitive cases like the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmbhoomi land dispute, repealing Article 35A in Kashmir, among others

Justice Dipak Misra was, on Monday, sworn in as the 45^th Chief Justice of India by President Ram Nath Kovind, taking over the mantle from Justice JS Khehar, who retired on Sunday. The newly sworn-in CJI is scheduled to retire on October 2, 2018 after a tenure that will last for 13 months and six days.

Justice Misra was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court on October 10, 2011 and in the past six years has delivered several crucial judgments – those that were hailed as landmark verdicts and yet others that were criticised by legal experts for bordering on judicial over-reach.

Among the most defining moments of his stint as a judge of the apex court, perhaps came on the intervening night of July 29-30, 2015 when as part of a three-judge Bench, which also included then Chief Justice of India, HL Dattu, he dismissed the mercy petition of Yakub Memon, convicted in the Bombay blasts case. For the first time in the history of independent India, the Supreme Court had held a midnight hearing, discussing the arguments made in the case for nearly 90 minutes before reading out its verdict at 3 am. Memon was hanged at 3 am on July 30, 2015, amidst criticism and applause of the Supreme Court in equal measure.

A judgment passed on November 30, 2016 by a Bench headed by Justice Misra, however triggered a debate over whether an increasingly aggressive brand of nationalist fervour was stifling civil liberties. The verdict gave sanction for playing of the national anthem in cinema halls before the screening of a film began and made it mandatory for everyone present in the audience to stand up while the anthem was being played. In the days following the verdict, while a handicapped person, who could not stand up during the playing of the national anthem in a cinema hall, was severely heckled several similar reports of people being harassed by right-wing lumpens at movie theatres across the country collectively added to the narrative that whether the Supreme Court had erred in its verdict. A few months after the verdict, the Centre had informed the apex court that handicapped people who cannot stand when the anthem is played should be exempted from doing so.

On May 3, 2016, Justice Misra upheld the constitutional validity of the legal provision related to criminal defamation. Justices Misra and PC Pant had held that the reputation of an individual was an equally important right and stood on the same pedestal as free speech. The court said it would be a stretch to say that upholding criminal defamation in modern times would amount to imposition of silence. A section of the legal fraternity and advocates of free speech had termed the verdict as being regressive.

Then, on May 5, 2017, a bench headed by Justice Misra had upheld the execution of the three convicts in the highly publicised Nirbhaya gang rape case.

Just as verdicts passed by him or a bench that he was part of faced scrutiny by legal eagles, Justice Misra’s elevation as the CJI too had become a matter of some debate over the past few weeks. In July this year, Adish C. Aggarwala, president of the International Council of Jurists, had alleged that Justice Misra’s appointment as the CJI would “severely compromise the independence of the judiciary”. Aggarwala had written to then CJI Khehar – who had named Justice Misra as his successor – asking that an ongoing enquiry into allegations that Justice Misra had misrepresented facts in attempting to get hold of public land meant to be distributed to the landless poor for agricultural purposes in Odisha must first be resolved before he takes over India’s highest judicial post.

Aggarwala had raked up allegations made by an Odisha-based activist, Jayanta Kumar Das, who had claimed that back in 1979, when Justice Misra had not joined the judiciary but was a practicing lawyer, he had applied for allotment of the land to develop a fodder farm. While in his application to the Odisha government he had declared that his family owned 10 acres of land, Das had alleged that none of the said land was actually in Justice Misra’s name and that he had allegedly concealed this information in a subsequent affidavit. The affidavit later became the basis for allotment of two acres of land to Justice Misra.

The suicide note of former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Kalikho Pul too had reportedly made some serious allegations against Justice Misra, which went uninvestigated.

However, these allegations notwithstanding, outgoing Chief Justice Khehar and the Narendra Modi government still went ahead with the appointment of Justice Misra as the CJI, sticking to the seniority rule.

On his hands, the new Chief Justice will have some critical cases to deal with. He might preside over the contentious Babri Masjid demolition case and also deal with the much popular BCCI reforms matter, as well as the Sahara SEBI case. The explosive issue of abrogation of Article 35A in Kashmir is also expected to be heard by the new Chief Justice.

Adding to the challenges he is certain to face is the seemingly perpetual problem of filling up vacancies in High Courts and the Supreme Court. High Courts in India are working with just 56% of their sanctioned strength while the shortfall in the Supreme Court will widen to 6 when Justice PC Pant retires on Tuesday, leaving only 25 judges in the apex court. The contentious MOP (Memorandum of Procedure) continues to remain an unresolved issue between the government and the SC collegiums, which has rejected the idea of including a security clearance clause that would allow the executive to veto superior court appointments in case of a negative remark against a proposed candidate.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Centre reassures farmers as India-US trade deal nears completion

The Centre has assured farmers that the upcoming India-US trade deal will not harm agriculture or dairy, while creating new export opportunities for India.

Published

2 hours ago

February 6, 2026

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As India and the United States move closer to finalising a major bilateral trade agreement, the Centre has sought to reassure farmers that their interests remain fully protected. Senior ministers on Wednesday said the proposed pact does not compromise sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy, while opening new avenues for Indian exports.

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan dismissed opposition allegations that the deal could adversely affect domestic farmers. Speaking to the media in New Delhi, he said the agreement poses no risk to staple food grains, millets, fruits or dairy products.

“Farmers’ interests are paramount and non-negotiable,” Chouhan said, asserting that the government has ensured no provision allows sudden or disruptive entry of foreign agricultural products into Indian markets. He added that safeguards for both small and large farmers remain firmly in place.

Chouhan underlined that key agricultural commodities continue to be protected and that existing measures shielding Indian farmers from unfair competition will remain unchanged. According to him, the agreement has been shaped under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a clear focus on development and national interest.

Addressing concerns sparked by a recent social media post from a US official regarding greater access for American farm products, the Agriculture Minister said the matter had already been clarified in Parliament by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. He reiterated that India has not opened its markets in a way that would put pressure on domestic producers.

At the same time, the government highlighted potential gains for Indian exports. Reduced tariffs under the agreement are expected to benefit sectors such as rice, spices and textiles. Chouhan pointed out that India already exports rice to multiple countries, including the US, with shipments valued at around Rs 63,000 crore. Increased textile exports, he added, would directly support cotton-growing farmers and allied industries.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also indicated that the trade agreement is now in its final stages. In a post on X following his visit to the United States, he described the negotiations as productive and said the deal would mark a new phase in bilateral relations. He noted progress in areas such as critical minerals, while signalling deeper engagement in defence, energy and strategic cooperation.

Officials view the agreement as part of a broader effort to strengthen India-US economic and strategic ties amid global uncertainty. While detailed provisions are yet to be made public, the Centre has reiterated that farmer welfare remains at the heart of the negotiations.

In an emotional appeal, Chouhan referred to farmers as the nation’s “Annadata” and said serving them was equivalent to worship. He assured that the government would continue to stand firmly with farmers as India charts a new course in its trade relationship with the United States.

India News

Punjab AAP leader Lucky Oberoi shot dead in daylight attack in Jalandhar

AAP leader Lucky Oberoi was killed in a daylight shooting in Punjab’s Jalandhar after attackers fired multiple bullets at him while he was inside his car.

Published

8 hours ago

February 6, 2026

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AAP leader Lucky Oberoi was shot dead in a broad daylight attack in Punjab’s Jalandhar on Friday after unidentified assailants opened fire at him near a gurdwara in the city.

According to initial information, Oberoi was inside his car near the Gurdwara Sahib in the Model Town area when attackers arrived on a two-wheeler and fired multiple rounds at him. Five bullets reportedly hit him during the attack.

He was rushed to a private hospital immediately after the shooting, but doctors declared him dead due to the severity of his injuries.

Attack near gurdwara, police launch investigation

As per preliminary details, Oberoi was parking his vehicle outside the gurdwara when the attackers struck. The shooting triggered panic in the area, prompting an immediate response from the local police.

A police team reached the spot soon after receiving information and has launched an investigation into the incident. Efforts are underway to identify the attackers and determine the motive behind the killing.

Political reactions after killing

Following the incident, Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, strongly criticised the state government, alleging a collapse of law and order in Punjab.

In a post on X, Bajwa said the daylight killing of an AAP leader outside a gurdwara reflected the deteriorating security situation in the state. He questioned the government’s ability to protect citizens, claiming that fear and gang violence were gripping Punjab under the current administration.

Background

Lucky Oberoi was associated with the Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab. His wife had earlier contested municipal elections as an AAP candidate but did not win.

India News

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026: PM Modi to interact with students at 10 am today

PM Modi will address students across India at 10 am today as part of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, focusing on stress-free examinations and learning.

Published

8 hours ago

February 6, 2026

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with students from across the country on Friday at 10 am as part of the annual Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) programme. The 2026 edition continues the initiative’s focus on reducing exam-related stress and encouraging students to prioritise learning over pressure.

In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister invited students, parents and teachers to watch Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, noting that this year’s discussions will cover topics related to examinations, the importance of staying stress-free and maintaining focus on learning. He described the programme as a platform he enjoys, as it allows him to engage directly with young minds from different parts of the country.

Aligned with NEP 2020 vision

The Pariksha Pe Charcha initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasises holistic development, mental well-being and a supportive learning environment. The programme seeks to transform how examinations are perceived by fostering confidence, positivity and celebrating the exam season as a learning festival rather than a source of anxiety.

According to an official release from the Ministry of Education, the Prime Minister has also shared his views on examinations and student well-being in his book Exam Warriors. Available in multiple languages as well as Braille, the book highlights the importance of self-belief and open conversations around stress so that children can enjoy a balanced and fulfilling childhood.

Student participation in pre-event activities

Conceptualised by the Prime Minister, Pariksha Pe Charcha introduces new and engaging elements every year. In the lead-up to the 2026 edition, several student-focused activities were organised across schools nationwide. These included the Swadeshi Sankalp Daud, a student-led run or walk promoting the spirit of self-reliance, along with quiz and writing competitions conducted at selected Kendriya Vidyalayas on Parakram Diwas.

The Ministry of Education stated that approximately 4.81 crore students participated in these pre-event activities, reflecting the scale and reach of the initiative.