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No FIR, no probe: Experts, politicians demand transparency in Justice Varma mysterious cash case

The controversy surrounding Justice Yashwant Varma over unaccounted cash and a suspicious fire has triggered rare political consensus and raised serious questions on judicial transparency.

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1 year ago

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Yashwant Varma, justice verma cash controversy, Supreme Court collegium, corruption probe

In a rare show of political consensus, both ruling and opposition parties have come together demanding answers in the controversy involving Justice Yashwant Varma, after the alleged recovery of unaccounted cash from his residence and a subsequent mysterious fire. However, the incident, which unfolded without an FIR or any formal police investigation, has ignited a larger debate on judicial transparency.

Questions over transparency

Justice Varma, who has denied knowledge of the cash recovered from his residence, has been relieved of his duties in the Delhi High Court and repatriated to the Allahabad High Court, a move that was met with resistance from the local Bar Association. Meanwhile, a Supreme Court-formed three-member committee is investigating the matter.

Despite the high-profile nature of the case, no FIR has been lodged, and no formal forensic or police report has emerged to clarify the cause of the fire or the source of the cash. Legal experts and senior officials argue that such developments would normally lead to immediate action under income tax and anti-corruption laws for ordinary citizens.

Legal experts question silence

Legal voices across the board have called for equal treatment under the law. Several experts also pointed out that the police are obliged to investigate the discovery of unclaimed or suspicious assets under Section 102 of the CrPC (now BNSS). A retired judge emphasized that the law should compel an investigation into the ownership and potential criminal origin of the cash.

Calls for CBI probe

As demands for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe grow louder, many believe the matter cannot be brushed aside. A senior advocate from Allahabad High Court alleged that something more serious might be hidden beneath the surface and warned against scapegoating.

The incident has also reignited the debate over the collegium system of judicial appointments. Justice L Narasimha Reddy, former Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, pointed out that the absence of the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) framework has left the system vulnerable to opacity and lack of accountability.

A test of judicial equality

The controversy has now become more than a singular issue. It is being viewed as a test of whether the justice system will uphold the fundamental principle of equality before the law. Experts and political leaders alike are demanding that judicial integrity be preserved through transparency and lawful action.

As the investigation awaits further clarity, the silence from enforcement agencies continues to fuel public suspicion, raising the core question: Can the law truly be equal for all?

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Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth appointed next Army chief, to take charge on June 30

The government has appointed Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, currently the Vice Chief of Army Staff, as the next Army chief. He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi on June 30.

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1 day ago

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June 13, 2026

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The Centre has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), paving the way for a leadership transition in the Indian Army later this month. Lt Gen Seth, who currently serves as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi upon the latter’s retirement on June 30, 2026.

The appointment was announced on Saturday, with the government confirming that Lt Gen Seth will assume office from the afternoon of June 30. He will take over command after General Dwivedi completes his tenure as the Army’s 30th chief.

Veteran Armoured Corps officer

An officer of the Armoured Corps, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Indian Army in December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy. Over nearly four decades of service, he has held a range of operational, command, staff and strategic appointments across the Army.

Before becoming Vice Chief on April 1, 2026, he served in several senior leadership roles, including heading the Southern Command and South Western Command. He has also commanded formations such as the Delhi Area and the XXI Corps during his military career.

Leadership transition in the Army

Lt Gen Seth’s elevation comes as the Army prepares for a change of command at the highest level. His appointment follows his move to Army Headquarters as Vice Chief earlier this year, a role he assumed on April 1.

The Ministry of Defence said the incoming Army chief brings extensive experience from command, operational and strategic assignments across diverse military domains.

With the appointment, Lt Gen Seth is set to lead the Indian Army through the next phase of its modernisation and operational preparedness efforts after taking charge at the end of the month.

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IAF AN-32 aircraft crashes while landing at Assam’s Jorhat airbase, five personnel killed

Five Indian Air Force personnel were killed after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while landing at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam. The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry into the accident.

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June 13, 2026

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An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of five Air Force personnel. The accident occurred during a routine sortie and triggered an emergency response at the airbase.

According to the IAF, the aircraft met with the accident during the landing phase at Jorhat. The force later confirmed the loss of five personnel and expressed condolences to their families. A court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.

Court of inquiry ordered

The Indian Air Force said a formal investigation will examine the cause of the accident. Officials have not yet disclosed what may have led to the crash, and the inquiry is expected to review technical, operational and environmental factors.

Reports indicated that the co-pilot survived the accident and is undergoing medical treatment.

Personnel who lost their lives

The IAF identified the five personnel killed in the accident as:

  • Squadron Leader Prashant Singh
  • Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar
  • Sergeant Jitendra Sharma
  • Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat
  • Agniveervayu Danish Alam

The Air Force said it stands with the bereaved families during this difficult time.

AN-32’s role in the Air Force

The AN-32 is a twin-engine transport aircraft that has been a key part of the Indian Air Force’s logistics operations for decades. It is widely used to transport personnel, equipment and supplies, particularly in remote and high-altitude regions. India remains one of the largest operators of the aircraft type.

The crash comes months after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft accident in Assam that claimed the lives of two IAF pilots.

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Delhi records coolest day of June so far as rain and thunderstorms bring relief from heat

Delhi recorded its coolest day of June after rain and thunderstorms caused a sharp drop in temperatures. IMD has forecast more showers and gusty winds before temperatures begin rising again.

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2 days ago

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June 13, 2026

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Delhi weather today

Delhi witnessed its coolest day of June so far after widespread rain and thunderstorm activity caused temperatures to drop significantly across the national capital. The change in weather provided much-needed relief from the intense summer heat that had gripped the region in recent weeks.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rain and thunderstorms over the past 24 hours brought a noticeable decline in both maximum and minimum temperatures. Official weather observations showed that Delhi’s maximum temperatures fell well below normal levels, while several areas experienced strong winds and rainfall.

More rain and thunderstorms likely

The IMD has forecast additional thunderstorms, light to moderate rain and gusty winds for Delhi and nearby areas through Saturday. A yellow alert remains in place, with weather conditions expected to stay unsettled before gradually improving.

Weather experts have attributed the recent change to the influence of a western disturbance and associated weather systems affecting northwestern India. While the disturbance is gradually moving away, its impact is expected to continue for a short period.

Temperatures may rise again next week

Meteorologists expect the pleasant conditions to last for another couple of days. After that, temperatures are likely to begin rising again as rainfall activity decreases. The IMD’s latest forecast also indicates a gradual increase in temperatures by the middle of next week.

Recent weather systems have brought relief not only to Delhi but also to parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and other northern states, where thunderstorms and rain have helped ease heatwave conditions.

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