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CBI director Alok Verma files reply to CVC report after SC denies a day’s extension; hearing tomorrow

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]CBI Director Alok Verma today (Monday, November 19) filed his reply to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) report on corruption charges against him to the Supreme Court (SC).

Earlier, on a request by Verma seeking an extension of deadline for filing his reply, the apex court, making it clear that it would not adjourn its hearing in the case scheduled for Tuesday, November 20, asked him to file his reply by 4 pm today itself – a three hour extension over the earlier deadline of 1 pm.

Gopal Sankaranarayanan, who had appeared on behalf of Verma, had sought more time to file the response.

The SC bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph had given Verma time till Monday (November 19) to file a reply to the CVC inquiry that has investigated complaints made against him by his deputy, CBI special director Rakesh Asthana.

During the last hearing in the case on Nov 16, the court had said that the inquiry report was “exhaustive” with “very complimentary… not so complimentary… and very uncomplimentary” findings on some of the charges made out against Verma. It had dismissed the CVC and Centre’s objections to allow the CBI chief to get a copy of the probe report and file a counter reply to it for the bench’s perusal.

The court had asked Verma to file his response in sealed cover to the preliminary probe report of the CVC on corruption charges against the CBI director by Monday.

The court had allowed copies of the inquiry report to be given to Verma, Attorney General KK Venugopal and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta (appearing for the CVC) in a sealed cover and directed the CBI chief to file his reply “also in a sealed cover” by Monday while stating that the court will resume hearing in the case on November 20.

The CVC inquiry has investigated Verma under four broad categories and the court has already said that some of the aspects of the probe need further investigation.

The CVC’s inquiry against Verma was conducted under the supervision of former apex court judge Justice AK Patnaik and the report was filed in court on November 12. During the hearing on Friday, the bench made it clear that the confidentiality of CVC’s report was necessary “keeping in mind the need to preserve and maintain the sanctity of the institution of the CBI and public confidence in the said institution”. The court had clarified that a response to the CVC report has to be filed by Verma only.

Chief Justice Gogoi had then made it clear that the top court first wanted to establish the facts about Verma’s removal before getting into the legal aspects about his removal and the other transfers.

The Supreme Court is hearing a petition filed by Verma, challenging an October 23 government order divesting him of all responsibilities. Verma and CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana were sent on leave after differences between them came out in the open. The SC had given the CVC two weeks to probe Asthana’s allegations of corruption against Verma.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

India News

CJP announces peaceful march in Delhi on September 5

The CJP has announced a peaceful march from India Gate to Delhi Police Headquarters on September 5 over what it calls the government’s failure to honour commitments made on July 25.

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Barely six weeks after withdrawing its nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak issue, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced a peaceful march in Delhi on September 5, accusing the government of failing to honour commitments it says were made on July 25.

The satirical group said the march will begin at India Gate and conclude at the Delhi Police Headquarters. It has appealed to students, youth organisations and young citizens to participate in large numbers.

According to the CJP, parents of NEET aspirants who died by suicide and victims of alleged police brutality will lead the march.

Why has CJP announced the march?

The CJP said its National Working Committee reviewed the government’s compliance with commitments allegedly made to young protesters on July 25, following which the nationwide protests were withdrawn.

The group alleged that the government has since delayed action and avoided providing clear commitments on some of its demands.

The CJP had earlier demanded the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, compensation for families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide following the paper leak, and an assurance that protesters would not face legal action.

The agitation was called off after the group said the government had agreed to fulfil its demands.

CJP raises issue of FIRs against protesters

The CJP has also alleged that the government did not provide a list of FIRs registered against protesters across the country for quashing, despite what it said was a request from the Supreme Court.

The group further claimed that the government had not given a clear commitment on the issue and that a written assurance to the CJP was still awaited.

“The National Working Committee of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) convened today to review the Government of India and BJP/NDA ruled states’ compliance with the solemn commitments made to the young people of this country on 25 July 2026,” the group said in its statement.

It alleged that the government was “playing delay games” and “hiding behind technicalities” instead of implementing the commitments it said had been made.

CJP’s earlier protests over NEET leak

The CJP’s earlier agitation over the NEET paper leak had included protests by its volunteers and students. The demonstrations gained momentum after protesters marching towards Parliament were lathi-charged by Delhi Police, according to the group.

The clashes left several protesters injured, while police personnel were also injured.

The CJP later called off its agitation after saying that its key demand for Pradhan’s resignation had been met and that the government had agreed to address its other demands.

With the latest announcement, the group has now called for another mobilisation in Delhi on September 5.

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India News

Gurugram rain disrupts city, offices advised WFH as schools shift online

Heavy rain caused widespread waterlogging and traffic disruption in Gurugram, prompting WFH and online class advisories.

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Gurugram faced widespread waterlogging and traffic disruption on Monday after heavy rain overwhelmed several parts of the city. The district administration advised offices to allow employees to work from home and schools to conduct classes online following the disruption.

The administration said Gurugram recorded 70 mm of rainfall by 1.30 pm. Areas including Rajiv Chowk, IFFCO Chowk, Railway Road, Sector 5, Old Delhi Road, Mehrauli Road and Basai Road were among those badly affected.

The disruption came despite the rain lasting for only about an hour, with residents again raising concerns over Gurugram’s civic infrastructure and drainage system.

Vehicles stranded, students forced to seek higher ground

Several motorists were seen abandoning their vehicles after getting stuck on waterlogged roads. Students returning from school also faced difficulties, with some moving towards elevated locations such as raised bus stops to stay away from flooded roads and the danger of open manholes obscured by muddy water.

The heavy waterlogging also affected movement on the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway, resulting in major delays for commuters.

The journey between Signature Tower and Hero Honda Chowk, which normally takes around 15 minutes, took at least 50 minutes on Monday, according to commuters.

Delhi-Jaipur Expressway, Sheetla Mata Road among affected stretches

A significant section of the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway near Cyber Hub, opposite Gateway Tower Metro station, was submerged, affecting traffic on the major route.

Sheetla Mata Road, which has been identified as one of Gurugram’s flood-prone stretches during the monsoon, was also among the worst-hit areas.

The latest disruption has once again highlighted concerns over the city’s infrastructure during periods of intense rainfall.

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Entertainment

Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan ad draws criticism over modern festive look

Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan advertisement has sparked an online debate, with some social media users questioning her contemporary festive outfit and the campaign’s concept.

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Kriti Sanon’s latest festive appearance has triggered a debate on social media after the actor featured in a Raksha Bandhan advertisement wearing a contemporary outfit.

In the advertisement, Kriti Sanon is seen in an off-white bralette-style blouse paired with a cape and a draped skirt. While the actor has previously experimented with contemporary interpretations of traditional fashion, some social media users criticised her look in the festive campaign.

The criticism was directed particularly at the choice of outfit for a Raksha Bandhan-themed advertisement, with several users questioning whether the look was appropriate for the occasion.

Advertisement’s pet dog sequence also draws reactions

The concept of the advertisement also became a point of discussion online. In the campaign, Kriti is seen tying a traditional rakhi on a dog after the pet barks at her.

The advertisement presents the ritual as a way of including the pet in the family’s Raksha Bandhan celebrations. However, several social media users questioned the decision to include the dog in the festive ritual.

Some commenters accused the brand of making a mockery of Indian festivals, while others said they disagreed with the overall concept of the advertisement.

Social media users criticise Kriti Sanon’s festive look

Kriti Sanon’s outfit became one of the main talking points among those criticising the advertisement. Some users described the outfit as inappropriate for a Raksha Bandhan campaign.

One social media user wrote that Kriti was tying rakhi in a “bra kinda attire” and questioned the use of such an outfit during the festival.

Another commenter compared the treatment of Raksha Bandhan with other festivals and criticised the advertisement’s presentation of the celebration.

Other reactions focused on traditional elements associated with Raksha Bandhan. One user questioned the absence of a puja thali and tilak while also criticising Kriti’s outfit.

A separate comment objected to the inclusion of the dog, arguing that the campaign was not representative of the traditional spirit of Raksha Bandhan.

These comments reflect the views of individual social media users and do not establish a broader consensus about the advertisement.

Kriti Sanon yet to respond to criticism

The Raksha Bandhan advertisement continues to receive mixed reactions on social media. While some users have criticised the actor’s outfit and the campaign’s concept, Kriti Sanon is yet to respond to the criticism.

The debate comes as brands increasingly use contemporary interpretations of traditional festivals in advertising, with the campaign’s presentation becoming a subject of discussion among social media users.

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