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?

Maharashtra police have arrested journalist Prashant Koratkar in Telangana for allegedly making derogatory remarks about 17th-century Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji. The arrest follows widespread outrage over a viral audio clip and legal proceedings that culminated in the rejection of his anticipatory bail.

Arrest follows legal battle and public outrage

According to police, Koratkar was taken into custody in Telangana and is being brought to Kolhapur for further legal procedures. Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit confirmed the development, stating that the journalist will now face the legal process in Maharashtra.

The case stems from an audio conversation between Koratkar and Kolhapur-based historian Indrajeet Sawant, in which Koratkar allegedly made objectionable remarks. The recording, shared by Sawant on social media, sparked strong public backlash and demands for Koratkar’s arrest.

Koratkar was initially booked on February 26 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions for promoting enmity between groups. Despite being granted interim protection from arrest by a sessions court until March 1, the Kolhapur police challenged the decision in the Bombay High Court, seeking cancellation of the relief.

On March 18, Additional Sessions Judge D V Kashyap in Kolhapur rejected Koratkar’s anticipatory bail plea. In his defense, Koratkar claimed his phone was hacked and the viral audio was doctored. He also issued a public apology and alleged that the audio was released with the intent to stir communal tension.

Maharashtra CM denies police inaction

Amid political criticism, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed claims that police were shielding Koratkar, who hails from his hometown of Nagpur. Fadnavis asserted that law enforcement was actively pursuing the case and would take action wherever Koratkar was found.

With his arrest now confirmed, Koratkar will face further legal proceedings in Kolhapur as authorities continue their investigation.

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has told Mumbai Police that he has no regrets about his controversial ‘gaddar’ (traitor) remark, which was reportedly aimed at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and made it clear that he would apologise only if court directed him to do so. This comes after Maharashtra government’s mounting pressure and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ apology demand.

Speaking to police from Tamil Nadu, Kamra also denied allegations of being paid by the opposition to target Shinde and offered full access to his financial records to prove his stand, sources revealed.

The controversy escalated further after Kamra’s Mumbai-based comedy studio, Habitat Studio, was vandalised by Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers on Sunday night, hours later the BMC demolished the studio citing an unspecified violation. Video footage showed a mob damaging property, throwing chairs, and burning Kamra’s photo outside a police station in Thane. All 11 accused were granted bail shortly after the incident.

Habitat Studio distances itself from Kamra’s remarks

The studio, which hosted the controversial episode of India’s Got Latent featuring Kamra, stated that it cannot be held responsible for comments made by performers. It announced a temporary shutdown, citing safety concerns and the need to evaluate how to promote free speech without endangering property and staff.

The term ‘gaddar’, used by Kamra, has been interpreted as a reference to Eknath Shinde, whose 2022 rebellion split the Shiv Sena and led to the fall of the Uddhav Thackeray-led government, paving the way for the BJP-Shinde alliance.

While BJP leaders filed multiple complaints against Kamra, Uddhav Thackeray’s faction hit back. Aaditya Thackeray called Shinde an “insecure coward,” and Priyanka Chaturvedi highlighted that Kamra never explicitly named anyone in his joke. Questioning the intolerance toward comedy and criticism, she said that their vandalism shows that there is truth in the joke.