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Supreme Court fumes at leak of CBI director Alok Verma’s reply, puts off hearing to Nov 29

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8 years ago

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hearing of the CBI Director Alok Kumar Verma’s plea challenging the government’s decision to divest him of duties and sending him on leave was put off for Nov 29 with the Supreme Court expressing its annoyance at the leak of confidential details related to the case and lamenting the evident lack of respect for the institution.

The court held the CBI director responsible for selective leaks of Central Vigilance Commission’s (CVC) report on corruption charges against him and his response to it, both of which were confidential documents submitted in the court in sealed covers.

When on Tuesday (November 20) morning, the bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph resumed hearing the case – on Monday it had said it did not want to delay it when CBI director Verma’s counsel senior advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan sought more time for filing his reply to CVC report – it asked Verma’s lead counsel, senior advocate Fali S Nariman, how confidential details related to the case were being published by sections of the media.

Nariman told the bench that the leaks were “unauthorised” and that the court could “summon the editors” for further information.

The ‘leak’ reportedly referred to an article published by online news portal The Wire which had reproduced excerpts of Verma’s response to a questionnaire he was given by the CVC during the two weeks that it conducted a court-monitored probe against the CBI chief under supervision of retired Supreme Court judge, Justice AK Patnaik.

The CVC inquiry was been initiated under four broad categories of complaints made against Verma by his deputy, Rakesh Asthana, who, along with Verma, was also been divested of his responsibilities as CBI special director by the central government.

The Supreme Court had earlier remarked that the findings of the CVC were “very complimentary on some of the charges” made out against Verma but also “not so complimentary and very uncomplimentary” on other charges.

The Chief Justice also told Nariman that the bench wasn’t happy at the manner in which senior advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan had approached the court, on Monday (November 19), seeking additional time to file Verma’s reply to the CVC inquiry report. The bench had, last week, granted Verma time till November 19 (1 P.M) to file his reply to the inquiry report.

Sankarnarayanan had approached the bench on Monday morning seeking an extension of the deadline following which the court had directed that the reply must be filed by 4 P.M the same day. Verma’s reply was submitted to the Supreme Court’s registry in a sealed cover a couple of hours later.

After the Chief Justice expressed on Tuesday that he was not happy with Sankarnarayanan approaching the bench for additional time, Nariman claimed that the request had not been authorised by him as Verma’s lead counsel and that he had got to know of the development only through the media.

Evidently miffed at the manner in which leaks related to the case were happening in the media, Chief Justice Gogoi adjourned the hearing in the case till November 29, admonishing counsels for all parties in the case, stating: “we don’t think any of you deserve any hearing.”

Shortly after the bench adjourned the matter, Nariman approached the Chief Justice and apologised for the goings-on that had upset the court, reported India Legal. The senior advocate then asked the Chief Justice to grant him some time to make certain clarifications.

Thereafter, as Nariman, Sankarnarayanan and an advocate-on-record apparently engaged by Verma for the case appeared before the bench, Chief Justice Gogoi said: “We are unable to help you due to the inefficiency of the counsel. We want to know what is going on. This is a place for adjudication of legal rights, not a platform for people to come and express anything they want. We will set it right.”

The Chief Justice, referring to CBI director Alok Verma, said: “We expressed that highest degree of confidentiality must be maintained and this litigant (the CBI director) takes the papers and shares them with everyone. Our respect for this institution is not shared by anyone for some strange reason.”

Nariman sought to pacify the bench by stating that the article published by The Wire was about Verma’s response to the CVC questionnaire during the course of the investigation and that this response was not covered by the confidentiality order of the top court, which was specifically on the final inquiry report and Verma’s response to it – both documents currently under perusal of the bench.

Nariman asserted that there had been “no violation of the SC order”.

Senior advocate Sankarnarayanan then approached the bench stating: “I would like to clear my name”. Earlier in the day, Nariman had told the bench that Sankarnarayanan had not been authorised to approach the bench on Monday for seeking an extension for filing Verma’s response to the CVC inquiry report.

While the bench declined to hear Sankarnarayanan’s clarification, another advocate-on-record (AoR) who had previously appeared for Verma told the bench that the CBI chief had authorised her and Sankarnarayanan to seek the extension.

This set off a spat between Nariman and Sankarnarayanan. While Sankarnarayanan insisted that he had been authorised by Verma to appear for him in the case, Nariman responded saying: Don’t tell me what to do… I have experience of 67 years.”

The Chief Justice then made it clear to the sparring lawyers that it was not inclined to hear anyone except Nariman. Nariman told the court that the mentioning done by Sankarnarayanan was wrong. “Nothing is mentioned in the court if a senior is involved,” Nariman said, adding that as Verma’s lead counsel, he had not authorised Sankarnarayanan to appear before the bench on Monday and ask for an extension of the deadline to file the CBI chief’s response to the CVC inquiry report.

The bench then also noted its displeasure over the publication of the petition filed by senior CBI officer MK Sinha challenging his transfer from the SIT probe into corruption cases against Rakesh Asthana.

Sinha was among a slew of officers who were probing Asthana and were transferred hours after the Centre ordered Verma and Asthana to go on leave on October 24. Interim CBI chief M Nageswara Rao had transferred all officers probing Asthana out of Delhi. Each of these officers has now filed separate petitions before the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court challenging their transfers and each plea has made specific and startling claims not just about the affairs within the CBI but also against high ranking officials in the Prime Minister’s Office – including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval – and a junior minister in the union council.

Sinha’s petition, filed earlier this week alleges that Doval was trying to shield Asthana in the corruption cases being investigated against the CBI special director. This was reported widely in the media.

Much of what Sinha mentions in his petition is the same as what Verma has explained in his confidential reply to the CVC inquiry report, sources told India legal. Verma’s detractors have been claiming that since he could not violate the SC’s confidentiality order that prohibited him from sharing details of his response to the CVC inquiry report with the press, he got Sinha to file a petition that made the same claims, knowing that the press would lap it up owing to the grave allegations made in it.

With all these shenanigans happening in the case that gets murkier by the day, it remains to be seen how it progresses and which way it goes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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PM Modi’s Indonesia visit to boost defence, digital and strategic partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Indonesia visit is expected to strengthen bilateral ties through new initiatives in defence, digital infrastructure, maritime security, trade and critical minerals.

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2 hours ago

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July 6, 2026

By

PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Indonesia is expected to give fresh momentum to the growing strategic partnership between the two countries, with discussions likely to cover defence cooperation, maritime security, digital connectivity, trade, critical minerals and several other sectors.

India’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, said the relationship between New Delhi and Jakarta has entered a stronger phase following Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations last year. He said the Prime Minister’s visit is expected to further strengthen this trajectory through a series of new understandings and agreements.

Defence and maritime cooperation likely to receive major push

According to the ambassador, defence and maritime security will remain key pillars of the discussions during the visit.

He highlighted Indonesia’s strategic location along the Malacca Strait, describing secure sea lanes as vital for both countries and the wider Indo-Pacific region. He stressed that uninterrupted maritime connectivity remains essential for global trade and regional stability.

Without revealing specific details, Chakravorty indicated that the visit could produce significant outcomes in defence cooperation, saying several important announcements are expected.

‘BrahMos Plus’ hints at broader defence partnership

The ambassador also suggested that defence ties between India and Indonesia are moving beyond discussions centred on the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.

Responding to a question about future cooperation, he remarked that the next phase would be “BrahMos Plus,” while refraining from providing further details.

He said future collaboration is expected to focus on defence manufacturing, technology partnerships, training and capacity building. India, he noted, has emerged as an important exporter of defence equipment and could support Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.

Military cooperation is also expanding, with India set to participate with troops for the first time in the multinational Garuda Shield military exercise after previously attending as an observer.

Digital connectivity and UPI integration gain momentum

Digital cooperation is expected to be another major highlight of the visit.

The ambassador said Indonesia is preparing to launch its Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)-inspired platform during Prime Minister Modi’s visit, making it the fastest international adopter of India’s digital public infrastructure model.

The initiative is expected to support nearly 65 million micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia by creating a more open digital commerce ecosystem.

Chakravorty also said discussions on integrating India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Indonesia’s payment systems have reached an advanced stage.

While technical integration remains complex due to Indonesia’s multiple payment-switch networks, he expressed confidence that progress would continue and the Prime Minister’s visit could accelerate the process.

Critical minerals and investment to feature prominently

Critical minerals are also expected to be a major area of cooperation as both countries look to strengthen supply chains for clean energy technologies and electric vehicle manufacturing.

Indonesia possesses significant reserves of nickel and other strategic minerals, while India is seeking reliable supplies to support its manufacturing ambitions.

The ambassador said India plans to invest in processing critical minerals within Indonesia rather than importing only raw materials. He added that such investments would support industrial development in both countries while contributing to India’s self-reliance goals.

Cultural ties to be highlighted

Apart from strategic and economic cooperation, the visit is also expected to showcase the longstanding cultural relationship between India and Indonesia.

Both countries will launch a 15-month programme commemorating Rabindranath Tagore’s 1927 visit to Indonesia, recognising his influence on the country’s educational and cultural landscape.

Prime Minister Modi is also expected to visit Yogyakarta, a city known for its historic temples, reflecting the deep civilisational links shared by the two nations.

With cooperation expanding across defence, digital infrastructure, trade and critical minerals, the visit is expected to mark another important step in strengthening the India-Indonesia strategic partnership and advancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Ram Mandir Trust accepts Champat Rai’s resignation amid donation theft row

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has accepted Champat Rai’s resignation as General Secretary following the donation theft controversy, with Bajrang Bagra emerging as a leading contender for the post.

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3 hours ago

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July 6, 2026

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Champat Rai

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has accepted the resignation of its General Secretary, Champat Rai, following the controversy surrounding the alleged theft of cash donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

According to sources, Bajrang Bagra has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the post. Bagra currently serves as the International General Secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). A chartered accountant by profession and a former head of PSU NALCO, he is considered to have the administrative and financial expertise required as the Trust moves into its next phase.

Sources indicated that the Trust is looking to appoint someone with strong experience in governance, finance and institutional administration to strengthen its functioning.

Although Champat Rai has stepped down as General Secretary, sources said he is expected to continue as a trustee unless he decides otherwise.

Decision on successor may come after VHP executive meeting

The appointment of the next General Secretary is unlikely to be announced immediately. The VHP’s biannual national executive meeting is scheduled to take place in Delhi on July 19 and 20, where several organisational decisions, including transfers and appointments, are expected to be discussed.

Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra had submitted their resignations after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reportedly took a firm stand on the alleged donation theft. Their resignations came after the Special Investigating Team (SIT) submitted its preliminary findings into the case.

Donation theft investigation

According to the preliminary investigation, temple staff responsible for counting cash donations allegedly siphoned off money despite CCTV cameras being installed at the counting centre. The report stated that the footage was not monitored regularly, allowing the alleged theft to continue. Reports suggest that around Rs 7 crore to Rs 7.5 crore may be missing.

So far, eight people have been arrested in connection with the case. Among them is Ram Shankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu Yadav, who worked as Champat Rai’s driver.

Sources said Champat Rai has told his close associates that Tinnu Yadav played the central role in the alleged fraud and misused the trust placed in him. According to the sources, Rai also claimed that when Yadav feared he would be caught, he leaked information to a Samajwadi Party leader.

The other accused arrested in the case are Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra and Subhash Srivastava.

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WhatsApp gets more time to respond on username feature, rollout in India put on hold

WhatsApp has been granted more time to respond to the government’s concerns over its username feature and has assured that it will not launch the feature in India until discussions are completed.

Published

3 hours ago

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July 6, 2026

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WhatsApp

Meta assures the government that the feature will not be introduced in India until ongoing consultations are completed.

Meta-owned WhatsApp has been granted an extension to submit its response to the Centre regarding its proposed username feature, while assuring the government that it will not roll out the feature in India until discussions on the matter are concluded.

According to sources, the government has allowed WhatsApp three additional days to file its response after the company sought more time. The original deadline for the reply was Friday.

The proposed username feature would allow users to connect with others without revealing their phone numbers, a move that has raised concerns within the government over its potential impact on cyber safety.

Last week, the Centre issued a notice to Meta questioning the feature, expressing concerns that it could increase online fraud, phishing attempts, impersonation, and so-called “digital arrest” scams. The government also directed the company to pause the rollout until consultations are completed to its satisfaction.

Sources said representatives from Meta met officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on Friday following the issuance of the notice. During the discussions, WhatsApp reportedly assured authorities that the feature would not be introduced in India before the consultation process is completed.

The government has also asked Meta to explain why action should not be initiated under the Information Technology Act and the relevant rules if the proposed feature is found to compromise user safety. It reminded the company that WhatsApp, as a significant social media intermediary, must comply with due diligence obligations under Indian law.

A WhatsApp spokesperson had earlier clarified that the username feature is not yet live and is expected to be introduced gradually later this year.

The company said it has built several safeguards into the feature to prevent impersonation. According to WhatsApp, usernames of public figures, government entities, celebrities, and verified Meta accounts have been reserved so that they can only be claimed by their legitimate owners. It also said lookalike variations of such usernames are being restricted.

WhatsApp also clarified that users will still need a phone number to create and use a WhatsApp account. The username feature is intended only as an alternative way for people to connect.

The company added that users would need to know another person’s exact username before initiating contact. It also plans to limit how many new users an account can message, prevent repeated attempts to guess usernames, and use automated systems to detect impersonation and abusive behaviour.

To help users identify unfamiliar contacts, WhatsApp said it will display contextual information whenever someone sends a message through a username for the first time. Users will be informed whether the sender is a new account, an existing contact, someone who shares a mutual group, or a person located in another country before deciding whether to respond.

Following its notice to WhatsApp, the IT Ministry also issued notices to Telegram and Signal, seeking details on how their existing username-based systems address concerns related to fraud and impersonation. While WhatsApp has around 500 million users in India, Telegram has a significantly smaller user base.

In recent days, Meta and Telegram have also come under regulatory scrutiny on separate issues. The government recently issued a notice to Meta regarding child sexual abuse material appearing in Instagram advertisements, while Telegram was directed to strengthen action against the circulation of pirated films, OTT content, and other copyrighted audio-visual material on its platform.

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