English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

Justice Yashwant Varma sworn in as Allahabad High Court judge amid in-house probe

In a letter dated April 5 addressed to Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court Arun Bhansali, HCBA Secretary Vikrant Pandey condemned the move, arguing that it further eroded public trust in the judicial system.

Published

on

In a move that has added to controversy, Justice Yashwant Varma was sworn in as a judge of the Allahabad High Court on Saturday, despite an ongoing in-house inquiry ordered by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna on March 22.

The inquiry, conducted by a panel of three High Court judges, was initiated to investigate serious allegations against Justice Varma following the discovery of large amounts of cash at his official residence in Delhi.

The controversy began on March 14 when a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s residence on Tughlak Road at 11:35 p.m. The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) swiftly controlled the blaze, but during the response, first responders reportedly found several semi-burnt sacks containing Indian currency notes in a storeroom.

At the time, Justice Varma, then a judge at the Delhi High Court, and his wife were in Bhopal. The shocking discovery raised questions about the source and purpose of the cash, triggering a storm of speculation and calls for accountability.

Justice Varma has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, labelling the allegations as a “conspiracy to malign” him, according to reports. However, the incident has cast a shadow over his judicial career, prompting the CJI to order a probe to uphold the integrity of the judiciary.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Justice Varma’s swearing-in ceremony at the Allahabad High Court was conducted on Saturday in what the High Court Bar Association (HCBA) described as a “clandestine” manner.

The lawyers’ body, which had previously opposed his repatriation to Allahabad, expressed outrage, questioning why the event was not publicly notified to the Bar.

In a letter dated April 5 addressed to Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court Arun Bhansali, HCBA Secretary Vikrant Pandey condemned the move, arguing that it further eroded public trust in the judicial system.

“The entire Bar Association is pained to learn about the secretive way in which Justice Yashwant Varma was administered the oath of office at Allahabad,” Pandey wrote.

He recalled that the CJI had assured Bar members during a meeting that steps would be taken to maintain the dignity of the judiciary. “We were told the process would be fair and transparent, but why was this oath not communicated to the Bar? This question once again shakes people’s faith in the system,” he added.

Pandey urged the Chief Justice not to assign any administrative or judicial duties to Justice Varma, asserting that “legally and traditionally, the oath administered to him is flawed and unacceptable.”

He emphasized that the swearing-in of a judge is a cornerstone event in the judicial system and should be conducted openly, with lawyers—whom he described as equal stakeholders—being informed and involved. “Keeping the lawyer fraternity in the dark may undermine their confidence in this institution,” he warned.

The HCBA passed a resolution declaring the oath “unconstitutional” and distanced itself from the process, arguing that it violated established norms. “We spoke openly about our concerns and even sent copies of our resolutions to everyone, including your lordship. Yet, this secretive oath leaves us bewildered,” Pandey stated.

No official statement has been issued by the Allahabad High Court regarding the swearing-in, adding to the mystery surrounding the event. The cash recovery incident has reignited debates about judicial accountability, with calls from various quarters for strict action to set a precedent and restore public confidence in the judiciary.

Justice Varma, for his part, has maintained that neither he nor his family had any knowledge of the cash found at their residence. However, the lack of transparency in his swearing-in has fueled accusations of favouritism and raised concerns about the judiciary’s commitment to fairness and openness.

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

Published

on

Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

Continue Reading

India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

Published

on

Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

Published

on

Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com