The Central government has approved the transfer of Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma to the Allahabad High Court, following the recommendation of the Supreme Court collegium. The decision, formalised by the Union Law Ministry on Thursday, comes amid ongoing controversy over an alleged cash stash incident linked to the judge’s residence.

“In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 222 of the Constitution of India, the President, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, is pleased to transfer Shri Justice Yashwant Varma… to be a Judge of Allahabad High Court,” stated the official notification.

The Supreme Court had earlier clarified that the transfer was not related to the ongoing inquiry into the alleged cash discovery at Justice Varma’s official bungalow, where a fire reportedly destroyed a substantial amount of money. The judge has denied the allegations, calling them baseless and part of a conspiracy.

Protests and criticism over transfer decision

The decision has triggered protests by lawyers in the Allahabad High Court, who have objected to what they perceive as a pattern of sending judges to their court as a punitive measure. They argue that such transfers reinforce a negative perception of the court being used as a “dumping ground.”

Former Attorney General of India Mukul Rohatgi also voiced concern over the matter, suggesting the transfer appears linked to the controversy surrounding the alleged cash stash. “There are several loose ends in this case… I don’t think there is any great thing in saying that the transfer is not connected to the scam,” he said, questioning the Supreme Court’s statement distancing the move from the investigation.

Justice Varma, in a response submitted to the committee formed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, described the allegations as damaging to his reputation. “In the life of a judge, nothing matters more than reputation and character. That has been severely tarnished and irreparably damaged,” he wrote.

The controversy continues to stir debate within the legal community, even as Justice Varma prepares to assume his new position at the Allahabad High Court.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity with Myanmar and Thailand following a powerful earthquake that struck the region earlier today, causing significant casualties and structural damage. The tremors were also felt in several Indian cities, including Kolkata and Imphal.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi conveyed his concern and assured assistance. “Deeply concerned by the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and well-being of all affected. India stands ready to provide all possible support,” he stated.

The Prime Minister added that he had directed Indian authorities to remain on standby and instructed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to maintain close contact with the governments of Myanmar and Thailand for coordinated relief efforts.

The 7.7 magnitude quake hit central Myanmar at 12:50 PM (local time), with its epicenter located 16 km northwest of Sagaing at a depth of 10 km, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). A strong 6.8-magnitude aftershock followed, exacerbating the damage.

A state of emergency has been imposed in six regions of Myanmar following a major 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck near Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city. The quake caused widespread damage and sent tremors across the region, including neighboring Thailand where buildings collapsed in Bangkok.

In Thailand’s capital, the earthquake caused panic as high-rise buildings swayed violently. A multi-story building under construction near the popular Chatuchak market collapsed completely, with the dramatic moment captured on video showing the structure crumbling into a cloud of dust as bystanders ran for safety. Authorities have not yet confirmed how many workers were trapped in the rubble, but police warned residents to remain outside due to potential aftershocks.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos. A Scottish tourist shopping in a Bangkok mall recounted how people screamed and ran in panic as the building shook. A British visitor at a streetside bar described seeing a high-rise building swaying dangerously, with water spilling from a rooftop pool. Public transportation systems were shut down as thousands evacuated to parks and open areas across the city.

Near the epicenter in Myanmar, the historic royal palace in Mandalay sustained damage. A 90-year-old bridge collapsed in the Sagaing region, while highways connecting major cities were damaged. In the capital, Naypyitaw, religious shrines and homes were partially destroyed. While no casualties were immediately reported in Yangon, residents fled their homes as the ground shook.

The earthquake, which occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, was also felt in China’s Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, where some buildings were damaged and injuries reported near the Myanmar border.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, is scheduled to introduce The Indian Ports Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha on Friday. As per the official list of business, the proposed legislation seeks to overhaul the existing legal framework for ports in India, aiming to promote integrated development and optimize the use of the country’s extensive coastline.

The bill focuses on enhancing ease of doing business by consolidating port-related laws and establishing empowered State Maritime Boards for the efficient management of non-major ports. In addition, it will facilitate the creation of a Maritime State Development Council to ensure a structured growth trajectory for the port sector.

The legislation also includes provisions for managing pollution, emergencies, navigation safety, and data at ports. It aims to ensure India’s adherence to its international maritime obligations.

Apart from this, the Union Minister is also set to move The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, which defines the rights, liabilities, responsibilities, and immunities related to the sea transportation of goods.

Other key developments in the House include multiple committee reports being tabled. These include:

• Standing Committee on Industry: Chandan Chauhan and Smita Uday Wagh will present the 328th report on the Review of Performance of Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP).
• Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports: Varsha Gaikwad and Sumathy Alias Tamizhachi Thangapandian will submit the 365th report on Demands for Grants 2025-26 for the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• Water Resources Committee: Narayandas Ahirwar will lay down the Final Action Taken Statements.
• Labour, Textiles and Skill Development Committee: Basavaraj Bommai and G M Harish Balayogi will present four action taken statements and other related reports on demands for grants.
  

Union Minister Manohar Lal is also scheduled to make a statement on a withdrawal from the Contingency Fund of India for the launch of a new scheme – Deendayal Jan Aajeevika Yojana (Shehari), addressing urban livelihood.

Later in the day, private member resolutions will be taken up. These include:

• MP Shafi Prambil’s resolution on regulating airfare with a proposal to cap maximum fare per route and establish a quasi-judicial body for monitoring.
• E T Mohammed Basheer’s resolution on tackling drug abuse, calling the issue a threat to public health.
• Parshottambhai Rupala’s proposal for the establishment of Jan Kitnasak Kendras to provide affordable, high-quality pesticides to farmers.
  

Kodikunnil Suresh’s motion urging measures to ensure the delimitation process upholds the democratic rights of all states—a concern raised by several southern MPs in recent sessions.