August 16, 2026

Rijiju said that Prime Minister’s remarks were not meant for opposition leaders. NEW DELHI: Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on “dimagi naxals” were not meant for the opposition leaders.Amid opposition’s criticism over PM’s remarks during his Independence Day speech, Rijiju said that the “dimagi naxals” referred only to those who supported Maoists and rejected Constitution.”PM Narendra Modi ji didn’t say opposition leaders as dimagi naxals,” Rijiju said in a social media post on X.”Only following are dimagi naxals: 1. Who support Maoists and reject Indian Constitution. 2. Who stand with separatists & support Article 370. 3. Who want to cut chicken neck to separate North-East from India,” he added.In his Independence Day speech, PM Modi said that while Naxals who took up arms in the jungle have been eliminated, there are also “dimagi naxals”, who are in various parts of the country and need to be “identified and isolated.””For years, people with Maoist thinking were there in public life, even in government committees this thinking had affected various institutions and initiatives. My dear countrymen, we have been able to curb and free the country from ‘hathariya naxal’ (armed naxal),” The Prime Minister said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”Even if these naxals are gone, but the ‘dimagi naxal’ (people with naxal thinking), are looking for an opportunity, looking to see ways of violence, and trying to drag the country to a wrong path. We need to identify these dimagi naxal, isolate them, and bring the youth together for a developed country,” he added.Soon after his speech, Congress dismissed PM Modi’s warnings against “dimagi naxals” as hollow political rhetoric.Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the term carries no real substance, drawing a parallel to previous debates surrounding the phrase “urban naxal”.”Two or three years ago, he (PM Modi) called his political opponents ‘urban naxals’; at that time, the question arose in Parliament as to what the definition of ‘Urban Naxal’ was. The Home Minister replied that there is no such thing as an ‘urban naxal,’ nor is there any definition for it. Today, the Prime Minister is using the term ‘mental naxal’ (ideological Naxal) for his political opponents from the Red Fort,” Jairam Ramesh alleged.Former Union minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on also targeted PM Modi over his “dimagi naxal” remarks, saying he was “proud” to be described by the term.“I am proud to be a dimagi naxal!” Chidambaram said in a post on X.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’123PhotostoriesHow to remove Rahu’s negative energy according to your birth date5 things parents should never let others do to their child at a social gatheringInside Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash’s opulent Dubai home: Large balconies, a private pool and moreVaani Kapoor goes full maximalist in Mayyur Girotra’s Kutch-embroidered suit, leaving us completely obsessedHimanshi Khurana on battling depression, traumatic childhood and breakup with Asim Riaz over religious differences; says ‘I felt I was betraying God’10 unusual foods from India that tourists are often afraid to try7 Food items naturally rich in vitamin D to add to your dietStop throwing away stale bread: 7 surprisingly useful ways to use itLove quote of the day by Maya Angelou: ‘I sustain myself with the love of family’Why do Indian brides wear a maang tikka?123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingPM ModiCM VijayBengaluru Namma MetroAsish BanerjeeManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
Rijiju said that Prime Minister’s remarks were not meant for opposition leaders. NEW DELHI: Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on “dimagi naxals” were not meant for the opposition leaders.Amid opposition’s criticism over PM’s remarks during his Independence Day speech, Rijiju said that the “dimagi naxals” referred only to those who supported Maoists and rejected Constitution.”PM Narendra Modi ji didn’t say opposition leaders as dimagi naxals,” Rijiju said in a social media post on X.”Only following are dimagi naxals: 1. Who support Maoists and reject Indian Constitution. 2. Who stand with separatists & support Article 370. 3. Who want to cut chicken neck to separate North-East from India,” he added.In his Independence Day speech, PM Modi said that while Naxals who took up arms in the jungle have been eliminated, there are also “dimagi naxals”, who are in various parts of the country and need to be “identified and isolated.””For years, people with Maoist thinking were there in public life, even in government committees this thinking had affected various institutions and initiatives. My dear countrymen, we have been able to curb and free the country from ‘hathariya naxal’ (armed naxal),” The Prime Minister said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”Even if these naxals are gone, but the ‘dimagi naxal’ (people with naxal thinking), are looking for an opportunity, looking to see ways of violence, and trying to drag the country to a wrong path. We need to identify these dimagi naxal, isolate them, and bring the youth together for a developed country,” he added.Soon after his speech, Congress dismissed PM Modi’s warnings against “dimagi naxals” as hollow political rhetoric.Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the term carries no real substance, drawing a parallel to previous debates surrounding the phrase “urban naxal”.”Two or three years ago, he (PM Modi) called his political opponents ‘urban naxals’; at that time, the question arose in Parliament as to what the definition of ‘Urban Naxal’ was. The Home Minister replied that there is no such thing as an ‘urban naxal,’ nor is there any definition for it. Today, the Prime Minister is using the term ‘mental naxal’ (ideological Naxal) for his political opponents from the Red Fort,” Jairam Ramesh alleged.Former Union minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on also targeted PM Modi over his “dimagi naxal” remarks, saying he was “proud” to be described by the term.“I am proud to be a dimagi naxal!” Chidambaram said in a post on X.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’123PhotostoriesHow to remove Rahu’s negative energy according to your birth date5 things parents should never let others do to their child at a social gatheringInside Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash’s opulent Dubai home: Large balconies, a private pool and moreVaani Kapoor goes full maximalist in Mayyur Girotra’s Kutch-embroidered suit, leaving us completely obsessedHimanshi Khurana on battling depression, traumatic childhood and breakup with Asim Riaz over religious differences; says ‘I felt I was betraying God’10 unusual foods from India that tourists are often afraid to try7 Food items naturally rich in vitamin D to add to your dietStop throwing away stale bread: 7 surprisingly useful ways to use itLove quote of the day by Maya Angelou: ‘I sustain myself with the love of family’Why do Indian brides wear a maang tikka?123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingPM ModiCM VijayBengaluru Namma MetroAsish BanerjeeManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke


'Didn't call opposition leaders dimagi naxals': Rijiju on PM Modi's I-Day remarks
Rijiju said that Prime Minister’s remarks were not meant for opposition leaders.

NEW DELHI: Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on “dimagi naxals” were not meant for the opposition leaders.Amid opposition’s criticism over PM’s remarks during his Independence Day speech, Rijiju said that the “dimagi naxals” referred only to those who supported Maoists and rejected Constitution.“PM Narendra Modi ji didn’t say opposition leaders as dimagi naxals,” Rijiju said in a social media post on X.“Only following are dimagi naxals: 1. Who support Maoists and reject Indian Constitution. 2. Who stand with separatists & support Article 370. 3. Who want to cut chicken neck to separate North-East from India,” he added.In his Independence Day speech, PM Modi said that while Naxals who took up arms in the jungle have been eliminated, there are also “dimagi naxals”, who are in various parts of the country and need to be “identified and isolated.”“For years, people with Maoist thinking were there in public life, even in government committees this thinking had affected various institutions and initiatives. My dear countrymen, we have been able to curb and free the country from ‘hathariya naxal’ (armed naxal),” The Prime Minister said.

Share your thoughts in the comments

Related News

JNU Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit has rejected allegations of irregularities. Jawaharlal Nehru University vice chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit has rejected allegations of irregularities in faculty recruitment and promotions, describing the accusations as “propaganda”.The response came after the JNU Students’ Union and JNU Teachers’ Association sought her removal and demanded an independent, time-bound inquiry into alleged violations in the university’s recruitment and promotion processes.”Despite the most transparent, record recruitments, especially of the SC/ST and the OBC in the university in the last four and a half years of my term as VC, I have been made the target of a vicious campaign by the JNUSU and JNUTA. No evidence, only fake propaganda,” Pandit said in a statement.JNU administration defends recruitment processThe university administration said more than 400 faculty interviews had been conducted and over 200 positions filled since February 2022. It claimed that nearly 70 per cent of those appointed belonged to reserved and marginalised categories.The administration also said it had received no complaints from candidates about the interview process.According to the university, selection committees include three domain experts, a nominee of the Visitor, the concerned dean and the vice chancellor. The Academic Council then approves the candidates selected by the committee.JNU said its Internal Quality Assurance Cell checks candidates’ qualifications and publication claims during the screening process, but does not take part in the final selection through interviews.The administration said publication verification can be particularly complicated in humanities and social sciences because of differences in databases and verification systems. It said this could explain cases where some candidates shortlisted by centres did not eventually reach the interview stage, while others who were initially not selected were later called for interviews.Students, teachers raise UGC concernsThe JNUSU has alleged that recent media reports raised questions over candidates being brought back into the selection process despite subject experts rejecting them for allegedly failing to meet mandatory University Grants Commission eligibility requirements.The JNUTA, in a separate charter of demands issued on Thursday, claimed that an investigation based on RTI replies, official records and dissent notes of the Executive Council had found that at least seven faculty members were appointed in violation of UGC norms.The university has rejected these allegations and maintained that the recruitment process followed established procedures.University rejects concerns over promotions and linksOn faculty promotions, JNU said nearly 250 applications under the Career Advancement Scheme had been processed since February 2022. This included applications that had remained pending since 2006, which the administration described as the highest number of CAS promotions since the university was established.The administration also dismissed concerns about familial or supervisory connections in appointments. It said having a marital or family relationship could not by itself be treated as either a qualification or disqualification for employment.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesSimilarly, the university said being a former student of a supervisor did not automatically amount to a violation of UGC requirements relating to publications.JNU maintained that its recruitment and promotion exercises had been carried out fairly and in accordance with the prescribed procedures.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing Surge123Photostories8 foods that attract insects in your kitchen without you realising itHow to remove Rahu’s negative energy according to your birth date5 things parents should never let others do to their child at a social gatheringInside Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash’s opulent Dubai home: Large balconies, a private pool and moreVaani Kapoor goes full maximalist in Mayyur Girotra’s Kutch-embroidered suit, leaving us completely obsessedHimanshi Khurana on battling depression, traumatic childhood and breakup with Asim Riaz over religious differences; says ‘I felt I was betraying God’10 unusual foods from India that tourists are often afraid to try7 Food items naturally rich in vitamin D to add to your dietStop throwing away stale bread: 7 surprisingly useful ways to use itLove quote of the day by Maya Angelou: ‘I sustain myself with the love of family’123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingPM ModiCM VijayBengaluru Namma MetroAsish BanerjeeManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke

JNU Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit has rejected allegations of irregularities. Jawaharlal Nehru University vice chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit has rejected allegations of irregularities in faculty recruitment and promotions, describing the accusations as “propaganda”.The response came after the JNU Students’ Union and JNU Teachers’ Association sought her removal and demanded an independent, time-bound inquiry into alleged violations in the university’s recruitment and promotion processes.”Despite the most transparent, record recruitments, especially of the SC/ST and the OBC in the university in the last four and a half years of my term as VC, I have been made the target of a vicious campaign by the JNUSU and JNUTA. No evidence, only fake propaganda,” Pandit said in a statement.JNU administration defends recruitment processThe university administration said more than 400 faculty interviews had been conducted and over 200 positions filled since February 2022. It claimed that nearly 70 per cent of those appointed belonged to reserved and marginalised categories.The administration also said it had received no complaints from candidates about the interview process.According to the university, selection committees include three domain experts, a nominee of the Visitor, the concerned dean and the vice chancellor. The Academic Council then approves the candidates selected by the committee.JNU said its Internal Quality Assurance Cell checks candidates’ qualifications and publication claims during the screening process, but does not take part in the final selection through interviews.The administration said publication verification can be particularly complicated in humanities and social sciences because of differences in databases and verification systems. It said this could explain cases where some candidates shortlisted by centres did not eventually reach the interview stage, while others who were initially not selected were later called for interviews.Students, teachers raise UGC concernsThe JNUSU has alleged that recent media reports raised questions over candidates being brought back into the selection process despite subject experts rejecting them for allegedly failing to meet mandatory University Grants Commission eligibility requirements.The JNUTA, in a separate charter of demands issued on Thursday, claimed that an investigation based on RTI replies, official records and dissent notes of the Executive Council had found that at least seven faculty members were appointed in violation of UGC norms.The university has rejected these allegations and maintained that the recruitment process followed established procedures.University rejects concerns over promotions and linksOn faculty promotions, JNU said nearly 250 applications under the Career Advancement Scheme had been processed since February 2022. This included applications that had remained pending since 2006, which the administration described as the highest number of CAS promotions since the university was established.The administration also dismissed concerns about familial or supervisory connections in appointments. It said having a marital or family relationship could not by itself be treated as either a qualification or disqualification for employment.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesSimilarly, the university said being a former student of a supervisor did not automatically amount to a violation of UGC requirements relating to publications.JNU maintained that its recruitment and promotion exercises had been carried out fairly and in accordance with the prescribed procedures.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing Surge123Photostories8 foods that attract insects in your kitchen without you realising itHow to remove Rahu’s negative energy according to your birth date5 things parents should never let others do to their child at a social gatheringInside Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash’s opulent Dubai home: Large balconies, a private pool and moreVaani Kapoor goes full maximalist in Mayyur Girotra’s Kutch-embroidered suit, leaving us completely obsessedHimanshi Khurana on battling depression, traumatic childhood and breakup with Asim Riaz over religious differences; says ‘I felt I was betraying God’10 unusual foods from India that tourists are often afraid to try7 Food items naturally rich in vitamin D to add to your dietStop throwing away stale bread: 7 surprisingly useful ways to use itLove quote of the day by Maya Angelou: ‘I sustain myself with the love of family’123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingPM ModiCM VijayBengaluru Namma MetroAsish BanerjeeManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke

Vamsikrishna 0
Harsimrat writes to Amit Shah NEW DELHI: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has written to Union home minister requesting a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the August 13, 2026, attack on her husband and SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal.In her letter, Harsimrat said Badal suffered an injury to his right arm in the attack and claimed the consequences could have been fatal had an alert security personnel not intervened and risked his own life to stop the assailant.The SAD MP said the August 13 incident was “not an isolated one”, pointing to a similar attempt on Sukhbir Badal’s life on December 4, 2024, at the premises of Shri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, where he was performing seva as directed by the Akal Takht.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”The two assassination attempts have several disturbing parallels and raise serious questions about whether they are connected. I also wish to emphasise that the second assassination attempt raises serious questions about the manner in which the Punjab Government and the Punjab Police dealt with the first attack,” the letter reads.Harsimrat said the two incidents had “several disturbing parallels” and raised serious questions about whether they were connected. She also questioned the manner in which the Punjab government and Punjab Police dealt with the first attack, saying the second incident had brought the issue under renewed scrutiny.Badal attacked at gurdwara in NandedSukhbir Singh Badal was attacked at a gurdwara in Maharashtra’s Nanded on August 13. The assailant, identified as 62-year-old Jaspal Singh, had reportedly been working at the same gurdwara for around two years as a sevadar.The attack took place when Badal was visiting Mata Sahib Gurdwara in the Hazur Sahib area.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’123Photostories8 foods that attract insects in your kitchen without you realising itHow to remove Rahu’s negative energy according to your birth date5 things parents should never let others do to their child at a social gatheringInside Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash’s opulent Dubai home: Large balconies, a private pool and moreVaani Kapoor goes full maximalist in Mayyur Girotra’s Kutch-embroidered suit, leaving us completely obsessedHimanshi Khurana on battling depression, traumatic childhood and breakup with Asim Riaz over religious differences; says ‘I felt I was betraying God’10 unusual foods from India that tourists are often afraid to try7 Food items naturally rich in vitamin D to add to your dietStop throwing away stale bread: 7 surprisingly useful ways to use itLove quote of the day by Maya Angelou: ‘I sustain myself with the love of family’123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingPM ModiCM VijayBengaluru Namma MetroAsish BanerjeeManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke

Harsimrat writes to Amit Shah NEW DELHI: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has written to Union home minister requesting a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the August 13, 2026, attack on her husband and SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal.In her letter, Harsimrat said Badal suffered an injury to his right arm in the attack and claimed the consequences could have been fatal had an alert security personnel not intervened and risked his own life to stop the assailant.The SAD MP said the August 13 incident was “not an isolated one”, pointing to a similar attempt on Sukhbir Badal’s life on December 4, 2024, at the premises of Shri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, where he was performing seva as directed by the Akal Takht.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”The two assassination attempts have several disturbing parallels and raise serious questions about whether they are connected. I also wish to emphasise that the second assassination attempt raises serious questions about the manner in which the Punjab Government and the Punjab Police dealt with the first attack,” the letter reads.Harsimrat said the two incidents had “several disturbing parallels” and raised serious questions about whether they were connected. She also questioned the manner in which the Punjab government and Punjab Police dealt with the first attack, saying the second incident had brought the issue under renewed scrutiny.Badal attacked at gurdwara in NandedSukhbir Singh Badal was attacked at a gurdwara in Maharashtra’s Nanded on August 13. The assailant, identified as 62-year-old Jaspal Singh, had reportedly been working at the same gurdwara for around two years as a sevadar.The attack took place when Badal was visiting Mata Sahib Gurdwara in the Hazur Sahib area.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’123Photostories8 foods that attract insects in your kitchen without you realising itHow to remove Rahu’s negative energy according to your birth date5 things parents should never let others do to their child at a social gatheringInside Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash’s opulent Dubai home: Large balconies, a private pool and moreVaani Kapoor goes full maximalist in Mayyur Girotra’s Kutch-embroidered suit, leaving us completely obsessedHimanshi Khurana on battling depression, traumatic childhood and breakup with Asim Riaz over religious differences; says ‘I felt I was betraying God’10 unusual foods from India that tourists are often afraid to try7 Food items naturally rich in vitamin D to add to your dietStop throwing away stale bread: 7 surprisingly useful ways to use itLove quote of the day by Maya Angelou: ‘I sustain myself with the love of family’123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingPM ModiCM VijayBengaluru Namma MetroAsish BanerjeeManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke

Vamsikrishna 0
Yashwant Varma is likely to impeachment proceedings after a Parliamentary panel found all charges against him proved. NEW DELHI: It began with a fire.On the intervening night of March 14-15, 2025, firefighters responding to a blaze at the official residence of Delhi high court judge Yashwant Varma stumbled upon something far more consequential than the fire itself: a large quantity of burnt currency notes in a storeroom.What followed turned into an extraordinary judicial and political saga: an in-house inquiry, Varma’s transfer to the Allahabad high court, a Parliamentary removal motion, his decision to withdraw from the inquiry and, eventually, his resignation as a judge.Now, almost 18 months after that night, a Parliamentary inquiry committee has found the charges against Varma proved, paving the way for the Centre to pursue his impeachment even though he has already resigned.The case raises a question that goes beyond what happened in that storeroom: Why is Parliament still pursuing the removal of a judge who is no longer in office, and what would his impeachment mean for the judiciary?To understand that, it is worth going back to the night when the fire brought the cash to light.The night the cash was foundA fire was reported at Justice Varma’s residence in the early hours of March 15, 2025. Firefighters were called to douse the blaze.After the fire was brought under control, first responders found a large quantity of cash inside a storeroom. The discovery led to official entries documenting the recovery of what appeared to be unaccounted money.The news of the incident quickly reached then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna. He called an immediate meeting of the collegium, which unanimously decided to transfer Varma to his parent high court, the Allahabad high court.In-house probeKhanna also constituted a three-member in-house committee to examine the allegations.It comprised Punjab and Haryana high court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, Himachal Pradesh high court Chief Justice G S Sandhawalia and Karnataka high court Justice Anu Sivaraman.The committee’s voluminous report concluded that the storeroom was under the control of Varma and his family and recommended steps for his removal.Varma denied the allegations and maintained that he had been framed.“I state unequivocally that no cash was ever placed in that storeroom either by me or any of my family members and strongly denounce the suggestion that the alleged cash belonged to us. The very idea or suggestion that this cash was kept or stored by us is totally preposterous,” he said in his response.How did Parliament get involved?The matter did not end with the in-house inquiry.After the in-house committee recommended Varma’s removal, Parliament stepped in.Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla received a motion signed by 146 members of the Lower House from both the governing and opposition parties seeking Varma’s removal.Acting on the notice, Birla constituted a three-member committee to inquire into the “grounds for request for removal” under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.Supreme Court judge Justice Aravind Kumar chaired the committee. Its original members were Madras high court Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and senior advocate BV Acharya.Shrivastava was later replaced by Bombay high court Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar ahead of his retirement.The inquiry then became a full-fledged legal battle.Varma fights the inquiryVarma did not simply accept the proceedings.Through a team of senior lawyers, he filed 11 interim applications, examined the records and cross-examined witnesses produced before the committee.The presenting side concluded its evidence on March 17. The committee then asked Varma to furnish a list of his defence witnesses and their affidavits.He sought additional time and was granted an extension. But the deadline passed without him submitting either the list or the affidavits.On April 9, Varma informed the committee that he would no longer participate in the proceedings.In his communication, he questioned the fairness of the inquiry on several grounds. He objected to the use of material from the earlier in-house inquiry, argued that the burden of proof had effectively been shifted onto him and alleged that crucial witnesses had not been examined.He also raised the issue of missing CCTV footage, arguing that it could have helped settle key questions surrounding the case.A day later, on April 10, Varma resigned as a judge of the Allahabad high court.In his resignation letter to the President, he did not spell out the reasons for his decision, saying he did not wish to burden the “august office” with them.“It is with deep anguish that I tender my resignation as Judge of Allahabad HC with immediate effect,” Varma wrote.But his resignation did not necessarily bring the matter to an end.What did the Parliamentary inquiry find?Almost 18 months after the cash was discovered, a Parliamentary inquiry committee tabled its report in the House on August 12 and found all charges against Varma proved.The committee found that Varma possessed a substantial quantity of currency notes in the storeroom of his official residence at 30, Tughlaq Crescent. It accepted videos showing charred notes as well as the testimonies of several Delhi Fire Services and police officials.The panel also found Varma guilty of tampering with the scene of the incident. According to the report, the storeroom was cleaned by his household staff, after which the notes were no longer available.It further described Varma’s explanation for the discovery of the unaccounted cash as “evasive” and “unsatisfactory”, rejecting his claim that the currency notes had been planted.The findings have now brought the case to another crucial stage: the impeachment process.Why does Parliament still want to pursue impeachment?This is where the Varma case becomes constitutionally unusual.The Centre is likely to initiate the impeachment process in the Winter Session of Parliament, even though Varma has already resigned.According to a PTI report citing sources, his resignation does not affect the proceedings because it was submitted only after the removal process had begun in Parliament.The government’s reported reasoning goes beyond Varma himself. It wants to establish a precedent and send a message that a judge cannot avoid a removal process by resigning after serious irregularities have already been alleged and proceedings have begun.Constitutional lawyer advocate Ajinkya Udane said the case could become significant for future situations involving judges who resign while facing removal proceedings.“The matter may also become significant for future cases involving judges who resign while facing removal proceedings. A clear determination could help establish how similar situations should be dealt with and whether resignation can prevent an already initiated parliamentary process from reaching its conclusion,” Udane told The Times of India.“Resignation and removal through impeachment are legally different situations and may have different consequences for pension and other post-service benefits,” he added.A CBI inquiry has also been discussed as a possible course of action.What does the Constitution say?The removal of a judge is deliberately made difficult by the Constitution.Article 124(4) says a Supreme Court judge can be removed only by an order of the President following an address by each House of Parliament. Such an address must be supported by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of at least two-thirds of members present and voting, in the same session, on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.Article 218 extends the same removal procedure to high court judges.That high threshold explains why impeachment proceedings against judges are rare and why the Varma case could become an important test of how the process works when a judge resigns midway.Has any judge ever been impeached?No judge of a superior court in India has ever been successfully removed through impeachment.There have been several attempts, but each ended before a judge was formally removed, either because the judge resigned or because the motion failed to secure the required majority.The first major case was that of Justice V Ramaswami in 1993. As Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana high court, he faced allegations of extravagant spending on his official residence.A Speaker-appointed inquiry committee found him guilty on 11 of 14 charges. But when the impeachment motion came up for a vote in the Lok Sabha, Congress MPs abstained. The motion consequently failed to secure the required majority.Justice Soumitra Sen came closer in 2011.A Calcutta high court judge, Sen faced allegations of misappropriating funds he had handled years earlier as a court-appointed receiver. The Rajya Sabha became the first House of Parliament to pass an impeachment motion against a judge when it approved the motion against Sen.But Sen resigned before the Lok Sabha could take up the motion, preventing him from becoming the first judge to be formally removed from office.Justice P D Dinakaran, then Chief Justice of the Sikkim high court, faced corruption allegations in 2011 that surfaced while he was being considered for elevation to the Supreme Court.The then Rajya Sabha chairman constituted a three-member inquiry committee, but Dinakaran resigned before the process could be completed, citing a lack of confidence in the committee’s impartiality.Other attempts did not progress as far.In 2015, motions were moved against Justice J B Pardiwala of the Gujarat high court over his remarks on reservation and against Justice S K Gangele of the Madhya Pradesh high court over sexual harassment allegations. Neither case resulted in a functioning inquiry committee or a vote on the floor of Parliament.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesA test of more than just one judgeThe Varma case, therefore, is not simply about the allegations surrounding a storeroom at a Delhi residence.It has now become a test of how India’s judicial accountability mechanism works when allegations of serious misconduct are made against a judge, and what happens when that judge resigns after Parliament has already begun the process of examining his removal.For Varma, the Parliamentary committee’s findings represent the latest and potentially most consequential chapter in a saga he has consistently denied.For Parliament and the judiciary, the case could leave behind a question that extends well beyond the individual judge: Can resignation bring an end to accountability proceedings against a judge, or can an impeachment process continue once it has already begun?The answer could shape how similar cases are handled in the future.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His stories track elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’123Photostories8 foods that attract insects in your kitchen without you realising itHow to remove Rahu’s negative energy according to your birth date5 things parents should never let others do to their child at a social gatheringInside Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash’s opulent Dubai home: Large balconies, a private pool and moreVaani Kapoor goes full maximalist in Mayyur Girotra’s Kutch-embroidered suit, leaving us completely obsessedHimanshi Khurana on battling depression, traumatic childhood and breakup with Asim Riaz over religious differences; says ‘I felt I was betraying God’10 unusual foods from India that tourists are often afraid to try7 Food items naturally rich in vitamin D to add to your dietStop throwing away stale bread: 7 surprisingly useful ways to use itLove quote of the day by Maya Angelou: ‘I sustain myself with the love of family’123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingPM ModiCM VijayBengaluru Namma MetroAsish BanerjeeManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke

Yashwant Varma is likely to impeachment proceedings after a Parliamentary panel found all charges against him proved. NEW DELHI: It began with a fire.On the intervening night of March 14-15, 2025, firefighters responding to a blaze at the official residence of Delhi high court judge Yashwant Varma stumbled upon something far more consequential than the fire itself: a large quantity of burnt currency notes in a storeroom.What followed turned into an extraordinary judicial and political saga: an in-house inquiry, Varma’s transfer to the Allahabad high court, a Parliamentary removal motion, his decision to withdraw from the inquiry and, eventually, his resignation as a judge.Now, almost 18 months after that night, a Parliamentary inquiry committee has found the charges against Varma proved, paving the way for the Centre to pursue his impeachment even though he has already resigned.The case raises a question that goes beyond what happened in that storeroom: Why is Parliament still pursuing the removal of a judge who is no longer in office, and what would his impeachment mean for the judiciary?To understand that, it is worth going back to the night when the fire brought the cash to light.The night the cash was foundA fire was reported at Justice Varma’s residence in the early hours of March 15, 2025. Firefighters were called to douse the blaze.After the fire was brought under control, first responders found a large quantity of cash inside a storeroom. The discovery led to official entries documenting the recovery of what appeared to be unaccounted money.The news of the incident quickly reached then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna. He called an immediate meeting of the collegium, which unanimously decided to transfer Varma to his parent high court, the Allahabad high court.In-house probeKhanna also constituted a three-member in-house committee to examine the allegations.It comprised Punjab and Haryana high court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, Himachal Pradesh high court Chief Justice G S Sandhawalia and Karnataka high court Justice Anu Sivaraman.The committee’s voluminous report concluded that the storeroom was under the control of Varma and his family and recommended steps for his removal.Varma denied the allegations and maintained that he had been framed.“I state unequivocally that no cash was ever placed in that storeroom either by me or any of my family members and strongly denounce the suggestion that the alleged cash belonged to us. The very idea or suggestion that this cash was kept or stored by us is totally preposterous,” he said in his response.How did Parliament get involved?The matter did not end with the in-house inquiry.After the in-house committee recommended Varma’s removal, Parliament stepped in.Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla received a motion signed by 146 members of the Lower House from both the governing and opposition parties seeking Varma’s removal.Acting on the notice, Birla constituted a three-member committee to inquire into the “grounds for request for removal” under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.Supreme Court judge Justice Aravind Kumar chaired the committee. Its original members were Madras high court Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and senior advocate BV Acharya.Shrivastava was later replaced by Bombay high court Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar ahead of his retirement.The inquiry then became a full-fledged legal battle.Varma fights the inquiryVarma did not simply accept the proceedings.Through a team of senior lawyers, he filed 11 interim applications, examined the records and cross-examined witnesses produced before the committee.The presenting side concluded its evidence on March 17. The committee then asked Varma to furnish a list of his defence witnesses and their affidavits.He sought additional time and was granted an extension. But the deadline passed without him submitting either the list or the affidavits.On April 9, Varma informed the committee that he would no longer participate in the proceedings.In his communication, he questioned the fairness of the inquiry on several grounds. He objected to the use of material from the earlier in-house inquiry, argued that the burden of proof had effectively been shifted onto him and alleged that crucial witnesses had not been examined.He also raised the issue of missing CCTV footage, arguing that it could have helped settle key questions surrounding the case.A day later, on April 10, Varma resigned as a judge of the Allahabad high court.In his resignation letter to the President, he did not spell out the reasons for his decision, saying he did not wish to burden the “august office” with them.“It is with deep anguish that I tender my resignation as Judge of Allahabad HC with immediate effect,” Varma wrote.But his resignation did not necessarily bring the matter to an end.What did the Parliamentary inquiry find?Almost 18 months after the cash was discovered, a Parliamentary inquiry committee tabled its report in the House on August 12 and found all charges against Varma proved.The committee found that Varma possessed a substantial quantity of currency notes in the storeroom of his official residence at 30, Tughlaq Crescent. It accepted videos showing charred notes as well as the testimonies of several Delhi Fire Services and police officials.The panel also found Varma guilty of tampering with the scene of the incident. According to the report, the storeroom was cleaned by his household staff, after which the notes were no longer available.It further described Varma’s explanation for the discovery of the unaccounted cash as “evasive” and “unsatisfactory”, rejecting his claim that the currency notes had been planted.The findings have now brought the case to another crucial stage: the impeachment process.Why does Parliament still want to pursue impeachment?This is where the Varma case becomes constitutionally unusual.The Centre is likely to initiate the impeachment process in the Winter Session of Parliament, even though Varma has already resigned.According to a PTI report citing sources, his resignation does not affect the proceedings because it was submitted only after the removal process had begun in Parliament.The government’s reported reasoning goes beyond Varma himself. It wants to establish a precedent and send a message that a judge cannot avoid a removal process by resigning after serious irregularities have already been alleged and proceedings have begun.Constitutional lawyer advocate Ajinkya Udane said the case could become significant for future situations involving judges who resign while facing removal proceedings.“The matter may also become significant for future cases involving judges who resign while facing removal proceedings. A clear determination could help establish how similar situations should be dealt with and whether resignation can prevent an already initiated parliamentary process from reaching its conclusion,” Udane told The Times of India.“Resignation and removal through impeachment are legally different situations and may have different consequences for pension and other post-service benefits,” he added.A CBI inquiry has also been discussed as a possible course of action.What does the Constitution say?The removal of a judge is deliberately made difficult by the Constitution.Article 124(4) says a Supreme Court judge can be removed only by an order of the President following an address by each House of Parliament. Such an address must be supported by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of at least two-thirds of members present and voting, in the same session, on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.Article 218 extends the same removal procedure to high court judges.That high threshold explains why impeachment proceedings against judges are rare and why the Varma case could become an important test of how the process works when a judge resigns midway.Has any judge ever been impeached?No judge of a superior court in India has ever been successfully removed through impeachment.There have been several attempts, but each ended before a judge was formally removed, either because the judge resigned or because the motion failed to secure the required majority.The first major case was that of Justice V Ramaswami in 1993. As Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana high court, he faced allegations of extravagant spending on his official residence.A Speaker-appointed inquiry committee found him guilty on 11 of 14 charges. But when the impeachment motion came up for a vote in the Lok Sabha, Congress MPs abstained. The motion consequently failed to secure the required majority.Justice Soumitra Sen came closer in 2011.A Calcutta high court judge, Sen faced allegations of misappropriating funds he had handled years earlier as a court-appointed receiver. The Rajya Sabha became the first House of Parliament to pass an impeachment motion against a judge when it approved the motion against Sen.But Sen resigned before the Lok Sabha could take up the motion, preventing him from becoming the first judge to be formally removed from office.Justice P D Dinakaran, then Chief Justice of the Sikkim high court, faced corruption allegations in 2011 that surfaced while he was being considered for elevation to the Supreme Court.The then Rajya Sabha chairman constituted a three-member inquiry committee, but Dinakaran resigned before the process could be completed, citing a lack of confidence in the committee’s impartiality.Other attempts did not progress as far.In 2015, motions were moved against Justice J B Pardiwala of the Gujarat high court over his remarks on reservation and against Justice S K Gangele of the Madhya Pradesh high court over sexual harassment allegations. Neither case resulted in a functioning inquiry committee or a vote on the floor of Parliament.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesA test of more than just one judgeThe Varma case, therefore, is not simply about the allegations surrounding a storeroom at a Delhi residence.It has now become a test of how India’s judicial accountability mechanism works when allegations of serious misconduct are made against a judge, and what happens when that judge resigns after Parliament has already begun the process of examining his removal.For Varma, the Parliamentary committee’s findings represent the latest and potentially most consequential chapter in a saga he has consistently denied.For Parliament and the judiciary, the case could leave behind a question that extends well beyond the individual judge: Can resignation bring an end to accountability proceedings against a judge, or can an impeachment process continue once it has already begun?The answer could shape how similar cases are handled in the future.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His stories track elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’123Photostories8 foods that attract insects in your kitchen without you realising itHow to remove Rahu’s negative energy according to your birth date5 things parents should never let others do to their child at a social gatheringInside Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash’s opulent Dubai home: Large balconies, a private pool and moreVaani Kapoor goes full maximalist in Mayyur Girotra’s Kutch-embroidered suit, leaving us completely obsessedHimanshi Khurana on battling depression, traumatic childhood and breakup with Asim Riaz over religious differences; says ‘I felt I was betraying God’10 unusual foods from India that tourists are often afraid to try7 Food items naturally rich in vitamin D to add to your dietStop throwing away stale bread: 7 surprisingly useful ways to use itLove quote of the day by Maya Angelou: ‘I sustain myself with the love of family’123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingPM ModiCM VijayBengaluru Namma MetroAsish BanerjeeManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke

Vamsikrishna 0
Kerala CM VD Satheesan at Independence Day ceremony NEW DELHI: The BJP has sharply criticised the Kerala government after national song Vande Mataram was not sung at its official Independence Day function, accusing the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) administration of “succumbing to pressure from extremist organisations.”Kerala BJP leader Shone George accused chief minister VD Satheesan of “surrendering to the dictate of Jamaat-e-Islami”, alleging that the chief minister had maintained an “illicit relationship” with the organisation and “anti-India forces” for the past year.”We were convinced of this. Because this is not new—for the past one year, the CM has had an illicit relationship with Jamaat-e-Islami and anti-India forces, both openly and covertly in Kerala,” he told reporters.Referring to the Kerala General Education Department’s guidelines, he claimed officials had indicated that singing the national song was not mandatory.“If an official has issued such an order, make no mistake, that official will face consequences,” George warned.George also accused the state government of attempting to “communalise” the song and discouraging its singing in schools, claiming this would “inject poison into young children’s minds”. He claimed that Congress ally Indian Union Muslim League is “controlling” the General Education Department and “influencing” the government’s position.Senior BJP leader PK Krishnadas separately accused the UDF government of having “completely disrupted” this year’s Independence Day celebrations and alleged that it had imposed a “complete ban” on Vande Mataram.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe also questioned whether the directive had come from “the hubs of Jamaat-e-Islami, Social Democratic Party of India, or Popular Front of India”.Krishnadas alleged that the state government had “effectively challenged” Parliament and the Constitution by “restricting” the national song. “Therefore, this is not just anti-national, but also unconstitutional and illegal,” he claimed.He reiterated that the BJP would pursue both legal and political action against what he described as the UDF government’s “anti-national, unconstitutional stance.”(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’123Photostories5 things parents should never let others do to their child at a social gatheringInside Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash’s opulent Dubai home: Large balconies, a private pool and moreVaani Kapoor goes full maximalist in Mayyur Girotra’s Kutch-embroidered suit, leaving us completely obsessedHimanshi Khurana on battling depression, traumatic childhood and breakup with Asim Riaz over religious differences; says ‘I felt I was betraying God’10 unusual foods from India that tourists are often afraid to try7 Food items naturally rich in vitamin D to add to your dietStop throwing away stale bread: 7 surprisingly useful ways to use itLove quote of the day by Maya Angelou: ‘I sustain myself with the love of family’Why do Indian brides wear a maang tikka?Your walk changes after 60, but is it really ‘normal ageing’? What a shuffle, sway or slower step could be telling you123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingPM ModiCM VijayBengaluru Namma MetroAsish BanerjeeManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke

Kerala CM VD Satheesan at Independence Day ceremony NEW DELHI: The BJP has sharply criticised the Kerala government after national song Vande Mataram was not sung at its official Independence Day function, accusing the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) administration of “succumbing to pressure from extremist organisations.”Kerala BJP leader Shone George accused chief minister VD Satheesan of “surrendering to the dictate of Jamaat-e-Islami”, alleging that the chief minister had maintained an “illicit relationship” with the organisation and “anti-India forces” for the past year.”We were convinced of this. Because this is not new—for the past one year, the CM has had an illicit relationship with Jamaat-e-Islami and anti-India forces, both openly and covertly in Kerala,” he told reporters.Referring to the Kerala General Education Department’s guidelines, he claimed officials had indicated that singing the national song was not mandatory.“If an official has issued such an order, make no mistake, that official will face consequences,” George warned.George also accused the state government of attempting to “communalise” the song and discouraging its singing in schools, claiming this would “inject poison into young children’s minds”. He claimed that Congress ally Indian Union Muslim League is “controlling” the General Education Department and “influencing” the government’s position.Senior BJP leader PK Krishnadas separately accused the UDF government of having “completely disrupted” this year’s Independence Day celebrations and alleged that it had imposed a “complete ban” on Vande Mataram.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe also questioned whether the directive had come from “the hubs of Jamaat-e-Islami, Social Democratic Party of India, or Popular Front of India”.Krishnadas alleged that the state government had “effectively challenged” Parliament and the Constitution by “restricting” the national song. “Therefore, this is not just anti-national, but also unconstitutional and illegal,” he claimed.He reiterated that the BJP would pursue both legal and political action against what he described as the UDF government’s “anti-national, unconstitutional stance.”(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’123Photostories5 things parents should never let others do to their child at a social gatheringInside Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash’s opulent Dubai home: Large balconies, a private pool and moreVaani Kapoor goes full maximalist in Mayyur Girotra’s Kutch-embroidered suit, leaving us completely obsessedHimanshi Khurana on battling depression, traumatic childhood and breakup with Asim Riaz over religious differences; says ‘I felt I was betraying God’10 unusual foods from India that tourists are often afraid to try7 Food items naturally rich in vitamin D to add to your dietStop throwing away stale bread: 7 surprisingly useful ways to use itLove quote of the day by Maya Angelou: ‘I sustain myself with the love of family’Why do Indian brides wear a maang tikka?Your walk changes after 60, but is it really ‘normal ageing’? What a shuffle, sway or slower step could be telling you123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingPM ModiCM VijayBengaluru Namma MetroAsish BanerjeeManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke

Vamsikrishna 0