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CPI seeks support of political parties for impeachment proceedings against Justice Varma
NEW DELHI: The Communist Party of India (CPI) MP and Leader of the party in the Upper House, P Sandosh Kumar has written to the presidents of all political parties demanding their support in initiating impeachment proceedings against former Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma, following the shocking reports of unaccounted hoards of cash allegedly recovered from his residence. In his letter, Sandosh Kumar stated that if proven true, these allegations are not only a gross betrayal of public trust but also a serious affront to the integrity of our judicial institutions. Kumar urged all political parties to rise above partisanship and take constitutional responsibility to safeguard the credibility of Indias judiciary. The Centre is weighing the option of bringing in Parliament an impeachment motion against Justice Varma, who has been indicted by a Supreme Court-appointed probe panel after the discovery of a huge sum of burnt cash from his official residence in the national capital. Sources in the government said an impeachment motion in Parliament, which meets next during the Monsoon Session starting in the second half of July, is an obvious choice if Justice Verma, who was repatriated from the Delhi High Court to Allahabad High Court after the unsavoury incident, does not resign on his own. The letter underscores the need for Parliament to act decisively in light of such serious allegations, invoking the provisions of Article 124 and Article 218 of the Constitution of India to initiate impeachment proceedings. The CPI MP further emphasised that the legislature cannot be a silent spectator when such grave questions of judicial propriety and public accountability are raised. Beyond the immediate case, Sandosh Kumar has also called for a nationwide political dialogue on making the judiciary more accountable, inclusive, and socially representative. He highlighted that the judiciary continues to remain opaque in its appointments and largely unrepresentative in terms of caste, gender, and regional diversity. Our courts must reflect the plural character of Indian society. Accountability mechanisms for the higher judiciary are long overdue. What we are facing today is not an isolated case of alleged corruptionit is a systemic failure that demands both institutional reform and democratic will, the CPI MP said. The party has consistently championed democratic accountability across institutions and reiterates its demand for the establishment of a constitutionally backed, independent mechanism to oversee judicial conduct and integrity, read a statement issued by the Parliamentary Party Office of CPI on Wednesday.
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P. Sandhosh Kumar is the second Rajya Sabha member after Congresss Vivek Tankha to raise demand, citing the constitutional empowerment of the Parliament to impeach Justice Varma.
Allahabad HC Bar Association backs proposed impeachment move against Justice Varma
LUCKNOW: Calling the proposed impeachment motion to be brought against Justice Yashwant Varma over the alleged recovery of huge cache of cash from his residence in New Delhi, a step towards keeping peoples faith in judiciary intact, Allahabad High Court Bar Association welcomed the move and supported it. Saying that peoples trust was the foundation of the power of judiciary, Anil Tiwari, the president of Allahabad High Court Bar Association, said that such a move would make the people feel that their voice was heard at the highest level. It is a step towards the victory of the public and the cause, said Tiwari while appealing to all the political parties to vote in favour of the impeachment. Notably, Justice Varma came under the limelight when, on March 21, media was replete with reports of a fire at a storeroom in the outhouse of his official bungalow and subsequent recovery of sacks of cash currencies. The then Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, took cognisance of the matter and on March 22 initiated an in-house inquiry against the judge by a panel of three High Court judges to examine the allegations against Justice Varma. Justice Varma, however, denied possession of cash and claimed it to be a conspiracy against him. Impeachment proceedings against Justice Yashwant Varma likely On March 24, the Delhi High Court passed an order stripping Justice Varma of all judicial work in pursuance of directions from the Supreme Court of India. Subsequently, the Supreme Court collegiums recommended transfer of Justice Varma to the Allahabad High Court. Amid strong opposition by Bar Association, Justice Varma was administered oath by the chief justice of the Allahabad High Court in his chamber on April 5, 2025. Unlike the usual public oath-taking ceremonies organized for judges, an event attended by various dignitaries, Justice Varma took his oath in a private setting, within chamber. Justice Varma, who originally belonged to the Allahabad High Court and took oath as judge here in 2014, was transferred to the Delhi High Court in 2021. However, after being transferred to Allahabad High Court, the then CJI directed the Allahabad High Court Chief Justice not to assign judicial work to Justice Varma. Now the in-house inquiry panel of three high court judges has submitted its report to the Chief Justice of India, who, in turn, submitted it the President of India.
Centre Likely To Bring Impeachment Motion Against Justice Yashwant Varma
The Union government is weighing the option of bringing in Parliament an impeachment motion against Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma.
Allahabad High Court Special Judicial Magistrate Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline
The Allahabad High Court has announced the recruitment of 01 Special Judicial Magistrate post, and interested, eligible candidates can apply offline through the official Allahabad High Court website by 25 July 2025.
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Government Preps For Impeachment Move Against Judge In Cash Row: Report
The Union government is weighing the option of bringing in Parliament an impeachment motion against Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma.
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Govt mulls impeachment motion against Justice Varma
The Union government is considering an impeachment motion against Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma, who was indicted by a Supreme Court-appointed probe panel after burnt cash was found at his residence. The government is likely to consult with opposition parties before moving forward with the motion, which would require a two-thirds majority vote in Parliament.
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No right to teach: HC slams Jamia Urdu Aligarh over degree irregularities
Prayagraj: Holding that Jamia Urdu Aligarh, a minority institution imparting education to deprived sections, is distributing degrees without proper classes, the Allahabad High Court has denied such degree holders any right to appointment as Urdu language assistant teachers in primary schools run by Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Board. Dismissing a writ petition filed by Azahar Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Allahabad High Court rejects plea seeking Radha Rani's inclusion as party in Mathura case
The Allahabad High Court dismissed an application to include goddess Radha in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah title dispute, deeming Puranic illustrations as hearsay. The applicant claimed joint ownership of the disputed land with Lord Krishna, citing references in Purans and Sanhitas. The court stated that the applicant failed to provide concrete evidence supporting her claim of joint ownership.
HC rejects plea to implead goddess Radha in Mathura case
The Allahabad High Court has rejected an application to implead goddess Radha Rani as a party in the Mathura Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah title dispute. The court ruled that puranic illustrations are considered hearsay evidence and the applicant failed to provide concrete evidence supporting the claim of joint ownership.
The Allahabad High Court dismissed an application to include goddess Radha in the Mathura Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah title dispute. Justice Mishra cited Puranic illustrations as hearsay, noting the applicant's claim of joint ownership with Lord Krishna, based on ancient texts, lacked concrete evidence.
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Allahabad HC rejects plea to implead Radha Rani in Krishna Janmabhoomi title suit
LUCKNOW: In the Krishna Janmabhoomi - Shahi Eidgah title dispute case, the Allahabad High Court has rejected the Hindu sides plea to implead deity Shriji Radha Rani in the case on the grounds that Pauranic illustrations are considered hearsay evidence. The Court said that Shriji Radha Rani was not a necessary or proper party to be impleaded in the case, and if she was included, it would change the basic nature of the title suit. The plea was filed under Order 1 Rule 10 of the Civil Procedure Code by advocate Anil Kumar Singh Bishen, who represented Shriji Radha Rani through her next friend Reena N Singh. The applicant had urged the court to make Shriji Radha Rani a joint plaintiff in Original Suit No. 7 of 2023, which was filed by Shri Bhagwan Shrikrishna Lala Virajman and others against the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board and the Shahi Idgah Masjid Committee. The suit pertains to 13.37 acres of land in Mathura, which the plaintiffs claim is Lord Krishnas birthplace. They claim that the Shahi Idgah Masjid was illegally built during the Mughal period by demolishing this holy site. The plaintiffs have presented historical records, reports from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and references of Hindu scriptures to support their claim demanding the removal of the structure. In her plea, Shriji Radha Ranis side argued that she was deeply connected with Lord Krishna and was his eternal consort; she also had the rights over the disputed land. They referred to religious texts like the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Narada Pancharatra Samhita, and Skanda Purana to substantiate their argument that she was the soul of Lord Krishna and therefore she should be considered a co-deity with equal ownership. However, the bench of Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra did not accept this religious argument as a legal right. The Court made it clear that religious stories cannot prove legal ownership over land in the court of law. The court said: The Pauranic illustrations are generally considered as hearsay evidence in a legal context. In the case of Pauranic illustrations, these are graphic representations of story and events and the truth of events they depict is usually based on narrative and not on direct observation or testimony. There is no evidence in support of the claim raised by the applicant that the applicant is entitled as a joint holder of said land of 13.37 acres and the property of the applicant is also involved in the suit property claimed by the plaintiff no. 1 as birth birthplace of lord Krishna. The Court also noted that there was no temple of Radha Rani on the disputed land, and there is no legal proof to show that she had any ownership or share in the property. Interestingly, while Plaintiff No. 1, represented by Kaushal Kishor Thakur, did not oppose Shriji Radha Ranis addition to the case, the other plaintiffs were against it. They said that including her would go against the main purpose of the suit, which is only focused on Krishna Janmabhoomi and not about Radha Rani. They also told the Court that Radha Rani is already included in a different ongoing case in the civil court, so she should not be made a party again in this matter. The Court agreed and said that adding Radha Rani to the case would only make the issue more complicated and might delay the proceedings. It stressed that unless there was a clear legal or ownership claim, such applications cannot be allowed. With that, the High Court dismissed the application and posted the matter for next hearing of the main suit for July 4, 2025.
Cash row: SC rejects RTI plea for in-house panel report, CJIs letter to Prez, PM
New Delhi: The Supreme Court administration has rejected a plea seeking a report of the apex court-appointed committee, which indicted Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma in the cash discovery row, under the Right to Information Act. The RTI application had also sought the communication of the then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna []
Cash at judge residence: SC rejects RTI plea for in-house panel report
New Delhi: The Supreme Court administration has rejected a plea seeking a report of the apex court-appointed committee, which indicted Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma in the cash discovery row, under the Right to Information Act. The RTI application had also sought the communication of the then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court administration has rejected a plea seeking a report of the apex court-appointed committee, which indicted Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma in the cash discovery row, under the Right to Information Act. The RTI application had also sought the communication of the then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the matter. The apex court administration apparently referred to the confidentiality of the communication and rejected the RTI application on grounds that it may violate parliamentary privilege. Earlier this month, the then CJI Khanna had wrote to the President and the Prime Minister besides sharing the report of the committee along with the response received from Justice Varma. Now, it is up to the executive and Parliament to decide the future course of action. The in-house procedure entails that the CJI writes to President and the Prime Minister for impeachment after the advice to the judge to resign is not complied with. Chief Justice of India, in terms of the in-house procedure, has written to President of India and the Prime Minister of India enclosing therewith copy of the three-member committee report dated May 3 along with the letter/response dated May 6 received from Justice Yashwant Varma, the apex court said in a statement on May 8. The apex court-appointed panel confirmed the cash discovery allegations against Justice Varma in its inquiry report, sources previously said. The three-member panel comprised Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, Himachal Pradesh High Court Chief Justice G S Sandhawalia and Justice Anu Sivaraman of the Karnataka High Court. The report was finalised on May 3. Sources had also said the then CJI Khanna nudged Justice Varma to step down in view of critical findings in the report, which was forwarded to the judge for his response in line with the principle of natural justice. The panel analysed evidence and recorded the statements of over 50 people, including Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora and Delhi Fire Service chief who were among the first responders to the fire incident at Justice Varma's official residence in Lutyen's Delhi at 11.35 pm on March 14. Justice Varma was a judge of the Delhi High Court at that time. The allegation was repeatedly denied by Justice Varma in his response to the Delhi High Court chief justice and to the apex court appointed panel. The controversy was raised following a news report in the cash discovery row and led to several steps, including a preliminary inquiry by Delhi High Court Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya, judicial work being taken away from Justice Varma in the Delhi High Court, and later his transfer to the Allahabad High Court sans judicial work. On March 24, the apex court collegium recommended the repatriation of Justice Varma to his parent Allahabad High Court. On March 28, the top court asked the chief justice of the Allahabad High Court not to assign any judicial work for now to Justice Varma. Justice Yashwant Varma cash recovery row: Trial by fire for judicial probity
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Our job is to hit the target what people say or ask is not our concern
From commanding warships to shaping minds in defence colleges, Commodore G Prakash (retd) has seen the bow and stern of the Indian Navy. A decorated veteran and warfare strategist, Cmde Prakash sits with TNIE to discuss his formative years at Sainik School and NDA, life at sea and in command, Operation Sindoor, Indias military posture, modernisation of the armed forces, geopolitics, and more What inspired you to join the Indian Navy? Actually, no particular inspiration. I grew up in rural Chengannur. My father was in the Air Force. One day, he took me for the Sainik School entrance exam in Kazhakootam. I passed, so I joined. Thats all. So, did your time at Sainik School lead you to the defence forces? Defence forces, yes. However, regarding the branch, very practical choices led to it. There were three options: Army, Navy, and Air Force. I preferred the Army because 220 of 340 seats were reserved for it, and the medical standards were a bit easier. For the first time, I went to Allahabad, but failed to clear it. Six months later, I applied again, but this time for the Navy, because repeat travel for the same service isnt reimbursed. As fate would have it, I passed and got into the Navy. What was the biggest takeaway from Sainik School? That school made us who we are, flaws and all. Our headmaster, Major Prakash Singh, used to say, Learn to play. Youll lose, but keep playing. Get used to loss. I tell this to students now. Another thing our school gave most of us was a deep love for reading. Then, the friendships one forged there were in blood, sweat and pain. And they last a long time. I still keep in touch with all of them. What about your time at the NDA? NDA is intense. Many drop out in the first two months. Days start at 4.30 am. The class combinations are crazy. For instance, there will be mathematics, drill and PT; and swimming, chemistry and history. Meals are served in a regal dining hall, and the cuisine is fantastic. But you cant always eat there (laughs). All kinds of punishments are meted out. Mind you, its not ragging. The word ragging doesnt even figure in this picture. Basically, it is hierarchy building. If someone is even a day senior to me, throughout my life, I will call him sir. It doesnt matter what rank he holds. If you want to build this kind of loyalty or kinship, then this hierarchy building is necessary. Most importantly, it dispels your ego. You cant operate in a team with ego. Getting rid of that is essential. Its often said that Indian officers are among the best in the world in terms of discipline, especially based on what we hear about global peacekeeping missions. How would you compare the training of Indian officers with counterparts from other countries? I will share something from my experience. I worked alongside Americans during the tsunami relief in Sri Lanka not a UN mission, but similar dynamics. In daily meetings at Galle, coordination was key. Among foreign militaries, there were Austrians, Americans, and us. One day, a UN official asked me to chair the meeting. I asked why. She said, They arent managing it properly. I observed: Austrians and Americans sat a bit arrogantly, with few personnel but many cameras and heavy equipment. In contrast, we had 450 Indians, each with just a spade. No JCBs, no rollers. But we worked sincerely, no photo ops. Thats the difference. Our discipline stands out. We follow orders, avoid politics, and just get the job done. What about the 1988 Sri Lanka intervention? I have been giving a lecture titled The Effect of Prolonged Peace since 2012. Its based on eight years of research on the British Navy from 1805 to 1914. At Trafalgar, Lord Nelsons 33 ships defeated 41 Franco-Spanish ones. He was mortally wounded early, yet all 33 British ships survived. Why? Because Nelson had built such a strong shared doctrine that every captain knew exactly what to do. Even without him. But after Napoleons fall, Britain saw 100 years of peace. When war returned in 1916, Britains 151 ships lost badly to Germanys 99. The reason? They hadnt fought a serious war in a century. Operational experience had withered. Now, think of our context. By 1971, India had already fought in 1948, 1962, and 1965. So when General Manekshaw told Indira Gandhi to wait, he knew what he was doing. When we acted, it was decisive. But in 1988, someone said well go without proper prep. That wasnt about the troops. They were excellent. The issue was strategic. Coming to Operation Sindoor, theres a narrative that the ceasefire was rushed, perhaps not on our terms. How do you view that? Did it work out in Pakistans favour? No, I really wouldnt hazard a guess on this. Its a live issue, and I am still engaged in this environment. I cant speculate without clear facts. Lets wait. Commodore Srikant Kesnur (retd), when he was here with us for a Dialogues session, had underscored that India now has a greater resolve to strike wherever threats originate. Do you agree? I dont have anything against that view. There are some analysts who opine we lag behind in terms of capacity building. Is there a concern we would lose the technological edge in the next 10 years? No, I dont think so. In 1962 and 65, the Navy was not involved. But 1971 was different the Navy got its real chance and seized it. The Navy played a crucial role in the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani troops. We dominated the Bay of Bengal and restricted the enemy completely. In the west, we bombed Karachi. That scar still shapes how the Pakistani navy is viewed there. After 1971, the Indian Navy saw a golden period from the mid-80s to mid-90s new aircraft, submarines, and ships. Today, we have redefined our doctrine. We have, for instance, clearly stated that Operation Sindoor has been paused, not ended. We will respond decisively if provoked. But doctrine alone means little without power to back it. I believe the government understands this and will provide the resources. So no, I dont see India losing its technological edge over the next decade. How professional or cohesive are Pakistans defence forces? I cant claim to know all the details, but I will share what I understand. According to documented information, Pakistans army controls roughly 60% of the countrys economy, from milk distribution to real estate. Now, when the military moves away from its core functions, inevitably, its capabilities get diluted. Is there tribalism or division within their army? Definitely. Pakistan, as a country, probably should never have been formed in its current configuration. To maintain power, the leadership required a common enemy. And that was India. Parallelly, religious extremism was fostered to solidify internal cohesion. The recent incidents likely served to unite the country temporarily behind Pakistans military leadership. Yet, beneath the surface, there remains considerable divisiveness: the Baloch liberation movement, the Sindhi separatists, and longstanding Pashtun grievances. During Operation Sindoor, there were false reports that the Indian Navy had attacked Karachi port. Later, to a question on such an eventuality, Vice Admiral A N Pramod [Director General of Naval Operations] stated that the Navys actions were part of an escalation ladder mechanism. Could you elaborate on it? Well, regarding what Vice Admiral Pramod said, I only know whats publicly available. I wouldnt speculate further. Incidentally, Pramod and I held the same job, flew on board the same helicopters. Now, lets consider the geographical realities Pakistans navy faces. Their Makran coastline is barely 500km. Back in the 80s and 90s, our Seaking 42B helicopters had a radar range of about 200 miles. Basically, a single helicopter, positioned centrally, could monitor their entire coastline. Since then, our capabilities have only improved. So, when Vice Admiral Pramod mentioned the escalation ladder, he probably referred to a range of response options. I wont guess specifics, but its safe to say we enjoy clear maritime dominance. Pakistan still manages to scrap a few narrative wins every now and then Pakistan faces significant disadvantages, notably geography and perhaps internal dynamics, such as their armys dominance over strategic decisions. Their navy is restricted mostly to defensive operations. But even a weaker opponent can land one hit and claim victory. Its like punching Mike Tyson once you could brag about it forever. One or two hits dont change the game. Real strength lies in sustained economic and military power. And in that sense, I believe India has the clear upper hand. 1971 is often a reference point in conversations comparing the India-Pakistan military balance. How does it compare to today? Frankly, the balance hasnt changed much. Back in 1971, Pakistan had 8 ships 4 frigates and 4 destroyers. And we had four times that. The ratio remains similar even today. They now have 5 submarines; we have 18, including nuclear-powered ones. That gap has only widened. What about the Air Force and Army? Same story. I know the current chiefs; they were my batchmates. Yes, there are upgrade requirements. Air Chief Marshal A P Singh has rightly highlighted we need 42 squadrons, but have only 32, and many of those have ageing aircraft. However, numbers arent everything. In modern warfare, its about systems. For instance, in an airstrike, the first priority is SEAD suppression of enemy air defence. Thats standard doctrine. However, on the first night of Operation Sindoor, we didnt even do SEAD, and yet hit nine terror launchpads. Ask yourselves: Why didnt their air defence stop it? Later, they targeted us, but our layered air defences from L-70 guns to the S-400 thwarted the attacks. Then, we went after their air defence systems and military bases. Numbers, while important, are not everything. We dont have a problem as of now. But as I had mentioned, now that the doctrine has changed, our system is expected to get even more advanced. In this drone age, is a third aircraft carrier still relevant? Carriers offer air power on demand. They let you project power wherever you go. Theres a misconception that we can rely on islands like the Andamans or Lakshadweep as fixed carriers. The concept is valid, but it assumes the enemy will come to you. Navies dont operate that way. You need to take your full strike capability with you. The Navy must continue stating its requirements clearly. Carriers, submarines, helicopters, ships these are all legitimate needs. With the recent shift in doctrine, theres now a case for renewed urgency. How many aircraft carriers should India ideally have? I would say we need a minimum of three aircraft carriers. Mainly due to the refit cycle. You need one operational on the east coast, one on the west, while the third one can be in the dock for maintenance. There has been this new trend demanding proof of military action... is this demoralising? Armed forces dont get demoralised by all this. But I dont think its a morale booster, either. Its just irrelevant. Our job is simple: deliver ordnance on target, in the right quantity, at the right time. Period. What people outside say or ask, thats political. Its not our concern. Theres also been an argument about the ceasefire. Some say that just as Indira Gandhi carved out Bangladesh in 1971, we could have done the same with Balochistan if there hadnt been a ceasefire. From a military point of view, does that hold water? Honestly, no. We were physically in Bangladesh in 1971. And theres a saying in the Army: Victory is measured by foot. You have to be present on the ground. You dont control a territory just by dropping a few bombs. So, to say we couldve created a new Balochistan by simply pushing harder is a stretch. So, from a military perspective, I dont see any real value in that argument. This argument was part of a political discourse: that PM Indira Gandhi was braver than the current one... As I am not a politician, Im not commenting on it (smiles). We have been facing waves of terrorism. We have retaliated with surgical strikes. How long can this tit-for-tat continue? Well, plenty of experts have already said this: there is no permanent solution. Terrorism will always exist. But it can be managed, contained. Even the mightiest can get hit. What matters is how you respond. How you absorb the blow, and how you deter the next one. So, whats the key in this era of constant threat? Deterrence. Deterrence is essentially the promise of pain. We have already shifted our doctrine. We have lowered the threshold for retaliation. But heres the catch: if you lower the threshold, you must build matching capacity. The adversary must be wary that not only will you respond, but that you have the capability to do so effectively. Thats real deterrence. Pakistan keeps invoking its nuclear arsenal, but many feel that bluff has been called Absolutely. Their bluff has been called yet again. Theres a concept in strategy called rationality theory. To explain it simply, I use the example of a school classroom. Say, Class 6 or 7. At that age, you have just enough muscle and just enough lack of sense to get into a fight. Now, whos the loudest kid in the class? Usually, its the smallest, weakest guy. The one who says, Touch me, Ill kill you! Thats his first line of defence. He has no other option. Thats rational irrationality. This is what Pakistan does with its nuclear threat. Its their only card. Because realistically, if India ever launched a massive attack, they wouldnt be around to retaliate. They know that. Its not just about counting weapons. Its about whether your country can sustain a war economically, politically, diplomatically, and financially. On all those fronts, Pakistan simply cant match India. Pakistans military has religion as a gluing factor. Indias forces are a mix of cultures, languages, and regions. What unifies the Indian armed forces? I am glad you asked this. Its something I have spoken about for years. I give a lecture on it, called A 3,000-year Perspective on Indias National Security. Now, some people might say, Wait, where is 3,000 years of India? India only became independent in 1947. Thats political India. Civilisational India? Thats thousands of years old. And its essence is very much still here. India is a beautifully multicultural country. Theres something I call Indianness. Its a deep, binding force that transcends language, food, clothing, or even regional identity. That, to me, is our greatest strength. There are notions that certain regions or communities have a stronger warrior tradition, like the Rajputs or Punjabis. Malayalis, on the other hand, dont have a deep history of warfare As a military historian, how do you view this perception? Well, in earlier days, the Indian Air Force used to be jokingly called the Nair Force! There were so many of them in the force. And the Madras Regiment is just as ferocious as the Punjab Regiment. Malayalis may not have a legacy of battlefield warfare like the Rajputs, but let me tell you, we have dealt with intense, complex forms of conflict for thousands of years. Long before others were exposed to the outside world, traders from Greece, Rome, Egypt, and Portugal were coming to Kerala. Trade, especially at that scale, is ruthless. We handled it all. We have had our own challenges, our own wars. We have always been players on a global stage, in a different way. So no, there is no inferiority or superiority. The British made such classifications. Among Indias historical war heroes such as Shivaji, Bajirao, and Tipu Sultan, who are viewed as great strategists from a military perspective? In military education, we mostly study global strategists Sun Tzu, Clausewitz, Jomini, and Mackinder. These thinkers shaped strategic theory within the context of their time. American admiral Alfred Mahan deeply influenced naval thinking. His book, The Influence of Sea Power upon History, is legendary. We dont study many Russian or Chinese thinkers. Except Sun Tzu, who operates at a very high philosophical level. Our own historical strategists, like the Cholas or the Marathas, are getting attention only now. Any personal favourites among Indian naval figures? The Kunjali Marakkars, especially the third one. I really admire them. Imagine striking targets as far as the Krishna-Godavari delta or Malacca from Ponnani 500 years ago. Its difficult even today with modern technology. What they achieved back then was nothing short of phenomenal. You have commanded multiple warships. Could you share a memorable moment from that time? One of the most meaningful experiences was during the 2004 tsunami relief operation in Sri Lanka, when I commanded INS Taragiri. The devastation in Galle was unimaginable. Their naval base, SLNS Dakshina, was flattened. The commanding officer there had managed to escape, but his office was gone. The first thing I did was take out my own captains chair and three visitors chairs from the ship and set them up at the jetty to rebuild his office. It was a gesture. No big speech was required. We were symbolically saying that we were there to give support, and we would give 100% of it, even at the cost of discomfort to us. We did that. Later, our ship was chosen to be thanked personally by then Sri Lankan president Chandrika Kumaratunga in Colombo. Who would you rank as todays top global military superpower? Theres no clear ranking I can give. China and the US are undoubtedly the biggest. Theres an old saying: quantity has a quality of its own. Chinas sheer scale matters. They are big and poised to grow even bigger. The US has been trying to catch up, especially in maritime logistics. But shipbuilding isnt something you fix in two to five years. What about Russia? Russia still checks many boxes of a great power: landmass, population, resources, economy, military power, and technology. As for intangible factors, like political will, national unity, etc., they are not bad. You cant write them off, but they arent what they used to be. How important is political will? Crucial. Its what unleashes the military. Until then, youre just poised. The government has to say go. TNIE team: Kiran Prakash, Cithara Paul, Rajesh Ravi, Anu Kuruvilla, S Neeraj Krishna, Ronnie Kuriakose, Harikrishna B A Sanesh (photos) Pranav V P (video)
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Taking a serious note of the medical infrastructure of Prayagraj, the Allahabad High Court has said the government medical setup in the city is under great threat from private medical mafias and the SRN Hospital cannot be called a hospital.
Allahabad UniversityDalit PhD scholar booked for questioning Rafale aircraftdeal
A Dalit PhD scholar and a student leader from Allahabad Universityhas been booked by the Uttar Pradesh police over a social media post questioning the Centre on the controversial Rafale fighter jet deal. Manish Kumar took to Facebook, raising questions over the Rafale deal and the alleged losses in the latest India-Pakistan conflict following the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
The officials of Allahabad University have released the Allahabad University Time Table 2025 for B.Aand M.Sc. Students are advised to check the timetable to prepare for their exams.
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Justice delayed: 104-year-old man released after 43-year imprisonment
Kaushambi: After spending 43 years in jail on charges of murder, Lakhan, now 104 years old, moved out of Kaushambi district jail following his acquittal from the high court. The stain is finally gone, his daughter Asha said. Lakhans release, facilitated by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), came after the Allahabad High Court acquitted Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Cannibal Raja Kolander, accomplice get life sentence for double murder in Uttar Pradesh
LUCKNOW: After over two decades of investigation and trial, a Lucknow court on Friday sentenced cannibal Raja Kolander alias Ram Niranjan and his aide Bakshraj Kol to life imprisonment and fined Rs 1 lakh each for a chilling double murder committed in 2000 in the citys Naka area. Having more than 20 murder cases registered against him, Raja Kolander is believed to collect skulls, eat human flesh. Not only this, he even drank blood soup. In the 2000s, serial killer Raja Kolandar had become synonymous to terror. The ADJ court of Judge Rohit Singh, who had convicted both the accused on Monday, delivered the quantum of punishment on Friday, by awarding life sentence to both. The murder of journalist Manoj Singh, 22, and his driver Ravi Srivastava had shaken the UP police in 2000. Investigation revealed that the motive for murder was Manjo Singhs friendship with Raja Kolander's sister and jealousy over Manoj's growing fame. When police investigated deeper, many skeletons came out tumbling one after another. Raja Kolander had ventured into the dark alleys of crime and gained notoriety owing to his obsession with power. He was accused of targeting victims and allegedly consuming their brains making it one of the darkest and gruesome criminal acts. Raja Kolander was born as Ram Niranajan Kol, a resident of Prayagraj. Hailing from the Kol tribe, he was once employed at an ordnance factory in the state. Calling himself a king, Raja Kolander believed that he had the right to punish anyone he did not like. His eccentricity could be gauged from the fact that he used to call his wife Phoolan Devi, after the infamous bandit queen, and his son was named as Adalat and Zamanat. Kolander had also been convicted of multiple murders. While arresting him in the year 2000, the cops had recovered human skulls from his farmhouse. The first conviction of Kolander and his brother-in-law Bakshraj came through in 2012 for the cold-blooded murder of a journalist, Dhirendra Singh. The journalist was lured, shot dead, mutilated and buried by the criminals. The Allahabad local court had sentenced Kolander to life imprisonment, calling it a rarest of rare case after 14 human skulls were recovered from his house.
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The High Court, however, continued the interim protection from arrest granted to Zubair in December last year
Allahabad HC refuses to quash FIR against fact-checker Mohammed Zubair
The Allahabad High Court, on Thursday, May 22, refused to quash a case filed against Alt News co-founder and fact-checker Mohammed Zubair regarding his X posts against Hindutva firebrand and head priest of the Dasna Devi, Yati Narsinghanands, alleged Islamophobic and hate speeches against Indian Muslims. The bench, comprising Justice Siddhartha Varma and Justice Dr Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Bail plea deferred 27 times! SC irked over Allahabad HC
The Supreme Court of India granted bail to an accused in a cheating case being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), criticizing the Allahabad High Court for adjourning the bail hearing 27 times. The Supreme Court deemed the repeated adjournments in a matter related to personal liberty unacceptable and issued a notice to the CBI.
The Allahabad High Court on Thursday refused to quash an FIR registered against Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair over his social media posts against controversial priest Yati Narsinghanand. The Bench of Justice Siddhartha Varma and Justice Yogendra Kumar Srivastava extended protection against arrest to Zubair during the course of the investigation. The High Court, however, [] The post Allahabad High Court refuses to quash FIR against Mohammed Zubair over derogatory posts against YatiNarsinghanand appeared first on India Legal .
PM Modi unveils 18 modernised railway stations under Amrit Bharat plan in Gujarat
ALLAHABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday virtually inaugurated 18 redeveloped railway stations in Gujarat, marking a major milestone under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Under the scheme, over 1,300 stations across India are being transformed into modern transit hubs. The 18 stations, revamped at a combined cost of Rs 164 crore, are part of a sweeping overhaul of 87 railway stations across the state, with a total investment of Rs 6,303 crore. Driving this infrastructure push is Gujarats nearly complete railway electrification, with 97 per cent of its routes now electrified, positioning the state as a frontrunner in rail modernisation. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who presided over the inauguration of the redeveloped Limbdi station, hailed the Prime Ministers leadership for catalysing a new era in Indias transport landscape. Since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, infrastructure development has been a national priority - not just for citizens, but also for our armed forces. The modernisation of railways reflects his bold vision and unwavering commitment to nation-building, said CM Patel. The 18 newly inaugurated stations in Gujarat include Shihor Junction, Utran, Dakor, Derol, Hapa, Jamjodhpur, Jamwanthali, Kanalus Junction, Karamsad, Kosamba Junction, Limbdi, Mahuva, Mithapur, Morbi, Okha, Palitana, Rajula Junction, and Samakhiali. Each has been upgraded with cutting-edge amenities, improved connectivity, and enhanced passenger comfort - transforming them into modern gateways for millions. Railway Minister Vaishnaw says redevelopment of 500 more stations to be completed by 2027 Underscoring Gujarats rapid infrastructure advancement, the Chief Minister revealed that since 2014, the state has electrified 3,144 kilometres of railway lines, pushing total electrification to 97 per cent - a figure that outpaces national averages. This is the result of development-driven governance, where intent meets execution, he asserted. The CM also spotlighted the Rs 17,155 crore allocation for Gujarat in the 2025-26 railway budget, calling it a seismic jump - 29 times higher than the average allocation between 2009 and 2014. Gujarat today runs four Vande Bharat trains, connecting key routes with unmatched speed and comfort, said Patel. Whether its the daily commuter or the global traveller headed to the Statue of Unity Ekta Nagar, railway services are being reimagined to serve every segment. As part of the nationwide rollout, PM Modi also unveiled 103 redeveloped stations under the Amrit Bharat Yojana from Bikaner. Simultaneously, Chief Minister Patel toured the newly revamped Limbdi station, receiving a detailed briefing on its upgraded infrastructure and world-class amenities. These redeveloped stations are not just buildings - they are symbols of a new India on the move, the CM concluded. Sindoor turned into 'barood', destroyed nine terror hideouts in 22 minutes: PM Modi
Allahabad University Time Table 2025 Announced @ allduniv.ac.in Details Here
The officials of Allahabad University have released the Allahabad University Time Table 2025 for B.A. Students are advised to check the timetable to prepare for their exams.
SC irked over Allahabad HC deferring bail plea 27 times, releases accused
The Supreme Court has expressed strong disapproval of the Allahabad High Court's repeated deferrals, totalling 27 times, of a bail plea in a CBI cheating case. The apex court granted bail to the accused, Lakshya Tawar, emphasizing the importance of personal liberty and questioning the high court's handling of the matter.
The Supreme Court has expressed strong disapproval of the Allahabad high court for adjourning a bail plea 27 times in a case involving Lakshya Tawar, accused of cheating and forgery. The apex court granted Tawar bail, closed the high court proceedings, and issued notice to the CBI regarding the repeated adjournments.
Allahabad HC Refuses To Quash FIR But Stays Mohd Zubair's Arrest In Narsinghanand Case
Karnataka government includes Ramanagara Renaming in agenda for cabinet meeting
BENGALURU: After the Union Government rejected its proposal to rename Ramanagara as Bengaluru South, the State Cabinet plans to take it up again on Thursday. This time around, the government is citing court judgments and rules under which it can go ahead with the proposal. In July 2024, the Cabinet approved renaming Ramanagara district as Bengaluru South, and the state government submitted the request to the Union government for approval. In March this year, Revenue Minister Krisha Byre Gowda had stated that though they had sent the proposal to the Union government after the cabinet decision, the response was not positive. The state government has included this in the agenda for Thursdays cabinet meeting. Revenue department sources said a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 1953 states that for changing the names of villages, towns or cities, and even railway stations, the State government has to submit a proposal to the MHA, which can issue a no-objection certificate to the State government to issue a gazette notification. However, official sources said changing names of cities, villages and districts comes under the state governments domain. A senior official said in 2018, the Uttar Pradesh government renamed Allahabad as Prayagraj, and court too favoured the State government, citing it a state subject. We are legally equipped and once the cabinet approves, a notification will be issued to rename Ramanagara district as Bengaluru South district, with Ramanagara taluk as the district headquarters, the official said. In 2014, the then State government had issued a special gazette notification when it changed the names of 11 districts, including Bangalore to Bengaluru, Mysore to Mysuru, Belgaum to Belagavi, and others. DCM DK Shivakumar is keen on renaming Ramanagara district, which was carved out of Bangalore Rural district in 2007, when Union minister HD Kumaraswamy was CM. Ramanagara is part of Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha constituency, from where Shivakumars brother DK Suresh had contested unsuccessfully against BJPs Dr CN Manjunath, who is also Kumaraswamys brother-in-law. At present, there is Bengaluru South Lok Sabha and Bengaluru South Assembly constituencies. A district with the same name may lead to confusion, though a section of people is hopeful that a Bengaluru prefix will boost real estate in Ramanagara.
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SC refuses to hear plea for FIR against Justice Yashwant Varma
The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to entertain a plea filed by a lawyer seeking the registration of an FIR against Allahabad High Court Judge, Justice Yashwant Varma , in connection with the alleged cash recovery incident. A two-judge bench of the apex court, led by Justice Abhay S. Oka, declined to hear the petition filed by lawyer Mathews J. Nedumpara. The court advised him to first approach the appropriate authority by way of representation before bringing the matter to the Supreme Court. There is already an inquiry, Mr Nedumpara. The report has been forwarded to the Prime Minister and the President of India. File a representation before them. If there is no action, then come to us, the bench said. Nedumpara argued that an offence had been committed and cash had been recovered. The court's duty is to administer law. The K. Veeraswami judgment is a mischief sorry to say that but it must be revisited, he submitted, seeking directions for the registration of an FIR against Justice Varma. In response, the court remarked, We appreciate your command of Latin, but please follow basic legal procedure. In a petition for mandamus, you must first go to the proper authority with a representation. The court added, The petitioner must seek redress before the appropriate authority by way of representation. We decline to hear the petition. Supreme Court to hear plea seeking FIR against Justice Yashwant Varma Nedumpara had approached the Supreme Court seeking directions for filing an FIR against Justice Varma over the alleged cash recovery issue. On 8 May, following an indictment by a Supreme Court-appointed in-house committee, former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna (now retired) sent a letter to the Centre recommending Justice Varmas impeachment. The former CJI made this recommendation after receiving the committees report, which found Justice Varma guilty of misconduct. As Justice Varma refused to resign, Justice Khanna was compelled to take the drastic step. A senior Supreme Court official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Justice Varma was asked to resign following his indictment, but he refused. Earlier, the former CJI had written to the President and the Prime Minister of India, enclosing the three-member committee's report dated 3 May, along with Justice Varmas response dated 6 May. The committee was formed to investigate the cash found at Justice Varmas residence on 14 March and submitted its findings on 4 May. The committee comprising Justice Sheel Nagu (Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court), Justice G.S. Sandhawalia (Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court), and Justice Anu Sivaraman (Judge, Karnataka High Court) was formed by the Supreme Court on 25 March. Over 40 days, the panel examined a range of evidence and interviewed more than 45 individuals, including Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora and the head of the Delhi Fire Service. Justice Yashwant Varma cash recovery row: Trial by fire for judicial probity Key questions included: Who owned the cash? Who brought and stored the money? Why was the alleged cash not shown to Justice Varmas family, as he claimed? What happened to the remains of burnt currency notes seen in a video shared by the Delhi Police Commissioner with the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court? Justice Varma has strongly denied all allegations. He claimed the room where the fire and alleged cash recovery took place was an outhouse, separate from the main residence. I state unequivocally that no cash was ever placed in that storeroom by me or any of my family members, and I strongly reject the suggestion that the alleged cash belonged to us. The idea that one would store cash in an open, accessible storeroom near staff quarters or an outhouse is simply absurd. That room is entirely disconnected from my living area, with a boundary wall separating it. I only wish the media had conducted a proper inquiry before defaming me, Justice Varma said in his written response, a copy of which was accessed by TNIE . Earlier, the Supreme Court Collegium, during meetings on 20 and 24 March, had recommended Justice Varmas repatriation from the Delhi High Court to his parent High Court at Allahabad. He has since been directed not to undertake any judicial work. The in-house inquiry committee was formed following a report from Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court. Reports indicate that a fire at Justice Varmas house on 14 March led to the alleged discovery of cash by firefighters. The judge was not present at home at the time. In his reply to the inquiry panel, Justice Varma maintained that no cash was recovered from the part of the premises used by him and his family. That area is separate from our living quarters. I urge the panel to absolve me of these baseless allegations, he said.
Allahabad High Court Special Judicial Magistrates Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline for 02 Posts
TheAllahabad High Court has released an official notification for the recruitment of 02 Special Judicial Magistrates posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official Allahabad High Court website. The last date to submit the application form is 25-07-2025.
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