Builder Cant Be Penalised For Authoritys Delay In Approving Plans: Allahabad High Court
The court granted relief to M/s Kinetic Buildtech Pvt Ltd on cancellation of allotment by the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA)
Play school opens for kids of railway personnel
Marks of over 5,000 UP Board students changed after scrutiny
MNNIT, KGMU develop device to reduce repetitive X-rays after bone fracture
QR code based payment system in gram panchayats of trans-Yamuna region
'No Violation Of Childrens Right To Education': Allahabad HC Upholds UP School Pairing Policy
The bench of Justice Pankaj Bhatia held that the move to merge low-enrolment government primary and upper primary schools does not violate the Right To Education.
No more building plan approvals needed for small plots in Prayagraj
Dragon fruit farming catching fancy among Prayagraj region farmers
Loni rivers revival gains momentum
Burnt cash case: Congress to back Centre's motion to impeach Justice Yashwant Varma
NEW DELHI: Congress sources on Monday said the party would back the impeachment notice against Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, following the government's decision to move ahead with the motion. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Thursday said that the main opposition parties had given their in-principle approval to support the motion in the upcoming monsoon session, scheduled from July 21 to August 21. He added that the process of collecting signatures could begin soon. However, the minister stated that the government was yet to decide whether the motion would be brought in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. With the government canvassing multi-party support to introduce the impeachment motion, Congress leaders had earlier urged Justice Varma to resign before facing formal proceedings. Party MP and national spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi last month advised him to step down to avoid an undignified constitutional dismissal. Congress Whip in the Lok Sabha Manickam Tagore echoed the view, emphasising the need to preserve the judiciarys sanctity. In a blog published in a newspaper, Singhvi wrote, Parliament will be spared the arduous process of debate, vote, political crossfire and, above all, institutional insult, if the judge steps down, given the overwhelming odds stacked against him. If he decides to stay, the first-ever likely constitutional dismissal of a high court judge may be historic but highly degrading to a vital organ of state. Burnt cash case: Why SC panel recommended Justice Varma's impeachment However, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal questioned the impeachment move. Reiterating his statement, Sibal on Saturday said the Supreme Courts inquiry report in Justice Varmas case had no constitutional relevance as an investigation can only take place under the Judges Inquiry Act. Under Article 124 of the Constitution, if 50 members of the Rajya Sabha or 100 members of the Lok Sabha submit a notice for moving a motion (for impeachment), then a judges inquiry committee is set up under the Judges Inquiry Act, he said. Only Parliament has the power to constitute such a committee, added Sibal, who is also a senior advocate. Rijiju had said signatures would be collected after the government decides which House will take up the motion. According to the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, once a motion to remove a judge is admitted in either House, the Speaker or the Chairman, as applicable, must constitute a three-member committee to investigate the charges. The committee must consist of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) or a Supreme Court judge, the Chief Justice of a High Court, and a distinguished jurist. Rijiju said that since the matter involved corruption in the judiciary, the government wanted all political parties on board. Commenting on the Supreme Courts in-house inquiry reportwhich confirmed the discovery of cash at Justice Varmas official residenceRijiju noted that the panel had not indicted the judge but had recommended a future course of action, since only Parliament has the power to remove a sitting judge. A fire incident at Justice Varma's official residence in Delhi in March, when he was serving at the Delhi High Court, led to the discovery of several burnt sacks of banknotes in the outhouse. Although Justice Varma claimed ignorance about the cash, the Supreme Court-appointed panel indicted him after speaking to multiple witnesses and recording his statement. Then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna is believed to have urged Justice Varma to resign, but the judge refused. The Supreme Court subsequently repatriated him to his parent court, the Allahabad High Court, where he has not been assigned any judicial work. Justice Khanna later wrote to the President and the Prime Minister recommending Justice Varmas removalfollowing the prescribed process for removing members of the higher judiciary from service.
Agniveer recruitment rally: Army official inspects CEE centres
Wanted criminal, 3 aides held after police encounter
2 minor girls escape from one-stop centre in Pratapgarh
Allahabad HC dismisses petitions against UP governments plan to merge primary, upper primary schools
LUCKNOW: In a respite to the Uttar Pradesh government, the Allahabad High Court dismissed two petitions challenging the UP Basic Education Department's plan to merge government primary and upper primary schools that have less than 50 students enrolled therein. The single judge Bench, comprising Justice Pankaj Bhatia, thereby upheld the State government's decision for pairing of eligible schools with nearby educational facilities to make the education system more functional and viable. Notably, the teachers' association and the opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, opposed the school merger plan of the State government, which remained firm on its decision. According to an official, the decision was taken in the best interest of students. As per the official figures, there are 1.40 lakh government primary and upper primary schools in the State, of which 29,000 have 50 or fewer students. Around 89,000 teachers are posted in these schools. The broader plan is to shift students from low-enrollment schools to nearby institutions with larger campuses and better facilities. However, challenging the June 16 order of the State government, a total of 51 students from Sitapur district had approached the Allahabad High Court through their guardians. The petitioners contended that the State government order was violative of Art 21A of the Constitution of India. The petitioners, represented by advocate LP Mishra and Gaurav Mehrotra, contended that the decision to mere the schools would undermine the interest of the children as they would have to travel longer distances to reach the school. Meanwhile, the State justified the decision by submitting that the move would be in larger interest of the students and it would pave way for better utilisation of the resources. The State government apprised the Bench that the objective of the education department was to make better use of resources, reduce dropout rate while ensuring quality education.
Allahabad High Court Grants Bail To Man Accused Of Killing Wife During Argument Over Property
The man, believed to have left the house after killing his wife, was discovered nearly 15 hours later hiding inside a storeroom of the same house.
Markets turn into vibrant hubs of devotion ahead of Kanwar Yatra
Made-in-Islamabad terror toys proving terrible for tenets of Islam: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi
Water level of Ganga rises, Yamuna stable
Cops double cash reward on absconding SP functionary
No constitutional relevance to SC in-house report on Justice Varma: Kapil Sibal
NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Saturday said the Supreme Courts in-house inquiry report in Allahabad High Court Judge Yashwant Varmas case has no constitutional relevance as an investigation can only take place under the Judges Inquiry Act. Sibal also accused the government of protecting Justice Shekhar Yadav and questioned the Rajya Sabha Secretariat over its attempt to reach out to him for the reported verification of his signature on the notice to move an impeachment motion against the judge for making communal remarks last year at an event. On the Justice Varma case, Sibal said, Under Article 124 of the Constitution, if 50 members of the Rajya Sabha or 100 members of the Lok Sabha submit a notice for moving a motion (for impeachment), then a judges inquiry committee is set up under the Judges Inquiry Act. But only Parliament has the power to constitute such a committee, said Sibal, who is also a senior advocate. At a joint sitting of both Houses, the impeachment motion has to be passed by a two-thirds majority for it to go through. So, the investigation has to be under the judges inquiry committee set up under the Judges Inquiry Act, he said. The Constitution does not recognise any in-house procedure, Sibal said. The MP also pointed out that Parliament states that the motion for impeachment will be brought by members and not the government. How does a minister make the statement that I will move the motion? The government cannot rely on an in-house procedure, he contended.
Groundwater level decline in Prayagraj
Rasoolpur kanha gaushala 1st in the state to have misting system
Sharing obscene pictures can destroy lives: Allahabad high court
Chheoki rly station to be developed as terminal before Kumbh 2031
Prayagraj builds 583 Amrit Sarovars, boost water conservation
SCs in-house probe report in Justice Varma case has no constitutional relevance: Sibal
New Delhi, Jul 5: Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Saturday said the Supreme Courts in-house inquiry report in Allahabad High Court Judge Yashwant Varmas case has no constitutional relevance as an investigation can only take place under the Judges Inquiry Act. Addressing a press conference, Sibal also accused the government of protecting Justice Shekhar Yadav and questioned the Rajya Sabha Secretariat over its attempt to reach out to him for the reported verification of his signature on the notice [] The post SCs in-house probe report in Justice Varma case has no constitutional relevance: Sibal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
HC dismisses plea for use of disputed structure in place of Mathuras Shahi Idgah Mosque
PRAYAGRAJ (UP), Jul 4: The Allahabad High Court on Friday dismissed a plea seeking a direction that the word disputed structure be used in place of Shahi Eidgah Mosque of Mathura. The application was moved with a prayer to direct the stenographer concerned to use the word disputed structure in place of Shahi Idgah Mosque in the entire further proceedings of this original suit along with other connected matters. The application was supported by an affidavit of advocate Mahendra Pratap [] The post HC dismisses plea for use of disputed structure in place of Mathuras Shahi Idgah Mosque appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Under BNSS, no bar on anticipatory bail in cases with death, life punishment: HC
Prayagraj lad becomes fourth UP cricketer to join elite BCCI referee panel
Survey of Gyanvapi wuzukhana: HC defers case hearing to Aug 6
SP plea against eviction from party office junked
Ganga swells, Yamuna remains stable
Neighbour stabs man to death over monetary dispute
Prayagraj girl poses with firearms on social media, booked
5 of a family arrested for killing minor daughter over affair
Miyawaki forest in Naini to become eco-tourism hub
LUCKNOW: In the ongoing legal battle over the Krishna Janmabhoomi and Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura, the Allahabad High Court on Friday rejected the Hindu sides plea to declare the Shahi Idgah Mosque, situated on Shree Krishna Janmabhoomi premises, a disputed structure. The petition had sought an official designation of the mosque as a disputed site in court records and all further proceedings. The single-judge bench, comprising Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra, dismissed the plea orally, saying the application filed by the Hindu side in this regard is being dismissed at this stage. The judgment, which was reserved on May 23, is being seen as a significant relief for the Muslim litigants in the long-standing legal battle. Notably, advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh, appearing for the Hindu side, had filed an application on March 5 this year, urging the court to declare the Shahi Idgah Mosque as a disputed structure. The contention of the petitioner was that the mosque was built through encroachment and lacked legal documentation proving ownership or religious designation. The Hindu side asserted that the structure could not be called a mosque in the absence of land ownership documents, municipal records, or tax filings. So far, four hearings have taken place in the single-judge bench. Besides this petition, 18 other related petitions filed by the Hindu side have been clubbed by the High Court, and they remain pending before it. All the petitions primarily seek the removal of alleged illegal encroachments from the premises of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple, currently referred to as the Shahi Idgah Masjid. The Hindu petitioners claimed that the land where the mosque stands was originally the site of a Krishna temple. They argued that symbols and motifs of Hindu deities were still visible on the mosques walls. They further contended that merely occupying a land illegally did not establish ownership and drew parallels with the Ayodhya dispute. They requested that, similar to the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, the Shahi Idgah should be declared a disputed structure before further legal decisions are made. On the contrary, in response, the Muslim side filed objections, describing the Hindu petition as entirely baseless. They emphasized that the Shahi Idgah had been existing for the last over 400 years. They also argued that the demand to declare it a disputed structure should not only be dismissed but also that the petitioners should be penalized. The Shahi Idgah Mosque is located adjacent to the Shri Krishna Janmasthan temple complex in Mathura. The dispute has drawn national attention, with similarities drawn to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case in Ayodhya.
The Allahabad High Court has dismissed an application seeking to substitute the term Shahi Idgah Mosque with disputed structure in all future proceedings related to the cases before it. The single-judge Bench of Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra orally said on Thursday that application A-44 was being dismissed at this stage. Advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh [] The post Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute: Allahabad High Court refuses to substitute Shahi Idgah Mosque with disputed structure in future proceedings appeared first on India Legal .
A techie in Pune was raped by an individual impersonating a courier delivery person, leading to an arrest. The Allahabad HC dismissed a plea challenging the Shahi Eidgah's structure. Delhi witnessed a gruesome double murder in Lajpat Nagar. Operation Sindoor revealed China sharing real-time data on India's assets with Pakistan.
Can't rename Shahi Idgah mosque as disputed structure: HC
The Allahabad High Court dismissed a plea seeking the use of 'disputed structure' instead of 'Shahi Eidgah Mosque' in Mathura case proceedings.
Allahabad HC defers Gyanvapi case hearing to August 6
The Allahabad High Court has postponed the hearing regarding the Archaeological Survey of India's survey of the wuzukhana area in the Gyanvapi mosque. This excludes the Shiva Linga. The court was informed about a Supreme Court interim order. This order restricts lower courts from passing orders directing surveys. The matter will now be heard on August 6.
Allahabad High Court rejects plea seeking use of disputed structure for Shahi Idgah mosque
PRAYAGRAJ: The Allahabad High Court on Friday dismissed a plea seeking a direction that the word disputed structure be used in place of Shahi Eidgah Mosque of Mathura. The application was moved with a prayer to direct the stenographer concerned to use the word disputed structure in place of Shahi Idgah Mosque in the entire further proceedings of this original suit along with other connected matters. The application was supported by an affidavit of advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh. On the other hand, a written objection was filed on behalf of defendants. The order was passed by Justice Ram Manohar Narain Mishra hearing a bunch of original suits relating to Krishna Janmabhoomi and Shahi Idgah mosque dispute in Mathura. The Hindu side has filed 18 suits for possession of land after removal of the structure of Shahi Idgah masjid as well as for restoration of the temple and for permanent injunction. Earlier, at one stage on August 1, 2024, the high court had rejected applications of the Muslim side challenging maintainability of suits of Hindu worshippers and held that all suits of Hindu worshippers are maintainable. In the August 1 order, the court had also held that these suits are not barred by Limitation Act, Waqf Act and Places of Worship Act,1991, which prohibit conversion of any religious structure as existed on August, 15, 1947. At another stage, on October 23, 2024, the high court had rejected an application moved by the Shahi Idgah mosque committee to recall the high court's January 11, 2024 order consolidating all suits filed in connection with the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah dispute at Mathura. The controversy is related to the Aurangazeb-era mosque which is alleged to have been built after demolishing a temple at the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
Allahabad HC Rejects Plea to Call Mathura's Shahi Eidgah Mosque Disputed Structure
A bench of Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra orally said that the application was being dismissed at this stage.
Allahabad HC dismisses plea to declare Shahi Idgah Mosque as 'disputed structure'
The Allahabad High Court dismissed a plea seeking to declare the Shahi Idgah Mosque as a 'disputed structure' in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute case. Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra's bench dismissed the application at this stage.
Krishna Janmabhoomi Case: Allahabad HC Rejects Plea To Label Eidgah Mosque as 'Disputed Structure'
The court stated that such a declaration would amount to prejudging the matter, which is still under adjudication.
Oppn backing move to oust Justice Varma, process to initiate motion to start soon: Rijiju
Opposition parties are backing a motion to remove Allahabad High Court Justice Yashwant Varma, according to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. The move follows the discovery of charred cash at his residence after a fire.
57km stretch under CCTV watch for Kanwar Yatra
State govt declares Singraur Uparhar as model solar village
NCRs Prayagraj division collects 9.57cr in fines
Outgoing MLN Medical College principal receives grand farewell
Farmer killed over property dispute
Proposed flyover set to improve city connectivity
Allahabad HC denies bail to man for posts against PM, Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor
LUCKNOW: The Allahabad High Court has refused bail to a person accused of posting objectionable content on social media against the Prime Minister and the Indian Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor , following the Phalagam massacre. A single-judge bench, comprising Justice Arun Kumar Deshwal, observed that the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Constitution of India does not extend to acts that disrespect the high dignitaries of the country and create disharmony among citizens. Justice Deshwal stated that it had become a trend among certain groups to misuse social media platforms under the guise of freedom of speech by making nasty and unfounded allegations against dignitaries and spreading disharmony and hatred among communities. The petitioner, Ashraf Khan alias Nisrat, had been booked under Sections 152 and 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for allegedly posting edited videos on his Facebook account during the recent India-Pakistan face-off following the Phalagam massacre. According to the prosecution, the petitioner, who had moved the High Court seeking bail, allegedly posted a video showing the Prime Minister walking next to a donkey pulling a cart carrying an aircraft, later showing him apologising to Pakistan. The post also depicted Wing Commander Vyomika Singh sitting with Pakistan Army Chief Asif Munir, claiming the Prime Minister was running to save himself from Pakistani missiles. Another post reportedly showed Pakistan Air Force Zindabad while displaying Indian aircraft being destroyed by Pakistani planes. The applicant had also made derogatory comments about Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in his posts. While the applicant's lawyer argued that his client was innocent and had not forwarded the posts, the state opposed the bail plea, contending that the posts not only created societal disharmony but also disrespected the Indian Armed Forces. After hearing both sides, the court rejected the bail application.
The Centre is initiating proceedings to remove Allahabad High Court's Justice Yashwant Varma following a controversial fire incident at his Delhi residence, which revealed large sums of unaccounted cash. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the government is garnering support from MPs across party lines to table a motion during the Monsoon Session.
Freedom Of Speech Doesnt Extend To Insulting The Prime Minister: Allahabad High Court
Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal, while dismissing the bail plea of Asharaf Khan alias Nisrat, observed that such posts go beyond criticism.
Centre To Soon Collect Signatures Of MPs For Motion To Remove Justice Varma
New Delhi, Jul 3: Prominent opposition parties have given their in-principle approval to support the motion to remove Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma and the process of collecting signatures could begin soon, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said on Thursday. He said the government is yet to decide whether the motion would be brought in the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. For Lok Sabha, signatures of a minimum 100 MPs is required. For the Rajya Sabha, the requirement is the [] The post Centre To Soon Collect Signatures Of MPs For Motion To Remove Justice Varma appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Govt to soon collect signatures of MPs for motion to remove Justice Yashwant Varma
Opposition parties are backing a move to oust Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma. Union minister Kiren Rijiju mentioned the signature collection process may start soon. The government is deciding whether to bring the motion in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. A past fire incident at Justice Varma's residence led to cash discovery. A committee investigated the matter.
Sambhal temple-mosque row: Court to hear plea for ban on namaz at disputed site on July 21
A Sambhal court will hear a plea on July 21 seeking a ban on namaz at the Shahi Jama Masjid, claimed to be the Harihar Temple. The petition, filed by Simran Gupta, argues for the ban due to the site's disputed status. The Allahabad High Court previously upheld a lower court's order for a mosque survey.
Allahabad University Result 2025: Allahabad University Result 2025 has been released on allduniv.ac.in. Here is the direct Link to check your B.A/LLB/LLM 1st, 4th Sem Results Online.
Mankameshwar temple issues guidelines for priests and devotees during Shravan
HC reserves judgment in two criminal cases against Abdullah Azam
HC asks court admin to submit concrete action plan on creche facility within its premises
Officials told to initiate flood control measures in Prayagraj
Two involved in double murder case arrested
UPRTOU to develop 1,000 video lectures
PDA proposes Yamuna riverfront to boost tourism and environment
Cops arrested 12 hardened criminals in June
Water level monitoring on major rly bridges during monsoon
Scandalous, Contemptuous: Allahabad HC Dismisses Plea Accusing Trial Judge Of Bribery
The bench of Justice Subhash Vidyarthi said that the allegations were not only false and vague but also appeared to be a calculated attempt to delay judicial proceedings.
Allahabad High Court Stenographer Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline
TheAllahabad High Court has released an official notification for the recruitment of 01 Stenographer posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official Allahabad High Court website. The last date to submit the application form is 05-07-2025.
UP Board introduces online attendance for teachers, students
Instagram call helps cops crack case of missing girl declared dead
Sandeep Mathur Takes Charge as SCR GM
Sandeep started his career as assistant signal and telecom engineer in the then Allahabad Division and went on to serve in various leadership roles across the Railway Board, Northern, North Central, and South Eastern Railways
Police claim Karchhana violence was pre-planned
RailOne app to offer unified passenger and freight services
PRSU introduces dual degree provision for meritorious UG students
Generative AI next big leap towards making machines intelligent
Struggle Of The Marginalised To Lodge FIR A Harsh Reality, Says Allahabad High Court
In the case, a Scheduled Caste woman was raped and her husband had to struggle for 13 days to get the FIR registered.
Live-In Relationships Go Against Womens Interest, Says Allahabad HC
The court said the reality is that a man can easily marry after a live-in-relationship, but it is difficult for the woman to find a life partner after a breakup
'Anti-National Acts Routine Due To Lenient Courts': Allahabad HC Denies Bail For Pro-Pakistan Post
Ansar Ahmad Siddique had shared a video on Facebook on May 3, 2025, glorifying Pakistan Zindabad and appealing to others to support Pakistanis.
Karchhana violence: 65 held, cops may slap Gangsters Act
Twin rivers record a sharp rise in water level
STF nabs gangster carrying 50K reward in Pratapgarh
PRSU secures NAAC A grade for first time
Woman among two held for illegal religious conversion
World Doctors Day to be observed today
Allahabad HC denies bail to man for sharing 'Pakistan Zindabad' post on social media
LUCKNOW: Observing that the judiciarys tolerance towards cases with anti-national overtones was contributing to the rise in such incidents, the Allahabad High Court denied bail to a 62-year-old man for sharing a 'Pakistan Zindabad' post on a social media platform. The court said his anti-national conduct did not entitle him to seek protection of his right to liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Rejecting the bail plea of Ansar Ahmad Siddique, the bench comprising Justice Siddharth said, Commission of such offences is becoming a routine affair in this country because the courts are liberal and tolerant towards such acts of people with anti-national bent of mind. It is not a fit case for enlarging the applicant on bail at this stage. The court further observed, Clearly, the act of the applicant is disrespectful to the Constitution and its ideals. His act amounts to challenging the sovereignty of India and adversely affecting the unity and integrity of the country by sharing anti-social and anti-Indian posts. The applicant is a senior citizen and his age shows that he was born in independent India. His irresponsible and anti-national conduct does not entitle him to seek protection of his right to liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. However, while denying bail, the court directed that the trial be concluded against the applicant as expeditiously as possible. As per the FIR, the applicant had shared a post on the social media platform Facebook, making an appeal for propagating Jihad, complemented by the slogan Pakistan Zindabad. The accused had also urged his community to support their Pakistani brothers. It is alleged that such a post hurt national sentiments and militated against Indias sovereignty and integrity. It had also hurt the sentiments of Indian citizens. The bail application was filed on behalf of the applicant in a case registered under Sections 197 (acts that undermine national integration) and 152 (acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Chhatari police station in Bulandshahr district of western Uttar Pradesh. During the hearing, the counsel for the applicant submitted that the applicant had only shared the video on Facebook on May 3, 2025. He is an old man, aged about 62 years, and is undergoing medical treatment, the lawyer argued. On the other hand, the state governments counsel vehemently opposed the bail plea, stating that the applicants conduct was against the national interest and that he did not deserve to be released on bail. It was also submitted that the video was posted after the Pahalgam attack , which claimed 26 innocent lives, indicating that the applicant supported the terrorists act on religious grounds. After hearing both sides, the court, in its order dated June 26, rejected the bail application. It emphasized that, as per Article 51-A(a), it is the duty of every citizen of India to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the national flag, and the national anthem. As per sub-clause (c), every citizen must uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of the country.
Fourteenth judge recuses from case involving whistleblower Sanjeev Chaturvedi
DEHRADUN: In a continuing setback for whistleblowers in India, a fourteenth judge has recused herself from a case involving Ramon Magsaysay Award-winning Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Sanjeev Chaturvedi. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Neha Kushwaha of Nainital stepped aside from a criminal defamation case filed by Chaturvedi, citing personal reasons linked to familial connections. The case, filed in November 2023, concerns allegations by Chaturvedi that Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) member Manish Garg used objectionable language against him in open court on October 16, 2023. ACJM Kushwaha stated that she is related to another CAT member, D.S. Mehra, who often visits her official residence a connection she deemed sufficient grounds for her recusal. The familial link gains further relevance as Mehras bench had, in October 2024, issued a criminal contempt notice against Chaturvedi for initiating the defamation case. In retaliation, Chaturvedi filed a contempt petition against Mehra in November 2024. Uttarakhand CAT bench issues contempt notices to Cabinet Secretary, two top officials in Sanjiv Chaturvedi case Chaturvedi, who was honoured in 2015 for his anti-corruption efforts, has seen an unusual number of judges withdraw from hearing his cases 14 in total across various judicial levels. This includes two Supreme Court justices, two judges of the Nainital High Court, the CAT Chairman, one trial court judge in Shimla, and seven CAT members from benches in Delhi and Allahabad. The trend of judicial recusals has intensified in recent years. In February 2025, CAT members Harwinder Kaur Oberoi and B. Anand recused themselves from a matter concerning Chaturvedis appraisal report without offering any explanation, also instructing the registry not to list future matters involving him before their bench. A similar step was taken in February 2024 by Uttarakhand High Court Justice Manoj Tiwari in cases related to Chaturvedis deputation. This pattern stretches back over a decade. In 2018, the Uttarakhand High Court directed that Chaturvedis service-related matters be heard exclusively by the Nainital Circuit Bench, penalising the Central Government Rs 25,000 a decision upheld by the Supreme Court. The High Court reaffirmed this in 2021, prompting another legal challenge by the Centre, now pending before a larger Supreme Court bench since March 2023. Earlier recusals include that of then-Supreme Court Justice Ranjan Gogoi in 2013 and Justice U.U. Lalit in 2016 from a petition filed by Chaturvedi seeking a CBI probe into alleged corruption by then Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and other senior officials. Both stepped aside without citing reasons. The frequency and opacity of these recusals continue to raise concerns about judicial impartiality and access to justice for whistleblowers in India.
