News for 'CJI'

How can you question probe report now: SC grills Justice Varma

How can you question probe report now: SC grills Justice Varma

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court questioned Justice Yashwant Varma regarding his plea to invalidate an in-house inquiry panel report that indicted him after a large amount of burnt cash was discovered at his official residence during his time as a Delhi High Court judge.

SC dismisses plea to include Savarkar's name in Emblems Act

SC dismisses plea to include Savarkar's name in Emblems Act

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India dismissed a plea seeking the inclusion of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's name in the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950. The petitioner, appearing in person, argued for the inclusion based on his 30 years of research and claimed a need to establish facts about Savarkar in a legally verifiable manner. However, the court found no violation of fundamental rights and suggested the petitioner make a representation to the Union of India for curriculum inclusion. This dismissal follows the court's earlier reprimand of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on Savarkar at a rally in Maharashtra, although criminal proceedings against Gandhi were stayed.

SC pulls up BJP's Nishikant Dubey for remarks against judiciary

SC pulls up BJP's Nishikant Dubey for remarks against judiciary

Rediff.com8 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has censured BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for his remarks against the judiciary, stating that his comments "tend to scandalize and lower the authority of the Supreme Court of India." The court dismissed a contempt petition against Dubey but issued a scathing order criticizing his remarks, which included accusations that the court was "taking the country towards anarchy" and that Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna was "responsible for the civil wars taking place in the country." The court deemed Dubey's statements "highly irresponsible" and indicative of an attempt to "incite religious wars." The order highlighted the importance of maintaining public confidence in the judiciary and condemned attempts to undermine its authority.

Time to revisit CJI's role in executive appointments: Dhankhar

Time to revisit CJI's role in executive appointments: Dhankhar

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has questioned the Chief Justice of India's involvement in executive appointments, specifically citing the selection of the CBI director. He believes this practice undermines democratic principles and calls for revisiting the existing norms. Dhankhar also raised concerns about the "doctrine of basic structure", suggesting it has a debatable jurisprudential basis. He emphasized the importance of each institution operating within its constitutional boundaries and highlighted the need for coordinated autonomy. The vice president also discussed the need for a balanced approach to judicial review and the importance of judges focusing on judgments rather than other forms of expression. He stressed the need to revisit the current state of affairs to restore the judiciary's sublimity.

It's very easy to hurl allegations, says anguished CJI Chandrachud

It's very easy to hurl allegations, says anguished CJI Chandrachud

Rediff.com14 Dec 2023

"It is very easy to fling allegations and letters," an anguished Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud said on Thursday while clarifying that the bail plea of Aam Aadmi Party leader Satyendar Kumar Jain in a money laundering case was listed before a bench headed by Justice Bela M Trivedi as Justice A S Bopanna was unavailable due to illness.

Should 'custodian of Constitution' sit idle, asks SC in Prez plea

Should 'custodian of Constitution' sit idle, asks SC in Prez plea

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

Calling itself the "custodian of the Constitution", the Supreme Court on Thursday asked if it could "sit idle" if a constitutional functionary like governor failed to discharge duties, as it reserved its verdict on the presidential reference on grant of assent to bills.

CJI Chandrachud launches 'neutral citations' for SC judgments

CJI Chandrachud launches 'neutral citations' for SC judgments

Rediff.com23 Feb 2023

Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud on Thursday announced launch of 'neutral citations' which would ensure a uniform pattern of citing the decisions of the Supreme Court.

I am a servant of law: CJI on Collegium 'reforms'

I am a servant of law: CJI on Collegium 'reforms'

Rediff.com8 Dec 2023

Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud on Friday said that as a judge, he is a 'servant' of the law and the Constitution and has to follow the position that has been laid down.

'Everybody wants publicity': SC says no to fresh pleas against Waqf law

'Everybody wants publicity': SC says no to fresh pleas against Waqf law

Rediff.com16 May 2025

As soon as one of the pleas came up for hearing on Friday, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, objected and said there can't be an "endless" filing of pleas challenging the Act.

Don't summon lawyers for giving legal advice to clients: SC

Don't summon lawyers for giving legal advice to clients: SC

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of probe agencies summoning lawyers for providing legal advice to clients under investigation, emphasising that lawyers should not be summoned merely for offering legal advice but can be if they are assisting in the crime. The court is considering guidelines to prevent investigative overreach and protect lawyer-client privilege.

Why pay toll if stuck on highway for hours, asks SC

Why pay toll if stuck on highway for hours, asks SC

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has questioned the NHAI regarding toll collection on a highway stretch in Kerala where commuters face extreme delays. The court is reviewing a High Court order suspending toll collection due to poor road conditions and severe traffic congestion.

Unmarried, queer couples can jointly adopt: CJI in minority verdict

Unmarried, queer couples can jointly adopt: CJI in minority verdict

Rediff.com18 Oct 2023

Writing a 247-page separate judgement, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud struck down Regulation 5(3) of the CARA, saying it is violative of the rights of the queer community and that the CARA has exceeded its authority in barring unmarried couples from adopting children.

Birla to announce panel to probe Justice Verma

Birla to announce panel to probe Justice Verma

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is likely to announce the formation of an inquiry committee to probe the charges against Allahabad High Court Judge Yashwant Varma. A notice signed by 152 MPs was submitted to Birla on July 21.

Cash row: Govt mulls impeachment motion against Justice Varma

Cash row: Govt mulls impeachment motion against Justice Varma

Rediff.com28 May 2025

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.

Supreme Court bar assn chief trashes predecessor's letter to CJI

Supreme Court bar assn chief trashes predecessor's letter to CJI

Rediff.com7 Dec 2023

Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Adish C Aggarwala Thursday wrote to Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud expressing "shock" at an open letter to the head of the judiciary by a senior member of the bar.

SC questions multiple prosecutions of Sharjeel for same speech

SC questions multiple prosecutions of Sharjeel for same speech

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India questioned whether former JNU student Sharjeel Imam can be prosecuted in multiple states for sedition based on a single speech. The court is considering a plea to club multiple FIRs filed against Imam in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh for his alleged inflammatory remarks during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The court is concerned about the potential for double jeopardy and has indicated that it may transfer the cases to Delhi.

Live streaming of court proceedings has flipside: CJI

Live streaming of court proceedings has flipside: CJI

Rediff.com6 May 2023

CJI Chandrachud said courts across the country are likely to become paperless soon.

State has duty to recognise queer unions, says CJI Chandrachud

State has duty to recognise queer unions, says CJI Chandrachud

Rediff.com18 Oct 2023

Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud on Tuesday said the State has an obligation to recognise unions entered into by queer couples and grant them benefit under the law.

Allow me to end my life: UP woman judge alleges harassment; CJI seeks report

Allow me to end my life: UP woman judge alleges harassment; CJI seeks report

Rediff.com15 Dec 2023

The woman judicial officer, in her two-page letter, sought the CJI's permission to end her life following the abuse and harassment she had faced in her career during her posting in Barabanki.

Cash row: Resignation only option for Justice Varma to avoid...

Cash row: Resignation only option for Justice Varma to avoid...

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

Officials aware of the procedure to appoint and remove Supreme Court and high court judges pointed out that while defending his case before lawmakers in any of the House, Justice Varma can announce that he is quitting and his verbal statement will be considered as his resignation.

CJI announces launch of e-pass portal to enter SC

CJI announces launch of e-pass portal to enter SC

Rediff.com10 Aug 2023

The Supreme Court on Thursday announced the launch of portal 'SuSwagatam', which would enable advocates, visitors, interns and others to register themselves online and get e-passes to enter the apex court.

SC proposes to stay key provisions of Waqf Act, govt opposes

SC proposes to stay key provisions of Waqf Act, govt opposes

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India began hearing a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, asked both sides to address whether the court should entertain the petitions or relegate them to the high court. The hearing is underway with senior advocate Kapil Sibal arguing for the petitioners. The act, which was passed by Parliament following heated debates, has been challenged by various parties including AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind.

SC rejects plea to recuse CJI Chandrachud from same sex marriage case

SC rejects plea to recuse CJI Chandrachud from same sex marriage case

Rediff.com10 May 2023

The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed an application seeking the recusal of Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud from hearing the pleas relating to legal validation for same-sex marriages.

CJI gets emotional recalling his Nagpur days

CJI gets emotional recalling his Nagpur days

Rediff.com4 Sep 2022

Chief Justice of India U U Lalit on Saturday got teary-eyed while reminiscing about the time he spent in Nagpur at the beginning of his career as a lawyer.

Cash row: Probe in crucial second stage, findings to decide judge's fate

Cash row: Probe in crucial second stage, findings to decide judge's fate

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

A three-member panel led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has been formed to probe the discovery of "four to five semi-burnt sacks" of Indian currency notes found after a fire at the residence of Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma. The incident, which occurred on March 14, has triggered an in-house inquiry, with the findings determining the judge's fate. The panel, consisting of Chief Justices Sheel Nagu (Punjab and Haryana), G S Sandhawalia (Himachal Pradesh), and Karnataka High Court judge Anu Sivaraman, will conduct a "deeper probe" into the allegations. Justice Varma has denied any knowledge of the cash being stored in the storeroom. The inquiry follows the Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya's report that recommended a deeper investigation. The top court's 2014 guidelines for in-house procedures for probing allegations against judges will be followed during the inquiry. The panel's findings could lead to either the removal of the judge, if the misconduct is deemed serious, or a reprimand. The inquiry will also determine if the fire was indeed a short-circuit as initially reported.

Can't ignore Pahalgam: SC seeks Centre's reply on J-K statehood

Can't ignore Pahalgam: SC seeks Centre's reply on J-K statehood

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

The SC has sought a response from the Centre on a plea seeking the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

What's the problem with President's reference, SC asks states

What's the problem with President's reference, SC asks states

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments regarding a presidential reference on whether fixed timelines can be imposed on governors and the president for acting on bills passed by state legislatures. The court is considering objections to the maintainability of the reference under Article 143 of the Constitution.

Your conduct does not inspire confidence, SC tells cash row judge

Your conduct does not inspire confidence, SC tells cash row judge

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court questioned Justice Yashwant Varma's conduct regarding an in-house inquiry panel report that found him guilty of misconduct in a cash discovery row. The court raised concerns about his delayed challenge to the inquiry and the implications of the panel's recommendations.

Governor can't send bills to Prez after second assembly approval: SC

Governor can't send bills to Prez after second assembly approval: SC

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has ruled that a Governor cannot send bills to the President for consideration if the state assembly has already cleared them for a second time. The court was questioning the Centre over the powers of the Governor when it comes to granting assent to bills.

'Tubelights': Oppn slams BJP MPs over remarks against SC

'Tubelights': Oppn slams BJP MPs over remarks against SC

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

The Congress party has accused the BJP of engaging in "damage control" after the party distanced itself from comments made by two of its MPs, Nishikant Dubey and Dinesh Sharma, criticizing the Supreme Court. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that the BJP's clarification was merely an attempt to mitigate the damage caused by the MPs' remarks and that the party's actions were hypocritical, given the silence of the BJP president on similar comments made by other party members.

CJI skips Bar Association's Holi event day after spat

CJI skips Bar Association's Holi event day after spat

Rediff.com4 Mar 2023

The SCBA had organised a poetry recital on Friday where the CJI was invited as the chief guest. Eminent poets like Ashok Chakradhar and Shambhu Shikhar recited their poems at the event.

Need to safeguard judiciary: Retired judges write to CJI

Need to safeguard judiciary: Retired judges write to CJI

Rediff.com15 Apr 2024

'The practice of selectively praising judicial decisions that align with one's views while vehemently criticising those that do not, undermines the very essence of judicial review and the rule of law'

Nation's worth depends on status of its women, says CJI Chandrachud

Nation's worth depends on status of its women, says CJI Chandrachud

Rediff.com10 Nov 2023

He also said "forward-looking" policies and judgements were needed to ensure that the benefits of social welfare measures actually reach the citizens.

SC questions Centre on bills pending with Governors since 2020

SC questions Centre on bills pending with Governors since 2020

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

The Centre has opposed the imposition of fixed timelines on governors and the President for decisions on bills passed by state legislatures, arguing that such constraints were intentionally omitted by the Constitution's framers.

Don't mess around with my authority: Angry CJI to lawyer

Don't mess around with my authority: Angry CJI to lawyer

Rediff.com11 Apr 2023

The CJI got irked when the lawyer first sought an early hearing of his case and, after being told that it will be listed on April 17, asked for liberty to mention it before another bench.

Cash row judge absent from HC administrative panels

Cash row judge absent from HC administrative panels

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Justice Yashwant Varma, embroiled in the cash discovery row following a fire at his residence, has been excluded from all administrative committees of the Delhi High Court. The committees were recently reconstituted, with all other judges, including the Chief Justice, included. Justice Varma was previously a member of several committees. His work was withdrawn following a directive from the Chief Justice of India, who has also ordered an in-house inquiry into the allegations.

Reject elite understanding of democratic process: CJI

Reject elite understanding of democratic process: CJI

Rediff.com2 Dec 2022

...educated people are better decision-makers must be rejected, the CJI said.

Cash row: Resignation only option before Justice Varma to avoid impeachment

Cash row: Resignation only option before Justice Varma to avoid impeachment

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

Officials aware of the procedure to appoint and remove Supreme Court and high court judges pointed out that while defending his case before lawmakers in any of the House, Justice Varma can announce that he is quitting and his verbal statement will be considered as his resignation.

Govt asks CJI Ramana to recommend his successor

Govt asks CJI Ramana to recommend his successor

Rediff.com4 Aug 2022

Justice Ramana, who had taken over as head of the Indian judiciary from predecessor SA Bobde on April 24, 2021 as the 48th CJI, is scheduled to demit office on August 26 after a tenure of over 16 months.

SC rejects 'Bahadur Shah Zafar kin' claim to Red Fort

SC rejects 'Bahadur Shah Zafar kin' claim to Red Fort

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has rejected a plea by a woman claiming to be the legal heir of the Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar-II, seeking possession of the Red Fort in Delhi. The court termed the plea as "misconceived" and "meritless", dismissing the petition against the Delhi High Court order. The petitioner, Sultana Begum, argued that her family was deprived of the Red Fort by the British East India Company after the first war of Independence in 1857. The court, however, dismissed the petition, citing the delay in filing the appeal and the lack of justification for the claim.