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‘Cash at judge’s home’: As CJI peruses in-house enquiry report, HC roster retains Justice Yashwant Varma’s name

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New Delhi, March 22: Key facts about the March 14 fire incident and subsequent developments at the residence of Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma are reported to have been mentioned in an in-house enquiry report being perused by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna over the alleged ‘cash at home’ episode.

The report was submitted by Delhi HC’s Chief Justice, D.K. Upadhyay, late on Friday, recreating the chain of events and the information gathered by fire-fighters and other first responders.

The findings of the in-house probe hold significance as the laid down procedure prescribes that if the enquiry finds credible evidence of wrongdoing against a judge the matter may call for a formal impeachment process.

Despite Justice Varma’s recommended transfer to the Allahabad High Court and speculation over recovery of unaccounted for cash at his home, his name on Saturday continued to appear in the Delhi High Court’s Roster for sitting of judges effective from March 17, 2025.

In the Roster, Justice Varma’s name appeared along with Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar under Division Bench-III which deals with writ petitions challenging Constitutional validity of any Act, Statutory Rule, Regulation or Notification pertaining to Municipal Tax. The Bench is also designated for dealing with matters related to Sales Tax and GST.

Even the Advance Cause list of the High Court for March 24 uploaded on the official website mentioned 45 matters likely to be taken up on Monday by DB-III headed by Justice Varma. On Friday, the day when the alleged ‘cash at home’ was reported, Justice Varma had not reported to office.

In response to the speculation, the Supreme Court issued a clarification stating that Justice Varma’s recommended transfer to the Allahabad High Court was not related to the alleged discovery of cash at his official residence. The court stressed that the transfer decision was made independently of the ongoing enquiry into the matter.

Chief of Delhi Fire Services (DFS), Atul Garg, on Friday denied reports attributing to him a statement claiming that no cash was found during firefighting operations at the residence of Justice Varma.

In a related development, some reports said that Justice Varma was earlier named in a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR filed in 2018 over an alleged sugar mill bank fraud dating back to 2011-12.

The CBI registered an FIR against Simbhaoli Sugar Mills, its directors, and others, including Yashwant Varma, who was then a non-executive director of the company. The case originated from a complaint by the Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC), accusing the sugar mill of defrauding the bank of nearly Rs 98 lakh through a fraudulent loan scheme.

The CBI FIR registered in Hapur in Uttar Pradesh against the firm was quashed by the Supreme Court in March last year, disagreeing with the Allahabad High Court’s decision to order a probe by the federal agency into the matter. The top court, however, said action by other agencies could be taken, if required.

Crime

Navi Mumbai: Four Booked for Assault and Sexual Harassment Of 18-Year-Old Girl In Sanpada

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Navi Mumbai, October 23: Four persons have been booked for allegedly sexually harassing and assaulting an 18-year-old girl after forcibly entering her residence in Sanpada, police said on Thursday.

According to officials from the Sanpada Police Station, the incident took place on the night of October 20 when one of the accused, who had earlier claimed to be in love with the victim, arrived at her home along with three associates.

The group allegedly barged into the house, confronted the girl, and touched her inappropriately. When the victim resisted and asked them to leave, one of the men reportedly attacked her with an iron rod, causing injuries.

During the altercation, the victim’s brother tried to intervene but was also physically assaulted by the accused. The group fled the scene soon after the incident, police said.

Following a complaint, a case was registered against four persons, two of whom are yet to be identified. They have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for sexual harassment, assault, and house trespass, officials confirmed.

As of Thursday, no arrests have been made in the case. The police have launched a manhunt to trace the accused, and further investigation is underway.

Authorities said the statements of the victim and witnesses have been recorded, and medical examination reports are awaited.

“The accused will be arrested soon. We are verifying their backgrounds and gathering evidence,” an officer from Sanpada Police Station said.

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National News

‘Modi’s Mission’: New book on Prime Minister’s journey from Vadnagar to PMO to be unveiled tomorrow

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New Delhi, Oct 23: A new book titled ‘Modi Mission’ is set to join the list of biographies written about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s extraordinary life and political journey and will be unveiled in Mumbai on Friday.

The book, penned by noted writer Berjis Desai, chronicles PM Modi’s extraordinary personal journey from a humble childhood in Vadnagar to the Prime Minister’s office (PMO).

The book will be released by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, and the event will be attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis, besides other high-profile dignitaries.

According to the writer, ‘Modi’s Mission’ is not a biography but a story of ideas. In the book, he discusses Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emergence as an instrument of national awakening despite insurmountable odds and innumerable challengers.

The book discusses formative experiences from PM Modi’s childhood and youth that have shaped his socio-economic philosophy and his outlook on governance. The book seeks to ‘expose’ the falsehoods circulated by a section of the intellectual elite about PM Modi to ‘derail’ governance.

The book also provides a comprehensive yet accessible account of PM Modi’s consistent efforts to strengthen India’s civilizational pride and create an efficient welfare state.

It also sheds light on how PM Modi’s leadership raised India’s collective consciousness and ensured transparent, result-oriented governance. From the formalisation of the Indian economy to the abrogation of Article 370, the book outlines PM Modi’s methodical approach for undertaking momentous decisions.

Notably, the author Berjis Desai is a Mumbai-based lawyer and writer. He has authored multiple books, including the critically acclaimed books on Parsi culture — ‘Oh! Those Parsis’ and ‘The Bawaji’. The book ‘Modi Mission’ has been published by Rupa Publications.

In advance praise for the book, the country’s leading industrialist, Anand Mahindra, said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of the most closely watched leaders of the 21st century. This book explores how, anchored by an unmistakable love for our country, he has sought to lift its place in the world with relentless energy.”

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National News

Bhai Dooj 2025: Raj Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray Unite To Celebrate The Festival With Sister Jaywanti In Mumbai

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Mumbai, October 23: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray celebrated Bhai Dooj with their sister Jaywanti Thackeray Deshpande at their residence in Dadar on Thursday.

The Thackeray siblings were seen together as Jaywanti Thackeray Deshpande performed the traditional tilak ceremony, marking the festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. The occasion coincided with the conclusion of Diwali festivities across the state.

The images from the celebration, which surfaced on social media, captured a warm family moment shared by the prominent political family in Maharashtra.

In Pune, Minister of State (MoS) Murlidhar Mohol also celebrated Bhai Dooj with his sister. Sharing a video of the celebration, Mohol extended greetings to people on the occasion.

“This is part of our rich culture. During the festival of Diwali, we also celebrate Bhai Dooj, a sacred festival that honours the unique bond between brothers and sisters. I extend my heartfelt greetings to everyone on this occasion of Bhai Dooj,” he said.

Bhai Dooj, celebrated two days after Diwali, symbolises the affection and protection shared between brothers and sisters. The day is marked across India with traditional rituals, prayers, and family gatherings.

With political leaders and citizens alike celebrating the occasion, Bhai Dooj once again served as a reminder of the enduring strength of family ties and cultural traditions in Maharashtra.

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