Statecrtaft With Geeta Mohan: Will India Back Putin's Plan For A New SCO Bank?

In an exclusive conversation on India Today, former Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul addressed key revelations from his memoir, 'Without Fear or Favour', examining the delicate dynamics between the judiciary and the executive. Justice Kaul clarified his critique of former Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud regarding judicial appointments, stating, "We should not have some kind of a pre-approvals from the government." Emphasizing institutional independence, he noted that if judges remain firm and explain their rationale, the government is generally willing to cooperate. He reflected on the void left by late Union Minister Arun Jaitley, whom he identified as an effective bridge of trust between both organs of state. Justice Kaul also addressed caste calculations influencing appointments, the fallout of the struck-down NJAC, bench neutrality in sensitive cases like Rafale, and why judges need adaptation while facing relentless social media scrutiny.

Opposition parties are planning a mock Parliament on October 30 to seek the impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence emerging as the likely venue after permission for Ashoka Hotel was reportedly denied.

A debate on the Election Commission of India focuses on its sworn affidavit filed before the Supreme Court claiming that its decisions were unanimous, amidst reported dissent from two election commissioners regarding Form 6 and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave criticises constitutional bodies, remarking, 'Election Commission of India is a caged tiger now', and stating he takes the poll body's affidavit 'not with a pinch of salt, but with a bag full of salt'. He asserts that executive pressure has compromised institutional independence. In contrast, former Uttarakhand High Court judge Justice Lokpal Singh defends the commission, stating that an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court must be accepted in its true spirit as filing a false affidavit carries severe legal consequences. The discussion delves into file notings, unaddressed objections, judicial independence, and democratic accountability.

Thirteen of the 17 inmates who escaped from Tamil Nadu’s Theni sub-jail after allegedly attacking prison staff have been rearrested using drone surveillance.