By Tridib Raman
During his tenure, Supreme Court Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud made headlines for various reasons. Today, as he retires, he leaves behind a long list of unanswered questions. In the last phase of his tenure, he also had to clarify about his proximity to the central government, especially PM Modi, that “deals are never cut like this”. According to sources, Justice Chandrachud had many thoughts running through his mind. Some sources claim that he wanted to make his young lawyer son a judge, but this was not possible because his son is still quite young, not even 45 years old. Sources close to Justice Chandrachud reveal that he has a strong desire to represent India at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Currently, Justice Dalveer Bhandari holds this significant responsibility. Justice Bhandari was first elected to the International Court of Justice in 2012, with a term of 9 years. He was re-elected for a second term in November 2017 and resumed his position on February 8, 2018. This means his term will last until 2027. According to sources, considering Justice Bhandari’s age of 77 and his health, the central government wanted to replace him with Justice Chandrachud. For this, a prominent industrialist (who is connected to Jodhpur and is also a minister in the Maharashtra government) was in talks with Justice Bhandari, as they have a family relationship. The Indian government wanted Justice Bhandari to resign so that Justice Chandrachud could be nominated in his place. However, it is said that Justice Bhandari firmly stated that “he is completely healthy and has no intention of leaving his position.” Speculations then arose that Justice Chandrachud might go to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), its chairman position has been vacant since Justice Arun Kumar Mishra’s retirement (June 1, 2024). However, it seems the central government has someone else in mind for this position. Therefore, it is now being speculated that Justice Chandrachud might soon catch a flight to Singapore, where he can earn a substantial fee for ‘International Arbitration’.
New Beginnings in Yogi’s Rule
By Tridib Raman
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is keen on minimising unnecessary interference from the central government in his administration. The latest issue revolves around the selection of the state’s new Director General of Police (DGP). For the past two years, Uttar Pradesh has seen four temporary DGPs. Now, the Yogi government has firmly stated that “the state government will select the DGP.” Its selection committee will comprise a retired High Court judge, a member of the UPSC, chairman of the UP Public Service Commission or their nominee, an Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary, a representative from the Home Department, and a retired DGP. According to the new rules, only those police officers who have at least six months of service left will be eligible for this position. It has also been decided that the new DGP’s tenure will be at least two years. In the earlier system, a list of the most senior officers of the state was sent to UPSC 3 months before the retirement of the current DGP. Keeping in mind the seniority, qualification, service record, field experience and honesty of these officers, UPSC used to send a list of names of three officers to the state government from which the state government used to select the new DGP. At present, the appointment of DGP in other states is done as per the guidelines given by the Supreme Court in the Prakash Singh case. This Police Act is applicable in 17 states, but UP does not follow it. To appoint 1991 batch IPS officer Prashant Kumar as the acting DGP of the state, the Yogi government ignored the seniority of at least 16 officers. Perhaps this new rule is also to make favourite officers like Prashant Kumar the police chief of the state.
North Block vs. South Block Clash
Recently, there has been an open conflict between the North and South Blocks over the appointment of the head of the Technical Intelligence Unit. For a long time, there has been no consensus between the National Security Advisor and the Home Ministry regarding the new head of the Technical Intelligence Unit. Currently, IPS officer Arun Sinha is the head of this unit. He was given a six-month extension, but that period ended on October 31, 2024. Now, another extension has been given, extending his tenure until December 31, 2024. The issue is that the names sent by the NSA for Sinha’s replacement are rejected by the Home Ministry. The names sent by the Home Ministry do not get approval from the PMO. Ajit Doval had sent the names of his two preferred officers, Manoj Yadav and Rashmi Ranjan Swain, but they were rejected for various reasons. Then, the Home Ministry sent the name of Anish Dayal Singh, which did not get approval from the PMO. Currently, two names are being considered: former RAW chief Samant Goel and former CBI director Subodh Kumar Jaiswal. The PMO wants this significant responsibility to be given to a serving officer rather than a retired one.
Rahul’s Challenge to Monopolists
By Tridib Raman
Recently, an article by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was published in both Hindi and English newspapers, sparking a political storm. In this piece, Rahul writes that it was not through commercial power alone but through a calculated conspiracy that the East India Company crushed India’s voice. The East India Company intimidated and threatened the kings and rulers of the time, resorting to bribery when needed, ultimately succeeding in taking control of India. As Rahul mentions in his article titled ‘A New Deal for Indian Business’, “Even though the East India Company ceased its operations 150 years ago, the fear it instilled has returned today. A new breed of monopolists has taken its place.” When the article caused a stir, particularly with the BJP protesting vehemently, Rahul clarified, “I oppose the dominance of one, two, or even a select five individuals over business.” Those who understood the implication knew where Rahul was pointing. As soon as this article was published, a senior central minister reportedly contacted business houses, urging them to post positive remarks about the PM’s programs on social media.
Trump Finds His ‘A’
By Tridib Raman
With Donald Trump’s return, both the Biden administration and Silicon Valley are experiencing intense upheaval. Several major American business groups, previously aligned with the Democrats’ blue, are now eager to switch to red. Many business groups that openly supported Kamala Harris and opposed Trump may now face repercussions for their stance. It is also anticipated that the Biden administration, before leaving in January, will grant substantial aid to Ukraine, aware of Trump’s stance on the issue.Meanwhile, Elon Musk, who has invested heavily in bringing Trump back to power, is emerging as Trump’s new “blue-eyed boy.” It’s widely speculated that under Trump’s new regime, Musk’s empire will flourish exponentially. There are even rumours that Musk could be appointed as head of the government commission DOGE, focused on streamlining governmental operations and funding. A popular new meme in the US humorously depicts Trump and Musk as ancient Roman warriors, dressed in battle attire, symbolising protectors of America. Many Americans believe that Musk’s technological expertise paired with Trump’s leadership is essential for the nation’s security.
Poonam Mahajan’s Conspiracy Allegation
Eighteen years after her father’s murder, BJP’s former MP Poonam Mahajan has stirred a political storm by writing a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, claiming that “her father Pramod Mahajan’s murder was a deep conspiracy that should be investigated.” Poonam Mahajan, who has been sidelined within her own party, BJP, has raised this significant issue right in the middle of the Maharashtra elections, raising many big questions. It is noteworthy that Pramod Mahajan, a key lieutenant of the BJP during the Vajpayee and Advani era, was murdered by his brother Praveen Mahajan at his Mumbai residence in 2006. Now, BJP members themselves are questioning, “Why did Poonam, who remained silent on this issue for 18 years, raise it now? Is it because the party has marginalised her? She was not given a party ticket for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, nor was she assigned any major responsibility within the organisation. If Poonam indeed has any proof, she should submit these documents to the party for investigation.
