Digest for 18 July, 2025
Justice Yashwant Varma Moves Supreme Court to Quash Impeachment Inquiry
Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma has petitioned the Supreme Court to invalidate an in-house inquiry report that found him guilty of misconduct following the discovery of burnt cash at his residence. The petition challenges the recommendation for his impeachment made by then-CJI Sanjiv Khanna. Justice Varma argues the inquiry violated principles of natural justice, reversed the burden of proof, and was based on a preconceived narrative. The government reportedly plans to move an impeachment motion in the upcoming Parliament session.
Dozens of Schools in Delhi and Bengaluru Receive Coordinated Bomb Threats
Over 60 schools across Delhi and Bengaluru received bomb threats via email, causing widespread panic and forcing evacuations. More than 45 schools in Delhi and 40 in Bengaluru were targeted. The threatening emails, sent from a single ID, contained disturbing messages about planted explosives. Police, bomb disposal squads, and dog squads were deployed to all locations. This is the fourth time in a week that schools in Delhi have received such threats, which authorities later declared a hoax after thorough searches.
US Designates LeT Proxy 'The Resistance Front' as a Terrorist Organization
The United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. The State Department noted that TRF claimed responsibility for the deadly April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians. India welcomed the decision, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar calling it a "strong affirmation" of India-U.S. counter-terrorism cooperation. This move is a significant diplomatic step against Pakistan-based terror outfits.
India Cautions Against 'Double Standards' Amid US Sanctions Threat Over Russian Oil
India has responded to warnings from the US and NATO about potential secondary sanctions on countries trading with Russia, cautioning against "double standards." The Ministry of External Affairs stated that securing India's energy needs is a top priority, guided by market availability and global circumstances. The statement follows threats from NATO's chief and moves by US lawmakers to impose heavy tariffs on countries, including India, that import Russian oil, complicating ongoing India-US trade negotiations and diplomatic relations.
ED Files First Chargesheet Against Robert Vadra in Gurugram Land Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed its first chargesheet against Robert Vadra, his firm Skylight Hospitality, and others in a money laundering case linked to a 2008 Gurugram land deal. The agency also attached 43 immovable properties worth ₹37.64 crore connected to Vadra. The case pertains to the alleged fraudulent purchase and subsequent sale of 3.5 acres of land, resulting in a large profit. Vadra has denied the allegations, calling the investigation a politically motivated "witch hunt."