A three-member panel of senior judges, set up to investigate allegations regarding a substantial cash recovery from the residence of Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, is expected to begin its inquiry within the next two to three days.
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00:00:00There will be an investigation that will begin on the High Court Judge, the cash scandal
00:00:04that everyone's been talking about and the probe will begin in two days.
00:00:09What is the big issue here?
00:00:10Remember, if he's been transferred, what is this probe then going to be?
00:00:14Is this going to be now an afterthought?
00:00:16That has happened.
00:00:17According to our sources, Chief Justice of India has sent a letter to three judge panels.
00:00:22The panel will decide the rules of investigation in Judge Cash Scandal.
00:00:26So in many ways, remember, the in-house, within the judiciary, the attempt also to
00:00:31show that there's complete transparency and there cannot be a taint on credibility.
00:00:36The committee of judges probing the Justice Verma case will begin investigation in two
00:00:40to three days.
00:00:41Investigation will also, of course, refer to the piles of cash found at Justice Verma's
00:00:47residence.
00:00:51This is big news.
00:00:52Remember, this is Chief Justice Sanjeev Khanna sending letters to three judges of the committee.
00:00:56The committee will decide the rules, the timeline, and even if the central government
00:01:01approves recommendation of the transfer of justice, he'll not be able to perform judicial
00:01:05work in the Allahabad High Court.
00:01:08The order which is applicable for him in the Delhi High Court will also be applicable then
00:01:11possibly for the Allahabad High Court.
00:01:13So there are some guidelines here that will have to be looked at.
00:01:17The Supreme Court has made it clear that action against Justice Verma will not be limited
00:01:22just to the transfer because that raised a question when the transfer happened that
00:01:27how is this transfer like a benchmark setting sort of a punishment or at least a certain
00:01:33question mark that you cannot be allowed to function normally when such piles of cash
00:01:39which is unaccounted, which he has no answers for, found at his residence.
00:01:43Look at that 500 rupee note that you can see from the half-burnt pile and remember this
00:01:48also came in amid controversy, amid the fact that there were denials earlier both from
00:01:54Justice Verma even from the fire department only to have visuals come in of the fire rescue
00:02:00workers digging out and realising what is this coming in piles of cash.
00:02:12The heat is clearly mounting on the Delhi High Court judge.
00:02:14The probe will now begin over how and what was that official the piles of cash that were
00:02:21found at his official residence in Delhi.
00:02:24But hours after the transfer recommendation to the centre was made public in a resolution
00:02:28uploaded on the website of the top court, Supreme Court Collegium has now recommended
00:02:33not only the repatriation of the Delhi High Court judge but also the fact this could lead
00:02:38to further inquiry against him.
00:02:40Now what is he saying?
00:02:42Justice Verma continues to deny the allegations.
00:02:44He is claiming that the storeroom where so to say this cash was recovered from has been
00:02:49accessible to everyone including his house staff.
00:02:52How can it have so many piles of cash, wads of cash that would be kept simply in a cupboard?
00:02:57Allahabad High Court Bar Association has opposed the proposed transfer of this judge.
00:03:03Now also many lawyers we are told from Allahabad High Court have gone on a strike.
00:03:08They are asking why would he be sent to our court when such a grievous allegation is against
00:03:12him.
00:03:13Now the Supreme Court repatriation against Justice Verma will be to the parent court.
00:03:17For now he has been derostered by the Delhi High Court.
00:03:20All judicial work under his supervision has been completely withdrawn.
00:03:24Remember because this has raised a certain question of credibility if at all even though
00:03:28he has completely denied the allegations.
00:03:31Let's listen in now to how there has been a political showdown.
00:03:34The matter has reached the parliament too.
00:04:04See enquiry has been commenced.
00:04:24This is a good step has been taken by the Honourable Chief Justice of India.
00:04:29Now there are two types of enquiry.
00:04:32One type of enquiry is done by the judiciary itself, CGI.
00:04:36If the CGI is satisfied, CGI can also recommend for the impeachment.
00:04:42Another thing is that the parliament also can initiate a step for impeachment but in
00:04:49that case again in-house enquiry has to be made.
00:04:52If the in-house enquiry has been directed and it has come, result comes shortly.
00:05:01Then if the CGI takes the decision, whatever the decision will be taken, that is also a
00:05:06good step I think.
00:05:08So let's listen in from the experts as well and the members of judiciary.
00:05:12Eminent lawyer who has been former Attorney General Mukul Rohadgi spoke to India Today's
00:05:16Rajdeep Sardesai.
00:05:17And what is the opinion amid the senior members of the judiciary?
00:05:21Let's listen in to this excerpt.
00:05:23But did he see any cash?
00:05:27Did he not see any cash?
00:05:30Please understand, you can't have a murder without a body being found.
00:05:36The second thing which I want to say is, see transfer or no transfer.
00:05:43The correct thing was that judicial work was withdrawn because you can't have a person
00:05:48in a doubtful situation sitting on the bench dispensing justice.
00:05:53But the transfer in any case has to be first accepted by the government of India.
00:05:58This transfer does not take effect on its own.
00:06:01God knows what view the government will take.
00:06:05But the transfer, another mystifying thing is that the Supreme Court is on record saying
00:06:12that this transfer has nothing to do with the in-house inquiry.
00:06:17I am baffled to hear that.
00:06:19According to me, it has everything to do with this episode and this inquiry.
00:06:25And in fact, the transfer, according to me, is clearly punitive.
00:06:30It is not for any other reason except that.
00:06:42Well, remember a lot of focus has been in Mumbai with regard to comedian Kunal Kamra's controversy.
00:06:47But let's also remember a few weeks ago what happened.
00:06:50Now comedian Samay Rehna has recorded a statement with the cops.
00:06:54The Maharashtra Cyber Cell finally managing to record Samay Rehna's statement in Mumbai.
00:06:59Remember he was travelling abroad and this was with regard to the latent show.
00:07:03But allegedly a vulgar joke was said.
00:07:06This was regarding parents and some private conversations.
00:07:11And that had led to a full-blown controversy against them.
00:07:14It had become a huge debate whether this freedom of expression should be allowed
00:07:17or perhaps there has to be a certain bar.
00:07:20Comedian and YouTuber, that's the visual on his screen, Samay Rehna.
00:07:23Young man leaving from the office of the Maharashtra Cyber Cell.
00:07:26He was summoned to record his statement in connection with India's Got Latent case.
00:07:29Vidya is joining me this morning.
00:07:31Vidya, so would it be correct to say this is the first time that possibly this has happened?
00:07:36I remember he was travelling abroad.
00:07:37Has he recorded statements earlier as well?
00:07:40This is the first time.
00:07:41Any details of what exactly would be the line of questioning?
00:07:46Samay Rehna had been summoned earlier but he had sought time as he was travelling.
00:07:51But of course the moment he returned, he had answered the summon
00:07:56and he immediately went to the office of the Cyber Cell.
00:07:59Maharashtra Cyber had recorded an FIR, if you remember.
00:08:02And in connection with that, the FIR, the statement, the investigation
00:08:07could have been only proceeded ahead with the recording of statements of each of these people.
00:08:12And proceeding that, Samay Rehna had recorded his statement.
00:08:16In this statement, he had basically said that,
00:08:19his question as to whether these kind of dialogues were recorded or pre-decided
00:08:27or if this really happened without any conspired planning to say such kind of things.
00:08:34So these are the questions that he has put forth and he has answered them.
00:08:38And if the cops feel that there is a need for him to be back,
00:08:44then they would summon him again.
00:08:46But as of now, his statement has been recorded is what we have been told by Maharashtra Cyber Cell.
00:09:15The controversy that was on Ek Na Chinde.
00:09:17Whether it was a joke or a joke that went too far.
00:09:20The stand-up comedian at one of his shows decided to crack a joke.
00:09:24In many ways, it was a modified film song.
00:09:26And without taking names, it was very clear that it was Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ek Na Chinde.
00:09:31His supporters landed up at the venue, vandalized it.
00:09:34He has now issued a statement.
00:09:36Kamra is refusing to apologize for his comments.
00:09:39He is defending, he said nothing wrong.
00:09:41Further raising questions about whether vandalism to any issue,
00:09:45something like this would be appropriate response,
00:09:47even if it's an offensive satire.
00:09:49The Shiv Sana Party has sharply criticized Kunal Kamra though.
00:09:52They are alleging that it's not just him.
00:09:54That there's a nexus between Kamra, the comedian and Uddhav Thackeray and his party.
00:09:59Controversy is intensifying.
00:10:01Authorities have revealed that Kamra's call records could be investigated
00:10:04as well as his bank accounts could be scrutinized.
00:10:07To examine if somebody orchestrated the satire for him to target Ek Na Chinde.
00:10:14A fierce political battle also erupted.
00:10:16Mahayati and Mahavika Sagari are jumping over this issue.
00:10:19Look at that.
00:10:20We are putting out both statements of the sides of what Fadnavis Mahayati is saying
00:10:25and what the Mahavika Sagari is saying.
00:10:27But angry Shiv Sana workers meanwhile had vandalized the Mumbai comedy venue
00:10:32where he had performed.
00:10:33They've had to shut down temporarily.
00:10:35And therefore it's led to a huge debate again over the issue of violence
00:10:40in response to perhaps what they find offensive.
00:10:44Freedom of speech and expression is subject to reasonable restrictions in the country
00:10:50such as public order, decency and morality, incitement of an offense, defamation,
00:10:58contempt of court, sovereignty, security of the state.
00:11:03Therefore, uttering words which may be against public order, incite offenses
00:11:10or be defamatory in nature is definitely not freedom of speech and expression.
00:11:16And we need to definitely introspect upon what and where comedy is going today.
00:11:26Kamra is a smart man.
00:11:31It's not good for him to make such videos.
00:11:35If he's a singer, if he's an artist, then he shouldn't sing songs to condemn anyone.
00:11:41He shouldn't get into trouble.
00:11:43There was a riot in NCB and in Sushena.
00:11:46Some are traitors and some are not.
00:11:49It's not right to use such language.
00:11:51If Eknath Shinde is a traitor, then Uddhav Thackeray should be called a traitor.
00:11:56Uddhav Thackeray was also a traitor to Biju.
00:11:59That's why I don't think he should get into trouble.
00:12:03And it's not right to sing songs to condemn anyone.
00:12:07Everyone should get equal justice in this country.
00:12:11First of all, our constitution gives freedom of expression.
00:12:16And if an artist says something, it's not justified to go to his office and break it.
00:12:24It's constitutionally correct that what Kunal Kamra has said is about a Chief Minister.
00:12:33But there are many Chief Ministers in this country.
00:12:37There are many Cabinet Ministers who open their mouths and say anything.
00:12:42If such statements are given by ministers and people who are on constitutional posts,
00:12:49then how far is it justified to have equal justice with them and with an artist?
00:12:56Our constitution has given freedom of expression.
00:13:01But that doesn't mean you can make a joke out of it.
00:13:06But if they talk about India's culture and history, then such people will never be forgiven.
00:13:15These are the people who will do anything for their financial gain.
00:13:20So all the people like Kunal Kamra should be prosecuted.
00:13:26First of all, he's a comedian. His job is to make people laugh.
00:13:31You can say some things while laughing, but a politician shouldn't take it too seriously.
00:13:40It's not a punishment to entertain people.
00:13:45If Mr. Farnamesh says something, it's a crocodile's tears.
00:13:48So maybe he's talking about Mr. Eknath Chander.
00:13:51I don't think there's a lot of love between them.
00:13:53But such comedians should be allowed to speak.
00:13:58Meanwhile, just a few days ago, remember, there was another incident of mob vandalism and violence
00:14:05that was over the film Chhawa.
00:14:07Political uproar over the film and subsequent protests that came in
00:14:11either from the Hindu groups against Aurangzeb
00:14:13or from some of the Muslim men angry and agitated over what they said
00:14:17was the misrepresentation by the film.
00:14:20Meanwhile, a special screening of Vicky Kaushal starrer Chhawa will now be held in the parliament.
00:14:25The screening will take place at the Baliyogi Auditorium on 27th March
00:14:29and Prime Minister Modi will be in attendance.
00:14:31He's applauded the film, he's curious to see what the film is about
00:14:34and will attend the special screening along with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other ministers.
00:14:39But this has triggered a political meltdown with opposition leaders attacking the centre
00:14:43saying that the ruling party is creating a communal divide in the society.
00:14:48Vicky Kaushal starrer Chhawa, just to tell you, while of course has become a huge blockbuster
00:14:53but revolves around the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji
00:14:58and his courage in defending faith and country
00:15:01and is primarily during the rule of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb
00:15:05whose brutalities have been well known and documented.
00:15:24And along with that, the memorabilia you talked about in Arab Sagar, the water you worshipped,
00:15:28talk about that as well.
00:15:29You can't escape Chhawa movie. We've all seen Chhawa movie.
00:15:32Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is the lifeblood of our lives.
00:15:34We all give him a lot of respect.
00:15:35But if you respect Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj,
00:15:37then you'll have to work with memorabilia, statues, development books, all of these.
00:15:41Prime Minister, you said that Maharashtra's Chief Minister Fadnavisji
00:15:45said in the floor of the assembly that Chhawa film has increased hatred.
00:15:50An atmosphere of hatred is being created.
00:15:52Why do you want to see such a film that is spreading hatred?
00:15:55And you saw what happened in Nagpur, how some riots took place.
00:16:00You are seeing everywhere what is happening in the country and the world.
00:16:03Why do you want to see this, Prime Minister?
00:16:06Have you ever seen a film made in Manipur?
00:16:09You will know what the reality is.
00:16:11You talk about everyone's influence, everyone's development, everyone's faith.
00:16:14So is it right to watch your film?
00:16:17See, what are the last issues with the BJP?
00:16:20Hindu-Muslim, Mandir-Mandir, Bhajan-Kirtan-Azaan, Films.
00:16:24After all, what is the responsibility of the BJP government?
00:16:27The Indian People's Party has no answer to the laws on income, on farmers, on workers, on women's safety.
00:16:34We don't have to answer those questions.
00:16:37How to divert the attention of the public from the main issues.
00:16:40That is why the Indian People's Party, their leaders, want to see films, want to show films.
00:16:45They want to take the public away from the reality.
00:16:47But the public is sensible.
00:16:49They are asking questions on unemployment, inflation and issues like farmers and workers.
00:17:17It is learnt that Indian officials are also hopeful to discuss with Lynch the possibility
00:17:22of a waiver for India by Trump administration from the reciprocal tariff, at least temporarily.
00:17:28That, remember, has to come into effect from the 2nd of April.
00:17:32The two sides expected to hold meanwhile negotiations to firm up a framework
00:17:36for a bilateral trade agreement that will address issues relating to levies, market access and more.
00:17:42Speaking exclusively at the Business Today Mind Rush event,
00:17:44External Affairs Minister Dr. S.J. Shankar made it very clear that India will put its own interest first
00:17:49in the future trade deal and stressing that free trade agreements are no longer just economic tools
00:17:55but also strategic choices sometimes.
00:18:00The underlying issue has been the accumulated consequences of over-concentrated manufacturing
00:18:08as well as massive subsidies and sectoral protection.
00:18:14The full impact of that was visible during the COVID pandemic on the fragility of supply chains.
00:18:23The Ukraine conflict created an additional set of concerns,
00:18:28especially those pertaining to food, fuel and fertilisers.
00:18:34And when sourcing from key producers became challenging,
00:18:39its ripple impact actually spread across all businesses and all geographies.
00:18:45The fighting that we have seen since October 2023 in West Asia or the Middle East
00:18:53has added another dimension because we have seen maritime shipping disrupted
00:18:59and this has particular consequences for the Asia-Europe traffic.
00:19:05From time to time, business, in fact international economy,
00:19:10has also experienced the effects of extreme climate events.
00:19:17Now on top of all of this, there are the economic consequences of sharper geopolitical competition.
00:19:26The digital and the technology worlds have felt the implication of this polarisation
00:19:33most visibly after decades of hearing the virtues of globalisation.
00:19:40Today, the world is grappling with the reality of industrial policies, export controls and tariff wars.
00:19:52In such a scenario, it is essential to identify advantageous trends and adapt our policies accordingly.
00:20:03First and foremost, there is the widespread concern today about de-risking the global economy.
00:20:11The solution lies in more diversified manufacturing, Mr. Birla referred to it,
00:20:19in more innovation and technology and in stronger trade,
00:20:24including those that pertain directly to food and health security.
00:20:28Put together, what that means is a re-globalisation that is fairer,
00:20:35that is more democratic, that is less riskier than its earlier model.
00:20:44What is so exciting is April 2nd is just around the corner and that's American Liberation Day.
00:20:51That's the day when the rest of the world starts to treat America with respect
00:20:57and your leadership understanding how the rest of the world treats us
00:21:01and what balance and what fair trade finally is going to be,
00:21:05is going to take care of America, is going to launch the external revenue service
00:21:09to start to build the power and prestige of America back
00:21:14and I am honoured to be helping you on that course.
00:21:18Comedian Kunal Kamra has put out a statement, in fact an elaborate statement
00:21:23and refusing to apologise just by the vandalism that happened.
00:21:27In fact, he has gone on further to say it's unfair to target the comedy club
00:21:31where he performed for my joke.
00:21:34The comedy club, the venue, which was vandalised by the Shiv Sena workers
00:21:38and supporters of Eknath Shinde and to which Mr. Kunal Kamra
00:21:44says that the venue is not responsible for my comedy.
00:21:47Will the law be fair for vandals?
00:21:49He says I am ready to cooperate with the law
00:21:51but will the law be fair against those who vandalised the venue?
00:21:55Kunal Kamra also adding, making a joke on the leader is not illegal.
00:22:00He has also said that he is not going to back down, he is not going to apologise on that
00:22:06but remember for now, we are not going to back down.
00:22:09He is not going to apologise on that.
00:22:11But remember for now, this is going to possibly become further trouble for Kunal Kamra.
00:22:18I want to bring in my colleague Ritwik Bhalekar for the latest on that.
00:22:21Ritwik, good morning.
00:22:22Tell us more about the statement that in fact runs about 4 pages by Kunal Kamra.
00:22:27He shared it on his social media site.
00:22:29What are the contents?
00:22:32Yes, very good morning Pooja.
00:22:34So, yesterday night when Kunal Kamra after row over his stand-up on Deputy CM Eknath Shinde,
00:22:43he has refused to apologise but at the same time, CM Devendra Fadnavis yesterday
00:22:50has categorically said that such gigs or such humour will not be accepted
00:22:57which infringes or encroaches anyone else's freedom
00:23:01and Maharashtra government is planning to take strictest action against such stand-up comedians.
00:23:10Even Samay Rana was summoned by the police and he had just appeared yesterday
00:23:18and had a 6 long hour investigation.
00:23:22Now we need to see that what Kunal Kamra would be facing
00:23:26because he had clearly refused to apologise
00:23:30and we need to see that what action Maharashtra government would be taking against him.
00:23:35Stay on with me Ritwik because is this about simply creative content,
00:23:40free movement of expression to have a political satire
00:23:43even if it may seem inappropriate and offensive to the supporters
00:23:47but for now is it also as much about a certain responsibility on the shoulders of the content creators.
00:23:53Here's what has happened.
00:23:55The comic Kunal Kamra has ignited a fresh controversy.
00:23:58Maharashtra clearly has been in the headlines for the past few days
00:24:01with regard to how much of creative content or its freedom of expression is allowed
00:24:05and the vandalism in response irrespective of the incidents that have happened.
00:24:09This time the stand-up comedian Kamra's joke against what appeared to be
00:24:13Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde
00:24:16has led to full-on vandalism at the venue where he had performed.
00:24:20He has now issued a statement.
00:24:21Kamra is refusing to apologise for the comments.
00:24:24He's saying he said nothing wrong.
00:24:26Satire against a leader is not illegal
00:24:29and therefore he's saying while he'll cooperate with the investigators
00:24:32and with regard to the law but will the law be same against the vandals
00:24:36who vandalise the venue in response to what appeared to be a certain satire.
00:24:40Now the Shiv Sena party has criticised Kamra sharply.
00:24:44They are saying it's not just Kunal Kamra or his stand-up show.
00:24:48They are alleging that there was a full-on nexus between the comedian and Uddhav Thackeray
00:24:53that he was made to say what he did.
00:24:55As the controversy intensifies authorities have revealed
00:24:58that Kamra's called records could be investigated.
00:25:00His bank accounts could be scrutinised to find out
00:25:03if someone else orchestrated this against Shinde.
00:25:06Meanwhile between Mahayuti and Mahavikasagari it's a full-on showdown.
00:25:10Angry Shiv Sena workers remember had vandalised the venue.
00:25:14This is where UBT Sena is charging against the Mahayuti.
00:25:18Freedom of speech and expression is subject to reasonable restrictions in the country
00:25:24such as public order, decency and morality, incitement of an offence,
00:25:31defamation, contempt of court, sovereignty, security of the state.
00:25:37Therefore uttering words which may be against public order, incite offences
00:25:45or be defamatory in nature is definitely not freedom of speech and expression
00:25:51and we need to definitely introspect upon what and where comedy is going today.
00:26:15We should not sing songs of condemnation.
00:26:17We should not sing songs of condemnation.
00:26:19There was a riot in NCB and in Shiv Sena.
00:26:22Who is a traitor? Who is not a traitor?
00:26:24Such language is not right.
00:26:26If we want to call Eknath Shinde a traitor then we should call Uddhav Thackeray a traitor.
00:26:31Uddhav Thackeray was also a traitor to Biju.
00:26:35That is why I feel we should not sing such songs of condemnation.
00:26:38And it is not right to sing such songs of condemnation.
00:26:42Everyone should get equal justice in this country.
00:26:47Our constitution gives freedom of expression.
00:26:51And if an artist says something then it is not justified to go to his office and break it.
00:27:00It is constitutionally correct that what Kunal Kamra has said is about a Chief Minister.
00:27:09But in this country there are many Chief Ministers.
00:27:12There are many Cabinet Ministers.
00:27:14Who say anything openly.
00:27:17If such statements are given by ministers, people who are on constitutional posts
00:27:24then how is it justified to have equal justice with them and with an artist?
00:27:31Our constitution has given freedom of expression.
00:27:36But it does not mean that
00:27:38people should do comedy.
00:27:40I understand that.
00:27:42But if they misbehave with India's culture and history
00:27:48then such people will never be forgiven.
00:27:51These are the people who will do anything for their financial gain.
00:27:55So all the people like Kunal Kamra,
00:27:58we should take strict action against them.
00:28:01First of all, he is a comedian.
00:28:04His job is to make people laugh.
00:28:06Some things are said while making people laugh.
00:28:10And a politician should not take it too seriously.
00:28:15It is not a punishment to entertain people.
00:28:20If Mr. Farnamesh says something then it is like crocodile tears.
00:28:23So maybe he is talking about Mr. Eknath Chander.
00:28:26I don't think there is any love between them.
00:28:28But such comedians should be allowed to speak.
00:28:33My colleague Hrithik Bhalekar is tracking all the latest on that.
00:28:37Hrithik, what is the present status with regard to investigations, probe?
00:28:41He is defiant and so is the Mahayati Sarkar this time.
00:28:45So what are you picking up about the details that will happen in this case now?
00:28:50See, the zero FIR has been filed in Khar police station in Mumbai.
00:28:55And there are several complaints which are being received
00:29:00against Kunal Kamra's comedy gig which has so-called offensive content
00:29:08against Deputy CM Eknath Chander.
00:29:11Even in the ongoing Maharashtra budget session,
00:29:14CM Devendra Farnamesh has clarified that
00:29:17this statement made by Kunal Kamra would be taken seriously
00:29:23and he has to face strictest action.
00:29:27Alright Hrithik, we will be tracking the latest on this.
00:29:31This time, remember Kunal Kamra is no stranger to controversy.
00:29:36He has often made statements or some of his actions
00:29:39that have led to headlines, controversies and trouble for him too.
00:29:43Now this time, he made a satire song based on a modified film song
00:29:48that appeared to be a satire against Deputy CM Eknath Chander
00:29:53which his supporters have said have been extremely offensive
00:29:56because this has been a man who has emerged from grass roots level
00:29:59and has found public mandate.
00:30:01However, those supporting Kamra say
00:30:03it's freedom of expression that also deserves to be heard.
00:30:06Let's take a look at this report,
00:30:08why and how a comic has landed into political soup.
00:30:15A satirical take on Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Chander
00:30:19has sparked a maha war.
00:30:22At the centre of it is stand-up comic Kunal Kamra
00:30:27who referred to Shinde as a traitor,
00:30:30mocking his beginnings as an auto driver.
00:30:35The joke infuriated the Shiv Sena
00:30:37that went on rampage at Mumbai's Habitat studio.
00:30:41A violent eruption triggered a political face-off
00:30:44with Maharashtra CM branding Kunal Kamra as an urban Naxal.
00:31:12Kunal Kamra's aim is one and the same,
00:31:15to insult the people of the society,
00:31:18to insult the institutions of the country.
00:31:22People's trust in the institutions of the country should be shaken.
00:31:26There is no need to give such a speech.
00:31:29There is no need to leave the people who are working in such a way.
00:31:33And so, on this occasion,
00:31:35I assure the audience that
00:31:37severe action must be taken.
00:31:40I don't think Kunal Kamra has said anything wrong.
00:31:43Traiting traitors is not an attack on anyone.
00:31:46Whoever is a traitor, is a traitor.
00:31:48It is impossible for a traitor to speak the truth.
00:31:51This is the truth.
00:31:53And we are openly saying that he is a traitor.
00:31:55So where is this freedom of expression?
00:31:58Soon, the Mumbai civic body was at Kunal Kamra's comic act venue.
00:32:05The demolition of the Habitat studio is going on there.
00:32:09We cannot see this because the studio is inside on the first floor.
00:32:12So definitely we have to see that
00:32:14where this Kunal Kamra whole controversy over the comedy goes
00:32:19and where it ends.
00:32:21The controversy has reignited the debate over free speech and intolerance.
00:32:29It's very clear, based on the language that they have used,
00:32:32that they are not comedians,
00:32:35but they are paid agents of UBT.
00:32:39And this, despite the fact that Maharashtra and the country
00:32:44have repeatedly rejected these parties
00:32:48for their entitled, monarchistic ways.
00:32:51So these people will never learn.
00:32:53In the three-hour international podcast,
00:32:55Mr. Modi has also said that
00:32:57criticism is an essential part of democracy.
00:33:00And then his friends say this,
00:33:02but let's put this aside for a minute.
00:33:04Why is he angry with the Eknath Shinde gang?
00:33:07Because his work has proved that
00:33:09a thief and a traitor is Eknath Shinde.
00:33:35and Dipesh Tripathi in Mumbai.
00:33:37Bureau Report, India Today.
00:33:47Probe on High Court Judge Karsh Khandel
00:33:49to begin in the next two days.
00:33:50This is big news coming in.
00:33:51This means apart from the transfer to the Allahabad High Court
00:33:54for Justice Varma,
00:33:56there could be further inquiry against him
00:33:58and a probe that could initiate,
00:33:59which also means, possibly,
00:34:01he may not be able to go and continue
00:34:03with his judicial work.
00:34:05According to our sources,
00:34:06Chief Justice of India Khanna has sent a letter
00:34:08to the three-judge panel
00:34:10that will decide rules now of investigation.
00:34:13The protocol, the guideline in Judge Karsh Khandel,
00:34:16Judge Varma, remember,
00:34:18has been derostered from Delhi High Court.
00:34:21According to our information,
00:34:23he could be derostered from the Allahabad High Court as well.
00:34:26There's a committee of judges
00:34:28that will be probing this case
00:34:31and will begin the investigation in two to three days.
00:34:34But there will be some guidelines to look at also.
00:34:37Remember, in many ways, an unprecedented scenario.
00:34:40These wads of cash, half burnt,
00:34:42found from a sitting judge's house.
00:34:45Can he mention the reason of so much cash at his residence?
00:34:50Is it accounted?
00:34:51Is it white money?
00:34:52Where did so much cash come from?
00:34:54All of that will be, remember, of course,
00:34:56now investigated further.
00:34:58According to our highly-placed sources
00:34:59in the top court of the country,
00:35:01there will be an in-house committee of three judges
00:35:03that will begin investigation in the next two days.
00:35:05Chief Justice Sanjeev Khanna has sent out letters already.
00:35:08Even if the central government
00:35:10approves the recommendation for the transfer,
00:35:12judicial work may get hampered,
00:35:16which is under the supervision of Justice Varma here.
00:35:20Joining me is Nalini Sharma,
00:35:22India Today's Legal Editor.
00:35:23Nalini, good morning.
00:35:24Tell me this as well.
00:35:25I believe in many ways this is an unprecedented scenario
00:35:28with regard to judiciary.
00:35:30What are you hearing about this investigation?
00:35:32What has led to it?
00:35:33Because it appeared that it was transfer and done.
00:35:39Well, Pooja, it's been a long time coming
00:35:41that there has been a demand to set in some guidelines
00:35:44regarding judicial misconduct.
00:35:46But it remains to be seen
00:35:48whether or not the Justice Yashwant Varma case
00:35:51becomes a prime example of that
00:35:53and actually brings an overhaul
00:35:55to the entire judicial system in India.
00:35:57Because that's what it seems to be leading to right now.
00:36:00What we're given to understand is that
00:36:02the transfer has been recommended,
00:36:04the repatriation back to the Allahabad High Court,
00:36:07and how soon the central government
00:36:10can go ahead and approve.
00:36:12That is something that remains to be seen.
00:36:14And at the same time,
00:36:15we're also expecting the developments
00:36:17to move forward on the front of the inquiry committee
00:36:21that has been set up by the Chief Justice of India,
00:36:24which is essentially going to look into
00:36:26what's the chain of events that happened
00:36:28on the night of the 14th of March
00:36:30when the fire first broke out.
00:36:32So it remains to be seen exactly
00:36:34what is it that the inquiry committee
00:36:36finds during their inquiry.
00:36:38Also, how long will it take them to find the report
00:36:41and submit the report?
00:36:42Because it will be only on the basis of their report
00:36:45that the future course of action is going to be decided,
00:36:48whether Justice Sharma is going to let off
00:36:51or is he going to be asked to put in his resignation?
00:36:55Or will the impeachment proceedings be initiated against him?
00:36:59All depends now on the inquiry report
00:37:01of this three-member committee
00:37:03that is expected to start its inquiry soon.
00:37:06Alright, Nalini Sharma will be tracking the latest on this.
00:37:10Remember, there's even been a strike and a protest
00:37:13from Allahabad High Court lawyers
00:37:15who do not want his transfer to their courts.
00:37:17So the heat is clearly mounting on the Delhi High Court judge
00:37:20who has now been transferred the probe
00:37:22into an alleged discovery, as it appeared,
00:37:25from his residence about piles of cash, half-burnt.
00:37:29So there was a blaze at his residence
00:37:31fire rescue personnel reach
00:37:33only to realize that there are these
00:37:35half-burnt piles of 500 rupee notes
00:37:37and perhaps the exact amount not yet known.
00:37:40But a three-member panel will now begin the investigation
00:37:43in the next two to three days.
00:37:44This comes after the orders of already the transfer
00:37:47that has taken place.
00:37:48The Supreme Court Collegium has already recommended
00:37:51the repatriation of Justice Verma
00:37:53and the recommendation to the Centre was made public
00:37:55in a resolution uploaded on the court website.
00:37:58Justice Verma continues to deny the allegations on his part.
00:38:02He's claiming that the storeroom
00:38:03where, so to say, this cash was found
00:38:05is always accessible to everyone.
00:38:07It's open.
00:38:08Even the house staff can go in and out of this room.
00:38:11So how possibly can there be these piles of cash
00:38:14unaccounted be kept there?
00:38:16The Allahabad High Court, meanwhile,
00:38:18where he's been transferred,
00:38:20their Bar Association has opposed the proposed transfer
00:38:24of Justice Verma to their High Court.
00:38:26So this is going to be perhaps further trouble coming in
00:38:29and with an inquiry,
00:38:30an unprecedented scenario in India's judiciary.
00:38:41The Bar Association,
00:38:43about 22 associations have sent us a letter of support.
00:38:47They've sent us a letter of support.
00:38:49And the whole of India is very angry about this.
00:38:52The people are in a lot of pain.
00:38:54When we first passed this resolution,
00:38:57the Executive,
00:38:58before the General House,
00:39:00on 21st, when you got it,
00:39:02after that the Supreme Court notified
00:39:04that the transfer, first of all, it hasn't been done,
00:39:07and the transfer has nothing to do with this incident.
00:39:09Today, they have confirmed the transfer
00:39:11in the Collegium meeting,
00:39:13supporting 20th.
00:39:15The 24th and 20th meetings are in their notification.
00:39:18See, inquiry has been commenced.
00:39:22This is a good step that has been taken
00:39:24by the Honourable Chief Justice of India.
00:39:27Now, there are two types of inquiry.
00:39:29One type of inquiry is done by the judiciary itself,
00:39:32CGI.
00:39:33If the CGI is satisfied, CGI can take a step.
00:39:36CGI can also recommend for the impeachment.
00:39:39Another thing is that the Parliament also can initiate
00:39:43a step for impeachment,
00:39:45but in that case, again,
00:39:47in-house inquiry has to be made.
00:39:49If the in-house inquiry has been directed
00:39:52and the result comes shortly,
00:39:58then if the CGI takes the decision,
00:40:00whatever the decision will be taken,
00:40:02that is also a good step, I think.
00:40:06Let's listen in now to the experts from the field of judiciary.
00:40:09Former Attorney General, eminent lawyer Mukul Rahat,
00:40:12he spoke to India Today's Rajdeep Sardesai.
00:40:14Here's how he is weighing down now
00:40:16on this controversy of cash haul
00:40:18at a sitting judge's house.
00:40:21Did he see any cash?
00:40:23Did he not see any cash?
00:40:27Please understand, you can't have a murder
00:40:29without a body being found.
00:40:32The second thing which I want to say is
00:40:36see, transfer or no transfer.
00:40:39The correct thing was that judicial work was withdrawn
00:40:42because you can't have a person
00:40:44in a doubtful situation sitting on the bench
00:40:46dispensing justice.
00:40:49But the transfer, in any case,
00:40:51has to be first accepted by the government of India.
00:40:54This transfer does not take effect on its own.
00:40:57God knows what view the government will take.
00:41:01But the transfer, another mystifying thing is
00:41:05that the Supreme Court is on record saying
00:41:08that this transfer has nothing to do
00:41:10with the in-house inquiry.
00:41:13I am baffled to hear that.
00:41:15According to me, it has everything to do
00:41:18with this episode and this inquiry.
00:41:21And in fact, the transfer,
00:41:24according to me, is clearly punitive.
00:41:27It is not for any other reason except that...
00:41:36News coming in from the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
00:41:40Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin
00:41:42hits out at the AIDMK.
00:41:44Why is Stalin hitting out at the opposition?
00:41:46He says,
00:41:48backed the CAA and is now attending Iftar.
00:41:52Taking a dig at the opposition leaders
00:41:55from the AIDMK, Stalin says,
00:41:57on one side you supported the Citizenship Amendment Act
00:42:01and now you want to attend the Iftar.
00:42:04Stalin says,
00:42:05EPS is attending the Iftar without shame.
00:42:09He is blaming that,
00:42:11why did he then,
00:42:12basically that EPS acted against Muslims
00:42:15and now participating in Iftar has no shame.
00:42:20But is Citizenship Act
00:42:22simply about being against Muslims
00:42:24or is it also standing up
00:42:26for the persecuted minorities
00:42:28so brutally facing religious fanaticism
00:42:31in our neighbour nations?
00:42:33Pramod Madhav joins me for the latest on that.
00:42:36Pramod, tell us exactly what M.K. Stalin has said
00:42:39and what was this Iftar party about
00:42:41that AIDMK leaders attended
00:42:43and has led to a showdown?
00:42:46During this period of Ramzan
00:42:48and the fasting period
00:42:49almost when it comes to the end
00:42:51of the ritual in the state of Tamil Nadu
00:42:53where each and every party holds their own Iftar
00:42:56to celebrate this particular month.
00:42:58In fact, you could have also seen Vijay doing it two weeks ago
00:43:01and then we had the opposition party AIDMK
00:43:04that also do it.
00:43:05Earlier, Delta used to participate as well
00:43:07and so did DMK.
00:43:08But in this particular party
00:43:09that had occurred yesterday,
00:43:10the Chief Minister exactly took a dig
00:43:12at AIDMK where he stated
00:43:14he actually kind of placed AIDMK responsible
00:43:17for CAA to be passed.
00:43:19In fact, he said AIDMK voted in favour of CAA.
00:43:22Had AIDMK voted against CAA,
00:43:25it wouldn't have been passed
00:43:26and he said DMK did not do so
00:43:28and he also claimed
00:43:29that the minorities will not forgive or forget
00:43:32and this is where he said
00:43:33that after doing so,
00:43:35certain people without shame
00:43:37or any kind of conscience
00:43:38are attending Iftar party
00:43:40and in a way,
00:43:41he used that particular party
00:43:42to hit back at AIDMK.
00:43:46Pramod Madhav will be tracking the latest on that.
00:43:48A dig at AIDMK,
00:43:50Chief Minister Salim said.
00:43:52First, you supported the Citizenship Amendment Act
00:43:56that gives citizenship
00:43:57to the three to four neighbour nations
00:44:00persecuted minorities
00:44:02and says,
00:44:03why are you now attending
00:44:04a Muslim gathering of Iftar?
00:44:16News coming in from Jammu and Kashmir.
00:44:18Security forces in the joint operation
00:44:20continue the cordon in search of
00:44:22in Hiranagar.
00:44:23This is for the second consecutive day.
00:44:25They had received input
00:44:26and this was confirmed input
00:44:29by local civilians
00:44:30about the presence of terrorists.
00:44:31A joint operation was launched
00:44:33by J&K police,
00:44:34the army and more
00:44:35and we are told that
00:44:37in the Hiranagar area
00:44:39on Sunday,
00:44:40as there were
00:44:42the confirmed information
00:44:44that had come in,
00:44:45even the DGP was seen on the ground
00:44:47coordinating with the efforts.
00:44:49But remember,
00:44:50these are difficult terrains
00:44:51to operate in.
00:44:52For those who may not understand,
00:44:53this is very close
00:44:54to the international border
00:44:55and unlike the line of control,
00:44:57this IB in the Jammu region
00:45:00is very close
00:45:02to the Pakistan border
00:45:03and therefore,
00:45:04it's also surrounded by
00:45:07massive hilly areas,
00:45:09farm fields,
00:45:10forests
00:45:11and it's very difficult
00:45:12to operate in
00:45:13and therefore,
00:45:14to know that there are
00:45:15active terrorists right now,
00:45:16that's confirmed.
00:45:17These are local civilians,
00:45:19villagers who have confirmed.
00:45:21In fact,
00:45:22the terrorists tried best
00:45:24to kidnap
00:45:25and keep a family hostage
00:45:26but the family managed to flee
00:45:28and inform higher authorities.
00:45:30My colleague Sunil Ji Bhatt
00:45:31has been on the ground.
00:45:32He's tracking all the latest on that.
00:45:34Of course,
00:45:35needless to say,
00:45:36deferred images on your screen.
00:45:37We are not putting out
00:45:38any live images
00:45:39from the location.
00:45:40Sunil,
00:45:41tell me this,
00:45:42what is the situation right now?
00:45:43It's been second day.
00:45:45What do you think
00:45:46are the difficulties
00:45:47that possibly
00:45:48the armed forces
00:45:49are looking at
00:45:50when they are trying
00:45:51to confirm
00:45:52and find these
00:45:53active terrorists?
00:45:56Pooja,
00:45:57the security forces
00:45:58have intensified
00:45:59the search operation
00:46:01in this particular area
00:46:03in Hiranagar sector.
00:46:05Yesterday also,
00:46:07all through the day,
00:46:08the security forces
00:46:09had gone deep
00:46:10inside the forest area
00:46:12but unfortunately,
00:46:13the security forces
00:46:14did not got
00:46:15any major success.
00:46:17However,
00:46:18the police
00:46:19and the army
00:46:21personnel
00:46:22managed to recover
00:46:23some belongings
00:46:24of the terrorists
00:46:25and a huge cache
00:46:26of arms and ammunition
00:46:28was also recovered.
00:46:30Now,
00:46:31the security forces
00:46:32are trying to ensure
00:46:34that the terrorists
00:46:35who are hiding there
00:46:37should not flee
00:46:39because in the past also,
00:46:40we have seen
00:46:41on a number of occasions
00:46:42that terrorists
00:46:43have managed to flee
00:46:44from the spot
00:46:45where their movement
00:46:48has been noticed.
00:46:49In this particular case also,
00:46:52it is now hazy
00:46:53of this search operation
00:46:55and still there is
00:46:57no clue about
00:46:58the whereabouts
00:46:59of the terrorists.
00:47:00There are some reports
00:47:02that are going around
00:47:04that terrorists
00:47:05may have fled
00:47:06but there is no
00:47:07official confirmation
00:47:08about that.
00:47:09The security forces
00:47:10are not taking any chances.
00:47:11They are scanning
00:47:12each and every corner
00:47:14of this particular area.
00:47:16It is a reminder still,
00:47:17Sunil,
00:47:18isn't it about
00:47:19how Pakistan
00:47:20is managing
00:47:21to push in
00:47:22these infiltrators,
00:47:23these terrorists
00:47:24who want to disturb
00:47:25peace and prosperity
00:47:26of J&K.
00:47:27And remember,
00:47:28it is not just about
00:47:29targeting the security forces
00:47:30but innocent civilians,
00:47:31villagers,
00:47:32farmers,
00:47:33even they are not
00:47:34spared by these jihadists
00:47:35coming from Pakistan.
00:47:42Let me now bring you
00:47:43to National Capital, Delhi.
00:47:44A special screening
00:47:45of the Vicky Kaushal
00:47:46starrer,
00:47:47Chhava film
00:47:48is set to be organised
00:47:49at the Parliament.
00:47:50We are told that
00:47:51at the Bal Yogi Auditorium
00:47:52on the 27th of March,
00:47:54Thursday,
00:47:55this week,
00:47:56this is going to be
00:47:57a special screening
00:47:58in which Prime Minister
00:47:59Modi will also be present.
00:48:01There will be also
00:48:02Union Home Minister
00:48:03Amit Shah and other ministers.
00:48:04In the past few months,
00:48:05remember we have seen
00:48:06that there have been
00:48:07film screenings
00:48:08in the Parliament premises.
00:48:09The decision, though,
00:48:10has sparked a political
00:48:12meltdown among
00:48:13the parliamentarians
00:48:14and especially
00:48:15the opposition leaders
00:48:16saying that this is
00:48:17an attempt to create
00:48:18a communal divide
00:48:19in the society.
00:48:20Just to tell you,
00:48:21Vicky Kaushal starrer, Chhava
00:48:22is basically about
00:48:23the story of
00:48:24Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj,
00:48:25the son of
00:48:26Chhatrapati Shivaji
00:48:27who has been an Indian icon
00:48:28and his courage
00:48:29defending his faith
00:48:30in country
00:48:31in the times
00:48:32of Mughal Emperor
00:48:33Aurangzeb
00:48:34whose brutalities
00:48:35are well known
00:48:36and documented.
00:48:47Vicky Kaushal starrer, Chhava
00:48:48is basically about
00:48:49the story of
00:48:50Chhatrapati Shivaji
00:48:51who has been an Indian icon
00:48:52and his courage
00:48:53defending his faith
00:48:54in country
00:48:55in the times
00:48:56of Mughal Emperor
00:48:57Aurangzeb
00:48:58whose brutalities
00:48:59are well known
00:49:00and documented.
00:49:17Vicky Kaushal starrer, Chhava
00:49:18is basically about
00:49:19the story of
00:49:20Chhatrapati Shivaji
00:49:21who has been an Indian icon
00:49:22and his courage
00:49:23defending his faith
00:49:24in country
00:49:25in the times
00:49:26of Mughal Emperor
00:49:27Aurangzeb
00:49:28whose brutalities
00:49:29are well known
00:49:30and documented.
00:49:46Vicky Kaushal starrer, Chhava
00:49:47is basically about
00:49:48the story of
00:49:49Chhatrapati Shivaji
00:49:50who has been an Indian icon
00:49:51and his courage
00:49:52defending his faith
00:49:53in country
00:49:54in the times
00:49:55of Mughal Emperor
00:49:56Aurangzeb
00:49:57whose brutalities
00:49:58are well known
00:49:59and documented.
00:50:00Vicky Kaushal starrer, Chhava
00:50:01is basically about
00:50:02the story of
00:50:03Chhatrapati Shivaji
00:50:04who has been an Indian icon
00:50:05and his courage
00:50:06defending his faith
00:50:07in country
00:50:08in the times
00:50:09of Mughal Emperor
00:50:10Aurangzeb
00:50:11who has been an Indian icon
00:50:12and his courage
00:50:13defending his faith
00:50:14in country
00:50:15in the times
00:50:16of Mughal Emperor
00:50:17Aurangzeb
00:50:18whose brutalities
00:50:19are well known
00:50:20and documented.
00:50:21Vicky Kaushal starrer, Chhava
00:50:22is basically about
00:50:23the story of
00:50:24Chhatrapati Shivaji
00:50:25who has been an Indian icon
00:50:26and his courage
00:50:27defending his faith
00:50:28in country
00:50:29in the times
00:50:30of Mughal Emperor
00:50:31Aurangzeb
00:50:32whose brutalities
00:50:33are well known
00:50:34and documented.
00:50:35Vicky Kaushal starrer, Chhava
00:50:36is basically about
00:50:37the story of
00:50:38Chhatrapati Shivaji
00:50:39who has been an Indian icon
00:50:40and his courage
00:50:41defending his faith
00:50:42in country
00:50:43in the times
00:50:44of Mughal Emperor
00:50:45Aurangzeb
00:50:46who has been an Indian icon
00:50:47and his courage
00:50:48defending his faith
00:50:49in country
00:50:50in the times
00:50:51of Mughal Emperor
00:50:52Aurangzeb
00:50:53who has been an Indian icon
00:50:54and his courage
00:50:55defending his faith
00:50:56in country
00:50:57in the times
00:50:58of Mughal Emperor
00:50:59Aurangzeb
00:51:00who has been an Indian icon
00:51:01and his courage
00:51:02defending his faith
00:51:03in country
00:51:04in the times
00:51:05of Mughal Emperor
00:51:06Aurangzeb
00:51:07who has been an Indian icon
00:51:08and his courage
00:51:09defending his faith
00:51:10in country
00:51:11in the times
00:51:12of Mughal Emperor
00:51:13Aurangzeb
00:51:14who has been an Indian icon
00:51:15and his courage
00:51:16defending his faith
00:51:17in country
00:51:18in the times
00:51:19of Mughal Emperor
00:51:20Aurangzeb
00:51:21who has been an Indian icon
00:51:22and his courage
00:51:23defending his faith
00:51:24in country
00:51:25in the times
00:51:26of Mughal Emperor
00:51:27Aurangzeb
00:51:28who has been an Indian icon
00:51:29and his courage
00:51:30defending his faith
00:51:31in country
00:51:32in the times
00:51:33of Mughal Emperor
00:51:34Aurangzeb
00:51:35who has been an Indian icon
00:51:36and his courage
00:51:37defending his faith
00:51:38in country
00:51:39in the times
00:51:40of Mughal Emperor
00:51:41Aurangzeb
00:51:42who has been an Indian icon
00:51:43and his courage
00:51:44defending his faith
00:51:45in country
00:51:46in the times
00:51:47of Mughal Emperor
00:51:48Aurangzeb
00:51:49who has been an Indian icon
00:51:50and his courage
00:51:51defending his faith
00:51:52in country
00:51:53in the times
00:51:54of Mughal Emperor
00:51:55Aurangzeb
00:51:56who has been an Indian icon
00:51:57and his courage
00:51:58defending his faith
00:51:59in country
00:52:00in the times
00:52:01of Mughal Emperor
00:52:02Aurangzeb
00:52:03who has been an Indian icon
00:52:04and his courage
00:52:05defending his faith
00:52:06in country
00:52:07in the times
00:52:08of Mughal Emperor
00:52:09Aurangzeb
00:52:10who has been an Indian icon
00:52:11in the times
00:52:12of Mughal Emperor
00:52:13Aurangzeb
00:52:14who has been an Indian icon
00:52:15in the times
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00:52:17Aurangzeb
00:52:18who has been an Indian icon
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00:52:22who has been an Indian icon
00:52:23in the times
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00:52:25Aurangzeb
00:52:26who has been an Indian icon
00:52:27in the times
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00:52:30who has been an Indian icon
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00:52:34who has been an Indian icon
00:52:35in the times
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00:52:38who has been an Indian icon
00:52:39in the times
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00:52:41Aurangzeb
00:52:42who has been an Indian icon
00:52:43in the times
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00:52:46who has been an Indian icon
00:52:47in the times
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00:52:50who has been an Indian icon
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00:52:54who has been an Indian icon
00:52:55in the times
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00:52:57Aurangzeb
00:52:58who has been an Indian icon
00:52:59in the times
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00:53:02who has been an Indian icon
00:53:03in the times
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00:53:06who has been an Indian icon
00:53:07in the times
00:53:08of Mughal Emperor
00:53:09Aurangzeb
00:53:10who has been an Indian icon
00:53:11in the times
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00:53:13Aurangzeb
00:53:14who has been an Indian icon
00:53:15in the times
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00:53:18who has been an Indian icon
00:53:19in the times
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00:53:21Aurangzeb
00:53:22who has been an Indian icon
00:53:23in the times
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00:53:25Aurangzeb
00:53:26who has been an Indian icon
00:53:27in the times
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00:53:30who has been an Indian icon
00:53:31in the times
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00:53:33Aurangzeb
00:53:34who has been an Indian icon
00:53:35in the times
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00:53:38who has been an Indian icon
00:53:39in the times
00:53:40of Mughal Emperor
00:53:41Aurangzeb
00:53:42who has been an Indian icon
00:53:43in the times
00:53:44of Mughal Emperor
00:53:45Aurangzeb
00:53:46who has been an Indian icon
00:53:47in the times
00:53:48of Mughal Emperor
00:53:49Aurangzeb
00:53:50who has been an Indian icon
00:53:51in the times
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00:53:54who has been an Indian icon
00:53:55in the times
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00:53:58who has been an Indian icon
00:53:59in the times
00:54:00of Mughal Emperor
00:54:01Aurangzeb
00:54:02who has been an Indian icon
00:54:03in the times
00:54:04of Mughal Emperor
00:54:05Aurangzeb
00:54:06who has been an Indian icon
00:54:07in the times
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00:54:09Aurangzeb
00:54:10who has been an Indian icon
00:54:11in the times
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00:54:13Aurangzeb
00:54:14who has been an Indian icon
00:54:15in the times
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00:54:18who has been an Indian icon
00:54:19in the times
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00:54:22who has been an Indian icon
00:54:23in the times
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00:54:25Aurangzeb
00:54:26who has been an Indian icon
00:54:27in the times
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00:54:30who has been an Indian icon
00:54:31in the times
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00:54:34who has been an Indian icon
00:54:35in the times
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00:54:38who has been an Indian icon
00:54:39in the times
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00:54:42who has been an Indian icon
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00:54:46who has been an Indian icon
00:54:47in the times
00:54:48of Mughal Emperor
00:54:49Aurangzeb
00:54:50who has been an Indian icon
00:54:51in the times
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00:54:53Aurangzeb
00:54:54who has been an Indian icon
00:54:55in the times
00:54:56of Mughal Emperor
00:54:57Aurangzeb
00:54:58who has been an Indian icon
00:54:59in the times
00:55:00of Mughal Emperor
00:55:01Aurangzeb
00:55:02who has been an Indian icon
00:55:03in the times
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00:55:06who has been an Indian icon
00:55:07in the times
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00:55:09Aurangzeb
00:55:10who has been an Indian icon
00:55:11in the times
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00:55:13Aurangzeb
00:55:14who has been an Indian icon
00:55:15in the times
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00:55:17Aurangzeb
00:55:18who has been an Indian icon
00:55:19in the times
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00:55:21Aurangzeb
00:55:22who has been an Indian icon
00:55:23in the times
00:55:24of Mughal Emperor
00:55:25Aurangzeb
00:55:26who has been an Indian icon
00:55:27in the times
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00:55:29Aurangzeb
00:55:30who has been an Indian icon
00:55:31in the times
00:55:32of Mughal Emperor
00:55:33Aurangzeb
00:55:34who has been an Indian icon
00:55:35in the times
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00:55:38who has been an Indian icon
00:55:39in the times
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00:55:41Aurangzeb
00:55:42who has been an Indian icon
00:55:43in the times
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00:55:45Aurangzeb
00:55:46who has been an Indian icon
00:55:47in the times
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00:55:49Aurangzeb
00:55:50who has been an Indian icon
00:55:51in the times
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00:55:53Aurangzeb
00:55:54who has been an Indian icon
00:55:55in the times
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00:55:57Aurangzeb
00:55:58who has been an Indian icon
00:55:59in the times
00:56:00of Mughal Emperor
00:56:01Aurangzeb
00:56:02who has been an Indian icon
00:56:03in the times
00:56:04of Mughal Emperor
00:56:05Aurangzeb
00:56:06who has been an Indian icon
00:56:07in the times
00:56:08of Mughal Emperor
00:56:09Aurangzeb
00:56:10who has been an Indian icon
00:56:11in the times
00:56:12of Mughal Emperor
00:56:13Aurangzeb
00:56:14who has been an Indian icon
00:56:15in the times
00:56:16of Mughal Emperor
00:56:17Aurangzeb
00:56:18who has been an Indian icon
00:56:19in the times
00:56:20of Mughal Emperor
00:56:21Aurangzeb
00:56:22who has been an Indian icon
00:56:23in the times
00:56:24of Mughal Emperor
00:56:25Aurangzeb
00:56:26who has been an Indian icon
00:56:27in the times
00:56:28of Mughal Emperor
00:56:29Aurangzeb
00:56:30who has been an Indian icon
00:56:31in the times
00:56:32of Mughal Emperor
00:56:33Aurangzeb
00:56:34who has been an Indian icon
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00:56:37Aurangzeb
00:56:38who has been an Indian icon
00:56:39in the times
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00:56:41Aurangzeb
00:56:42who has been an Indian icon
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00:56:45Aurangzeb
00:56:46who has been an Indian icon
00:56:47in the times
00:56:48of Mughal Emperor
00:56:49Aurangzeb
00:56:50who has been an Indian icon
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00:56:52of Mughal Emperor
00:56:53Aurangzeb
00:56:54who has been an Indian icon
00:56:55in the times
00:56:56of Mughal Emperor
00:56:57Aurangzeb
00:56:58who has been an Indian icon
00:56:59in the times
00:57:00of Mughal Emperor
00:57:01in the times
00:57:02of Mughal Emperor
00:57:03Aurangzeb
00:57:04who has been an Indian icon
00:57:05in the times
00:57:06of Mughal Emperor
00:57:07Aurangzeb
00:57:08who has been an Indian icon
00:57:09in the times
00:57:10of Mughal Emperor
00:57:11Aurangzeb
00:57:12who has been an Indian icon
00:57:13in the times
00:57:14of Mughal Emperor
00:57:15Aurangzeb
00:57:16who has been an Indian icon
00:57:17in the times
00:57:18of Mughal Emperor
00:57:19Aurangzeb
00:57:20who has been an Indian icon
00:57:21in the times
00:57:22of Mughal Emperor
00:57:23Aurangzeb
00:57:24who has been an Indian icon
00:57:25in the times
00:57:26of Mughal Emperor
00:57:27Aurangzeb
00:57:28who has been an Indian icon
00:57:29in the times
00:57:30of Mughal Emperor
00:57:31Aurangzeb
00:57:32who has been an Indian icon
00:57:33in the times
00:57:34of Mughal Emperor
00:57:35Aurangzeb
00:57:36who has been an Indian icon
00:57:37in the times
00:57:38of Mughal Emperor
00:57:39Aurangzeb
00:57:40who has been an Indian icon
00:57:41in the times
00:57:42of Mughal Emperor
00:57:43Aurangzeb
00:57:44who has been an Indian icon
00:57:45in the times
00:57:46of Mughal Emperor
00:57:47Aurangzeb
00:57:48who has been an Indian icon
00:57:49in the times
00:57:50of Mughal Emperor
00:57:51Aurangzeb
00:57:52who has been an Indian icon
00:57:53in the times
00:57:54of Mughal Emperor
00:57:55Aurangzeb
00:57:56who has been an Indian icon
00:57:57in the times
00:57:58of Mughal Emperor
00:57:59Now, on top of all of this,
00:58:00Now, on top of all of this,
00:58:01Now, on top of all of this,
00:58:02there are the economic consequences
00:58:03there are the economic consequences
00:58:04of sharper geopolitical competition.
00:58:05of sharper geopolitical competition.
00:58:06of sharper geopolitical competition.
00:58:07of sharper geopolitical competition.
00:58:08of sharper geopolitical competition.
00:58:09The digital
00:58:10and the technology
00:58:11worlds
00:58:12have felt
00:58:13the implication
00:58:14of this polarization
00:58:15most visibly.
00:58:16of this polarization
00:58:17most visibly.
00:58:18After decades
00:58:19of hearing
00:58:20the virtues
00:58:21of globalization,
00:58:22of hearing
00:58:23the virtues
00:58:24of globalization,
00:58:25today the world
00:58:26is grappling
00:58:27with the reality
00:58:29export controls
00:58:30and tariff wars.
00:58:31and tariff wars.
00:58:32and tariff wars.
00:58:33In such a scenario,
00:58:34In such a scenario,
00:58:35it is essential
00:58:36it is essential
00:58:37to identify
00:58:38advantageous trends
00:58:39and adapt
00:58:40our policies
00:58:41accordingly.
00:58:42our policies
00:58:43accordingly.
00:58:44First and foremost,
00:58:45First and foremost,
00:58:46there is widespread
00:58:47concern today
00:58:48about de-risking
00:58:49the global economy.
00:58:50about de-risking
00:58:51the global economy.
00:58:52The solution lies
00:58:53The solution lies
00:58:54in more diversified
00:58:55mergers
00:58:56and acquisitions
00:58:57classified manufacturing, Mr. Birla referred to it, in more innovation and technology,
00:59:04and in stronger trade, including those that pertain directly to food and health security.
00:59:11Put together, what that means is a re-globalization that is fairer, that is more democratic, that
00:59:21is less riskier than its earlier model.
00:59:25Trade agreements have always occupied a salient position when it comes to a global economic
00:59:32engagement.
00:59:33This is even more so now, a reality that India must recognize.
00:59:40Currently, we are engaged in three particularly important negotiations, the FTAs with the
00:59:48European Union and the United Kingdom, and the BTA with the United States.
00:59:55Just this week, we launched negotiations with New Zealand as well.
00:59:59There are also a few others which were already in the pipeline.
01:00:05In the current uncertain and volatile world, it is essential that we appreciate the value
01:00:13of such endeavors.
01:00:15We have to carefully assess the costs and benefits, as well as weigh the price of action
01:00:22versus inaction.
01:00:24There could also be collateral benefits of such understandings, especially when it comes
01:00:29to sensitive technologies.
01:00:32India will take, obviously, an India-first approach in this regard, with Vixit Bharat
01:00:40as our goal.
01:00:43Tapping will also be guided by the prospect of tapping unrealized potential in these relationships.
01:00:52Most of our earlier FTAs are with Asian economies, many of a competitive character.
01:01:00Introducing an overall balance by engaging the Gulf and Western economies has not just
01:01:06an economic logic, but a strategic one as well.
01:01:11What is so exciting is April 2nd is just around the corner, and that's American Liberation
01:01:17Day.
01:01:18That's the day when the rest of the world starts to treat America with respect, and
01:01:24your leadership, understanding how the rest of the world treats us, and what balance and
01:01:29what fair trade finally is going to be, is going to take care of America, it's going
01:01:33to launch the External Revenue Service to start to build the power and prestige of America
01:01:40back.
01:01:41And I'm honored to be helping you on that course.
01:01:46I bring in my colleague Chetan Bhutani from Business Today for the latest on this.
01:01:51Chetan, good morning.
01:01:52Tell me more about this meeting, about what are we expecting with Lynch, and importantly,
01:01:57do you think that could there be a possibility of a waiver on the reciprocal tariff?
01:02:01Oh, well, absolutely, Pooja, you know, the high-level delegation led by the Assistant
01:02:06U.S. Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch, is of course on a visit
01:02:11starting today, to 29 March.
01:02:12Well, this visit is part of the regular trade interaction between the two countries and
01:02:16comes at a time when trade imbalances and tariff-related concerns are at the forefront.
01:02:21Well, India's Ministry of Commerce has, in fact, issued a statement that directs, that
01:02:25as directed by the leaders of the two countries, India remains committed to working with the
01:02:29U.S. side.
01:02:30Well, key topics on the agenda, what my sources have mentioned me, is, of course, including
01:02:35market access, reducing tariffs, and enhancing supply chain integration.
01:02:39New Delhi is particularly keen on securing exemptions from the reciprocal tariffs that
01:02:43President Donald Trump's administration is set to impose from April 2, well, tariffs
01:02:47that could significantly impact Indian exports, including gems, petroleums, metals, and pharmaceuticals.
01:02:52Well, in fact, earlier this month, as Business Today as well reported, Indian Commerce Minister
01:02:56Bhushan Goyal visited the United States to discuss a broader trade framework and ensured
01:03:01that India is not likely to open up its economy for investment into the agriculture sector
01:03:07as India wants to protect its farmers' interests as well.
01:03:09Well, both nations are also working towards a long-term trade agreement, the target of
01:03:13$500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
01:03:17And lastly, trade imbalances and future agreements will also be the key focus as to what my sources
01:03:22have told me.
01:03:23All right.
01:03:24Chetan, we'll be looking forward to more updates coming in from you about, with regard to the
01:03:27meeting between Lynch and the Indian officials.
01:03:31Amid a lot of incidents, remember, of marriages going horribly wrong in some cases, a recent
01:03:39incident has emerged on social media.
01:03:41It's a shocking controversy because it involves Rippling co-founder Prasanna Sankar, a fairly
01:03:47known name, who has accused Chennai police of harassment over a custody battle with his
01:03:52wife.
01:03:53The allegations range from police extortion to tax fraud charges being put against him,
01:03:58to even claims of kidnapping of the child who he has custody of.
01:04:02Here are the details about what happened in this case.
01:04:08It is a high-profile personal legal battle that has taken the Indian internet by storm,
01:04:15involving tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Rippling, Prasanna Sankar.
01:04:22Taking to social media, Prasanna, founder of Singapore-based Crypto Social Network,
01:04:27alleged that his wife Divya filed false criminal complaints against him after he confronted
01:04:33her about an extramarital affair.
01:04:39After he confronted Divya, he alleged that she filed for divorce in the US to seek a
01:04:45higher financial settlement and falsely accused him of multiple criminal charges, including
01:04:51a false police complaint accusing him of rape and domestic violence.
01:04:56He also alleged harassment by the Chennai police in a false child abduction case.
01:05:01In another bombshell tweet, Prasanna claimed that the Chennai police had been trying to
01:05:05extort Rs 25 lakhs from him in exchange for his friend's release.
01:05:26However, Prasanna's wife Divya has a different story.
01:05:41She alleges that Prasanna forcibly brought her and their son to India under false pretenses.
01:05:47She claims that her husband has committed tax fraud by illegally transferring assets
01:05:53worth billions of dollars.
01:05:54Divya has accused Prasanna of sexual misconduct, claiming that he was arrested in Singapore
01:06:00for secretly recording women using a pinhole camera.
01:06:04She also alleges that he was involved in a sting operation related to solicitation and
01:06:09prostitution leading to his removal from his company.
01:06:14As of now, Chennai police have not issued an official statement on these serious allegations.
01:06:20But on Monday night, Prasanna took to X.
01:06:22The Chennai police commissioner has assured there'll be no arrests.
01:06:26But this latest saga has put the spotlight again on divorce laws and ugly legal battles
01:06:32that they can unleash.
01:06:33With Pramod Madhav in Chennai, Bureau Report, India Today.
01:06:39Meanwhile, massive commotion erupted in the parliament over Karnataka's Muslim quota
01:06:46bill.
01:06:47Now, the Bharatiya Janata Party is accusing Congress of stealing the OBC quota, attempting
01:06:51to change the constitution.
01:06:53The Congress party is defending the move, saying that the contractor order, the decision
01:06:59that they have taken for the 4% is for backward classes criteria, not specific to Muslim community.
01:07:06Let's take a look at this.
01:07:09Days after the Karnataka assembly passed a bill providing Muslim quota in government
01:07:15contracts, the battle over reservation has reached parliament.
01:07:21There were uproar in the house as union ministers took up comments made by Karnataka Deputy
01:07:26Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on the quota at an event.
01:07:31The treasury benches claimed Shivakumar had stated that the constitution will change to
01:07:36accommodate the quota.
01:07:50I want that such laws and rules should be withdrawn and discussion should take place.
01:08:20The uproar wasn't limited to Rajya Sabha, the Lok Sabha also witnessed disruptions.
01:08:51Following the backlash, the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister claimed that his remarks were
01:08:55taken out of context.
01:08:58On the basis of the backward class, backward class, what is in my state, on that basis,
01:09:06my government has taken a call.
01:09:08People have gone to the court and courts have given various judgments.
01:09:12That is why I said after various judgments, the constitutions will have to change earlier.
01:09:18The Congress has moved to privilege motion against Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Kiran
01:09:23Rijiju.
01:09:24The BJP Congress face-off extended beyond parliament.
01:09:29When religion-based reservation is not permissible, then you will not change the constitution for
01:09:36this.
01:09:37This country wants to know.
01:09:38Because DK Shivakumar is a beginning.
01:09:43Congress party has a hidden agenda that they will change the constitution for voting.
01:09:47A decision by a state government in a particular state within the laws of that state and within
01:09:51the reservation categories of that state has nothing to do with the central parliament.
01:09:55Why are they trying to disrupt the house on the basis of that?
01:09:59The quota for minorities, including Muslims, in government contracts has become a hot political
01:10:05issue in Karnataka.
01:10:07The BJP has described it as reservation based on religion, while the Congress calls it a
01:10:12move aimed at social justice.
01:10:15The fight is not over yet.
01:10:17The bill now needs the approval of the Governor.