‘What If Orders Are Palpably Dishonest?’

New Delhi: In a surprise public acknowledgement of corruption in judiciary, a Supreme Court bench led by CJI Surya Kant on Wednesday said there is a growing trend of judges passing a series of orders for extraneous considerations on the eve of their retirements.While hearing a petition filed by a Madhya Pradesh principal district judge challenging his suspension 10 days prior to retirement, allegedly because of two judicial orders passed by him, the bench of CJI Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said, “Petitioner just before retirement started hitting sixes. It is an unfortunate trend. I do not want to elaborate on it.”Senior advocate Vipin Sanghi, appearing for the judicial officer, said he had an impressive career with very good rating in annual confidential reports. He was to superannuate on Nov 30 but was suspended on Nov 19, ostensibly because of two judicial orders. “How can an officer be suspended for judicial orders which can be appealed against and rectified by higher judiciary?” asked Sanghi.The bench said, “Disciplinary proceedings cannot be initiated against a judicial officer for passing orders which are erroneous. He cannot be suspended for this. But if the orders are palpably dishonest?” SC takes exception to seeking info on suspension through RTI applications The judicial officer was to retire on Nov 30. SC on Nov 20 directed the MP govt to postpone the retirement by one year as it had increased the retirement age of state employees to 62 years. The judicial officer would now retire on Nov 30, 2026. “The judicial officer did not know, when he passed those two orders, that his retirement age had been increased by one year. There is a growing trend of judges passing so many orders just before retirement,” the CJI said.The bench asked Sanghi as to why the judicial officer did not approach HC to challenge the suspension. Sanghi said that since it was a full court decision, the judicial officer thought it would be better to move SC for a fair hearing.The bench said, “There are so many instances when full court decisions have been set aside by HCs on the judicial side.” The bench also took exception to the judicial officer seeking grounds for his suspension through RTI applications. “He could have submitted a representation in this regard. It is not expected of a senior judicial officer to resort to the RTI route to get information. We see no ground to entertain the petition. The petitioner can make a representation to the HC for recall of the suspension order. The HC would decide his representation in four weeks,” the bench said.

Cricketer Virat Kohli and actor Anushka Sharma have come on the receiving end of sharp criticism on social media after a video from their arrival in the city went viral. In the video, Kohli and Sharma are seen arriving at the Mumbai airport, after their visit to Premanand Ji Maharaj’s ashram, Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj at Varah Ghat. The couple had headed there to seek spiritual guidance, videos of which were widely circulated online, with the couple winning praise for proudly sharing their spiritual side.

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma visit Premanand Ji Maharaj

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma slammed for rude behaviour

However, on their arrival in the city, their ‘rude’ behaviour with a differently abled boy soon caught the attention of netizens. The couple was seen making their way towards their car at an airport terminal. However, as they walked to their car, a young fan, identified by social media users as specially abled, appeared to approach Kohli requesting him for a photograph together. The cricketer, however, is seen keeping his head straight and continuing towards his vehicle without stopping or even acknowledging the boy. The clip has since prompted visible disappointment among fans. What might have otherwise passed off as a routine day at the airport, quickly escalated once netizens began reacting to the footage, as it came immediately after the couple’s visit to their spiritual leader.

Premanand Ji Maharaj’s advice to Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma ‘disappoint’ fans

Following the airport video, several users accused the couple of hypocrisy and insensitivity, particularly given that the request came from a disabled individual. “Go for spiritual trips but behave badly with someone who’s handicapped,” one user wrote. Another comment read, “Disgusting behaviour… so much for being spiritual and vinamra.”Anushka Sharma, too, was drawn into the criticism, with several comments questioning the couple’s conduct and attitude. “What is the point of visiting Premanand Ji if one continues to carry so much ego and attitude even after leaving that place? Ignoring a disabled child who just wanted a photo is heartbreaking. feel bad for him,” a user commented.Other reactions included, “Virat ne achcha nahi kiya, very rude behaviour,” and, “Why ignored the Kid.. atleast can say Hi.. just take few seconds from his busy schedule.. feeling bad for the kiddo…They should respect kids and their feelings.”

Virat and Anushka return from UK

Virat and Anushka’s visit comes a few months after they reportedly relocated to the UK with their two children, Vamika and Akaay. The couple reportedly headed to London early this year to raise their two children far away from the media glare. While Virat has often been spotted making appearances around UK while on his cricket practise sessions, Anushka has been enjoying her privacy while making rare coffe date and grocery runs with her hubby.

BENGALURU: What began as phone calls and mushy messages soon revealed itself as a carefully staged “love trap” — one that ultimately collapsed because a police inspector refused to play along. The woman has been arrested.It all began on Oct 30 when the first call was received by inspector Sathish GJ, who had taken charge of the Ramamurthynagar police station. The caller, who introduced herself as Sanjana, claimed she lived in the locality. Within minutes, the conversation veered away from small talk, ending with an unsolicited declaration of love.Sathish brushed it off as a prank. However, the calls didn’t stop. New numbers appeared each time old ones were blocked. By the time Sathish had blocked 11 numbers, it was clear this was not infatuation but persistence with intent. The woman demanded attention, affection, and acceptance, growing more aggressive with every rejection.When the attempts failed, pressure followed. Sanjana claimed to be a political party worker with access to the highest echelons of power. She sent photographs of herself with ministers and politicians and warned the inspector that his career could be “managed” up or down depending on his response. Calls even came in, claiming to represent the home minister and deputy chief minister, asking why Sathish was “ignoring” her complaint. The inspector said he replied, stating the woman had never formally visited the station nor filed any complaint, and that he would act only through due legal process.The woman changed tactics again. She visited the police station in Sathish’s absence, introduced herself as his relative, and left behind a bouquet and a box of sweets. When informed, Sathish warned her not to misuse his name. On Nov 7, she appeared at the station and handed him an envelope stuffed with handwritten love letters, heart sketches, declarations of devotion, and antidepressant tablets. The message was explicit: reciprocate, or she would end her life after holding him responsible. When the harassment continued, he formally lodged a complaint on Nov 8.During the inquiry, police learned that Sanjana had previously targeted a police constable in Whitefield and two other men in Ramamurthynagar and KR Pura, allegedly extracting money after similar “love” overtures. She returned on Dec 12, abusing the inspector, demanding a secret relationship, threatening suicide and vowing to destroy his reputation.In his complaint, the inspector alleged that the woman’s actions were aimed at harassment, intimidation, and possibly illegal financial gain, apart from damaging his personal dignity and the reputation of the police department. A case has been registered under the BNS sections 132 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of his duty), 221 (obstructing a public servant in discharge of public functions), and 351 (criminal intimidation).

The third Test at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, looms as the series decider between New Zealand and West Indies, with the hosts holding a 1-0 lead after a gritty draw in the opener and a commanding nine-wicket triumph in the second Test at Wellington.

New Zealand’s makeshift attack, led by Jacob Duffy‘s match-winning 5/38, dismantled West Indies for 128 in their second innings, while Devon Conway and Kane Williamson raced to the modest chase, underscoring Kiwi dominance in seam-friendly conditions. West Indies, captained by Roston Chase, faltered despite Shai Hope‘s resistance, now desperate to level the series and salvage pride ahead of the 2027 World Test Championship qualifiers.​

Tom Latham‘s New Zealand, bolstered by Conway, Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, and spinners Ajaz Patel and Michael Bracewell, eye a clean sweep, while West Indies rely on Hope, Chase, and seamers Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales for a rare Tauranga upset—their first Test win in New Zealand since 1995.

Mount Maunganui Weather Forecast for third Test

Day 1

Day 1 sets up ideal conditions for a full moving‑day start, with a pleasant 22°C, a low of 14°C, and just 25% rain risk, meaning minimal interruption but enough westerly breeze at 19 km/h to aid swing and make the first session tricky for openers. With real feel at 22° and decent sunshine windows, the ball should seam for the first hour before flattening out, encouraging captains to bat first while bowlers remain interested if they hit the deck hard.​

Day 2

Day 2 stays around 22°C with a slightly higher overnight base of 16°C and only 7% precipitation, suggesting uninterrupted play and a brightening sky later in the day, which will accelerate drying and keep the surface good for batting. The steady westerly breeze again helps carry for slip cordons, but with moderate UV, the pitch should bake just enough to quicken run‑scoring as the ball softens.​

Also READ: Ajaz Patel, Tom Blundell return as New Zealand announces squad for the third Test against West Indies

Day 3

Day 3 cools marginally to 21°C/11°C but features extreme UV (index 11) and a slightly stronger westerly at 22 km/h, effectively turning it into the classic moving day when cracks begin to open and reverse swing potentially comes into play. Batting will still be rewarding for set players, yet fresh spells with the older ball could produce bursts of wickets.​

Day 4

Day 4 again hovers around 22°C/10°C with just 3% rain and a breezy afternoon, so any deterioration will be pitch‑driven rather than weather‑induced, ideal for spinners hunting rough outside the right‑hander’s off stump. Limited sun and moderate UV mean the surface is unlikely to break up dramatically, but variable bounce could creep in and make fourth‑innings strokeplay hazardous.​

Day 5

Day 5 is forecast at 21°C with a relatively warm 17°C overnight and mostly cloudy skies, keeping conditions comfortable but slightly humid as the finish line nears. With only around 9% rain risk and lighter winds at 17 km/h, a full day’s play should be possible, setting up a genuine chance of a fifth‑day result if either side has been forced to follow on or is chasing a tricky total on an aging surface that offers enough to both spin and disciplined seam.

Also READ: WTC points table 2025-27 [Updated]: New Zealand jumps past India and Pakistan after taking 1-0 lead against West Indies

Mumbai: Court clerk Chandrakant Vasudev (40) who was allegedly caught red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 15 lakh on Nov 11, has moved a second bail plea citing month long incarceration. Vasudev submitted that his custody was not required for further investigations. The bribe was purportedly meant for an additional sessions judge who is yet to be arrested. The prosecution opposed the plea. The matter will come up for hearing on Thursday. Vasudev was a clerk-typist at the civil sessions court, Mazgaon.The chain of events that led to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) trap began on Sept 9. According to the ACB’s remand plea, the complainant’s colleague attended a hearing in a long-standing property dispute. The complainant and his wife, who ran a business, had accused two persons of forcibly occupying a commercial property belonging to them in Kurla. The dispute had been pending since 2015. On April 27, 2016, the high court granted a stay on the creation of third party rights over the property. In March 2024, the high court transferred this case to the Civil Sessions Court, Mazgaon as a “Commercial Suit”.On Sept 12, Vasudev initially demanded Rs 25 lakh. He is alleged to have claimed that Rs 10 lakh was for himself and Rs 15 lakh for the judge. The complainant refused.Vasudev was a resident of Uran and used to travel to court via boat from “Bhaucha Dhakka”, a ferry terminal. Vasudev continued to pursue the demand, eventually bringing the final bribe amount down to Rs 15 lakh on Sept 13 and directed the complainant to bring it to Uran. On Nov 8, Vasudev allegedly warned the complainant’s colleague that the case would go against him if the money wasn’t paid.The ACB team visited the judge’s quarters at Churchgate on Nov 12, but found it locked, necessitating a house sealing panchnama.The ACB had seized evidence, including the accepted bribe money, recordings of the mobile conversations, video recordings, and Vasudev’s mobile phone, which allegedly contained WhatsApp calls and messages between the two accused.

Australia’s Alex Carey (AP Photo/James Elsby)

Australia’s wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey produced an emotional century as he guided the hosts to a commanding 326 for 8 at the end of the opening day of the third Test against England at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday. Australia had a shaky start, slipping to 94 for 4 soon after lunch, but Carey and the late addition of Usman Khawaja put together a 91-run partnership for the fifth wicket to steady the innings. Carey finished with 106 off 143 balls, marking his third Test century. After reaching the milestone, the South Australian looked skyward in tribute to his late father, Gordon, who passed away in September following a prolonged battle with cancer.

“You know the reasons why – I’m probably a bit emotional now,” Carey said after the day’s play. “It was obviously a really good feeling to score a hundred on home soil. Family and friends were here… they would have been proud. They love coming to the cricket and watching me play. My kids are here, Eloise and mum and nieces – it would have been a really nice moment for them. “We were in a little bit of a sticky situation there straight after lunch as well. So to form a partnership with Uzzie and, I guess, keep us in the fixture was great. “I would have loved to have scored more runs and been there a bit longer. But to be able to take the helmet off and look up to the heavens, it was a really nice moment.” Steve Smith was ruled out of the match due to a potential vestibular issue, which allowed Khawaja to return to the side after missing the first two Tests with a back spasm. Carey praised Khawaja’s contribution, saying, “I still think he’s got so much to give to this group. We saw him again today, and he played really well.” Despite wickets falling at the other end, Carey remained steadfast, producing his first home Test century and surpassing Steve Smith’s 618 runs to become Australia’s leading Test run-scorer for the year. His tally now ranks sixth globally for the year in the format. The innings was not without controversy. Carey survived an early chance on 72 when he edged the first ball of the 63rd over from Josh Tongue. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and the fielders appealed and celebrated, but the standing umpire, Ahsan Raza, ruled him not out after England reviewed the decision. The snickometer showed a spike two to three frames before the ball passed the bat. Television umpire Chris Gaffaney explained, “There’s a clear gap, no spike. The ball appeared to have gone well under the bat.” Carey reflected on the moment, saying, “I thought there was a bit of a feather or some sort of noise when it passed the bat. It looked a bit funny on the replay, didn’t it, with the noise coming early? If I were given out, I think I would have reviewed it – probably not confidently though. It was a nice sound as it passed the bat. Snicko obviously didn’t line up, did it? That’s just the way cricket goes sometimes. You have a bit of luck, and maybe it went my way today.”

Navi Mumbai: Ahead of civic polls, the Shiv Sena received a significant boost in Navi Mumbai with the induction of five former corporators into its ranks. The move comes just ahead of the civic elections, and is seen as a setback for the rival Shiv Sena (UBT) faction and the Congress party. The defectors include four-time Airoli corporator Manohar Krishna Madhvi, his wife Vinaya, his son Karan, and former Congress corporators Poonam Patil and Amit Patil.Their official induction took place in Thane on Tuesday night, in a ceremony presided over by deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde. The timing of their switch follows the enforcement of the election code of conduct for the Navi Mumbai civic body, coming after a delay of more than 5 years since the last polls. This development is expected to consolidate the position of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena in Navi Mumbai, especially against forest minister Ganesh Naik.Naik, who represents the BJP within the Mahayuti alliance, now faces a stronger challenge from the Shinde camp. Political observers said Shinde’s support for Madhvi could help create an alternative power centre in Airoli, challenging the influence of Navi Mumbai Sena chief Vijay Chougule. Manohar Madhvi, who contested the last assembly election from Airoli on an UBT ticket and lost to Naik, said his family decided to join the Shinde-led Shiv Sena as UBT appeared to be losing ground in Navi Mumbai.He said while he maintained cordial relations with Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray, the recent exodus of leaders from UBT and the growing influence of the Shinde-led Sena prompted the switch. Sources indicate that the Naik camp had also been in touch with Madhvi to bring him into the BJP fold, but he ultimately chose the Shiv Sena. With this realignment, the upcoming civic elections in Navi Mumbai, particularly in the Airoli segment, are expected to see a direct and tough contest between the Sena and the BJP.

US President Donald Trump is set to deliver a televised address to the nation Wednesday, outlining plans to strengthen America amid declining popularity over economic concerns. Trump previewed his speech to reporters, saying, “The message this evening is we inherited a mess, and we’ve done a great job, and we continue to, and our country is going to be stronger than ever before very soon.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also announced the speech would highlight Trump’s achievements in fighting inflation and immigration, which he attributes to his predecessor Joe Biden’s policies.“The president would also talk about his plans to continue delivering for the American people over the next three years,” Leavitt said on Tuesday.Trump, the oldest elected president in US history, has consistently praised his administration’s economic performance, recently giving it an “A++++” rating and dismissing affordability concerns as a Democratic hoax.Recent polls indicate growing public dissatisfaction with Trump’s economic management, however. A PBS News/NPR/Marist poll showed 57 percent of Americans disapproving of his handling of the economy.The president also faces criticism from within his MAGA movement for prioritising international issues like peace deals in Ukraine and Gaza, and tensions with Venezuela, over domestic concerns.Recent Republican losses in local elections, including mayoral and gubernatorial races, have prompted Trump’s team to shift focus toward domestic issues.The president has increased his domestic travel schedule to promote his economic message, promising to “make America affordable again” during a Pennsylvania visit last week, with another rally planned in North Carolina.