National

A Judge Must Prioritize the Constitution Over Offending Anyone: Justice Abhay S. Oka

Published

1 year ago

May 23, 2025

On his last day at the Supreme Court, Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka shared a poignant farewell message, emphasizing that a judge’s responsibility is to uphold liberty and constitutional values unwaveringly, even at the risk of disapproval.

Seated on the ceremonial bench with Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih, Justice Oka reflected on his judicial journey, expressing gratitude and a steadfast commitment to the Constitution and the principle of liberty that it embodies.

“My honest endeavor has always been to uphold the Constitution. In that pursuit, I might have upset some lawyers, but I firmly believe a judge must be resolute and unafraid to offend others in the name of justice,” stated Justice Oka.

Despite the recent personal loss of his mother, Justice Oka traveled to Mumbai for her final rites and returned to the Supreme Court the following morning, where he delivered an impressive 11 judgments on his final day on the bench.

He recalled a senior judge’s wisdom: “A great judge advised me, ‘You aren’t becoming a judge to become popular.’ I took this to heart. My firmness was always to uphold the Constitution.”

“I believe this Supreme Court can protect constitutional liberties, and that has been my humble goal. I trust it will continue to champion liberty, as that was the aspiration of the Constitution’s framers,” he remarked during his farewell speech.

Known for his secular principles, Justice Oka has previously expressed his disapproval of judges participating in ceremonial lamp-lighting and public expressions of religious affiliation, reaffirming his dedication to judicial impartiality.

During what became the longest ceremonial farewell in recent history, lasting over an hour and a half, Justice Oka was visibly moved by the tributes to his judicial career. “I am truly speechless. I thank you all from the depths of my heart and will cherish the memories made in this court,” he said, emotionally.

Speakers at the ceremony included Attorney General R Venkataramani, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, and several senior advocates, all of whom praised Justice Oka’s impact on the judiciary.

Justice Oka, who officially retires on May 24, was born on May 25, 1960. A law graduate from Bombay University, he began his career in June 1983 at the Thane District Court with his father and later trained under former Bombay High Court Judge VP Tipnis.

Elevated to Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in August 2003 and made a Permanent Judge in November 2005, he served as Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court from May 10, 2019, before ascending to the Supreme Court on August 31, 2021.

At a farewell organized by the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA), Justice Oka expressed his dislike for the tradition of retiring judges abstaining from work on their final day, stating, “I hate the word retirement.” He resolved to address as many cases as possible before concluding his tenure.

Leaving behind a legacy founded on courage, integrity, discipline, and constitutional vigilance, Justice Oka’s career features landmark decisions on civil liberties, rule of law, and executive accountability. His belief in taking unpopular stances for the Constitution serves as a lasting reminder of the judiciary’s role as a protector of fundamental rights.

Justice Oka departs not merely with judgments but with an enduring ethos—a commitment to courage, independence, and fidelity to the constitutional vision—and he has declared he will not accept any post-retirement positions from the government.

Known for his unique ability to blend “legal acumen with human empathy,” Justice Oka remarked at a farewell function organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association, “Unlike a lawyer, whose performance may be constrained by various factors, when a judge presides over a court, the only influences are the Constitution, the law, and one’s own conscience.”

National

Ex-IAS Officer Dhanendra Kumar Dies in Delhi House Fire

Published

1 week ago

May 29, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Former IAS officer and the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Dhanendra Kumar, died after a fire broke out at his house in Delhi’s Hauz Khas area on Thursday night. He was 80.

According to police, the fire was suspected to have started after an air conditioner blast inside the house. At the time of the incident, five people, including family members and domestic staff, were present in the house.

Firefighters and police teams rushed to the spot and rescued the people trapped inside. Dhanendra Kumar and his son were taken to a nearby hospital. Kumar died during treatment due to smoke inhalation. His son suffered injuries and is now out of danger.

Police said no foul play is suspected in the incident. The house was badly damaged in the fire.

Dhanendra Kumar was a 1968 batch IAS officer. During his long career, he served in several important positions in the central and Haryana governments. He worked in ministries such as Defence, Road Transport, and Culture.

He also served as the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India from 2009 to 2011. He played an important role in strengthening competition laws and economic reforms in the country.

Even after retirement, he remained active in public policy and corporate affairs.

National

Woman Found Dead Six Months after Marriage

Published

2 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Lucknow: A young woman was found hanging at her in-laws’ house just six months after her marriage in Lucknow. The deceased has been identified as Shweta Singh.

According to her family, Shweta married Bhupendra Singh on November 22, 2025. Her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, alleged that her husband and his family harassed her regularly for dowry and demanded a car. He also claimed that Shweta faced mental torture from her husband and in-laws after marriage.

The incident took place at her in-laws’ house in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow. Shweta was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead.

Her parents suspect murder and alleged that the family tried to present the death as suicide by hanging the body. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against Shweta’s husband and his family under Sections 80 and 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Police said the accused family members are absconding, and a search operation is underway. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further action will be taken after the report arrives.

National

Army Helicopter Crashes In Ladakh, All Three Officers Injured But Safe

Published

2 weeks ago

May 23, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: Three Indian Army officers survived after their helicopter crashed in the Tangste region near Leh in Ladakh. The accident took place on May 20. Officials confirmed the incident on Friday.

The helicopter belonged to the Army’s ageing Cheetah fleet. A Lieutenant Colonel and a Major were flying the chopper. Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding of the 3rd Infantry Division, was travelling as a passenger.

All three officers suffered injuries in the crash. However, they survived the accident in the difficult mountainous region. A selfie clicked by Major General Mehta after the crash has now gone viral on social media. The photo showed the three officers sitting on rocks near the badly damaged helicopter.

Many people called their survival a miracle because of the harsh terrain and the risks involved in flying the old Cheetah helicopters in high-altitude areas.

The Indian Army has ordered an official inquiry to find out the reason behind the crash.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of the Cheetah helicopters. These helicopters were introduced in the 1970s and have been used for decades in difficult operations, including Operation Meghdoot in Siachen Glacier in 1984.

In recent years, several accidents involving the Cheetah fleet have been reported. The helicopters are now being slowly replaced by the indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The Army has reportedly ordered six limited-series-production LUHs. The new helicopters can fly at a top speed of 220 kmph and have an operational range of 350 km.

Despite its age, the Cheetah helicopter is still considered one of the best helicopters for high-altitude flying operations.