VP calls for probe in Justice Varma row
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday called for a criminal investigation into the discovery of a large sum of cash at Justice Yashwant Varma’s official residence in New Delhi, likening the incident to the “Ides of March” — a Shakespearean symbol of looming misfortune. Speaking at the National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Dhankhar criticised the lack of immediate action and highlighted a decades-old Supreme Court ruling that bars registration of an FIR against judges without prior judicial approval. The cash was reportedly discovered following a fire in Varma’s residence in March, prompting calls for impeachment proceedings in Parliament.
PV, two-wheeler sales rise in June: FADA
India’s automobile retail sales rose nearly 5 per cent year-on-year in June, with all major vehicle segments showing growth, the Federation of Automotive Dealers Associations (FADA) said Monday. Total registrations stood at 20,03,873 units, up from 19,11,354 in June 2024. Passenger vehicle (PV) sales increased 2 per cent to 2,97,722 units, while two-wheeler sales rose 5 per cent to 14,46,387 units, boosted by festival demand and marriage-season purchases. However, market liquidity and supply constraints tempered sales, said FADA President C S Vigneshwar. Commercial vehicle sales climbed 7 per cent, while three-wheeler and tractor registrations rose 7 per cent and 9 per cent respectively. Inventory concerns emerged as OEMs pushed mandatory wholesale billing, keeping PV stock levels at around 55 days. For Q1 FY25, total retail sales increased 5 per cent to 65.42 lakh units. Looking ahead, FADA projected cautious optimism amid favorable strong rural demand.