BJP distances itself from former CM Vijay Rupani’s funeral costs; Rs 25 lakh still unpaid: Report
Ahmedabad: Over three months after the death of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reportedly refused to bear the expenses of his funeral and memorial services, instructing vendors to recover dues from the Rupani family.
According to a report by Bhaskar English, traders and service providers who arranged floral decorations, tents, and other logistics for the former CM's last rites were told that the expenses would not be covered by the BJP, despite Rupani’s long-standing association with the party.
Sources close to the family, as quoted in the report, stated that they were unaware of the financial obligation until vendors began visiting the residence in July, demanding payments for services rendered during the funeral proceedings. The estimated outstanding dues reportedly range between Rs 20 to Rs 25 lakh.
Vijay Rupani passed away on June 12, 2025, in an Air India plane crash shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, en route to London. His body was later identified through DNA analysis, and the last rites were performed in Rajkot on June 16.
Banners and posters were displayed across Rajkot, and flower arrangements adorned the funeral procession. The Gujarat government had also provided a guard of honour as per the rules.
Despite the public tribute and state honours, the BJP has reportedly remained non-committal on covering any logistical or ceremonial costs related to the final rites. While the Rupani family has made partial payments to vendors, several traders are still awaiting settlement of dues.
Sources familiar with the matter told Bhaskar English that no prior communication was made by the saffron party to the family regarding who would bear the costs.
It is also reported that two senior leaders from Saurashtra were approached for intervention but allegedly declined to involve themselves. The issue has now sparked speculation about growing internal friction within the Gujarat BJP unit.
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Ordinance issued to increase number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38
New Delhi (PTI): The government has promulgated an ordinance to increase the strength of the Supreme Court from the present 34 judges to 38, including the Chief Justice of India.
The law ministry notified the ordinance on Saturday, which amended the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, to increase the sanctioned strength of the top court.
So far, the sanctioned strength of the top court was 34, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Now, the number of judges has been increased by four, taking the sanctioned strength to 38.
The top court will now have 37 judges, other than the CJI.
With the apex court having two vacancies at present, and the ordinance coming into force immediately, the Supreme Court Collegium will now have to recommend six names for appointment as judges in the top court.
A bill will be brought in the Monsoon Session of Parliament to convert the ordinance – an executive order – into a law passed by Parliament.
The Union Cabinet had cleared a draft bill on May 5 to increase the number of apex court judges.
The strength of the Supreme Court was last increased from 30 to 33 (excluding the CJI) in 2019.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, as originally enacted in 1956, put the maximum number of judges (excluding the CJI) at 10.
This number was increased to 13 by the Supreme Court (Number of Judges), Amendment Act, 1960, and to 17 by another amendment to the law.
The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 1986, augmented the strength of judges from 17 to 25, excluding the CJI.
A fresh amendment in 2009 further increased the strength from 25 to 30.
Article 124(3) of the Constitution lists the qualifications required to become a Supreme Court judge.
An Indian citizen who has either served as a high court judge for at least five years, or as an advocate for 10 years, or is a distinguished jurist, can be appointed to the top court.
The strength of the Supreme Court is increased based on the recommendations of the CJI, who writes to the Union law minister. After consulting the finance ministry, the Department of Justice under the law ministry moves the Cabinet with a draft bill.
