Pankaj Tripathi's Madhav Mishra is one of the most entertaining characters created for an Indian Web series, and the actor plays him with relish, observes Deepa Gahlot.
Navi Pillay, a South African jurist of Indian origin, has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law. The announcement came as she was in Nuremberg, a symbolic location given her career's focus on international justice. Pillay dedicated the prize to survivors and those working for justice, warning against political attacks on international law and institutions like the ICC. Her extensive career includes roles in the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, the International Criminal Court, and as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The Delhi High Court has criticised the police's "total disinterest" in taking action against a POCSO case survivor who allegedly lied in court, despite agencies often blaming hostile witnesses for acquittals. The court made these observations while granting bail to an accused, noting the prosecutrix's "blatant lie" about not appearing before a judge.
The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the increasing trend of filing criminal cases, particularly rape charges, after consensual relationships fail. The court clarified that physical intimacy during a functioning relationship cannot be retrospectively branded as rape merely because the association ended. It emphasized the need to distinguish between genuine absence of consent and regret over past consensual acts, warning against the weaponisation of criminal law.
The Supreme Court has agreed to urgently hear a 2016 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the speedy disposal of criminal cases against lawmakers across India. This decision comes amidst concerns raised by amicus curiae Vijay Hansaria about the high number of legislators facing criminal charges, including chief ministers. The court had previously issued directions in November 2023 to fast-track such trials.
The Allahabad High Court has issued a strong warning against routinely converting distressed or failed marriages into criminal cases, stating that such a practice could fundamentally affect the institution of marriage. The court quashed an FIR alleging dowry harassment and assault in a case involving a brief period of cohabitation, emphasising that criminal proceedings should not be a substitute for matrimonial court adjudication.
A court in Kaushambi has sentenced four men to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 1.31 lakh each for the 2009 kidnapping and murder of a Dalit woman. The verdict was delivered after examining evidence and witness statements in a case registered under various IPC sections and the SC/ST Act.
Pramod Kumar, Secretary General of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), has accused President Ajay Singh and Executive Director Col. Arun Malik of "criminal intimidation" to prevent a no-confidence motion against Singh. Kumar alleges a governance breakdown, threats to state units, and revocation of his email access, while Malik dismisses all charges as baseless.
The Congress' Seva Dal organised a candle march in New Delhi, demanding justice for Ankita Bhandari, who was murdered in Uttarakhand in 2022. The protest called for an impartial investigation and accountability, especially regarding allegations against BJP's Dushyant Gautam, whose recent appointment as Sikkim Governor has drawn criticism from the Congress.
The Delhi High Court has dismissed petitions seeking a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the 2020 northeast Delhi riots, stating no case was made out against politicians, including BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma, for alleged hate speeches. The court noted "political selectivity" in targeting certain individuals and found no exceptional circumstances to warrant further FIRs or a court-monitored investigation, emphasizing that the criminal justice process has significantly progressed.
The British government has announced the rollout of specialist courts for rape and serious sex offences across England and Wales. Backed by significant funding, these courts aim to accelerate conviction rates, prioritise cases, and provide better support for victims, addressing the current low prosecution rates and long delays in the justice system.
Pankaj Tripathi plays lawyer Madhav Mishra, assigned to defend a 17-year-old boy, accused of killing his 14-year-old stepsister in Criminal Justice: Adhura Sach.
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday quashed a criminal case against a 20-year-old engineering student who reposted a controversial comment related to 'Operation Sindoor' on Instagram. Justice Milind Jadhav observed that the act was isolated, followed by voluntary deletion and remorse, and that the student was not the original author. The court emphasised that criminal law should not be invoked merely because a publication is perceived as offensive, especially when there was no deliberate attempt to promote hostility.
'What Daayra tries to do is explore the greys because everything is not black and white.'
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for alleging the 'criminal destruction' of the Tata Group, urging him to refrain from 'politicising' commercial and legal matters and accusing him of trying to incite business leaders.
Supreme Court Justice V Mohana recused herself from a 2016 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking directions for the speedy disposal of criminal cases against lawmakers. This development follows a report by amicus curiae Vijay Hansaria, which revealed over 4,000 pending criminal cases against Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), including chief ministers from 14 states. The Supreme Court has previously issued directives to high courts to establish special benches to monitor and fast-track these trials.
A fast-track court in Nashik, Maharashtra, has sentenced Vijay Sanjay Khairnar to death for the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl. The court described the crime as "rarest of the rare," stating that leniency would undermine public confidence in justice. The judge highlighted the extreme depravity of the act, committed on November 16, 2025, and ruled out life imprisonment, also directing Rs 10 lakh compensation to the victim's parents.
The CBI has withdrawn approximately 20 petitions from the Supreme Court that sought to transfer cases related to the 2021 West Bengal post-poll violence outside the state. The agency cited "changed circumstances" for its decision, which comes after the state's CID initiated fresh inquiries and reopened cases concerning the violence.
The INDIA bloc conducted a symbolic "public impeachment" of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of operating under the influence of the Modi government and threatening voting rights. Led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and presided over by former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, the event saw leaders demand Kumar's removal, the repeal of the 2023 law governing election commissioner appointments, and an end to the Special Intensive Revision exercise, alleging intentional deletion of around 14 crore voters.
The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to Ram Singh, driver of late gangster Vikas Dubey and an accused in the Bikru massacre case. The bail was granted on the grounds that other co-accused in similar situations have also been released. Ram Singh faces charges of murder and attempt to murder related to the July 2020 ambush where eight police personnel were killed.
The Allahabad High Court has admitted an appeal filed by Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla, challenging their death sentence in the notorious blue drum murder case. The duo was convicted by a Meerut court for the murder of Saurabh Rajput and attempting to conceal his body. The High Court has fixed November 30 for hearing the appeal, where the convicts argue the trial court's verdict was illegal and based on circumstantial evidence without sufficient proof.
The Bombay High Court has observed that while peaceful demonstration is a fundamental right, factors like a protestor's credentials and public inconvenience must be considered before restricting police action. The court directed the Maharashtra government to respond to petitions alleging illegal detention during recent anti-CEC protests and also noted the need to consider protesters' antecedents.
The Allahabad High Court has set aside the life sentences of two men convicted in a 1980 murder case, finding they were minors at the time of the crime. While upholding their conviction, the court referred the matter to the Juvenile Justice Board for appropriate punishment, acknowledging their juvenile status.
The Supreme Court has ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to pay Rs 6 lakh in reparation to a man who spent six years in custody as an undertrial due to a "slipshod investigation" in a murder case. The apex court slammed the UP Police and prosecuting agencies, emphasising their role in ensuring justice for all, including the accused, and highlighted the "travesty of justice" in this case.
The Supreme Court has directed Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut to appear in person on November 17 for contempt proceedings concerning remarks about Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and the judiciary. Journalist Nikhil Wagle is also directed to appear virtually. The apex court had issued show-cause notices to both on October 16 following a plea by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA).
The Bombay High Court has quashed a 2016 FIR against a teacher and college management in connection with the drowning of 14 students off Murud beach. The court ruled that the victims were adults capable of understanding the consequences of their actions and found no gross negligence by the teachers. It also called for better implementation of safety norms at beaches.
The Supreme Court of India has quashed criminal proceedings against comedian Samay Raina and four others who faced charges for remarks about people with disabilities. The court lauded their subsequent efforts in organising events and raising awareness for specially-abled persons and those with rare diseases like Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea challenging Section 16 of the 2023 election law, which grants immunity to the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners from civil and criminal proceedings for actions taken in their official capacity. This provision is being contested as unconstitutional, with petitioners arguing it provides "unprecedented, unbridled power" and blanket immunity for life.
'The shooters have no idea who hired them, who their target is until the last moment and have little idea of being used as utility and disposable items.'
The Supreme Court has permitted Ashish Mishra, an accused in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case and son of former Union minister Ajay Mishra, to travel to his hometown for Diwali celebrations. The court also emphasised the need for a timely conclusion of the trial, noting that 90 out of 131 witnesses have been examined and a new judge and prosecutor have been appointed.
Actor Imran Khan, a US citizen, has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court challenging a police notice directing him to leave India by October 28. The notice was issued after he was briefly detained near a political protest. Khan claims he did not participate in the protest and that the notice is arbitrary. The High Court will hear the plea on October 26.
The Supreme Court has formally acquitted former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in a high-profile coal block allocation case, setting aside a summoning order against him and accepting the CBI's closure report.
The US Department of Justice has permanently dropped all criminal charges against Indian tycoon Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar, concluding a high-profile securities and wire fraud case in New York after prosecutors determined they could not sustain the allegations.
'While men are brought up to be more vocal, women are taught to be more silent, resilient and self sacrificing. We have tried to explore this.'
The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced new guidelines for state government jobs, barring individuals involved in violent protests aimed at changing the "established social system" and those implicated in serious offences. The rules also clarify that political ideology alone won't disqualify candidates and outline procedures for character verification and provisional appointments. The move has drawn criticism from opposition parties.
'These are the little cultures with which Nitesh sir works, Ranbir Kapoor works, Ravie Dubey works, Sai Pallavi, Yash... They are so inspiring when you see them work from such close quarters.'
Earlier, the girl issued an apology video on social media on Saturday saying she had been "influenced."
Faridkot MP Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa has formally requested the Union Home Ministry to initiate a CBI investigation into the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. Jhota was shot on October 13 while exposing illegal drug sales, and the incident has sparked outrage in Punjab. Khalsa expressed concerns about the local police probe and the accused's alleged criminal history, questioning the issuance of an arms license.
The Calcutta High Court's division bench set aside a single-bench order that had granted interim protection to Congress' Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan from coercive action in a 2007 criminal case. The court ruled that there is no provision in criminal law for such interim protection, meaning Pradhan's judicial remand will remain effective ahead of the bypoll.
A special CBI court in New Delhi has sentenced former government official Neeraj Khatri to four years' rigorous imprisonment in a corruption case. The court emphasised the need for strong deterrence against corruption but considered Khatri's age and dismissal from service when deciding the sentence, noting his prior convictions.
