News for 'Bench of Justice'

Supreme Court upholds bail for Sonam Raghuvanshi in honeymoon murder case

Supreme Court upholds bail for Sonam Raghuvanshi in honeymoon murder case

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has declined to stay the Meghalaya High Court's order granting bail to Sonam Raghuvanshi, accused of murdering her husband during their honeymoon. Despite the state's plea citing serious allegations, the apex court noted her release and compliance with bail conditions, scheduling further hearing post-reopening.

'No monthly untouchability': Justice Nagarathna in Sabarimala case

'No monthly untouchability': Justice Nagarathna in Sabarimala case

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court is hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple. A nine-judge bench is examining the scope of religious freedom and the exclusion of women based on age and menstrual status.

SC refers Teesta Setalvad's passport release plea to larger bench

SC refers Teesta Setalvad's passport release plea to larger bench

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has referred activist Teesta Setalvad's application for the release of her passport to a three-judge bench, in a case related to alleged fabrication of documents in the 2002 Gujarat riots.

Tarun Tejpal questions sexual assault victim's 'contradictory' statements

Tarun Tejpal questions sexual assault victim's 'contradictory' statements

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Tarun Tejpal's lawyer, Advocate Aabad Ponda, presented arguments before the Bombay High Court, challenging the victim's statements in the 2013 sexual assault case. Ponda highlighted contradictions between the victim's police complaint and court deposition, using hotel lift video footage and expert testimony to dispute her claims regarding the alleged incident. The High Court is hearing the state government's appeal against Tejpal's 2021 acquittal.

SC seeks SIT status report on Ayodhya donation 'theft'

SC seeks SIT status report on Ayodhya donation 'theft'

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government's Special Investigation Team (SIT) to submit a status report on the alleged embezzlement of donation money at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The court also issued notice to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust following pleas for a fair and time-bound probe, including demands for a CBI investigation and a CAG audit of the temple trust's finances.

Govt defends video-recording of Jantar Mantar protests

Govt defends video-recording of Jantar Mantar protests

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has argued that video-recording of the ongoing CJP-led protest against the NEET paper leak at Jantar Mantar is in 'legitimate state interest' for security reasons, while petitioners allege 'continuous, indiscriminate and intrusive surveillance'.

SC to hear appeals challenging verdict declaring Bhojshala as Saraswati temple

SC to hear appeals challenging verdict declaring Bhojshala as Saraswati temple

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear appeals challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision to designate the Bhojshala complex as a Goddess Saraswati temple, a ruling that also quashed Muslim prayer rights at the historic site.

SC considers SIT to probe police brutality on NEET protesters

SC considers SIT to probe police brutality on NEET protesters

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court was strongly urged to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a former judge to investigate alleged police excesses against students protesting the NEET paper leak across various states. The court, while issuing interim directions, restrained states from coercive action against protesters and ordered the release of minors without criminal antecedents.

SC 9-judge bench hears pleas against women's discrimination in religious places

SC 9-judge bench hears pleas against women's discrimination in religious places

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

A nine-judge Supreme Court bench has commenced hearing on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple, and the scope of religious freedom across faiths.

CJP protest: SC clarifies order, allows FIR withdrawal

CJP protest: SC clarifies order, allows FIR withdrawal

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has clarified that 'criminal antecedents' for NEET paper leak protesters refer only to grave and heinous offences, allowing state governments to withdraw FIRs against students not involved in such serious crimes. This comes after the Centre's commitment to not pursue cases against most protesting students.

SC to hear Meghalaya's plea against bail for Sonam in honeymoon murder

SC to hear Meghalaya's plea against bail for Sonam in honeymoon murder

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court will hear a plea from the Meghalaya government challenging the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, accused of murdering her husband during their honeymoon. The case hinges on a legal question regarding a typographical error in the arrest memo and whether it justifies bail in a murder case.

SC to revisit BrahMos espionage case acquittal on UP police appeal

SC to revisit BrahMos espionage case acquittal on UP police appeal

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea from Uttar Pradesh police challenging a Bombay High Court ruling that absolved BrahMos Aerospace engineer Nishant Agarwal of major espionage charges under the Official Secrets Act. Agarwal was previously sentenced to life imprisonment by a Nagpur district court for spying for Pakistan's ISI, despite the High Court finding he only illegally stored sensitive data.

SC refuses urgent hearing on two NEET-UG re-test pleas

SC refuses urgent hearing on two NEET-UG re-test pleas

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has declined an urgent hearing on petitions challenging the June 21 NEET-UG 2026 re-test, stating that all related matters will be heard by Justice P S Narasimha's bench in July. Students are seeking reconsideration of the re-test date due to mental trauma, inadequate preparation time, and concerns over examination integrity following the cancellation of the original May 3 exam.

SC orders interim space for Friday namaaz at disputed Bhojshala site

SC orders interim space for Friday namaaz at disputed Bhojshala site

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has directed that a separate open space be provided adjacent to the disputed Bhojshala site in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar for offering namaz on Fridays, pending the final resolution of the case. The court emphasised the sensitive nature of the matter and urged both Hindu and Muslim sides to exercise patience.

Citizenship must be determined through...: SC sets aside Assam foreigner rulings

Citizenship must be determined through...: SC sets aside Assam foreigner rulings

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that the determination of citizenship status in India must adhere to a fair, lawful, and reasoned process, setting aside Gauhati High Court verdicts that had affirmed orders declaring some individuals as foreigners. The court stressed that constitutional protections of equality, life, and personal liberty apply to every person within India's territory.

'Creamy layer' not applicable to SC/ST reservations, govt tells SC

'Creamy layer' not applicable to SC/ST reservations, govt tells SC

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the 'creamy layer' principle, which excludes affluent individuals from reservation benefits, does not apply to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This stance opposes Public Interest Litigations (PILs) seeking to implement such a principle for SC/ST reservations and to direct the government to formulate policies for more equitable distribution of reservation benefits.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk shifted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram

Activist Sonam Wangchuk shifted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite fast, was discharged from Safdarjung Hospital and transferred to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. This move followed a Delhi High Court order, which intervened after his wife's appeal, citing his fundamental rights to choose his hospital. Wangchuk is currently admitted to ICU 8 for further treatment.

Swear words, vulgar expletives alone do not amount to obscenity: SC

Swear words, vulgar expletives alone do not amount to obscenity: SC

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that mere swear words, profanities, and vulgar expletives, however offensive, do not amount to obscenity under Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code. The court clarified that for an utterance to be considered obscene, it must be lascivious, appeal to prurient interests, and have the tendency to deprave and corrupt minds. This ruling came while hearing a plea challenging a high court order confirming a conviction under IPC Section 294.

SC to hear plea for probe into Ram temple embezzlement on July 13

SC to hear plea for probe into Ram temple embezzlement on July 13

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court is set to hear a batch of petitions on July 13 seeking a fair and time-bound probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, with petitioners requesting a CBI investigation and a CAG audit of the temple trust's finances.

'Taken court for a ride': SC raps Samay Raina, 4 others; imposes Rs 3 lakh fine

'Taken court for a ride': SC raps Samay Raina, 4 others; imposes Rs 3 lakh fine

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticised comedian Samay Raina and YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Ashish Chanchlani for failing to comply with its previous order regarding disability awareness. The court expressed dismay over Raina's non-compliance and his alleged insensitive remarks about persons with disabilities, urging the Centre to consider a stringent law against such derogatory comments.

Muslim personal law on age of marriage violates POCSO: HC

Muslim personal law on age of marriage violates POCSO: HC

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that Muslim personal law, which recognises puberty as the age of marriage, cannot override the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) and the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which criminalise sexual relations with a child.

Calcutta HC backs college: No right to job after hurtful religious posts

Calcutta HC backs college: No right to job after hurtful religious posts

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The Calcutta High Court has upheld a college's decision to deny an assistant professor appointment due to his social media posts, observing that the right to profess one's religion does not permit hurting others' faith. The court ruled that the college's decision was bona fide and in the institution's best interest, despite the candidate's claims of infringed freedom of speech and religion.

Expedite lawyer's voter list appeal, SC tells WB tribunal

Expedite lawyer's voter list appeal, SC tells WB tribunal

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has directed an appellate tribunal to expeditiously decide an appeal filed by a 75-year-old advocate challenging the deletion of his name from the West Bengal voters' list following a Special Intensive Revision exercise. The court noted the petitioner appeared to be a bona fide resident and requested a decision within two months.

'Propensity to lie': Tejpal defence questions survivor's credibility in HC

'Propensity to lie': Tejpal defence questions survivor's credibility in HC

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Tarun Tejpal's defence team argued before the Bombay High Court that the victim in the 2013 sexual assault case had a "propensity to lie," citing her post-incident conduct, which they claimed contradicted her assertions of being in deep shock. The defence highlighted her social activities and alleged discrepancies in her initial complaints regarding rape charges.

Dawoodi Bohra verdict row: HC ex-judge Patel gets security cover

Dawoodi Bohra verdict row: HC ex-judge Patel gets security cover

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Retired Judge Gautam Patel and his family, getting threatening letters over his 2024 verdict on the succession row in the Dawoodi Bohra community, have been provided police protection, the Maharashtra government on Monday told the Bombay high court.

FIR quashed, HC orders man's details deleted over right to be forgotten

FIR quashed, HC orders man's details deleted over right to be forgotten

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Bombay High Court has ruled that the fundamental right to privacy includes the right to be forgotten. This decision came after a man sought to have his name and details removed from court records following the quashing of an FIR against him, arguing that public access to such information prejudiced his career and caused personal stigma. The court emphasised balancing public access to information with an individual's right to privacy.

SC pulls up DMK over plea against CM Vijay visiting stampede victims' kin

SC pulls up DMK over plea against CM Vijay visiting stampede victims' kin

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a plea by the DMK questioning Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's scheduled meeting with the families of Karur stampede victims, stating that the court cannot regulate the executive head's visits.

Missing train ticket no ground to reject accident compensation: SC

Missing train ticket no ground to reject accident compensation: SC

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

In a significant verdict, the Supreme Court on Friday said the mere absence of a train ticket on the body of a deceased passenger cannot be a ground to deny compensation to the victim's family in a railway-accident case.

Ahmedabad blasts: Why HC upheld death sentence for 38 IM terrorists

Ahmedabad blasts: Why HC upheld death sentence for 38 IM terrorists

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

A division bench of justices AY Kogje and Samir Dave, in its July 7 judgment cited the "humongous" conspiracy, the intention to spread widespread terror and the large number of casualties as key reasons for affirming the punishment.

SC to hear Jacqueline Fernandez's plea in money laundering case on Thursday

SC to hear Jacqueline Fernandez's plea in money laundering case on Thursday

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez's plea against a Delhi court order to frame charges in a Rs 200-crore money laundering case is scheduled for a Supreme Court hearing. The case involves alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who is accused of running an organised criminal network from jail and defrauding individuals.

HC orders removal of false info on judges' London badminton trip

HC orders removal of false info on judges' London badminton trip

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The Delhi high court has ordered social media companies and online service providers to remove 'false' information circulating online about Indian judges and Union ministers allegedly participating in a badminton tournament in London at taxpayers' expense. The court deemed the content malicious and a systematic misinformation campaign aimed at undermining the judiciary and executive.

'We need doctors': SC rejects plea against medical college fee structure

'We need doctors': SC rejects plea against medical college fee structure

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging the exorbitant fee structure in private medical colleges in Rajasthan, stating that self-financing institutions cannot be expected to charge the same fees as government institutions. The court emphasised the country's need for doctors and upheld the Rajasthan High Court's decision.

Supreme Court to scrutinise Sebi's appeal against SAT's relief for Nusli Wadia

Supreme Court to scrutinise Sebi's appeal against SAT's relief for Nusli Wadia

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to examine Sebi's challenge to a Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) decision that cleared Wadia Group Chairman Nusli Wadia, Bombay Dyeing, and others of allegations of fraudulent financial reporting.

SC judge recuses from hearing Jacqueline Fernandez's PMLA case

SC judge recuses from hearing Jacqueline Fernandez's PMLA case

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Supreme Court Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra has recused himself from hearing Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez's plea against a Delhi court order framing charges in a Rs 200-crore money laundering case, citing a conflict of interest.

'Methyl Isocyanate of law': SC flags AI-hallucinated judgments

'Methyl Isocyanate of law': SC flags AI-hallucinated judgments

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court of India has issued a strong warning against the use of "non-existent, fake, and hallucinated" judgements generated by artificial intelligence (AI), likening it to "the release of methyl Isocyanate in the province of law and justice: invisible, insidious, and catastrophic." The court set aside an NCLT verdict that relied on such AI-generated precedents.

Independence Day for Dara Singh? SC asks Odisha to decide on remission by Aug 15

Independence Day for Dara Singh? SC asks Odisha to decide on remission by Aug 15

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has given the Odisha government one month to decide on the remission plea of Ravindra Pal, alias Dara Singh, who is serving a life sentence for the 1999 murders of Australian missionary Graham Stuart Staines and his two minor sons.

Relief for Abhishek Banerjee as HC halts demolition of TMC MP's office

Relief for Abhishek Banerjee as HC halts demolition of TMC MP's office

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Calcutta High Court has ordered a status quo on the demolition of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's constituency office in South 24 Parganas. The court's directive prevents further demolition until a new hearing or the end of July, following a petition by Leaps and Bounds Private Limited, a company Banerjee is CEO of. The district administration had initiated demolition citing alleged construction without an approved plan.

Anti-Paper Leak Bill: Political Battleground In Parliament

Anti-Paper Leak Bill: Political Battleground In Parliament

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Monday's proceedings demonstrated that the legislative debate has become inseparable from the broader political crisis surrounding the NEET controversy.

HC pulls up Trinamool MP Yusuf Pathan over Vadodara land occupation

HC pulls up Trinamool MP Yusuf Pathan over Vadodara land occupation

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

No one can do this, the Gujarat high court said on Monday, questioning how former cricketer and Trinamool Congress MP Yusuf Pathan occupied public land in Vadodara without paying a single penny, even after the state government had refused the allotment proposal.

Honeymoon murder case: Meghalaya moves SC against bail to Sonam

Honeymoon murder case: Meghalaya moves SC against bail to Sonam

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Meghalaya government has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, who is accused of murdering her husband during their honeymoon. The state argues that the High Court erred in its decision, citing a typographical error in the grounds of arrest and the risk of the accused absconding.