News for 'Bench of Justice'

Worship Act doesn't stop land acquisition for public projects: HC

Worship Act doesn't stop land acquisition for public projects: HC

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, prohibits only the conversion of religious character but does not prevent the state from acquiring such properties for secular and public purposes. This observation came while dismissing a petition challenging the widening and beautification of the Dalmandi area in Varanasi for the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor, which involved the proposed demolition of six ancient mosques.

SC allows release of convict in Madhumita Shukla murder case after 22 years

SC allows release of convict in Madhumita Shukla murder case after 22 years

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court has allowed a plea seeking the premature release of Rohit Chaturvedi, a convict in the 2003 murder case of poet Madhumita Shukla, emphasising reformation over retribution.

Bombay High Court Grants Bail To NESCO Employees In Goregaon Concert Drug Overdose Case

Bombay High Court Grants Bail To NESCO Employees In Goregaon Concert Drug Overdose Case

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Bombay High Court has granted bail to two NESCO Ltd employees, Sunny Jain and Balkrishna Balram Kurup, who were arrested in connection with the alleged drug overdose deaths of two students at a concert in Goregaon. The court rejected the police's request to stay the bail order, allowing the employees to be released on a surety of Rs one lakh each.

Not mandatory for a Hindu to go to temple to remain a Hindu: SC

Not mandatory for a Hindu to go to temple to remain a Hindu: SC

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Supreme Court observed that Hinduism is a way of life, stating that mandatory temple visits or rituals are not necessary to be considered a Hindu; even lighting a lamp at home suffices.

Deepathoon row: HC bench calls TN govt ban 'ridiculous'

Deepathoon row: HC bench calls TN govt ban 'ridiculous'

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The Madras high court's Madurai division bench on Tuesday upheld a single judge's order allowing lighting of a lamp on what is claimed as 'deepathoon' on the Thirupparankundram hill in Tamil Nadu.

Interfaith marriage no ground to excommunicate Parsi women: SC

Interfaith marriage no ground to excommunicate Parsi women: SC

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has observed that the practice of excommunicating Parsi women for entering into interfaith marriages is prima facie discriminatory, emphasising that the right of conscience is a birthright.

Calcutta High Court Seeks Report On TMC Leader's Arrest

Calcutta High Court Seeks Report On TMC Leader's Arrest

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Calcutta High Court has instructed the Enforcement Directorate to submit a report regarding its investigation into the arrest of TMC leader and former West Bengal minister Sujit Bose, who was apprehended in connection with a money laundering probe related to an alleged municipality recruitment scam.

'Bail is rule even in UAPA': SC criticises own Umar Khalid order

'Bail is rule even in UAPA': SC criticises own Umar Khalid order

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that bail is the general rule, even in cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), while granting bail to an accused in a narco-terror case.

Allahabad High Court Grants Bail To Abid In Raju Pal Murder Case

Allahabad High Court Grants Bail To Abid In Raju Pal Murder Case

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to Abid, a convicted accused in the 2005 BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case, suspending his sentence due to the long pending criminal appeal and lack of direct evidence against him in the original FIR.

Supreme Court Appoints Ex-CJI Chandrachud As Mediator In Sunjay Kapur Family Trust Case

Supreme Court Appoints Ex-CJI Chandrachud As Mediator In Sunjay Kapur Family Trust Case

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Asking the parties to participate in the mediation proceedings with an open mind, the apex court said they may not make any statements in the public and may not go on social media about the dispute.

SC urges Kapur family to settle RK Family Trust dispute through mediation

SC urges Kapur family to settle RK Family Trust dispute through mediation

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The Supreme Court has urged the Kapur family, including Rani Kapur and Priya Kapur, to resolve their dispute over the family trust through mediation, appointing a former Chief Justice to oversee the process.

Supreme Court Grants Bail In Rs 3,700 Crore Investment Scam

Supreme Court Grants Bail In Rs 3,700 Crore Investment Scam

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court granted bail to the wife of the alleged 'kingpin' of a Rs 3,700-crore scam and directed that no court shall de-freeze the assets attached by the probe agencies in the case till the trial in the FIRs against the accused are concluded.

Saptapadi essential for Hindu marriage, not just registration: HC

Saptapadi essential for Hindu marriage, not just registration: HC

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The Gujarat High Court has ruled that the performance of customary rites and ceremonies, particularly 'saptapadi', is essential for the validation of a Hindu marriage, stating that registration alone is insufficient. The court emphasised that marriage is a sacrament and not merely a social occasion, highlighting the spiritual and legal significance of traditional rituals.

Why Bombay High Court Says FIR Delay Cannot Quash Sexual Assault Cases

Why Bombay High Court Says FIR Delay Cannot Quash Sexual Assault Cases

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Bombay High Court has ruled that delay in lodging an FIR for sexual assault and harassment cases cannot be the sole ground for quashing a criminal prosecution, especially given the societal challenges families face in reporting such incidents. The court dismissed a petition by a man accused of molesting his domestic help, rejecting his arguments about delayed complaint and false implication.

WFI Challenges High Court Order On Vinesh Phogat's Asian Games Trial

WFI Challenges High Court Order On Vinesh Phogat's Asian Games Trial

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has appealed to the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order that permits wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the selection trials for the Asian Games 2026.

Wife's parental support no excuse for husband to skip alimony: HC

Wife's parental support no excuse for husband to skip alimony: HC

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that a husband's obligation to pay maintenance to his estranged wife is not negated by her parents' financial support. The court overturned a family court's decision, emphasising that parental income cannot substitute a husband's legal duty and enhanced maintenance for both the wife and children.

Victory margin less than deleted votes: SC allows Mamata, others to file fresh pleas

Victory margin less than deleted votes: SC allows Mamata, others to file fresh pleas

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Supreme Court has allowed former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and others to file fresh applications regarding their claim that victory margins in 31 constituencies in the recent assembly polls were less than the deletion of votes during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Supreme Court To Media: Show Restraint In Twisha Sharma Case

Supreme Court To Media: Show Restraint In Twisha Sharma Case

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Supreme Court has asked the media to exercise restraint while reporting developments in the death of former model-turned-actor Twisha Sharma, observing that it was pained by the handling of the case.

Hrishikesh Roy Named Ombudsman Of Bihar Cricket Association

Hrishikesh Roy Named Ombudsman Of Bihar Cricket Association

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has appointed its former judge Hrishikesh Roy to act as ombudsman of the Bihar Cricket Association.

Kerala High Court Adjourns CMRL Appeal In ED Case

Kerala High Court Adjourns CMRL Appeal In ED Case

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

The Kerala High Court has admitted an appeal by CMRL against a single-judge verdict allowing the ED to continue its money laundering investigation into the company's dealings with Veena T, daughter of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

'SIR breathes life into fair polls': SC upholds EC exercise

'SIR breathes life into fair polls': SC upholds EC exercise

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The pleas challenging SIR claimed that the Election Commission does not have powers under Article 326 of the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Rules made under it to carry out SIR in a larger form.

Supreme Court rejects plea for NEET-UG 2026 re-test in CBT mode

Supreme Court rejects plea for NEET-UG 2026 re-test in CBT mode

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has refused a plea seeking the NEET-UG 2026 re-test to be conducted in computer-based test mode, citing the National Testing Agency's existing challenges. The court has scheduled the hearing for July 27.

Calcutta HC To Hear Plea In Doctor Rape-Murder Case

Calcutta HC To Hear Plea In Doctor Rape-Murder Case

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Calcutta High Court will hear the plea for further investigation into the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The victim's parents seek further investigation, claiming multiple individuals were involved in the crime.

Assam not to issue Aadhaar cards to adults anymore

Assam not to issue Aadhaar cards to adults anymore

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The Assam cabinet has decided to restrict the issuance of Aadhaar cards to individuals over 18 years of age, a move aimed at preventing illegal immigrants from acquiring the document. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that exceptions would require district commissioner proposals and state government approval, with a complete ban for all communities over 18 set for April 1, 2027.

Delhi HC grants Umar Khalid 3-day Interim bail for mother's surgery

Delhi HC grants Umar Khalid 3-day Interim bail for mother's surgery

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Delhi High Court has granted three-day interim bail to activist Umar Khalid, who is in custody under UAPA, to visit his mother who is undergoing surgery.

Supreme Court: Aravalli Definition Panel Must Consult Experts, Public

Supreme Court: Aravalli Definition Panel Must Consult Experts, Public

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Supreme Court has emphasised that the expert committee tasked with defining the Aravalli hills and ranges must consult domain experts and other stakeholders to ensure public input is heard.

High Court Expresses Concern Over Police Handling Of Missing Minor Girls

High Court Expresses Concern Over Police Handling Of Missing Minor Girls

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The Allahabad High Court's Lucknow bench has expressed serious concern over the rising number of missing minor girls in the state capital, directing senior police officers to ensure effective monitoring and accountability in such cases. The court ordered a detailed report from the DCP (East) and sought explanations from the Police Commissioner, stressing the need for vigilance.

Cash row: SC junks Justice Varma's plea against parliamentary probe

Cash row: SC junks Justice Varma's plea against parliamentary probe

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The remarks were made by the bench which refused to agree with the submission made on behalf of Justice Varma that the deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha had no power to reject a motion and, under the Judges (Inquiry) Act of 1968, only the Speaker and the chairman have the power to accept or reject a motion against a judge.

Delhi high court refuses to intervene in Cockroach Janta Party protest

Delhi high court refuses to intervene in Cockroach Janta Party protest

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court has refused to hear a petition seeking intervention against a protest called by the digital outfit 'Cockroach Janta Party' at Jantar Mantar on June 6. The petition raised concerns about law and order and sought crowd-control measures, alleging the group was involved in "transnational institutional destabilization."

Aadhaar not proof of citizenship, says SC in SIR ruling

Aadhaar not proof of citizenship, says SC in SIR ruling

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has upheld the Election Commission's documentation framework for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, affirming the commission's authority and stating that Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship.

Sovereignty paramount in drug cases, rules SC; cancels accused's bail

Sovereignty paramount in drug cases, rules SC; cancels accused's bail

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that national sovereignty takes precedence over personal liberty, particularly in cases involving drug trafficking and psychotropic substances. The ruling came as the court overturned a High Court order granting bail to an accused drug trafficker.

NCERT book row: SC modifies order banning academics

NCERT book row: SC modifies order banning academics

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Supreme Court has modified its previous order regarding three academics involved in a controversial NCERT textbook chapter on corruption in the judiciary, allowing government bodies to make independent decisions about their association with the academics.

SC orders eviction plan for 118 govt servants encroaching on TN's Agasthyamalai

SC orders eviction plan for 118 govt servants encroaching on TN's Agasthyamalai

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the preparation and implementation of a time-bound eviction plan to address encroachments within the protected areas of the Agasthyamalai ecological landscape in Tamil Nadu, also ordering action against government servants involved.

NEET re-exam: HC seeks Centre's reply on Telegram ban

NEET re-exam: HC seeks Centre's reply on Telegram ban

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court has asked the Centre to respond to Telegram's petition challenging a temporary government order that restricts access to its platform and disables message-editing features in India, citing concerns over potential cheating during the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination.

Bombay High Court Hands Custody To Mother Accused Of Murder

Bombay High Court Hands Custody To Mother Accused Of Murder

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Bombay High Court has granted custody of a 12-year-old girl to her mother, who is accused of her husband's murder. The court cited the child's best interest, especially after allegations of sexual assault by her paternal uncle while she was in the care of paternal relatives. The girl is also a key witness in her father's murder case.

Bombay High Court Grants Bail To NESCO Employees In Goregaon Drug Overdose Case

Bombay High Court Grants Bail To NESCO Employees In Goregaon Drug Overdose Case

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Bombay High Court has granted bail to two NESCO Ltd employees, Sunny Jain and Balkrishna Balram Kurup, who were arrested in connection with an alleged drug overdose case at a music concert in Goregaon. The court found no evidence of their conspiracy or abetment with drug peddlers, noting no narcotics were recovered from them and the investigation was complete.

Supreme Court to address Parsi woman's plea on religious identity after inter-faith marriage

Supreme Court to address Parsi woman's plea on religious identity after inter-faith marriage

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea on May 29 seeking a direction to the Nagpur Parsi Panchayat to treat a Parsi woman equally with her male counterparts, even after she marries a person of another faith, challenging a rule that allegedly strips Parsi women of their religious identity upon inter-faith marriage.

SC raps politicians over 'irresponsible' remarks in Shiv Sena symbol row

SC raps politicians over 'irresponsible' remarks in Shiv Sena symbol row

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court has expressed strong displeasure over statements made by politicians regarding the Shiv Sena symbol row case, cautioning them about making irresponsible comments.

SC refuses to cancel Avimukteshwaranand's pre-arrest bail in POCSO case

SC refuses to cancel Avimukteshwaranand's pre-arrest bail in POCSO case

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Supreme Court has declined to interfere with the Allahabad High Court's decision to grant anticipatory bail to Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati in a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

'Not one step': HC rejects plea to reopen CBSE Std 12 re-evaluation portal

'Not one step': HC rejects plea to reopen CBSE Std 12 re-evaluation portal

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court has refused to direct the reopening of the CBSE's portal for the re-evaluation of Class 12 answer sheets, stating that individual students can take action if aggrieved and that reopening the portal would delay the entire result declaration process.