News for 'Bench of Justice'

'Embraced freedom': SC dissolves Omar Abdullah's marriage with estranged wife

'Embraced freedom': SC dissolves Omar Abdullah's marriage with estranged wife

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to dissolve the marriage of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his estranged wife Payal Abdullah. The decision came after both parties submitted an application under Article 142 of the Constitution, indicating a settlement and mutual agreement to end their marriage, overturning previous lower court rulings that had denied the divorce.

'Don't waste our time': SC refuses urgent hearing on police action at CJP protest

'Don't waste our time': SC refuses urgent hearing on police action at CJP protest

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court refused an urgent hearing for a plea challenging police action against students during a protest march in Delhi. The Chief Justice of India declined to review video evidence of alleged police brutality, stating the court was not interested in watching videos. The protest, led by the Cockroach Janta Party, saw thousands of students demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities, leading to clashes with security personnel.

SC restores Kerala Waqf Board's autonomy, amends HC's supervision order

SC restores Kerala Waqf Board's autonomy, amends HC's supervision order

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the deletion of a Kerala High Court order that placed the state Waqf Board under the supervision of a joint secretary, thereby restoring the Board's autonomy. The apex court modified the high court's interim order, allowing the joint secretary to remain a board member but removing any supervisory capacity.

Will Dara Singh Be Released Soon?

Will Dara Singh Be Released Soon?

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

'Dara's case can strengthen the perception among sections of the BJP's traditional support base.'

Changing society will see more cases like Sonam's, says SC

Changing society will see more cases like Sonam's, says SC

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court, while hearing a bail plea in a murder case, made significant observations about the changing nature of society, the vulnerability of the modern generation, the impact of nuclear families, and the role of technology in child-rearing.

SC to hear Shiv Sena-UBT plea on Speaker's order on rebel MPs

SC to hear Shiv Sena-UBT plea on Speaker's order on rebel MPs

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea from the Shiv Sena (UBT) challenging Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's decision to approve the merger of six of its MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. The UBT faction argues these defections violate anti-defection laws.

SC to review Nandan Nilekani panel's suggestions on NEET

SC to review Nandan Nilekani panel's suggestions on NEET

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has stated it will consider the recommendations of the Nandan Nilekani-led task force regarding the online conduct of the NEET examination, emphasising the need for additional safeguards in cybersecurity and database protection. This follows the cancellation of the NEET-UG exam due to an alleged paper leak and subsequent re-test.

Cauvery row: Karnataka ordered to release 12,000 cusecs to Tamil Nadu daily

Cauvery row: Karnataka ordered to release 12,000 cusecs to Tamil Nadu daily

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) has directed Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery water per day to Tamil Nadu for the next 15 days, amidst an ongoing dispute and a pending Supreme Court hearing.

Irritation, annoyance not cruelty, says HC, rejects divorce plea

Irritation, annoyance not cruelty, says HC, rejects divorce plea

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has ruled that mere annoyance and normal disagreements do not amount to mental cruelty sufficient for divorce. The court stated that cruelty must be severe enough to make cohabitation unreasonable, and cannot be determined by isolated incidents. This ruling came as the court dismissed a man's divorce petition, upholding a family court's decision and ordering him to pay maintenance to his wife.

'We don't want any untoward thing': SC on Asaram's health bail plea

'We don't want any untoward thing': SC on Asaram's health bail plea

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has asked the Rajasthan government for an update on the health of self-styled godman Asaram, who is seeking interim bail on medical grounds. The court expressed concern about his well-being, stating "We don't want any untoward thing to happen." Asaram's counsel claims he is a high-risk patient, while the Solicitor General noted he was recently seen walking in Ayodhya and Kashi Vishwanath. The apex court is hearing his plea challenging the Rajasthan High Court's decision to uphold his conviction and life sentence for the rape of a minor.

No end to trial in sight, SC grants bail to 2 IM operatives after 12 yrs

No end to trial in sight, SC grants bail to 2 IM operatives after 12 yrs

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has granted bail to two alleged Indian Mujahideen operatives, Mohd Saquib Ansari and Waqar Azhar, who have been in custody since 2014, citing a "grossly violative" right to liberty due to the extremely slow trial progress and no prospect of an early conclusion.

Voter ID, Aadhaar, PAN not proof of Indian citizenship: HC

Voter ID, Aadhaar, PAN not proof of Indian citizenship: HC

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Calcutta high court has held that voter identity cards, Aadhaar and PAN cards are not conclusive proof of Indian citizenship.

Jolt to Vijay as HC says no to govt jobs for Karur stampede victims' kin

Jolt to Vijay as HC says no to govt jobs for Karur stampede victims' kin

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Madras High Court's Madurai Bench has set aside a government order providing jobs to relatives of those who died in a stampede at Karur last year, citing violations of constitutional rights and existing compassionate appointment rules. The court highlighted that such appointments overlook others on waiting lists and could open "floodgates" for similar demands.

SC denies Asaram interim bail, allows caretaker of his choice

SC denies Asaram interim bail, allows caretaker of his choice

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has denied interim bail to self-styled godman Asaram, who is serving a life sentence for sexually assaulting a minor. While rejecting his plea for bail on health grounds for now, the court permitted him to engage a trained caretaker for round-the-clock assistance. The court noted that Asaram's counsel had previously moved for parole, and his health condition will be monitored.

HC seeks fresh medical reports on Wangchuk, defers hospital shift plea

HC seeks fresh medical reports on Wangchuk, defers hospital shift plea

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court is set to hear an appeal by Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of fasting activist Sonam Wangchuk, challenging a single judge's order that refused to interfere with his ongoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital.

Google challenges Delhi HC ruling on keyword bidding

Google challenges Delhi HC ruling on keyword bidding

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Google has challenged a Delhi High Court single-judge bench ruling that held it liable for trademark infringement by allowing competitors to bid on and use the 'Hindware' trademark as keywords in its Google Ads programme. Google argues that keyword bidding promotes competition and is a globally accepted norm, citing previous rulings that allowed the practice. The tech giant contends that the Trade Marks Act does not distinguish between coined and generic words for such infringements.

Should polygamy be declared unconstitutional?: SC asks govt

Should polygamy be declared unconstitutional?: SC asks govt

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of polygamy among Muslims, arguing it violates fundamental rights and creates legal asymmetry by exempting Muslim men from bigamy laws applicable to other citizens.

IPC provision on cruelty by husband extends to live-ins: SC

IPC provision on cruelty by husband extends to live-ins: SC

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court of India has expanded the scope of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, ruling that the provision dealing with cruelty by a husband or his relatives also applies to partners in live-in relationships. This landmark decision clarifies that a man in a live-in relationship can be prosecuted for cruelty if the relationship is "in the nature of marriage," aiming to prevent domestic violence and ensure legal protection for women in such unions.

SC directs Centre to formulate national SOP for Kanwar Yatra safety

SC directs Centre to formulate national SOP for Kanwar Yatra safety

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and several states on a plea demanding a comprehensive national Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the safe and orderly conduct of the annual Kanwar Yatra, including inter-state coordination and effective traffic management.

Delhi HC allows Wangchuk's transfer to private hospital; Centre says...

Delhi HC allows Wangchuk's transfer to private hospital; Centre says...

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has proposed transferring activist Sonam Wangchuk, currently on an indefinite fast since June 28 over alleged examination irregularities, from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. This development follows a plea by Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, challenging a previous court order that refused to interfere with his ongoing treatment at the central government hospital. The government has indicated no objection to the transfer, provided Wangchuk does not seek discharge against medical advice.

Law platform challenges Delhi HC's 'right to be forgotten' order

Law platform challenges Delhi HC's 'right to be forgotten' order

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Legal database platform India Kanoon has approached the Delhi High Court, challenging a single-judge order that recognised an individual's 'right to be forgotten' and directed the platform to de-index and disable 'name-based search functionality' for certain judicial orders.

SC backs Shah Rukh Khan's Mannat expansion, dismisses activist's plea

SC backs Shah Rukh Khan's Mannat expansion, dismisses activist's plea

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition challenging the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for additional floors on Shah Rukh Khan's Mumbai residence, Mannat, upholding the National Green Tribunal's decision.

After govt no-show, Delhi HC defers PIL over Wangchuk's worsening health

After govt no-show, Delhi HC defers PIL over Wangchuk's worsening health

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court is set to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the health of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar. Wangchuk joined a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party, demanding the Union Education Minister's resignation over alleged NEET irregularities. The PIL seeks intervention from authorities and a discussion with Wangchuk, even suggesting force-feeding.

NEET protest: SC to hear pleas on pellet firing on Aug 3

NEET protest: SC to hear pleas on pellet firing on Aug 3

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear pleas filed by a former IPS officer and two persons, who claimed to have been injured by pellet guns fired during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led students' protest on NEET paper leaks.

HC stays bail of Shiv Sena corporator in doctors assault case

HC stays bail of Shiv Sena corporator in doctors assault case

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The Bombay High Court has taken suo motu cognisance and stayed the bail granted by a lower court to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre, accused of assaulting doctors at a municipal hospital in Thane district, directing him to surrender by Sunday evening.

HC accepts WhatsApp messages as dying declaration

HC accepts WhatsApp messages as dying declaration

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has deemed WhatsApp messages sent by a deceased tribal man to his father as a "prima facie crucial dying declaration" in a suicide abetment case. This ruling led to the denial of bail for three accused individuals, who were allegedly involved in harassing the victim over an agricultural land dispute. The court highlighted the electronic evidence and corroborating family statements.

Rajasthan HC flags unchecked construction on Udaipur hills

Rajasthan HC flags unchecked construction on Udaipur hills

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Rajasthan High Court has expressed serious concern over rampant construction on Udaipur's ecologically sensitive hills, questioning the state's hill policies and demanding records of commercial project permissions. The court's observations stem from a petition challenging a hotel project and an interim report highlighting extensive hill cutting and inadequate policy formulation, potentially leading to a suo motu Public Interest Litigation.

Exercise restrain, youngsters must be pacified: SC to forces

Exercise restrain, youngsters must be pacified: SC to forces

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has stressed the importance of law enforcement agencies exercising restraint during protests, advocating for the pacification and counselling of youngsters, even if some engage in stone-pelting, as it agreed to hear a plea regarding accountability for protest organisers.

BNP veteran becomes new Bangladesh Prez in first contest after 35 years

BNP veteran becomes new Bangladesh Prez in first contest after 35 years

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a close ally of former premier Khaleda Zia, has been elected as Bangladesh's new President in the first contested poll for the post in 35 years.

Goa govt moves SC seeking enhanced sentence for Tarun Tejpal

Goa govt moves SC seeking enhanced sentence for Tarun Tejpal

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Goa government on Tuesday moved the Supreme Court seeking enhanced sentence for journalist Tarun Tejpal in the 2013 sexual assault case, contending the case warrants imprisonment for life.

SC rejects plea to enforce anti-cow slaughter laws

SC rejects plea to enforce anti-cow slaughter laws

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has declined to entertain a plea seeking directions for states to enforce anti-slaughter laws for cows and their progeny. The petitioner's counsel withdrew the plea after the bench expressed reluctance, advising them to pursue other legal remedies, such as contempt petitions for non-implementation of previous rulings.

'Will monitor everything closely': SC on NEET paper leaks

'Will monitor everything closely': SC on NEET paper leaks

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has informed the Centre that it will closely monitor the steps taken to curb NEET examination paper leaks, emphasising that 'ad hocism has caused trouble for years' and demanding a comprehensive overhaul of the examination process.

Rahul seeks SC-monitored probe into July 20 crackdown on students

Rahul seeks SC-monitored probe into July 20 crackdown on students

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for an independent Supreme Court-monitored high-powered committee to investigate alleged brutalities against students during protests. He also demanded the sacking of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of culpability or incompetence regarding the police action, including the use of pellet guns. The BJP has refuted Gandhi's allegations, calling them baseless.

HC sentences Tarun Tejpal to 10 years in jail for raping colleague

HC sentences Tarun Tejpal to 10 years in jail for raping colleague

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal has been convicted and sentenced to ten years in jail by the Bombay High Court in a 2013 rape case, overturning a trial court's acquittal and criticising its 'perverse' reasoning.

As Hindu parties decide who will lead the suit, SC defers hearing in Mathura case

As Hindu parties decide who will lead the suit, SC defers hearing in Mathura case

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing on the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah mosque dispute in Mathura. The adjournment comes as Hindu parties involved in the case are reportedly engaged in off-the-record talks to determine which lawsuit will serve as the lead case. The court was hearing a plea challenging an Allahabad High Court order that designated one Hindu party as the representative for all Lord Krishna devotees.

35 Years On, SC Quashes FERA Case Against Standard Chartered Bank

35 Years On, SC Quashes FERA Case Against Standard Chartered Bank

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court of India has quashed criminal proceedings against Standard Chartered Bank and one of its officers in a 1991-92 Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) case, citing an extraordinary 23-year delay in prosecution and the Enforcement Directorate's failure to comply with mandatory procedural safeguards.

Bombay High Court Refers Furlough Restrictions for Special Act Convicts to Larger Bench

Bombay High Court Refers Furlough Restrictions for Special Act Convicts to Larger Bench

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Bombay High Court has questioned the denial of furlough to prisoners convicted under special Acts, citing a potential violation of fundamental rights. The issue has been referred to a larger bench due to conflicting previous judgments.

Clashes in Jharkhand as HC stays cancellation of more job exams

Clashes in Jharkhand as HC stays cancellation of more job exams

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Clashes erupted between police and students in Jharkhand protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment exams, even as the high court provided interim relief by staying notifications cancelling appointments for Child Development Project Officers and those recruited through JSSC-CGL tests.

No snooping at Jantar Mantar, only law and order, Centre tells HC

No snooping at Jantar Mantar, only law and order, Centre tells HC

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court is hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the "intrusive surveillance" of protesters at Jantar Mantar. The Solicitor General argued that videography is for law and order, not snooping, while the petitioner contended it violates privacy. The court has asked police about protest regulation guidelines.

HC dismisses PIL over Wangchuk's forcible hospital shift

HC dismisses PIL over Wangchuk's forcible hospital shift

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the forcible shifting of activist Sonam Wangchuk from a protest site at Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital during his hunger strike. The court noted that the issue of his hospitalisation had been previously addressed and dismissed the new petition, advising the petitioner to lodge an FIR if still aggrieved.