News for 'Bench of Justice'

Sena split: SC says party controls legislature wing, but MLAs need 'elbow room'

Sena split: SC says party controls legislature wing, but MLAs need 'elbow room'

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court, hearing pleas on the Shiv Sena split, observed that a political party retains control over its legislature wing and its valid decisions must prevail, but also advocated for granting 'elbow room' to elected representatives for political decisions if a majority 'genuinely disagree' with party directions.

Govt to file Ahmedabad air crash report with SC in October

Govt to file Ahmedabad air crash report with SC in October

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has been informed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's final draft report on the June 2025 Air India flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad will be submitted in October. The court is hearing petitions seeking an independent probe into the accident, which claimed 260 lives.

Right to peaceful protest cannot be denied, doesn't justify police excesses: SC

Right to peaceful protest cannot be denied, doesn't justify police excesses: SC

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court asserted that the right to peaceful protest is 'absolutely guaranteed' and an agitation cannot justify 'police excesses' or a 'lathi charge,' while agreeing to hear pleas concerning alleged police brutality against students protesting the NEET paper leak.

SC shields student protesters; mulls SIT probe into police excesses

SC shields student protesters; mulls SIT probe into police excesses

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has issued interim directions regarding nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, ordering the release of minor student protesters without criminal records and directing states to preserve all digital evidence. The court also called for a fair and independent investigation into allegations of police excesses against students, while also acknowledging concerns for injured police personnel.

Pellet guns cannot be banned outright, specific misuse to be examined: SC

Pellet guns cannot be banned outright, specific misuse to be examined: SC

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has stated that a complete ban on pellet guns is not possible as long as existing advisories permit their use for crowd control in exceptional circumstances by security agencies. However, the court clarified that allegations of specific misuse can be examined on a case-by-case basis, particularly in light of recent protests against the NEET paper leak.

SC closes criminal case against Ex-PM Manmohan Singh in coal allocation case

SC closes criminal case against Ex-PM Manmohan Singh in coal allocation case

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

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.

NEET-PG row: High-powered panel to audit admission system, Centre tells SC

NEET-PG row: High-powered panel to audit admission system, Centre tells SC

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that it has constituted a high-powered committee headed by the director general of health services (DGHS) to formulate a mechanism for conducting a comprehensive audit of the existing system of admission through the NEET-PG examination.

EC unlawfully recognised Shinde faction: Sena-UBT tells SC

EC unlawfully recognised Shinde faction: Sena-UBT tells SC

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Uddhav Thackeray faction has told the Supreme Court that the Election Commission's decision to recognise the Eknath Shinde-led unit as the "real Shiv Sena" and grant it the 'bow-and-arrow' symbol was unlawful. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued that a split in a legislature party cannot, by itself, amount to a split in the political party, challenging the very basis of the poll panel's jurisdiction and its disregard for the party's 2018 constitution.

HC denies relief to Shiv Sena corporator in doctor assault case

HC denies relief to Shiv Sena corporator in doctor assault case

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

"Let him be inside for some more time," the Bombay high court said on Wednesday while continuing its stay to the bail granted to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre who is accused of assaulting doctors and staff at a municipal hospital in Dombivli. It also ordered preservation of the CCTV footage of the July 6 incident and the footage of Mhatre's own hospital stay after his arrest.

Media can report on court proceedings, but no video clips: SC

Media can report on court proceedings, but no video clips: SC

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has clarified its interim order regarding the sharing of audio and video clips of court hearings, stating that it does not prevent news organisations from reporting on judicial proceedings. The court emphasised that while media outlets can report on legal developments, they are restricted from using audio or video recordings of the proceedings without prior permission. This clarification addresses confusion over a previous July 24 order.

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.com2 days ago

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.

SC allows Friday prayers at dargah next to Bhojshala

SC allows Friday prayers at dargah next to Bhojshala

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has allowed the Muslim community to offer Friday prayers at a dargah adjacent to the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, between 1 pm and 3 pm. This directive comes after the Muslim side alleged non-compliance with a previous order for an alternative prayer site, and follows a Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling declaring the complex a temple.

Friday namaaz offered at Bhojshala after SC order

Friday namaaz offered at Bhojshala after SC order

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has permitted Muslims to offer Friday prayers at a site adjacent to the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, following a High Court ruling that declared the complex a temple. This decision allowed prayers to resume after a previous ASI order was quashed.

98 pc clean?: Bombay HC orders inspection of Mantralaya canteen

98 pc clean?: Bombay HC orders inspection of Mantralaya canteen

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Bombay High Court questioned the Maharashtra FDA's "98 per cent clean" certificate for the Mantralaya canteen, ordering an immediate inspection by a team of lawyers. The court emphasised the need for the FDA to be fair and impartial in its drives, criticising potential targeting of private establishments while overlooking government ones.

Calcutta HC denies Abhishek Banerjee nod to go abroad for eye treatment

Calcutta HC denies Abhishek Banerjee nod to go abroad for eye treatment

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Calcutta High Court dismissed Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee's plea to travel abroad for eye treatment after he declined to appear before a state-run medical board. The court deemed his appearance necessary to assess his medical condition, citing ongoing criminal investigations against him.

SC to hear pleas on police excesses on July 27

SC to hear pleas on police excesses on July 27

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear two petitions on July 27 concerning alleged police excesses against students protesting the NEET paper leak. The pleas were mentioned before a bench, highlighting widespread student protests and a recent clash in Delhi where security personnel used force against demonstrators demanding the Union minister's resignation.

SC restricts posting court recordings on social media

SC restricts posting court recordings on social media

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has issued an interim directive prohibiting the unauthorised posting, reposting, or uploading of audio-video recordings of court proceedings on social media and other digital platforms. This measure comes in response to concerns over the misuse of live-streamed court videos.

'Don't drag us into this': HC refuses urgent hearing on police violence

'Don't drag us into this': HC refuses urgent hearing on police violence

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court declined to urgently hear a petition regarding alleged excessive force used by city police against students protesting with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) during their "Chalo Sansad" march. The CJP accused police of injuring protesters and assaulting activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, a claim denied by Delhi Police.

'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.

SC denies Asaram interim bail, allows caretaker of his choice

SC denies Asaram interim bail, allows caretaker of his choice

Rediff.com7 days ago

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.

Allahabad HC: State, Police Responsible For Justice Delays

Allahabad HC: State, Police Responsible For Justice Delays

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Allahabad High Court has criticised the Uttar Pradesh government and police for the massive pendency of criminal cases in district courts, citing insufficient staff, lack of police cooperation, and delays in forensic reports.

'India's First Substantive Judicial Engagement With AI'

'India's First Substantive Judicial Engagement With AI'

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

The judgment is India's first to examine AI companies' use of copyrighted works for foundation models, setting an analytical framework for Section 52 of the Copyright Act.

'Don't politicise': SC seeks UP stand on SIT probe into Ram Temple theft

'Don't politicise': SC seeks UP stand on SIT probe into Ram Temple theft

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Uttar Pradesh government to apprise it about the possibility of setting up an SIT to probe the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and cautioned the litigants not to politicise the issue.

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.

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 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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

Litigant forcibly removed from Supreme Court after abusive outburst

Litigant forcibly removed from Supreme Court after abusive outburst

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

A litigant appearing in person was forcibly removed from the Supreme Court after allegedly hurling abuses and throwing legal papers during the hearing of his petition challenging an Allahabad High Court order.

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.

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.

HC accepts WhatsApp messages as dying declaration

HC accepts WhatsApp messages as dying declaration

Rediff.com7 days ago

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.

Bulldozer demolitions: SC asks aggrieved to approach HCs, extends protection

Bulldozer demolitions: SC asks aggrieved to approach HCs, extends protection

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to consider a batch of contempt petitions alleging that demolitions were carried out in violation of its 2024 judgment and asked aggrieved parties to approach the high courts concerned.

Why Siddaramaiah Wants A Supreme Court Bench In South India

Why Siddaramaiah Wants A Supreme Court Bench In South India

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called for the establishment of a Supreme Court bench in South India to improve accessibility to justice. Speaking at a conference on Artificial Intelligence in the judiciary, he also highlighted the need to address algorithmic bias and ensure judicial independence in the age of AI.

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.

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.