The Supreme Court has mandated that banks must be held accountable for losses incurred by digital fraud victims, ensuring compensation of at least the amount lost if the fraud stems from the financial institution's lack of due diligence. The court emphasised that the proposed RBI regulatory framework must include enforceable provisions for compensation, preventive measures, and institutional accountability, moving beyond mere advisories. The CJI stressed the need for banks to use technology like AI to prevent fraud by monitoring unusual transactions and called for stronger accountability clauses against non-compliant banks.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant asserted that the judiciary cannot be browbeaten, during a hearing on a plea against a political march to the Supreme Court by Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders on October 12. The plea alleges an attempt to obstruct the judicial system and seeks a ban on political demonstrations within court premises. The court has issued notices to the leaders and ordered the preservation of CCTV footage from the incident.
The Supreme Court has appointed former Delhi High Court judge Justice Najmi Waziri as a mediator to resolve the cheque-dishonour dispute involving actor Rajpal Yadav. The legal battle originated from a 2010 financial agreement for his directorial debut, 'Ata Pata Laapata', where Yadav allegedly issued dishonoured cheques. The actor has deposited Rs 2 crore with the SC registry, and the court has allowed his passport release for professional commitments.
The Supreme Court stated it is not inclined to completely ban firecrackers but emphasised the need for authorities to implement existing orders on the ground to combat air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The court highlighted that annual orders become a "mockery" without proper enforcement and urged serious action, public awareness campaigns, and on-ground officer presence. It also noted ongoing consultations regarding the use of Barium in firecrackers and discussed measures taken by the Delhi government and CAQM to tackle pollution, including curbs on vehicles and construction. The court reiterated its stance of finding a middle ground rather than a complete ban or round-the-clock fireworks.
The Supreme Court has strongly criticised the Centre and pharmaceutical manufacturers over the significant disparity between the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of medicines and their price to retailers, questioning the justification for such high margins and the perceived ineffectiveness of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). The court reserved its verdict on petitions seeking strict price control and prevention of unethical overpricing of essential medicines.
The Delhi High Court has upheld the Centre's decision to increase passport fees for Indians residing abroad, dismissing a petition that challenged the 67 per cent hike. The court ruled that the increase, implemented after 14 years, was not unreasonable or exorbitant and falls within the government's policy domain, warranting no judicial intervention. The petition, filed by Pravasi Legal Cell, argued that the higher fees disproportionately affect low-income Indian workers abroad.
The Supreme Court has sought a response from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding a plea alleging he pushed a pregnant journalist during a march to the apex court on October 12. The plea seeks an FIR and compensation for the alleged assault, which occurred amidst a protest against alleged voter deletions.
The Jharkhand High Court acquitted a man serving a life sentence for murder, ruling that his fundamental right to a fair trial was violated because he was questioned and his statements recorded in English, a language he did not understand. The court deemed the trial court's proceedings a 'farce' and set aside the conviction.
The Supreme Court of India will commence hearings on two significant constitutional matters: the interpretation of legislative privileges of MLAs concerning freedom of speech and expression, and the power of state legislatures to impose additional sales tax levies. Both issues will be heard by seven-judge Constitution benches, with one case stemming from a 2003 plea by journalist N Ravi regarding breach of privilege.
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that a divorce decree granted by a foreign court based on the 'irretrievable breakdown of marriage' is not legally valid in India. This observation was made while dismissing a man's plea to quash bigamy charges, as his second marriage, contracted after a UK divorce, was deemed invalid due to the non-recognition of the foreign decree. The court emphasised that such foreign decrees contravene existing Indian matrimonial law.
The Supreme Court refused urgent listing for a plea alleging a 700 per cent increase in airfares, advising the petitioner "Don't travel by air." The court is already hearing a separate petition seeking regulation of airfares, with the Centre informing it about new aviation rules under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, expected to be published soon.
The Bombay High Court strongly criticised the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for removing actor Dia Mirza's eco-friendly Diwali campaign video following objections from BJP leaders and the Mumbai Mayor. The court expressed "deep pain and displeasure" over the "petty mindset" and political colour given to an environmental awareness campaign, emphasising the need for secular spirit and community togetherness. It directed the BMC to re-upload Mirza's clip.
The Supreme Court on Thursday granted the Chhattisgarh government the liberty to approach the high court for cancellation of bail granted to retired senior IAS officer Anil Tuteja in corruption cases, specifically if there are instances of bail misuse. The apex court refused to entertain the state's direct plea challenging the bail but clarified that the high court's observations during bail grant would not influence the trial. Tuteja faces probes in multiple corruption cases, including the liquor scam, District Mineral Fund irregularities, and coal levy scam.
The Bombay High Court has granted interim relief to Bollywood actor and US citizen Imran Khan, keeping a Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) notice in abeyance until November 2. The notice had directed Khan to leave India by October 28, failing which deportation procedures would be initiated. The court deferred the hearing after the Solicitor General sought time, with an assurance that no coercive action would be taken against Khan until the next hearing.
The Madras High Court has ruled that non-Hindus must pledge reverence and abide by traditional customs to enter Agamic temples, stating that failure to do so would compromise religious sanctity. The court criticised political figures for performative displays of faith and directed authorities to strictly enforce temple entry rules.
The Supreme Court has granted the Centre an extension until October 15 to file its response on petitions concerning the closure of metro stations and disruption of train services in Delhi during protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The court also deferred a crucial hearing, issued notice on a petition challenging the immunity of election commissioners, and sought a Delhi Police officer's presence regarding alleged assaults on women journalists. Earlier, the court had directed authorities to ensure normal public transport and prevent unlawful detentions.
The Supreme Court has expressed shock and concern over the increasing number of digital arrest scams, questioning why educated individuals continue to fall victim despite public awareness. The court highlighted a case where a woman lost Rs 2.5 crore and suggested that banks should act as a protective umbrella for customers. It is considering directing banks to compensate victims and face prosecution if fraud occurs due to their negligence, noting that digital arrests have already reduced by 50 per cent after its intervention.
The Supreme Court has instructed the Election Commission to probe allegations of irregularities, specifically concerning bulk Form 7 applications, during the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh. The court's directive came after petitioners raised concerns about the deletion of voters' names, with the EC acknowledging bulk submissions but stating they were not acted upon due to being false.
Kerala's Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph stated that criticism regarding the state government's initial decision for a preliminary inquiry in the alleged CMRL payments case, involving former CM Pinarayi Vijayan and his family, would subside following a recent Supreme Court verdict. Health Minister K Muraleedharan also affirmed that the SC order vindicated the government's cautious approach, which prioritised a preliminary inquiry over immediate FIR registration based solely on the ED's request.
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 Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) has informed the Supreme Court that newsrooms will be forced to shut down if journalists are required to seek permission before publishing information under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act and its accompanying Rules. The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Union ministries of Law and Justice, and Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on the DNPA's petition.
The Supreme Court has made permanent its order protecting a journalist from coercive action in a road rage case and quashed a police notice to 'X' seeking his digital details. The court noted the police sought data from before the alleged crime and granted the journalist liberty to challenge the FIR and seek guidelines for data collection.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has rejected the bail plea of former district judge Giribala Singh, who is implicated in the alleged suicide of her daughter-in-law, Twisha Sharma. The court cited ongoing investigations, pending forensic reports, and the gravity of the allegations, including abetment to suicide and dowry harassment, as reasons for its decision.
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a plea by alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar seeking a stay on his conviction in a criminal case. Chandrasekhar was previously convicted and sentenced to eight years in jail by a Delhi court for impersonating a Supreme Court judge to influence a special judge for bail in a 2017 corruption case. The Delhi High Court had also dismissed his application for a stay on his conviction.
The Supreme Court has asked the government to consider designating an alternative venue to Jantar Mantar for peaceful protests in the national capital, emphasising the need for a site with basic amenities. This suggestion arose during a hearing concerning proposed restrictions on metro stations and train cancellations due to a protest.
A curative petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the September 23 split verdict on the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023. The petition, filed by Jaya Thakur, alleges a "reasonable apprehension of bias" due to claims that Justice Satish Chandra Sharma's son is a standing counsel for the Election Commission, raising questions about judicial propriety.
The Supreme Court has directed TMC MP Mahua Moitra to inform the Nadia district administration a day in advance of her visits to ensure proper arrangements. This comes after Moitra's plea against a circular requiring longer prior notice and her allegations of non-cooperation from the administration regarding accommodation and MPLADS projects. The court observed that such issues should ideally be resolved without judicial intervention.
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.
The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Election Commission and its chief regarding a plea by Sanjay Raut and 12 others, including Rahul Gandhi, concerning alleged irregularities in electoral roll revisions. The court provisionally entertained Raut's petition but stated he would need to explain his conduct, while also addressing allegations of attempts to 'browbeat' the judiciary.
The Supreme Court has agreed to list a review plea concerning its May 2025 verdict on the ownership of the Hare Krishna temple in Bengaluru. The original verdict had ruled in favour of ISKCON Bangalore, but a subsequent split verdict by a review bench led to the matter being referred to the Chief Justice for further directions. The legal battle involves ISKCON Bangalore and ISKCON Mumbai over control of the temple and educational complex.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear petitions challenging Section 16 of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners Act, 2023. This provision grants blanket immunity from civil and criminal prosecution to current and former CECs and ECs for actions taken in their official capacity. Petitioners argue this immunity is unconstitutional and broader than that afforded to other high-ranking officials, potentially undermining accountability.
The Supreme Court expressed concern over the closure of 57 Metro stations and cancellation of trains in Delhi ahead of protests, stating the Centre 'cannot use a hammer to kill a fly' and ordered against complete prohibition of transport services.
The Supreme Court has ruled that foreign nationals can be granted bail under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) if their initial entry into India was legal and authorised, even if they overstayed their visa. This decision upheld a Madras High Court order granting bail to a Sri Lankan national accused in a terror case, stating that the prosecution failed to prove illegal entry. The court clarified the conjunctive conditions of Section 43D(7) of UAPA, emphasising that both foreign nationality and unauthorised entry must be proven to deny bail.
Santos captain Neymar received a two-match ban for covering his mouth during an altercation with Bahia's Rodrigo Nestor, extending his absence to three games pending appeal.
The Supreme Court has granted a temporary relief to former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter, and son-in-law by staying for a week the investigation against them in the alleged Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) bribery case. The apex court permitted them to appeal a single judge's order before the Kerala High Court division bench and cautioned the Enforcement Directorate against exceeding its statutory limits.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to entertain self-styled godman Asaram's plea challenging the Gujarat High Court's order denying him bail in the 2013 Gandhinagar rape case. Asaram, who is currently on parole granted by the Rajasthan High Court in another rape case, had sought bail to visit his ailing wife. The court noted his parole status and will hear his appeal against conviction in the Jodhpur case after his surrender on November 17.
The Allahabad High Court has ruled that survivors of sexual assault under the POCSO Act cannot be denied compensation solely because their medical report does not record physical injuries. The court directed authorities to pay Rs 3 lakh to a minor under the Uttar Pradesh Rani Lakshmi Bai Mahila Samman Kosh scheme, emphasising that absence of injury marks does not negate sexual assault allegations and that the scheme's provisions must be interpreted liberally.
The Supreme Court ruled that income tax reassessment proceedings are invalid if the department fails to issue a mandatory Section 143(2) notice.
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 has directed the Allahabad High Court chief justice to promptly address allegations against the presiding officer of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, who is accused of transferring cases to himself and acquitting defendants. The apex court also urged the Uttar Pradesh government to appoint a new public prosecutor for the high-profile trial.
