News for 'Bench of Justice'

Will you wait for deaths? HC pulls up BMC over Mumbai's open manholes

Will you wait for deaths? HC pulls up BMC over Mumbai's open manholes

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The Bombay High Court strongly criticised the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for its failure to secure open manholes, questioning why it acts only after fatalities occur. The court dismissed BMC's progress reports as an "eyewash" following the death of Aslam Shaikh, who fell into an open manhole. Despite BMC's assurances and actions like suspending officials and offering compensation, the court emphasised the need for preventive measures before the monsoon season.

SC bats for protecting natural forests across India

SC bats for protecting natural forests across India

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court highlighted the critical need to protect forests across India, specifically mentioning states like Jharkhand for their natural ecosystems. The court declined to interfere with a Jharkhand High Court order concerning regulations for stone mining and crushers near forest boundaries, asserting the High Court's constitutional authority in the matter.

Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam denied bail, court cites SC order

Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam denied bail, court cites SC order

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A Delhi court has dismissed the bail applications of activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, citing its obligation to follow a previous Supreme Court order that rejected their bail.

'RTI activism a new business', says SC; denies bail to activist

'RTI activism a new business', says SC; denies bail to activist

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has criticised RTI activism, calling it a "new business," while denying anticipatory bail to an activist accused of obstructing road construction work and intimidating public servants in Punjab.

TN govt moves SC over reservation for converts to Islam

TN govt moves SC over reservation for converts to Islam

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Tamil Nadu government has appealed to the Supreme Court against a Madras High Court judgment. The High Court ruled that individuals converting to Islam cannot claim reservation under the Backward Class (Muslim) category solely based on conversion, striking down a state Government Order that allowed such benefits.

Not opening Pandora's box of collegium proceedings, says SC

Not opening Pandora's box of collegium proceedings, says SC

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court of India refused to entertain a petition from a judicial officer challenging the recommendation of junior officers for appointment as Himachal Pradesh High Court judges. The court stated it would not "open a pandora's box" by judicially reviewing collegium proceedings, emphasising the collegium's subjective satisfaction in such matters. The petitioner later withdrew his plea to pursue administrative or judicial remedies at the High Court level.

15 Documents Insufficient To Prove Citizenship Claim

15 Documents Insufficient To Prove Citizenship Claim

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Gauhati high court observed that merely producing a number of documents does not automatically establish citizenship unless they are legally admissible and capable of proving the person's linkage to Indian ancestors.

'Heavens are not going to fall': SC refuses urgent hearing in Ram temple donation case

'Heavens are not going to fall': SC refuses urgent hearing in Ram temple donation case

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has declined an urgent hearing on a plea demanding a fair and time-bound investigation into alleged embezzlement of donations at the revered Ram temple in Ayodhya, deferring the matter until after the summer break.

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.

Delhi High Court Directs WFI To Decide Vinesh Phogat's Show-Cause Notice

Delhi High Court Directs WFI To Decide Vinesh Phogat's Show-Cause Notice

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has directed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to make a decision within two weeks on the show-cause notice issued to grappler Vinesh Phogat concerning alleged indiscipline and anti-doping rule violations. The court closed proceedings on Phogat's petition after her Asian Games selection trial grievance became infructuous, but she may file a fresh petition on broader selection policy issues.

Former Judge Gautam Patel Receives Threats Over Dawoodi Bohra Succession Ruling

Former Judge Gautam Patel Receives Threats Over Dawoodi Bohra Succession Ruling

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Former Bombay High Court judge Gautam Patel has filed a police complaint after receiving anonymous death threats related to his 2024 verdict on the Dawoodi Bohra community succession row. The threats, which escalated with a letter sent to his daughter in London, demanded he retract his judgment, prompting international security measures.

Big win for TN, Supreme Court stays HC order banning cow slaughter

Big win for TN, Supreme Court stays HC order banning cow slaughter

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has issued an interim stay on the Madras High Court's directive that imposed a blanket ban on cow slaughter in Tamil Nadu, responding to an appeal from the State government.

Supreme Court Questions Allahabad High Court's 40-Year Delay In Murder Case

Supreme Court Questions Allahabad High Court's 40-Year Delay In Murder Case

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the Allahabad High Court's extraordinary 40-year delay in deciding a criminal appeal filed by a murder accused. The case involves Vijay Singh, who was convicted in 1985 and whose appeal was only dismissed in February this year, after four decades. The top court questioned measures to address mounting pendency and rejected a suggestion to dismiss old cases solely due to delay.

HC upholds death sentences for 38 IM men in 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts

HC upholds death sentences for 38 IM men in 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Gujarat High Court has upheld the death sentences for 38 Indian Mujahideen operatives and life imprisonment for 11 others involved in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts, which killed 56 people. The court also directed the state government to pay significant compensation to victims' families and those grievously injured.

SC shields inter-caste couple, stays HC order amid honour killing fears

SC shields inter-caste couple, stays HC order amid honour killing fears

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Coming to the aid of an inter-caste couple fearing "honour killing", the Supreme Court on Monday stayed a Rajasthan high court order allowing the woman's parents to meet them, despite their apprehensions of any untoward eventuality.

DMK moves SC against Vijay's ministers influencing stampede witnesses

DMK moves SC against Vijay's ministers influencing stampede witnesses

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The DMK has approached the Supreme Court, alleging that Tamil Nadu ministers are actively influencing witnesses in the CBI probe into last year's Karur stampede case, which resulted in 41 deaths.

Four Women Now Lead High Courts

Four Women Now Lead High Courts

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

There has never been a woman Chief Justice of India, although Justice B V Nagarathna is expected to become the first -- in 2027 if the convention of seniority is followed.

SC to hear plea on Ram Temple Trust fund embezzlement

SC to hear plea on Ram Temple Trust fund embezzlement

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for June 29 on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the registration of an FIR and a time-bound probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations received by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya.

Allahabad High Court Slams Police, Magistrate Over Minor's Illegal Detention

Allahabad High Court Slams Police, Magistrate Over Minor's Illegal Detention

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Allahabad High Court's Lucknow bench ordered the immediate release of a minor, criticising the police and a judicial magistrate for illegally detaining him without verifying his age and failing to follow Supreme Court guidelines on juvenile justice. The court has sought affidavits from the officials involved.

Gujarat High Court Grants Yusuf Pathan Four Weeks In Vadodara Land Dispute

Gujarat High Court Grants Yusuf Pathan Four Weeks In Vadodara Land Dispute

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The Gujarat High Court has granted former cricketer and TMC MP Yusuf Pathan four weeks to pursue his claim on a piece of land in Vadodara under a state policy. The court warned him that further delays in vacating the plot would result in higher damages, noting he has occupied the land since 2014 without payment despite an unfavourable allotment decision.

SIT report on Ram Temple theft likely soon; may shape trust reforms

SIT report on Ram Temple theft likely soon; may shape trust reforms

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya is expected to submit its final report to the Uttar Pradesh government shortly, sources said on Thursday.

Chhattisgarh HC allows suicide abetment accused to take NEET-UG re-exam

Chhattisgarh HC allows suicide abetment accused to take NEET-UG re-exam

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Chhattisgarh High Court has permitted a 21-year-old man, accused in a suicide abetment case and currently in jail, to appear for the NEET-2026 examination under police escort. The court also directed jail authorities to provide him with study material. This decision came after his plea for temporary bail to take the exam was heard, with the court opting for police custody over bail due to the seriousness of the alleged offence.

SC takes up Natarajan's plea against RS nomination rejection

SC takes up Natarajan's plea against RS nomination rejection

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court is set to hear Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's challenge against the rejection of her Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh, which was dismissed due to alleged concealment of information in her election affidavit.

How can you curb rights of 150m Indians, court asks govt in Telegram case

How can you curb rights of 150m Indians, court asks govt in Telegram case

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court has questioned the Centre's decision to temporarily restrict access to Telegram ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, asking how the rights of 150 million users can be curtailed due to concerns over a few miscreants. The court reserved its verdict after hearing arguments from both sides.

HC ex-judge, family face threats over Dawoodi Bohra succession ruling

HC ex-judge, family face threats over Dawoodi Bohra succession ruling

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Retired Bombay high court Judge Gautam Patel and his family have allegedly been subjected to repeated threats in India and in Britain over his 2024 verdict in a case on the succession row in the Dawoodi Bohra community.

Delhi High Court Affirms AITA General Body's Primacy In Constitutional Amendments

Delhi High Court Affirms AITA General Body's Primacy In Constitutional Amendments

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court has reaffirmed the All India Tennis Association's (AITA) General Body's authority in amending its constitution, directing that proposed changes be put to a clause-by-clause vote by members. This interim order modifies a single judge's ruling, ensuring the federation's democratic processes are maintained while complying with new sports governance laws, with fresh elections mandated by September 30.

Why Supreme Court Granted Bail In Rs 22 Crore Fraud Case

Why Supreme Court Granted Bail In Rs 22 Crore Fraud Case

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has granted bail to Shubham Saxena, accused of siphoning off Rs 22 crore from a real estate company, primarily due to his prolonged pre-trial detention of over four and a half years. This decision overturns a Delhi High Court ruling that had denied bail citing the gravity of the economic offence.

Bombay High Court Backs WFI's De-affiliation Of Sharad Pawar-Led Wrestling Body

Bombay High Court Backs WFI's De-affiliation Of Sharad Pawar-Led Wrestling Body

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The Bombay High Court has upheld the Wrestling Federation of India's decision to cancel the affiliation of the Maharashtra State Wrestling Association (MSWA), led by Sharad Pawar. The MSWA had challenged the WFI's move, arguing it was illegal and arbitrary.

Supreme Court Invokes Article 142 To Quash POCSO Conviction

Supreme Court Invokes Article 142 To Quash POCSO Conviction

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court, using its extraordinary powers under Article 142, has quashed the conviction of a man sentenced under the POCSO Act. This decision came after the victim, who was a minor at the time of the offence, married the accused upon reaching adulthood. The court emphasised that this ruling is based on the peculiar facts of the case and should not be considered a precedent.

New evaluation policy formed for CBSE students in Gulf, Centre tells SC

New evaluation policy formed for CBSE students in Gulf, Centre tells SC

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The Centre on Monday informed the Supreme Court that the Central Board of Secondary Examination has come up with a new policy for the evaluation of private students, who were affected by the cancellation of Class XII board examination in Gulf countries due to the recent Iran-US war.

SC grants Bihar contractor 4-week protection from arrest in tender case

SC grants Bihar contractor 4-week protection from arrest in tender case

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has granted four weeks of protection from arrest to Bihar-based contractor Rishu Shree, who is accused of acting as a middleman in government tender manipulation. Shree is alleged to have charged commissions to facilitate contracts, with the Enforcement Directorate investigating a "larger conspiracy" involving multiple Bihar departments.

Depression can't override academic rules, says HC; rejects student's plea

Depression can't override academic rules, says HC; rejects student's plea

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Bombay High Court has declined to grant relief to a third-year psychology student debarred for low attendance, despite her suffering from acute depression and a personality disorder. The court stated that while it sympathises with her, it cannot rewrite academic rules or create exemptions, emphasising that legal entitlement must prevail over sympathy.

HC acquits Asaram of gangrape charges, upholds life term

HC acquits Asaram of gangrape charges, upholds life term

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The court directed Asaram to surrender in view of the conviction. He is currently out on temporary bail, which was extended by seven days on Monday.

None can deny there is corruption in judiciary: Madras HC

None can deny there is corruption in judiciary: Madras HC

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Madras High Court acknowledged the existence of corruption within the judiciary while dismissing a PIL seeking a ban on the Tamil film 'Karuppu'. The court emphasised the need for introspection and improvement within the judicial system, stating that judges are not exempt from criticism.

Supreme Court declares right to walk on footpaths a fundamental right

Supreme Court declares right to walk on footpaths a fundamental right

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has declared the right to walk on demarcated footpaths a fundamental right, prioritising it over motorised vehicle movement, and has called for the establishment of a regulatory body to ensure its enforcement and provide restitutionary remedies for violations.

HC okays clearing mangroves for mega Maharashtra port project

HC okays clearing mangroves for mega Maharashtra port project

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The Bombay High Court has approved the removal of mangroves for the Vadhvan Port Project in Palghar, Maharashtra, citing its public importance and economic significance. This clearance paves the way for accelerated execution of the Rs 76,220 crore project, which aims to position India among the top 10 container port nations globally.

SC justifies denial of bail to Umar Khalid, releases 2 others

SC justifies denial of bail to Umar Khalid, releases 2 others

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Supreme Court granted interim bail to two Delhi riots accused, while addressing concerns about conflicting views on bail under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The court referred the question of law on whether prolonged incarceration can override UAPA restrictions to a larger bench.

HC refers journo's defamation suit on 'Khan sir' for mediation

HC refers journo's defamation suit on 'Khan sir' for mediation

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has referred a defamation case filed by TV Today Network and Anjana Om Kashyap against educator Faisal Khan ('Khan Sir') and others to mediation. The court urged both parties to exercise restraint and seek an amicable settlement, particularly asking Khan Sir to remove posts revealing information about Kashyap's children. The lawsuit seeks Rs 2 crore in damages.

Delhi HC upholds blocking of Telegram ahead of NEET retest

Delhi HC upholds blocking of Telegram ahead of NEET retest

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court has upheld the Indian government's decision to temporarily restrict access to Telegram, citing the messaging app's capacity for 'automated dissemination' of large content, which could facilitate misinformation during the crucial NEET-UG retest.

Supreme Court to hear Rs 500 cr UAE money decree case in July after mediation fails

Supreme Court to hear Rs 500 cr UAE money decree case in July after mediation fails

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Supreme Court has scheduled a July hearing for the Rs 500 crore money decree case involving Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA) and industrialist Nimmagadda Prasad, following the failure of a mediation process led by former Chief Justice of India U U Lalit.