News for 'Bench of Justices'

SC bar assn drops farewell for retiring judge Bela Trivedi

SC bar assn drops farewell for retiring judge Bela Trivedi

Rediff.com16 May 2025

Chief Justice of India Justice B R Gavai on Friday praised Justice Bela M Trivedi for her career trajectory from the subordinate judiciary all the way up to the Supreme Court, where she became the eleventh woman judge to be appointed in its history.

NEET PG 2025 to be conducted on Aug 3 in a single shift: SC

NEET PG 2025 to be conducted on Aug 3 in a single shift: SC

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Augustine George Masih, which initially questioned the over two-month window sought by the NBE for holding the examination, said the board's plea appeared to be "bonafide".

Govt has a right to reclaim Waqf properties: Centre tells SC

Govt has a right to reclaim Waqf properties: Centre tells SC

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that nobody can claim right over government land and it is legally empowered to reclaim properties which are declared waqf by using the waqf by user principle.

HC directs Prajwal Revanna to approach sessions court for bail

HC directs Prajwal Revanna to approach sessions court for bail

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

The Karnataka High Court has directed suspended JD(S) leader Prajwal Revanna to approach the sessions court for bail in the rape case filed against him. The court clarified that Revanna could return to the HC if necessary, after the lower court considers his plea.

Disha Salian case lawyer faces action for 'scandalous' remarks on HC judge

Disha Salian case lawyer faces action for 'scandalous' remarks on HC judge

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The court also directed YouTube and a Marathi news channel to forthwith remove the video of the press conference and also restrained them from uploading it in future.

5 Mumbai dargahs move HC against police action on loudspeakers

5 Mumbai dargahs move HC against police action on loudspeakers

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

The police have launched a crackdown against the use of directional loudspeakers (devices that focus sound in a specific direction) at religious structures in Mumbai pursuant to a court order.

Race To Save Nurse On Death Row In Yemen

Race To Save Nurse On Death Row In Yemen

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

India is working with Yemeni authorities and friendly nations to find a solution for Nimisha Priya, the Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for murder. The government is seeking more time for Priya's family to reach an understanding with the victim's family.

SC seeks FIRs in suicides of IIT Kharagpur student, NEET aspirant

SC seeks FIRs in suicides of IIT Kharagpur student, NEET aspirant

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has directed its registry to call for a report from IIT Kharagpur and Kota, Rajasthan, after the suicides of a student and a NEET aspirant came to light. The court is seeking to ascertain whether FIRs were registered in both cases, highlighting the disturbing pattern of student suicides in educational institutions. The court has also previously ordered the formation of a national task force to address mental health concerns and prevent suicides in higher educational institutions.

Haryana police forms SIT to probe Prof Mahmudabad case

Haryana police forms SIT to probe Prof Mahmudabad case

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Acting on the Supreme Court's direction, Haryana's Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate two FIRs against Ashoka University associate professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad. The SIT, headed by Additional Director General of Police (Crime) Mamta Singh, will include Superintendent of Police (Karnal) Ganga Ram Punia and Superintendent of Police (STF, Gurugram) Vikrant Bhushan. The SIT will expeditiously complete the investigation and submit a report at the earliest. Mahmudabad was arrested on May 18 for his social media posts on Operation Sindoor, which were alleged to have endangered the sovereignty and integrity of the country. The Supreme Court granted him interim bail on Thursday, but refused to stay the investigation.

SC cancels bail of 13 accused in child trafficking cases, raps HC

SC cancels bail of 13 accused in child trafficking cases, raps HC

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has taken a strong stance against child trafficking rackets, canceling the bail granted to 13 accused and criticizing the Uttar Pradesh government for its inaction. The court expressed concern over the rising number of trafficking cases and the changing patterns of the crime. It also directed the state to ensure trafficked children are admitted to schools and receive support for their education.

Remarks on Col Qureshi: SC to hear MP minister's plea on Monday

Remarks on Col Qureshi: SC to hear MP minister's plea on Monday

Rediff.com16 May 2025

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh deferred the hearing on Shah's plea after his counsel and senior advocate Maninder Singh made a request.

HC deploys CAPFs in Bengal after 3 killed in violent protests

HC deploys CAPFs in Bengal after 3 killed in violent protests

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

The situation in these violence-hit places remained tense on Saturday morning, but no untoward incident was reported, officials said.

Centre, Chh'garh must ensure peace, rehab in Maoist-hit areas: SC

Centre, Chh'garh must ensure peace, rehab in Maoist-hit areas: SC

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

Referring to the enactment of the Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Force Act, 2011 which created a trained force to aid and assist the security forces in maintaining law and order in the state, the bench said in its view it cannot be said to be an act of contempt of the order of 2011 passed by this court.

Digital access intrinsic to right to life, says SC, bats for disabled

Digital access intrinsic to right to life, says SC, bats for disabled

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has directed changes in digital know your customer (KYC) guidelines for persons with disability and acid attack survivors, citing the right to digital access as an intrinsic component of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court found that existing KYC procedures, which require visual tasks such as head movements and facial positioning, pose significant challenges for these groups, preventing them from accessing essential services like bank accounts and welfare schemes. The court emphasized the importance of bridging the digital divide and ensuring universal accessibility to digital services for all citizens.

SC to examine if verdict on TN governor covers Kerala

SC to examine if verdict on TN governor covers Kerala

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear on May 6 the pleas of the Kerala government against the governor over the delay in approving bills passed by the state assembly. The court will consider whether the issues raised in the Kerala petition are covered by a recent judgment on a similar plea by Tamil Nadu, which set timelines for governors and the President on granting assent to bills.

HC grants bail to two accused in Parl breach case, bars media talks

HC grants bail to two accused in Parl breach case, bars media talks

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

The accused challenged a trial court's order rejecting their bail plea in the December 2023 incident.

If women can fly Rafale , why...? SC poser to govt, Army

If women can fly Rafale , why...? SC poser to govt, Army

Rediff.com14 May 2025

If a woman can fly Rafale fighter jet in the Indian Air Force, then why are fewer women officers in gender neutral posts of judge advocate general (legal) branch of the Army, the Supreme Court wondered recently and questioned the Centre's rationale on a 50-50 selection criterion.

SC bids adieu to 'Mr Dependable' Justice A S Bopanna

SC bids adieu to 'Mr Dependable' Justice A S Bopanna

Rediff.com17 May 2024

Quoting Greek philosopher Socrates, Justice Bopanna emphasised that there are four qualities that are expected of a judge -- to hear courteously, to consider soberly, to answer wisely and to decide impartially.

SC says maternity leave is a right, overturns HC verdict

SC says maternity leave is a right, overturns HC verdict

Rediff.com23 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that maternity leave is a fundamental right and cannot be denied to a woman based on the number of children she has from previous relationships. The court overturned a Madras High Court decision that had denied maternity leave to a Tamil Nadu government school teacher who had two children from a previous marriage. The Supreme Court emphasized the importance of reproductive rights, including maternity benefits, as part of international human rights law. The court also highlighted the right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which includes the right to health, dignity, and reproductive choice. The decision has significant implications for women's rights and reproductive healthcare in India.

SC dismisses plea seeking probe into Pahalgam attack

SC dismisses plea seeking probe into Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to examine a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a judicial probe into the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed.

SC rejects 'Bahadur Shah Zafar kin' claim to Red Fort

SC rejects 'Bahadur Shah Zafar kin' claim to Red Fort

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has rejected a plea by a woman claiming to be the legal heir of the Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar-II, seeking possession of the Red Fort in Delhi. The court termed the plea as "misconceived" and "meritless", dismissing the petition against the Delhi High Court order. The petitioner, Sultana Begum, argued that her family was deprived of the Red Fort by the British East India Company after the first war of Independence in 1857. The court, however, dismissed the petition, citing the delay in filing the appeal and the lack of justification for the claim.

Banke Bihari temple panel challenges UP shrine control ordinance in SC

Banke Bihari temple panel challenges UP shrine control ordinance in SC

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

The committee said the Uttar Pradesh government did not file appeals against the high court's November 8, 2023 order and instead, an impleadment application was filed in the pending plea before the top court.

Plea filed in SC for nationwide revision of all electoral rolls

Plea filed in SC for nationwide revision of all electoral rolls

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, particularly before parliamentary, state assembly and local body elections. The court has agreed to hear a batch of petitions challenging the Election Commission's decision to undertake special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.

SC to hear on Friday plea seeking FIR into cash discovery at judge's house

SC to hear on Friday plea seeking FIR into cash discovery at judge's house

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court will hear a plea on Friday seeking a direction to Delhi Police to lodge an FIR over the alleged discovery of semi-burnt stash of cash from the official residence of High Court judge Yashwant Varma. The plea was filed by lawyer Mathews J Nedumpara and three others on Sunday. It challenges the 1991 judgement in the K Veeraswami case, in which the top court ruled that no criminal proceedings could be initiated against a judge of the high court or the top court without the prior nod of the Chief Justice of India. The alleged cash discovery happened following a fire at Varma's Lutyens Delhi residence on March 14, prompting the fire officers to rush to the spot. A Supreme Court-appointed in-house committee visited the residence of Justice Varma on Tuesday to commence its inquiry in the matter. Justice Varma denounced any insinuation and said no cash was ever placed in the storeroom either by him or any of his family members.

SC rejects plea seeking FIR in cash recovery incident

SC rejects plea seeking FIR in cash recovery incident

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the registration of an FIR over the alleged discovery of burnt wads of cash at the official residence of Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma. The court said an in-house inquiry was underway and there would be several options open to the Chief Justice of India after the probe's conclusion.

SC to hear pleas against amended Waqf law on Thursday

SC to hear pleas against amended Waqf law on Thursday

Rediff.com14 May 2025

The matter would be heard by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih.

SC extends bail to Ashoka university professor, bars posts on FIR

SC extends bail to Ashoka university professor, bars posts on FIR

Rediff.com29 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has extended the interim bail of Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who was arrested for contentious social media posts on Operation Sindoor. The court, however, restrained him from posting anything online with respect to the cases against him, stating that there was no impediment on his right to speech and expression. The court directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to furnish the investigation report on the next date of hearing.

What's wrong in using spyware against terrorists, asks SC

What's wrong in using spyware against terrorists, asks SC

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday questioned the issue of using "spyware against terrorists" and stated that any report touching upon the country's "security and sovereignty" won't be made public. The court indicated it might address individual concerns regarding privacy breaches, but the report of the technical committee would not be a document for public discussion. The court will examine the extent to which the report can be shared publicly. The court's statement came during a hearing on a petition related to the alleged use of Pegasus spyware for surveillance. The court also emphasized that "having spyware is not wrong, against whom you are using is the question" and that the security of the nation cannot be compromised. The hearing has been adjourned to July 30.

HC dissatisfied with FIR against MP minister for remarks on Col Qureshi

HC dissatisfied with FIR against MP minister for remarks on Col Qureshi

Rediff.com15 May 2025

The Madhya Pradesh high court on Thursday expressed dissatisfaction with the first information report (FIR) registered by police on its orders against minister Vijay Shah regarding his objectionable remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, and said it must be comprehensive.

HC sends lawyer to 6-month jail for unbuttoned shirt

HC sends lawyer to 6-month jail for unbuttoned shirt

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The Allahabad High Court has sentenced local lawyer Ashok Pande to six-month imprisonment for contempt of court. The court found that Pande appeared in court without a lawyer's robe and with his shirt unbuttoned, and misbehaved with the judges, calling them "goondas." The court also issued a show cause notice to Pande, questioning why he should not be barred from legal practice in the Allahabad High Court and its Lucknow bench.

SC stays Allahabad HC's 'grabbing breast not rape' ruling

SC stays Allahabad HC's 'grabbing breast not rape' ruling

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

A bench of Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih observed it was pained to say that some of the observations made in the high court order depicted total insensitiveness and an inhuman approach.

In a first, Supreme Court may revoke senior advocate's designation

In a first, Supreme Court may revoke senior advocate's designation

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has decided to issue a showcause notice to senior advocate Rishi Malhotra, asking why the designation conferred upon him by the apex court should not be revoked. The decision comes in the wake of allegations of misconduct against Malhotra, including suppressing material facts in multiple cases and making misleading statements despite warnings from the court. The full court, convened by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, has decided to give Malhotra one more opportunity to explain his conduct before stripping him of the senior designation. The court has expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the senior designation system and whether it ensures that only deserving advocates are being designated.

States must exclude creamy layer from SC/ST quota: Justice Gavai

States must exclude creamy layer from SC/ST quota: Justice Gavai

Rediff.com1 Aug 2024

Justice Gavai, who wrote a 281-page separate but concurring verdict, said it is the duty of the State to give preferential treatment to the backward class of citizens who are not adequately represented in government jobs.

As govt drags feet, court junks plea on Rahul Gandhi's citizenship

As govt drags feet, court junks plea on Rahul Gandhi's citizenship

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Allahabad High Court's Lucknow bench has disposed of a petition challenging Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Indian citizenship, allowing the petitioner to explore other legal options. The court stated that since the central government couldn't provide a timeframe for resolving the petitioner's complaint, there was no reason to keep the petition pending.

'Citizens Are Safe From The Government Only When...'

'Citizens Are Safe From The Government Only When...'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

'The moment they fall foul of the party in power, they become unsafe. Then nobody can guarantee their safety.'

Constable tortured with rods, electric shock: CBI books 6 J-K cops

Constable tortured with rods, electric shock: CBI books 6 J-K cops

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

The CBI has filed a case against six Jammu and Kashmir police officials for allegedly torturing a fellow constable in custody. The case was registered following a Supreme Court order.

SC bail for 23-year-old influencer accused of raping 40-year-old

SC bail for 23-year-old influencer accused of raping 40-year-old

Rediff.com28 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India granted interim bail to a 23-year-old social media influencer accused of raping a 40-year-old woman, raising questions about the Delhi Police's investigation. The court questioned the basis of the rape charges, noting that the woman had gone voluntarily with the accused to Jammu. The court also remarked on the man's influence, asking "Who gets influenced by such people?"

Trial of Manipur violence cases to be held in Guwahati: SC

Trial of Manipur violence cases to be held in Guwahati: SC

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday said the trial of the Manipur ethnic violence cases, probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation, would be conducted in Guwahati, Assam, where it was transferred to earlier.

Don't need our nod to file contempt plea against BJP MP: SC

Don't need our nod to file contempt plea against BJP MP: SC

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Dubey launched a broadside against the Supreme Court on Saturday, saying Parliament and state assemblies should be shut if the apex court has to make laws.

SC to hear Prof Mahmudabad's plea against arrest on May 21

SC to hear Prof Mahmudabad's plea against arrest on May 21

Rediff.com20 May 2025

The Supreme Court would likely hear on Wednesday a plea of Ashoka University's faculty Ali Khan Mahmudabad against his arrest for his social media posts over Operation Sindoor.