News for 'Bench'

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.

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.

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.

Lucknow school students protest again over teacher shortage

Lucknow school students protest again over teacher shortage

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Girls at a government-run residential school in Lucknow staged a protest, the second in four days, demanding more teachers and better class conduct. The demonstration disrupted traffic, leading to official intervention and ongoing discussions with students regarding their grievances, which include a lack of science teachers despite approaching board exams.

Kharge alleges BJP 'purified' stage after his Uttarakhand rally

Kharge alleges BJP 'purified' stage after his Uttarakhand rally

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Kharge, who is also the Congress President, demanded that cases should be registered, under the Untouchability Act, against those who purified the stage in Haldwani, and they should be arrested and sent to jail.

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.

HC orders takedown of 'vile, obscene' deepfakes against Gadkari

HC orders takedown of 'vile, obscene' deepfakes against Gadkari

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has ordered major social media platforms, including Meta, X Corp, and Google LLC, to immediately remove 'vile, abusive, obscene, and defamatory' deepfakes and AI-generated content targeting Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, emphasising the urgent need for online platforms to curb malicious digital content.

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.

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.

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.

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.

AIIMS report rejecting Asaram's hospitalisation given to SC; bail hearing on Aug 6

AIIMS report rejecting Asaram's hospitalisation given to SC; bail hearing on Aug 6

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court was informed that AIIMS experts have concluded self-styled godman Asaram does not require hospitalisation but needs round-the-clock medical assistance, as he seeks interim bail on health grounds.

US Appeals Court Affirms $2 Billion Devas Award Against ISRO's Antrix

US Appeals Court Affirms $2 Billion Devas Award Against ISRO's Antrix

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

A US appeals court has upheld a $562.5 million arbitral award, which has grown to over $2 billion with interest, in favour of Devas Multimedia against Antrix Corporation, the commercial arm of ISRO, ruling that US courts have jurisdiction despite Antrix being government-owned.

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.

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 to hear PIL seeking alternative to Jantar Mantar as protest site

SC to hear PIL seeking alternative to Jantar Mantar as protest site

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court is reviewing a Public Interest Litigation challenging Jantar Mantar's suitability as a protest site in New Delhi, citing inconvenience to local residents and disruption of essential services. The court has issued notices to the Centre and other parties to address concerns about access and movement in the area.

NLSIU students, alumni oppose CJI, BCI chief attending convocation

NLSIU students, alumni oppose CJI, BCI chief attending convocation

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

The Students and Alumni of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru have opposed Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra attending the upcoming convocation of the varsity.

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.

CJP protest was hijacked by 'history-sheeters': Delhi Police to SC

CJP protest was hijacked by 'history-sheeters': Delhi Police to SC

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Delhi Police has strongly defended its use of force during the 'Chalo Sansad' protest on July 20, telling the Supreme Court that the agitation was 'hijacked by anti-social elements and history-sheeters,' leading to law and order breakdown and over 240 police personnel injuries.

SC quashes power to grant retrospective green nod, leaves window open

SC quashes power to grant retrospective green nod, leaves window open

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has quashed the 2021 Office Memorandum allowing retrospective environmental clearances, reinforcing the importance of prior environmental approval for projects but held that the judgment will apply prospectively, thus saving projects that got retrospective ECs from demolition and other punitive measures.

EC unlawfully recognised Shinde faction: Sena-UBT tells SC

EC unlawfully recognised Shinde faction: Sena-UBT tells SC

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

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.

Bangladesh court grants bail to Hindu monk, but will remain in jail

Bangladesh court grants bail to Hindu monk, but will remain in jail

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

Bangladesh's High Court has granted bail to Hindu rights leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in two cases, though he remains in prison due to four other pending charges, including murder and treason. His arrest in November 2024 on sedition charges had sparked protests and communal tensions, drawing concern from India and occurring amidst strained India-Bangladesh relations following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Bhojshala row: SC to hear Muslim plea over alternate namaaz site on Friday

Bhojshala row: SC to hear Muslim plea over alternate namaaz site on Friday

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court agreed to hear on Friday a plea of the Muslim side alleging that the alternative site identified by the Madhya Pradesh government for offering namaaz was located too far from the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar.

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.

SC judge recuses from DMK leader's bail hearing

SC judge recuses from DMK leader's bail hearing

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Supreme Court Justice V Mohana has recused herself from hearing the anticipatory bail plea of DMK leader V Senthil Balaji in a new corruption case related to alleged irregularities in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). The plea, seeking pre-arrest bail, was filed after the Madras High Court dismissed Balaji's petition. The case involves a systematic cash-kickback scheme and overcharging at TASMAC retail shops.

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.

CJP warns of nationwide stir, accuses Centre of backtracking on FIR promise

CJP warns of nationwide stir, accuses Centre of backtracking on FIR promise

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Tuesday accused the Centre of resisting the Supreme Court's bid to facilitate quashing of FIRs against students and protesters and demanded that the outfit's members be included in the high-powered committee announced by the court to examine allegations of police excesses and violence against cops.

BCI chief apologises for letter banning NALSAR graduates

BCI chief apologises for letter banning NALSAR graduates

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has issued an apology to law students, particularly those from NALSAR, for any hurt caused by the recent controversy surrounding their convocation and enrolment, urging them to make independent decisions.

13-year court battle led to Tarun Tejpal's conviction for rape

13-year court battle led to Tarun Tejpal's conviction for rape

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has convicted former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal for the sexual assault of a junior colleague in 2013, overturning his 2021 acquittal by a trial court.

SC backs creativity, okays animated Lord Jagannath film

SC backs creativity, okays animated Lord Jagannath film

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court dismissed the Odisha government's plea to modify an order allowing the release of the animated film "Mahaprabhu Jagannath". The court emphasised that creativity, art, and culture should not be curtailed due to sensitivities regarding deity depictions, especially for children's animation.

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.

SC proposes special courts, speedy trial for Manipur ethnic violence cases

SC proposes special courts, speedy trial for Manipur ethnic violence cases

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has proposed establishing special courts for day-to-day trials in criminal cases stemming from the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence. The court also directed probe agencies to expedite investigations, ensure victims receive chargesheet copies, and asked for status reports on missing persons and ongoing cases.

'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.

Uddhav Sena moves SC challenging merger of 6 MPs with Shinde Sena

Uddhav Sena moves SC challenging merger of 6 MPs with Shinde Sena

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has approached the Supreme Court to challenge Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's decision to approve the merger of six of its MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The plea was mentioned before a bench for an urgent hearing.

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.

TN pleads in SC for reservation benefits for Muslim converts

TN pleads in SC for reservation benefits for Muslim converts

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has reserved its decision on a plea by the Tamil Nadu government challenging a Madras High Court verdict. The High Court had ruled that individuals converting to Islam are not automatically entitled to reservation benefits under the Backward Class (Muslim) category solely based on their conversion.

AITA Implements Age Cap For Executive Committee Members

AITA Implements Age Cap For Executive Committee Members

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has voted to cap the age for eligibility to its Executive Committee at 70 years, aligning its constitution with the National Sports Governance Act. This decision, approved by a narrow margin, allows elected members to complete their full four-year term even if they cross 70 during their tenure. The move is part of a broader constitutional overhaul overseen by the Delhi High Court, which also includes new tenure provisions and the election of Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit.

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.

Ensure every road has encroachment-free pedestrian space: SC to Centre

Ensure every road has encroachment-free pedestrian space: SC to Centre

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to ensure all roads have properly demarcated, encroachment-free spaces for pedestrians, emphasising that the right to walk on a footpath is a fundamental right.

'Oppn can't dictate': Rijiju amid demand for Shah's statement

'Oppn can't dictate': Rijiju amid demand for Shah's statement

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted in Lok Sabha that the Opposition cannot dictate which minister responds to questions, amidst demands for Home Minister Amit Shah to address police action on protesting students. The House faced continuous disruptions, leading to adjournment.