News for 'Centre for Public Interest Litigation'

SC divided on prior sanction for graft probe into govt servants

SC divided on prior sanction for graft probe into govt servants

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on the constitutional validity of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which mandates prior sanction for probing government servants in corruption cases. The case will now be placed before the Chief Justice for forming a larger bench.

9-judge SC bench to hear Sabarimala women entry plea in April

9-judge SC bench to hear Sabarimala women entry plea in April

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has announced that a nine-judge bench will begin final hearings on petitions related to discrimination against women in religions, including the Sabarimala Temple case, starting April 7.

Air, Water Purifiers: GST Council May Weigh 5% Levy

Air, Water Purifiers: GST Council May Weigh 5% Levy

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

The GST Council at its next meeting may consider a reduction in taxes on air and water purifiers as air quality across the country worsens and access to safe drinking water remains uneven.

HC rejects plea on fourfold compensation for IndiGo passengers

HC rejects plea on fourfold compensation for IndiGo passengers

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The Delhi High Court refused to entertain a PIL seeking compensation for passengers affected by IndiGo flight cancellations, citing an ongoing related case.

Opposition welcomes SC stay on UGC equity regulations; targets BJP

Opposition welcomes SC stay on UGC equity regulations; targets BJP

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court's stay on the UGC equity regulations aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination on campuses has been met with mixed reactions. Opposition parties welcomed the decision, while some expressed concern over the implications for marginalized communities.

Budget themes paint it as a reformative exercise

Budget themes paint it as a reformative exercise

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

The 2026-27 Budget, seeking to harmonise the government's imperative to grant certainty while ensuring a rational tax policy, had several notable announcements to usher in halcyon days, says Mukesh Butani.

Abolish or reduce tax on air purifiers in Delhi, HC tells GST Council

Abolish or reduce tax on air purifiers in Delhi, HC tells GST Council

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The Delhi High Court has directed the GST Council to consider lowering or abolishing the goods and services tax on air purifiers, citing worsening air quality in the national capital. The court has asked the council to meet at the earliest, even via video conference if necessary, to address the issue.

Sunanda probe: HC dismisses Swamy's plea, calls it 'political interest litigation'

Sunanda probe: HC dismisses Swamy's plea, calls it 'political interest litigation'

Rediff.com26 Oct 2017

The court said the petition by Swamy cannot be entertained as a PIL.

SC rejects PIL against nationwide rollout of ethanol-blended petrol

SC rejects PIL against nationwide rollout of ethanol-blended petrol

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court rejected a PIL challenging the nationwide rollout of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (EBP-20), citing benefits to sugarcane farmers. The plea alleged incompatibility issues with older vehicles.

Delhi pollution worsens: HC questions 18% GST on air purifiers

Delhi pollution worsens: HC questions 18% GST on air purifiers

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

The Delhi High Court has asked the central government why it cannot reduce the GST on air purifiers, considering the poor air quality in Delhi. The court's concern is that the current 18% GST makes air purifiers unaffordable for the common man.

SC reprimands Israeli businessman seeking to halt repatriation of daughters

SC reprimands Israeli businessman seeking to halt repatriation of daughters

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court reprimanded an Israeli businessman residing in India, questioning his presence in Goa while seeking to halt the repatriation of his two daughters and their Russian mother, who were rescued from a Karnataka forest.

SC Nod For Green Crackers; Sale Restricted In Delhi-NCR

SC Nod For Green Crackers; Sale Restricted In Delhi-NCR

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has allowed certified manufacturers to produce green crackers, but restricted their sale in Delhi-NCR without approval. The court has asked the Centre to review the ban on firecracker manufacturing in the region.

5500-strong pilots group seeks judicial probe into AI plane crash

5500-strong pilots group seeks judicial probe into AI plane crash

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has urged the government to order a judicial probe into the Air India Dreamliner crash that killed 260 people, alleging that the ongoing investigation is "compromised" and should be halted.

Rahul Gandhi's citizenship: HC seeks Centre's reply

Rahul Gandhi's citizenship: HC seeks Centre's reply

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

The Allahabad high court has directed the Centre to place before it on December 19 the decision taken on a representation moved against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi that claimed he concealed his British citizenship in contesting the parliamentary election from Raebareli seat this year.

Kolhapuri footwear makers allege GI breach by Prada, demand revenue share

Kolhapuri footwear makers allege GI breach by Prada, demand revenue share

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

They presented a letter urging him to look into the violation and preserve the product, which is a symbol of the state's cultural heritage.

Children served mid-day meal soiled by dog, HC orders compensation

Children served mid-day meal soiled by dog, HC orders compensation

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

The Chhattisgarh High Court has directed the state government to pay Rs 25,000 each to 84 students who consumed mid-day meals soiled by a dog. The court cited negligence on the part of the government and emphasized the need for vigilance in providing mid-day meals.

SC forms SIT to probe complaints against Vantara

SC forms SIT to probe complaints against Vantara

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court of India has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations of non-compliance with laws and irregularities at Vantara, a Green Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Gujarat. The SIT will examine the acquisition of animals, compliance with wildlife protection laws, and other related issues.

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.

HC notice to Kangana, Centre over Sikh outfits' plea

HC notice to Kangana, Centre over Sikh outfits' plea

Rediff.com2 Sep 2024

The Madhya Pradesh high court on Monday issued notices to actor Kangana Ranaut, the Centre, censor board and others on a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the screening of her upcoming Hindi film Emergency on the ground it contains scenes that violate fundamental rights of Sikhs.

SC registry refuses to accept Centre's plea on 2G verdict

SC registry refuses to accept Centre's plea on 2G verdict

Rediff.com2 May 2024

The Supreme Court Registry is learnt to have refused to accept the Centre's plea seeking modification of its 2012 verdict in the 2G spectrum case which had said the State was duty bound to adopt the auction route while transferring or alienating the country's natural resources.

2G spectrum: Centre moves SC for modification of 2012 verdict, here is why

2G spectrum: Centre moves SC for modification of 2012 verdict, here is why

Rediff.com23 Apr 2024

On Monday, Attorney General R Venkataramani, appearing for the Centre, mentioned an interim application before a bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice J B Pardiwala.

SC to hear plea against current practice to appoint CAG

SC to hear plea against current practice to appoint CAG

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court will hear a plea seeking an independent selection process for the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) on March 17. The PIL, filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, argues that the current system of appointment solely by the executive and the prime minister violates the Constitution and undermines the CAG's independence. The petition calls for a transparent process involving the prime minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Justice of India. The PIL contends that the CAG's role as a watchdog over government finances requires a fair and non-arbitrary appointment procedure.

Centre issued notice on BPCL, HPCL sale

Centre issued notice on BPCL, HPCL sale

Rediff.com14 Apr 2003

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Centre on a Public Interest Litigation challenging the legality of the government's decision to privatise public sector oil firms Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation.

CJI to decide listing of PIL on damage to public properties in Agnipath protests

CJI to decide listing of PIL on damage to public properties in Agnipath protests

Rediff.com21 Jun 2022

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said the plea for an SIT probe into the damage to public properties during the protests against Agnipath will be listed for hearing after the Chief Justice of India takes a decision in this regard.

SC seeks govt reply on plea against CAG appointment process

SC seeks govt reply on plea against CAG appointment process

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has sought the government's response on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that challenges the appointment process of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), arguing it's unconstitutional. The PIL, filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, claims the current process, solely through executive appointment by the Prime Minister, undermines the CAG's independence and violates constitutional principles. The court, while acknowledging the importance of institutional trust, questioned the extent to which it should intervene in the appointment process and whether this would constitute rewriting constitutional provisions. The PIL suggests the CAG's appointment should be similar to other independent bodies, with a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Justice of India. The case has implications for the independence and transparency of India's audit system.

SC refuses to hear PIL on Maha Kumbh stampede

SC refuses to hear PIL on Maha Kumbh stampede

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Terming as 'unfortunate' the January 29 stampede at Maha Kumbh where at least 30 people were killed, the Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) for guidelines over safety of devotees and asked the petitioner to move the Allahabad high court instead.

HC judges recuse from hearing plea against CJI's appointment

HC judges recuse from hearing plea against CJI's appointment

Rediff.com13 Jan 2023

The division bench of the high court noted that certain allegations have also been levelled against them in the petition, and said it cannot hear the case.

ULFA killings: SC issues notice to Centre, Assam

ULFA killings: SC issues notice to Centre, Assam

Rediff.com17 Feb 2006

The Supreme Court Friday issued notices to the Centre and Assam government on a public interest litigation seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into "secret killings" of 265 ULFA activists between 1998-2001.

SC seeks Govt's view on making Radia tapes public

SC seeks Govt's view on making Radia tapes public

Rediff.com24 Jan 2011

The Supreme Court sought the Centre's response on a plea for disclosure of the entire contents of corporate lobbyists Niira Radia's conversation with politicians, journalists and corporate tycoons, which were tapped by government authorities.

HC stays opening of Sadguru's Isha Yoga Centre near Bengaluru

HC stays opening of Sadguru's Isha Yoga Centre near Bengaluru

Rediff.com12 Jan 2023

Issuing notices to the state, the yoga centre, and 14 other respondents, the court issued the interim order of stay.

Centre justifies no SC tag for Dalit Muslims, Christians in SC

Centre justifies no SC tag for Dalit Muslims, Christians in SC

Rediff.com10 Nov 2022

The ministry also submitted that the identification of scheduled castes is centred around a specific social stigma that is limited to the communities identified in the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950.

Only English: PIL in HC against Hindi, Sanskrit titles to central laws

Only English: PIL in HC against Hindi, Sanskrit titles to central laws

Rediff.com28 May 2024

The petitioner, advocate PV Jeevesh, said that while the Centre gave Hindi and Sanskrit titles to those important legislations, the majority of the legal fraternity in South India is not conversant with the two languages.

AI aircraft purchase probe: SC notice to Centre

AI aircraft purchase probe: SC notice to Centre

Rediff.com21 Sep 2012

A bench of justices H L Dattu and C K Prasad sought response from the government, the national carrier and CBI on a petition filed by an NGO, Centre for Public Interest Litigation, alleging that various decisions taken during the tenure of Patel were meant to benefit private airlines and caused huge loss to Air India.

Asylum for Pak Hindus: HC seeks Centre's response

Asylum for Pak Hindus: HC seeks Centre's response

Rediff.com21 Dec 2011

The high court asked the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs to respond to its notice by February 29, 2012 on the PIL filed by Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha on the issue.

SC issues notice to Centre on plea to ban tobacco products

SC issues notice to Centre on plea to ban tobacco products

Rediff.com12 Dec 2012

The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notice to the Centre on a plea for complete ban on manufacture and sale of gutka, pan masala and other tobacco products in the country.

Cheque bounce cases: SC notice to Centre, states

Cheque bounce cases: SC notice to Centre, states

Rediff.com21 Jan 2013

While seeking responses of various governments, a bench of Justices K S Radhakrishnan and Deepak Misra said it is 'very serious issue.'

SC issues notice to Centre on Somali pirates

SC issues notice to Centre on Somali pirates

Rediff.com14 Jan 2013

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Centre on a public interest litigation seeking direction to the government to frame effective anti-piracy guidelines in the wake of increasing incidents of Indian seamen being held hostages by Somali pirates.

SC issues notice to Centre, HPCL, BPCL

SC issues notice to Centre, HPCL, BPCL

Rediff.com25 Jul 2003

Supreme Court on Friday issued notices to the Union government and public sector oil majors Hindustan Petroleum Corporation and Bharat Petroleum Corporation on a public interest litigation challenging the Centre's decision to privatise.

TN HC orders notice to Centre on Adam's Bridge

TN HC orders notice to Centre on Adam's Bridge

Rediff.com15 May 2007

The PILs were submitted by Rama Gopalan, President, Hindu Munnani and Subramanian Swamy, Janata party President.

PM Cares not govt fund, 3rd party info can't be revealed, Centre tells HC

PM Cares not govt fund, 3rd party info can't be revealed, Centre tells HC

Rediff.com31 Jan 2023

The affidavit was filed in response to a petition seeking a direction to declare the PM CARES Fund a 'State' under the Constitution to ensure transparency in its functioning.