News for 'Constitution Bench'

Supreme Court to address Parsi woman's plea on religious identity after inter-faith marriage

Supreme Court to address Parsi woman's plea on religious identity after inter-faith marriage

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea on May 29 seeking a direction to the Nagpur Parsi Panchayat to treat a Parsi woman equally with her male counterparts, even after she marries a person of another faith, challenging a rule that allegedly strips Parsi women of their religious identity upon inter-faith marriage.

'SIR breathes life into fair polls': SC upholds EC exercise

'SIR breathes life into fair polls': SC upholds EC exercise

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The pleas challenging SIR claimed that the Election Commission does not have powers under Article 326 of the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Rules made under it to carry out SIR in a larger form.

CJI impeachment: Congress moves SC; 5-judge constitution bench to hear matter

CJI impeachment: Congress moves SC; 5-judge constitution bench to hear matter

Rediff.com7 May 2018

It is significant that the matter has not been listed before the judges who are number two to five in the seniority.

BJP govt to table UCC bill in Bengal assembly, face twin TMC challenge

BJP govt to table UCC bill in Bengal assembly, face twin TMC challenge

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Less than two months after ending the TMC's 15-year rule in the state, the BJP government is expected to table one of its most ambitious and politically sensitive promises, setting the stage for what could become the first major ideological confrontation of the post-election period.

FIR against Mamata Banerjee for 'provocative remarks'

FIR against Mamata Banerjee for 'provocative remarks'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

An FIR has been registered against former West Bengal chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee for allegedly making provocative remarks during the last assembly poll campaign, with a complaint stating her comments were 'capable of promoting enmity between communities'.

'Bail is rule even in UAPA': SC criticises own Umar Khalid order

'Bail is rule even in UAPA': SC criticises own Umar Khalid order

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that bail is the general rule, even in cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), while granting bail to an accused in a narco-terror case.

Dawoodi Bohra verdict row: HC ex-judge Patel gets security cover

Dawoodi Bohra verdict row: HC ex-judge Patel gets security cover

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Retired Judge Gautam Patel and his family, getting threatening letters over his 2024 verdict on the succession row in the Dawoodi Bohra community, have been provided police protection, the Maharashtra government on Monday told the Bombay high court.

High Court Seeks Solution For Juvenile Homes' Funding Delay

High Court Seeks Solution For Juvenile Homes' Funding Delay

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Allahabad High Court has expressed strong displeasure over the delay in the release of funds to NGO-run juvenile homes operating under the Mission Vatsalya scheme, warning of action if a solution is not presented by May 29.

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.

Sabarimala case: SC questions maintainability of pleas by non-devotees

Sabarimala case: SC questions maintainability of pleas by non-devotees

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India questioned the Centre regarding the eligibility of non-devotees to challenge the customs of the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, during a hearing on religious freedom and discrimination against women at religious sites.

Sovereignty paramount in drug cases, rules SC; cancels accused's bail

Sovereignty paramount in drug cases, rules SC; cancels accused's bail

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that national sovereignty takes precedence over personal liberty, particularly in cases involving drug trafficking and psychotropic substances. The ruling came as the court overturned a High Court order granting bail to an accused drug trafficker.

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.

Worship Act doesn't stop land acquisition for public projects: HC

Worship Act doesn't stop land acquisition for public projects: HC

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, prohibits only the conversion of religious character but does not prevent the state from acquiring such properties for secular and public purposes. This observation came while dismissing a petition challenging the widening and beautification of the Dalmandi area in Varanasi for the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor, which involved the proposed demolition of six ancient mosques.

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.

Right to trauma care integral part of right to life: SC

Right to trauma care integral part of right to life: SC

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has directed all states and Union territories to operationalise a single helpline number '112' for emergency responses and establish a functional good samaritan grievance redressal system within three months, emphasising that the right to trauma care is an integral part of the right to life.

Aadhaar not proof of citizenship, says SC in SIR ruling

Aadhaar not proof of citizenship, says SC in SIR ruling

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has upheld the Election Commission's documentation framework for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, affirming the commission's authority and stating that Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship.

SC allows euthanasia for rabid, dangerous stray dogs

SC allows euthanasia for rabid, dangerous stray dogs

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has permitted euthanasia for rabid, incurably ill, or demonstrably dangerous stray dogs to mitigate the threat to human life. The ruling includes several directives to manage the rising stray dog population, emphasising public safety and animal welfare.

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.

In a first, SC allows passive euthanasia for man in coma for 12 years

In a first, SC allows passive euthanasia for man in coma for 12 years

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court of India has granted permission for passive euthanasia for a 32-year-old man who has been in a coma for over 12 years, authorising the withdrawal of his artificial life support.

Roads can't be blocked for religious activities: SC

Roads can't be blocked for religious activities: SC

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has stated that roads cannot be blocked for religious activities and that while religious denominations have autonomy in worship, the government can interfere if secular activities are affected.

In a first, 3 Constitution benches to sit during SC summer vacation

In a first, 3 Constitution benches to sit during SC summer vacation

Rediff.com2 Apr 2017

Along with the triple talaq matter, the Supreme Court will also hear cases related to Aadhaar and WhatsApp during the nearly 50-day summer vacation.

SC allows release of convict in Madhumita Shukla murder case after 22 years

SC allows release of convict in Madhumita Shukla murder case after 22 years

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court has allowed a plea seeking the premature release of Rohit Chaturvedi, a convict in the 2003 murder case of poet Madhumita Shukla, emphasising reformation over retribution.

SC orders eviction plan for 118 govt servants encroaching on TN's Agasthyamalai

SC orders eviction plan for 118 govt servants encroaching on TN's Agasthyamalai

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the preparation and implementation of a time-bound eviction plan to address encroachments within the protected areas of the Agasthyamalai ecological landscape in Tamil Nadu, also ordering action against government servants involved.

SC forms high-powered committee to review Centre's Aravalli report

SC forms high-powered committee to review Centre's Aravalli report

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has established a high-powered committee, chaired by Kanchan Devi, Director General of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), to independently review the Centre's report on the definition and delineation of the Aravalli hill range, aiming to resolve 'critical ambiguities' in its findings.

Court Questions WFI Over Vinesh Phogat's Ineligibility For Asian Games

Court Questions WFI Over Vinesh Phogat's Ineligibility For Asian Games

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Delhi High Court has criticised the Wrestling Federation of India for declaring Vinesh Phogat ineligible for domestic events and has asked the Centre to form an expert panel to evaluate her participation in the upcoming Asian Games selection trials.

Should Aadhaar use be restricted to ID proof, SC asks govt

Should Aadhaar use be restricted to ID proof, SC asks govt

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and States regarding a plea alleging the misuse of Aadhaar cards as proof of citizenship, domicile, and residential address. The petition argues that despite legal provisions, Aadhaar is being used for purposes beyond identity verification, potentially aiding illegal immigrants, and calls for a comprehensive overhaul of electoral verification processes.

Supreme Court Seeks Status Report On Manipur Violence Trial

Supreme Court Seeks Status Report On Manipur Violence Trial

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Supreme Court has called for an expedited trial in the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence case and requested a status report from authorities, highlighting the need for confidence-building measures for victims.

Supreme Court Appoints Ex-CJI Chandrachud As Mediator In Sunjay Kapur Family Trust Case

Supreme Court Appoints Ex-CJI Chandrachud As Mediator In Sunjay Kapur Family Trust Case

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Asking the parties to participate in the mediation proceedings with an open mind, the apex court said they may not make any statements in the public and may not go on social media about the dispute.

Lawyers ask Supreme Court to retract remarks on greens stalling development

Lawyers ask Supreme Court to retract remarks on greens stalling development

Rediff.com21 May 2026

A group of lawyers and activists have petitioned the Chief Justice of India to retract recent Supreme Court remarks that cast doubt on the legitimacy of environmental pleas against developmental projects.

Harish Rana, India's First Passive Euthanasia Recipient, Passes Away

Harish Rana, India's First Passive Euthanasia Recipient, Passes Away

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Harish Rana, the first person in India to be granted passive euthanasia, has died at AIIMS-Delhi after being in a coma for over 13 years. His case led to a landmark Supreme Court judgment allowing passive euthanasia and sparked discussions about the right to die with dignity in India.

Criminal law can't target every in-law in marital disputes: SC

Criminal law can't target every in-law in marital disputes: SC

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Supreme Court on Monday said criminal law cannot be permitted to be set in motion against every relative of the husband in a matrimonial dispute merely on the basis of omnibus allegations lacking a specific factual foundation.

Why Threatening To Post Bathing Video Online Is Criminal Intimidation

Why Threatening To Post Bathing Video Online Is Criminal Intimidation

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that threatening to publish a video of a woman disrobing or bathing on social media constitutes criminal intimidation under the Indian Penal Code.

Meenakshi Natarajan alleges 'seat chori' after SC dismisses plea

Meenakshi Natarajan alleges 'seat chori' after SC dismisses plea

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Congress party has accused the BJP and the Election Commission of being "partners in crime" in what it terms "seat chori" (seat theft), following the rejection of its Rajya Sabha candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination. The party claims the rejection was based on "flawed and unreasonable" logic, alleging non-disclosure of a criminal case against Natarajan, despite her stating only a legal notice exists.

Supreme Court Says Existing Laws Sufficient To Address Hate Speech

Supreme Court Says Existing Laws Sufficient To Address Hate Speech

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has stated that the current legal framework is sufficient to address hate speech, declining to intervene and create new offences.

'Conflict of interest': CJI recuses from hearing plea on CEC appointment

'Conflict of interest': CJI recuses from hearing plea on CEC appointment

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has recused himself from hearing petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 2023 law regarding the appointment of election commissioners, citing a potential conflict of interest.

Delhi High Court Allows Vinesh Phogat To Participate In Asian Games Trials

Delhi High Court Allows Vinesh Phogat To Participate In Asian Games Trials

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Delhi High Court has allowed wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the upcoming Asian Games trials, criticising the Wrestling Federation of India's selection policy for lacking discretion regarding iconic players returning from maternity leave.

Why Vinesh Phogat Can Compete In Asian Games Trials

Why Vinesh Phogat Can Compete In Asian Games Trials

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Delhi High Court has approved wrestler Vinesh Phogat's participation in the Asian Games trials, criticising the Wrestling Federation of India's exclusionary selection policy.

Constitution Bench to decide if ministers can air personal views on official matters

Constitution Bench to decide if ministers can air personal views on official matters

Rediff.com5 Oct 2017

The apex court had earlier said it would consider whether the fundamental right of speech and expression would be governed under reasonable restriction of decency or morality or whether other preferred fundamental rights would also have an impact on it.

Supreme Court: Aravalli Definition Panel Must Consult Experts, Public

Supreme Court: Aravalli Definition Panel Must Consult Experts, Public

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Supreme Court has emphasised that the expert committee tasked with defining the Aravalli hills and ranges must consult domain experts and other stakeholders to ensure public input is heard.

HC orders notice to CM Vijay over use of children to influence electorate

HC orders notice to CM Vijay over use of children to influence electorate

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Madras High Court has issued notices to key political figures and the Election Commission following a petition alleging corrupt practices during the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, including the use of children to influence voters.