News for 'Constitution Bench'

'Had a sixth sense': SC quashes rape case after convict marries complainant

'Had a sixth sense': SC quashes rape case after convict marries complainant

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has quashed the conviction of a man in a rape case, noting the complainant and the convict have married each other and observed that the consensual relationship between the parties was given a criminal colour owing to a misunderstanding.

UPSC exams to allow change of scribe, screen-readers for visually impaired

UPSC exams to allow change of scribe, screen-readers for visually impaired

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to incorporate provisions for scribe changes and implement screen-reader software for visually-impaired candidates in its examinations. The court emphasized the constitutional rights of differently-abled people and the need for inclusive governance.

SC rejects plea to declare Art 370 abrogation as constitutionally valid

SC rejects plea to declare Art 370 abrogation as constitutionally valid

Rediff.com21 Aug 2023

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition seeking a declaration that abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, which bestowed special status on the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, was constitutionally valid.

Had info Cong could carry out 'unexpected act', told PM...: Birla

Had info Cong could carry out 'unexpected act', told PM...: Birla

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The Speaker thanked Modi for acceding to his request and avoiding unpleasant scenes in the Lok Sabha by not coming to the House on Wednesday.

New CJI-led bench to hear pleas against Waqf Act

New CJI-led bench to hear pleas against Waqf Act

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday said the pleas challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act's constitutional validity will now be taken up by a bench headed by Chief Justice of India-designate Justice B R Gavai on May 15 as the incumbent CJI will be demitting office on May 13.

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.

Supreme Court Clears Assam's Encroachment Drive

Supreme Court Clears Assam's Encroachment Drive

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The ruling comes against the backdrop of an intensified anti-encroachment campaign launched by the Assam government since May 2021.

Ghooskhor Pandat row: Neeraj Pandey withdraws title, SC disposes of plea

Ghooskhor Pandat row: Neeraj Pandey withdraws title, SC disposes of plea

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has disposed of a plea against the Netflix film 'Ghooskhor Pandit' after filmmaker Neeraj Pandey withdrew the title and promotional material. The court acknowledged Pandey's affidavit and expects the controversy to be resolved.

President Murmu invokes leaders from Nehru to Vajpayee to urge MPs' unity

President Murmu invokes leaders from Nehru to Vajpayee to urge MPs' unity

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

President Droupadi Murmu addressed Parliament, urging unity on national issues like 'Viksit Bharat', swadeshi, and national security. She highlighted government initiatives and the nation's progress.

Sonam Wangchuk tried to incite Gen Z protests: Centre

Sonam Wangchuk tried to incite Gen Z protests: Centre

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Centre and the Union Territory of Ladakh administration have accused jailed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk of attempting to instigate Gen Z for protests, drawing parallels to unrest in Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Arab Spring.

Woman lawyer alleges sexual assault in police custody; SC issues notice

Woman lawyer alleges sexual assault in police custody; SC issues notice

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday sought responses from the Centre, Uttar Pradesh government and others on a plea filed by a woman advocate alleging illegal detention and custodial sexual assault at a police station in Noida.

Karur stampede: CBI grills TVK chief Vijay for 6 hrs; no fresh summons

Karur stampede: CBI grills TVK chief Vijay for 6 hrs; no fresh summons

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

TVK chief Vijay was questioned by the CBI for six hours in connection with the Karur stampede case. The investigation is ongoing, with the CBI gathering evidence and analyzing statements to determine responsibility.

57 Maharashtra local poll results depend on quota verdict: SC

57 Maharashtra local poll results depend on quota verdict: SC

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has addressed the issue of reservation quotas in Maharashtra local body elections, stating that the final results of elections in 57 local bodies, where the 50% quota ceiling has been breached, will depend on its judgment in the case.

When do you intend to return? HC asks Mallya on fugitive tag pleas

When do you intend to return? HC asks Mallya on fugitive tag pleas

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

The HC posed the question to the 70-year-old liquor baron, wanted in India to face trial on fraud and money laundering charges, on his return home while hearing his twin pleas.

Vijay's Jana Nayagan release delayed again, HC stays own order

Vijay's Jana Nayagan release delayed again, HC stays own order

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

The Madras high court on Friday directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to grant a censor certificate to actor-turned-politician Vijay's upcoming film Jana Nayagan, setting aside the board's directive to refer the matter to a review committee.

Madhya Pradesh High Court Allows Haq Release

Madhya Pradesh High Court Allows Haq Release

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

The Madhya Pradesh high court has dismissed a petition filed by Shah Bano Begum's daughter seeking to stop the release of the Hindi film Haq, inspired by her mother's famous legal battle, holding that a person's right to reputation or privacy is not heritable.

Constitution doesn't support forced or fraudulent conversion: HC

Constitution doesn't support forced or fraudulent conversion: HC

Rediff.com19 May 2025

Justice Vinod Diwaker made the observation while rejecting a plea to cancel an FIR against four people accused under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021.

Presumption of constitutionality in favour of Waqf law, says SC

Presumption of constitutionality in favour of Waqf law, says SC

Rediff.com20 May 2025

Underscoring the 'presumption of constitutionality in favour of law', the Supreme Court on Tuesday said petitioners challenging the waqf law needed a 'strong and glaring' case for interim relief.

SC to hear on July 22 Presidential reference on bill assent timelines

SC to hear on July 22 Presidential reference on bill assent timelines

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court is scheduled to consider the Presidential reference on whether timelines could be imposed by judicial orders for the exercise of discretion by the President while dealing with bills passed by state assemblies.

Exclusion of 'creamy layer' from reservation is legislature's call: SC

Exclusion of 'creamy layer' from reservation is legislature's call: SC

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court on Thursday said the executive and the legislature would decide whether persons, who had availed quota benefits and were in a position to compete with others, were to be excluded from reservation.

HC allows release of film 'Haq' based on Shah Bano case

HC allows release of film 'Haq' based on Shah Bano case

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

The Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed a petition seeking a stay on the release of the Hindi film 'Haq', which is inspired by the life and legal struggle of Shah Bano Begum. The court found the petition devoid of merit, clearing the way for the film's release.

SC orders removal of stray animals from highways, expressways

SC orders removal of stray animals from highways, expressways

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the removal of all cattle and other stray animals from highways and expressways, citing safety concerns and frequent accidents.

Sensitise boys to end menstrual stigma in schools: SC

Sensitise boys to end menstrual stigma in schools: SC

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court of India has emphasized the need to sensitize male teachers and students about menstruation to eliminate stigma and ensure the effective use of menstrual hygiene facilities in schools.

'Governor insulted his office': Stalin attacks Ravi

'Governor insulted his office': Stalin attacks Ravi

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday claimed that Governor R N Ravi 'insulted' the gubernatorial position he holds, by not reading out the speech at the commencement of the assembly session.

Governor can't send bills to Prez after second assembly approval: SC

Governor can't send bills to Prez after second assembly approval: SC

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has ruled that a Governor cannot send bills to the President for consideration if the state assembly has already cleared them for a second time. The court was questioning the Centre over the powers of the Governor when it comes to granting assent to bills.

Oppn led by DMK moves notice in LS to remove HC judge over TN temple order

Oppn led by DMK moves notice in LS to remove HC judge over TN temple order

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Several opposition MPs have submitted a notice to the Lok Sabha Speaker to move a motion for the removal of Madras High Court Judge G R Swaminathan over his order regarding a temple lamp.

SC reserves verdict on euthanasia plea for man in coma since 2013

SC reserves verdict on euthanasia plea for man in coma since 2013

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment on a plea seeking passive euthanasia for a man who has been in a comatose state for over 12 years after suffering a fall in 2013. The court heard arguments regarding the withdrawal of artificial life support and the ethical considerations involved.

Time To Elect, Not Select Governors

Time To Elect, Not Select Governors

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

In a federal democracy, the people must have a say (indirect or direct) in an office as important as that of governor. Especially in a governor who can now effectively veto a bill by simply refusing to sign it, argues Harishchandra.

SC seeks EC response on TMC MPs' plea over Bengal electoral rolls

SC seeks EC response on TMC MPs' plea over Bengal electoral rolls

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Election Commission on a plea by Trinamool Congress MPs alleging irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal.

36 ex-judges decry Oppn attempt to impeach Justice Swaminathan

36 ex-judges decry Oppn attempt to impeach Justice Swaminathan

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

Thirty-six former judges have called on people, including parliamentarians, to denounce opposition leaders' move to impeach Madras High Court judge Justice G R Swaminathan, saying such an attempt would undermine democracy and judicial independence.

3-judge SC bench to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Thursday

3-judge SC bench to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Thursday

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear a batch of petitions challenging the validity of certain provisions of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which prohibits lawsuits to reclaim a place of worship or change its character from what prevailed on August 15, 1947. The pleas, including one filed by Ashwini Upadhyay, argue that these provisions violate the right to judicial remedy and create an arbitrary cut-off date. The matter will be heard in the backdrop of several ongoing cases related to places of worship, including the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura. The Muslim side has cited the 1991 law to argue that such suits are not maintainable. The Supreme Court had previously sought the Centre's response to Upadhyay's petition, which alleged that the law creates an "arbitrary and irrational retrospective cut-off date" for maintaining the character of places of worship.

What's the problem with President's reference, SC asks states

What's the problem with President's reference, SC asks states

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments regarding a presidential reference on whether fixed timelines can be imposed on governors and the president for acting on bills passed by state legislatures. The court is considering objections to the maintainability of the reference under Article 143 of the Constitution.

SC to hear pleas seeking stay on anti-conversion laws in Dec

SC to hear pleas seeking stay on anti-conversion laws in Dec

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has declined to urgently hear pleas seeking a stay on anti-conversion laws enacted by several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. The matter is now scheduled for hearing in December.

Relief for Mamata govt as HC reinstates 32K primary teachers

Relief for Mamata govt as HC reinstates 32K primary teachers

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The Calcutta High Court overturned a single bench order that annulled the appointments of 32,000 primary school teachers in West Bengal, stating that irregularities were not proven in all recruitments. The decision brings relief to the teachers and is seen as a boost for the TMC-led state government.

Informing grounds of arrest constitutional requirement: SC

Informing grounds of arrest constitutional requirement: SC

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that informing an accused of the grounds for their arrest is not a formality but a mandatory constitutional requirement. The court declared the arrest of Vihaan Kumar, who was accused of financial fraud, as unconstitutional and ordered his immediate release. The ruling emphasizes the importance of procedural safeguards in criminal law and highlights the fundamental rights of arrested individuals. The court also expressed disapproval of the police's treatment of Kumar, including handcuffing and chaining him while he was in the hospital.

Not justifying Guv's sitting over bills but...: Centre in SC

Not justifying Guv's sitting over bills but...: Centre in SC

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

The Centre told the Supreme Court that governors are not indefinitely sitting on bills passed by state legislatures, and that barring a few exceptions, most have acted in a way which the apex court would have perhaps desired. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that a Governor is "not a rubber stamp" and has a duty to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.

SC questions Centre on bills pending with Governors since 2020

SC questions Centre on bills pending with Governors since 2020

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

The Centre has opposed the imposition of fixed timelines on governors and the President for decisions on bills passed by state legislatures, arguing that such constraints were intentionally omitted by the Constitution's framers.

Month after 3 senior citizens disappear from Delhi, HC steps in

Month after 3 senior citizens disappear from Delhi, HC steps in

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

A Division Bench of the Delhi high court, comprising Justice Vivek Chaudhary and Justice Manoj Jain, issued the direction on a petition moved by Ondrilla Dasgupta. The court has scheduled a further hearing on January 13, 2026.

HC rejects plea against 'Karthigai Deepam' lighting on TN hill

HC rejects plea against 'Karthigai Deepam' lighting on TN hill

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The division bench said that in the single judge's order dated December 1, 2025, the responsibility to carry out the work (lighting the lamp) was entrusted to the Thirupparankundram Arulmighu Subramania Swamy temple management.

SC to hear on Monday Aravalli Hills definition issue amid row

SC to hear on Monday Aravalli Hills definition issue amid row

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the controversy surrounding the definition of Aravalli hills and is scheduled to hear the matter. The court had previously accepted a uniform definition and banned fresh mining leases in the area.