News for 'Constitution Bench'

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.

SC orders CBI probe on 'builders-banks nexus'

SC orders CBI probe on 'builders-banks nexus'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Observing an "unholy nexus" between the banks and developers to dupe homebuyers, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the CBI to register seven preliminary enquiries against builders in NCR, including Supertech Limited.

Won't touch northeast's special rules, govt tells SC in Art 370 hearing

Won't touch northeast's special rules, govt tells SC in Art 370 hearing

Rediff.com23 Aug 2023

Tewari, a Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP, was appearing for former Arunachal Pradesh MLA Padi Richo, who has filed an intervention application in a batch of petitions challenging abrogation of Article 370.

SC rejects plea seeking review of electoral bonds scheme

SC rejects plea seeking review of electoral bonds scheme

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

The review pleas filed by advocate Mathews J Nedumpara and others contended that the matter related to the scheme falls in the exclusive domain of legislative and executive policy.

SC marks 50 years of Constitution's 'basic structure' verdict with web page

SC marks 50 years of Constitution's 'basic structure' verdict with web page

Rediff.com24 Apr 2023

The Supreme Court on Monday dedicated a web page containing details of arguments, written submissions and the judgment in the historic Kesavananda Bharati case which laid down the path-breaking concept of the 'Basic Structure' of the Constitution.

Corporate affairs ministry assessing need to ramp up bench strength of NCLT

Corporate affairs ministry assessing need to ramp up bench strength of NCLT

Rediff.com22 Aug 2023

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is contemplating an increase to the existing strength of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) benches to handle the growing case load. The ministry is currently analysing the time taken by each bench to dispose of matters and the total number of cases being handled by each bench. "We need to first determine our requirement, given that the NCLT handles both Company Act and insolvency and bankruptcy matters. "The latter constitutes the majority of the case burden.

As it is we are being accused of...: SC judge responds to attacks

As it is we are being accused of...: SC judge responds to attacks

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Justice Gavai's comment came while the apex court bench, also comprising Justice Augustine George Masih, was considering a fresh plea seeking an inquiry into the recent violence in West Bengal during anti-Waqf law protests.

SC allows RG Kar doc's parents to pursue further probe on others' role

SC allows RG Kar doc's parents to pursue further probe on others' role

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court has allowed the parents of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim to pursue their plea for a further court-monitored CBI probe into the incident before the Calcutta High Court. The parents had expressed dissatisfaction with the CBI's initial probe and sought a more thorough investigation. The court, without making comments, disposed of the application, allowing the parents to continue the proceedings before the high court. The case has also prompted the Supreme Court to consider recommendations for preventing gender-based violence and developing safety protocols for medical staff at hospitals across the nation.

SC agrees to examine constitutionality of 'triple talaq'

SC agrees to examine constitutionality of 'triple talaq'

Rediff.com29 Jun 2016

The apex court said 'we are not straightaway arriving at any conclusion' as there were 'very strong views' on both sides. It said it will also see if there was any error in previous judgements which dealt with the issue and decide whether it can be referred to a larger or a five-judge constitution bench.

SC allows states to recover royalty on minerals from 2005

SC allows states to recover royalty on minerals from 2005

Rediff.com14 Aug 2024

The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected the Centre's plea for prospective effect of its July 25 verdict, which upheld the power of states to levy tax on mineral rights and mineral-bearing land, and allowed them to seek refund of royalty from April 1, 2005 onwards.

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.

Courts must be wary of interfering with individual liberty: SC

Courts must be wary of interfering with individual liberty: SC

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has emphasized the importance of individual liberty, setting aside a Himachal Pradesh High Court order that cancelled bail for an accused in an attempt-to-murder case. The Supreme Court found no material to support the cancellation, stating that courts should be cautious about interfering with an individual's freedom.

No vindictive action against...: HC rejects PIL in Kunal Kamra case

No vindictive action against...: HC rejects PIL in Kunal Kamra case

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

The Bombay high court on Wednesday said the Maharashtra government has not taken vindictive action against any person for re-sharing or re-uploading stand-up comic Kunal Kamra's video in which he indirectly passed a 'traitor' jibe at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

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.

AMU order: Dissenting judge flags lack of time, non-exchange of ideas

AMU order: Dissenting judge flags lack of time, non-exchange of ideas

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

Aligarh Muslim University is not a minority educational institution, Supreme Court's Justice Dipankar Datta said on Friday and noted had it not been a "race against time" he would have articulated better in his dissenting opinion. The judge also flagged a non-exchange of ideas and opinions in a "true democratic spirit" to build a consensus.

Ensure separate toilets for transgenders, disabled, orders SC

Ensure separate toilets for transgenders, disabled, orders SC

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India has directed all high courts, state governments, and union territories to ensure the availability of separate toilet facilities for men, women, persons with disabilities (PwDs), and transgender persons in all court premises and tribunals across the country. The court stressed the importance of public health and the right to privacy, stating that adequate public toilets protect women and transgender persons. The court also expressed concern about the condition of public toilets near toll plazas on national highways and emphasized the need for proper sanitation facilities in court premises for judges, advocates, litigants, and staff members. This decision highlights the importance of access to basic amenities in ensuring a fair and dignified justice system.

SC terms its maiden live-stream proceedings as historic, gets over 8L viewers

SC terms its maiden live-stream proceedings as historic, gets over 8L viewers

Rediff.com28 Sep 2022

The Supreme Court in its official communication called it "Truly, a historic day".

HC orders revival of 2007 Nandigram murder cases

HC orders revival of 2007 Nandigram murder cases

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

The Calcutta High Court has ordered the revival and prosecution of ten criminal cases related to murders in Nandigram and Khejuri during an anti-land acquisition movement in 2007. The court deemed the West Bengal government's decision to withdraw prosecution in these cases, involving the deaths of at least ten individuals, as unlawful. The bench emphasized that murders had indeed occurred and that allowing the prosecution to withdraw under Section 321 of the Criminal Procedure Code would not be in the public interest. The court stated that violence in any form should be eschewed in a democracy and that a state must exhibit zero tolerance towards it. The court set aside the state government's decision to withdraw prosecution and directed the public prosecutor to take appropriate measures within a fortnight.

SC deadline over, EC yet to get electoral bond details

SC deadline over, EC yet to get electoral bond details

Rediff.com6 Mar 2024

The State Bank of India has not shared details of the electoral bonds encashed by political parties till Wednesday, the deadline set by the Supreme Court.

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.

Article 370 thing of past, no going back: Shah Faesal

Article 370 thing of past, no going back: Shah Faesal

Rediff.com4 Jul 2023

Days ahead of a scheduled hearing of a batch of pleas related to the abrogation of Article 370 before a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, Indian Administrative Service officer Shah Faesal on Tuesday said the constitutional provision is a thing of the past and there is no going back.

Electoral bonds: Can India be democracy if..., asks SC

Electoral bonds: Can India be democracy if..., asks SC

Rediff.com15 Feb 2024

Democracy does not begin and end with elections and the integrity of election process is pivotal for sustaining the democratic form of government, the Supreme Court said on Thursday while striking down as unconstitutional the electoral bonds scheme for political funding.

J-K polls can be held anytime, govt tells SC, but mum on statehood

J-K polls can be held anytime, govt tells SC, but mum on statehood

Rediff.com31 Aug 2023

Elections in Jammu and Kashmir can be held "anytime from now" as the work on updation of voters list is almost over, the Centre told the Supreme Court on Thursday but remained non-committal about setting a time-frame for restoration of statehood to the Union territory (UT).

HC to Rahul Gandhi: Freedom of speech doesn't mean...

HC to Rahul Gandhi: Freedom of speech doesn't mean...

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

Freedom of speech is subject to reasonable restrictions and it does not include the freedom to make defamatory statements against any person or the Indian Army, the Allahabad High Court has said, rejecting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's plea to quash summons against him for alleged derogatory remarks during his Bharat Jodo Yatra in 2022.

Regulation doesn't take away minority status: SC on AMU

Regulation doesn't take away minority status: SC on AMU

Rediff.com9 Jan 2024

Merely because an educational institution is regulated by a statute does not take away from it the character of a minority institution, the Supreme Court observed on Tuesday as it commenced hearing the vexed question of minority status of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

Fight against caste discrimination cannot be won overnight: SC

Fight against caste discrimination cannot be won overnight: SC

Rediff.com3 Oct 2024

The Supreme Court on Thursday said the fight against caste-based discrimination was not a battle that can be won overnight and it requires sustained effort, dedication, and the willingness to confront and challenge societal norms that perpetuate inequality.

Influencer Sharmistha Panoli gets bail, police protection

Influencer Sharmistha Panoli gets bail, police protection

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The Calcutta high court on Thursday granted interim bail to social media influencer Sharmistha Panoli, who was arrested by the Kolkata police for allegedly uploading a video with communal comments.

SC asks EC for data on disqualification of convicted politicians

SC asks EC for data on disqualification of convicted politicians

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Election Commission of India to provide details of cases in which it had either removed or reduced the period of disqualification from electoral rolls of leaders post their conviction in criminal cases.

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.

Waqf Islamic concept but not essential to it: Centre to SC

Waqf Islamic concept but not essential to it: Centre to SC

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The Indian government defended the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in the Supreme Court, arguing that waqf, while an Islamic concept, is not an essential part of Islam. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that waqf is essentially charity, which is recognized across religions, and cannot be considered a fundamental tenet of any faith. He also argued that the amended law addresses secular aspects of waqf and activities unrelated to Islam, and that "waqf by user" does not grant ownership of public land. Mehta highlighted the extensive consultations involved in the bill's creation, including feedback from various stakeholders. The hearing will continue on Thursday.

HC allows probe against Kunal Kamra, stays arrest

HC allows probe against Kunal Kamra, stays arrest

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Bombay High Court has allowed the police investigation against comedian Kunal Kamra over his remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to continue, but has barred his arrest. The court said the investigation can continue, but Kamra will not be arrested during the pendency of the petition. The court also said that if the police wanted to record Kamra's statement, they shall do so in Chennai, where he currently resides, after giving him prior notice.

In JMM bribery case SC upholds need to review earlier verdicts

In JMM bribery case SC upholds need to review earlier verdicts

Rediff.com4 Mar 2024

In its landmark verdict which held that MPs and MLAs taking bribe to vote or make a speech in the House are not immune from prosecution, the apex court said its ability to reconsider its decisions was necessary for the organic development of law and the advancement of justice. The apex court verdict overturned the 1998 judgment of the court in the JMM bribery case.

'Justice Sinha never regretted decision disqualifying Indira'

'Justice Sinha never regretted decision disqualifying Indira'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

'He must have been aware of the consequences, that too against Mrs Indira Gandhi, who at that point in time was all powerful. The easiest way out would have been to dismiss the petition, but he didn't do that'

SC's big backing for free speech, quashes FIR against Congress MP

SC's big backing for free speech, quashes FIR against Congress MP

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized the police for suppressing freedom of speech by filing FIRs against artists for their performances, stating that mere recitation of a poem, stand-up comedy, or any form of art cannot be alleged to incite hatred or animosity between communities. The court quashed an FIR against Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi, who was booked for a song performed at a mass marriage function, emphasizing that such actions stifle legitimate expressions of view in a free society.

Cash recovery row: SC collegium begins initial probe against judge

Cash recovery row: SC collegium begins initial probe against judge

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court collegium has initiated an initial inquiry against Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma following the alleged discovery of a large stash of cash at his official residence during a fire incident. The collegium has also reportedly recommended Justice Varma's transfer to his parent high court, the Allahabad High Court. The inquiry will involve seeking a report from the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court on the incident. The controversy surrounding the alleged discovery of cash was first reported by The Times of India. Justice Varma's proposed transfer is subject to the Centre's approval. The amount of cash found is not yet known. Justice Varma, currently heading a division bench dealing with sales tax, GST, company appeals and other appeals, did not hold court on Friday. Delhi High Court Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya expressed shock over the incident. The collegium reportedly received information about the cash discovery from government officials. Some collegium members have called for stricter action against Justice Varma, including seeking his resignation or launching an in-house inquiry. The Supreme Court has an in-house inquiry mechanism to deal with allegations against judges, which involves forming a committee to investigate and, based on the report, take further action. A judge of a constitutional court can only be removed through impeachment by Parliament.

SC seeks details of cases against men giving triple talaq

SC seeks details of cases against men giving triple talaq

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

Instant 'triple talaq', also known as 'talaq-e-biddat', is an instant divorce whereby a Muslim man can legally divorce his wife by pronouncing 'talaq' three times in one go.

Freedom to vote can't be subject to undue influence: SC in electoral bonds ruling

Freedom to vote can't be subject to undue influence: SC in electoral bonds ruling

Rediff.com15 Feb 2024

It is crucial to electoral democracy that the exercise of freedom to vote is not subject to undue influence, the Supreme Court said on Thursday while striking down as unconstitutional the electoral bonds scheme for political funding.

No Domicile Reservation For PG Medicine: SC

No Domicile Reservation For PG Medicine: SC

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

'Residence-based reservation in PG medical courses is violative of Article 14 of the Constitution.'

Minority or not has to be decided by today's standards, says SC in AMU case

Minority or not has to be decided by today's standards, says SC in AMU case

Rediff.com30 Jan 2024

An institution of national importance must reflect the "national structure", the Centre told the Supreme Court on Tuesday while pointing out that around 70 to 80 per cent students studying at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) are Muslims even without reservation.

Babri Masjid demolition: SC closes contempt proceedings

Babri Masjid demolition: SC closes contempt proceedings

Rediff.com30 Aug 2022

While closing the contempt proceedings, the bench observed that the matter ought to have come up for hearing earlier.