News for 'Constitutional Bench'

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.

SC reserves order on referring Sabarimala temple entry row to Constitution Bench

SC reserves order on referring Sabarimala temple entry row to Constitution Bench

Rediff.com20 Feb 2017

The Supreme Court on Monday reserved its verdict on whether to refer the matters pertaining to the ban on entry of women aged between 10 to 50 years at Kerala's Sabrimala temple to its 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.

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.

UGC 2026: 'No One Is Being Criminalised'

UGC 2026: 'No One Is Being Criminalised'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'Once the actual scope is understood, it becomes evident that the framework is about internal redress and course correction, and in no way criminalisation.'

Rebel judges not on CJI's 5-judge constitution bench to hear major cases

Rebel judges not on CJI's 5-judge constitution bench to hear major cases

Rediff.com16 Jan 2018

None of the four judges -- Justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, M B Lokur and Kurian Joseph -- feature in the list of members of the 5-judge constitution bench.

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.

SC refers female genital mutilation case to 5-judge Constitution Bench

SC refers female genital mutilation case to 5-judge Constitution Bench

Rediff.com24 Sep 2018

A group of Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community members had earlier told the apex court that the female circumcision is practised by a few sects of Islam.

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 sends Buddhist group's plea on Hindu personal laws to law panel

SC sends Buddhist group's plea on Hindu personal laws to law panel

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Law Commission to consider a plea as a representation of a Buddhist group that certain sets of personal Hindu laws, which are applicable to Buddhists also, are against their fundamental rights, including freedom to practice religion.

5-judge Constitution bench to review govt's move on Art 370

5-judge Constitution bench to review govt's move on Art 370

Rediff.com28 Aug 2019

The Attorney General said whatever is being said by this court is sent before the United Nations.

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.

'Disturbing trend': SC flags false, scurrilous allegations against judges

'Disturbing trend': SC flags false, scurrilous allegations against judges

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over a growing trend of litigants and lawyers making scandalous allegations against judges when court rulings are unfavorable. The court cautioned against such conduct, emphasizing the duty of lawyers to uphold the integrity of the judicial system.

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.

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.

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 observations on ED raids a 'serious indictment' of Mamata: BJP

SC observations on ED raids a 'serious indictment' of Mamata: BJP

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The BJP has criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following Supreme Court observations regarding obstructions during ED raids at I-PAC premises, alleging abuse of power and shielding of those accused of corruption.

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.

Presidential Reference: SC rejects objections by states

Presidential Reference: SC rejects objections by states

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to accept the preliminary objections raised by opposition-ruled states like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Kerala to maintainability of Presidential Reference, saying the issues raised in it pertain to the very core and foundational modalities of the constitutional machinery.

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.

HC Orders Fishing Ban In Kaziranga During Magh Bihu

HC Orders Fishing Ban In Kaziranga During Magh Bihu

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

The court asked the state government, forest department and Kaziranga National Park authorities to place on record the steps taken so far to control illegal fishing and to explain how such activities can be effectively prevented in future.

SC to hear Shiv Sena symbol dispute pleas on Jan 21

SC to hear Shiv Sena symbol dispute pleas on Jan 21

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for January 21 on pleas challenging the Election Commission's decision to allot the 'bow and arrow' symbol to the Eknath Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena. The court will also hear arguments on a similar dispute concerning the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on January 22.

Dog lovers, feeders will be held responsible for dog bites: SC

Dog lovers, feeders will be held responsible for dog bites: SC

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over the lack of implementation of stray animal norms and indicated it will direct state governments to pay significant compensation for dog-bite incidents. The court also suggested holding dog feeders responsible for attacks.

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.

Tired of hauling officials for contempt': HC judge on defying court orders

Tired of hauling officials for contempt': HC judge on defying court orders

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

Flouting a court's order was "inexcusable" and it would amount to a breakdown of law and order.

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.

Pakistani woman moves MP HC to stop husband's second marriage

Pakistani woman moves MP HC to stop husband's second marriage

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

A family dispute between a Pakistani Hindu husband and wife, living in different countries after their marriage in 2020, has reached the Madhya Pradesh High Court after reconciliation attempts failed. The wife accuses the husband of planning a second marriage and seeks his deportation.

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.

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.

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.

Cong's Manish Tewari brings bill to free MPs from party whips

Cong's Manish Tewari brings bill to free MPs from party whips

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Congress MP Manish Tewari has introduced a bill in Lok Sabha that seeks to allow parliamentarians to take an independent line in voting on bills and motions other than those affecting the government's stability in a bid to free them from "whip-driven tyranny" and promote "good lawmaking".

Upholding constitutional ethos hallmark of CJI Sanjiv Khanna's tenure

Upholding constitutional ethos hallmark of CJI Sanjiv Khanna's tenure

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Some of his directives had the Supreme Court judges disclose their assets whereas the row over the discovery of cash from a sitting judge's official residence paved way for inquiry.

Two-judge bench can hear Godhra train case appeals: SC

Two-judge bench can hear Godhra train case appeals: SC

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the argument that a three-judge bench, rather than a two-judge bench, should hear appeals of convicts in the 2002 Godhra train burning case. The court found that the Gujarat High Court commuted the death penalty to life imprisonment, therefore not requiring a three-judge bench. The hearing of the appeals will continue on Wednesday, with the state government seeking restoration of the death sentences of 11 convicts.

IndiGo crisis: Are you helpless, Delhi HC asks govt

IndiGo crisis: Are you helpless, Delhi HC asks govt

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

A bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela also asked how could other airlines take advantage of the crisis situation and charge hefty sums for tickets from the passengers.

Laws can be stayed only in rare cases: SC after suspending part of Waqf law

Laws can be stayed only in rare cases: SC after suspending part of Waqf law

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court of India has stayed several key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, citing potential violations of the Constitution. The court emphasized that laws should only be stayed in rare cases where provisions are manifestly unconstitutional or violate fundamental rights.

Justice Surya Kant Takes Oath As Chief Justice of India

Justice Surya Kant Takes Oath As Chief Justice of India

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

He will hold the office till February 9, 2027.

SIR not held earlier no ground to challenge it, says SC

SIR not held earlier no ground to challenge it, says SC

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court is examining the validity of the Election Commission's decision to conduct special intensive revisions of electoral rolls in several states, focusing on concerns about democratic participation and the burden on ordinary voters.

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.

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.

Why Does Modi Pass Bills In Such Haste?

Why Does Modi Pass Bills In Such Haste?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

The passing of bills without Parliament, including the treasury benches, having any real understanding of what they contained through any rigorous process has accelerated through the Modi era, points out Aakar Patel.