News for 'Constitutional Bench'

Ethanol blending policy: 'Gadkari has conflict of interest'

Ethanol blending policy: 'Gadkari has conflict of interest'

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

The Congress party has accused Union Minister Nitin Gadkari of conflict of interest, alleging his sons' companies have benefited from the government's ethanol blending policy. The BJP has rejected the allegations.

SC to examine if Bohra's excommunication custom has constitutional cover

SC to examine if Bohra's excommunication custom has constitutional cover

Rediff.com20 Sep 2022

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Justice SK Kaul said it will consider whether the practice of excommunication in the Dawoodi Bohra community is a "protected" practice under the Constitution.

SC refers excommunication among Bohra Muslims to 9-judge bench

SC refers excommunication among Bohra Muslims to 9-judge bench

Rediff.com10 Feb 2023

The Supreme Court on Friday referred the issue of the practice of excommunication in the Dawoodi Bohra community to a larger nine-judge bench.

GST 2.0: India's Answer To Trump's Tariffs

GST 2.0: India's Answer To Trump's Tariffs

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Simplifying GST rates, removing exemptions, easing disputes, and speeding up refunds can boost investment in India and offer the best reply to Trump's tariffs, observes V S Krishnan, former member, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.

'Against ethos of Constitution': SC halts 'bulldozer justice'

'Against ethos of Constitution': SC halts 'bulldozer justice'

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

A bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan clarified that its order will not be applicable to unauthorised structures on public roads, footpaths etc.

Will legal battle against LG continue after BJP win in Delhi?

Will legal battle against LG continue after BJP win in Delhi?

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

The Delhi government is embroiled in multiple litigations with the Lieutenant Governor in the Supreme Court including its plea challenging the Centre's law establishing pre-eminence of the LG over the elected dispensation in controlling services in the national capital.

Govt has a right to reclaim Waqf properties: Centre tells SC

Govt has a right to reclaim Waqf properties: Centre tells SC

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that nobody can claim right over government land and it is legally empowered to reclaim properties which are declared waqf by using the waqf by user principle.

SC To Hear Plea Against CEC's Appointment Today

SC To Hear Plea Against CEC's Appointment Today

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court will hear on February 19 pleas challenging the appointments of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners under the 2023 law. The court will take up the matter on a priority basis, after some urgent listed matters. The government has appointed a new CEC and ECs under the new law, which excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, despite a 2023 Supreme Court verdict directing the inclusion of the CJI in the panel. The petitioners argue that the exclusion of the CJI undermines the independence of the election commission.

Monsoon session of Parl ends amid uproar; Modi hits out at Cong

Monsoon session of Parl ends amid uproar; Modi hits out at Cong

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

The Monsoon session of Parliament concluded after facing disruptions and protests over the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. Despite the disruptions, the government managed to pass key legislations.

Supreme Court recalls its own April 2022 verdict

Supreme Court recalls its own April 2022 verdict

Rediff.com17 May 2024

A judgment of a Constitution bench would be "binding" on benches of lesser strength, the Supreme Court has said while recalling an April 2022 verdict delivered by it.

Forced narco-analysis test on accused not permissible under law: SC

Forced narco-analysis test on accused not permissible under law: SC

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

The top court said an accused has a right to voluntarily undergo a narco-analysis test at an appropriate stage.

SC to examine Article 363's reach on erstwhile princely properties

SC to examine Article 363's reach on erstwhile princely properties

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

Article 363 bars the interference of courts in any disputes which may arise from certain treaties, agreements, covenants, sanad, engagements, etc., executed between a princely state and the government of India.

Haryana police forms SIT to probe Prof Mahmudabad case

Haryana police forms SIT to probe Prof Mahmudabad case

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Acting on the Supreme Court's direction, Haryana's Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate two FIRs against Ashoka University associate professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad. The SIT, headed by Additional Director General of Police (Crime) Mamta Singh, will include Superintendent of Police (Karnal) Ganga Ram Punia and Superintendent of Police (STF, Gurugram) Vikrant Bhushan. The SIT will expeditiously complete the investigation and submit a report at the earliest. Mahmudabad was arrested on May 18 for his social media posts on Operation Sindoor, which were alleged to have endangered the sovereignty and integrity of the country. The Supreme Court granted him interim bail on Thursday, but refused to stay the investigation.

SC to hear pleas against Bihar voter review on July 10

SC to hear pleas against Bihar voter review on July 10

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear petitions challenging the Election Commission's decision to revise electoral rolls in Bihar. The hearing is scheduled for July 10.

Midnight decision disrespectful: Rahul on CEC appointment

Midnight decision disrespectful: Rahul on CEC appointment

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticized the government's decision to appoint Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in the middle of the night, arguing that it is "disrespectful" and "discourteous" given the ongoing Supreme Court challenge to the selection process. Gandhi presented a dissent note to the selection committee, stating that the process violates the Supreme Court order and undermines the integrity of the electoral process.

SC defers hearing on pleas against CEC appointment as per 2023 law

SC defers hearing on pleas against CEC appointment as per 2023 law

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court has adjourned pleas challenging the appointments of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners (ECs) under the 2023 law. The court indicated the matter would be listed after the Holi festival break due to a paucity of time. Petitioners, including the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms, argued for an urgent hearing, emphasizing the importance of the issue and the potential impact on democratic processes. The appointment of the new CEC and ECs under the 2023 law, which excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, has been a point of contention, with petitioners alleging it undermines the independence of the election commission.

'These Are Not 'Strays' But Community Dogs'

'These Are Not 'Strays' But Community Dogs'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

'Day by day we expose how soulless we have become as a society. Every day is a disappointment.'

Minorities don't need 'safe haven' for education: SC judge

Minorities don't need 'safe haven' for education: SC judge

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

The judge further underlined that the minorities of the country had not only joined the mainstream but also were an important facet of it.

SC pulls up BJP's Nishikant Dubey for remarks against judiciary

SC pulls up BJP's Nishikant Dubey for remarks against judiciary

Rediff.com8 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has censured BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for his remarks against the judiciary, stating that his comments "tend to scandalize and lower the authority of the Supreme Court of India." The court dismissed a contempt petition against Dubey but issued a scathing order criticizing his remarks, which included accusations that the court was "taking the country towards anarchy" and that Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna was "responsible for the civil wars taking place in the country." The court deemed Dubey's statements "highly irresponsible" and indicative of an attempt to "incite religious wars." The order highlighted the importance of maintaining public confidence in the judiciary and condemned attempts to undermine its authority.

Blow for Uddhav as SC refuses to refer 2016 Nabam Rebia verdict to larger bench

Blow for Uddhav as SC refuses to refer 2016 Nabam Rebia verdict to larger bench

Rediff.com17 Feb 2023

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to refer pleas related to the June 2022 Maharashtra political crisis triggered by the Shiv Sena's division to a seven-judge bench for reconsideration of the 2016 Nabam Rebia judgment.

SC refuses to entertain fresh plea challenging Waqf Act

SC refuses to entertain fresh plea challenging Waqf Act

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a fresh plea challenging constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

Time to revisit CJI's role in executive appointments: Dhankhar

Time to revisit CJI's role in executive appointments: Dhankhar

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has questioned the Chief Justice of India's involvement in executive appointments, specifically citing the selection of the CBI director. He believes this practice undermines democratic principles and calls for revisiting the existing norms. Dhankhar also raised concerns about the "doctrine of basic structure", suggesting it has a debatable jurisprudential basis. He emphasized the importance of each institution operating within its constitutional boundaries and highlighted the need for coordinated autonomy. The vice president also discussed the need for a balanced approach to judicial review and the importance of judges focusing on judgments rather than other forms of expression. He stressed the need to revisit the current state of affairs to restore the judiciary's sublimity.

'Everybody wants publicity': SC says no to fresh pleas against Waqf law

'Everybody wants publicity': SC says no to fresh pleas against Waqf law

Rediff.com16 May 2025

As soon as one of the pleas came up for hearing on Friday, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, objected and said there can't be an "endless" filing of pleas challenging the Act.

CBI to seek police remand of 8 J-K cops in custodial torture case

CBI to seek police remand of 8 J-K cops in custodial torture case

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

The CBI will seek police remand of eight Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel arrested for allegedly inflicting brutal custodial torture on a fellow constable in 2023. The case involves allegations of severe abuse and mutilation, leading to a Supreme Court-ordered investigation.

Tata Steel to file curative petition

Tata Steel to file curative petition

Rediff.com11 Nov 2024

Tata Steel is in the process of filing a curative petition in the Supreme Court in connection with the apex court ruling which said that states have the power to levy cess on mining and mineral-use activities. The petition by the steel manufacturing firm is aimed at seeking remedy to the order, passed by a 9-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on July 25. However, Tata Steel's managing director and chief executive officer T V Narendran told Business Standard that there was no demand note on the firm.

Digital access intrinsic to right to life, says SC, bats for disabled

Digital access intrinsic to right to life, says SC, bats for disabled

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has directed changes in digital know your customer (KYC) guidelines for persons with disability and acid attack survivors, citing the right to digital access as an intrinsic component of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court found that existing KYC procedures, which require visual tasks such as head movements and facial positioning, pose significant challenges for these groups, preventing them from accessing essential services like bank accounts and welfare schemes. The court emphasized the importance of bridging the digital divide and ensuring universal accessibility to digital services for all citizens.

SC initiates contempt against YouTuber over remarks against judges

SC initiates contempt against YouTuber over remarks against judges

Rediff.com30 May 2025

A bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justices Augustine George Masih and AS Chandurkar also directed that the offending video be immediately taken down and restrained the YouTube channel from republishing it or similar content.

SC may refer challenge to Special Marriage Act provision to 2-judge bench

SC may refer challenge to Special Marriage Act provision to 2-judge bench

Rediff.com27 Apr 2023

The Special Marriage Act, 1954 provides a legal framework for the marriage of people belonging to different religions or castes. It governs a civil marriage where the state sanctions the marriage rather than the religion.

SC dismisses plea to include Savarkar's name in Emblems Act

SC dismisses plea to include Savarkar's name in Emblems Act

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India dismissed a plea seeking the inclusion of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's name in the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950. The petitioner, appearing in person, argued for the inclusion based on his 30 years of research and claimed a need to establish facts about Savarkar in a legally verifiable manner. However, the court found no violation of fundamental rights and suggested the petitioner make a representation to the Union of India for curriculum inclusion. This dismissal follows the court's earlier reprimand of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on Savarkar at a rally in Maharashtra, although criminal proceedings against Gandhi were stayed.

SC bats for 'one rank one pension' for all ex-HC judges

SC bats for 'one rank one pension' for all ex-HC judges

Rediff.com19 May 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday directed uniform pension benefits for all retired high court judges, irrespective of their mode of appointment or tenure, saying "one rank one pension has to be the norm in respect of a constitutional office".

Plea filed in SC for nationwide revision of all electoral rolls

Plea filed in SC for nationwide revision of all electoral rolls

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, particularly before parliamentary, state assembly and local body elections. The court has agreed to hear a batch of petitions challenging the Election Commission's decision to undertake special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.

HC sets aside CIC order to disclose Modi's degree

HC sets aside CIC order to disclose Modi's degree

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

The Delhi High Court has set aside a Central Information Commission (CIC) order that directed the disclosure of information related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bachelor's degree.

SC reserves interim orders on 3 issues in Waqf Act

SC reserves interim orders on 3 issues in Waqf Act

Rediff.com22 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has reserved its interim orders on three key issues related to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, including the power to denotify waqf properties, the composition of waqf boards, and the provision regarding government land. The court heard arguments from both the petitioners, who challenged the validity of the amended law, and the Centre, which defended the Act as a secular concept. The petitioners sought interim orders to prevent the implementation of certain provisions while the court considers the legal challenges.

SC seeks Centre's response on plea against validity of 1995 Waqf Act

SC seeks Centre's response on plea against validity of 1995 Waqf Act

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has sought responses from the Centre and others on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of certain provisions of the Waqf Act, 1995. The petition argues that the Act gives undue favor to waqf properties and deprives non-Muslims of their property rights. The court has tagged the petition with pending petitions that raise similar issues.

SC on Constitution's structure: Federal, but also unitary

SC on Constitution's structure: Federal, but also unitary

Rediff.com11 Dec 2023

Highlights of the judgment pronounced by a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court that on Monday unanimously upheld the Centre's decision to abrogate provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution bestowing special status on the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Why are suicides happening only in Kota? SC grills Rajasthan govt

Why are suicides happening only in Kota? SC grills Rajasthan govt

Rediff.com23 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has reprimanded the Rajasthan government over the alarming rise in student suicides in Kota. The court expressed its deep concern over the situation, questioning the state's efforts to address the crisis. The court also ordered an FIR to be filed in the case of a 22-year-old IIT Kharagpur student who died by suicide in his hostel room, citing a delay in reporting the incident to the police.

SC says maternity leave is a right, overturns HC verdict

SC says maternity leave is a right, overturns HC verdict

Rediff.com23 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that maternity leave is a fundamental right and cannot be denied to a woman based on the number of children she has from previous relationships. The court overturned a Madras High Court decision that had denied maternity leave to a Tamil Nadu government school teacher who had two children from a previous marriage. The Supreme Court emphasized the importance of reproductive rights, including maternity benefits, as part of international human rights law. The court also highlighted the right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which includes the right to health, dignity, and reproductive choice. The decision has significant implications for women's rights and reproductive healthcare in India.

SC refuses to hear PIL for SIT probe into Murshidabad violence

SC refuses to hear PIL for SIT probe into Murshidabad violence

Rediff.com13 May 2025

The bench questioned the petitioner for not moving the high court and directly coming to the apex court.

SC upholds murder charges on Punjab cops in 2015 fake encounter case

SC upholds murder charges on Punjab cops in 2015 fake encounter case

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta also restored the destruction of evidence charge levelled on deputy commissioner of police Parampal Singh for directing the removal of the number plate of the car after the firing incident in 2015 in which a driver was killed.

Modi, RSS cartoons: SC to hear cartoonist's bail plea

Modi, RSS cartoons: SC to hear cartoonist's bail plea

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the anticipatory bail plea of a cartoonist accused of uploading objectionable cartoons of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS workers on social media. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had previously refused to grant him relief, observing it was a gross misuse of freedom of speech.