News for 'Constitutional Bench'

States can move court if Prez withholds assent on bill: SC

States can move court if Prez withholds assent on bill: SC

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

A bench comprising justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan on April 8 gave a huge relief to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Tamil Nadu government and cleared 10 state bills which were stalled and reserved by Governor R N Ravi for President's consideration, and also set a timeline for all governors to act on the bills passed by state assemblies.

HC directs Prajwal Revanna to approach sessions court for bail

HC directs Prajwal Revanna to approach sessions court for bail

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

The Karnataka High Court has directed suspended JD(S) leader Prajwal Revanna to approach the sessions court for bail in the rape case filed against him. The court clarified that Revanna could return to the HC if necessary, after the lower court considers his plea.

'Will Pahalgam killers decide...': Omar in I-Day speech

'Will Pahalgam killers decide...': Omar in I-Day speech

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah strongly criticized linking Jammu and Kashmir's political future to acts of terror, asserting that Pakistan cannot influence decisions on the region's statehood through terrorism. He announced a signature campaign to press for the restoration of statehood.

Be responsible!: SC raps MP minister over Col Sofiya slur

Be responsible!: SC raps MP minister over Col Sofiya slur

Rediff.com15 May 2025

Every word uttered by a minister has to be with a sense of responsibility at a time the country is undergoing "such a situation", the Supreme Court said on Thursday as it reprimanded Madhya Pradesh's Vijay Shah who is facing an FIR for his remarks targeting Col Sofiya Qureshi.

SC refuses industry bodies' unlisted plea against electoral bond details

SC refuses industry bodies' unlisted plea against electoral bond details

Rediff.com18 Mar 2024

Not ordering disclosure of details of electoral bonds prior to April 12, 2019, was a "conscious choice" by the Constitution bench, the Supreme Court said on Monday while refusing to entertain the submissions of ASSOCHAM and CII against the disclosure of bond details on the ground of their plea not being listed.

SC to hear pleas against amended Waqf law on Thursday

SC to hear pleas against amended Waqf law on Thursday

Rediff.com14 May 2025

The matter would be heard by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih.

SC's Ayodhya bench considering 'healing relations' through mediation

SC's Ayodhya bench considering 'healing relations' through mediation

Rediff.com26 Feb 2019

A five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said that even if one per cent chance of mediation exists in the politically sensitive land dispute matter, it should be done.

Parliament logjam ends, discussion on Pahalgam next week

Parliament logjam ends, discussion on Pahalgam next week

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

Opposition parties have agreed to the agenda of taking up a special discussion on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor on Monday in Lok Sabha and the next day in Rajya Sabha, brightening up the prospect of normalcy returning to Parliament after the virtual washout of first-week proceedings.

SC to fix hearing date, new 5-judge bench to hear pleas on Article 370

SC to fix hearing date, new 5-judge bench to hear pleas on Article 370

Rediff.com14 Dec 2022

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday said it would consider a plea for early listing of petitions challenging the Centre's decision to abrogate provisions of Article 370 which had given special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

SC finds 'unacceptable' that Constitution didn't apply to J-K after 1957

SC finds 'unacceptable' that Constitution didn't apply to J-K after 1957

Rediff.com22 Aug 2023

The Supreme Court on Tuesday termed as "unacceptable" the submission that Article 370 of the Constitution ceased to operate once the term of the constituent assembly of Jammu and Kashmir ended in 1957 after drafting the state's constitution.

In a 1st, SC sets timeline for Prez on bills sent by Guv

In a 1st, SC sets timeline for Prez on bills sent by Guv

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

Four days after the top court cleared 10 bills, which were stalled and reserved by Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi for the president's consideration, and set a timeline for all governors to act on the bills passed by the state assemblies, the judgement running into 415 pages was uploaded on the apex court's website at 10.54 pm on Friday.

'No authority above Parliament': Dhankhar renews attack

'No authority above Parliament': Dhankhar renews attack

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Dhankhar said every word spoken by a constitutional functionary is guided by the supreme sublime interest of the nation.

SC extends bail to Ashoka university professor, bars posts on FIR

SC extends bail to Ashoka university professor, bars posts on FIR

Rediff.com29 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has extended the interim bail of Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who was arrested for contentious social media posts on Operation Sindoor. The court, however, restrained him from posting anything online with respect to the cases against him, stating that there was no impediment on his right to speech and expression. The court directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to furnish the investigation report on the next date of hearing.

His remarks like 'dog whistling': SC grants bail to Ashoka univ prof

His remarks like 'dog whistling': SC grants bail to Ashoka univ prof

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The bench, which examined the online post by the professor, who heads the political science department in the Sonipat-based Ashoka University, questioned his choice of words, saying they were used deliberately to humiliate, insult, or put others in discomfort. "The choice of words are deliberately made to insult, humiliate or cause discomfort to others. The professor, who is a learned person cannot lack a dictionary... he could have conveyed the very same feelings in a simple language without hurting others. He should have shown respect for the sentiments of others. He could have used a simple and neutral kind of language, respecting others," Justice Kant said.

SC upholds law granting citizenship to Assam immigrants

SC upholds law granting citizenship to Assam immigrants

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act related to the grant of Indian citizenship to illegal immigrants in Assam by a majority verdict of 4:1.

We lose our religion when...: CJI raps govt in Waqf case

We lose our religion when...: CJI raps govt in Waqf case

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court expressed its disapproval of an analogy used by the Centre in support of the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf boards, stating that such logic would disqualify a bench of Hindu judges from hearing matters related to Waqf. The CJI questioned the Centre's stance on the provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which allows non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council and state waqf boards. The Solicitor General defended the provisions, emphasizing that the non-Muslim inclusion is limited and does not impact the Muslim composition of these bodies. However, the CJI asserted that judges shed their religious affiliations while serving on the bench and maintained their secularity in their judicial capacity.

We don't go by popular morality, says SC bench in same sex marriage hearing

We don't go by popular morality, says SC bench in same sex marriage hearing

Rediff.com3 May 2023

We don't go by either "popular morality or segmental morality" but what the Constitution mandates, the Supreme Court observed on Wednesday when an argument was advanced before it that young same-sex couples across the country wanted to get married.

Electoral bonds: SBI faced searching queries from SC

Electoral bonds: SBI faced searching queries from SC

Rediff.com11 Mar 2024

The State Bank of India, which unsuccessfully sought extension of time till June 30 to disclose the details of electoral bonds, on Monday faced searching questions from the Supreme Court which wanted to know about the steps taken to comply with the directions it had issued while scrapping the controversial scheme of anonymous political funding on February 15.

SC to hear pleas challenging Waqf Act on April 16

SC to hear pleas challenging Waqf Act on April 16

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

A three-judge Supreme Court bench will hear petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, on April 16. The petitions, including those by politicians and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, were filed in the top court challenging the validity of the newly-enacted law. The Centre has filed a caveat in the apex court, seeking a hearing before any order is passed.

Banke Bihari temple panel challenges UP shrine control ordinance in SC

Banke Bihari temple panel challenges UP shrine control ordinance in SC

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

The committee said the Uttar Pradesh government did not file appeals against the high court's November 8, 2023 order and instead, an impleadment application was filed in the pending plea before the top court.

'Next Covid pandemic' far from over: Delhi HC

'Next Covid pandemic' far from over: Delhi HC

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

The Delhi high court recently observed the 'next Covid pandemic' was far from over as it asked for details on the Centre's preparedness for the collection of samples, centres and transport policy.

'Puts an end to trend of Guvs stalling progress': Stalin hails SC verdict

'Puts an end to trend of Guvs stalling progress': Stalin hails SC verdict

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has welcomed the Supreme Court's ruling that state governors must give assent to bills passed by state assemblies, calling it a 'historic' victory for all state governments in India. The court's decision came after the Governor of Tamil Nadu, R N Ravi, withheld assent to several bills passed by the state legislature. The court found that the governor's actions were in violation of the Indian Constitution, which mandates that governors must act on the advice of the council of ministers. The ruling is seen as a significant step towards strengthening the federal structure of India.

New 5-judge SC bench to hear Article 370 petitions after Dussehra

New 5-judge SC bench to hear Article 370 petitions after Dussehra

Rediff.com23 Sep 2022

The apex court will have to re-constitute a five-judge bench to hear the pleas after Dussehra vacation as the ex-CJI Ramana and Justice R Subhash Reddy, who were part of the five-judge bench which had heard the pleas, have retired.

Judicial review upholds doctrine of separation of powers: SC

Judicial review upholds doctrine of separation of powers: SC

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

The observations came while upholding the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act which grants Indian citizenship to immigrants from Bangladesh who entered Assam on or after January 1, 1966 but before March 25, 1971.

SC sets up 5-judge bench to hear pleas on Art 370

SC sets up 5-judge bench to hear pleas on Art 370

Rediff.com28 Sep 2019

From the beginning of next month, the bench will commence hearing to examine the constitutional validity of the scrapping of the article's provisions and the subsequent presidential orders on it, an official source said.

LMV licence holders can drive heavy vehicles: SC

LMV licence holders can drive heavy vehicles: SC

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

The judgment from a five-judge Constitution bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, offers clarity on licensing regulations and is expected to prevent insurance companies from rejecting claims based on the type of licence of drivers involved in accidents.

HC deploys CAPFs in Bengal after 3 killed in violent protests

HC deploys CAPFs in Bengal after 3 killed in violent protests

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

The situation in these violence-hit places remained tense on Saturday morning, but no untoward incident was reported, officials said.

HC orders MHA to facilitate return of woman deported after Pahalgam attack

HC orders MHA to facilitate return of woman deported after Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Emphasising that human rights are the most sacrosanct component of a human life, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court has ordered the Union Home Ministry to facilitate the return of a woman deported to Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.

SC upholds firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR over pollution concerns

SC upholds firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR over pollution concerns

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has refused to relax the ban on firecrackers in the Delhi-NCR region, citing continued alarming levels of air pollution. The court emphasized the right to a pollution-free atmosphere as a fundamental right, stating that the ban is necessary to protect public health. The court also highlighted the issue of noise pollution caused by firecrackers. The decision comes after a batch of petitions were filed by firecracker manufacturers seeking relaxation of the ban.

'Consequences to follow': SC to hear CEC appointment plea on Feb 19

'Consequences to follow': SC to hear CEC appointment plea on Feb 19

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has scheduled a hearing on February 19 for pleas challenging the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners under the 2023 law. The court emphasized the potential consequences if any action is taken before the hearing. The pleas argue that the 2023 law, which excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, undermines the independence of the Election Commission and allows for undue influence from the executive branch. The court's earlier verdict in March 2023 called for an independent selection panel comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India to ensure the integrity of the Election Commission. The case highlights concerns about the independence of India's electoral process and the potential for political influence in the appointment of key election officials.

SC seeks FIRs in suicides of IIT Kharagpur student, NEET aspirant

SC seeks FIRs in suicides of IIT Kharagpur student, NEET aspirant

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has directed its registry to call for a report from IIT Kharagpur and Kota, Rajasthan, after the suicides of a student and a NEET aspirant came to light. The court is seeking to ascertain whether FIRs were registered in both cases, highlighting the disturbing pattern of student suicides in educational institutions. The court has also previously ordered the formation of a national task force to address mental health concerns and prevent suicides in higher educational institutions.

Constable tortured with rods, electric shock: CBI books 6 J-K cops

Constable tortured with rods, electric shock: CBI books 6 J-K cops

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

The CBI has filed a case against six Jammu and Kashmir police officials for allegedly torturing a fellow constable in custody. The case was registered following a Supreme Court order.

Arun Goel as EC: SC bench recuses from hearing

Arun Goel as EC: SC bench recuses from hearing

Rediff.com17 Apr 2023

The bench said the petition has relied on a March 2 verdict of the apex court which had ruled that the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and ECs will be done by the President on the recommendation of a committee, comprising the prime minister, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and the CJI, to maintain the "purity of election".

SC judges make assets public, CJI owns 2015 Maruti Swift

SC judges make assets public, CJI owns 2015 Maruti Swift

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has made public the asset details of its judges, including Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna who has Rs 55.75 lakh in a fixed deposit, a three-bedroom DDA flat in south Delhi, and a four-bedroom apartment measuring 2,446 square feet in the Commonwealth Games Village. The court has also uploaded the complete process of appointments to the high courts and the Supreme Court on its website for public awareness.

SC to examine if verdict on TN governor covers Kerala

SC to examine if verdict on TN governor covers Kerala

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear on May 6 the pleas of the Kerala government against the governor over the delay in approving bills passed by the state assembly. The court will consider whether the issues raised in the Kerala petition are covered by a recent judgment on a similar plea by Tamil Nadu, which set timelines for governors and the President on granting assent to bills.

50 Years Of Emergency: Banality Of Evil, And A Warning

50 Years Of Emergency: Banality Of Evil, And A Warning

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

While India today is vastly different from the India of 1975, the need for vigilance against authoritarianism remains the same, asserts Utkarsh Mishra.

SC rejects PIL seeking gender-neutral dowry, maintenance laws

SC rejects PIL seeking gender-neutral dowry, maintenance laws

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking to make dowry harassment and maintenance provisions "gender neutral." The court stated that it cannot legislate law and it is the responsibility of Parliament to look into such matters. The PIL, filed by an NGO, argued that these provisions are often misused to harass husbands and their families. The court, however, emphasized that every case must be judged on its own merits, and that the provisions are intended to protect women and children. The court also noted that the allegation of misuse was vague and that such claims should be examined on a case-by-case basis.

SC to hear pleas against CEC appointment under new law

SC to hear pleas against CEC appointment under new law

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

It will be court's opinion versus the legislative power to enact law, the Supreme Court on Wednesday said as it posted the pleas challenging the appointment of the chief election commissioner and election commissioners under the 2023 law on February 4.

'ED crossing all limits': SC halts probe against Tasmac

'ED crossing all limits': SC halts probe against Tasmac

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Issuing notice to the ED on the plea filed by the Tamil Nadu government and Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), a bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih told Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, appearing for the anti-money laundering probe agency, that "Your ED is crossing all the limits."

CJI Khanna recuses himself from IOA, AIFF cases

CJI Khanna recuses himself from IOA, AIFF cases

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

The apex court had decided to hear the pleas related to the IOA and the AIFF together.