News for 'Constitutional Bench'

Why govt is demanding $2.81 bn from RIL, BP

Why govt is demanding $2.81 bn from RIL, BP

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

The government has slapped a $2.81 billion (about Rs 24,500 crore) demand notice on Reliance Industries and its partners, including BP Plc for gains made from producing and selling natural gas that may have migrated from neighbouring block of state-owned ONGC. This follows the Delhi high court's decision on February 14, overturning an international arbitration tribunal ruling that held the duo not responsible for paying any compensation for the gas they produced and sold which had allegedly migrated from adjoining fields.

SC refuses to refer Article 370 matter to larger 7-judge bench

SC refuses to refer Article 370 matter to larger 7-judge bench

Rediff.com2 Mar 2020

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Justice N V Ramana pronounced the order.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna takes oath as 51st Chief Justice of India

Justice Sanjiv Khanna takes oath as 51st Chief Justice of India

Rediff.com11 Nov 2024

Justice Khanna, who will serve as CJI for a little over six months, will demit office on May 13, 2025.

Byju's suspended RP, former promoters move NCLAT

Byju's suspended RP, former promoters move NCLAT

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

Former Resolution Professional of insolvency-bound edtech firm Byju's has moved appellate tribunal NCLAT challenging disciplinary action recommended against him by the Bengaluru bench of NCLT.

Soul of Vallabhbhai Patel will be content, says solicitor general

Soul of Vallabhbhai Patel will be content, says solicitor general

Rediff.com11 Dec 2023

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, the Centre's key counsel in defending the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, said on Monday the Supreme Court verdict upholding the government's August 5, 2019, decision will go down in history as the one that corrected a "Himalayan constitutional blunder" of gigantic proportions.

SC orders Chhattisgarh pastor's burial 20 km away

SC orders Chhattisgarh pastor's burial 20 km away

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ordered the burial of a pastor whose body has been lying in a mortuary since January 7th, after a dispute arose regarding the location of his burial. The court issued a split verdict, with one judge ruling for burial on the family's private land and the other for a designated place away from the village. The decision was made due to the prolonged delay in the burial and the potential for unrest. The court ordered the state government to provide security to prevent any further incidents.

HC restrains coercive action against Bajwa in '50 bombs' case

HC restrains coercive action against Bajwa in '50 bombs' case

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab government not to take any coercive action against Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa till April 22 in connection with an FIR lodged against him over his "50 bombs have reached Punjab" remarks. Bajwa, the leader of opposition in the Punjab Assembly, has been booked on charges, including misleading information that endangers the country's sovereignty and unity, after being quizzed over his "50 bombs have reached Punjab" claim. The court also issued a notice to the state of Punjab on Bajwa's plea seeking quashing of the FIR registered against him over his statement.

SC rules states can tax mines, royalty on minerals not tax

SC rules states can tax mines, royalty on minerals not tax

Rediff.com25 Jul 2024

In a setback to the Centre, the Supreme Court on Thursday held that states have the legislative competence to impose taxes on mines and minerals-bearing lands under the Constitution.

SC grants custody of man with cerebral palsy to US mother

SC grants custody of man with cerebral palsy to US mother

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India granted custody of a man suffering from cerebral palsy to his mother, a US national, after determining it was in his best interest due to his inability to make independent decisions. The court overruled a Madras High Court decision, finding the lower court's interaction with the son insufficient to assess his needs. The Supreme Court emphasized the son's limited cognitive capacity and the availability of specialized support in the US, where he had completed most of his schooling.

The Lady Judge Who Heads Gujarat UCC Panel

The Lady Judge Who Heads Gujarat UCC Panel

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

On the basis of her committee's report, the UCC in Uttarakhand established mandatory registration for marriages and live-in relationships, banned polygamy, and provided equal inheritance rights for women.

SC reconstitutes bench to hear Ayodhya land dispute

SC reconstitutes bench to hear Ayodhya land dispute

Rediff.com25 Jan 2019

The new bench comprises Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S A Bobde, D Y Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer.

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.

Modi govt ensured 'one flag, one Constitution': Amit Shah

Modi govt ensured 'one flag, one Constitution': Amit Shah

Rediff.com5 Dec 2023

He asserted that the concept of 'one flag, one prime minister, one Constitution' was not a political slogan and the Bharatiya Janata Party firmly believes in the principle and finally implemented it with regard to Jammu and Kashmir.

HC asks J-K MP Engineer Rashid to deposit Rs 4 lakh for Parl travel

HC asks J-K MP Engineer Rashid to deposit Rs 4 lakh for Parl travel

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The Delhi High Court has ordered Jammu and Kashmir MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, alias Engineer Rashid, to deposit Rs 4 lakh with the prison authorities as travel expenses for attending Parliament. The court allowed Rashid to attend the ongoing Parliament session "in-custody" till April 4, but the NIA had raised concerns about him being a flight risk. Rashid has been lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail since 2019 after the NIA arrested him in a 2017 terror-funding case.

SC collegium recommends Justice Varma's transfer; lawyers to go on strike

SC collegium recommends Justice Varma's transfer; lawyers to go on strike

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court collegium has confirmed the transfer of Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma to his parent Allahabad High Court. This decision comes after an inquiry was initiated against Justice Varma regarding the alleged discovery of a large amount of cash at his official residence. The transfer recommendation was made public in a resolution uploaded on the Supreme Court's website. The alleged cash discovery occurred following a fire at Varma's residence in Delhi on March 14, 2025. The apex court collegium, headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, has also constituted a three-member inquiry committee to further investigate the matter.

Not feasibl to...: SC disposes of PIL on mob lynching

Not feasibl to...: SC disposes of PIL on mob lynching

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a plea seeking directions to states to take immediate action against mob lynching and cow vigilantism, particularly against Muslims. The court stated that it was not feasible to "micro-manage" such incidents from Delhi and referred to its 2018 verdict, which issued guidelines to address mob violence and cow vigilantism. The court also noted that the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) criminalizes mob lynching as a separate offence. The plea argued that there was "gross non-compliance" with the 2018 directions, but the court maintained that authorities were bound by its previous rulings.

Retiring SC judge says tolerance must for each other's opinion

Retiring SC judge says tolerance must for each other's opinion

Rediff.com15 Dec 2023

People must have tolerance for each other's opinion at a time when the tolerance level has gone down internationally, Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said on Friday.

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.

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Given the possibilities that next year's assembly elections could throw up, Stalin told the state assembly that an interim report had to be submitted by January 2026. The outcomes may well find its way into the DMK's poll manifesto, thus seeking to keep the electoral focus still on the BJP-ruled Centre and Prime Minister Modi, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Waiting for muhurat? SC slams Assam over delay in deporting foreigners

Waiting for muhurat? SC slams Assam over delay in deporting foreigners

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India censured the Assam government for keeping persons declared foreigners in detention centers indefinitely and not deporting them. The court questioned the state's explanation for not sending nationality verification forms to the Ministry of External Affairs, stating that detainees should be deported immediately once identified as foreigners. The court directed the Assam government to initiate the deportation process of 63 declared foreign nationals whose nationality was known and file a status report in two weeks. The court also directed the Centre to provide details of those deported and how it plans to deal with detainees whose nationality is unknown.

SC raps Assam govt for not deporting 63 foreigners

SC raps Assam govt for not deporting 63 foreigners

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

"Are you waiting for some muhurat," the Supreme Court remarked on Tuesday as it came down heavily on the Assam government for keeping people declared as foreigners in detention centres indefinitely rather than deporting them.

CJI may set up bench to hear plea against collegium system

CJI may set up bench to hear plea against collegium system

Rediff.com8 Jan 2024

The Supreme Court said on Monday it will have to constitute a bench to hear a plea against the collegium system of appointment of judges to the apex court and high courts.

HC bench deletes single judge's adverse remarks against actor Vijay

HC bench deletes single judge's adverse remarks against actor Vijay

Rediff.com25 Jan 2022

A division bench of the Madras high court on Tuesday expunged the adverse remarks made by a single judge against top Tamil actor Vijay on the issue of entry tax over the import of a luxury car from England in 2012.

Lokpal dismisses corruption complaint against ex-CJI Chandrachud

Lokpal dismisses corruption complaint against ex-CJI Chandrachud

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

India's anti-corruption ombudsman, the Lokpal, has dismissed a complaint alleging corruption against former Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, citing a lack of jurisdiction. The complaint, filed in October 2024, alleged abuse of office, corruption, and favoritism by Chandrachud while he was CJI. The Lokpal, in its order, concluded that sitting judges of the Supreme Court, including the CJI, are not subject to its jurisdiction under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act. The Lokpal stated that the Supreme Court was established by the Constitution of India, not an Act of Parliament, making it outside the scope of its jurisdiction.

Outgoing SC judge Justice Nazeer was part of several landmark verdicts

Outgoing SC judge Justice Nazeer was part of several landmark verdicts

Rediff.com4 Jan 2023

Justice Nazeer, along with then Chief Justice of India J S Khehar, was in minority in the 'triple talaq' judgement which was delivered in August 2017.

No SC stay on new law excluding CJI from CEC, EC appointments

No SC stay on new law excluding CJI from CEC, EC appointments

Rediff.com13 Feb 2024

A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta issued notice to the Centre on a plea filed by an NGO, Association for Democratic Reforms, and listed the matter along with other pending petitions on the issue for hearing in April.

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.

SC takes suo motu cognisance of controversial Allahabad HC order on rape

SC takes suo motu cognisance of controversial Allahabad HC order on rape

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Legal experts had deplored the observation of the Allahabad high xourt on what constitutes a rape charge, calling for a restraint by judges and underlining the drop in public confidence in the judiciary due to such statements.

TN governor cannot sit on bills without communicating: SC

TN governor cannot sit on bills without communicating: SC

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court raised concerns about a potential stalemate in Tamil Nadu due to the Governor's delay in assenting to bills passed by the state assembly. The court questioned the Governor's actions, noting that he should have communicated his concerns about the bills' constitutionality to the state government. The case focuses on the delicate balance of power between the state government and the Governor, highlighting the importance of open communication and transparency in the legislative process.

SC to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Feb 17

SC to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Feb 17

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

The Act prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947.

EWS quota doesn't violate basic structure of Constitution, Centre tells SC

EWS quota doesn't violate basic structure of Constitution, Centre tells SC

Rediff.com20 Sep 2022

Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) have been given 10 per cent quota in admissions and jobs out of 50 per cent general category seats for the first time without eroding the "totally independent" reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs, the Centre told the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Muslim women entitled to alimony under secular CrPC, rules SC

Muslim women entitled to alimony under secular CrPC, rules SC

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

In a judgment of far-reaching implications, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that a Muslim woman can seek maintenance from her husband under Section 125 of the CrPC and said the "religion neutral" provision is applicable to all married women irrespective of their religion.

SC puts off pleas on Places of Worship Act to April

SC puts off pleas on Places of Worship Act to April

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar also indicated that it may not take up the pending scheduled petitions, heard earlier by a three-judge bench, during the day as it was sitting in a combination of two judges.

Foreigners can't leave India during criminal cases: SC

Foreigners can't leave India during criminal cases: SC

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that foreign nationals facing criminal charges cannot be allowed to leave the country. The court emphasized the need to ensure the presence of foreigners during criminal proceedings and outlined procedures for enforcing this restriction. The ruling clarifies legal provisions related to foreigners' movements in India, particularly during bail applications.

SC refuses to hear PIL on Maha Kumbh stampede

SC refuses to hear PIL on Maha Kumbh stampede

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Terming as 'unfortunate' the January 29 stampede at Maha Kumbh where at least 30 people were killed, the Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) for guidelines over safety of devotees and asked the petitioner to move the Allahabad high court instead.

Election funding is a complicated issue, observes SC bench in poll bonds hearing

Election funding is a complicated issue, observes SC bench in poll bonds hearing

Rediff.com31 Oct 2023

The "opaque" electoral bonds scheme for funding political parties will "destroy democracy" as it promotes corruption and does not allow a level playing field between the ruling and opposition parties, the petitioners challenging the validity of the scheme told the Supreme Court, which on Tuesday observed election funding was a "complicated issue".

SC rejects plea to remove 'Socialist', 'Secular' from Preamble

SC rejects plea to remove 'Socialist', 'Secular' from Preamble

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed petitions challenging the 1976 amendment to the Constitution that added the terms "socialist", "secular", and "integrity" to the Preamble. The court ruled that the inclusion of these terms, made through amendments, is valid and does not affect the original adoption of the Constitution in 1949.

SC gives SBI 24 hours to release electoral bonds data

SC gives SBI 24 hours to release electoral bonds data

Rediff.com11 Mar 2024

Chastising the State Bank of India, the Supreme Court on Monday ordered it to disclose the details of the electoral bonds encashed by political parties to the Election Commission by the close of the business hours on March 12 and warned the country's largest public sector lender that the court may proceed against it for 'wilful disobedience' if it failed to comply with its directions and deadlines.

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.

Job security plea of workplace harassment panel members important: SC

Job security plea of workplace harassment panel members important: SC

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court has sought the assistance of the solicitor general of India in a plea that seeks job security for members of internal complaint committees (ICC) for sexual harassment at workplaces. The court recognized the importance of the plea and expressed concern over the lack of response from the Central government, despite issuing notice. The petitioners, Janaki Chaudhry and Olga Tellis, argue that ICC members in the private sector face a serious conflict of interest as they can be terminated without reason if a decision goes against the senior management. The petition highlights the vulnerability of ICC members to retaliation and the lack of protection they have compared to their counterparts in the public sector.