News for 'Judicial Observations'

PM, RSS sketches: SC protects cartoonist with a warning

PM, RSS sketches: SC protects cartoonist with a warning

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted protection from coercive action to a cartoonist accused of sharing alleged objectionable cartoons of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers on social media.

SC stays Allahabad HC's 'grabbing breast not rape' ruling

SC stays Allahabad HC's 'grabbing breast not rape' ruling

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

A bench of Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih observed it was pained to say that some of the observations made in the high court order depicted total insensitiveness and an inhuman approach.

HC stays release of 'Udaipur Files' movie amid pleas for permanent ban

HC stays release of 'Udaipur Files' movie amid pleas for permanent ban

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

The Delhi High Court has stayed the release of the movie 'Udaipur Files' amid concerns that it could promote communal disharmony. The court has directed petitioners to approach the central government with their grievances, and the stay will remain in effect until the government decides on the matter.

Plea in SC for FIR against Delhi HC judge over cash recovery

Plea in SC for FIR against Delhi HC judge over cash recovery

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

A plea in the Supreme Court of India seeks a direction to Delhi Police to lodge an FIR over the alleged discovery of semi-burnt stash of cash from the official residence of Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma. The plea challenges a 1991 judgement that prohibits criminal proceedings against judges without prior consent from the Chief Justice of India, arguing it violates the principle of equality before the law. It also seeks to declare the collegium's 3-member committee investigating the incident as having no jurisdiction and calls for action against corruption within the judiciary.

TN urges SC to dismiss Presidential reference on Guv's powers

TN urges SC to dismiss Presidential reference on Guv's powers

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

The Tamil Nadu government has urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the Presidential reference concerning the Governor's powers to assent to bills, arguing it is an 'appeal in disguise' to overturn settled law.

SC won't entertain contempt plea against BJP's Nishikant Dubey, but...

SC won't entertain contempt plea against BJP's Nishikant Dubey, but...

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The BJP lawmaker sparked a row when he said, "(the) Supreme Court is taking the country towards anarchy" and that "Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna is responsible for the civil wars taking place in the country".

SC collegium recommends 13 judicial officers among 18 for HC judge appointments

SC collegium recommends 13 judicial officers among 18 for HC judge appointments

Rediff.com11 Oct 2023

The collegium said the Chief Justice of the Delhi high court, in consultation with his two senior-most colleagues, had on May 30 recommended the elevation of the judicial officers as judges of that high court.

SC takes up case over ED summoning senior lawyers

SC takes up case over ED summoning senior lawyers

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has initiated a suo motu case regarding investigation agencies summoning lawyers and will examine if they can be put to notice. The action follows the Enforcement Directorate summoning senior lawyers, which was condemned by bar associations.

Kerala: YouTuber distressed after haircut in jail, hospitalised

Kerala: YouTuber distressed after haircut in jail, hospitalised

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

A YouTuber from Thrissur, India, who was arrested in an attempt to murder case, has been transferred to a mental health center after experiencing distress due to the jail authorities cutting his hair. Muhammad Shaheen Shah, known as 'Manavalan' (groom) on YouTube, was remanded to judicial custody for allegedly attempting to run over college students with a car. He was shifted to a hospital in Thrissur after he was seen experiencing distress and is currently under observation.

'China, Pakistan Will Try To Turn Bangladesh Against India'

'China, Pakistan Will Try To Turn Bangladesh Against India'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

'Pakistan will also try to turn Bangladesh into a base for terrorist attacks on India.'

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.

Long incarceration no ground for bail in terror cases: HC

Long incarceration no ground for bail in terror cases: HC

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The Delhi High Court has ruled that an undertrial's prolonged incarceration cannot be a reason to grant bail in terrorism cases, emphasizing the gravity of such offenses and their potential to destabilize the nation. The court denied bail to separatist leader Nayeem Ahmad Khan in a terror-funding case involving Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed. The court considered the accused's argument regarding a prolonged trial and his right to liberty but emphasized that the serious nature of the crime, with its potential to disrupt national unity and create fear among the public, outweighs the length of incarceration. Khan, who was arrested in 2017, has been accused of conspiring for secession of Jammu and Kashmir through terrorist activities, receiving funding from Pakistan, and organizing anti-India rallies and demonstrations. The court highlighted the evidence, including witness statements and documents, supporting the accusations against Khan.

India's first Buddhist CJI ruled against 'bulldozer justice'

India's first Buddhist CJI ruled against 'bulldozer justice'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, India's 52nd chief justice and its first Buddhist one, has played a key role in shaping the judicial landscape, penning about 300 verdicts, including landmark rulings on constitutional issues, liberty, and perhaps most important against the executive's 'bulldozer justice'.

Shut down Parliament if...: BJP's Nishikant Dubey attacks SC

Shut down Parliament if...: BJP's Nishikant Dubey attacks SC

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Fourth-term Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey, one of the more vocal party members in the Lok Sabha, launched a broadside against the Supreme Court on Saturday, saying Parliament and state assemblies should be closed down if the apex court has to make the laws.

How Do You Parent A Mini Adult?

How Do You Parent A Mini Adult?

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

As the digital age turns children into informed, opinionated little adults, what guardrails should parents employ? Parents with new-age sensibilities admit to oftentimes feeling stumped. A psychologist, a principal and an eye doctor suggest how they can navigate this new parental landscape.

'One Can't Monopolise Captain Cool'

'One Can't Monopolise Captain Cool'

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

If the 'Captain Cool' trademark goes through, it could trigger a wave of similar attempts by celebrities to trademark nicknames given to them by fans.

HC rejects TMC MP's sealed cover apology in defamation case

HC rejects TMC MP's sealed cover apology in defamation case

Rediff.com15 May 2025

The Delhi high court has refused to accept the apology of TMC MP Saket Gokhale in a sealed cover over a plea of former diplomat Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri and said he has "tarried and procrastinated" but not complied with its verdict.

Manish Sisodia's judicial custody extended till April 17

Manish Sisodia's judicial custody extended till April 17

Rediff.com3 Apr 2023

Special Judge M K Nagpal, who had dismissed Sisodia's bail application on Friday saying he was 'prima facie the architect' and played the 'most important and vital role' in the alleged scam, extended his custody after he was produced before the court.

What Kohli Whispered to Pitch Invader...

What Kohli Whispered to Pitch Invader...

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

'Jaldi se bhaag jaa.'

SC expunges HC judge's remarks; no action against him

SC expunges HC judge's remarks; no action against him

Rediff.com7 Aug 2024

The Supreme Court on Wednesday expunged the observations made by a single judge bench of the Punjab and Haryana high court against the apex court in a contempt case, saying they were "scandalous" and "unwarranted".

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.

Avoid social media, refrain from making comments on judgements: SC

Avoid social media, refrain from making comments on judgements: SC

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

The top court remarked that there is no place for flamboyance in judiciary.

K'taka HC judge expresses regret over 'Pakistan' remark

K'taka HC judge expresses regret over 'Pakistan' remark

Rediff.com22 Sep 2024

On September 20, a five-judge bench of the apex court headed by the Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud took serious note of two videos in which the HC judge is seen making the comments in open court and sought a report from the Registrar General of the high court .

MeToo: Court refuses to admit Tanushree Dutta's complaint

MeToo: Court refuses to admit Tanushree Dutta's complaint

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

A Mumbai court has dismissed Tanushree Dutta's "MeToo" allegations against veteran actor Nana Patekar, citing the complaint was filed beyond the statute of limitations. The court observed that Dutta filed an FIR in 2018 for an incident that allegedly occurred in 2008, exceeding the three-year limitation period for the offenses under consideration. The court also noted that no application for condonation of the delay was filed to explain the reasons for the late filing.

Some convicts more privileged, observes SC in Bilkis Bano hearing

Some convicts more privileged, observes SC in Bilkis Bano hearing

Rediff.com14 Sep 2023

There are some convicts who are "more privileged", the Supreme Court said on Thursday while hearing pleas challenging the grant of remissions to 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case and the murder of seven of her family members during the 2002 Gujarat riots.

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.

HC grants bail to student held over Op Sindoor post; slams govt, college

HC grants bail to student held over Op Sindoor post; slams govt, college

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The Bombay High Court criticized the Maharashtra government for arresting a 19-year-old student from Pune for her social media post on Indo-Pak hostilities, calling its reaction "radical." The court granted the student bail and said the state's actions were unwarranted and had turned a student into a criminal. The court also questioned the conduct of the college for rusticating the student, stating that an educational institution's approach should be to reform, not punish. The student had reposted a post on Instagram that criticized the Indian government for provoking a war against Pakistan, but she later deleted the post and apologized for her actions. The college, however, deemed the post to be anti-national and expelled the student. The court emphasized that mistakes are bound to happen, especially at a young age, and urged the college to focus on reforming students rather than punishing them.

The Difference Between Drishyam And Thudarum

The Difference Between Drishyam And Thudarum

Rediff.com8 May 2025

The similarities between the two movies may be striking but where they differ is in the way each focuses your curiosity, observes Sreehari Nair.

No calling any part of India as Pakistan: SC on K'taka HC judge's remark

No calling any part of India as Pakistan: SC on K'taka HC judge's remark

Rediff.com25 Sep 2024

A five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud noted that Karnataka high court judge Justice Vedavyasachar Srishananda, who had made those observations, had on September 21 tendered an apology for his comments in the open court there.

If women can fly Rafale , why...? SC poser to govt, Army

If women can fly Rafale , why...? SC poser to govt, Army

Rediff.com14 May 2025

If a woman can fly Rafale fighter jet in the Indian Air Force, then why are fewer women officers in gender neutral posts of judge advocate general (legal) branch of the Army, the Supreme Court wondered recently and questioned the Centre's rationale on a 50-50 selection criterion.

No woman can be forced to conduct her virginity test: HC

No woman can be forced to conduct her virginity test: HC

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

The high court noted that the contention of the petitioner demanding a virginity test of his wife is unconstitutional as it violates Article 21 of the Constitution which includes the right to dignity of women.

We must rise above instinct of 'an eye for an eye': RG Kar verdict judge

We must rise above instinct of 'an eye for an eye': RG Kar verdict judge

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

A Kolkata court has sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of an on-duty doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. The court rejected the prosecution's plea for the death penalty, stating that the case does not meet the criteria for being classified as "rarest of the rare." The judge emphasized that the measure of a civilised society lies in its capacity for reform and rehabilitation, not revenge.

What Courts Gave Stalin From One Hand Took Away With Another

What Courts Gave Stalin From One Hand Took Away With Another

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

In more than one way, it's a setback for the DMK and Chief Minister Stalin in political terms. The electoral fall-out, if any, will have to wait until the next summer, only when assembly elections are due in the state, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Man arrested for chopping udders of cows in Bengaluru

Man arrested for chopping udders of cows in Bengaluru

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The accused, Syed Nasru, had cut the udders of the cows in Vinayakanagar of Chamarajpet in the wee hours of Sunday, they said.

SC raps Karnataka HC judge over 'objectionable' remarks

SC raps Karnataka HC judge over 'objectionable' remarks

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

In a viral video of the court proceedings, the judge was seen reprimanding a woman lawyer on Thursday and reportedly made some objectionable comments.

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

BJP and RSS leaders are once again pushing to remove the words 'secular' and 'socialist' from the Constitution's Preamble, showing a deeper effort to change India's identity from a diverse, multi-religious republic to a Hindu-first nation, even though they don't have the numbers in Parliament to officially change the Constitution, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Governor has no discretion under Article 200: SC

Governor has no discretion under Article 200: SC

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

A Governor does not possess any discretion in exercise of functions under Article 200 of the Constitution in respect to any bill presented to them and must mandatorily abide by the advice tendered by the council of ministers, the Supreme Court has held.

Touching minor's lips without sexual intent not POCSO offence: HC

Touching minor's lips without sexual intent not POCSO offence: HC

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The judge, however, ruled that there was a clear prima facie case under Section 354 of IPC for 'assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty".

SC proposes to stay key provisions of Waqf Act, govt opposes

SC proposes to stay key provisions of Waqf Act, govt opposes

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India began hearing a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, asked both sides to address whether the court should entertain the petitions or relegate them to the high court. The hearing is underway with senior advocate Kapil Sibal arguing for the petitioners. The act, which was passed by Parliament following heated debates, has been challenged by various parties including AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind.

Elgar Case: Rona Wilson, Sudhir Dhawale walk out of jail

Elgar Case: Rona Wilson, Sudhir Dhawale walk out of jail

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

Researcher Rona Wilson and activist Sudhir Dhawale, accused in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, were released on bail from a Navi Mumbai prison on Friday, more than six years after they were arrested. The duo walked out of the Taloja jail after completing bail formalities before the special NIA court, over a fortnight after they were granted bail by the Bombay High Court. The HC granted bail to Wilson and Dhawale on January 8, noting they had been in jail since 2018 and the trial in the case, in which anti-terror act UAPA has been invoked, was yet to start. Apart from Dhawale and Wilson, 14 other activists and academicians were arrested in the case. Eight of them have been granted bail till now, with one, Mahesh Raut, still in jail as the appeal filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against his bail is pending before the Supreme Court. Jesuit priest and activist Stan Swamy, one of the accused, died in 2021 while lodged in judicial custody. The case pertains to provocative speeches allegedly delivered at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, triggering violence at Koregaon-Bhima, a village outside Pune city, the next day. The Pune police had claimed the conclave was backed by Maoists. The NIA later took over the probe.