News for 'Public Interest Litigation'

Ram Temple theft: SC expands SIT; seeks status report in two weeks

Ram Temple theft: SC expands SIT; seeks status report in two weeks

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court on Monday took note of setting up of a four-member SIT headed by IGP Kiran S to probe alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and asked the Uttar Pradesh government to also include a forensic auditor in the probe team.

Himachal Pradesh Appoints Chief Secretary Despite Corruption Allegations

Himachal Pradesh Appoints Chief Secretary Despite Corruption Allegations

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Sanjay Gupta, a 1988-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the chief secretary of Himachal Pradesh amidst allegations of corruption, sparking controversy and criticism from opposition parties.

US Court Dismisses Adani Criminal Case; Gautam Adani Says 'Truth Prevailed'

US Court Dismisses Adani Criminal Case; Gautam Adani Says 'Truth Prevailed'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

A US federal judge has permanently dismissed the criminal securities-fraud case against Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar, closing nearly two years of prosecution without a trial. Gautam Adani stated, "Truth has prevailed," in response to the ruling.

Lawyer seeks ban on Arundhati Roy's book for showing her with cigarette

Lawyer seeks ban on Arundhati Roy's book for showing her with cigarette

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

The Kerala High Court was informed that Arundhati Roy's book 'Mother Mary Come to Me' has a disclaimer against smoking on the back of its cover, in response to a plea seeking to prohibit the book's sale due to the author being shown smoking on the cover.

Punjab Activist's Murder Triggers Opposition Fury

Punjab Activist's Murder Triggers Opposition Fury

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The murder of a Jalandhar-based RTI activist has sparked outrage and political condemnation in Punjab, with opposition parties criticising the AAP government's handling of law and order.

Dawoodi Bohra verdict row: HC ex-judge Patel gets security cover

Dawoodi Bohra verdict row: HC ex-judge Patel gets security cover

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Retired Judge Gautam Patel and his family, getting threatening letters over his 2024 verdict on the succession row in the Dawoodi Bohra community, have been provided police protection, the Maharashtra government on Monday told the Bombay high court.

Delhi blaze brings ignored HC warning back in focus

Delhi blaze brings ignored HC warning back in focus

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Nearly five months before a hotel fire in south Delhi killed at least 21 people, the Delhi high court had directed authorities to formulate an action plan to strengthen fire safety norms in hospitality establishments.

Plea in SC seeks seat-wise list of voter deletions in Bengal

Plea in SC seeks seat-wise list of voter deletions in Bengal

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a detailed constituency-wise disclosure of disenfranchisement caused by the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.

Assam not to issue Aadhaar cards to adults anymore

Assam not to issue Aadhaar cards to adults anymore

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The Assam cabinet has decided to restrict the issuance of Aadhaar cards to individuals over 18 years of age, a move aimed at preventing illegal immigrants from acquiring the document. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that exceptions would require district commissioner proposals and state government approval, with a complete ban for all communities over 18 set for April 1, 2027.

'Go and ask the deity': SC rejects plea for restoring Vishnu idol in Khajuraho

'Go and ask the deity': SC rejects plea for restoring Vishnu idol in Khajuraho

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

Terming the plea as a "publicity interest litigation", the Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea seeking directions to reconstruct and reinstall a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari Temple, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Khajuraho temple complex in Madhya Pradesh.

Jharkhand Court Addresses Jail Sex Abuse Allegations

Jharkhand Court Addresses Jail Sex Abuse Allegations

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Jharkhand High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of alleged sexual exploitation of a woman inmate at Birsa Munda Central Jail by the prison superintendent, registering a public interest litigation and directing the state government to file a detailed report.

SC divided on prior sanction for graft probe into govt servants

SC divided on prior sanction for graft probe into govt servants

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on the constitutional validity of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which mandates prior sanction for probing government servants in corruption cases. The case will now be placed before the Chief Justice for forming a larger bench.

Minors' Bail Denied in Delhi Holi Killing Case: Justice Board Cites Public Safety

Minors' Bail Denied in Delhi Holi Killing Case: Justice Board Cites Public Safety

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) in Delhi has denied bail to two minors arrested in connection with the death of a man during a clash between two families on Holi. The board cited concerns about public peace, the safety of the minors, and the integrity of the justice system.

Rajasthan Court Protects Wildlife, Bans Night Safaris in Leopard Reserve

Rajasthan Court Protects Wildlife, Bans Night Safaris in Leopard Reserve

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The Rajasthan High Court has banned night safaris and drone use in the Jawai Leopard Reserve to protect wildlife from disturbance due to unregulated tourism.

SC hearing on religious freedoms ends after 16 days; order reserved

SC hearing on religious freedoms ends after 16 days; order reserved

Rediff.com14 May 2026

A nine-judge Supreme Court bench has reserved its order on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple, and the scope of religious freedom.

Rs 3000 cr cap on nuclear liability: Very sensitive legislative policy issue, says SC

Rs 3000 cr cap on nuclear liability: Very sensitive legislative policy issue, says SC

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Supreme Court is reviewing a plea challenging the 2025 SHANTI Act, which caps liability at Rs 3,000 crore for nuclear plant incidents, raising concerns about victim compensation and operator accountability.

Supreme Court Questions Allahabad High Court's 40-Year Delay In Murder Case

Supreme Court Questions Allahabad High Court's 40-Year Delay In Murder Case

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the Allahabad High Court's extraordinary 40-year delay in deciding a criminal appeal filed by a murder accused. The case involves Vijay Singh, who was convicted in 1985 and whose appeal was only dismissed in February this year, after four decades. The top court questioned measures to address mounting pendency and rejected a suggestion to dismiss old cases solely due to delay.

Anil Ambani seeks debt treatment like Sterling's Sandesaras'

Anil Ambani seeks debt treatment like Sterling's Sandesaras'

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Industrialist Anil Ambani has approached the Supreme Court seeking a court-facilitated debt resolution similar to the one provided to Sterling group's Nitin and Chetan Sandesara, and five other members of their families.

'I am also a Shabari': Indira Jaising tells SC in Sabarimala hearing

'I am also a Shabari': Indira Jaising tells SC in Sabarimala hearing

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Shabari story in the Ramayana found mention before a nine-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Wednesday while hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.

9-judge SC bench to hear Sabarimala women entry plea in April

9-judge SC bench to hear Sabarimala women entry plea in April

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has announced that a nine-judge bench will begin final hearings on petitions related to discrimination against women in religions, including the Sabarimala Temple case, starting April 7.

SC rejects Jamiat plea for compensation in lynching cases

SC rejects Jamiat plea for compensation in lynching cases

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court dismissed a plea by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind seeking compensation from the Uttar Pradesh government for victims of mob lynching, deferring to the Allahabad High Court's order to approach the state government directly.

SC 9-judge bench hears pleas against women's discrimination in religious places

SC 9-judge bench hears pleas against women's discrimination in religious places

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

A nine-judge Supreme Court bench has commenced hearing on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple, and the scope of religious freedom across faiths.

Goa fire: HC converts civil suit against nightclub into PIL, says ....

Goa fire: HC converts civil suit against nightclub into PIL, says ....

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

The Bombay High Court converted a civil suit against Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub into a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) saying "someone has to be held accountable" for the tragedy in which 25 people were killed.

SC Slams RERA: 'Better to Abolish It'

SC Slams RERA: 'Better to Abolish It'

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

'Except facilitating builders in default, it is not doing anything else. Better to just abolish this institution.'

'Petitioners not aggrieved': HC rejects PILs against Maratha quota

'Petitioners not aggrieved': HC rejects PILs against Maratha quota

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

The Bombay high court on Thursday said it was not inclined to hear PILs against the Maharashtra government's decision to issue Kunbi caste certificates to Maratha community members for reservation, noting the petitioners were not aggrieved persons.

SC okays construction work at Puri Jagannath temple, slams litigants

SC okays construction work at Puri Jagannath temple, slams litigants

Rediff.com3 Jun 2022

The Supreme Court on Friday said the construction activity being carried out by the Odisha government at the famed Shree Jagannath temple in Puri is necessary in the larger public interest as it dismissed pleas opposing the work.

Facing criticism online, CJI says he respects all religions

Facing criticism online, CJI says he respects all religions

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

Chief Justice of India B R Gavai affirmed his respect for all religions after facing online criticism regarding comments made during a case about the reconstruction of a Lord Vishnu idol.

Byju's Founder Byju Raveendran Sentenced to Jail in Singapore for Contempt of Court

Byju's Founder Byju Raveendran Sentenced to Jail in Singapore for Contempt of Court

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Byju Raveendran, founder of the embattled edtech firm Byju's, has been sentenced to six months in jail by a Singapore court for contempt of court over alleged non-compliance with disclosure orders, a ruling he described as "procedural" and plans to appeal.

Sabarimala case: SC questions maintainability of pleas by non-devotees

Sabarimala case: SC questions maintainability of pleas by non-devotees

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India questioned the Centre regarding the eligibility of non-devotees to challenge the customs of the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, during a hearing on religious freedom and discrimination against women at religious sites.

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.

Air, Water Purifiers: GST Council May Weigh 5% Levy

Air, Water Purifiers: GST Council May Weigh 5% Levy

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

The GST Council at its next meeting may consider a reduction in taxes on air and water purifiers as air quality across the country worsens and access to safe drinking water remains uneven.

Delhi Gymkhana seeks alternate land amid takeover row

Delhi Gymkhana seeks alternate land amid takeover row

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Delhi Gymkhana Club members call takeover "illegal" and highlight heritage and social value.

Cough syrup deaths: Plea in SC seeks extensive probe

Cough syrup deaths: Plea in SC seeks extensive probe

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court agreed to hear on Friday a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking inquiry and systemic reform in drug safety mechanisms in the wake of deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan allegedly due to consumption of toxic cough syrups.

SC rejects PIL against nationwide rollout of ethanol-blended petrol

SC rejects PIL against nationwide rollout of ethanol-blended petrol

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court rejected a PIL challenging the nationwide rollout of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (EBP-20), citing benefits to sugarcane farmers. The plea alleged incompatibility issues with older vehicles.

Delhi HC refuses to stay release of The Taj Story

Delhi HC refuses to stay release of The Taj Story

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

The Delhi high court on Thursday refused to entertain a public interest litigation seeking a stay on the release of the Bollywood movie The Taj Story, scheduled to hit the screens on Friday.

Bail Denied for Teen Driver in Dwarka Fatal Crash

Bail Denied for Teen Driver in Dwarka Fatal Crash

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

A Juvenile Justice Board in Delhi has denied bail to a 17-year-old accused of causing a fatal crash in Dwarka while driving a speeding SUV, citing concerns for his safety and public order.

HC stays K'taka order capping movie ticket prices at Rs 200

HC stays K'taka order capping movie ticket prices at Rs 200

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

The Karnataka high court stayed enforcement of the Karnataka Cinemas (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules, 2025, which fixed a cap for movie ticket prices at Rs 200 across the state.

HC stays K'taka rule capping movie ticket prices at Rs 200

HC stays K'taka rule capping movie ticket prices at Rs 200

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

The Karnataka High Court has stayed the enforcement of a rule that capped movie ticket prices at Rs 200 across the state, following a petition by the Multiplex Association of India and other cinema stakeholders.

Vijay's TVK not a recognised political party: EC

Vijay's TVK not a recognised political party: EC

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

The Election Commission of India informed the Madras High Court that actor Vijay's TVK is not a recognised political party during a hearing regarding a PIL seeking its derecognition following a stampede at a party rally.

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.