News for 'Solicitor General of India'

Deadlines for Guvs, Prez on Bills risk constitutional disorder: Centre to SC

Deadlines for Guvs, Prez on Bills risk constitutional disorder: Centre to SC

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

The Centre has told the Supreme Court that imposing fixed timelines on governors and the president to act on bills passed by a state Assembly would amount to one organ of the government assuming powers not vested in it by the Constitution and lead to a "constitutional disorder".

HC orders Ananda Vikatan magazine to drop Modi caricature

HC orders Ananda Vikatan magazine to drop Modi caricature

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The Madras High Court has ordered Ananda Vikatan Productions Private Limited to remove a caricature depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi shackled in chains during a meeting with United States President Donald Trump. The court ruled that the caricature, published in the magazine, was not protected under freedom of expression and could be considered offensive under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. The court also directed the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to unblock the Ananda Vikatan website upon receipt of confirmation that the caricature has been removed.

Stray dog problem due to inaction, says SC; reserves order

Stray dog problem due to inaction, says SC; reserves order

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

A two-judge bench of the top court had on August 11 directed authorities in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) to start picking up stray dogs from all localities "at the earliest" and relocate the animals to dog shelters.

SC to examine President's 14 questions on governor's powers

SC to examine President's 14 questions on governor's powers

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

A Constitution bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, P S Narasimha and A S Chandurkar, would fix the timelines on July 29 and commence hearing on the presidential reference in mid-August.

CBI not under control of Union of India, Centre tells SC

CBI not under control of Union of India, Centre tells SC

Rediff.com2 May 2024

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is not under the 'control' of the Union, the Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court while raising preliminary objections on a lawsuit filed by the West Bengal government on the agency going ahead with its probe in several cases without the prerequisite nod from the state.

SC questions multiple prosecutions of Sharjeel for same speech

SC questions multiple prosecutions of Sharjeel for same speech

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India questioned whether former JNU student Sharjeel Imam can be prosecuted in multiple states for sedition based on a single speech. The court is considering a plea to club multiple FIRs filed against Imam in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh for his alleged inflammatory remarks during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The court is concerned about the potential for double jeopardy and has indicated that it may transfer the cases to Delhi.

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.

Focus on Ashoka Univ prof's SM posts, don't seize gadgets: SC

Focus on Ashoka Univ prof's SM posts, don't seize gadgets: SC

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has questioned the line of investigation adopted by the Haryana SIT in the case of an Ashoka University professor booked for social media posts, stating that it "misdirected itself."

SC allows Ranveer Allahbadia to resume his podcast with conditions

SC allows Ranveer Allahbadia to resume his podcast with conditions

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh took note of Allahbadia's submission that the podcast was his only source of livelihood and around 280 people employed by him were dependent on the show.

SC objects to Allahabad HC's 'she invited trouble' remark

SC objects to Allahabad HC's 'she invited trouble' remark

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court on Tuesday took exception to the Allahabad high court's recent remarks in a rape case as reportedly saying the complainant "herself invited trouble", and wondered why it made such observations while deciding a bail plea.

Fate of 40 Air India pilots in limbo

Fate of 40 Air India pilots in limbo

Rediff.com29 Oct 2021

Air India on Friday opposed before the Delhi high court the reinstatement and payment of back wages to over 40 pilots, saying that unless resignation is specifically made prospective, it is effective immediately and a pilot cannot withdraw it subsequently. "Unless otherwise specified, resignation is effective immediately. "There is no competence (with pilots) to withdraw on the ground that I am still serving notice period," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing Air India, told a bench headed by Justice Rajiv Shakdher.

SC stops IAF from releasing Operation Sindoor officer

SC stops IAF from releasing Operation Sindoor officer

Rediff.com23 May 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Indian Air Force not to release Wing Commander Nikita Pandey from service. Pandey, who participated in Operation Balakot and Operation Sindoor, was denied a permanent commission despite being an expert fighter controller. The court raised concerns about the uncertainty faced by Short Service Commission (SSC) officers who are denied permanent commissions after years of service. The court emphasized the need for a system to accommodate all suitable SSC officers in permanent commissions, highlighting the excellent performance of women officers. The court has ordered the IAF to consider Pandey's case in a second selection board and has postponed the hearing to August 6.

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.

NEET PG 2025 to be conducted on Aug 3 in a single shift: SC

NEET PG 2025 to be conducted on Aug 3 in a single shift: SC

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Augustine George Masih, which initially questioned the over two-month window sought by the NBE for holding the examination, said the board's plea appeared to be "bonafide".

'Won't be able to...': CJI defers hearing on marital rape

'Won't be able to...': CJI defers hearing on marital rape

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, who is demitting office on November 10, Wednesday deferred by four weeks hearing on pleas challenging the immunity granted to husbands in cases of marital rape.

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.

Rahul Gandhi's citizenship: HC seeks Centre's reply

Rahul Gandhi's citizenship: HC seeks Centre's reply

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

The Allahabad high court has directed the Centre to place before it on December 19 the decision taken on a representation moved against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi that claimed he concealed his British citizenship in contesting the parliamentary election from Raebareli seat this year.

'Truth deficit' in legal profession bothers me: Outgoing CJI Khanna

'Truth deficit' in legal profession bothers me: Outgoing CJI Khanna

Rediff.com14 May 2025

The CJI called Justice Gavai his "biggest support" while expressing confidence in the latter's leadership and commitment to constitutional values.

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.

Won't touch northeast's special rules, govt tells SC in Art 370 hearing

Won't touch northeast's special rules, govt tells SC in Art 370 hearing

Rediff.com23 Aug 2023

Tewari, a Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP, was appearing for former Arunachal Pradesh MLA Padi Richo, who has filed an intervention application in a batch of petitions challenging abrogation of Article 370.

SC rejects NIA plea against bail given to accused in RSS leader's murder case

SC rejects NIA plea against bail given to accused in RSS leader's murder case

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has declined to interfere with the bail granted to 17 members of the Popular Front of India (PFI) in connection with the 2022 murder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Srinivasan in Kerala. The court noted that the Kerala High Court, which granted bail, has the power to revoke it if the conditions are violated. The NIA had sought cancellation of the bail, alleging the accused had violated bail conditions and contacted witnesses. The accused are also facing trial for allegedly instigating communal violence in Kerala and other parts of the country.

No tree felling in Mumbai's Aarey without our nod: SC

No tree felling in Mumbai's Aarey without our nod: SC

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India has directed the tree authority of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to halt any further tree felling in Mumbai's Aarey colony without its permission. The order comes after the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) informed the court that there were no pending proposals to cut more trees in the area. The court has previously permitted the felling of a limited number of trees for a metro rail project, but has also imposed penalties on the MMRCL for exceeding its permitted limits.

India appeals UK court ruling on Bhandari extradition

India appeals UK court ruling on Bhandari extradition

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

The Indian government as respondent in Sanjay Bhandari extradition case has sought permission from the London high court to appeal against the discharge of the defence sector consultant wanted in Delhi to face charges of alleged tax evasion and money laundering.

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 rejects govt plea, upholds Bengal's suit on CBI

SC rejects govt plea, upholds Bengal's suit on CBI

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

The Central Bureau of Investigation is under the superintendence of the Union government as per the statutory scheme, the Supreme Court held on Wednesday while rejecting the Centre's objection to the maintainability of a lawsuit by West Bengal contesting the federal agency's action of pressing ahead with investigation of cases in the state despite withdrawal of general consent.

Trinamool MPs meet Prez seeking removal of SG Tushar Mehta

Trinamool MPs meet Prez seeking removal of SG Tushar Mehta

Rediff.com5 Jul 2021

Earlier, the party's members of Parliament had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for removing Mehta over his reported meeting with West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikari.

'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.

Are others incompetent? SC asked govt for seeking extension for Mishra

Are others incompetent? SC asked govt for seeking extension for Mishra

Rediff.com27 Jul 2023

"Are we not giving a picture that there is no other person and the entire department is full of incompetent people?" a bench headed by Justice B R Gavai told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

What's wrong in using spyware against terrorists, asks SC

What's wrong in using spyware against terrorists, asks SC

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday questioned the issue of using "spyware against terrorists" and stated that any report touching upon the country's "security and sovereignty" won't be made public. The court indicated it might address individual concerns regarding privacy breaches, but the report of the technical committee would not be a document for public discussion. The court will examine the extent to which the report can be shared publicly. The court's statement came during a hearing on a petition related to the alleged use of Pegasus spyware for surveillance. The court also emphasized that "having spyware is not wrong, against whom you are using is the question" and that the security of the nation cannot be compromised. The hearing has been adjourned to July 30.

New CJI-led bench to hear pleas against Waqf Act

New CJI-led bench to hear pleas against Waqf Act

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday said the pleas challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act's constitutional validity will now be taken up by a bench headed by Chief Justice of India-designate Justice B R Gavai on May 15 as the incumbent CJI will be demitting office on May 13.

SC to examine age bar for surrogate mothers, seeks govt reply

SC to examine age bar for surrogate mothers, seeks govt reply

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India will examine the age limits for surrogate mothers and other provisions of the Surrogacy Regulation Act and Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act on February 11. The court has asked the government to file its written submissions on the matter. The laws set age limits for intended parents and surrogate mothers, restricting commercial surrogacy and emphasizing altruistic surrogacy. The court is also considering alternative mechanisms for compensating surrogate mothers and has proposed a designated authority for disbursing payments instead of intended couples.

Day after mother's passing, retiring SC judge Oka delivers 11 verdicts

Day after mother's passing, retiring SC judge Oka delivers 11 verdicts

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Justice Abhay S Oka, known for his unwavering commitment to liberty and constitutional values, bid farewell to the Supreme Court of India. In his final address, he stressed his dedication to upholding constitutional liberties, emphasizing that it was his "honest endeavor" to fulfill the dream of the Constitution's framers. He also expressed gratitude to the bar and his colleagues for their support and shared heartfelt memories from his time on the bench. Justice Oka's departure marks the end of a distinguished judicial career spanning over two decades, during which he served as a judge of the Bombay High Court, Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, and ultimately, as a Supreme Court justice.

Fali Sam Nariman: Indian judiciary's 'Bhishma Pitamah' who minced no words

Fali Sam Nariman: Indian judiciary's 'Bhishma Pitamah' who minced no words

Rediff.com21 Feb 2024

Away from the courtroom and legal circles, Nariman was a familiar figure for residents of Hauz Khas who would see him walk regularly, even in the cold winter months of December and January.

VVIP chopper scam case: Christian Michel gets bail

VVIP chopper scam case: Christian Michel gets bail

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court has granted bail to alleged middleman Christian Michel James in the purported Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland case. James had been in custody for six years while the investigation was ongoing. The alleged scam relates to the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters from AgustaWestland. James, a British national, was extradited from Dubai in December 2018.

Kolkata rape: Crime scene altered, CBI tells SC

Kolkata rape: Crime scene altered, CBI tells SC

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleged in the Supreme Court on Thursday that there was an attempt to cover up the rape and killing of a post-graduate medic at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital by the local police as the crime scene was altered by the time the federal agency took over the probe.

TMC urges PM to remove SG Mehta over 'meeting' with Suvendu

TMC urges PM to remove SG Mehta over 'meeting' with Suvendu

Rediff.com2 Jul 2021

Adhikari, leader of the opposition in the West Bengal assembly, denied the charge, saying that he had recently gone to Mehta's residence in Delhi regarding a case related to "post-poll violence" in the state but "could not meet him in person".

Same-sex marriage: I am sorry Mr solicitor, we are in charge, SC tells govt

Same-sex marriage: I am sorry Mr solicitor, we are in charge, SC tells govt

Rediff.com18 Apr 2023

A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, that the nature and tenability of the preliminary objection will depend on the canvass the petitioners open up and the court wants to have a view of their argument.

SC stays Lokpal order on complaints against HC judge

SC stays Lokpal order on complaints against HC judge

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has stayed a Lokpal order that allowed complaints to be filed against a sitting high court judge. The court termed the order "something very, very disturbing" and a concern for the independence of the judiciary. The bench issued notices to the Centre, the Lokpal registrar, and the complainant, directing them to keep the identity of the judge confidential. The court will hear the matter again on March 18.

SC directs Punjab, Haryana to cooperate on SYL canal dispute

SC directs Punjab, Haryana to cooperate on SYL canal dispute

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has directed the governments of Punjab and Haryana to cooperate with the Centre in finding an amicable solution to the long-standing dispute over the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. The court deemed the de-notification of land acquired for the canal in Punjab an "act of high-handedness" and emphasized the need to consider "wider ramifications" beyond legal considerations. The court has set August 13 for a further hearing if an amicable solution is not reached.

Calcutta HC allows RSS rally in Bardhaman, limits attendance

Calcutta HC allows RSS rally in Bardhaman, limits attendance

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The Calcutta High Court has granted conditional permission to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to hold a rally in West Bengal's Purba Bardhaman district on February 16, despite objections from the state government. The court allowed the event, which will be addressed by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, on the condition that the organizers keep the crowd size and sound levels under control and ensure that students taking secondary exams are not disturbed. The event will be held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) complex, which is located in a remote area and away from any schools.