News for 'Supreme Court Bench'

SC strengthens arrestee rights, says magistrate must approve re-arrest

SC strengthens arrestee rights, says magistrate must approve re-arrest

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that an investigating agency must seek a magistrate's approval for re-arresting an individual if they were previously released due to a breach of constitutional rights, such as not being informed of arrest grounds or being detained beyond 24 hours. This judgment reinforces the importance of Articles 22(1) and 22(2) and introduces stricter accountability measures for police officers.

Painful parallels to Nirbhaya case: SC on Delhi bus rape

Painful parallels to Nirbhaya case: SC on Delhi bus rape

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of recent heinous crimes against minor girls and women in the Delhi-NCR region, highlighting a systemic failure in law enforcement. Citing parallels to the 2012 Nirbhaya case, the court demanded accountability from authorities and sought comprehensive reports on public safety measures and the utilisation of the National Database on Sexual Offenders.

'Constitutional sin': SC questions Shinde faction's Sena symbol claim

'Constitutional sin': SC questions Shinde faction's Sena symbol claim

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court is examining the Election Commission's decision to allot the Shiv Sena's bow-and-arrow symbol to the Eknath Shinde faction. The court questioned the validity of relying primarily on legislative strength, particularly when MLAs face disqualification. Arguments from the Shinde faction defended the EC's test, while the court raised concerns about the "sentiment of the symbol" for defectors and the practicalities of assessing grassroots support. The hearing remains inconclusive.

SC directs Centre to frame statutory safeguards for minors on social media

SC directs Centre to frame statutory safeguards for minors on social media

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to explore a statutory framework to ensure social media intermediaries comply with Indian laws regarding minors, particularly concerning their inability to independently enter into contracts. The court highlighted the need for safeguards to protect children from potential harms on digital platforms, including exploitation and misuse of data, and asked the Solicitor General to examine incorporating these requirements into intermediary rules.

SC nixes Centre's plea in Greater Nicobar Project, HC to go ahead with hearing

SC nixes Centre's plea in Greater Nicobar Project, HC to go ahead with hearing

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court has refused to entertain the Centre's plea challenging the Calcutta High Court's decision to uphold the maintainability of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) against the Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project. The PILs allege violations of the Forest Rights Act and impact on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. The apex court directed the High Court to proceed with hearing all related petitions.

SC proposes special courts, speedy trial for Manipur ethnic violence cases

SC proposes special courts, speedy trial for Manipur ethnic violence cases

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has proposed establishing special courts for day-to-day trials in criminal cases stemming from the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence. The court also directed probe agencies to expedite investigations, ensure victims receive chargesheet copies, and asked for status reports on missing persons and ongoing cases.

ICG likely to grant permanent commission to women after SC intervention

ICG likely to grant permanent commission to women after SC intervention

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) to consider granting permanent commission to Short Service Appointee (SSA) officer Priyanka Tyagi and other similarly placed women, pending vigilance clearance. This follows earlier strong remarks from the court against the ICG's "vague" and "arbitrary" policy regarding women officers, emphasising gender equality in the armed forces.

SC orders Delhi police audit, mapping of crime-prone areas

SC orders Delhi police audit, mapping of crime-prone areas

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has issued comprehensive directives to the Delhi Police Commissioner to enhance safety for women and minor girls in Delhi-NCR. These measures include forming dedicated police teams, conducting vulnerability audits of public spaces, improving lighting and CCTV surveillance, and strengthening grievance redressal mechanisms. The court also sought reports on the functioning of fast-track courts, utilisation of sexual offender databases, and the Mission Shakti programme.

Delhi HC to hear plea seeking to stop fresh CJP protest

Delhi HC to hear plea seeking to stop fresh CJP protest

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Delhi High Court is set to hear a plea seeking to stop a protest called by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke at Connaught Place Central Park on October 16. The plea highlights the disruption caused by such protests, especially during the Dussehra weekend. Dipke's call for protest follows the judicial custody of two CJP members for alleged peace bond violations and trespassing.

Karnataka Cabinet Denies Clemency To Shubha Shankar In Notorious Ring Road Murder Case

Karnataka Cabinet Denies Clemency To Shubha Shankar In Notorious Ring Road Murder Case

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Karnataka cabinet has rejected the clemency plea of Shubha Shankar, who is serving life imprisonment for the 2003 murder of her fiancee, Girish. The cabinet also decided to challenge the High Court's ruling on enhanced reservation quotas for SCs and STs in the Supreme Court.

SC grants relief to Rahul Gandhi in disproportionate assets case

SC grants relief to Rahul Gandhi in disproportionate assets case

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has provided significant relief to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by directing the Allahabad High Court to cease proceedings in a case alleging disproportionate assets against him. The apex court also instructed the CBI and ED not to submit any reports based on the high court's previous directives.

Four Women Now Lead High Courts

Four Women Now Lead High Courts

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

There has never been a woman Chief Justice of India, although Justice B V Nagarathna is expected to become the first -- in 2027 if the convention of seniority is followed.

Delhi HC green light for CJP's Connaught Place protest

Delhi HC green light for CJP's Connaught Place protest

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Delhi High Court refused to issue an injunction to stop a protest by the CJP at Connaught Place Central Park on October 16, accepting the police's assurance to regulate the activity. A vendor had sought to regulate the protest, citing potential business losses during the festive season.

Will challenge HC order quashing activist's NSA detention: SG

Will challenge HC order quashing activist's NSA detention: SG

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court that an appeal would be filed against an Allahabad High Court decision that quashed the detention of Delhi University student Akriti Chaudhary under the National Security Act. The High Court had also awarded Rs 5 lakh compensation to Chaudhary and criticised the "despotic" conduct of the Gautam Buddha Nagar DM. The Supreme Court also expressed displeasure over a Greater Noida executive magistrate's notice to another student for protest participation.

SC asks CBSE to exempt Class 6 from three-language policy this year

SC asks CBSE to exempt Class 6 from three-language policy this year

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has urged the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to consider exempting Class 6 students from its three-language policy for the current academic year. The policy, which mandates the study of three languages including two native Indian languages, is challenged by petitioners who question CBSE's jurisdiction over classes 6-8. The court emphasized finding a solution that avoids student pressure and suggested a potential deferral for Class 6.

Delhi Bus Gangrape: Police File Chargesheet, SC Expresses Concern

Delhi Bus Gangrape: Police File Chargesheet, SC Expresses Concern

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Delhi Police have filed a 398-page chargesheet against a sleeper bus driver and conductor for the alleged gangrape of a minor during a journey from Greater Noida to Delhi. Biological evidence was crucial in the case, which also highlighted significant safety lapses on the bus. The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance, drawing parallels to the 2012 Nirbhaya case and questioning systemic law enforcement failures.

Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao In Supreme Court

Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao In Supreme Court

Rediff.com10 Aug 2024

Lawyers flooded the courtroom of Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud to witness the proceedings as one special guest -- Aamir Khan -- was seated in the front row.

SC to hear on Aug 31 Abhishek Banerjee aide's plea in land-grabbing case

SC to hear on Aug 31 Abhishek Banerjee aide's plea in land-grabbing case

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has listed for hearing on August 31 an appeal of Sumit Roy, personal assistant to Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, challenging the August 6 order of the Calcutta high court denying him pre-arrest bail in the Salboni land-grabbing case.

US Appeals Court Affirms $2 Billion Devas Award Against ISRO's Antrix

US Appeals Court Affirms $2 Billion Devas Award Against ISRO's Antrix

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

A US appeals court has upheld a $562.5 million arbitral award, which has grown to over $2 billion with interest, in favour of Devas Multimedia against Antrix Corporation, the commercial arm of ISRO, ruling that US courts have jurisdiction despite Antrix being government-owned.

SC junks PIL seeking mandatory ethanol labelling at petrol pumps

SC junks PIL seeking mandatory ethanol labelling at petrol pumps

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking mandatory and uniform labelling of ethanol percentage in petrol at fuel pumps. The petitioner, Narendra Kumar Goswami, was advised to approach the jurisdictional high court for relief, with the Attorney General arguing it was a proxy litigation.

Nithari accused Surendra Koli found hanging at his tea shop

Nithari accused Surendra Koli found hanging at his tea shop

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Surendra Koli, who was at the centre of the sensational Nithari killings and subsequently acquitted in all 13 cases, was found hanging at his tea stall in Haridwar, police confirmed, with investigations ongoing into the suspected suicide.

Tarun Tejpal surrenders, begins 10-year jail term in 2013 rape case

Tarun Tejpal surrenders, begins 10-year jail term in 2013 rape case

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal has surrendered before a Goa court to begin serving his 10-year rigorous imprisonment sentence in a 2013 sexual assault case. This follows a Supreme Court directive and his conviction by the Bombay High Court, which overturned his earlier acquittal. Tejpal's appeal against his conviction is slated for a Supreme Court hearing in September 2026.

SC rejects Aravalli panel extension, sticks to Nov 30 deadline

SC rejects Aravalli panel extension, sticks to Nov 30 deadline

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has rejected a High-Powered Committee's request for a six-month extension to submit its report on the definition and protection of the Aravalli Hills, directing the panel to submit it by November 30. The court warned of reconstituting the committee if it fails to meet the deadline and emphasised the need for issue-specific interim reports. This decision follows a previous controversy over the Aravalli definition and mining regulations.

SC dismisses NEET-PG re-exam PIL, slaps Rs 25K fine on advocate

SC dismisses NEET-PG re-exam PIL, slaps Rs 25K fine on advocate

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a re-conduct of the NEET-PG 2026 exam, imposing a cost on the petitioner and criticising the advocate for misusing the legal process and soliciting cases on social media. The court noted that the petitioners were not affected by the exam disruption they cited.

SC orders SIT to expedite Ram Temple donations embezzlement probe

SC orders SIT to expedite Ram Temple donations embezzlement probe

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to expeditiously complete its probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The court also mandated the SIT to submit a sealed status report and consider suggestions from litigants for improving transparency and investigation quality.

Mahua Moitra faces egg attack, 'go back' slogans in Bengal's Nadia

Mahua Moitra faces egg attack, 'go back' slogans in Bengal's Nadia

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

TMC MP Mahua Moitra was allegedly pelted with eggs by BJP workers during a visit to Nadia district's Tehatta area, despite police presence. Moitra invoked a recent Supreme Court observation regarding her apprehension of such attacks, questioning police inaction and alleging contempt of court. The BJP has condemned the act but denied involvement.

SC flags 'mechanical' notices to 33 lakh Delhi voters, seeks SIR safeguards

SC flags 'mechanical' notices to 33 lakh Delhi voters, seeks SIR safeguards

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has expressed concern to the Election Commission regarding the "almost mechanical" issuance of notices under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Delhi, urging additional safeguards and clarification on "logical discrepancy" criteria. The court is hearing a petition challenging the EC's process, which has seen millions of voters receive notices, raising practical difficulties and concerns about potential disenfranchisement.

Cancer drug prices to drop as govt caps trade margin at 30pc

Cancer drug prices to drop as govt caps trade margin at 30pc

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

The Indian government has decided to cap trade margins on all non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs at 30 per cent of their maximum retail price. This move aims to improve affordability and ensure continued availability of these life-saving medicines, potentially saving cancer patients an estimated Rs 2,500 crore annually. The decision, expected to be implemented later this month, will affect 110 anti-cancer drugs, including 35 patented ones.

SC stays FIR against Kotdwar's 'Mohammad Deepak'

SC stays FIR against Kotdwar's 'Mohammad Deepak'

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has stayed further proceedings in an FIR against Kotdwar gym operator Deepak Kumar, known as 'Mohammad Deepak', who gained prominence for confronting Bajrang Dal workers. The case stems from an incident where Deepak defended a Muslim shopkeeper, leading to a viral video and subsequent legal challenges.

Emergency imposed in country: CJP decries security curbs

Emergency imposed in country: CJP decries security curbs

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) have strongly criticised the Centre's security measures in New Delhi, including metro and train cancellations, ahead of their planned protest at Jantar Mantar. They accuse the government of imposing an "emergency" and being afraid of Gen Z, while demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral roll irregularities. The Supreme Court has intervened, directing authorities to ensure regulated movement.

'Rs 370 biryani' remark: Comedian Pranit More moves SC to club FIRs

'Rs 370 biryani' remark: Comedian Pranit More moves SC to club FIRs

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Comedian Pranit More has approached the Supreme Court to club multiple FIRs filed against him after a guest on his show made a controversial "Rs 370 biryani" remark, deemed misogynistic. More's counsel informed the court that he has apologised on all forums, including the National Commission for Women, and the apex court has sought notices from the Centre and state governments.

SC Directs No Immediate Arrest In POCSO Cases Involving Parents Amid Matrimonial Disputes

SC Directs No Immediate Arrest In POCSO Cases Involving Parents Amid Matrimonial Disputes

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has issued a landmark directive against immediate arrests in Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cases where the accused is a parent or family member living with the child, and a matrimonial dispute exists. The ruling mandates psychological evaluation of the child by experts before police or courts form an opinion to arrest, aiming to prevent the misuse of the law in estranged couple cases.

CJP hails SC relief for NEET protesters, seeks compensation

CJP hails SC relief for NEET protesters, seeks compensation

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has quashed all FIRs registered against students who protested the NEET-UG paper leak, calling it a "major victory" for dissent. The court also noted the government's commitment to formulate a pan-India compensation policy within three months for families of students who died by suicide due to the crisis. The CJP, which led the protests, welcomed the decision but vowed to monitor the policy's implementation.

SC to hear plea on denying perks to resigning officials, judges

SC to hear plea on denying perks to resigning officials, judges

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea seeking to deny retirement perks and benefits to constitutional functionaries, including judges, who resign to avoid removal proceedings. The petition argues that such a practice undermines the Rule of Law and constitutional principles.

NCLT records highest-ever quarterly resolution plan approvals despite vacancies

NCLT records highest-ever quarterly resolution plan approvals despite vacancies

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved a record 107 resolution plans in the second quarter of financial year 2026-27 (Q2FY27), its highest quarterly performance, despite ongoing challenges such as member vacancies and infrastructure constraints.

Explained: Supreme Court's Property Judgment

Explained: Supreme Court's Property Judgment

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

'A rigid or overly broad interpretation could lead to a chilling effect on investments and growth in sectors traditionally driven by private initiative.' 'Entrepreneurs may fear that their assets could be arbitrarily appropriated by the State under the guise of serving the 'common good' without sufficient legal safeguards.' 'The judgment thus supports a more nuanced view, one that balances individual property rights with public welfare objectives.'

SC to hear marital rape criminalisation after Centre's reply

SC to hear marital rape criminalisation after Centre's reply

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has stated it will wait for the central government's response on petitions concerning the criminalisation of marital rape before scheduling a hearing. This comes as the Centre has yet to file a substantive reply on the matter, which challenges the constitutional validity of exceptions in criminal law that protect husbands from prosecution for sexual acts with their wives. The issue involves the interpretation of Section 375 of the IPC (now replaced by Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita) and has seen split verdicts in high courts.

'Nobody can...': SC seeks report on minor girl's harassment charges at CJP protest

'Nobody can...': SC seeks report on minor girl's harassment charges at CJP protest

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has taken a serious view of allegations of harassment against a minor girl who participated in the July Cockroach Janta Party protests. The court emphasised that nobody should be allowed to intimidate a victim or her family from pursuing criminal proceedings and directed the Solicitor General to ensure action on the girl's FIR, seeking reports from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh governments.

Cauvery row: SC tells Tamil Nadu to raise water share plea before CWMA

Cauvery row: SC tells Tamil Nadu to raise water share plea before CWMA

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has advised the Tamil Nadu government to present its grievance regarding the proportionate release of Cauvery water to the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA). This comes after Tamil Nadu alleged that Karnataka was not releasing its due share of water despite directions from the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and CWMA, impacting farmers in the state.

Why not deny bow-and-arrow symbol to both Sena factions, SC asks EC

Why not deny bow-and-arrow symbol to both Sena factions, SC asks EC

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has questioned the Election Commission's decision to allot the Shiv Sena's bow-and-arrow symbol to the Eknath Shinde faction, asking if the possibility of denying the symbol to both factions was adequately considered. The court also raised concerns about using legislative majority as a test while disqualification proceedings against MLAs were pending. The Shinde faction argued for the validity of the legislative majority test, citing significant vote share and legal precedents.