The Supreme Court has disposed of a long-pending case concerning legislative privileges and freedom of speech, deeming it infructuous due to the Tamil Nadu Assembly withdrawing its resolution against journalists. However, the seven-judge bench has kept the substantial legal questions regarding the interplay of fundamental rights and legislative privileges open for future adjudication.
The Supreme Court has ruled that the Bar Council of India (BCI) lacks the statutory authority to regulate the conduct of law students. The court clarified that disciplinary actions against students fall under the purview of their respective educational institutions, setting aside BCI notifications issued during a controversy involving NALSAR University students.
The Supreme Court has questioned the reliability of legislative majority as the sole determinant for political party ownership, especially when disqualification proceedings are pending against the very legislators forming that majority. This query arose during arguments concerning the Shiv Sena faction dispute between Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray.
The Supreme Court on Friday said no one blamed the chief pilot of the Air India Dreamliner for the June 12 crash, which claimed 260 lives, and asked his 91-year-old father not to carry any emotional burden.
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.
The Supreme Court has declared that children have a fundamental right to access and use the internet, directing the Centre to establish a national database for detecting and removing child sexually explicit visual content. The ruling, stemming from a plea by NGO Just Rights for Children Alliance, emphasises the internet's value for learning and expression while acknowledging the need for safeguards like parental consent and a "child mode" for accounts, rather than blanket restrictions.
The CBI has filed a closure report in the 2002 disinvestment of Hindustan Zinc Ltd, stating that allegations of irregularities could not be substantiated. This comes despite a 2022 Supreme Court directive by then-CJI D Y Chandrachud to register a regular case, citing sufficient material and concerns over undervaluation and the role of a global advisor. The special court will now decide on the report.
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.
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has refuted claims that Rahul Gandhi pushed him during a protest march in Delhi, clarifying that Gandhi was concerned for his safety. This comes after a viral video sparked a political slugfest between the Congress and the BJP, with the latter accusing Gandhi of insulting the state.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged CEC Gyanesh Kumar to resign and turn approver, stating the opposition's fight is against the "bigger powers" behind him.
An inquiry committee's report into allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma, who faced removal proceedings over unaccounted cash found at his residence, was tabled in Rajya Sabha. The report details the investigation into the alleged discovery of burnt currency following a fire at his official residence. Justice Varma has since resigned, rendering the removal proceedings infructuous, though his resignation is yet to be formally notified.
The Eknath Shinde faction on Wednesday defended the Election Commission's decision to recognise it as the real Shiv Sena and allot it the bow-and-arrow symbol in the Supreme Court. Senior advocate N K Kaul argued that no subsequent Shiv Sena constitution was submitted to the EC after 2011 and emphasised the importance of inner-party democracy. The hearing, which also touched upon the timing of the EC's decision and the pendency of disqualification petitions, remained inconclusive and will continue on Thursday.
The Delhi High Court has refused to grant bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in a case filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) concerning the "larger conspiracy" behind the February 2020 north-east Delhi riots. The court cited a Supreme Court order and the ongoing investigation into their alleged roles as masterminds.
The Odisha government has rejected the remission plea of Ravindra Pal alias Dara Singh, who is serving a life sentence for the 1999 murder of Australian missionary Graham Stuart Staines and his two minor sons. The Supreme Court has granted Singh's counsel two weeks to challenge this decision. Singh, 63, has been in jail for over 25 years and sought premature release, claiming repentance for his actions.
The Supreme Court has expressed shock over numerous deaths, including unnatural ones, in relief camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur. It directed the state's chief secretary to explain steps taken for investigation, criminal proceedings, and ensuring safety, questioning low compensation and incomplete post-mortems. The court also sought a report from MSLSA and urged expeditious trials in violence-related cases.
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.
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.
The Supreme Court has strongly criticised the exorbitant markup on cancer drugs by hospitals, calling it "carnage" and "broad daylight dacoity." The court highlighted a case where a cancer drug was marked up ten times its retail price and urged the Centre to implement a uniform 16% margin on all medicines. It also raised concerns about hospitals forcing patients to buy medicines from their in-house chemists.
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.
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.
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.
The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to resolve the contentious dispute between the rival factions of the All India Trinamool Congress over its party name and crucial 'flowers and grass' election symbol within three months of the completion of pleadings.
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.
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.
The Supreme Court has rejected pleas to reconstitute a high-powered committee investigating alleged police excesses against student protesters in Delhi, stating that the allegations against the panel were based on conjecture. The court emphasised the committee's role in ensuring fairness and transparency, and directed it to proceed with its inquiry into various issues including the use of pellet guns, targeted violence, and property destruction, while ensuring protection and confidentiality for vulnerable witnesses.
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.
The Supreme Court has given actor Rajpal Yadav a final two-week opportunity to present a concrete proposal for repaying an outstanding amount to a private firm, directing him to deposit Rs 2 crore with the apex court registry. This comes after a series of cheque bounce cases, with the Delhi High Court previously upholding his conviction and sentencing him to three months' imprisonment. The court noted Yadav's past conduct did not inspire confidence but granted a last chance.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has stated that allegations of "maladministration" and "favouritism" made by Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta against Acting Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court Sanjeev Prakash Sharma cannot be adjudicated in the public domain, emphasising that Justice Sharma must be given a fair opportunity to respond.
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.
The US Supreme Court has struck down an executive order by President Donald Trump that sought to restrict birthright citizenship. The ruling reaffirms that the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to all persons born on American soil, including children of undocumented or temporarily present parents. This decision overturns a key policy initiative from Trump's second term.
The Bombay High Court has convicted former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal for the sexual assault of a junior colleague in 2013, overturning his 2021 acquittal by a trial court.
The Supreme Court has indicated that its judges may personally visit the National Testing Agency (NTA) to examine its upgraded facilities aimed at preventing recurring NEET paper leaks. This unusual move underscores the court's emphasis on institutional strengthening and permanent solutions. The NTA informed the bench that it has overhauled its system, while a high-powered panel is also working on structural reforms to ensure foolproof examination processes.
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.
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.
A nationwide survey by a Supreme Court-appointed panel reveals that 15% of higher education students felt overwhelmed or distressed, and 9% experienced suicidal thoughts in the past six months. The findings, part of an upcoming report, highlight deep-rooted social discrimination, academic pressures, and inadequate counselling services contributing to mental health concerns and rising student suicides in Indian Higher Educational Institutions.
The Supreme Court has issued notices regarding Tarun Tejpal's sentencing in a 2013 rape case, responding to both his petition against a 10-year prison term and the Goa government's plea for an enhanced sentence.
The Karnataka government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a fresh probe into the 2012 rape and murder of a 17-year-old girl near Dharmasthala, following a Supreme Court order. The SIT, headed by N Shashikumar, is tasked with completing the investigation within three months.
The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to provide details on the disposal of appeals by tribunals concerning deletions from West Bengal's electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The court emphasised the need to track the progress of these appeals, which were set up to address irregularities. It also clarified that grievances regarding the denial of PDS benefits due to voter deletion should be taken up with the Calcutta High Court.
Bombay High Court Chief Justice Dipankar Datta was on Monday administered the oath of office as a Supreme Court judge by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud.
The Supreme Court has overturned a 2017 National Green Tribunal (NGT) order that held Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Art of Living Foundation responsible for environmental damage to the Yamuna floodplains. The court directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to refund the Rs 5 crore environmental compensation deposited by the foundation and continue the floodplains' rehabilitation work.
