News for 'Surya Kant'

SC asks states to add more staff, ease pressure on BLOs

SC asks states to add more staff, ease pressure on BLOs

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has directed states to consider deploying additional staff to ease the workload on booth level officers (BLOs) engaged in the special revision of electoral rolls, following concerns about extreme work pressure and related issues.

'Deep regret': SC says probe failed to find real Nithari killer

'Deep regret': SC says probe failed to find real Nithari killer

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court expressed deep regret that the actual perpetrator of the Nithari killings was not established despite a prolonged investigation, while acquitting Surendra Koli in the last Nithari murder case.

SC dismisses plea seeking probe into Pahalgam attack

SC dismisses plea seeking probe into Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to examine a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a judicial probe into the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed.

Will set aside Bihar voter revision in case of illegality: SC

Will set aside Bihar voter revision in case of illegality: SC

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has warned that it will set aside the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar if any illegality is found. The court is reviewing the validity of the Bihar SIR and its potential impact on a similar exercise across India.

EC strongly defends TN, Bengal SIR in SC, denies mass voter deletion

EC strongly defends TN, Bengal SIR in SC, denies mass voter deletion

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Election Commission has defended its Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu in the Supreme Court, refuting allegations of mass deletion of genuine voters as exaggerated and politically motivated.

SC asks CBI to probe digital arrest scams nationwide

SC asks CBI to probe digital arrest scams nationwide

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the CBI to conduct a pan-India investigation into digital arrest scams and questioned the RBI about its lack of AI usage in detecting and freezing accounts used by cybercriminals.

Governor has discretion, not bound by ministers' advice on bills: SC

Governor has discretion, not bound by ministers' advice on bills: SC

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that a governor has discretion under Article 200 to refer a state bill to the President or return it to the legislature, and is not bound by the advice of the council of ministers. The court clarified that a governor cannot simply withhold a bill.

May entrust probe into digital arrest cases to CBI: SC

May entrust probe into digital arrest cases to CBI: SC

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court is considering entrusting the CBI with the investigation into digital arrest cases, citing the magnitude and pan-India spread of such crimes. The court has sought details of FIRs registered in different states and union territories and is monitoring the progress of the investigation.

States can't move SC against Prez, Guv on bills: Centre

States can't move SC against Prez, Guv on bills: Centre

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

The Centre has argued before the Supreme Court that state governments cannot use writ jurisdiction to challenge the actions of the President and Governor regarding bills passed by state assemblies, particularly concerning fundamental rights violations. The President seeks the Supreme Court's opinion on whether states can file writ petitions under Article 32 and the scope of Article 361.

SC questions dual criteria for women Army officers' permanent commission

SC questions dual criteria for women Army officers' permanent commission

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has questioned the 'arbitrariness' in the consideration of 'criteria appointment' for Short Service Commission (SSC) women Army officers seeking permanent commission, compared to their male counterparts. The court is hearing a plea from women officers challenging the denial of permanent commission.

Allahbadia row: SC issues notices to Maharashtra, Assam govts

Allahbadia row: SC issues notices to Maharashtra, Assam govts

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday sought response of Maharashtra and Assam governments on a plea of YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani seeking to quash or transfer to Mumbai a first information report (FIR) registered in Guwahati in connection with a case of allegedly promoting obscenity in an online show.

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.

For how long freebies can be given to migrant workers? SC asks Centre

For how long freebies can be given to migrant workers? SC asks Centre

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court of India expressed concerns about the long-term sustainability of providing free rations to migrant workers, emphasizing the need for job creation and capacity building instead. The court's remarks came during a hearing on the ongoing issue of providing relief to migrant workers, a matter that gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The court questioned the government's reliance on freebies and stressed the importance of creating opportunities for migrant workers to become self-sufficient. The debate highlighted the challenges of balancing immediate relief with long-term economic solutions for vulnerable populations.

SC to hear pleas against Bihar electoral roll revision on Monday

SC to hear pleas against Bihar electoral roll revision on Monday

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a batch of pleas challenging the Election Commission's decision to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Political parties and other petitioners have raised concerns about the revision process.

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.

Aren't we creating segregated group? SC slams blood donation ban on LGBTQ+

Aren't we creating segregated group? SC slams blood donation ban on LGBTQ+

Rediff.com15 May 2025

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh was acting on a batch of pleas against the blanket ban on blood donations by such persons from the LGBTQIA+ community.

SC slams TN pollution board in Jaggi Vasudev ashram case

SC slams TN pollution board in Jaggi Vasudev ashram case

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has reprimanded the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) for delaying legal action against Isha Foundation, a yoga and meditation center founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, over alleged environmental violations. The court criticized the TNPCB for taking two years to challenge a Madras High Court ruling that quashed a showcause notice against the foundation. The court also emphasized the importance of environmental compliance for the yoga center, noting that it must meet all necessary parameters. The case highlights ongoing legal challenges and environmental concerns related to the Isha Foundation's activities.

Will devise mechanism to end caste bias in institutions: SC

Will devise mechanism to end caste bias in institutions: SC

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India has announced its intention to establish an effective mechanism to address caste-based discrimination in educational institutions throughout the country. The court directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to draft regulations to prevent such discrimination and to provide data on institutions that have implemented equal opportunity cells as mandated by the 2012 UGC equity regulations. The court's decision stems from a public interest litigation filed in 2019 highlighting the prevalence of caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions and its tragic consequences, including the suicides of students like Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi.

SC seeks govt reply on plea against CAG appointment process

SC seeks govt reply on plea against CAG appointment process

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has sought the government's response on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that challenges the appointment process of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), arguing it's unconstitutional. The PIL, filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, claims the current process, solely through executive appointment by the Prime Minister, undermines the CAG's independence and violates constitutional principles. The court, while acknowledging the importance of institutional trust, questioned the extent to which it should intervene in the appointment process and whether this would constitute rewriting constitutional provisions. The PIL suggests the CAG's appointment should be similar to other independent bodies, with a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Justice of India. The case has implications for the independence and transparency of India's audit system.

SC asks EC to furnish details of deleted voters in Bihar

SC asks EC to furnish details of deleted voters in Bihar

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to provide details regarding the 3.66 lakh voters excluded from Bihar's final electoral roll after a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The court's direction came after concerns were raised by petitioners about the lack of notice or reasons given to the excluded voters.

AI crash: SC slams 'piecemeal' release of probe report

AI crash: SC slams 'piecemeal' release of probe report

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has criticized the selective publication of a preliminary report on the Air India crash, calling it 'unfortunate and irresponsible'. The court raised concerns about privacy, dignity of victims' families, and the potential for biased narratives.

SC protects family facing deportation to Pakistan

SC protects family facing deportation to Pakistan

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday directed authorities not to deport to Pakistan six members of a family, who allegedly overstayed their visa, till their citizenship claim is verified.

Supreme Court: Pilot Not To Be Blamed For Air India Crash

Supreme Court: Pilot Not To Be Blamed For Air India Crash

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

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.

Haryana police forms SIT to probe Prof Mahmudabad case

Haryana police forms SIT to probe Prof Mahmudabad case

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Acting on the Supreme Court's direction, Haryana's Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate two FIRs against Ashoka University associate professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad. The SIT, headed by Additional Director General of Police (Crime) Mamta Singh, will include Superintendent of Police (Karnal) Ganga Ram Punia and Superintendent of Police (STF, Gurugram) Vikrant Bhushan. The SIT will expeditiously complete the investigation and submit a report at the earliest. Mahmudabad was arrested on May 18 for his social media posts on Operation Sindoor, which were alleged to have endangered the sovereignty and integrity of the country. The Supreme Court granted him interim bail on Thursday, but refused to stay the investigation.

Tell us the solution: SC questions Centre on governors sitting over bills

Tell us the solution: SC questions Centre on governors sitting over bills

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court is examining the extent to which courts can intervene when governors delay or refuse to act on bills passed by state assemblies. The court questioned the Centre on whether judicial review is barred in cases of gubernatorial inaction, sparking debate on the balance of power between states and the central government.

UGC 2026: 'No One Is Being Criminalised'

UGC 2026: 'No One Is Being Criminalised'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'Once the actual scope is understood, it becomes evident that the framework is about internal redress and course correction, and in no way criminalisation.'

Bihar SIR 'accurate', not a single appeal from voter: EC to SC

Bihar SIR 'accurate', not a single appeal from voter: EC to SC

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

The Election Commission defended its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise for Bihar's voter list in the Supreme Court, calling it accurate and dismissing allegations of impropriety by political parties and NGOs.

Remarks on Col Qureshi: SC to hear MP minister's plea on Monday

Remarks on Col Qureshi: SC to hear MP minister's plea on Monday

Rediff.com16 May 2025

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh deferred the hearing on Shah's plea after his counsel and senior advocate Maninder Singh made a request.

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."

Don't mess with court: SC warns lawyer over remark on number of women judges

Don't mess with court: SC warns lawyer over remark on number of women judges

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court on Monday expressed its displeasure at the Delhi High Court Bar Association for questioning the representation of women judges in the top court while arguing for reservation for women lawyers in the high court bar. The court refused to hear further arguments from the bar body and set November 29 for final arguments on the issue of reservation. The court had previously directed the DHCBA to reserve the post of treasurer for a woman and consider reserving one more post for a woman in the five-member office-bearer body. It had also directed that at least three out of the 10 executive members be women, with at least one being a senior designated advocate.

Should 'custodian of Constitution' sit idle, asks SC in Prez plea

Should 'custodian of Constitution' sit idle, asks SC in Prez plea

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

Calling itself the "custodian of the Constitution", the Supreme Court on Thursday asked if it could "sit idle" if a constitutional functionary like governor failed to discharge duties, as it reserved its verdict on the presidential reference on grant of assent to bills.

Do you want border wall to stop immigrants, SC asks govt

Do you want border wall to stop immigrants, SC asks govt

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has questioned the central government about the possibility of constructing a border wall to prevent illegal immigration, drawing parallels with the US border policy. The court also addressed concerns about the detention and deportation of Bengali-speaking migrant workers.

Bihar voter list row 'largely trust deficit', says SC

Bihar voter list row 'largely trust deficit', says SC

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has begun hearing petitions challenging the Election Commission's decision to conduct a special intensive revision exercise in Bihar ahead of elections, raising concerns about voter exclusion.

No bias in women Army officers' permanent commission, Centre tells SC

No bias in women Army officers' permanent commission, Centre tells SC

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

The Centre has denied any discrimination in granting permanent commission to Short Service Commission (SSC) women Army officers compared to their male counterparts, assuring the Supreme Court that all parameters are being duly followed.

Accept Aadhaar, voter ID: SC to poll panel on Bihar SIR

Accept Aadhaar, voter ID: SC to poll panel on Bihar SIR

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

Underscoring the 'presumption of genuineness' of Aadhaar and voter ID, the Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the publication of draft electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar and said it would once and for all decide pleas against Election Commission's special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

SC asks EC to publish details of 65 lakh deleted voters with reasons

SC asks EC to publish details of 65 lakh deleted voters with reasons

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to publish details of deleted names from the voters list in Bihar, along with reasons for non-inclusion, to enhance transparency in the special intensive revision (SIR) of the electoral roll.

SC questions Centre on bills pending with Governors since 2020

SC questions Centre on bills pending with Governors since 2020

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

The Centre has opposed the imposition of fixed timelines on governors and the President for decisions on bills passed by state legislatures, arguing that such constraints were intentionally omitted by the Constitution's framers.

SC grants bail to Ashish Mishra in Lakhimpur Kheri case

SC grants bail to Ashish Mishra in Lakhimpur Kheri case

Rediff.com22 Jul 2024

The Supreme Court on Monday gave bail to ex-Union minister Ajay Mishra's son Ashish Mishra in the case related to the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence that claimed eight lives, and restricted his movement to Delhi or Lucknow.

When country faces difficult time...: SC pulls up Rohingya petitioners

When country faces difficult time...: SC pulls up Rohingya petitioners

Rediff.com16 May 2025

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh also questioned the authenticity of materials placed before it by petitioner Mohd Ismail and others and refused to stay any further deportation of Rohingyas saying similar relief was denied by the court.

SC orders CBI probe on 'builders-banks nexus'

SC orders CBI probe on 'builders-banks nexus'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Observing an "unholy nexus" between the banks and developers to dupe homebuyers, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the CBI to register seven preliminary enquiries against builders in NCR, including Supertech Limited.