News for 'VERDICT'

SC sets aside NGT order halting Auroville construction

SC sets aside NGT order halting Auroville construction

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has overturned an order by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that halted construction activities at Auroville in Chennai. The court emphasized the need for a "golden balance" between the right to development and the right to a clean environment, upholding the principle of sustainable development. The decision comes as a victory for the Auroville Foundation, which had challenged the NGT order, and highlights the ongoing debate about balancing environmental concerns with economic growth in India.

Allahabad HC junks Sambhal mosque's plea against survey

Allahabad HC junks Sambhal mosque's plea against survey

Rediff.com19 May 2025

The Committee of Management, Shahi Jama Masjid, moved the high court challenging the suit and the Sambhal court order which directed the survey through an advocate commissioner.

'I Warned Christians That A Church Bill Would Come Soon'

'I Warned Christians That A Church Bill Would Come Soon'

Rediff.com29 May 2025

The Web portal of the Organiser, the RSS mouthpiece, published an article (withdrawn later) that the Christian community holds many acres of land, far more than Waqf property.'

Footballer Dani Alves acquitted of rape charges

Footballer Dani Alves acquitted of rape charges

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The top court in Spain's Catalonia region said on Friday it had overturned the conviction of Brazilian soccer player Dani Alves for sexual assault on appeal, saying the original ruling presented "inconsistencies and contradictions".

World Boxing Cup: Hitesh brings home gold!

World Boxing Cup: Hitesh brings home gold!

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Hitesh credited the 10-day preparatory camp in Brazil for India's decent run in the tournament.

HC to hear MJ Akbar's plea against Priya Ramani acquittal on Sep 19

HC to hear MJ Akbar's plea against Priya Ramani acquittal on Sep 19

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

The Delhi High Court has postponed the hearing of former Union Minister MJ Akbar's appeal challenging the acquittal of journalist Priya Ramani in a criminal defamation case over her accusations of sexual harassment against him. The hearing has been adjourned to September 19 after Ramani's counsel sought an adjournment due to the unavailability of the senior lawyer arguing the case. Akbar had challenged the trial court's February 2021 order acquitting Ramani, arguing that the court erred in considering the case as a complaint for sexual harassment rather than defamation. The trial court had dismissed Akbar's defamation complaint and acquitted Ramani, saying no charges were proved against her.

Vinesh Phogat didn't want to challenge CAS verdict: Salve

Vinesh Phogat didn't want to challenge CAS verdict: Salve

Rediff.com14 Sep 2024

Vinesh Phogat didn't want to challenge the Court of Arbitration for Sport's decision which upheld her disqualification from the final, said senior lawyer Harish Salve.

Kesari 2: What *Really* Happened

Kesari 2: What *Really* Happened

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The grilling of Brigadier-General Dyer by Akshay Kumar's Sir C Sankaran Nair, as shown in Kesari 2, is purely an imaginary sequence, proves Utkarsh Mishra.

Owaisi, Congress MP move SC against Waqf Bill

Owaisi, Congress MP move SC against Waqf Bill

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi have challenged the validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Supreme Court, arguing that it violates constitutional provisions. The petitions claim the bill imposes arbitrary restrictions on Waqf properties and their management, undermining the religious autonomy of the Muslim community. They also allege that the bill discriminates against Muslims by imposing restrictions not present in the governance of other religious endowments. The bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, with the petitioners arguing that it introduces limitations on the creation of Waqfs based on the duration of one's religious practice, mandates inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf administrative bodies, and shifts key administrative functions to government officials, thereby diluting the autonomy of Waqf management.

New methods needed to uplist SC/STs, says judge in quota verdict

New methods needed to uplist SC/STs, says judge in quota verdict

Rediff.com1 Aug 2024

The reservation policy requires a fresh relook and new methods are needed for the uplift of people belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Schedule Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC), Supreme Court judge Justice Pankaj Mithal said on Thursday.

SC refers Yediyurappa corruption case to larger bench

SC refers Yediyurappa corruption case to larger bench

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court referred to a larger bench the legal issues stemming from a plea of BJP leader B S Yediyurappa, including the question whether a prior sanction to prosecute is needed under the Prevention of Corruption Act after a magisterial court order of inquiry. The questions revolve around the interplay between the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Code of Criminal Procedure on the issue of prior sanction to prosecute a public servant.

States can move court if Prez withholds assent on bill: SC

States can move court if Prez withholds assent on bill: SC

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

A bench comprising justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan on April 8 gave a huge relief to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Tamil Nadu government and cleared 10 state bills which were stalled and reserved by Governor R N Ravi for President's consideration, and also set a timeline for all governors to act on the bills passed by state assemblies.

Courts authorised to determine rate of interest: SC

Courts authorised to determine rate of interest: SC

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that courts have the authority to determine the appropriate interest rate in cases involving share valuation, considering the specific facts of each case. The decision came in a 52-year-old legal battle between private parties and the Rajasthan government over the valuation of shares transferred to the state government. The court also modified the interest rate applicable to delayed payments, awarding 6 percent per annum simple interest from July 8, 1975, until the date of decree, and 9 percent per annum simple interest from the date of decree until realization of the payment.

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The government has to specify what it intends to do with caste census data. It will be closely tracked if the government would simultaneously move towards removing the present 50% bar on reservations using means which are permitted in law. If this is not done, the entire exercise will become meaningless and could boomerang on the BJP, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

SC asks HCs to clear execution pleas in civil courts within 6 months

SC asks HCs to clear execution pleas in civil courts within 6 months

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ordered all high courts to ensure that civil courts under their jurisdiction decide execution petitions within six months, failing which presiding officers will be held accountable. The court cited the significant delay in resolving such petitions, which are filed to enforce decrees in civil disputes, and noted that this delay undermines the purpose of the decree itself. The verdict stems from a 1980 civil dispute from Tamil Nadu, highlighting the long-standing issue of delayed execution proceedings in India's legal system.

SC reserves verdict on termination of 2 women judicial officers

SC reserves verdict on termination of 2 women judicial officers

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court of India reserved its judgment on Tuesday in a case concerning the termination of two female judicial officers by the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The court had previously stated that judges should avoid social media and expressing opinions on judgments, emphasizing a "hermit life" and "work like a horse" approach. The case involves six women civil judges who were terminated for alleged unsatisfactory performance. Four were subsequently reinstated, but two, Aditi Kumar Sharma and Sarita Chaudhary, remained terminated. The court is considering the cases of these two judges, who joined the Madhya Pradesh judicial service in 2018 and 2017, respectively. The court is also considering arguments regarding potential violations of fundamental rights related to the termination process, including claims of unfair work assessment during maternity and child care leave.

Modi had intel 3 days before Pahalgam attack, but...: Kharge

Modi had intel 3 days before Pahalgam attack, but...: Kharge

Rediff.com6 May 2025

Kharge claimed that the Centre accepted "intelligence failure" in an all-party meeting and said it should be held accountable for "not reinforcing" security arrangements in Kashmir to protect people.

SC To Hear Plea Against CEC's Appointment Today

SC To Hear Plea Against CEC's Appointment Today

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court will hear on February 19 pleas challenging the appointments of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners under the 2023 law. The court will take up the matter on a priority basis, after some urgent listed matters. The government has appointed a new CEC and ECs under the new law, which excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, despite a 2023 Supreme Court verdict directing the inclusion of the CJI in the panel. The petitioners argue that the exclusion of the CJI undermines the independence of the election commission.

Meet Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, the next CJI

Meet Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, the next CJI

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

From demonetisation to sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes to bulldozers, Justice Gavai has been part of several judgments.

'Consequences to follow': SC to hear CEC appointment plea on Feb 19

'Consequences to follow': SC to hear CEC appointment plea on Feb 19

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has scheduled a hearing on February 19 for pleas challenging the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners under the 2023 law. The court emphasized the potential consequences if any action is taken before the hearing. The pleas argue that the 2023 law, which excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, undermines the independence of the Election Commission and allows for undue influence from the executive branch. The court's earlier verdict in March 2023 called for an independent selection panel comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India to ensure the integrity of the Election Commission. The case highlights concerns about the independence of India's electoral process and the potential for political influence in the appointment of key election officials.

SC defers hearing on pleas against CEC appointment as per 2023 law

SC defers hearing on pleas against CEC appointment as per 2023 law

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court has adjourned pleas challenging the appointments of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners (ECs) under the 2023 law. The court indicated the matter would be listed after the Holi festival break due to a paucity of time. Petitioners, including the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms, argued for an urgent hearing, emphasizing the importance of the issue and the potential impact on democratic processes. The appointment of the new CEC and ECs under the 2023 law, which excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, has been a point of contention, with petitioners alleging it undermines the independence of the election commission.

Not feasibl to...: SC disposes of PIL on mob lynching

Not feasibl to...: SC disposes of PIL on mob lynching

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a plea seeking directions to states to take immediate action against mob lynching and cow vigilantism, particularly against Muslims. The court stated that it was not feasible to "micro-manage" such incidents from Delhi and referred to its 2018 verdict, which issued guidelines to address mob violence and cow vigilantism. The court also noted that the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) criminalizes mob lynching as a separate offence. The plea argued that there was "gross non-compliance" with the 2018 directions, but the court maintained that authorities were bound by its previous rulings.

Cong slams Assam CM after govt reports 72 encounters

Cong slams Assam CM after govt reports 72 encounters

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

The opposition Congress in Assam has accused the BJP government of running a "police raj" after official data revealed that 72 people were killed and 220 injured in police actions since Himanta Biswa Sarma became the chief minister in May 2021. The Congress has demanded that the Supreme Court take suo motu cognisance of the data and investigate the alleged fake encounters in the state. The data shows that a total of 256 police actions have been taken between May 2021 and February 2024, resulting in the deaths of 38 people in police remand and 34 more while in custody but before remand. The Congress has alleged that the ruling party is using the police for political gains, while the government has defended its actions, stating that police cases have been registered in each incident and that the NHRC guidelines have been followed.

Bihar govt moves SC challenging HC verdict striking down quota hike

Bihar govt moves SC challenging HC verdict striking down quota hike

Rediff.com2 Jul 2024

The Bihar government has moved the Supreme Court challenging a Patna high court verdict that has set aside the amended reservation laws in the state, which enabled the Nitish Kumar government to increase the quotas for Dalits, tribals and backward classes from 50 per cent to 65 per cent.

'Anti-India' slogans: SC seeks Maha reply to contempt plea

'Anti-India' slogans: SC seeks Maha reply to contempt plea

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court has directed a Maharashtra authority to respond to a man's plea for initiating contempt action against it after his properties were demolished for allegedly raising anti-India slogans during a cricket match. The petitioner, who hails from Sindhudurg district in the state, claims his house and shop were demolished on February 24 following an FIR against him, his wife, and his 14-year-old son for allegedly raising anti-India slogans during the India-Pakistan Champions Trophy match. The plea argues that the demolition violated the Supreme Court's November 13, 2024 verdict on demolition of properties, which barred demolition without a prior showcause notice and 15 days' time for the aggrieved party to respond. The petitioner seeks directions for initiating contempt proceedings against the chief officer and administrator of the Malvan Municipal Council.

We must rise above instinct of 'an eye for an eye': RG Kar verdict judge

We must rise above instinct of 'an eye for an eye': RG Kar verdict judge

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

A Kolkata court has sentenced Sanjay Roy to life imprisonment for the rape and murder of an on-duty doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. The court rejected the prosecution's plea for the death penalty, stating that the case does not meet the criteria for being classified as "rarest of the rare." The judge emphasized that the measure of a civilised society lies in its capacity for reform and rehabilitation, not revenge.

Blow for Mamata as SC cancels appointment of 25,753 teachers

Blow for Mamata as SC cancels appointment of 25,753 teachers

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has invalidated the appointment of 25,753 teachers and other staff in West Bengal's state-run and state-aided schools, deeming the selection process "vitiated and tainted." The court ordered the state government to conduct a fresh selection process within three months. The decision comes after a Calcutta High Court verdict in April 2024, which also annulled the appointments. The apex court, while upholding the high court's order, made some modifications, including exempting disabled employees from returning their salaries. The case stemmed from alleged irregularities in the 2016 recruitment process by the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC), involving OMR sheet tampering and rank-jumping. The Supreme Court had previously termed it a "systemic fraud." Former West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee and Trinamool Congress MLAs Manik Bhattacharya and Jiban Krishna Saha are among the accused being investigated in the recruitment scam.

SC verdict on VVPAT verification of votes on Friday

SC verdict on VVPAT verification of votes on Friday

Rediff.com25 Apr 2024

The Supreme Court is scheduled to pronounce its verdict on Friday on a batch of pleas seeking complete cross-verification of votes cast using electronic voting machines (EVMs) with voter verifiable paper audit trail, or VVPAT.

Former HC judge acquitted in 'cash at door' case 17 yrs later

Former HC judge acquitted in 'cash at door' case 17 yrs later

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

Seventeen years after the cash-at-judge's door case rocked the judiciary, a special Central Bureau of Investigation court in Chandigarh on Saturday acquitted former Punjab and Haryana high court judge Nirmal Yadav and four others in the matter.

Man gets life term for raping Covid patient in ambulance in Kerala

Man gets life term for raping Covid patient in ambulance in Kerala

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

A court in Kerala has sentenced a man to life imprisonment for brutally raping and physically assaulting a 19-year-old COVID-19 patient belonging to the Dalit community. The incident occurred in 2020 while the woman was being transported to a treatment center. The accused, Noufal, was also ordered to pay a fine of Rs 2,12,000. The court found him guilty after a trial that involved examining 55 witnesses, reviewing 83 documents, and inspecting 12 material exhibits. The investigation was led by R Binu, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) in Adoor at the time.

Woman 'herself invited trouble', says HC; grants bail to rape accused

Woman 'herself invited trouble', says HC; grants bail to rape accused

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The woman is a student of MA and hence she "was competent enough to understand the morality and significance of her act", stated the order passed by Justice Sanjay Kumar Singh last month.

Oppn shreds VP Dhankhar's 'super parliament' remark on SC

Oppn shreds VP Dhankhar's 'super parliament' remark on SC

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal has criticised Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar for questioning the judiciary over the timeline for the president to take decisions, calling it "unconstitutional " and a lowering of the dignity of the chair. Sibal asserted that Dhankhar's remarks are not neutral and amount to an attack on the judiciary by the executive. He also pointed out that the president acts on the aid and advice of the council of ministers, and therefore, the president's power cannot be curtailed. Sibal urged Dhankhar to seek a review of the judiciary's decision or an advisory opinion from the Supreme Court if he has problems with it. He also questioned why Dhankhar only focuses on actions taken during Congress governments and not after 2014.

Meet The Man Behind Kesari 2

Meet The Man Behind Kesari 2

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'I found a story that merged my two passions, history and law. I couldn't have found a better story for my debut film.'

NIA probes Tahawwur Rana's 'Dubai contact' who knew about 26/11 attacks

NIA probes Tahawwur Rana's 'Dubai contact' who knew about 26/11 attacks

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

The 64-year-old Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman would also be questioned on his suspected links with the officials of Pakistan spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and his association with terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which had orchestrated the attacks.

'They Don't Want To Hear The Word Waqf'

'They Don't Want To Hear The Word Waqf'

Rediff.com15 May 2025

'So, they have taken away the word Waqf from the Bill.' 'It will now be known as the UMEED Act.'

SC to hear pleas to review same-sex marriage verdict on July 10

SC to hear pleas to review same-sex marriage verdict on July 10

Rediff.com5 Jul 2024

According to the cause list of July 10 uploaded on the apex court website, a five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud would consider in chambers the pleas seeking review of the October 17 last year verdict.

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Given the possibilities that next year's assembly elections could throw up, Stalin told the state assembly that an interim report had to be submitted by January 2026. The outcomes may well find its way into the DMK's poll manifesto, thus seeking to keep the electoral focus still on the BJP-ruled Centre and Prime Minister Modi, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Muslim law board to challenge SC alimony verdict

Muslim law board to challenge SC alimony verdict

Rediff.com14 Jul 2024

After a meeting of its working committee in New Delhi, the board adopted a resolution which stated that the recent judgment of the Supreme Court on the maintenance of Muslim divorcee women is "against the Islamic law (Shariah)".

SC notice to UP on contempt plea over Kushinagar mosque demolition

SC notice to UP on contempt plea over Kushinagar mosque demolition

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has directed Uttar Pradesh authorities to respond to contempt proceedings for allegedly razing a portion of a mosque in Kushinagar, defying a previous court order. The court has also ordered a halt to any further demolition of the structure. The demolition was carried out despite a November 2024 Supreme Court ruling that barred demolition without a prior show cause notice and a 15-day response period. The petitioners allege the demolition was carried out in violation of legal process and the Supreme Court's guidelines, as well as without providing an opportunity for a hearing.

Restaurants can't levy mandatory service charge on food bills: HC

Restaurants can't levy mandatory service charge on food bills: HC

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

The court upheld the guidelines and imposed Rs 1 lakh cost each on the petitioners to be deposited with the CCPA towards consumer welfare.