News for 'special-bench'

Lodge FIR if dog feeders are harassed, says SC

Lodge FIR if dog feeders are harassed, says SC

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court declined to intervene in allegations of harassment against women dog feeders, stating it's a law and order issue. The court is hearing arguments in the stray dogs case and addressed concerns about unregulated breeding and exotic imports.

Didn't order removal of every dog from streets: SC

Didn't order removal of every dog from streets: SC

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court clarified that it has not ordered the removal of all stray dogs, but rather that they should be treated according to Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules. The court heard arguments on the issue, addressing concerns about rodent populations, hospital safety, and the implementation of existing regulations.

SC orders removal of stray animals from highways, expressways

SC orders removal of stray animals from highways, expressways

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the removal of all cattle and other stray animals from highways and expressways, citing safety concerns and frequent accidents.

'Systemic failure': SC steps in after dog attacks, orders relocation drive

'Systemic failure': SC steps in after dog attacks, orders relocation drive

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has directed authorities to relocate stray dogs from institutional areas like schools and hospitals to designated shelters due to a rise in dog bite cases. The court also addressed the issue of stray animals on highways.

'India shown in bad light': SC slams states on stray dogs

'India shown in bad light': SC slams states on stray dogs

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has directed chief secretaries of states and Union Territories (excluding West Bengal and Telangana) to appear on November 3 to explain the lack of compliance affidavits in the stray dogs case.

Karur stampede: SC questions formation of SIT

Karur stampede: SC questions formation of SIT

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has questioned the Madras High Court's decision to form a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate the Karur stampede, which resulted in 41 deaths. The court raised concerns about the High Court's handling of the matter, particularly regarding the formation of the SIT and adverse remarks made against actor Vijay's political party.

Aggressive sterilisation key to controlling strays: SC

Aggressive sterilisation key to controlling strays: SC

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court of India has emphasized the importance of aggressive sterilization programs to control the growing population of stray dogs, balancing animal rights with public safety concerns.

Chronology: How 7/11 Mumbai train blasts case unfolded

Chronology: How 7/11 Mumbai train blasts case unfolded

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

A timeline of the key events in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts case, culminating in the acquittal of all 12 accused by the Bombay High Court.

SC asks dog lovers, NGOs to deposit Rs 25K, Rs 2 lakh

SC asks dog lovers, NGOs to deposit Rs 25K, Rs 2 lakh

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has asked 'dog lovers' and NGOs opposing the permanent relocation of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to deposit funds to be heard in the matter. The funds will be used for stray dog infrastructure.

SC flags practical challenges in sheltering all stray dogs

SC flags practical challenges in sheltering all stray dogs

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday said a 'blanket direction' to pick up stray dogs in Delhi-NCR and place them in shelters without evaluating the existing infrastructure might lead to a 'catch-22 situation' as the directive might be impossible to comply with.

SC alters order, bars feeding of stray dogs on streets

SC alters order, bars feeding of stray dogs on streets

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

Its August 11 direction, which prohibits the release of stray dogs from dog shelters, shall be kept in abeyance for the time being, the apex court said.

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.

Shocking: HC slams copy-paste confessions in Mumbai train blasts case

Shocking: HC slams copy-paste confessions in Mumbai train blasts case

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

The Bombay High Court has repeatedly flagged the 'copy-paste' culture in confessional and witness statements in chargesheets, calling it a 'dangerous' trend. This issue was highlighted again after the acquittal of the 2006 Mumbai train blasts accused, with the court noting similarities in their confessional statements.

HC acquits all 12 accused in 2006 Mumbai blasts case

HC acquits all 12 accused in 2006 Mumbai blasts case

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

The Bombay High Court acquitted all 12 accused in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts case, citing a failure by the prosecution to prove their guilt and raising serious concerns about the investigation and evidence presented.

3-judge HC bench to hear pleas against Maratha quota

3-judge HC bench to hear pleas against Maratha quota

Rediff.com16 May 2025

The Bombay high court on Friday constituted a three-judge special bench to hear the pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the law providing Maratha reservation following a Supreme Court directive.

SC gets 4 special benches for criminal, tax, accident claims and land cases

SC gets 4 special benches for criminal, tax, accident claims and land cases

Rediff.com23 Nov 2022

Four special benches will start functioning in the Supreme Court from next week to hear criminal appeals, direct and indirect tax and land acquisition matters and motor accident claim cases, Chief Justice of India Justice D Y Chandrachud said on Wednesday.

Anti-Waqf protests: 150 held in Murshidabad violence, police deployed

Anti-Waqf protests: 150 held in Murshidabad violence, police deployed

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

The high court also instructed both the Mamata government and the Centre to submit detailed reports on the situation. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 17.

Bilkis Bano case: SC agrees to constitute special bench

Bilkis Bano case: SC agrees to constitute special bench

Rediff.com22 Mar 2023

The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to constitute a special bench to hear a plea against the remission of sentence of 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case, which also involves the killing of seven members of her family during the 2002 Gujarat riots.

HC deploys CAPFs in Bengal after 3 killed in violent protests

HC deploys CAPFs in Bengal after 3 killed in violent protests

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

The situation in these violence-hit places remained tense on Saturday morning, but no untoward incident was reported, officials said.

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 to examine Lokpal's jurisdiction over HC judges

SC to examine Lokpal's jurisdiction over HC judges

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India will examine the jurisdiction of the Lokpal, India's anti-corruption ombudsman, in entertaining complaints against sitting high court judges. The court is considering a suo motu proceeding initiated over the Lokpal's January 27 order on the issue. The case involves two complaints filed against a sitting additional judge of a high court, alleging that he influenced a judge of the subordinate judiciary and a judge of the same high court set to deal with a suit filed against the complainant by a private company.

SC to hear Owaisi's plea seeking to halt mosque surveys

SC to hear Owaisi's plea seeking to halt mosque surveys

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to consider a plea of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi seeking the implementation of the 1991 places of worship law, which asks to maintain the religious character of a place as it existed on August 15, 1947.

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.

Centre delaying reply on Worship Act, Mathura mosque panel tells SC

Centre delaying reply on Worship Act, Mathura mosque panel tells SC

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

The Mathura Shahi Masjid Eidgah Committee has approached the Supreme Court, requesting the court to prevent the central government from filing a response to a petition challenging the Places of Worship Act's constitutional validity. The committee accuses the BJP-led government of intentionally delaying its response. The court had previously issued a notice to the government in March 2021, but the government has yet to submit its reply despite numerous opportunities. The committee argues that the government's delay is intended to obstruct those opposing the challenge to the Places of Worship Act from filing their own responses. The petition also states that the pleas challenging the law's validity are scheduled for hearing on February 17, and closing the government's right to respond would serve justice. The Supreme Court previously issued a ruling in December 2022 that stopped courts from entertaining new lawsuits or issuing interim or final orders regarding the reclaiming of religious places, particularly mosques and dargahs. The ruling halted proceedings in 18 lawsuits filed by Hindu groups seeking surveys to confirm the original religious character of 10 mosques, including the Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi, the Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura, and the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. This decision was made in response to six petitions, including one filed by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, challenging various provisions of the Places of Worship Act. The 1991 law prohibits the conversion of places of worship and guarantees the preservation of their existing religious character as it stood on August 15, 1947. Notably, the dispute regarding the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid in Ayodhya was excluded from this law. There are also several cross-petitions advocating for a strict enforcement of the 1991 law to uphold communal harmony and maintain the current status of mosques that Hindu groups seek to reclaim, claiming they were temples before being destroyed by invaders.

Don't erase, reload data; just verify EVMs: SC to poll panel

Don't erase, reload data; just verify EVMs: SC to poll panel

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has sought a response from the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding pleas seeking verification of burnt memory and symbol loading units in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The court directed the ECI to refrain from erasing or reloading data during the verification process and to explain the procedure adopted for verification. The bench also expressed concerns over the high cost of verification and directed the ECI to reduce the fee. The court's directive comes following its previous judgement where it allowed aggrieved candidates to seek verification of EVMs.

SC questions how convicted people can return to Parl, legislature

SC questions how convicted people can return to Parl, legislature

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India expressed concern about the "criminalization of politics" and questioned how convicted individuals can return to Parliament. The court sought the assistance of the attorney general on this issue, highlighting the apparent conflict of interest and the need for clarity on the Representation of People Act's provisions. The court also raised concerns about the slow pace of trials against lawmakers, with a significant number of cases pending. The issue has been referred to a larger bench for consideration.

RG Kar protests: SC orders probe against Kolkata cops

RG Kar protests: SC orders probe against Kolkata cops

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court on Monday ordered an SIT investigation into the alleged torture of a woman in police custody following her arrest over protests against the rape and murder of a doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

ASI surveys newly discovered temple, wells, pilgrimage sites in Sambhal

ASI surveys newly discovered temple, wells, pilgrimage sites in Sambhal

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

A four-member team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a survey of the recently-discovered Shri Kartik Mahadev temple, five pilgrimage sites, and 19 wells in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, India. The survey followed the discovery of three damaged idols inside a well of the Bhasma Shankar temple, which was reopened after being shut for 46 years. The Shri Kartik Mahadev temple, also known as the Bhasma Shankar temple, was reopened on December 13 after authorities found the covered structure during an anti-encroachment drive. The temple houses an idol of Lord Hanuman and a Shivling and had remained locked since 1978. The district administration has requested carbon dating of the temple, including the well, from the ASI. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has restrained courts across India from entertaining new lawsuits or passing any orders in pending ones seeking to reclaim religious places, especially mosques and dargahs, until further notice. This action halts proceedings in approximately 18 lawsuits filed by Hindu parties seeking surveys to determine the original religious character of 10 mosques, including the Gyanvapi at Varanasi, the Shahi Idgah Masjid at Mathura, and the Shahi Jama Masjid at Sambhal, where four individuals died in clashes. The Supreme Court will examine the legality, scope, and boundaries of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which prohibits the conversion of places of worship and ensures the preservation of their religious character as it existed on August 15, 1947.

SC stays court proceedings in all masjid-mandir cases

SC stays court proceedings in all masjid-mandir cases

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

Commencing hearing on pleas challenging the constitutionality of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, the Supreme Court asked the Centre to reply to cross-pleas against or seeking implementation of statute.

Bahraich violence: HC stays bulldozer action, grants more time

Bahraich violence: HC stays bulldozer action, grants more time

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

The Lucknow bench of the court said the persons concerned may file their responses to the notices within 15 days and directed the state authorities to consider the said replies and a pass reasoned order on those.

SC expunges HC judge's remarks; no action against him

SC expunges HC judge's remarks; no action against him

Rediff.com7 Aug 2024

The Supreme Court on Wednesday expunged the observations made by a single judge bench of the Punjab and Haryana high court against the apex court in a contempt case, saying they were "scandalous" and "unwarranted".

SC orders speedy disposal of cases against MPs, MLAs

SC orders speedy disposal of cases against MPs, MLAs

Rediff.com9 Nov 2023

The bench said that multiple local factors made it difficult for the top court to "frame uniform or standard guideline for trial courts across the length and breadth of this country" and it left the issue of ensuring speedy trial to the high courts as they have the power of superintendence over the trial courts.

Man-made disaster: Gujarat HC on Rajkot game zone fire

Man-made disaster: Gujarat HC on Rajkot game zone fire

Rediff.com26 May 2024

Such gaming zones and recreational facilities have come up without the necessary approvals from competent authorities, the bench of Justices Biren Vaishnav and Devan Desai observed.

Three-judge SC bench to hear Hemant Soren's plea against ED arrest

Three-judge SC bench to hear Hemant Soren's plea against ED arrest

Rediff.com2 Feb 2024

A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, M M Sundresh and Bela M Trivedi will hear the plea of jailed JMM leader at 10.30 am on Friday.

Rajkot game zone facility didn't have fire NOC; 2 held

Rajkot game zone facility didn't have fire NOC; 2 held

Rediff.com26 May 2024

The game zone had fire safety equipment but action taken to control the fire was not sufficient, leading to the tragedy on Saturday, a senior police officer said on Sunday, a day after the tragedy.

Why Kejriwal withdrew his plea in SC against ED arrest

Why Kejriwal withdrew his plea in SC against ED arrest

Rediff.com22 Mar 2024

The move came hours after Justice Khanna had told Singhvi that Kejriwal's petition against his arrest would be heard by a three-judge bench during the day.

Rajkot fire: 3 top officials shifted; HC 'doesn't trust' state machinery

Rajkot fire: 3 top officials shifted; HC 'doesn't trust' state machinery

Rediff.com28 May 2024

The Gujarat high court on Monday said it does not have faith in the state machinery which gets into action only after innocent lives are lost, as it pulled up the Rajkot civic body over the purported lapses in functioning of the game zone facility where a massive fire killed 27 persons.

Kejriwal arrested in money-laundering case, will remain Delhi CM

Kejriwal arrested in money-laundering case, will remain Delhi CM

Rediff.com22 Mar 2024

The arrest, the first of a sitting chief minister, came hours after the Delhi high court refused to grant protection to the AAP national convenor from any coercive action by the agency.

Mamata, nephew call HC order on school jobs 'fixed', 'BJP ploy'

Mamata, nephew call HC order on school jobs 'fixed', 'BJP ploy'

Rediff.com25 Apr 2024

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday termed the cancellation of over 25,000 school jobs as 'gross injustice' and alleged that it was a ploy by the Bharatiya Janata Party to stop these job losers from being deployed in poll duty.

No SC relief for Hemant Soren; sent to 5-day ED remand

No SC relief for Hemant Soren; sent to 5-day ED remand

Rediff.com2 Feb 2024

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to interfere with a plea of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in money laundering case.