Author: Anvita Dwivedi
In a fresh development in the high-profile Delhi excise policy litigation, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued notice on a petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking to expunge certain adverse observations made by a trial court while discharging the accused in the alleged liquor policy corruption case. The matter was heard by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who directed the respondents to file their replies and indicated that the issue would be considered along with connected proceedings relating to the discharge order. The controversy stems from a February 27 order passed by a special court at Rouse Avenue,…
In a significant development concerning free speech and criminal prosecution arising from social media commentary, the Supreme Court of India has made absolute the interim protection from arrest granted to folk singer Neha Singh Rathore in connection with a criminal case registered over her social media posts following the Pahalgam terror attack. A bench comprising J. K. Maheshwari and Atul S. Chandurkar confirmed the protection while hearing Rathore’s plea challenging the refusal of anticipatory bail by the Allahabad High Court. The Court directed that the singer shall continue to cooperate with the investigation, noting that she had already appeared before…
In a significant hearing touching upon the intersection of personal laws, gender equality, and constitutional principles, the Supreme Court of India observed that the issue of alleged discrimination against Muslim women in inheritance under Shariat law raises serious concerns but may ultimately require legislative intervention through a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The remarks came while a bench comprising Surya Kant, Joymalya Bagchi, and R. Mahadevan heard a writ petition challenging provisions of Muslim personal law governing inheritance as discriminatory against women. The petition before the Court challenges aspects of inheritance governed by the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937,…
Recent developments in trade relations between India and the United States have highlighted the complex strategic calculations that shape modern economic diplomacy. While both countries continue to describe their partnership as a cornerstone of the Indo-Pacific order, the ongoing tariff disputes and negotiations reveal deeper economic and geopolitical undercurrents influencing bilateral trade policy. A Trade Relationship Marked by Cooperation and Tension The United States and India share one of the world’s fastest-growing economic partnerships, with trade in goods and services expanding rapidly over the past decade. Yet the relationship has also been punctuated by periodic trade disputes, particularly over tariffs…
In a significant ruling on the scope of amendment of pleadings under civil procedure law, the Allahabad High Court has held that the restrictive proviso introduced to Order VI Rule 17 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) through the 2002 amendment does not apply to suits that were instituted before the amendment came into force. Allowing an amendment application in a suit filed in 1997, Justice Manish Kumar Nigam observed that courts must apply the legal framework that existed at the time when the suit was instituted. Since the proviso restricting amendments after the commencement of trial was introduced…
In a significant ruling reinforcing consumer rights in the automobile sector, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-II, Chandigarh held Ford India Pvt. Ltd. and its authorised dealer Saluja Motors Pvt. Ltd. liable for deficiency in service after a consumer faced persistent problems with a newly purchased vehicle. The Commission directed the company and the dealer to jointly pay ₹4 lakh as compensation to the aggrieved car owner. The order was passed by a bench comprising Amrinder Singh Sidhu (President) and B.M. Sharma (Member), who observed that repeated mechanical faults in a new vehicle and the failure to effectively resolve them…
The Delhi High Court on Monday issued notice to Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and other accused while hearing a petition filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging their discharge in the corruption case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. The case was taken up by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who issued notice seeking responses from the accused and fixed the matter for further hearing. The Court also granted interim relief to the investigating agency by staying certain adverse observations made against it by the trial court in the discharge order. The development follows a significant order passed…
In a sharp rebuke against what it termed a frivolous public interest litigation, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition seeking directions to conduct scientific research into whether onions and garlic possess a “tamasic” or negative nature. The Court expressed concern that such litigation could unnecessarily hurt religious sentiments and waste judicial time. The matter was heard by a bench comprising Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, who strongly criticised the petitioner an advocate appearing in person for filing the petition under Article 32 of the Constitution. The plea asked the Court to direct authorities to constitute a committee to…
In an important clarification on procedural rights, the Supreme Court of India has reiterated that individuals who were not parties to a case but are adversely affected by the judgment are not left without remedy. Such persons may seek a review of the judgment or challenge it before the appropriate forum, provided they can demonstrate that they are genuinely aggrieved by the decision. The observation was made by a bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Aravind Kumar while deciding appeals arising from a dispute concerning promotions in the Kerala Technical Education Service. The Court emphasised that judicial decisions can…
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has advocated for greater use of technology to strengthen judicial systems and expand access to justice, suggesting a series of technology-driven reforms for Bhutan’s judiciary during his recent visit to the Himalayan nation. Delivering a keynote address at the Royal University of Bhutan in Thimphu, the CJI emphasised that modern judicial systems must harness digital tools to ensure that courts remain accessible, efficient and people-centred in the 21st century. Speaking on the theme “Access to Justice in the 21st Century: Technology, Legal Aid and People-Centred Courts,” the CJI highlighted that technological innovation is reshaping…