1. Supreme Court Overturns NGT Order Jailing Bareilly Mayor, Commissioner Over Environmental Harm
The Supreme Court set aside an NGT order that sentenced the Mayor and Commissioner of Bareilly Municipal Corporation to civil imprisonment for environmental damage. The Court ruled that since Section 26(1) of the NGT Act is a penal provision, it must be interpreted strictly. It emphasised that liability under penal statutes must be clearly established, and in this case, the NGT’s action lacked the required legal foundation for such a severe punishment.
2. Supreme Court Upholds 7-Year Ban on Lawyer Who Rammed Car into Hotel
The Supreme Court refused to grant relief to a lawyer who the Bar Council of India suspended for seven years after he deliberately crashed his car into a hotel owned by the complainant. Emphasising the need for discipline among legal professionals, the Court observed that such conduct harms the credibility of the entire legal fraternity. The ruling reinforces the judiciary’s stance on maintaining high ethical standards in the profession.
3. Supreme Court Asks High Courts to Draft SOP for Monitoring Expedited Trials
The Supreme Court has directed all High Courts to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure to monitor cases where the top court has ordered a speedy trial. This move seeks to streamline the existing process, where trial court judges communicate directly with the Supreme Court Registry. The Court emphasised that an SOP will ensure uniformity, better tracking, and accountability in the implementation of expeditious trial directives.
4. Supreme Court issues notice to Jharkhand High Court over judge’s child care leave denial.
The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Jharkhand High Court on a plea by an additional district judge challenging the denial of child care leave. The judge, who is a single parent, approached the Supreme Court after her request for leave was rejected. The Court had earlier been informed about her status and the circumstances necessitating leave. Taking note of the matter, the Supreme Court asked the High Court to clarify its stand on the issue.
5. Soured relationship not ground for false rape case: Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court has ruled that a failed relationship cannot justify filing a rape case based on a false promise of marriage. The Court emphasised that misuse of such allegations not only burdens the judiciary but also tarnishes the reputation of individuals accused of grave offences. It observed that consensual relationships that later turn sour should not be used as a basis for criminal charges unless genuine evidence supports the claim.
6. Don’t offend judges' ego, a case may suffer: Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Kumar.
Supreme Court judge Justice PV Sanjay Kumar cautioned lawyers against bruising judicial egos, remarking that “our ego is very fragile; if you offend it, your case will go out.” During a hearing, he reacted strongly when a lawyer explained his senior’s absence by saying he was "busy" in a High Court matter. Justice Kumar advised that small white lies are acceptable to preserve decorum, subtly emphasising the importance of courtroom etiquette and respectful communication.
7. Supreme Court cancels bail in West Bengal post-poll violence case over fair trial concerns.
The Supreme Court has cancelled the bail of two individuals accused in a 2021 West Bengal post-poll violence case. The Court observed that the accused used violence to instil fear among political opponents and disrupt democratic processes. Emphasising the need to uphold the integrity of the judicial process, the Court ruled that granting bail in such cases threatens a fair trial and could undermine public confidence in the justice system.
8. Supreme Court reprimands Orissa Public Service Commission for evaluation blunder.
The Supreme Court on Friday strongly criticized the Orissa Public Service Commission for refusing to admit an error in the evaluation of a judicial service aspirant’s answer sheet. The Court expressed concern about how such mistakes undermine the faith and trust of the younger generation in the system, stating, "You should be taken to task. How will the young generation have faith and trust in you?" The Supreme Court urged OPSC to uphold fairness and accountability in its processes.
9. Supreme Court directs NEET PG exam to be held in a single shift.
The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences to conduct the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Post Graduate (NEET PG) exam in a single shift. The Court held that conducting the exam in two shifts would lead to arbitrariness, as no two question papers can be exactly the same. This ruling aims to ensure fairness and uniformity for all candidates appearing for the exam.
10. Supreme Court initiates suo motu contempt case against journalist Ajay Shukla.
The Supreme Court has suo motu initiated a contempt of court case against Chandigarh-based journalist and YouTuber Ajay Shukla for making scandalous remarks against a judge. The matter is scheduled to be heard by a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Friday.
