1. Supreme Court Pulls Up Magistrate for Claiming Loss of Jurisdiction After Missing Deadline in Pending Case
The Supreme Court recently criticised a Judicial Magistrate in West Bengal who claimed that he had lost jurisdiction to hear a pending case after failing to complete the proceedings within a six-week deadline set by the apex court. The bench observed that a trial judge cannot abdicate responsibility merely because a time limit has expired and directed the District Judge concerned to seek an explanation from the magistrate for his conduct.
2. Sahara Seeks Supreme Court Approval for Sale of Properties to Adani; Protection from Authorities
The Sahara Group has approached the Supreme Court seeking approval to sell its prime properties to Adani Properties Private Limited and to obtain protection from concurrent regulatory and investigative proceedings. According to the application, proceeds from the sale will be deposited into the SEBI, Sahara Refund Account to facilitate repayment to investors. The plea emphasises that the transaction aims to expedite refunds and bring closure to long-standing disputes involving the group’s assets.
3. Supreme Court Orders Training for Two Delhi Judges Over Flawed Bail to Accused in ?6 Crore Cheating Case
The Supreme Court quashed the bail granted to a couple accused of cheating a private company of over ?6 crore, finding serious lapses in the judicial process. The Court directed that two Delhi trial judges undergo judicial training to prevent such errors in the future and ordered an inquiry against the Investigating Officer for mishandling the case. The bench emphasised that bail orders must be reasoned and issued only after due application of mind.
4. Supreme Court Rejects Karnataka’s Challenge to Order Quashing FIR Against DM Gaming for Poker Club
The Supreme Court dismissed the Karnataka government’s plea challenging the quashing of criminal proceedings against DM Gaming, which had been accused of operating a gambling house under the pretext of a poker club. However, the Court refrained from ruling on the broader question of whether poker constitutes a game of skill or chance, leaving the issue open for determination in future cases.
5. Wife of Sonam Wangchuk Moves Supreme Court Challenging His Detention Under NSA
Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of activist and environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, has filed a petition before the Supreme Court challenging his detention under the National Security Act. The plea, submitted through advocate Sarvam Ritam Khare on October 2, questions the legality of Wangchuk’s detention. It remains uncertain when the matter will be listed for hearing, as the Supreme Court is currently on vacation for Dussehra.
6. Zubeen Garg Death: Event Organiser Moves Supreme Court for CBI Probe, Clubbing of FIRs
Northeast Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta has filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking a CBI probe and protection from arrest in multiple cases filed against him following singer Zubeen Garg’s death in Singapore. Mahanta claimed that over 50 FIRs have been lodged across the North East, alleging his involvement in the incident. He contends that he is being made a scapegoat despite having no role in Garg’s demise, which occurred on September 19, 2025, while the singer was vacationing on a yacht in Singapore.
7. Consumer Protection Authority Fines Drishti IAS ?5 Lakh for Misleading UPSC Advertisement
The Central Consumer Protection Authority has imposed a ?5 lakh fine on Drishti IAS (VDK Eduventures Pvt. Ltd.) for releasing deceptive advertisements regarding its UPSC coaching results. The CCPA found that the institute’s claim of “216+ selections in UPSC CSE 2022” misled students by featuring names and photos of successful candidates without revealing that most had only attended its free Interview Guidance Programme. The order, issued by Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare and Commissioner Anupam Mishra, held that such omissions violated consumer rights.
8. Foreign Firms Cannot Claim Free Speech Rights Under Article 19, Karnataka HC Rules in X Corp Case
The Karnataka High Court has held that foreign companies cannot invoke the fundamental right to free speech under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. The Court, while dismissing X Corp’s challenge to the Union government’s Sahyog blocking portal and related notifications, reaffirmed that freedom of speech is available only to citizens and is subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of sovereignty, security, and public order.
9. Meghalaya HC Recalls Order Seeking SC Nod to Continue Stray Dogs PIL
The Meghalaya High Court has withdrawn its earlier order directing the Registrar General to seek the Supreme Court’s permission to continue hearing a public interest litigation concerning stray dogs. This follows the apex court’s August 22 directive transferring all pending stray dog cases from High Courts to itself. Despite expressing an initial inclination on August 30 to retain the matter, the Meghalaya High Court decided to comply with the Supreme Court’s earlier transfer order.
10. Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant Flags Concerns Over Provision in Mediation Act
Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant, on September 28, expressed reservations regarding a specific provision in the Mediation Act, 2023. He emphasised that the overarching objective should be to transform India into a mediation-friendly jurisdiction by adopting global best practices. The judge’s observations highlight the need for careful consideration of legislative provisions to ensure they align with international standards and effectively promote alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in the country.
