1. Disturbing: Supreme Court flags 7-year delay in murder trial, summons J&K Home Secretary
The Supreme Court strongly criticised the prosecuting machinery in Jammu & Kashmir after a murder trial remained pending for over seven years with little progress in recording evidence. Calling the delay unacceptable, the Court summoned the J&K Home Secretary and directed him to submit details of all criminal trials in the UT where accused persons have been in jail for five years or more as undertrials, signalling serious concern over prolonged incarceration without timely justice.
2. This ailment must end: Supreme Court on High Court judges delaying judgments after concluding hearings
The Supreme Court issued a stern message to High Courts, stating that judges must stop the practice of reserving judgments and then delaying their delivery for months. Emphasising the harm caused to litigants and the justice system, the Court hinted that it may soon introduce a Standing Operating Procedure to curb such delays and ensure judgments are pronounced within a reasonable time after hearings conclude.
3. Supreme Court orders constitution of tribunal to settle Pennaiyar River water dispute between TN and Karnataka
The Supreme Court directed the Central government to notify the constitution of a tribunal to resolve the long-standing dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the Pennaiyar (Dakshina Pinakini) river waters. Rejecting the Centre’s suggestion of resolving the matter through ministerial meetings, the Court accepted Tamil Nadu’s demand for a formal adjudicatory mechanism, reinforcing that inter-state water conflicts require structured legal resolution.
4. Prior notice before arrest mandatory in offences punishable up to 7 years: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court ruled that police must issue prior notice under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita before arresting a person in cases where the offence is punishable with imprisonment up to seven years. The Court further clarified that arrest should not be automatic and must be made only when absolutely necessary, strengthening safeguards against unnecessary detention and misuse of police powers.
5. ‘Public interest’: Supreme Court says plea to ban freebies by political parties will be heard by 3-judge bench
The Supreme Court agreed to examine a petition seeking restrictions on political parties that promise or distribute freebies during election campaigns. Observing that the issue raises significant public interest concerns, the Court directed that the matter be heard by a three-judge bench, indicating that the legal and constitutional implications of such promises require deeper judicial scrutiny.
6. Send name discrepancy notices carefully: Supreme Court to ECI in Mamata Banerjee plea against West Bengal SIR
The Supreme Court issued notice in the petition filed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee challenging the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in the State. While considering concerns raised about the revision process, the Court cautioned the Election Commission of India to issue name discrepancy notices carefully, recognising that such notices can create confusion, exclusion, and public distrust if handled irresponsibly.
7. Criminal law must not be used to turn failed relationships into rape cases: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court quashed a rape case against a lawyer, observing that criminal law should not be misused to convert failed relationships into allegations of rape. The Court clarified that allegations based on a false promise of marriage must be examined carefully, and it further held that a married woman cannot claim rape on the basis of such a promise, reinforcing the need for legal clarity and prevention of abuse of criminal provisions.
8. Compromising standards? Supreme Court “stunned” by reduction in NEET-PG 2025 cut-off
The Supreme Court expressed shock over the decision to reduce qualifying cut-off percentiles for NEET-PG 2025, stating it was “stunned” by what led to such a move. The Court sought a detailed affidavit from the Central government, indicating concern about the quality of medical education and whether lowering standards could impact public health and professional competence.
9. Supreme Court directs trial courts to inform accused of right to legal aid before recording evidence
The Supreme Court directed all trial courts to mandatorily inform accused persons of their right to legal representation, including their entitlement to free legal aid, before commencing the recording of evidence. It further instructed Chief Justices of all High Courts to ensure compliance and to record this process in trial court orders, strengthening procedural fairness and the right to a fair trial.
10. Children learn it at home: Supreme Court on plea of student expelled for posting communal memes
The Supreme Court issued notice in a petition challenging the expulsion of a 14-year-old student for circulating communal memes through a private Instagram account. While examining the case, the Court noted that such attitudes are often learned at home, indicating that the issue extends beyond discipline to the broader social environment influencing children’s behaviour and online conduct.
