1. AI tools and payment of four jackets: Hosiery trader’s PIL against PM CARES dismissed by the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court dismissed a public interest litigation seeking greater transparency in the PM CARES Fund after the petitioner, a hosiery trader from Ludhiana, admitted that the plea had been drafted using AI tools. The petitioner also revealed that he paid a court typist four jackets as a reward for typing the petition, prompting the Court to question the seriousness and credibility of the filing.
2. Pune Porsche crash: Supreme Court grants bail to the minor accused’s father
The Supreme Court granted bail to Vishal Agarwal, father of the minor accused in the Pune Porsche crash case that killed two software engineers. The Court noted that Agarwal had already spent about 22 months in custody and was accused of conspiring to swap the minor’s blood samples during the investigation.
3. West Bengal SIR: Supreme Court says it will not tolerate allegations against the integrity of judicial officers
The Supreme Court took strong exception to allegations questioning the integrity of judicial officers supervising the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal. The Court stated that such accusations would not be tolerated and suggested that the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court may constitute a special bench to hear appeals arising from SIR-related decisions.
4. Supreme Court declines plea against IT Act provisions allowing tax raids without notice
The Supreme Court declined to entertain a petition challenging provisions of the Income Tax Act, 2025 that permit tax authorities to conduct raids without prior notice and search digital devices while probing tax evasion. The Court allowed the petitioner to withdraw the plea after he sought clarification from the Union government.
5. Non-Muslim donee also benefits: Supreme Court on PIL challenging Muslim gift exemption law
The Supreme Court observed that the exemption granted to Muslims from compulsory registration of gifts under Section 129 of the Transfer of Property Act, 1882, cannot be viewed as straightforward discrimination. The Court noted that the provision could also benefit a non-Muslim donee, indicating that the issue involved greater legal complexity than alleged in the PIL.
6. Supreme Court stays the death penalty of a man convicted of the rape and murder of a 5-year-old girl
The Supreme Court stayed the death sentence of a man convicted of raping and murdering a five-year-old girl in Bhopal. The Court also ordered a psychological evaluation of the convict, indicating the need for a deeper examination before deciding on the confirmation of capital punishment.
7. In a first, the Supreme Court allowed passive euthanasia for a man in a vegetative state since 2013
The Supreme Court allowed withdrawal of life support for a 31-year-old man who had remained in a permanent vegetative state since 2013. The decision follows the principles laid down in the landmark Common Cause v. Union of India, which recognised passive euthanasia and living wills in India.
8. Privy purse not a right: Supreme Court rejects compensation claim by Mizo chiefs
The Supreme Court dismissed claims by former Mizo chiefs seeking compensation for land taken over after the abolition of the chieftainship system in 1955 in the erstwhile Lushai Hills. The Court held that the chiefs failed to establish absolute ownership of the land and clarified that the concept of a privy purse does not confer a continuing legal right to compensation.
9. Supreme Court considers new training model for civil judges; bench divided on practice requirement
The Supreme Court discussed the possibility of introducing a one-year practice-plus-training model for the recruitment of Civil Judges. However, the Bench noted differing views on whether the existing three-year mandatory practice requirement should be relaxed, with several High Courts supporting its retention.
10. OBC creamy layer status cannot be decided on parental salary alone: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court ruled that the determination of the creamy layer among Other Backward Classes cannot be based solely on parental income. The Court emphasised that multiple socio-economic factors must be considered, rejecting the Union government’s appeal that relied primarily on salary thresholds.
