1. Supreme Court Grants Interim Protection to Journalists Alleging Police Assault
The Supreme Court granted interim protection from arrest to two Madhya Pradesh-based journalists who claimed they were subjected to custodial violence, caste-based abuse, and threats to life by Bhind police officials, including SP Asit Yadav. While extending the protection, the Court declined to entertain their main plea and directed the petitioners to approach the High Court for further relief.
2. Supreme Court Upholds Railways' Power to Impose Penalty for Misdeclared Goods Post-Delivery
The Supreme Court has ruled that Indian Railways is empowered to levy penalties under Section 66(4) of the Railways Act, 1989, even after the delivery of goods if there is a misdeclaration of the consignment. The Court emphasised that the correct freight charges and penalties can be recovered before or after delivery, ensuring accountability and discouraging false declarations in goods transport.
3. Supreme Court Refuses to Quash Incest Charges Against Former Judge
The Supreme Court declined to quash criminal proceedings against a former judicial officer facing grave allegations of sexual abuse by his daughter. The Bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan remarked that the case involved "shocking" charges of incest and warranted a full trial. The accused’s counsel argued the case was rooted in a long-standing matrimonial dispute, but the Court found the allegations too serious to dismiss at the preliminary stage.
4. Supreme Court Grants Bail in Inter-Faith Marriage Case Under Anti-Conversion Law
The Supreme Court recently granted bail to a Muslim man arrested under Uttarakhand’s anti-conversion law following his marriage to a Hindu woman. A Bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma observed that the marriage took place with the consent of both families. Therefore, the State could not object to the interfaith couple living together. The Court’s ruling highlights the protection of individual autonomy and lawful union despite differing religious backgrounds.
5. Supreme Court Stays ?317 Crore VAT Demand on ISRO Arm Antrix
The Supreme Court has stayed a ?317.5 crore Value Added Tax (VAT) recovery notice issued to Antrix Corporation Limited by the Karnataka Commercial Taxes Department. Antrix, the commercial wing of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), had filed an interlocutory application seeking clarification on whether a prior stay order covered the current tax demand related to satellite transponder charges. The Court agreed to extend interim protection, granting a reprieve to Antrix from immediate recovery actions.
6. Supreme Court Expresses Concern Over Young Lawyers Avoiding Trial Courts
The Supreme Court recently expressed dismay over the growing reluctance of young lawyers to practice in trial courts. Observing a worrying trend, the Court stated, "The whole trouble with this generation is that they don't want to go to the trial court to learn the practice." The remarks came during a hearing where the Bench highlighted the importance of foundational legal experience gained at the trial court level, calling it essential for developing sound advocacy skills and legal understanding.
7. Supreme Court Grants Bail to Journalist Arrested Over Derogatory Remarks on Talk Show
The Supreme Court granted bail to Andhra Pradesh-based journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, who was arrested on June 9 in connection with controversial remarks made by a panellist during his TV program, KSR Live Show on Sakshi TV. The panellist had allegedly referred to Amaravati as a “capital of prostitutes” and claimed “only AIDS patients live” there. The Court noted that Rao could not be held liable for the comments made by another individual on a live panel discussion.
8. Supreme Court Seeks Karnataka’s Reply on Plea for Police Protection Over Thug Life Release
The Supreme Court issued notice to the Karnataka government on a plea seeking police protection for the release of Kamal Haasan's film Thug Life. The petitioner argued that although no official ban exists, a de facto ban is in effect due to repeated threats of violence targeting cinema halls planning to screen the movie. The Court has asked the State to respond, emphasising the importance of upholding freedom of expression and preventing unlawful censorship through intimidation.
9. Supreme Court Intervention Leads to Grant of 92 Days Child Care Leave for Woman Judge
The Supreme Court was informed that the Jharkhand High Court has granted 92 days of child care leave to a woman Additional District Judge, who is a single parent. This development followed a nudge from the Supreme Court after the judge's initial request was denied. However, the judge’s counsel expressed concern that the relief granted was significantly less than the whole duration of leave sought initially. The matter continues to highlight challenges single working mothers face in the judiciary.
10. Karnataka High Court Grants Interim Bail to RCB Marketing Head and DNA Executives in Chinnaswamy Stampede Case
The Karnataka High Court granted interim bail to Nikhil Sosale, marketing head of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and three others linked to the event management firm DNA. The arrests stemmed from the June 4 stampede outside Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium during ticket sales for an RCB match. Justice SR Krishna Kumar delivered the interim relief order, offering temporary reprieve while the investigation into the tragic incident continues.
