1. Supreme Court Examines Commercial Use of Oral Courtroom Observations
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Bar Council of India and other authorities on whether oral observations made during court proceedings can be commercially exploited or monetised. The matter also concerns the alleged conversion of courtroom remarks into digital content or commodities. The Court's intervention comes amid growing use of technology and social media to circulate courtroom proceedings. The issue raises important questions concerning judicial dignity, freedom of expression and the limits of commercial use of statements made during hearings. The Court is examining whether appropriate safeguards are necessary.
2. Supreme Court Asked to Review Mid-Cycle Healthcare Education Regulations
The Supreme Court is considering a plea challenging the mid-cycle implementation of newly notified regulations of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions for the 2026–27 academic session. The petition has been filed by the Federation of Self-Financing Technical Institutions. It argues that the sudden implementation of the regulations could affect around 20,000 students enrolled in allied and healthcare professional courses. The petition also raises concerns regarding affiliation of institutions before the prescribed deadline. The matter highlights the difficulties that students and educational institutions may face when regulatory changes are introduced during an ongoing academic session.
3. Supreme Court Suggests Dedicated Courts for Manipur Violence Cases
The Supreme Court has urged authorities to consider establishing two dedicated trial courts to hear exclusively cases arising from the 2023 Manipur violence, which are being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the National Investigation Agency. The Court was informed that the CBI had filed final reports in 27 of its 31 cases, while the NIA had filed chargesheets in 15 of the 30 cases it investigated. The proposal for specialised courts aims to ensure focused and efficient trials. It also reflects the Court's concern over the timely adjudication of serious cases arising from prolonged violence.
4. Supreme Court Upholds Life Sentence in Witchcraft-Related Murder
The Supreme Court has upheld the life sentence imposed on a man convicted of murdering a woman after accusing her of practising witchcraft. The Court found that the woman had been brutally killed after being blamed for causing the death of a young girl through alleged supernatural practices. The case highlights the continuing danger posed by superstition and witchcraft-related violence in parts of India. By affirming the conviction and sentence, the Court reinforced that such beliefs cannot justify violence against individuals. The judgment also reflects the role of criminal law in protecting vulnerable persons from harmful practices based on superstition.
5. Supreme Court Questions FSSAI Over Warning Labels on Unhealthy Packaged Foods
The Supreme Court has questioned the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's reluctance to introduce front-of-pack warning labels on packaged foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat. The Court expressed concern about whether public health considerations were being adequately prioritised in the regulation of such products. It also questioned whether corporate interests were influencing the regulatory approach. The issue is significant because clear warning labels can help consumers make informed decisions about food products. The Court's observations underscore the State's responsibility to protect public health while ensuring that regulatory authorities discharge their statutory duties effectively.
6. Supreme Court Sets Aside Premature Anticipatory Bail Protection in GST Case
The Supreme Court has set aside a Bombay High Court order that granted protection from arrest to Future Group non-executive director Sunil Biyani in connection with an alleged ?1,200-crore GST scam. The High Court had observed that Biyani's anticipatory bail application was premature, yet granted protection against arrest. The Supreme Court held that such an approach was legally impermissible. The ruling reinforces the procedural requirements governing anticipatory bail and emphasises that courts must carefully consider whether a petition is maintainable before granting protection. The decision also highlights the limits of judicial discretion in pre-arrest proceedings.
7. Supreme Court Examines Liability Limits Under SHANTI Act for Nuclear Accidents
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Central government and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board on a PIL challenging provisions of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Act, 2025. The petition questions statutory limits on liability for nuclear accidents as well as provisions concerning the independence of the nuclear regulator. The case raises significant issues relating to public safety, corporate responsibility and regulatory independence in the nuclear sector. The Court's examination may determine how liability for nuclear accidents is balanced against the need to promote nuclear energy while protecting affected individuals and communities.
8. Pre-2026 Transgender Identity Cards to Remain Valid, Centre Assures Supreme Court
The Central government has assured the Supreme Court that transgender identity cards issued before the 2026 amendment to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act will continue to remain valid. The assurance was given while the Court was hearing challenges to the amendment's constitutional validity. Concerns had been raised that identity cards issued under the earlier legal framework could be cancelled or rejected after the amendment came into force. The government's assurance seeks to protect individuals who had already obtained valid documentation. The matter also raises broader questions concerning legal recognition, equality and continuity of rights following legislative changes.
9. Supreme Court Seeks Centre's Response on Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse Material
The Supreme Court has sought the Central government's response to a plea seeking stronger implementation of its directions concerning the mandatory reporting of Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material by social media intermediaries. The petition alleges that online platforms have not uniformly complied with the Court's earlier directions issued in 2024. It seeks a nationwide Standard Operating Procedure to ensure consistent reporting and handling of such material. The matter highlights the growing challenges of protecting children from online sexual exploitation. It also raises questions about the responsibility of digital platforms and the need for effective enforcement mechanisms.
10. Supreme Court Asks CBSE to Protect Students Facing OSM-Related Difficulties
The Supreme Court has asked the Central Board of Secondary Education to explore measures to protect students who may face difficulties in entrance-based admissions because of their scores under the Board's new On-Screen Marking system. The Court was informed that some students had cleared their CBSE examinations but failed to meet the minimum marks required for admission to certain courses. Some of those courses had already commenced. The Court's intervention seeks to ensure that technical or evaluation-related difficulties do not unfairly affect students' educational opportunities. The matter highlights the importance of accuracy and fairness when introducing new methods for evaluating examinations.
