1. Bar Council of India May Allow Final-Year Law Students to Take AIBE: Supreme Court Informed
The Bar Council of India (BCI) informed the Supreme Court that it is drafting rules to allow final-year law students to sit for the All-India Bar Examination (AIBE). This update came during a hearing on a petition challenging the BCI’s current rules, which require students to complete their law degrees before taking the AIBE. The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, asked the BCI to clarify next week. The petitioners argue this change would prevent delays in starting their legal careers.
2. Supreme Court Grants Bail to Pulsar Suni in Kerala Actor Abduction Case.
The Supreme Court granted bail to Pulsar Suni, the main accused in the 2017 Kerala actor abduction and rape case, citing his prolonged detention of over seven years. The bench, led by Justices Abhay S Oka and Pankaj Mithal, noted that the Ernakulam District Principal Sessions Court trial has faced significant delays, with no conclusion. The court directed that Suni be produced before the trial court within a week to finalise bail conditions. Suni had previously filed ten unsuccessful bail applications before lower courts.
3. Kapil Sibal Reveals Rape Threats to Women Lawyers in RG Kar Hospital Case
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal informed the Supreme Court on Tuesday that female lawyers in his chambers were receiving rape and acid attack threats for representing the West Bengal government in the case concerning the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College. The Bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, refused Sibal’s request to halt live streaming of the case proceedings. The doctor’s death on August 9 has ignited protests nationwide, with medical professionals demanding enhanced safety measures.
4. Supreme Court Criticizes West Bengal's Restriction on Women's Work Hours
The Supreme Court objected to West Bengal's 'Rattierer Saathi' program, which limits women’s work hours to 12 hours and discourages night shifts. A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud stressed that women deserve equal work opportunities, including night shifts, and called for immediate revision of the rule. The Court emphasised ensuring security for women working at night is the state's responsibility. This came amid concerns over safety following a recent incident at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.
5. Supreme Court Dismisses Plea for Mamata Banerjee's Resignation
The Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking the resignation of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following the rape and murder of a medical student at RG Kar Medical College. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, leading the bench, emphasised that the court is not a political forum and does not have the jurisdiction to order the resignation of a political leader. The court also refused to halt live streaming of the case, stressing the importance of transparency.
6. Madras High Court Directs TANUVAS to Accept Transgender Candidate's Application
The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) not to reject a transgender candidate's application for an undergraduate course. Justice M Dhandapani ruled on a petition filed by A Nivetha, challenging the university's UG admission prospectus for 2024-2025, which lacked a special category for transgender individuals. The court instructed TANUVAS to consider Nivetha's application based on merit within two weeks, ensuring that her transgender status would not be a basis for rejection.
7. Supreme Court Orders Release of POCSO Convict Held Despite Bail
On September 18, the Supreme Court directed the release of a POCSO convict who remained in custody despite being granted bail in May 2024. The convict was unable to furnish local surety, preventing his release. A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy, Sudhanshu Dhulia, and SVN Bhatti ruled that continuing to detain him violated his fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
8. UPSC Accuses Puja Khedkar of Perjury, Delhi High Court Seeks Response
The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to Puja Khedkar after the UPSC filed a second plea, accusing her of perjury for allegedly lying about biometric data in her Civil Services Examination application. Khedkar, a former IAS probationer, is accused of using false PwD and OBC certificates to secure her position. She denies the charges, claiming her selection was based on merit and her disability is genuine. The court will hear the case on September 26.
9. Supreme Court Criticizes CBI for Accusing Bengal Courts of Hostility
The Supreme Court rebuked the CBI for its claim that West Bengal courts created a "hostile environment" while hearing cases related to 2021 post-poll violence. The court noted that such allegations cast aspersions on the entire judiciary of Bengal. Justice Abhay S Oka warned that the language used in the CBI’s plea could lead to contempt charges. The CBI clarified that their concern was witness intimidation, not judicial bias. The case was sent back for petition amendments.
10. Supreme Court Appoints Former Chief Justice Akil Kureshi as Arbitrator in Share Dispute Case
The Supreme Court has appointed ex-Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice Akil Kureshi as the sole arbitrator in a share dispute between the AMP, JRS, and SRG Groups. The case involves allegations of non-compliance with a share sale agreement. The Court emphasised that the arbitrator will handle all claims, leaving contentions open for resolution. Justice Kureshi's fees and terms will be decided in consultation with the parties involved.
