1. Supreme Court Rejects Review Petition Against V Senthil Balaji’s Bail
The Supreme Court dismissed a review petition challenging the bail granted to Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji in the cash-for-jobs money laundering case. A Bench of Justices AS Oka and Augustine George Masih also rejected the request for an open court hearing. This decision upholds the earlier ruling allowing bail to Balaji, who faced allegations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
2. Madhya Pradesh HC: Slaughterhouse Permit Cannot Be Denied by Labeling Mandsaur a Religious City
The Madhya Pradesh High Court, Indore Bench, criticised the Mandsaur municipal authority for denying a slaughterhouse permit on the grounds that Mandsaur is a religious city. The Court remarked, "The entire city cannot be considered a sacred area," rejecting the rationale as inadequate. This ruling highlights the necessity of balancing administrative decisions with constitutional principles, ensuring secular governance and fair opportunities for all stakeholders.
3. Congress Challenges Election Rule Amendments in Supreme Court
The Congress party has filed a petition in the Supreme Court opposing amendments to Rule 93 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. The amendment limits public access to certain electronic election records to prevent misuse. The Congress argues that this change curtails citizens' rights to access election-related information, raising concerns over transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
4. Madras High Court Issues Notice on Alleged Unethical Practices in Transgender Clinics
The Madras High Court has issued notice to the National Medical Council (NMC) and the Tamil Nadu government following a PIL alleging unethical practices at transgender clinics. The petitioner highlighted instances of transgender individuals being subjected to inappropriate behaviour, including being asked to strip and undergoing the banned two-finger test. The plea also pointed out violations of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) guidelines, urging immediate corrective measures.
5. Supreme Court Criticizes Registry for Failing to List Cases as Ordered
The Supreme Court reprimanded its registry for not listing cases despite explicit judicial orders in the matter of Saddam Hussain MK & Ors. v Union of India. The Court expressed concern over such lapses, emphasising the importance of adhering to judicial directions. Additionally, the Court clarified that in appeals or Special Leave Petitions, a caveator does not have the right to be heard on granting leave or admitting the appeal, further underlining procedural consistency.
6. Bombay High Court Denies Bail to 73-Year-Old Convicted of Raping Intellectually Disabled House Help
The Bombay High Court, through Justice MM Sathaye, refused interim bail to a 73-year-old man convicted of raping and impregnating his house help, who has an IQ of just 42 per cent. The Court noted evidence of attempts to cover up the crime and stated that the victim’s consent was irrelevant, given her intellectual disability. This decision reinforces the protection of vulnerable individuals under the law.
7. Supreme Court Collegium Recommends New Appointments Across High Courts
The Supreme Court Collegium has proposed several key judicial appointments to address vacancies in various High Courts:
i.Bombay High Court: Advocate Pravin Sheshrao Patil is recommended as a judge. The Court currently has sixty-seven judges, compared to the sanctioned strength of ninety-four, leaving twenty-seven positions vacant.
ii. Uttarakhand High Court: Judicial Officer Ashish Naithani is recommended. The Court functions with six judges instead of the sanctioned strength of eleven, leaving five vacancies.
iii. Allahabad High Court: Advocate Praveen Kumar Giri is recommended. This Court faces a significant shortfall, operating with eighty-one judges out of a sanctioned strength of one hundred and sixty, leaving seventy-nine vacancies.
iv. Rajasthan High Court: Three judicial officers have been recommended as judges. The Court currently has thirty-two judges, compared to the sanctioned strength of fifty, leaving 18 vacancies.
8. Supreme Court Criticizes Farmers for Blocking Medical Aid to Jagjit Singh Dallewal
The Supreme Court has expressed disapproval of farmers obstructing the Punjab government’s efforts to provide medical care to Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a farmers' leader on a hunger strike demanding a minimum support price for crops. The Court called upon the State to ensure Dallewal receives immediate medical attention and emphasised the importance of prioritising health over protests.
9. Supreme Court Criticizes Punjab Government for Inaction on Providing Medical Aid to Farmer Leader
The Supreme Court reprimanded the Punjab government for its inability to provide medical aid to farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal on a hunger strike for minimum support price demands. Punjab cited obstruction by other farmers but was reminded by the Court of its duty to uphold law and order without resorting to unnecessary force. The Bench directed Punjab to comply with prior orders and suggested seeking Central government assistance if needed. The case will be reviewed further on December 31.
10. Delhi High Court Acquits Man in POCSO Case, Clarifies 'Physical Relations' Does Not Imply Sexual Assault
The Delhi High Court acquitted a man previously convicted under the POCSO Act for the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl. The Court ruled that the phrase “physical relations” or “samband banaya” used by the survivor was insufficient to prove sexual assault or intercourse. The survivor's statement did not indicate sexual assault, and no medical evidence supported such an allegation. The Court emphasised that the benefit of the doubt should favour the accused in such cases.
