1. Supreme Court Orders Release of Convicts Who Completed Sentences
The Supreme Court directed all States and Union Territories to ensure the release of convicts still imprisoned despite having completed their sentences. The order came on a plea filed by Sukhdev Pehalwan, a convict in the Nitish Katara murder case, highlighting delays in processing release formalities. The Court stressed that continuing to keep such individuals behind bars violates their fundamental rights and instructed prison authorities to conduct immediate reviews to prevent recurrence.
2. Supreme Court Grants Interim Relief to The Wire Editor in Section 152 BNS Case
The Supreme Court directed that no coercive action be taken against The Wire Editor Siddharth Varadarajan in connection with an FIR filed by the Assam Police. The case arose from an article on Operation Sindoor concerning comments by an Indian defence attaché about the loss of IAF fighter jets to Pakistan. The FIR invoked Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which criminalises acts endangering India’s sovereignty and integrity. The Court granted interim protection while examining the scope of the law.
3. Supreme Court Flags Sewage Pollution in Tamil Nadu’s Palar River
The Supreme Court raised alarm over the continuous discharge of untreated sewage and effluents into the Palar River in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. It noted that thousands of litres of waste are pumped into the river every day, severely degrading its ecosystem. The Court warned that unchecked environmental damage would invite harsh consequences, emphasising that “nature will not spare us.” It called for urgent remedial measures to prevent further pollution and protect the health and livelihood of communities dependent on the river.
4. Supreme Court Orders Removal of Stray Dogs in Delhi
The Supreme Court directed the Delhi government, MCD, and NDMC to immediately begin removing stray dogs from all localities across the city. The Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan stressed that the exercise must be carried out without compromise, noting the rising threat posed by stray dog attacks and rabies cases. The Court further warned that if any individual or organisation obstructs the process, strict action will follow. It underscored that public safety must take priority over objections from activists.
5. Supreme Court Takes an Unfavourable View of Plea Seeking J&K Statehood Restoration
The Supreme Court expressed reservations over a plea demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Central government, opposed the petition. During the hearing, the Bench remarked that areas like Pahalgam and other concerns linked to governance in the region cannot be ignored. Still, it signalled reluctance to intervene on the question of restoring statehood. The matter highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional status following the abrogation of Article 370.
6. Supreme Court Cancels Bail Granted to Olympian Sushil Kumar in Murder Case
The Supreme Court set aside the Delhi High Court’s March 4 order granting bail to Olympian wrestler Sushil Kumar, who is accused of the 2021 murder of fellow wrestler Sagar Dhankhad. A Bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Prashant Kumar Mishra passed the order, observing that the gravity of the allegations and the circumstances of the case warranted cancellation of bail. Kumar will now remain in custody as the trial proceeds in the high-profile murder case that has drawn national attention.
7. Supreme Court Directs ECI to Publish List of 65 Lakh Deleted Voters in Bihar SIR
The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission of India to publish online the list of 65 lakh voters proposed for deletion during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision in Bihar. The Court emphasised that the process of voter deletion must be fair and transparent, given its direct impact on the fundamental right to vote. It also ordered the ECI to disclose reasons for each proposed deletion, ensuring accountability in the exercise of electoral roll revision.
8. P&H High Court: Man’s Privacy Cannot Override Child’s Right to Know Father’s Identity
The Punjab and Haryana High Court held that a man’s right to privacy cannot supersede a child’s right to know the identity of his father. Justice Archana Puri, while dismissing a revision petition, upheld a trial court’s order permitting the comparison of a child’s DNA sample with that of the man he claims to be his father. The Court emphasised that the child’s demand for truth and justice cannot be ignored, and establishing paternity is essential when it can be conclusively determined.
9. Supreme Court Issues Guidelines on Parallel GST Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarified that Central and State GST authorities may conduct parallel inquiries during the investigation stage. It held that the issuance of a summons under Section 70 of the CGST Act, 2017, does not amount to “initiation of proceedings” under Section 6(2)(b). This ensures that both authorities retain investigative powers without overstepping jurisdictional limits. The Court’s guidelines aim to prevent conflicting adjudications while maintaining a balance between Central and State tax enforcement mechanisms.
10. Supreme Court Criticises MP High Court for Proceeding Despite Stay
The Supreme Court expressed concern over the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s decision to continue hearing a case on alleged irregularities in recognition and admissions of paramedical colleges, despite a stay issued by the apex court on its earlier order. The Court remarked that such conduct was inconsistent with the constitutional framework governing the functioning of superior courts, emphasising the need for judicial discipline and adherence to hierarchical authority.
