1. “Lame excuses”: Supreme Court pulls up Odisha government for delayed appeal
The Supreme Court recently criticised the Odisha government for the extensive delay in pursuing its appeal, calling the State “utterly lethargic, tardy and indolent.” The Court rejected the explanations offered for the delay as “lame excuses,” and stressed that such casual conduct by the State undermines the administration of justice and cannot be routinely condoned.
2. Plea filed before the Supreme Court to exclude doctors from liability under the Consumer Protection Act
The Supreme Court sought responses from the Union Ministries of Health and Consumer Affairs on a petition seeking exclusion of medical professionals from the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The plea argued that applying consumer law to medical services encourages defensive medical practice and that there are other, more suitable mechanisms to regulate and address medical negligence.
3. Supreme Court grants bail to NDPS accused after noting delay in sending samples to the forensic lab
The Supreme Court granted bail to two NDPS accused after noting an unexplained delay in sending contraband samples to the Forensic Science Laboratory. The Court also took into account that the accused had remained in custody for over two years and that most material witnesses had already been examined, indicating that continued detention was unjustified in the circumstances.
4. No bail from the Supreme Court to Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the custodial death case; HC asked to hear the appeal on priority
The Supreme Court refused to interfere with the Delhi High Court’s denial of bail to former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the custodial death case linked to the Unnao rape victim’s father. Observing that Sengar’s appeal against conviction is pending before the High Court, the Court directed that the matter be taken up on priority along with the victim’s appeal seeking development of sentence.
5. Supreme Court lifts HC stay on shifting HP Commission for Backwards Classes from Shimla to Dharamshala
The Supreme Court set aside the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s stay on the State’s proposal to shift the headquarters of the Himachal Pradesh Commission for Backwards Classes from Shimla to Dharamshala. The State defended the decision by stating that a majority of backward class communities reside in the Kangra region, where Dharamshala is located, and the Court found no basis to continue the stay.
6. Supreme Court refuses to entertain Aland Dargah's plea to restrain repeated Hindu rituals in its premises
The Supreme Court declined to entertain a petition filed by the management of the Aland Ladle Mashaik Dargah seeking directions to restrain the Hindu Maha Shivaratri puja and other rituals on the premises. The plea claimed that repeated interim orders permitting such rituals were being used strategically year after year to alter the religious character of the dargah, but the Court refused to intervene at this stage.
7. People will pre-judge us if we ban talaq pronounced via WhatsApp, email: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court took note of concerns that some Muslim men have been issuing “virtual talaq” through WhatsApp and email to their wives. While acknowledging the seriousness of the issue, the Court observed that a blanket judicial ban may invite pre-judgment and stated that it would not shy away from issuing directions, but only after hearing both sides in detail.
8. Not every emotional outburst is a threat to economic security: Supreme Court pulls up NIA over probe into Beldanga violence
The Supreme Court questioned the National Investigation Agency’s reliance on UAPA provisions to justify its probe into violence in West Bengal’s Beldanga. Hearing the State’s challenge to the NIA investigation, the Court observed that not every emotional outburst or local incident can automatically be treated as a threat to the nation’s economic security, indicating that invoking anti-terror provisions requires a stronger factual basis.
9. Supreme Court asks FSSAI to consider front-of-pack warning labels on foods high in sugar, salt and fat
The Supreme Court asked the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to consider introducing front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods containing high levels of sugar, salt and saturated fat. Noting that such labelling is a globally accepted public health practice, the Court directed the FSSAI to examine the issue and report back within four weeks.
10. Supreme Court allows scribes with above 10+2 qualification for visually impaired AIBE, CLAT candidates
The Supreme Court ordered a modification of the rules governing the qualification limit for scribes assisting visually impaired candidates in examinations such as AIBE and CLAT. The Court directed the authorities to revise the existing restrictions, allow scribes with qualifications above 10+2, and notify the changes before the next examination cycle to ensure accessibility and fairness.
