1. SP vs. DSP in Rape on Promise to Marry Case: Why the Supreme Court Said Parties Should Have Seen an Astrologer First
The Supreme Court observed that a man accused of rape on the pretext of marriage should have verified horoscope compatibility before entering into the relationship, instead of later withdrawing from the alleged promise due to a horoscope mismatch. The case involved two senior police officers, an SP and a DSP, where the woman accused the man of sexual intercourse under a false promise of marriage.
2. Supreme Court Urges BCI to Consider Reservation in Bar Bodies for Lawyers with Disabilities
The Supreme Court, on November 3, urged the Bar Council of India to examine the feasibility of reserving posts in Bar Councils and Bar Associations for lawyers with disabilities. The Court clarified that it could not issue a binding direction to implement such reservations. Still, it emphasised the importance of inclusivity and the representation of persons with disabilities in legal institutions.
3. Supreme Court Grants Anticipatory Bail to Man Booked Under SC/ST Act for Calling Complainant “Bastard”
The Supreme Court recently granted anticipatory bail to a 55-year-old man accused of assault and caste-based abuse under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The Court noted that the first information report did not contain any reference to caste-based remarks and observed that the police had “acted in zeal” by invoking SC/ST Act provisions without justification.
4. Supreme Court Allows Bite Victims to Intervene in Stray Dogs Case Without Paying Deposit
The Supreme Court exempted dog bite victims from depositing any money for filing intervention applications in the ongoing case of the stray dog. Earlier, the Court had directed individuals and organisations seeking to intervene to deposit ?25,000 and ?2 lakh, respectively. However, the Bench carved out an exception for victims of dog bites, allowing their participation without any financial requirement.
5. Murder Convict Dies After Waiting 9 Years for Appeal Hearing Despite Supreme Court’s Directive to Expedite Case
A murder convict, whose appeal had been pending before the Bombay High Court since 2016, has died nearly nine months after the Supreme Court expressed hope that the case would be decided within three months. During the prolonged pendency, the father of one of the victims also passed away, highlighting the severe delays plaguing the justice delivery system despite clear directions from the Supreme Court for expeditious disposal.
6. Can NCLAT Refer Split Verdicts to a Third Member? Supreme Court to Consider
The Supreme Court has agreed to examine whether the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal is empowered to refer split verdict cases to a third member for a final decision, or if such matters require rehearing by a larger Bench. The Court has sought the assistance of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to address the issue, which could have significant implications for the appellate procedure under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and other company law matters.
7. Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Rajasthan Road Accident That Killed 15 Persons
The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the tragic road accident in Rajasthan’s Phalodi district, where at least fifteen people lost their lives after a tempo traveller collided with a parked truck on the Bharatmala Expressway near Phalodi. A Bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi will hear the matter on November 10, focusing on road safety and accountability issues arising from the incident.
8. Judiciary Has Played a Stabilising Role in India’s Economic Transformation: CJI BR Gavai
Chief Justice of India emphasised that the Indian judiciary has served as a stabilising force in the nation’s economic transformation by ensuring that commercial progress remains rooted in constitutional principles. Speaking at the 6th Full Meeting of the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts in New Delhi, CJI Gavai highlighted that the courts have provided continuity and certainty even as India transitioned from a controlled economy to one integrated with global markets.
9. Akola Riots: Supreme Court Delivers Split Verdict in Plea Against Order for Hindu and Muslim Police Officers in SIT
The Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on the Maharashtra government’s review plea challenging its earlier order directing that a Special Investigation Team probing the 2023 Akola riots must include senior police officers from both Hindu and Muslim communities. While Justice Sanjay Kumar dismissed the State’s review petition, Justice Satish Chandra Sharma allowed it, resulting in a divided opinion on the composition of the SIT investigating the communal violence.
10. Supreme Court Rejects Plea Challenging Demolition of Ujjain's Takiya Masjid
The Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s decision upholding the demolition of the Takiya Masjid in Ujjain. The Court observed that the demolition and acquisition were carried out in accordance with the law and that adequate compensation had been provided. With this, the Supreme Court affirmed the legality of the State’s actions concerning the disputed mosque structure.
