1. Supreme Court: No Protection for Wrongdoers in Manipur Violence Case
The Supreme Court asserted that there is no need to protect individuals involved in wrongdoing related to the Manipur ethnic violence. The statement came after a Kuki group presented audio tapes allegedly showing former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh permitting armed looting before the riots. The Court emphasised that justice must prevail irrespective of status or position and called for a proper investigation of any credible evidence. The strong remarks underline the Court’s commitment to accountability in the ongoing communal conflict.
2. Supreme Court Publishes Full Judges’ Appointment Process
In a landmark step towards transparency, the Supreme Court published the entire process involved in the appointment of the High Court and Supreme Court judges on its official website. This includes inputs from the High Court Collegium, the Central and State governments, and the Supreme Court Collegium's deliberations. The Court also revealed any familial relationships of proposed candidates with sitting or retired judges. The move aims to increase public trust in the judicial appointment system and ensure accountability.
3. Supreme Court Directs SCBA Elections on May 20, Reserves Secretary Post for Women
The Supreme Court ordered that the Supreme Court Bar Association elections be held on May 20. Significantly, the Court mandated that the post of Secretary be reserved for women, marking a push for greater gender representation. The Court also stated that it would not entertain any challenges to the report recommending reforms in the SCBA election process. This decision reflects the judiciary’s intent to streamline internal bar association governance and promote inclusivity.
4. Supreme Court Criticises NLU Consortium Over CLAT UG 2025 Errors
The Supreme Court strongly rebuked the Consortium of National Law Universities for its careless handling of the CLAT UG 2025 exam, particularly for framing erroneous questions. The Court revised a previous High Court order concerning these mistakes, emphasising the need for higher standards in competitive examinations. The bench criticised the Consortium's lax approach and highlighted how such errors impact students' futures, urging greater accountability in future exam conduct.
5. Supreme Court Directs States to Identify Discriminatory Laws Against Leprosy-Affected Persons
The Supreme Court directed all States and Union Territories to form committees to identify laws, regulations, and bylaws that discriminate against people affected by leprosy. This move aims to ensure that leprosy-affected individuals are not unfairly treated under existing legal frameworks. The Court emphasised the need for States to address such discriminatory provisions and make necessary reforms actively.
6. Supreme Court Rules Against Rape Claim in Long-Term Live-In Relationship
The Supreme Court held that a woman’s claim of rape based on a false promise of marriage cannot be accepted in the context of a long-term live-in relationship. The Court emphasised that with more women becoming financially independent, live-in relationships have become more common, and it cannot be pedantic in such cases. The ruling stated that if two adults live together for an extended period, it cannot be assumed that the relationship was based solely on the promise of marriage.
7. Supreme Court Stays Relieving of Woman Officer, Highlights Indian Army's Importance
The Supreme Court stayed relieving a woman officer from service, acknowledging the vital role of the Indian Army. While hearing the officer's petition, the Court remarked that it "feels very little" before the Indian Army, especially in light of its operations like Operation Sindoor in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The Court also noted that there is no shortage of women officers in the military, reinforcing the significance of their contributions.
8. Supreme Court Orders Demotion of Andhra Deputy Collector for Disobeying High Court Stay
On May 9, 2025, the Supreme Court directed the demotion of Andhra Pradesh's Deputy Collector, Tata Mohan Rao, for executing a slum demolition in Guntur district despite a High Court stay. The Court emphasised the importance of adhering to judicial orders, stating, "However high in a post you are, you can't disobey the orders." The Court's decision sends a clear message to the country about the necessity of respecting judicial rulings, irrespective of one's position.
9. Supreme Court Orders 30% Reservation for Women Lawyers in Gujarat Bar Bodies
The Supreme Court directed that 30% of the seats in the executive committees of the Gujarat High Court and District Bar Associations, as well as the post of treasurer, be reserved for women lawyers. However, the Court stated that the issue regarding reservation for women in the Bar Council of Gujarat would be addressed at a later stage.
10. PIL Filed in the Supreme Court Against Attempts to Trademark 'Operation Sindoor'
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court on May 10, 2025, challenging the attempts to trademark the term "Operation Sindoor," which refers to India's ongoing military operation against Pakistan. The PIL argues that the term embodies national grief and military valour and that its commercial use would undermine the dignity of martyrs and the sentiments of their families. Following the government's announcement, several applicants, including Reliance, had sought exclusive rights to the term under Class 41, covering entertainment, education, and media services.
