1. Supreme Court Questions Delay in Governor's Assent to Bills
The Supreme Court examined whether it must remain powerless when Governors or the President indefinitely delay assent to State Bills, even for years. The Court was hearing a Presidential reference challenging its April ruling that set timelines for constitutional authorities to decide on Bills. It expressed concern that withholding assent to a 2020 Bill, even in 2025, undermines legislative functioning and raises constitutional accountability issues.
2. Supreme Court Allows Challenge to Death Penalty via Article 32
The Supreme Court ruled that a death sentence confirmed by it can still be challenged through an Article 32 petition if new grounds or mitigating circumstances arise. The ruling came while hearing Vasanta Sampta Dupare’s plea, where the Court ordered a fresh examination of his punishment considering additional factors. The decision reinforces the right to constitutional remedies and ensures that irreversible penalties undergo maximum judicial scrutiny.
3. Supreme Court Quashes Bandra Church Land Acquisition
The Supreme Court invalidated the Slum Rehabilitation Authority's acquisition of Church-owned land in Bandra, ruling that the authority acted illegally by sidelining the Church trust and favouring a developer-backed society. The Court reaffirmed the landowner’s right to redevelop slum areas, emphasising that legal procedures and property rights cannot be bypassed under the guise of rehabilitation schemes.
4. Supreme Court Grants Interim Protection to Abhisar Sharma
The Supreme Court granted journalist Abhisar Sharma four weeks of interim protection from arrest in connection with an FIR filed by the Assam Police over a YouTube video criticising the State government. However, the Court declined to quash the FIR at this stage, directing Sharma to approach the Gauhati High Court for appropriate relief.
5. Supreme Court Acquits Two in a 12-Year-Old's Rape and Murder Case
The Supreme Court acquitted two men, including a death row convict, in a rape and murder case of a 12-year-old, citing serious lapses in the investigation. The Bench noted that poor evidence collection and procedural negligence led to a miscarriage of justice, stressing the need for higher accountability in criminal investigations to prevent wrongful convictions.
6. Women Judges Overlooked in Supreme Court Appointments
Concerns have arisen over the Supreme Court Collegium and Centre overlooking senior women judges for elevation. Justices Sunita Agarwal, Revati Mohite Dere, and Lisa Gill rank higher in seniority than Justice Vipul Pancholi, who was recently elevated. This raises questions about gender representation and merit-based selection in judicial appointments, highlighting the need for transparent and equitable procedures to ensure deserving women judges are not sidelined.
7. Supreme Court Censures Allahabad High Court for 43 Adjournments in Bail Case
The Supreme Court criticised the Allahabad High Court for adjourning a bail petition 43 times, emphasising that such delays in matters concerning personal liberty are unacceptable. It noted that the accused had already spent over three and a half years in custody. Granting bail, the Court underscored the need for prompt and fair hearings in cases affecting fundamental rights.
8. Supreme Court Imposes ?2 Lakh Fine on Income Tax Department for Defying Its Own Circulars.
The Supreme Court imposed a ?2 lakh fine on the Income Tax Department for prosecuting an assessee despite its own binding circulars. The Bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi held that such wilful non-compliance represents a serious lapse in adherence to legal directives. The Court emphasised that government authorities must adhere to their own rules and guidelines to ensure administrative fairness.
9. Justice Sanjay Karol: Constitution Embodies Compassion Beyond Borders
At an address at DNLU Jabalpur, Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Karol emphasised that the Indian Constitution reflects compassion not only for citizens but for all of humanity. He urged students to view the Constitution as a living document that fosters service, empathy, and global responsibility. Justice Karol emphasised that constitutional values should inspire individuals to strive for justice and dignity for all, transcending geographical boundaries.
10. Supreme Court Seeks BCI Reply on Extending PoSH Act to Lawyers
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Bar Council of India and the Central government on a plea urging that the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act be made applicable to practicing lawyers. The petition challenges a Bombay High Court ruling that limited the Act’s applicability to situations involving an employer-employee relationship, excluding independent practitioners. The Court’s move signals a review of whether workplace safety laws should extend to the legal profession.
