1. Supreme Court Directs UGC to Warn Public About Fake Educational Institutions
The Supreme Court directed the University Grants Commission and other regulatory authorities to issue public advisories warning people about fake educational institutions. The direction followed a case involving a fake college in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district that claimed to offer pharmacy and nursing courses from a damaged farmhouse. The Court stressed the need to help students verify institutions before taking admission and protect them from being misled by unauthorised colleges.
2. Crime Victims Can Approach High Courts for Speedy Trials: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court held that victims and complainants in criminal cases can approach High Courts for directions to expedite trials. It disagreed with a High Court ruling that treated victims merely as witnesses who could not seek such relief independently. The decision recognises that victims have legal standing to raise concerns about delays in criminal proceedings and seek appropriate directions to ensure that trials are completed without unnecessary delay.
3. Children Who Break the Law Must Be Rehabilitated, Not Merely Punished: Justice BV Nagarathna
Supreme Court Justice BV Nagarathna stressed that the juvenile justice system should focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. She observed that children who break the law should not be treated in ways that harm their future. Referring to a study showing significant delays in cases before Juvenile Justice Boards, she highlighted the large number of children awaiting decisions. Her remarks emphasised the need for timely proceedings and a child-centred approach to juvenile justice.
4. Patna High Court Rules on Attempt to Rape Case
The Patna High Court held that the acts described in the case, involving a man entering a woman’s house at night, turning off a light, lying on her and covering her mouth, did not amount to an attempt to rape. The ruling has drawn attention because of the nature of the alleged conduct and its legal interpretation. The decision concerns whether the acts established the offence of attempted rape under the applicable law.
5. Conversion to Islam Does Not Confer Scheduled Caste Status: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court upheld the Madras High Court’s decision striking down a Tamil Nadu government order that allowed people from certain communities, including Scheduled Castes, to be treated as Backwards Class Muslims after converting to Islam. The Court reiterated that, under the applicable law, Scheduled Caste status is restricted to persons professing Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism. The ruling addressed the legal eligibility for Scheduled Caste recognition following religious conversion.
6. Fees for Entire Professional Course Must Be Fixed Before Admission: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court held that institutions must notify the fees for the entire duration of a professional course before admitting students. It stated that students and their families should know the total financial commitment before choosing a course. Fees should not be changed during the course except in exceptional circumstances. The ruling aims to promote transparency in professional education and protect students from unexpected fee increases after admission.
7. Supreme Court Questions ECI Over Missing Karnataka Vote-Counting Video
The Supreme Court criticised the Election Commission of India for stating that it could not trace the 2023 vote-counting video from Karnataka’s Sringeri Assembly constituency. Congress candidate T.D. Rajegowda in connection with an election dispute. The Court rejected the explanation and directed the ECI to produce the recording. The matter raises concerns about preserving election records and accountability in the electoral process.
8. Children Have a Fundamental Right to Internet Access: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court held that children have a fundamental right to access the internet and that concerns about online harm cannot justify denying them access altogether. The Court linked this right to Article 21 and Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. While stressing the need to protect children from online abuse, it said their safety and freedom must both be respected. The Court also issued directions to address child sexual exploitation and abuse material online.
9. State Cannot Take Temple Property Through Gift Deed: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court held that a State government cannot take ownership of temple property through a gift deed, even in the name of public interest or administrative convenience. The Court noted that the State has a legal responsibility to protect temple properties, but this duty does not allow it to acquire them through such a transfer. The ruling clarifies the limits of the government’s authority over religious properties and the need to protect them from unauthorised transfers.
10. Supreme Court Seeks Updates on Implementation of Menstrual Hygiene Directions
The Supreme Court sought details from States and Union Territories on how they are implementing its directions on menstrual health. The Court warned it could initiate contempt proceedings against authorities that fail to report steps taken to comply with the directions. It expressed concern that the judgment recognising menstrual health rights could remain ineffective without proper implementation. The matter highlights governments' responsibility to translate court directions on menstrual hygiene into practical measures.
