1. Supreme Court Directs UGC to Frame Anti-Caste Discrimination Rules for Universities
The Supreme Court instructed the University Grants Commission to draft and notify regulations to curb caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions within two months. The directive came while hearing a plea filed by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, two students who died by suicide after allegedly facing caste-based harassment. The Court emphasised the importance of institutional safeguards and accountability mechanisms to ensure a safe learning environment, directing the UGC to incorporate effective grievance redressal measures into its upcoming regulations.
2. Supreme Court to Decide Validity of All Religious Conversion Laws; Transfers Cases from High Courts
The Supreme Court has transferred to itself all petitions pending before various High Courts that challenge the validity of State laws regulating religious conversion. The Court will now decide the constitutional validity of these statutes and has indicated that it will also consider pleas to stay the operation of such laws when the matter is heard next, after six weeks. This move ensures uniformity in adjudication on an issue that affects multiple States and has seen conflicting interpretations across different High Courts.
3. Supreme Court Warns Against Misuse of Criminal Law to Settle Personal Vendetta
The Supreme Court has cautioned that criminal law must not be used as a tool to settle personal scores or pursue vested interests. The Court expressed concern over the increasing trend of individuals misusing the criminal justice system for harassment and retaliation. It stressed that frivolous or malicious prosecutions not only burden the courts but also cause undue hardship to the accused. The judiciary, it said, must remain vigilant to prevent such misuse and ensure that the process of law is not weaponised for ulterior motives.
4. Vantara: What the SIT's Sealed Cover Report in the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court closed proceedings concerning the Vantara animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, after considering the Special Investigation Team’s sealed cover report. The Court noted that the report did not indicate any wrongdoing by the centre. Granting liberty to Vantara, the Court said it could initiate legal action to remove any defamatory or misleading publications and proceed against individuals or entities spreading misinformation. With this, the Court effectively cleared the centre of allegations while allowing remedies against reputational harm.
5. Farmers are Important, But Why Not Arrest Those Who Violate the Stubble Burning Directives? Supreme Court
The Supreme Court on Wednesday observed that while farmers are vital to the nation’s sustenance, environmental protection cannot be compromised. The Court suggested that strict measures, including arrests, may be necessary to deter stubble burning, which significantly contributes to air pollution. Emphasising the need for accountability, the Court remarked that being “special” does not exempt farmers from following the law. The observation came while hearing petitions seeking measures to curb air pollution, especially in Delhi-NCR during the winter months.
6. "I Respect All Religions": CJI BR Gavai on Controversy Over Comments in Vishnu Idol Case
Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Thursday addressed the backlash over his recent remark in the Vishnu idol case. The CJI had suggested that the litigant pray to Lord Vishnu for a solution while refusing to entertain a plea seeking restoration of a 7-foot beheaded idol at the Javari temple in Madhya Pradesh. Clarifying his stance, CJI Gavai said that he respects all religions and his comment was not intended to offend any faith or belief system.
7. Supreme Court Upholds 25% Domicile Reservation at National Law University, Jodhpur.
The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutional validity of the 2022 resolution passed by the National Law University, Jodhpur, providing 25% domicile reservation for students from Rajasthan. The Court was hearing a plea challenging the Rajasthan High Court’s decision that had earlier upheld the reservation, holding that it did not violate Article 14 of the Constitution. The apex court observed that the resolution was within the institution’s powers and aimed at promoting regional representation without infringing the right to equality.
8. Supreme Court Relaxes 3-Year Practice Rule for Chhattisgarh Civil Judge Examination
The Supreme Court directed that candidates for the Chhattisgarh civil judge examination cannot be disqualified for lacking three years of practice as an advocate, provided the recruitment notification was issued before the Court’s May 20 ruling, which had made three years of practice mandatory nationwide for civil judge eligibility. This ensures that aspirants who applied under the earlier conditions are not unfairly penalised due to the subsequent change in eligibility criteria.
9. Supreme Court Orders Status Quo on Relocation of Yale Tomb in Madras High Court
The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a plea challenging a Madras High Court order that directed the Archaeological Survey of India to shift the colonial-era Yale tomb, also known as Hynmers’ Obelisk, from its location within the High Court campus to another site. The apex court has ordered that the tomb remain in its current location until the matter is finally adjudicated, maintaining the status quo and preventing any relocation in the interim.
10. Supreme Court Suspends Sentence of Kerala Catholic Priest Edwin Figarez Convicted for Raping Minor Girl
The Supreme Court has suspended the sentence of Father Edwin Pigarez (also referred to as Edwin Figarez), a Catholic priest from Kerala, who was convicted for repeatedly raping a minor girl between 2014 and 2015. The apex court has allowed his release on bail while his appeal challenging both the conviction and the sentence remains pending, effectively putting the execution of the sentence on hold until the appeal is decided.
