1. Justice Joymalya Bagchi Sworn in as Supreme Court Judge
Justice Joymalya Bagchi took oath as a Supreme Court judge on Monday. His appointment strengthens the judiciary, and he is set to become the Chief Justice of India in May 2031.
2. Six Supreme Court Judges to Visit Manipur Relief Camps
A six-judge team from the Supreme Court will visit relief camps in Manipur on March 22 to support riot victims. In collaboration with NALSA and MASLSA, the initiative aims to provide legal aid and humanitarian assistance to those displaced by the 2023 communal violence. This visit underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring justice and relief for affected communities while addressing legal challenges faced by the victims.
3. Supreme Court Seeks Clear Response from Centre on Allegations Against Arunachal CM
The Supreme Court demanded a definitive response from the Centre regarding allegations that Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu’s family received public works contracts unfairly. The court was hearing a plea seeking a CBI or SIT probe into the matter. Expressing concern, the bench emphasised the need for transparency and accountability, directing the Centre to clarify its stand on the issue.
4. Supreme Court Criticizes Ex-High Court Judge for Reducing Accident Compensation
The Supreme Court on Tuesday questioned former Punjab & Haryana High Court judge Justice Rekha Mittal for slashing motor accident compensation from ?29 lakh to ?3 lakh. Restoring the original compensation set by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, the Court remarked that she was “known for it,” implying a pattern of similar decisions.
5. Supreme Court Clarifies Law Governing Arbitration Agreements
The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that Indian courts hold supervisory jurisdiction over disputes arising from agreements governed by Indian law, even if arbitration is conducted under a foreign seat. The ruling addresses complexities in international commercial agreements where conflicting arbitration clauses exist. The Court emphasised that the governing law of the contract plays a key role in determining the arbitration framework. This decision strengthens India's position in handling arbitration disputes and ensures that contractual obligations remain enforceable under Indian law despite foreign arbitration provisions.
6. Supreme Court Restores Conviction in 1986 Rajasthan Rape Case
The Supreme Court has overturned a 2013 Rajasthan High Court ruling that had acquitted a man convicted of raping a minor in 1986. The High Court had set aside the conviction, reasoning that the victim, a child at the time, was unable to testify and kept crying during cross-examination. The Supreme Court found this reasoning flawed and restored the trial court’s conviction, reaffirming that the inability of a traumatised child to testify cannot be grounds for acquittal in such cases.
7. Allahabad High Court: No Attempt to Rape in Minor's Assault Case
The Allahabad High Court ruled that grabbing a minor's breasts and breaking her pyjama string do not amount to an attempt to rape under IPC. Instead, it directed that the accused be tried under Section 354B IPC (criminal force to disrobe) and Sections 9/10 of the POCSO Act (aggravated sexual assault). The Court modified the summoning order, holding that while the acts were serious, they did not meet the legal threshold for an attempt to commit rape.
8. Allahabad High Court Bar Association Opposes Transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma
The Allahabad High Court Bar Association has strongly opposed the Supreme Court Collegium's recommendation to transfer Justice Yashwant Varma back to the Allahabad High Court. The opposition follows the reported recovery of unaccounted cash from his residence. The Bar Association has warned of halting court work and going sine die if necessary, asserting that the High Court is "not a trash bin" for corrupt individuals. The controversy has sparked tensions between the judiciary and the legal fraternity in Uttar Pradesh.
9. Supreme Court: BCI Should Not Interfere in Legal Education
The Supreme Court observed that the Bar Council of India should not interfere in matters of legal education, stating that academicians and jurists should handle such issues. Justice Surya Kant made an oral remark while hearing about a case related to legal education regulations. The Court emphasised that regulatory bodies must focus on their core responsibilities without overstepping into academic affairs. This observation reinforces the judiciary’s stance on maintaining academic independence in legal education.
10. Supreme Court Allows Auroville Foundation to Build Road, Overturns NGT Order
The Supreme Court recently set aside the National Green Tribunal’s order restraining the Auroville Foundation from constructing two roads in its Tamil Nadu township. The Court held that the NGT had exceeded its jurisdiction, emphasising that it can intervene only when a substantial environmental issue arises. The ruling allows Auroville to proceed with the road construction, reinforcing the principle that tribunals must act within their legal limits.
