1. Supreme Court Directs States to Create Special Teams Against Fraudulent Motor Insurance Claims
The Supreme Court has directed every State to establish dedicated Special Investigation Teams to investigate suspected fraudulent claims arising from motor vehicle accidents. The Court has also instructed insurance companies to refer claims where fraud is suspected to the concerned State SIT for investigation. The directions aim to strengthen the mechanism for detecting organised or fabricated insurance claims and prevent misuse of the motor accident compensation system. The decision highlights the need for coordinated investigation between insurance companies, police authorities and other agencies dealing with motor accident claims.
2. Supreme Court Calls for Institutional Framework to Increase Women’s Representation in Delhi Bar Bodies
The Supreme Court has directed the Delhi High Court Bar Association and district court bar associations to develop a structured mechanism for improving women’s representation in their governing bodies. The directions are intended to apply to the 2027 Bar elections. The Court has given the associations six weeks to consult among themselves and formulate an acceptable arrangement. The move reflects the Court’s continuing emphasis on greater participation of women in legal institutions. The proposed framework is expected to provide a more systematic approach towards ensuring meaningful representation of women within the Bar.
3. Supreme Court Considers Plea Seeking Changes to Panel Probing Police Conduct During CJP Protests
The Supreme Court is considering an application seeking the reconstitution of the committee appointed to examine allegations of police excesses during the recent CJP-led protests. The existing panel was constituted pursuant to the Court's earlier directions. During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the application, arguing that the Court should not be used as a political platform. The matter concerns allegations relating to police conduct as well as incidents of violence during the protests. The Court will examine whether there are sufficient grounds for modifying the composition of the existing enquiry committee.
4. Supreme Court Seeks Kerala Government’s Response on Transfer of Death-Row Prisoner
The Supreme Court has sought the Kerala government's response to a petition filed by death-row convict Muhammed Ameer-Ul-Islam seeking transfer to a prison in Assam. The plea states that his wife and elderly parents live in Assam and, due to their financial difficulties, are unable to regularly travel to Kerala to meet him. The request raises questions concerning the rights and welfare of prisoners, particularly those facing prolonged incarceration. The Supreme Court will consider the State's response before deciding whether the prisoner should be transferred to a facility closer to his family.
5. Supreme Court Issues Time-Bound Measures to Speed Up Trials in Dowry Cases
The Supreme Court has issued a series of directions aimed at reducing delays in cases involving dowry-related offences, cruelty and dowry deaths. Courts have been asked to ensure that charges are framed within a specified period and that cases pending for more than three years receive closer monitoring. The directions also seek stronger institutional support for women involved in such proceedings. By emphasising timely investigation and trial, the Court has sought to prevent prolonged criminal proceedings from undermining the purpose of laws dealing with dowry harassment and related offences.
6. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan Stresses Constitutional Protection for Student Dissent and Questioning
Supreme Court judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has said that students should not face punitive action merely for expressing disagreement, asking questions or presenting an unpopular opinion. Speaking on the importance of democratic values, he emphasised that the ability to question authority forms an important part of citizenship and constitutional liberty. Justice Bhuyan observed that an intolerant approach towards differing opinions is inconsistent with the spirit of the Constitution. His remarks underline the importance of preserving space for dissent and discussion, particularly within educational institutions and public life.
7. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan Calls for Debate on Appointment of Distinguished Jurists to Supreme Court
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has raised questions over the continued non-use of the constitutional provision allowing a distinguished jurist to be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court. He noted that the provision has remained unused for more than 76 years. According to Justice Bhuyan, a possible explanation is that neither the Union government nor the Collegium has seriously considered making such an appointment. His remarks have brought renewed attention to Article 124(3)(c) of the Constitution and the broader question of whether the distinguished-jurist route should play a greater role in appointments to the Supreme Court.
8. FSSAI Proposes Warning Labels for Packaged Foods High in Fat, Sugar and Salt
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has proposed introducing a red hexagonal warning label on pre-packaged food products containing high levels of fat, sugar or salt. The proposal follows directions from the Supreme Court, which had earlier questioned FSSAI’s reluctance to introduce stronger front-of-pack warnings. The proposed labelling system is intended to help consumers more easily identify products with potentially unhealthy nutritional levels. The development forms part of the ongoing judicial scrutiny of food safety measures and the need for clearer information to protect public health.
9. Supreme Court Allows Demolition of Unauthorised Lawyers’ Chambers in Lucknow
The Supreme Court has refused to interfere with an Allahabad High Court order directing the demolition of around 72 unauthorised lawyers’ chambers constructed near the District and Sessions Court in Lucknow. The Court stressed that such structures could obstruct traffic and interfere with the proper functioning of the surrounding area. Justice Vikram Nath observed that the demolition should proceed, referring to the traffic difficulties caused by the unauthorised constructions. The decision reinforces the principle that professional premises cannot be permitted to remain in violation of lawful planning and public safety requirements.
10. Supreme Court Grants Arrest Protection to Journalist in Ram Mandir Donation Case
The Supreme Court has granted protection from arrest to journalist Abhishek Upadhyay in connection with a road-rage case registered against him after he reported allegations concerning the theft of donations meant for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The Court has also directed the Uttar Pradesh Police to provide him with a copy of the FIR. The proceedings involve questions concerning the exercise of police powers against a journalist who had reported allegations of financial wrongdoing. The Court's interim protection ensures that Upadhyay is not arrested while the matter remains under judicial consideration.
