![[Shariat Showdown] Kerala HC Evaluates Handshakes Between Muslim Women and Men](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/woman-hijab-muslim-man-shaking-hands-outdoors_161094-6021.jpg?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The Kerala High Court dismissed a petition to quash criminal proceedings against a man accused of targeting a Muslim woman for shaking hands with a male at a public event. The court affirmed that personal religious practices are subjective and must align with constitutional rights, emphasizing individual freedom and the personal nature of religious beliefs.
Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari has been appointed as the Acting Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court, effective from October 11, 2024, following the retirement of Justice Ritu Bahri. This appointment ensures judicial continuity, while Justice Narendar’s nomination for Chief Justice awaits government approval, marking a transitional period for the court.
The Gujarat High Court has mandated that all court staff riding two-wheelers wear helmets, effective October 8, to enhance road safety. Non-compliance will result in denial of entry. This initiative, driven by Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal, aims to promote safety culture and address the rising issue of helmet non-use among riders.
The Rajasthan High Court clarified that for an offence under the SC/ST Act, the insult or intimidation must occur publicly, witnessed by others. The court quashed previous cognizance orders, noting the absence of evidence for a public incident in the case filed by Prithvi Ram against Chhinder Singh, undermining the charges.
The Bombay High Court refrained from contempt proceedings against Maharashtra civic bodies for non-compliance with road maintenance orders. While acknowledging some efforts, the court emphasized citizens’ rights to safe roads. It revived a 2013 public interest litigation for ongoing monitoring and directed authorities to submit a compliance report by December 3.
Bar associations in Tamil Nadu are protesting Justice R Subramanian’s derogatory remarks towards Senior Advocate P Wilson, urging action for respectful communication in courts. They demand a committee to address courtroom conduct and investigate social media leaks. This incident underscores the need for reforms to ensure dignity in judicial interactions.
The Karnataka High Court has overturned a gag order from the Bar Council of India, affirming advocates’ constitutional right to free speech. The case stemmed from allegations of financial mismanagement linked to a State Level Advocates Conference. Justice Nagaprasanna ruled the gag order unconstitutional and beyond the BCI’s authority, reinforcing legal protections for advocates.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, accompanied by his wife Kalpana Das, received a warm and cordial welcome upon his arrival in Bhutan on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. CJI met His Majesty, the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, during his visit to Bhutan this evening. The official visit of the CJI marks an important step in strengthening judicial cooperation between India and Bhutan.
On October 8th, Nagarjuna Akkineni testified in court regarding his Rs. 100 crore defamation suit against Minister Konda Surekha, following her remarks about his son Naga Chaitanya’s divorce from Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The case underscores the importance of reputation for public figures and could impact responses to media defamation.
The Supreme Court of India has acquitted Brijnandan, sentenced to life for murder, after confirming he was a minor at the time of the crime. This ruling emphasizes that claims of juvenility can be made at any stage of legal proceedings, reinforcing juvenile rights and ensuring their protection under Indian law.