After a seven-week summer break, the Supreme Court of India will reopen on July 8. It faces a packed agenda, including hearings and verdicts on significant cases such as the NEET-UG paper leak, the Hathras stampede, bridge collapses in Bihar, Arvind Kejriwal’s plea against his arrest in the ED case, the minority status of Aligarh Muslim University, and misleading advertisements.
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NEW DELHI: After a seven-week summer vacation, the Supreme Court of India is set to reopen on July 8. The docket is filled with high-profile cases that have garnered significant public and legal interest. Here’s an in-depth look at the key cases awaiting hearings and verdicts:
NEET-UG Paper Leak
As the Supreme Court resumes, a crucial hearing concerning the alleged NEET-UG 2024 paper leak will take center stage. A group of students who appeared for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) on May 5, held across 4,750 centers with approximately 24 lakh candidates, have filed petitions seeking a re-test and a comprehensive investigation into the leak.
The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, will hear these petitions on July 8.
This case has significant implications for the integrity of the medical entrance examination process and the future of the candidates involved.
Hathras Stampede
The Supreme Court will hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari regarding the tragic stampede in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. The plea requests the formation of a five-member expert committee, supervised by a retired Supreme Court judge, to investigate the incident.
Additionally, the petition calls for legal action against those responsible and urges the establishment of guidelines for organizing large religious gatherings to prevent future tragedies.
This case highlights the need for accountability and improved safety measures during mass events.
Bihar Bridge Collapse
The top court will also address a PIL concerning the alarming collapse of nine bridges in rain-affected Bihar over the past 15 days. The petitioner, Brajesh Singh, seeks a directive for the Bihar government to conduct thorough structural audits of all existing and under-construction bridges.
The plea suggests demolishing or retrofitting weak structures to ensure public safety. The petitioner advocates for the establishment of a high-level expert committee to examine all bridges.
This case underscores the urgency of infrastructure safety and accountability in public construction projects.
Bihar Government Plea on 65% Quota
The Supreme Court will hear the Bihar government’s plea challenging the Patna High Court’s judgment that set aside the state’s decision to increase reservations for Backward Classes from 50% to 65% in government jobs and educational institutions.
The High Court had struck down the amendments, deeming them beyond the powers of the Constitution and violative of the equality clause under Articles 14, 15, and 16. The Bihar government’s move, based on a caste-based survey, aimed to uplift deprived classes but now faces legal scrutiny on constitutional grounds.
The outcome of this case will have profound implications for affirmative action policies in India.
Kejriwal Plea in ED Case
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Delhi excise policy case is also on the docket.
The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its verdict soon, with a bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta having reserved judgment on May 17.
This case is significant not only for Kejriwal’s political future but also for the broader implications it holds for the enforcement of excise laws and anti-corruption measures.
Minority Status for Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)
A seven-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court reserved its judgment in February on whether Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) enjoys minority status under Article 30 of the Constitution. Article 30 grants all minorities, whether based on religion or language, the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
The forthcoming verdict will resolve a long-standing legal debate and impact the autonomy and administrative rights of AMU, influencing the broader discourse on minority rights in India.
Same-Sex Marriage Review Pleas
On July 10, the Supreme Court will reconsider a batch of review petitions challenging the Constitution Bench verdict on same-sex marriage.
The original ruling has been a landmark in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in India, and the review petitions indicate ongoing legal and social debates about the recognition of same-sex unions.
The Court’s decision will have far-reaching implications for the legal status and societal acceptance of same-sex marriages in India.
Exclusion of Marital Rape in New Laws
The Supreme Court will hear a petition filed by the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) challenging the exclusion of marital rape from the newly enacted criminal laws. This petition seeks to address a critical gap in legal protections for women and calls for the recognition of marital rape as a punishable offense.
The outcome of this case could significantly impact women’s rights and the legal framework addressing sexual violence in India.
Special Lok Adalat
From July 29 to August 3, the Supreme Court will organize a special Lok Adalat aimed at resolving disputes amicably and swiftly. Lok Adalats are a key component of India’s alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, providing a platform for parties to settle cases without the prolonged litigation process.
This initiative underscores the Court’s commitment to reducing the backlog of cases and promoting efficient justice delivery.
Structural Improvements for Lawyers and Litigants
During the summer break, the Supreme Court has undertaken several structural enhancements to improve the experience for lawyers and litigants. These include air-conditioned corridors, portacabin waiting rooms on either side of the Chief Justice’s court, and the construction of a large underground water tank in the lawn area. These improvements aim to provide a more comfortable and efficient environment for those engaging with the judicial process.
As the Supreme Court of India resumes its sessions, the outcomes of these pivotal cases will shape the legal and social landscape of the country.
Each case presents significant legal questions and societal implications, reflecting the Court’s role in addressing diverse and critical issues facing India today.
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