Today, On 10th December, the Centre informed the Supreme Court about directives issued to state chief secretaries to comply with the Anuradha Bhasin case ruling on internet shutdowns. The petition highlighted concerns over shutdowns during exams disrupting economic activities, urging exploration of alternative anti-cheating methods. The Supreme Court is currently addressing these issues.
The Supreme Court On December 3, requested the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) to provide details about shelter accommodations for the homeless amid the forthcoming winter. The court highlighted concerns about the adequacy of facilities, particularly following the demolition of nine shelters. DUSIB must submit an affidavit by December 17 addressing these issues.
The Supreme Court On Monday (2nd Dec), directed the Election Commission of India to file an affidavit regarding its decision to increase the number of voters per polling booth to 1,500. Concerns about voter efficiency and convenience were raised during the proceedings, and the Court emphasized that no voter should face inconvenience due to this change.
The ASI filed an affidavit in response to a lawsuit accusing the Jama Masjid Management Committee of obstructing monument inspections. Despite sporadic assessments with district support, the ASI noted significant unauthorized alterations to the Shahi Jama Masjid. The Supreme Court has temporarily halted proceedings regarding the mosque’s survey until further review by the Allahabad High Court.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday (27th Nov) directed Ashish Mishra to submit an affidavit addressing allegations of witness intimidation in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case. Mishra, accused of killing farmers during a 2021 protest, denied the charges, with the Court noting photographic evidence. The trial, closely monitored by the Supreme Court, is ongoing.
BJP leader Suresh Nakhua requested more time to rectify a flawed affidavit in his defamation case against YouTuber Dhruv Rathee. Rathee sought the case’s dismissal, emphasizing Nakhua’s repeated errors. The court noted procedural issues and scheduled a hearing for February 2025, awaiting clarification on the affidavit’s compliance with new legal requirements.
The Supreme Court directed Delhi Police to halt the sale and use of firecrackers amid worsening air quality. The bench, led by Justice Oka and Justice Masih, asserted no religion promotes pollution and urged a permanent firecracker ban by November 25, criticizing the government’s inadequate enforcement efforts.
The Supreme Court plans to establish guidelines for Advocates-on-Record (AORs) due to concerns over conduct and false statements in a criminal case involving a 30-year sentence. AORs are crucial for litigants, and the Court seeks input from the Supreme Court AOR Association to ensure proper guidelines are formulated.
The Supreme Court instructed the Maharashtra Home Secretary to file an affidavit within two weeks explaining the lack of video conferencing for producing accused individuals in court. The affidavit must address the availability of facilities, allocated funds for installations, and their implementation status, following multiple trial postponements due to non-production.
The Supreme Court today (23rd Oct) has sought an affidavit from Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena regarding alleged illegal tree felling for the CAPFIMS project. Saxena stated he was unaware that court permission was needed, citing prior approvals from the Delhi government. He emphasized that officials may have misinterpreted these approvals, acting in good faith.
