The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Centre and the Election Commission on a plea seeking strict checks on unregulated spending by political parties during elections. The Court said the issue raises serious constitutional questions about free speech and the health of Indian democracy.
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and senior advocate Haresh Jagtiani have approached the Bombay High Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Centre’s Sahyog Portal. They argue that the portal enables arbitrary online content takedowns without notice or hearing, violating free speech and Supreme Court safeguards.
The Delhi High Court refused to grant interim relief to YSRCP leader and former TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy in a defamation case over media reports on the Tirupati laddu adulteration controversy.
The Court held that restraining the media without hearing them is justified only in exceptional cases and allowed the matter to proceed after pleadings.
The Supreme Court exempted Kerala journalist Aravindan Manikoth from surrendering in a 2013 case where he was convicted under Section 354A IPC for making sexually coloured remarks through a political satire article. The Court noted that he had already paid the compensation and granted interim protection pending the State of Kerala’s response.
The Delhi High Court held that an acquitted or discharged person’s right to dignity and reputation under Article 21 can override press freedom under Article 19(1)(a). The Court upheld de-indexing of arrest-related news articles, noting that continued online availability causes lasting reputational harm.
