The Supreme Court of India is set to deliver a verdict on August 20 regarding the controversial remarks made by the Calcutta High Court about adolescent girls and sexual urges. The remarks were criticized by the Supreme Court and the upcoming decision is expected to have significant implications for addressing sexual violence and gender equality issues in the country.
Today, On 13th July, The Supreme Court questioned the retroactive application of Section 479 of the BNSS, allowing bail for first-time undertrials. This provision, addressing prison overcrowding, provides a more lenient option for release after serving one-third of the maximum sentence. The Court instructed the Central government to clarify this and emphasized the urgency of addressing prison conditions nationwide.
Today(on 13th August), The Supreme Court of India granted bail to a 61-year-old former police officer charged under the UAPA, highlighting the principle that “bail is the rule, jail is the exception.” The accused was allegedly linked to the Popular Front of India (PFI), an organization accused of inciting violence.
Today, On 6th August, The Supreme Court dismissed Sameer Kulkarni’s petition challenging the trial proceedings for the 2008 Malegaon Bomb Blast Case, stating no interference was warranted. Kulkarni sought to question the legal grounds of the sanction under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The trial lacked a valid sanction and the case was ultimately dismissed.
A class 6 student’s suicide note blamed Sister Mercy for distress, leading to a court case. The Chhattisgarh High Court dismissed Sister Mercy’s plea to quash a chargesheet, emphasizing that subjecting a child to violence contradicts their right to life. The court ruled that disputed facts could not be adjudicated and evidence must be presented to substantiate the defense.
Today, On 2nd August, The Supreme Court called for a separate Debts Recovery Tribunal in Jammu & Kashmir due to its unique topography, despite the option of virtual access to the Chandigarh DRT. This move aims to provide more effective resolution of cases in the region, addressing concerns about access to justice for individuals and businesses.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled against providing protection to married individuals seeking live-in relationships, citing the promotion of bigamy and undermining the rights of spouses and children. The court emphasized the significance of marriage and family as fundamental social institutions and criticized the petitioners for tarnishing their families’ reputations.
Today, On 18th July, The Supreme Court ruled that slow trial progress cannot be used to deny bail under the UAPA, despite a previous judgment. The Watali ruling should not be a blanket precedent for denial of bail to undertrial prisoners facing prolonged incarceration without foreseeable trial completion. The Court emphasized the right to a speedy trial and granted bail to a man accused under the UAPA, highlighting that statutory restrictions should not impede the granting of bail.
Today, On 11th July, The Chief Justice of India directed the Union Health Ministry to address the increasing number of student suicides. The Supreme Court has given the Centre four weeks to respond to a PIL on suicide prevention. The petition urges the implementation of measures to curb the rising trend of suicides among students, citing concerns over the failure to provide a healthy social environment.