Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who served on over 480 benches, delivered significant rulings on crucial legal and social issues, including the RTI, Waqf Amendment Act, and Article 370, shaping India’s judicial landscape.
The NIA has linked the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack to a narco-terror plan by Lashkar-e-Taiba, supported by Pakistan’s ISI. Four suspects have been identified. The NIA revealed a significant heroin haul intended to fund terrorism and harm youth. Despite security measures, attackers in Army uniforms executed the assault on tourists.
The Delhi High Court Bar Association and New Delhi Bar Association condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in loss of innocent lives. Legal bodies expressed sorrow, urged government action, and united in symbolic protests, emphasizing the need for peace, justice, and national integrity against such cowardly acts.
The Central Government has decided to temporarily suspend two controversial provisions of the Waqf Act, 2025, following indications from the Supreme Court about a potential stay on them. This pattern of reassessment arises when the Centre anticipates unfavorable court rulings, helping it maintain influence over contentious laws amid ongoing legal scrutiny.
Today, On 19th February, Gyanesh Kumar has taken charge ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on the selection of the Chief Election Commissioner. His appointment was officially announced late last night. The decision has sparked controversy, with Rahul Gandhi and the Congress raising objections to his nomination. The issue is expected to be discussed in the top court soon.
The government has announced that Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar will take over as the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) after Rajiv Kumar. Gyanesh Kumar is currently the senior-most election commissioner after Rajiv Kumar. His appointment was confirmed late this evening. Gyanesh Kumar will oversee key elections, including assembly polls in five states: West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu (all ruled by the Opposition), and Bihar and Assam (both NDA-ruled). The Bihar election is set for later this year, while the others are scheduled for 2026.
Former CJI Chandrachud defended the Supreme Court’s verdict on Article 370, stating that the provision was always meant to fade away. In an interview with the BBC, he highlighted that it was introduced as a temporary measure due to war conditions. He emphasized that the Court upheld the elected government’s decision to abrogate it. According to him, the ruling aligns with the constitutional framework and historical context.
Justice Surya Kant, born on February 10, 1962, has served on the Supreme Court since May 24, 2019, and is set to retire on February 9, 2027. Notable for his 54 authored judgments, he previously held key legal positions including Advocate General of Haryana and Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh, contributing significantly to Indian law.
Justice BR Gavai, born on November 24, 1960, became a Supreme Court judge on May 24, 2019. He authored 147 judgments, addressing issues like the validity of arbitration agreements, the abrogation of Article 370, and the constitutionality of the electoral bond scheme. Gavai is noted for his integrity and seniority in the judiciary.
Former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud addressed criticisms from the Shiv Sena (UBT) regarding the Supreme Court’s case selections and the MVA’s electoral losses. He defended the judiciary’s independence, emphasizing that case decisions are not for any single party to dictate. He noted significant cases pending for years require attention and asserted the court’s impartiality against political pressure.
