The Assam government assured the Supreme Court that it followed 2014 guidelines on police encounters, while a plea for an independent investigation into 171 incidents awaits a verdict, raising concerns over accountability.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India made it clear that a Foreigners Tribunal does not have the power to review its own decisions. The case involved a woman from Assam, Rejia Khatun, who had already been declared an Indian citizen by a Foreigners Tribunal. However, a fresh reference was made in 2019, leading to a second contradictory order. The Supreme Court set aside this review order and also struck down the Gauhati High Court ruling that had upheld it.
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.
New Delhi: Today, 11th Feb, The Supreme Court of India has ruled that banks are not required to station security guards at all ATMs 24×7 to enforce orderly queues and ensure that only one customer enters at a time. This decision came from a bench comprising Justices Bhushan R Gavai and K Vinod Chandran, as they overturned a 2013 directive issued by the Gauhati High Court.
India’s strategic location, strong economy, and democratic values have made it a destination for refugees, especially from Bangladesh. However, illegal immigration from Bangladesh, with an estimated 20 million migrants, has caused national security and socio-economic concerns. Despite laws, inadequate enforcement has left this issue largely unaddressed.
The Supreme Court criticized Assam’s affidavit regarding the detention of 270 foreign nationals, including 66 Bangladeshis, at a transit camp. The court found the affidavit insufficient, lacking justifications for prolonged detention and deportation steps. It ordered the Chief Secretary to appear on February 5 to explain the state’s compliance failures and confidentiality claims.
NEW DELHI: The state governments of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Rajasthan have established Transgender Welfare Boards. This action follows a directive from the Supreme Court of India, announced on January 21, 2025. The court was informed of the progress during a hearing related to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Kinner Maa Eksamajik Sanstha Trust.
At the end of 2024, the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court in Chirang, Assam, successfully resolved all 830 pending cases, achieving a remarkable 100% disposal rate. This achievement stands out amidst the country’s ongoing judicial backlog. The district also reported a 23.29% conviction rate for the year, highlighting effective teamwork among stakeholders.
Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) introduced a menstrual leave policy alongside initiatives allowing students to complete their courses at their own pace. Approved during an Executive Council meeting on December 17, the move aims to promote inclusivity and prioritize student well-being. These steps highlights the university’s dedication to supporting its diverse student body.
The Gauhati High Court banned buffalo and bulbul fights following a petition filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PEΤΑ). An order was passed by the High Court on Tuesday (Dec 17), quashing the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Assam government on December 27, 2023, which allowed buffalo and bulbul bird fights during a certain period of the year (in January).
