“kya darling challan karne aayi hai kya?” | The Calcutta High Court ruled that addressing an unknown woman as ‘darling’ constitutes sexual harassment under Section 354A IPC. The court upheld the conviction of a man who, while inebriated, made a sexually colored remark to a lady police officer. The court emphasized that such behavior is offensive, and modified the punishment to one month imprisonment.
“Bizarre Case of Blind Faith”: The Bombay High Court upheld the conviction and life sentence of a 45-year-old man posing as a tantrik who sexually assaulted six intellectually challenged girls. The court criticized the trend of seeking solutions from tantriks/babas and emphasized the exploitation and abuse that often accompanies such practices, calling it a “bizarre case of blind faith.” The prosecution’s evidence solidly proved the accused’s sexual assault on the victims.
The 99-year lease for the Shanan Hydropower Project in Himachal Pradesh is expiring, leading to a dispute between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh over its control. The Punjab government has petitioned the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing to prevent Himachal Pradesh from assuming control and seeks to maintain operational control over the project.
“You want to protect your policemen.”: The Bombay High Court criticized the Special Investigation Team for incomplete probe into a 2018 alleged fake encounter. The court questioned the lax investigation against police officers involved and expressed dissatisfaction with the progress. It also requested specific steps taken by the police in murder cases and hinted at potential transfer of the investigation.
The Delhi High Court Today warned the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to disburse salaries, pensions, and arrears in line with the 7th Central Pay Commission’s recommendations or face dissolution. The Court expressed frustration over MCD’s financial instability and corruption, and rejected requests for intervention, urging the MCD to rectify its internal affairs promptly.
The Allahabad High Court Yesterday (29 Feb) urged the Union of India to consider amending the Hindu Marriage Act to include irretrievable breakdown of marriages as a divorce ground, citing societal changes. It granted a divorce decree to a doctor, noting his wife’s prolonged absence as mental cruelty. The court also directed relevant authorities to consider this matter.
The Uttar Pradesh government Today updated the Supreme Court on the counselling of students who were instructed to slap a Muslim boy. The court directed the state to ensure counselling workshops are held by April 24. Additionally, the court addressed the issue of halted travel reimbursement and urged the state to take action. The matter stems from a PIL seeking a thorough investigation into the incident at a private school in Muzaffarnagar.
The NBDSA fined Aaj Tak news channel Rs 75,000 for biased reporting on a statement by Barack Obama regarding minority rights in India. The anchor was found to have connected Obama’s statement to separatist and extremist groups, violating principles of objectivity and neutrality. NBDSA ordered the removal of objectionable content and advised adherence to broadcasting standards.
Day-3 | 9-Judge Bench- The Supreme Court clarified that the power to impose a tax on mineral rights lies with the states, not the Parliament, and emphasized the need to preserve this authority. The court is deliberating on whether the royalty collected by the Centre on mining leases qualifies as a tax. The hearing will resume on March 5.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court upheld the requirement for parents to report offenses against their child under the POCSO Act. It refused to quash an application against a mother for failing to report her son’s sexual harassment, leading to his suicide. The case highlights legal obligations and judicial discretion under the POCSO Act.