Today, On 3rd February, The Supreme Court sought a response from the Bihar government on a PIL challenging the appointment of the BPSC chairperson. The petition questions the legality and process of the selection. The court has asked the state to clarify its stance on the matter. Further hearings will determine the validity of the appointment.
Today, On 31st January, The Supreme Court has ordered the Election Commission of India (EC) to preserve CCTV footage of polling activities as it was done previously. This decision came after the Court granted further time for a respondent to file an affidavit, while emphasizing the need for maintaining transparency. The Court’s order aims to ensure the integrity of the electoral process and address concerns over possible malpractices.
The Bihar Legislative Council defended the expulsion of RJD MLC Sunil Kumar Singh, arguing proper procedures were followed due to his history of misconduct. The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on Singh’s plea against the expulsion. Concerns were raised about proportionality in punishment compared to another legislator’s temporary suspension for similar remarks.
NEW DELHI: Today,(28th Jan): The Union government has decided not to act on the Supreme Court’s suggestion to create a separate law on bail. The government believes that the recent changes in criminal laws, especially the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which came into effect in July 2024, already address the concerns about pre-trial detention and related issues.
The Supreme Court Today (Jan 20) postponed the hearing of a Bihar Policewoman’s plea challenging a Patna High Court decision that quashed an FIR against IPS officer Pushkar Anand, whom she accused of rape under a false promise of marriage. The court directed amendments to the petition, while the plea argued the High Court ignored evidence and legal principles in dismissing the case.
A woman Deputy Superintendent of Police from Bihar has appealed to the Supreme Court against a Patna High Court decision dismissing her complaint of rape against an IPS officer. She alleges the officer misused his position of authority to establish a relationship, promising marriage, which he later denied citing vague reasons. The court had earlier ruled their relationship was consensual, but the woman insists the FIR and evidence clearly show the commission of the crime. The Supreme Court will now review the case.
Sumitra Saha Prasad, a 60-year-old woman and the first in Bihar to receive citizenship under the 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act, obtained her Indian citizenship after a 40-year wait. Her daughter Aishwarya facilitated the application process, resulting in the issuance of the citizenship certificate, bringing immense relief to Sumitra.
The Supreme Court has established eight guidelines for determining permanent alimony in divorce cases, focusing on socioeconomic factors and the well-being of children. This follows the suicide of techie Atul Subhash, which highlighted alleged harassment and misuse of legal provisions surrounding dowry and maintenance, stirring public concern over justice issues.
The Supreme Court directed immediate action to fill vacancies in the Central Information Commission and State Information Commissions, vital for the Right to Information Act’s implementation. A status report regarding these vacancies was requested from various states, with a next hearing set for December 17, 2024, emphasizing the importance of prompt appointments.
As of November 21, 2024, India’s judiciary faces severe challenges with 5,200 unfilled positions and 4.53 crore pending cases. The Supreme Court has two vacancies while High Courts have 364, predominantly in Allahabad. Initiatives to translate judgments into regional languages aim to improve access to legal resources amidst these issues.