Karnataka has passed India’s first comprehensive anti-hate speech law, introducing strict penalties for hate speech and hate crimes. The Bill defines offences clearly, makes them non-bailable, and grants powers to block online hate content.
The Rajasthan government told the Supreme Court that panchayat and municipal elections will be held by April next year. Accepting the assurance, the Court declined to interfere with the Rajasthan High Court’s order fixing the deadline.
The Supreme Court refused to grant interim bail or stay CBI proceedings against jailed Punjab DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, warning his counsel against pressing the matter. The top court allowed withdrawal of the plea, asking Bhullar to pursue relief before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The Allahabad High Court flagged non-compliance by a trial court for maintaining illegible order sheets despite clear directions, while granting bail in a 2018 police firing case and ordering systemic corrective measures to ensure readable judicial records.
The Supreme Court has granted a limited extension of police custody for former Telangana Special Intelligence Bureau chief T Prabhakar Rao in the phone-tapping case, while directing that no coercive action be taken against him until the next hearing.
The Supreme Court has issued notice on Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia’s plea challenging denial of bail in a disproportionate assets case but refused to grant him interim relief. The case, alleging accumulation of assets worth over Rs 540 crore, will be heard next on January 19.
The Supreme Court has ruled that Sessions Courts cannot restrict statutory powers of remission or commutation in life imprisonment cases. Clarifying sentencing law, the Court affirmed prisoners’ entitlement to remission and set-off under Section 428 CrPC.
The Supreme Court has intervened in the Shree Shanaishwar Devasthan Trust dispute, staying the District Collector’s orders and raising concerns that even the Collector may be under political influence, ensuring government oversight until a new committee is formed.
The Supreme Court has dismissed the plea of BJP worker Gurudath Shetty Karkala, refusing any protection, after he faced multiple cases for criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies. The Court emphasized accountability and abuse of fundamental rights.
The Kerala High Court has dismissed bail pleas filed by former Travancore Devaswom Board and Sabarimala officials in the Sabarimala gold theft case. The accused are under SIT probe for alleged misappropriation of temple gold.
