The Bombay High Court observed that Mumbai’s recurring monsoon flooding is not solely the BMC’s responsibility, stating that encroachments, blocked drains and illegal constructions by citizens have worsened the crisis. The Court urged shared accountability, remarking, “We should stop blaming the corporation.”
The Supreme Court cautioned lawyers against assuming that filing an adjournment slip automatically postpones proceedings. Stressing that only the Bench decides adjournments, the Court directed advocates to remain fully prepared to argue unless an adjournment is expressly granted by the Court.
The Calcutta High Court held that a husband’s pressure on his wife to bring her share of ancestral property may amount to a dowry demand under Section 304B IPC. The Court upheld his conviction, reduced the sentence to ten years, and acquitted the parents-in-law.
The Election Commission of India informed the Madras High Court that it is reviewing guidelines to strengthen restrictions on the use of children in election campaigns. The exercise follows allegations of minors being involved in political campaigning and electoral influence during the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
The Karnataka High Court stayed criminal proceedings against a Coorg homestay owner accused after an employee allegedly raped a 33-year-old American tourist. The Court questioned charges under the repealed Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, while allowing proceedings against the principal accused to continue.
The Madras High Court held that appointments of public prosecutors and government law officers must be based on merit, competence and integrity, not political recommendations. The Court emphasised that an independent, efficient prosecution system is essential for fair criminal justice and effective representation of victims and the State.
The Madras High Court ruled that advocates have no vested or fundamental right to demand out-of-turn listing of pending cases. Dismissing a lawyer’s plea, the Court held that only genuinely urgent matters may receive priority through established judicial procedures and exceptional listing protocols.
The Supreme Court directed the Bar Council of India to establish a National Legal Academy for the continuous professional training of advocates. It also ordered regular performance audits to assess how the BCI performs its disciplinary functions and responsibilities.
The Delhi High Court ordered restoration of the Cockroach Janta Party’s X account after the Centre withdrew its objection. The government stated the account was blocked during NEET examinations to prevent panic among students and parents, but the circumstances no longer existed after the exams concluded.
The Chhattisgarh High Court permitted a 14-year-old rape survivor to terminate her pregnancy beyond 28 weeks, holding that forcing her to continue an unwanted pregnancy would violate her dignity, bodily autonomy, privacy and reproductive rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
