The Kerala High Court ruled that trial judges must watch video evidence themselves in obscenity cases. Conviction cannot be based only on witness statements or police reports without verifying the videos.
The massive traffic jams due to the ongoing Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh have disrupted court proceedings at the Allahabad High Court. Several cases, including journalist Mohammad Zubair’s plea, were adjourned as lawyers and parties struggled to reach the court. Despite video conferencing options, hearings continue to be postponed, with interim relief granted in some cases. Thousands of devotees remain stranded on highways as traffic chaos intensifies in Prayagraj.
The Supreme Court proposed appointing ad hoc judges under Article 224A to tackle the backlog of criminal appeals in high courts. Highlighting the severe delays, the court emphasized the need for these judges to work alongside permanent judges. The Chief Justice urged revising the 2021 guidelines to enable prompt appointments, ensuring efficient case resolution and addressing the plight of convicts.
The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir criticized the trial court’s handling of a bail application, labeling it as indicative of a “copy-paste syndrome.” Justice Dhar underscored that even minor delays in bail violate personal liberty. The High Court granted bail to Umar Bashir Khan after identifying significant errors in the trial court’s decision, emphasizing judicial diligence.
The Allahabad High Court stressed that the judicial system must prioritize the expeditious disposal of maintenance cases concerning destitute women who are left without support from their parents, in-laws, or husbands. Justice Vinod Diwakar added that it was necessary to ensure that justice is not delayed for those struggling for basic maintenance and dignity in society.
Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old techie, died by suicide in his Bengaluru apartment, leaving a 24-page note accusing his wife and her family of harassment and alleging judicial corruption. His family revealed ongoing emotional distress from multiple legal cases filed against him. Bengaluru Police are investigating, summons issued for questioning.
Attorney General R. Venkataramani Today (Dec 12) urged the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to list the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) plea seeking consolidation of writ petitions filed by e-commerce resellers. The matter, which Venkataramani mentioned before CJI, is expected to be heard on Monday (Dec 16).
Amazon & Flipkart Cases