The Supreme Court ruled that an uncle-in-law cannot adopt his niece’s husband as a “ghardamad” for inheritance unless such a custom is legally proved. Setting aside three concurrent judgments, the Court held that the alleged Oraon tribal custom lacked sufficient evidence under customary law.
The Supreme Court held that advocates cannot surrender or compromise a client’s substantive property rights without explicit authorisation. The Court ruled that a compromise decree based solely on a lawyer’s consent, without the client’s signature or approval, is legally unsustainable under the Civil Procedure Code.
CJI Sanjiv Khanna shared his experiences as a criminal lawyer and encouraged young lawyers to pursue criminal law. He emphasized its significance in the legal system. However, he noted that many young professionals hesitate to choose it as a career. He urged them to consider its vital role in ensuring justice.
Justice Guhanathan Narendar was appointed as Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court on December 26, succeeding Justice Ritu Bahri. The oath-taking ceremony was held at Raj Bhawan, administered by Governor Lt Gen (retd) Gurmit Singh. Narendar has an extensive legal career and previously served in both Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh High Courts.
Justice Prasanna Bhalachandra Varale, born June 23, 1962, has had a distinguished legal career, beginning in 1985 and serving in various capacities, including as a law lecturer and Additional Judge at the Bombay High Court. He was appointed Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court in 2022 and was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2024.
Justice Augustine George Masih, born on March 12, 1963, in Punjab, was appointed as a Supreme Court Judge on November 9, 2023, after a distinguished legal career. Previously serving as Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, his notable judgments include granting interim bail in a caste-related case and ordering the clearance of a blocked national highway.
Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, born on November 30, 1961, in Bhopal, joined the Supreme Court of India on November 9, 2023, after serving in various judicial positions, including Chief Justice of Telangana and Delhi High Courts. He has expertise in constitutional, civil, and criminal law, with notable judgments advancing rights for persons with disabilities.
Justice Aravind Kumar, born on July 14, 1962, in Karnataka, became Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court in October 2021. He has a distinguished legal career, including roles as Additional Standing Counsel for the Union government and various judicial positions. Kumar focused on reducing case backlogs and enhancing legal education during his tenure.
Justice Manoj Misra, born on June 2, 1965, graduated from the University of Allahabad in 1988 and began his legal career at the Allahabad High Court. After 23 years in practice, he became an Additional Judge in 2011 and a Permanent Judge in 2013. He was appointed as a Supreme Court Judge on February 6, 2023.