Justice K.V. Viswanathan, born on May 26, 1966, in Kerala, became a Supreme Court judge on May 19, 2023. He has a notable legal career, becoming a Senior Advocate in 2009 and representing key cases, including marriage equality and privacy rights. He is anticipated to ascend as India’s 58th Chief Justice in 2030.
Today, On 29th November, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna requested a postponement of the Shahi Jama Masjid survey hearing, highlighting the need for careful judicial handling of sensitive matters. The Supreme Court instructed the mosque’s management to approach the High Court against a survey order. Violence erupted during a prior survey, raising communal harmony concerns.
The Kerala High Court dismissed defamation charges against three individuals for waving black flags at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s convoy in 2017. The court ruled that such protests do not amount to defamation or illegal obstruction, underscoring the legitimacy of this form of dissent within the framework of freedom of expression.
BJP leader Suresh Nakhua requested more time to rectify a flawed affidavit in his defamation case against YouTuber Dhruv Rathee. Rathee sought the case’s dismissal, emphasizing Nakhua’s repeated errors. The court noted procedural issues and scheduled a hearing for February 2025, awaiting clarification on the affidavit’s compliance with new legal requirements.
Today, On 6th November, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passed a resolution calling for dialogue to restore Article 370, which granted special status to the region. BJP members opposed the motion, claiming it was not on the agenda, leading to chaos in the assembly. The resolution emphasizes the importance of the special status for Jammu and Kashmir’s identity and rights.
Today, On 23rd October, the Allahabad High Court criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for not responding to a case regarding demolitions in Bahraich. The court expressed frustration over delays and instructed the state to provide detailed information about the road’s category. Affected residents were given 15 days to respond to demolition notices.
Today, 22nd October, the Supreme Court temporarily halted bulldozer actions linked to the Bahraich violence case, agreeing to review challenges against demolition notices. The Uttar Pradesh government assured no action will be taken until the next hearing. Concerns about sensitive demolition practices prompted this temporary stay for further examination.
The Supreme Court today recently ruled against the derogatory portrayal of differently abled individuals in cinema, emphasizing the need to accurately depict their experiences and achievements. This landmark decision seeks to end the perpetuation of discriminatory attitudes and promote the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities in visual media. The ruling aims to shift the narrative from one of limitation to one of potential and agency.
Former Supreme Court Judge Madan Lokur emphasized the constitutional right to silence for arrested individuals during a discussion on freedom of expression. He highlighted the interconnectedness of fundamental rights and warned about suppressing freedom of speech. Parallelly, Prabir Purkayastha reflected on his experiences and emphasized democratic resilience and support for those imprisoned.
![[Bahraich Violence] "Is State Misunderstood Intent of Previous Order on Demolition Notices?": Allahabad HC Slams UP Govt. For not Filing Response](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/image-2-6.png?resize=447%2C251&ssl=1)
