The Supreme Court of India Today (Feb 11) ordered that no data should be deleted or reloaded on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) after elections. This came in response to a petition by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), urging that EVM data must be preserved. A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna has asked the Election Commission to explain the process of erasing EVM memory and microcontrollers. “Please do not erase the data and reload the data. Let someone just examine,” the court told the Election Commission.
Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and senior Supreme Court judges met with high court judges to discuss judicial vacancies and appointing ad-hoc judges. They also explored the idea of evening courts to reduce case backlog. The meeting focused on enhancing judicial efficiency and streamlining case management. These efforts aim to improve the overall functioning of the judiciary.
Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna praised retiring Justice Hrishikesh Roy for his exceptional legal skills, humor, and balanced demeanor during a farewell ceremony. Justice Roy’s contributions over 23 years included key rulings on vital issues and leading legal outreach programs. His compassionate approach and legacy in judiciary will inspire future generations of legal professionals.
The CJI led bench in Supreme Court Today (Jan 30) permitted High Courts to appoint retired judges temporarily (ad-hoc) to help reduce the massive backlog of criminal appeals. These judges will work alongside regular judges, but their number cannot exceed 10% of the sanctioned strength. The court also eased earlier conditions for such appointments, making it easier to bring in experienced judges to speed up case resolutions.
The Supreme Court of India Today (Jan 28) celebrates its 75th anniversary with a historic Diamond Jubilee ceremony. All 33 judges, including Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, will assemble in Courtroom 1 for a live-streamed ceremonial bench session. Established on January 28, 1950, the Supreme Court has been a pillar of India’s democracy, evolving from its initial setup in the old Parliament building to its current Tilak Marg location. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, highlighting the court’s pivotal role in upholding freedom, justice, and democracy.
Hindu Shakti Dal has urged top Indian authorities, including the President and Prime Minister, to reopen the 1978 Sambhal riots case, alleging past governments shielded accused perpetrators. Simran Gupta, the group’s leader, called for a CBI and NIA investigation to ensure justice for victims’ families, claiming the riots were mishandled. The group also highlighted its other actions, including legal efforts on disputed religious sites and property acquisitions linked to Dawood Ibrahim.
Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has reportedly asked Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Arun Bhansali for a new report regarding Justice Yadav’s controversial remarks about Muslims. The move comes amid growing concerns over the judge’s statements. Justice Yadav continues to stand by his comments, further intensifying the matter. The fresh report is expected to address the issue in detail.
The Supreme Court Today (Dec 20) said the plea seeking a policy for verification of electronic voting machines- EVM will be heard by a bench headed by Justice Dipankar Datta in January next year. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar said the fresh plea of former Haryana minister and five-time MLA Karan Singh Dalal and one Lakhan Kumar Singla on the issue will be heard by a bench headed by Justice Datta in the week commencing January 20, 2025.
The Supreme Court expressed concerns over the misuse of criminal law in civil disputes during a case involving allegations of misconduct in a property sale deed transfer. The petitioner challenged the Allahabad High Court’s refusal to quash charges under the IPC, contending that civil matters should not escalate into criminal cases. The next hearing is set for March 2025.
The Supreme Court of India directed trial courts nationwide to refrain from passing any effective orders or conducting surveys concerning existing religious structures in cases disputing their religious character. A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan passed the interim direction while hearing a batch of petitions challenging provisions of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991.