The Supreme Court of India confirmed that the remaining 12 judges will have their asset declarations published as submitted, strengthening transparency after recent controversies. Currently, 21 of 33 judges have published their assets. Additionally, the entire judicial appointment process is now public, promoting accountability and public trust in the judiciary.
President Murmu and CJI Khanna advocated for mediation as a superior approach to justice during the National Mediation Conference, highlighting its ability to ease court congestion and foster social harmony. They stressed mediation’s role in restoring relationships and its significance in the Indian legal system, encouraging broader awareness and implementation.
Sharjeel Imam has petitioned the Supreme Court to consolidate multiple FIRs related to his speeches at Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University, arguing for a single trial to avoid multiple prosecutions. The Court noted the commonality of the speech but recognized distinct incidents linked to it in different states. The case will be revisited in two weeks.
India’s Ambassador to China, Pradeep Kumar Rawat, warmly welcomed Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna at India House in Shanghai, emphasizing the importance of judicial collaboration for strengthening India-China relations. The visit aims to promote high-level exchanges and cooperation on judicial reforms and cultural understanding, highlighting diplomatic engagement beyond trade.
The Supreme Court Bar Association condemned BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s remarks about the judiciary and Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, labeling them defamatory and amounting to criminal contempt. The SCBA urged the Attorney General to initiate contempt proceedings against Dubey, emphasizing the need to uphold the dignity of the Supreme Court.
Last week, Vice President Dhankhar criticized the judiciary for setting deadlines on presidential decisions, suggesting it acted like a “super Parliament.” Legal experts condemned his remarks as irresponsible. BJP MP Dubey also disparaged the Supreme Court, prompting the BJP leadership to clarify their respect for the judiciary amidst concerns over recent riots related to a controversial law.
The Supreme Court of India reprimanded the Uttar Pradesh Police for filing a criminal case in a civil property dispute, imposing a Rs. 50,000 fine on involved officers. The court emphasized that civil matters should remain non-criminal and criticized the misuse of criminal law. The case involved Rikhab and Sadhna Birani amid prior magistrate rejections.