Justice N. Kotiswar Singh said India is not a religious state and highlighted the historical context of the term “Hindu.” He noted the Constitution embraces all faiths, describing “Hindu” as a geographical identifier linked to people beyond Indus.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta urged the Delhi High Court to initiate contempt action against Arvind Kejriwal over recusal pleas. He termed allegations unfounded, stressing institutional respect and warning that yielding would set a harmful precedent for judicial independence.
The Supreme Court directed that Teesta Setalvad’s plea for passport release be heard by a three judge bench. Noting her bail was granted by a similar bench, the court held parity in bench strength was appropriate for consideration.
The Supreme Court held that granting pensioners lower Dearness Relief than employees’ Dearness Allowance violates Article 14. It ruled inflation impacts both equally, making differential increases arbitrary and lacking rational nexus to the objective of mitigating rising living costs.
Justice Yashwant Varma withdrew from impeachment proceedings, alleging denial of fairness and due process by the inquiry committee. He claimed burden of proof was reversed without a prima facie case, expressing deep concern over the manner of proceedings.
The Supreme Court observed that restricting temple entry to specific denominations could harm Hinduism’s inclusive nature. The remark came during the ongoing Sabarimala reference, raising key questions on religious freedom and equality.
The Karnataka High Court dismissed a PIL challenging the Centre’s advisory on singing all six stanzas of Vande Mataram in schools. The Court ruled that the advisory is optional, noting there is no law making the national song mandatory.
The Madras High Court issued notice to the Election Commission on a plea seeking restriction of SC reserved seats to Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. The bench sought responses and scheduled further hearing after two days on the contentious issue.
The Supreme Court of India held that State governments may withdraw tax exemptions in public interest, observing such fiscal benefits are concessions that can be modified or rescinded when required for broader public welfare considerations.
The Calcutta High Court struck down parts of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Amendment Act, 2022, invalidating retrospective property tax provisions. Justice Gaurang Kanth held such validation clauses unlawful, protecting petitioners from revived liabilities of Rs 11.24 crore demands.
