The Karnataka High Court, while hearing a rape accused’s bail plea, expressed concern over rising serious crimes and diminishing fear of legal consequences. Justice R Nataraj stressed the need for stronger enforcement of criminal laws, observing that deterrence within the justice system appears to be weakening.
The Supreme Court said it would continue monitoring the investigation into the alleged 2026 NEET-UG paper leak, stressing that identifying procedural lapses alone is insufficient unless real accountability is fixed on those responsible for compromising the integrity of one of India’s largest competitive medical entrance examinations.
The Supreme Court refused to interfere with convictions in a Chhattisgarh dowry death case, strongly criticising dowry harassment and humiliation of brides, while Justice BV Nagarathna emphasised that courts must send a strong societal message against financial coercion and mistreatment in matrimonial homes.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court held that advocates operating offices from their residences cannot be charged commercial electricity tariffs, observing that the legal profession differs fundamentally from trade or business activities since legal practice does not involve buying, selling or commercial trading of goods or services.
The Allahabad High Court quashed criminal proceedings against advocates, holding that lawyers cannot face prosecution for acts performed during professional duties, observing that treating legal representation as criminal conspiracy would undermine the legal profession and citizens’ valuable right to effective legal assistance and defence.
The Madras High Court refused to ban the Tamil film Karuppu, observing that portraying judicial corruption and criticising the judiciary cannot automatically amount to contempt, while emphasising that judges are not beyond scrutiny and freedom of artistic expression must be protected in a democratic society.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court cancelled anticipatory bail granted to former district judge Giribala Singh in the suspicious death case of Twisha Sharma, observing that the trial court acted hastily without properly assessing medical evidence, case diary materials and surrounding circumstances before granting relief.
