Isha Foundation has filed a defamation suit against Nakkheeran for publishing critical allegations against it. Seeking Rs 3 crore in damages, the case, scheduled to begin arguments in April 2025, involves claims of misconduct. The Supreme Court previously ruled that two women at the ashram are there voluntarily, prompting ongoing investigations.
As of November 21, 2024, India’s judiciary faces severe challenges with 5,200 unfilled positions and 4.53 crore pending cases. The Supreme Court has two vacancies while High Courts have 364, predominantly in Allahabad. Initiatives to translate judgments into regional languages aim to improve access to legal resources amidst these issues.
Mere pendency of a criminal case does not automatically disqualify a person from exercising his right to seek long-term opportunities abroad, the Delhi High Court has noted. The court also directed the passport authorities to issue within two weeks a police clearance certificate (PCC) to a man, who has pending criminal cases and needs to submit a document to Canadian authorities to set up a business there.
Criminal cases should not be slapped against journalists merely because their writings are perceived as criticism of the government, the Supreme Court said Today (Oct 4). Court said in democratic nations, the freedom to express one’s views is respected and the rights of journalists are protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. The bench was hearing a plea filed by journalist Abhishek Upadhyay, who has sought quashing of an FIR lodged against him in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly publishing a news report on the “caste dynamics of the general administration” in the state.
The Supreme Court Today (Oct 4) lamented that the Telangana government has not been offering proper assistance to the Court during criminal case hearings. A Bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti expressed its sentiments in this regard today to the State’s Director General of Police (DGP), who was present virtually. The Court had directed the Telangana DGP to appear before it after the State counsel could not answer basic queries during an earlier hearing of a criminal case.
The Allahabad High Court today dismissed a PIL against UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya without seeking government response or issuing notices. The petition accused Maurya of misusing his position and cited criminal cases against him. The court will issue necessary orders on the petition at a later date, leaving the outcome uncertain.
![[Lawrence Bishnoi Interview Case] "Will Take Strict Action Against Delinquent Officers": Punjab Govt Tells HC](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/images-3.jpeg?resize=259%2C194&ssl=1)
The Punjab and Haryana High Court expressed concern over the TV interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and its potential impact on crime rates. The Court directed the DGP to submit data on criminal cases registered after the interview. Furthermore, it emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, jail security enhancements, and progress updates.
The Telangana State Legal Services Authority has initiated a Special Lok Adalat to expedite the resolution of pending cases in the Supreme Court. Under the guidance of the Supreme Court, the program aims to settle disputes amicably, with notices actively being issued to the involved parties. Litigants can avail further assistance by contacting the TSLSA directly.
Today, On 6th June, The Supreme Court ruled that compensating victims in criminal cases should not reduce the accused’s sentence. Such payments aim to rehabilitate victims, not to mitigate punishment, and using compensation to lessen sentences would disrupt criminal justice. The court stressed the importance of considering victims separately from sentencing and directed additional compensation for the convicts.
