The Supreme Court ruled that vehicles involved in drug trafficking under the NDPS Act can be confiscated after the trial is complete. In cases where no specific restriction exists under the Act, courts can use their general authority under the CrPC to decide on returning seized vehicles before the criminal case is resolved. This decision reinforces stringent measures against drug-related offenses while ensuring procedural fairness during ongoing trials.
Jan Suraaj Party chief Prashant Kishor, leading the BPSC protest movement, was granted unconditional bail shortly after being sent to Beur Jail. Kishor’s statement, “No strength is greater than people’s strength,” resonated with supporters. The political strategist has been at the forefront of protests demanding accountability and reforms. His release marks a key moment in the ongoing agitation.
In the Govind Pansare murder case, the Bombay High Court decided to end its monitoring of the investigation and has called for a quick trial. The court noted that the only remaining task was locating two absconding accused, which no longer required court oversight. The decision emphasizes the progress made in the case and directs that the trial proceed without further delays. The focus now shifts to completing the legal process speedily.
Today, On 25th November, the Bombay High Court dismissed a plea by Mihir Shah and his driver, contesting their arrests in a fatal hit-and-run incident. The court upheld the legality of the arrests, rejecting claims of unlawful detention. This ruling is significant for the ongoing case following the tragic death of Kaveri Nakhwa.
Yesterday, On 5th September, The Supreme Court proposed guidelines to address delays in carrying out death penalty executions, expressing concern over the distress caused by indefinite delays. A three-judge bench discussed the lack of clear procedures for sessions courts to follow when a death sentence is confirmed but a mercy petition is pending. This highlights the need for clearer guidelines to prevent such delays.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court lauded the new criminal laws for reflecting Indian values, particularly the Hindu principle of repentance. She emphasized the shift from punishment to justice, citing the incorporation of community service for minor offenses. Sharma’s support for the laws stems from their alignment with Indian culture.
The Supreme Court today directed no coercive actions against ABP News journalist Jagvinder Patial, who interviewed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had ordered an FIR to investigate the circumstances of the interview. The journalist’s lawyer argued the interview was part of a sting operation to expose corruption, seeking protection for the journalist against potential arrest.
Today, On 27th August, Justice Bharati Dangre of the Bombay High Court has recused herself from hearing the petition filed by former Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Waze. The petition challenges his detention in a corruption case involving allegations against the former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh. Waze, seeking bail and claiming wrongful detention, also requested release under CrPC Section 167(2).
Indira Jaising urges a delay in implementing new criminal laws, concerned about their impact on access to justice and citizens’ rights. The laws replace longstanding ones, raise ambiguity over retrospective application, and compound judicial backlog. They diverge from Supreme Court precedents, potentially compromising liberties. Jaising calls for thorough debate and assessment by stakeholders before implementation.
Today, On 29th April, The Supreme Court extended the stay on hate speech proceedings against Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K Annamalai, reflecting ongoing legal deliberations and the complexity of balancing free speech with legal constraints. The case involves allegations of hate speech made during a political rally, with the next hearing scheduled for September 9. This high-profile case has sparked significant interest due to its potential impact on political discourse boundaries and legal regulations.
