The Supreme Court today has sought the Central Government’s response on a PIL challenging the exclusion of single unmarried women and transgender persons from the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. Justice Nagarathna emphasized the need to handle this case separately, as it addresses specific issues for transgender and single women. Dr. Aqsa Shaikh argues that the exclusion violates constitutional rights.
The Gujarat High Court declined to intervene in protests by residents of a housing complex in Vadodara against a Muslim woman’s flat allotment, stating it’s not a public interest matter. The woman, employed by the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Skill Development, faces opposition and discrimination. Residents demand her relocation to another housing scheme to avoid potential “threat and nuisance.”
The Allahabad High Court ruled that an offense under the SC/ST Act must occur in public view to be established. The court quashed proceedings for an offense committed in a private residence, emphasizing that intentional insult or intimidation causing humiliation must be in public view. This ruling is significant in fighting caste-based violence and discrimination in India.
The Gujarat High Court has ordered the Registrar of Gujarat National Law University to apologize for denying allegations of rape, molestation, discrimination, and favoritism. The court expressed concern over the lack of disciplinary actions and emphasized the need for an inquiry. Efforts to address student concerns were also detailed, aiming to build trust among the student body.
On Monday (29th April): The Delhi High Court directed police protection for a transgender candidate filing a nomination for the 2024 Lok Sabha Election, emphasizing equal protection under Article 14 of the Constitution. This came after the candidate faced a life-threatening attack. The court instructed the police to ensure security and facilitate the nomination process in South Delhi.
Today (20th March): The Madras High Court rejected a petition to revoke the lotus flower symbol allocation to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The petitioner argued that using the national flower as a political symbol disgraces national integrity. The court questioned the petitioner’s standing and dismissed the plea, directing him to deposit evidence of genuine concern.
Yesterday (March 16th), the Supreme Court of India issued a significant ruling emphasizing equality in determining pensionary benefits for retired high court judges. The Court stressed that there should be no differentiation in pension benefits between judges elevated from the bar and those from the district judiciary. CJI Chandrachud led the bench in this landmark judgment, affirming that the pension entitlements of retired high court judges, regardless of their pre-elevation professional background, should be based on their last salary as a high court judge.
Today, Kerala CPI MP Binoy Viswam strongly opposes the implementation of the divisive Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), arguing it undermines India’s secular values. He is actively challenging the CAA legally and politically, criticizing its impact on secularism and equality. Viswam is committed to defending the secular fabric of India against such divisive laws.
On 8th March: During the ‘Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman’ campaign, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud emphasized the need for mutual respect and fraternity to maintain equality and unity in the nation. He highlighted the importance of upholding values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity within the Constitution and urged for an inclusive and just society.
In a significant development that underscores the ongoing challenges faced by transgender individuals in the workplace, the Supreme Court of India has expressed its concerns over the termination of a transwoman teacher from her position in schools located in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. The case, which has caught the attention of the highest judicial authority […]
