The Madras High Court ruled that women remain eligible for surrogacy until they turn 51, interpreting the upper age limit liberally. It also directed magistrates to avoid hyper-technical objections while deciding surrogacy-related birth affidavit and parentage applications.
The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court declared the 2011 appointment of four civil judges illegal due to a recruitment error, holding, “We have no hesitation to say that the appointment of the petitioners was not only irregular but illegal.”
The Jharkhand High Court ruled that a consensual relationship between two adults cannot automatically become a rape case due to delayed marriage. The Court acquitted Aalim Ansari, setting aside his conviction and seven-year sentence under Section 376 IPC.
The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court ruled that a married daughter cannot be denied compassionate appointment as a fair price shop dealer merely because of her marital status. The Court held, “Rejection of the petitioner’s application solely on the ground that she is a married daughter… is arbitrary and contrary to the law.”
The Telangana High Court held that merely availing the services of a sex worker does not attract prosecution for trafficking under Section 370 IPC, as the provision targets traffickers, not customers. However, a customer can be prosecuted under Section 370A(2) if he knew or had reason to believe the sex worker was a trafficked victim.
The Rajasthan High Court ordered disciplinary inquiry against Tehsildar Tejpal Pareek for allegedly not releasing a detainee despite suspension of sentence. The Court directed him to pay Rs 2 lakh compensation and kept him attached to revenue headquarters until completion of the investigation.
The Karnataka High Court dismissed a plea challenging a three-year-old compromise decree, ruling that a party cannot withdraw after accepting settlement benefits. Justice Suraj Govindaraj imposed Rs 25,000 costs on the petitioner, calling the delayed challenge an abuse of the legal process.
The Bombay High Court upheld restrictions on The New Indian Express using the brand name beyond agreed territorial limits under a family settlement. The Court dismissed EPM’s appeal and reaffirmed The Indian Express’s trademark and brand rights.
The Delhi High Court dismissed a mother’s habeas corpus plea seeking custody of her four-year-old daughter living with father in Singapore. The Court held disputed international custody matters should be decided by Family Court, not writ jurisdiction.
The Jharkhand High Court directed the state government to constitute a three-member committee within 10 days to monitor jail conditions, inmate welfare, and facilities across prisons. The order was passed during suo motu proceedings following Supreme Court directions.
