The Delhi High Court held that a bail application cannot be rejected merely because it is lengthy or voluminous. It emphasised that even if such an application runs into several hundred pages, its size alone cannot justify dismissal.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court criticised a trial court for refusing to complete hearing of a 2013 civil case within the deadline fixed by it. Calling it a “sad sign” of judicial discipline erosion, the High Court ordered transfer of the case to another court.
Today, On 19th December, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant announced a special Supreme Court vacation sitting on December 22 to hear genuinely urgent cases as the winter recess begins. He said judges worked all night on briefs and declined fresh listings.
Justice GR Swaminathan questioned Senior Advocate Vikas Singh over reported remarks suggesting the judge had political ambitions during the Thiruparankundram lamp-lighting contempt hearing. The Madras High Court also sought an explanation from the State Chief Secretary over alleged non-compliance with court orders.
The Supreme Court pulled up the Madhya Pradesh High Court for casually condoning a 1,612-day delay by the state in filing a civil petition. The top court set aside the order and sent the matter back for fresh consideration under settled law.
CJI BR Gavai stated that he did not alter his judgment in the retrospective environmental-clearance case even after reading Justice Ujjal Bhuyan’s sharp dissent. The Supreme Court’s majority recalled an earlier ruling, while Justice Bhuyan warned the decision weakens core environmental principles.
Today, On 18th November, The Supreme Court restored the mechanism for retrospective environment clearance, with CJI Gavai noting that his judgment had been criticised. Justice Bhuyan dissented firmly, arguing that review was unjustified and warning that established environmental jurisprudence should not be reversed.
Today, On 14th November, The Kerala High Court refused to entertain the State’s plea to defer the SIR, saying judicial discipline requires the matter to be taken before the Supreme Court. The court closed the petition while allowing action based on pending cases.
The Madras High Court has issued tough directions to ensure chargesheets are promptly taken on file and over 61,000 pending non-bailable warrants are executed without delay. Justice P Velmurugan warned that procedural lapses erode public trust and let accused evade justice.
Supreme Court holds that in-house inquiries against judges are valid despite the 1985 Protection Act. Justice Yashwant Varma’s challenge to the probe process was rejected.
