The Allahabad High Court temporarily transferred custody of a five-year-old girl to her father, observing that she appeared “heavily tutored” and was being used as a “pawn” in her parents’ matrimonial dispute. The interim order was passed in a habeas corpus petition.
The Supreme Court stayed portions of the Allahabad High Court judgment against Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad, IAS. The Court suspended directions requiring adverse observations to be forwarded to the DoPT for consideration in future service-related assessments and assignments.
The Allahabad High Court raised concerns over policing and governance in Uttar Pradesh, observing that sections of the police machinery appear more loyal to the ruling establishment than the Constitution. The Court highlighted issues relating to the Gangsters Act, administrative accountability, encounter killings, selective crackdowns, and alleged misuse of police powers.
The Supreme Court held that persistent refusal of sexual relations without reasonable cause constitutes mental cruelty and can be a valid ground for divorce under the Hindu Marriage Act. Upholding a Rajasthan High Court judgment, the Court dismissed a wife’s appeal challenging the dissolution of marriage.
The Supreme Court held that public employment must be filled strictly according to prescribed qualifications, observing that allowing overqualified candidates to occupy posts meant for lower-qualified applicants unfairly deprives genuinely eligible and deserving candidates of employment opportunities intended for them under recruitment rules.
The Supreme Court cancelled anticipatory bail granted to three police officers accused of extorting a railway passenger, observing that unlawful conduct by law enforcers undermines public confidence in the justice system and warrants thorough investigation into allegations of abuse of official authority.
