The Delhi High Court on 27th May, denied bail to Abubacker E., former Chairman of the Popular Front of India (PFI), under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act being investigated by the NIA. The court found substantial evidence of PFI’s plan to establish Islamic law by 2047, overthrowing the constitutional government. Abubacker’s plea for medical grounds was also rejected. PFI and its affiliates were banned under UAPA by the Central Government on 28th September 2022, and the Apex Court declined to intervene in the matter on 6th November 2023.
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Today(on 20th May),The Delhi High Court has rescinded the Rs. 75,000 fine imposed on a law student who filed a PIL seeking interim bail for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, following the petitioner’s unconditional apology. The Division Bench earlier imposed the fine on April 22, deeming the petition’s submissions contrary to facts and legally unsustainable.
The Supreme Court, led by CJI Chandrachud, upheld Gujarat High Court’s district judges’ promotion policy. Using aircraft internet on his return from a Brazil summit, CJI collaborated with Justices Pardiwala and Misra. The judgment involved a plea contesting Gujarat government’s appointment decisions and challenged merit-cum-seniority rule for promotions. The Court commended the efforts of junior lawyer Mayur Raghuvanshi.
Today (16th May): The Supreme Court postponed urban Naxal Jyoti Jagtap’s bail plea hearing in the Bhima Koregaon case to July, citing the summer recess. Initially set for May, the hearing was rescheduled for July 8. Jagtap remains in custody following the Bombay High Court’s previous denial of bail. The case involves alleged incitement to violence during the 2018 Bhima Koregaon event.
The Gujarat High Court overturned an 85-year-old former court employee’s 7-year jail sentence for misappropriation, ordering a new review. The decision was based on the unfair prioritization of a judge’s testimony over a peon’s, a violation of the Evidence Act. The importance of impartially evaluating all testimonies was emphasized.
Soli J. Sorabjee, an eminent jurist, advocated the Basic Structure Doctrine to protect federalism and judiciary independence. Justice Surya Kant highlighted Sorabjee’s contributions in a memorial lecture, emphasizing the doctrine’s role in safeguarding fundamental principles. He also discussed the concept of dharma and its importance in ensuring judicial independence and reinforcing human rights.
The Patna High Court on 25th April fined lower court judges Rs 100 each for wrongly convicting a man in a dowry harassment case. Sunil Pandit appealed against his conviction and was acquitted by Justice Chaudhuri, who emphasized the duty of courts to carefully examine complaints before proceeding. The fines were to address the petitioner’s suffering due to the lower courts’ approach.
The Kerala High Court denied anticipatory bail to Anwar Sadique K for assaulting an advocate commissioner at Tirur Munsiff Court. Justice Badharudeen stressed the severity of attacking court officials, stating it undermines the judiciary and democratic values. Sadique’s plea was rejected, and he was directed to surrender within ten days for further interrogation.