Solicitor General Tushar Mehta urged the Delhi High Court to initiate contempt action against Arvind Kejriwal over recusal pleas. He termed allegations unfounded, stressing institutional respect and warning that yielding would set a harmful precedent for judicial independence.
The Bombay High Court held that staring at a woman colleague is unethical but does not constitute voyeurism under Section 354C IPC. It clarified the offence requires invasion of privacy through observing or recording private acts, not mere workplace misconduct.
The defamation case against Rahul Gandhi over Hathras remarks was adjourned to May 2 due to transfer of the presiding judge. The MP MLA court could not proceed earlier as well, delaying hearings linked to his statements.
The Karnataka High Court held that religious institutions can claim compensation for a Mathadipati’s death in accidents. Expanding dependency scope, the court recognised institutions reliant on spiritual heads, affirming their role in administration and continuity beyond personal income considerations.
The Supreme Court directed that Teesta Setalvad’s plea for passport release be heard by a three judge bench. Noting her bail was granted by a similar bench, the court held parity in bench strength was appropriate for consideration.
Actor Vijay appealed before the Madras High Court against a Rs 1.5 crore income tax penalty upheld earlier. The Division Bench is yet to list the matter, following dismissal of his plea by a single judge confirming the penalty’s validity.
The Supreme Court sought responses on a plea demanding weightage to states’ inputs in fixing MSP based on cultivation costs. The bench issued notices to the Centre and CACP, highlighting the issue’s significance for farmers’ income and agricultural policy.
The Assam government approached the Supreme Court challenging Telangana High Court’s transit anticipatory bail granted to Pawan Khera. The case stems from Assam Police FIR alleging defamation, forgery and conspiracy over his statements regarding the Chief Minister’s family.
CJI Surya Kant inaugurated Phase III of the e-Courts Project, aiming to transform India’s justice system. He emphasised the initiative goes beyond digitisation, focusing on redesigning access to justice and improving efficiency, inclusivity, and citizen centric service delivery nationwide.
Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah said rising case backlog cannot be blamed solely on judges, highlighting advocates’ role in delays. He noted judges handle hundreds of daily cases, stressing pendency often stems from systemic and procedural issues beyond judicial working hours.
