The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court acquitted two boys of stalking a minor girl, stating that a single instance of following does not constitute stalking under the IPC and POCSO Act. However, one boy was upheld on charges of sexual assault based on credible evidence, while the other faced reduced sentencing.
The Supreme Court ruled that witness testimony from relatives cannot be dismissed solely based on familial connections. It emphasized a careful evaluation of such testimonies. The appellant’s conviction was reduced due to evidence showing no premeditation in a heated altercation, leading to his release after serving nearly ten years in prison.
Justice Bela M. Trivedi, born on June 10, 1960, has served as a judge since 1995, assuming her current role on August 31, 2021. With 79 authored judgments, she is noted for her impactful decisions, including significant cases on sexual assault definitions and affirmative action within reserved categories. She retires on May 9, 2025.
The Supreme Court of India issued a landmark ruling on November 5, determining that not all private property is a community resource. This decision prompted dissent from Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Sudhanshu Dhulia, who criticized the majority’s characterization of prior judicial doctrines, highlighting the importance of dissenting opinions in shaping legal interpretations and promoting transparency.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to become the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 11, succeeding CJI D.Y. Chandrachud. Known for pivotal rulings on Article 370 and electoral bonds, Khanna’s appointment marks a significant transition in the Supreme Court’s leadership, reinforcing accountability and transparency in India’s judicial system.
The Supreme Court of India dismissed criminal proceedings against HDFC Bank, ruling that a corporation cannot possess mens rea, or criminal intent, needed for liability under the IPC. The court emphasized that the bank officials acted inadvertently in misinterpreting orders, lacking evidence of malicious intent or misappropriation, thus quashing the FIR.
On Wednesday(11th Sept), During the Supreme Court hearing, Attorney General R. Venkataramani stressed that enforcing fundamental duties requires ongoing legislative action and oversight. His comments came as the court reviewed a petition by lawyer Durga Dutt seeking clear laws to ensure compliance with constitutional duties.
On Friday(23rd August), The Supreme Court of India clarified that not all insults or intimidating comments against SC/ST individuals automatically qualify as offenses under the SC/ST Act. This ruling came while granting anticipatory bail to Shajan Skaria, who faced charges under the Act for allegedly posting a derogatory video targeting a Kerala MLA from a Scheduled Caste community.
Today, On 13th July, The Supreme Court questioned the retroactive application of Section 479 of the BNSS, allowing bail for first-time undertrials. This provision, addressing prison overcrowding, provides a more lenient option for release after serving one-third of the maximum sentence. The Court instructed the Central government to clarify this and emphasized the urgency of addressing prison conditions nationwide.
The Karnataka High Court questioned the trial court’s decision to grant bail to Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Revanna in a kidnapping case. The court noted potential errors in the legal interpretation used and issued a notice to HD Revanna. The case involves serious allegations of sexual abuse, kidnapping, and leaked pornographic videos. The High Court has scheduled a priority hearing to address these severe allegations, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.