The Allahabad High Court ruled that the Places of Worship Act, 1991, does not prevent the State from acquiring religious properties for secular public purposes. Dismissing a plea against Varanasi’s Dalmandi redevelopment, the Court upheld the government’s authority to undertake lawful public infrastructure projects.
The Calcutta High Court directed West Bengal Police to submit details of all pending criminal proceedings, if any, against TMC leader Sabyasachi Dutta apart from the extortion case. The Court issued the direction while hearing his plea seeking quashing of the FIR and allegations of additional cases.
The Supreme Court directed a petitioner challenging exclusion of individuals from West Bengal’s ration distribution system to approach the Calcutta High Court. The Bench observed that the issue involved a separate cause of action concerning welfare benefits and was better suited for High Court consideration.