Supreme Court refused to interfere with bail conditions imposed by the Madras High Court on YouTuber-journalist Savukku Shankar, upholding interim bail in an assault and extortion case, as Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma declined intervention petition proceedings.
The Delhi High Court observed a two-minute silence at 11 a.m. on Martyrs’ Day to remember those who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom. The tribute marked the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and saw all court proceedings briefly paused in solemn respect.
The Supreme Court flagged trade unionism as a major factor behind industrial stagnation, with Chief Justice Surya Kant observing that union activities led to closures of industries. He remarked that resistance to work and aggressive “flag-bearing unions” hampered economic and industrial growth.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court held that a cheque endorsed “Not Negotiable” still attracts liability under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. Justice Himanshu Joshi dismissed a drawer’s plea, rejecting the argument that such endorsement nullifies penal consequences.
The Delhi High Court questioned Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for repeatedly seeking adjournments in his plea to quash the sexual harassment case filed by women wrestlers. The Court made it clear that there is no stay on the trial court proceedings and listed the matter for further hearing in April.
The Delhi High Court has invited bar association representatives for a meeting on January 30 to discuss increasing the pecuniary jurisdiction of district courts. Lawyers have long demanded the move to reduce delays, cut litigation costs, and ensure faster justice.
The Kerala High Court questioned whether an unmarried man having multiple consensual sexual relationships can be a ground to deny bail to Rahul Mamkootathil in a rape case. The Court asked the prosecution to clarify whether the alleged incident was consensual or forced, and reserved its order on his anticipatory bail plea.
Former Kerala High Court judge Justice S. Siri Jagan passed away in Kochi after an illness at the age of 74.
He is remembered for his distinguished judicial career and key post-retirement roles in legal education and public administration.
In a development, the Lucknow High Court administration initiated action against police officials over an unauthorized entry into the court premises and an advocate’s chamber. FIR No.0035/2026 was registered at Vibhutti Khand Station under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 there.
A sharp verbal clash erupted between senior advocate Kapil Sibal and ASG SV Raju in the Delhi High Court during the hearing on Lalu Prasad Yadav’s plea to quash the land-for-jobs case. The court later stepped in to cool tempers and directed both sides to file brief written submissions.
