The Kerala Government today has urged the Supreme Court to promptly form a five-judge Constitution bench to address its lawsuit against the Centre regarding the ceiling on net borrowing. The state challenges the Union government’s restrictions on its borrowing capacity, citing infringement on financial autonomy and unconstitutional directives. The matter awaits a decision by the apex court.
The Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail today to Shajan Skaria, the editor of ‘Marunadan Malayalee,’ in a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The case involves alleged derogatory remarks made against MLA PV Sreenijin. The Court’s ruling sets aside earlier denials of anticipatory bail and directs release on bail if arrested. The complainant may pursue a defamation lawsuit.
BJP SC/ST MPs met with PM Modi to discuss the Supreme Court’s decision on “creamy layer” in SC/ST reservations, requesting non-enforcement. PM Modi assured support for their position. The Court’s ruling allows sub-classification of SCs and STs for reservation benefits, with six justices in favor and one dissenting. This ruling overruled the earlier EV Chinnaiah decision.
The Supreme Court today rejected a plea to postpone the NEET-PG 2024 exam scheduled for August 11, emphasizing the risk to two lakh students’ futures. The plea cited difficulties in reaching exam cities and undisclosed normalization formulas. Another petition submitted similar concerns. The court stressed the impact on numerous candidates and their families.
The Supreme Court today urged the Centre to address the meager pensions for district judges, citing concerns for their welfare. The Attorney General and Solicitor General were requested to collaborate with the amicus curiae to find a solution. The bench postponed the hearing to address pension-related concerns and highlighted the delay in implementing uniform service conditions for judicial officers.
The Supreme Court agreed to consider Punjab government’s plea for urgent release of over Rs 1,000 crore from the Centre, related to Rural Development Fund dues. The state seeks immediate funds as an interim measure, claiming the Centre owes Punjab over Rs 4,200 crore. Lawyer Shadan Farasat appealed for an early hearing, which was accepted by Chief Justice Chandrachud.
The Supreme Court today rejected Divya Spandana’s plea to dismiss a defamation case against Asianet News Network and journalist Vishweshwar Bhat. Spandana filed the lawsuit over allegations implicating her in a betting and spot-fixing scandal, claiming her name was repeatedly mentioned during the telecasts. Both the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court upheld the decision not to quash the proceedings.
The Central government Today (July 31st) opposed states’ plea in the Supreme Court for a refund of royalty levied on mines since 1989, arguing it would burden public units by over Rs 70,000 crore. The Supreme Court’s recent ruling stated royalty is not a tax, and states sought retrospective application, which the Centre opposed.
Today, 29th July, Supreme Court announced it may soon deliver a verdict on the Delhi government’s plea challenging the Lieutenant Governor’s authority to nominate aldermen to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The plea contests the decision to nominate members without the council of ministers’ aid and advice. The standing committee of the MCD, including 18 members, is currently non-functional.
The Supreme Court today declined to stay the Patna High Court’s ruling that annulled the increase in reservation for Backward Classes, Extremely Backward Classes, and Scheduled Castes and Tribes (SC/STs) in Bihar from 50% to 65% in public employment and educational institutions. The final hearing is scheduled for September, with no interim relief granted.