The Bombay High Court’s Nagpur Bench turned 23 news reports into suo motu PILs within eleven weeks of 2026, acting on media stories and lawyers’ letters. This already exceeds the eighteen such cases initiated in all of 2025.
The Bombay High Court granted bail to nine individuals involved in the Nagpur riots linked to protests against Aurangzeb’s tomb. Justice Urmila Joshi-Phalke stated their continued detention was unnecessary, allowing their release pending further legal proceedings. The communal unrest, driven by historical sensitivities, escalated into violence in March 2025.
The Bombay High Court’s Nagpur bench ruled that an inappropriate comment made by SBI manager Satyaswarup Haridas Meshram to a female clerk did not constitute a criminal offense under Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code. The Court found no criminal intent, deeming the remark aimed at improving performance rather than insulting modesty.
Today, On 24th March, The Bombay High Court issued a stay on the demolition of houses belonging to two individuals accused in the Nagpur violence case. Criticizing the administration’s approach, the court termed it “high-handed.” Meanwhile, amid tight police security, civic authorities proceeded with the demolition of accused Fahim Khan’s house, citing unauthorized construction.
Today, On 20th February, The Supreme Court rejected the bail plea of gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli in a 2007 murder case. Gawli, who is serving a life sentence, had sought bail citing health issues. The court ruled that there were no sufficient grounds for his release. This decision upholds previous lower court rulings denying him bail.
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.