Today, On 24th September, the Supreme Court mandated the enforcement of safety guidelines for children in schools nationwide, prompted by rising incidents of violence, including the Badlapur case. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights is tasked with ensuring compliance, addressing gaps in adherence among state governments and underscoring the urgent need for accountability in protecting children’s safety.
Today, On 16th August, A civil rights group, Social Jurist, urged Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud to address the poor state of state-run schools in Madhya Pradesh, citing inadequate infrastructure, lack of teachers, unhygienic conditions, and violation of students’ rights. The letter emphasized the need for modern facilities and requested judicial intervention for necessary reforms.
The Supreme Court today rejected former Mumbai Police Pradeep Sharma’s plea to suspend his conviction for a fake encounter case, preventing him from contesting the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly polls. Sharma was convicted for the 2006 fake encounter killing of a suspected gang member. Despite bail, Sharma withdrew his plea following the Supreme Court’s refusal.
Today, On 29th July, the Saket Court suspended activist Medha Patkar’s sentence for defaming Delhi L-G VK Saxena and granted her bail on a bond of Rs. 25,000. The court also issued a notice to the Delhi L-G, seeking his response by September 4. Patkar had been sentenced to five months in jail and ordered to pay damages but has now been granted bail.
Today, On 12th July, The Supreme Court directed the immediate establishment of Gram Nyayalayas nationwide to address judicial backlog and provide faster justice in rural areas. Emphasizing affordable and accessible legal recourse, the court instructed state authorities to submit details on the establishment and functioning of these courts within six weeks. Currently, only 264 out of an expected 6,000 Gram Nyayalayas have been operational since the Act’s passage in 2008. This intervention underscores the urgent need to prioritize the implementation of Gram Nyayalayas to improve access to justice and alleviate the burden on higher courts.
Today, On 1st July, a Delhi court is set to deliver the sentencing decision in the defamation case involving activist Medha Patkar. The case, initiated by V.K. Saxena, has significant implications for free speech and activism in India. The dispute dates back to 2000, with ongoing legal battles and temporary relief provided by the Gujarat High Court.
Today, On 24th May, The Supreme Court criticized the Election Commission over delays and inaccuracies in its Voter Turnout App, comparing the situation to the idiom “Aa Bail Mujhe Maar,” suggesting inviting trouble unnecessarily. The court emphasized the need for transparency and caution in adopting high-stakes technological solutions in electoral processes.
The Supreme Court set to review a petition about reported voter numbers, raising concerns about potential discrepancies. The NGO Association of Democratic Reforms requested the Election Commission of India to disclose voting numbers and upload scanned copies of Form 17C. Various opposition parties are seeking transparency and accountability from the ECI. Opposition leaders highlighted significant discrepancies.
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud Today (May 17th) agreed to hear urgently at the end of the day an application filed by NGO Association for Democratic Reforms alleging inordinate delay in the publication of voter turnout data of the first two phases of polling in the Lok Sabha elections.
The Supreme Court will hear a plea by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) Tomorrow-May 17th, seeking real-time publication of polling data. The NGO aims to ensure transparency and accountability by making polling station-wise voter turnout data available to the public and address concerns related to electoral irregularities in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
