The Supreme Court today criticized the trend of High Courts granting conditional bail, delaying its effectiveness by 6 months to a year, in the case of a murder accused. The bench found this practice problematic and granted interim bail to the accused, requesting the Bihar government to respond by September 2. This decision came in an appeal against a Patna High Court order.
The Supreme Court expressed strong displeasure over a Patna High Court bail order directing that the accused be released only if the victim stands as a surety for his release. Apex Court said it was “very unfortunate” that the accused, who was ordered to be released in July 2023, was still languishing in jail due to the such an “absurd condition”.
Today, On 2nd July, The Bihar government approached the Supreme Court following Patna High Court’s ruling that invalidated a law increasing reservations for SC/STs and backward classes to 65% in 2023, reducing the open merit category to 35%. The High Court declared the amendment unconstitutional, citing infringement on equal opportunity. This decision is now contested before the Supreme Court.
Today, On 1st July, The Patna High Court upheld the accused’s conviction for raping a minor, emphasizing the need to preserve a woman’s dignity and condemning attempts to tarnish her character. The judgment stressed the importance of a compassionate and respectful approach to victims of sexual crimes, reinforcing the principle of respect and protection for all women in society.
The Patna High Court ordered the release of Czech national Kasperek Petr, detained in Bihar for visa violation. Justice Vivek Chaudhary directed his deportation within 15 days and urged the Czech Embassy in New Delhi to assist. Petr’s appeal, challenging the validity of his initial sentence, led to this decision. Petr had entered to report a cybercrime incident but was arrested at the border.
Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary announced plans to challenge Patna High Court’s decision to increase reservations for SC, ST, and OBC categories in the Supreme Court. The decision has generated strong reactions with political leaders and activists expressing differing views. The outcome of this legal battle is anticipated to have significant implications for reservation policies nationwide.
Today(on 20th June), The Patna High Court invalidated Bihar’s law increasing reservation quotas to 65% for Backward Classes, EBCs, SCs, and STs, ruling them unconstitutional under Indian Constitution Articles 14, 15, and 16. The Court emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional limits on reservations for a balance between affirmative action and meritocracy. The Bihar government may seek a review by the Supreme Court.
Justice Arvind Singh Chandel, recently transferred to the Patna High Court, took the oath as a judge in a ceremony attended by dignitaries. With a strong educational background, diverse judicial experience, and administrative roles, his appointment is expected to enhance the court’s functioning and contribute to Bihar’s judicial infrastructure.
![[BPSC Recruitment Case] Patna HC Directs State to Give "Equal grace marks" to Guest and Contract Teachers](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MicrosoftTeams-image-40.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The Patna High Court has directed the state government to grant guest teachers the same grace marks as contract teachers in a recruitment case. Justice Anjani Kumar Sharan emphasized the similarity in their duties and ordered the state to resolve the issue within a month. Over 4,000 guest teachers in Bihar stand to benefit from this decision.
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The Supreme Court refused to entertain an independent candidate’s plea against the rejection of his nomination for the upcoming elections. The candidate was advised to pursue alternative legal remedies, as the Court stated that such matters should be challenged through an election petition rather than at a pre-poll stage. The petition was ultimately dismissed.