The Supreme Court dismissed NHAI’s appeal against the Kerala High Court order suspending toll collection at Paliyekkara, stressing that citizens cannot be charged for bad roads. The court said toll is a public trust and must match proper road maintenance.
Speaking at the LCIA International Arbitration Symposium in London, CJI B R Gavai said India’s role in global arbitration has evolved remarkably. “India has moved from ‘interventionist uncle’ to ‘supportive elder cousin’ in the global arbitration family,” he said, highlighting judicial maturity and restraint.
On his final day, CJI Sanjiv Khanna emphasized the legal profession’s “truth deficit,” urging both Bar and Bench to prioritize public trust and uphold integrity. He articulated that judges should neither dominate nor surrender in the courtroom. Khanna plans to remain engaged in the legal field post-retirement without taking official roles.
Former supreme court judge Justice Markandey Katju raised doubts over the allegations against Justice Yashwant Verma, calling it a conspiracy. He suggested that the money was planted to frame him, rather than being a genuine bribe. Katju also hinted at the possible involvement of someone from Verma’s staff in the incident. This statement highlights a different perspective amid the ongoing controversy.