Today, On 1st October, The Supreme Court reserved its judgment in the “bulldozer justice” case, highlighting public safety’s primacy. It mandated the removal of any religious structures, such as temples or dargahs, that encroach on essential infrastructure. The court’s directives ensure equitable application of anti-encroachment measures, reinforcing India’s secular principles and addressing unauthorized constructions uniformly.
Today, On 26th September, the Delhi High Court directed that a petition distinguishing “religion” from “dharma” be addressed by the Union Ministries of Culture and Education. The court emphasized it does not possess jurisdiction over educational curriculums. The petition advocates correct terminology in official documents and inclusion of educational content to reduce religious hatred.
The Kerala High Court ruled in favor of individuals changing their religion and updating their school certificates accordingly. Emphasizing the right to religious freedom, the court stated that the absence of specific legal provisions should not hinder the correction process. Following a petition from Hindu converts to Christianity, the court directed the authorities to update their certificates.
On Tuesday (17th July): A private complaint against PM Narendra Modi for alleged hate speech during the Lok Sabha campaign was dismissed by a Bengaluru court. The complaint, filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, claimed Modi aimed to divide the nation based on religion. The court ruled it did not warrant investigation.
A lawyer Today (April 23rd) moved the Kerala High Court alleging that certain pamphlets distributed by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) seeking votes in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 seek to polarise voters on the basis of religion.
The Supreme Court granted interim bail Today to Rajendra Bihari Lal, Vice Chancellor of SHUATS, in a case involving alleged illegal religious conversion. The Court issued notice to the UP government, challenging the Allahabad High Court’s decision. The bail bond was limited to Rs 25,000. The police had accused Lal and others of leading a mass religious conversion with foreign funding.
The Supreme Court of India has banned the mention of caste or religion in legal documents, aiming to promote equality and fairness. This decision, prompted by a marital dispute case, will affect all court proceedings. The directive ensures a more inclusive and non-discriminatory approach within the Indian legal system, aligning with constitutional principles.
The Delhi High Court emphasized informed consent in religious conversions for marriage, issuing guidelines to ensure individuals understand the legal implications and consequences. These include obtaining affidavits, certificates, and providing comprehensive information. The ruling aims to protect individuals’ rights and address the complexities of such cases, promoting justice and fairness in the legal process.
The Kerala High Court, led by Justice Devan Ramachandran, is deliberating a petition against the movie ‘Antony’ for depicting a gun inside a Bible. The judge questioned the intolerance towards religious references in films, recognizing potential publicity benefits for the filmmakers. This case has ignited a debate on balancing artistic freedom and religious sensitivities in India’s diverse society.
