The Delhi High Court provided interim relief to nine JNU students who were rusticated for their alleged involvement in verbal abuse and sexual assault against 60 women. The court noted procedural flaws in the university’s actions and scheduled a hearing for November 8, allowing students to continue their studies during the review.
Yesterday, On 31st October, The Kerala High Court denied a 16-year-old rape survivor’s request to terminate her pregnancy. Justice V.G. Arun allowed the minor and her family the option to place the child for adoption after birth, if they wish. The court also instructed the state government to ensure the necessary legal steps are taken to facilitate this process.
Jani Master, a National Award-winning choreographer, has been granted bail by the Telangana High Court following his arrest in a sexual assault case. The case was registered after a woman accused him of assault during outdoor shoots. Jani Master was arrested by the Cyberabad Police after a multi-city search operation.
The Bombay High Court today (23rd Oct) questioned the Maharashtra Government about police accountability regarding the sexual assault of two minor girls in Badlapur. A guilty officer was identified, with further actions pending. The court also emphasized establishing a committee for children’s safety in schools and scheduled a follow-up hearing in six weeks.
The Supreme Court of India Today (Oct 23), postponed the hearing of multiple petitions that seek the criminalization of marital rape in the country. The hearing, overseen by a Bench composed of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, was deferred after the counsel from both sides laid out the time required for presenting their arguments. According to the submissions made by the lawyers, each side will need at least one full day to make their case. This led the Court to conclude that a judgment cannot be delivered before CJI Chandrachud’s retirement, which is scheduled for November 10, 2024.
Today, On 22nd October, the Supreme Court began hearings on marital rape, examining whether husbands should be exempt from prosecution. Petitioners argue for legal equality for women, challenging existing provisions in Indian law. Advocates highlight that criminalizing marital rape does not threaten marriage, while the government warns of potential negative impacts on marital relationships.
The Bombay High Court Today (Oct 1) denied anticipatory bail to the chairman and secretary of the Badlapur school where two minor girls aged fours years were sexually assaulted by a contract worker. Single-judge Justice RN Laddha passed the order after the two accused moved the High Court against a sessions court order. Court took into account the tender age of the victims, their trauma and also noted that the accused could tamper with evidence or pressurise witnesses.
The Calcutta High Court directed disciplinary action against six police officers for mishandling a sexual assault complaint by an IAS officer’s wife, citing procedural lapses and tampering with the complaint. The case has been transferred to the Deputy Commissioner of Women Police for further investigation.
India’s legal framework provides essential protections for women’s rights related to employment, safety, and domestic life. Key laws include the Equal Remuneration Act, PoSH Act, Maternity Benefit Act, and the Protection from Domestic Violence Act, alongside free legal aid. Women’s awareness of these laws is crucial for empowerment and equality in society.
During the Karnataka High Court hearing, Senior Advocate Prabhuling Navadgi defended Prajwal Revanna, arguing the case relies on the prosecutrix’s statements and questioned the video’s authenticity, citing inconsistencies in her accounts. The prosecution accused Revanna of withholding evidence while the court considers his bail applications linked to multiple rape complaints.
