The Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea challenging rules barring retired NCLT and NCLAT members from practising before these tribunals after retirement, while hearing former NCLAT technical member Vijai Pratap Singh’s challenge against restrictions preventing former members from appearing as advocates or consultants.
The Supreme Court dismissed a journalist’s plea challenging a Delhi High Court order directing removal of social media posts accusing a co-passenger of sexual harassment, observing that publicly identifying someone online could harm reputation and amount to defamation, especially when consequences included suspension from employment.
The Supreme Court declined to entertain a plea challenging the Karnataka government’s decision granting cabinet rank to 42 MLAs and MLCs appointed as heads of boards and corporations, while directing the petitioner to pursue a review petition before the High Court instead of approaching the apex court.
The Supreme Court sought the Central government’s response on a petition challenging the Wetlands Rules, 2017 definition of “wetland,” with petitioners alleging vagueness weakened environmental safeguards for ecologically sensitive areas, while directing the Union government and National Wetlands Committee to respond by August 10.
The Supreme Court sought the Central government’s response on a PIL highlighting large-scale vacancies in the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, including unfilled member and staff posts across benches nationwide, while seeking assistance from Attorney General R Venkataramani in addressing concerns over tribunal functioning.
The Supreme Court issued directions to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to curb illegal sand mining around the National Chambal Sanctuary, stressing protection of ecologically sensitive habitats and endangered wildlife while addressing socio-economic causes behind rampant mining activities in the Chambal region.
The Supreme Court agreed to consider Reliance Industries Limited’s fresh request for conciliation in the Krishna-Godavari Basin gas migration dispute with the Central government, observing that an amicable settlement would be welcomed and the appeal could be disposed of if both sides successfully resolve the matter.
