The Karnataka High Court has stayed the investigation into the Dharmasthala mass burial case after four activists, who initially led the campaign demanding the probe, challenged the legality of the FIR. The court questioned the police’s action and stopped the SIT from summoning them till the next hearing.
Chief Justice of India BR Gavai underscores the significance of the “None of the Above” (NOTA) option, calling it a vital tool for voters to express dissent. He stresses that NOTA strengthens democracy by giving citizens a “meaningful choice and the ability to express dissent.”
The Supreme Court upheld a 3-year suspension of advocate Manoj Kumar Sharma for making scandalous allegations against Priyanka Bansal. The Court also imposed Rs 1 lakh costs and ordered recovery through attachment of his properties.
Chief Justice of India B R Gavai said the Supreme Court’s bulldozer action judgment gave him “immense satisfaction” as it focused on protecting families from arbitrary harassment. He credited Justice K V Viswanathan equally for the landmark ruling that set pan-India guidelines.
The Supreme Court dismissed an NUJS faculty member’s sexual harassment complaint against VC Nirmal Kanti Chakrabarti on limitation grounds but ruled the allegations must remain in his professional record. Judges said, “It is advisable to forgive the wrongdoer, but not to forget the wrongdoing.”
The Supreme Court dismissed a plea against the Rs 229 crore passenger jetty near Gateway of India, upholding the Bombay High Court’s nod with strict conditions. Petitioners had raised heritage and congestion concerns, but the Court favored public interest.
The Supreme Court set aside a man’s death sentence in a minor’s rape-murder case, ruling that Article 32 empowers reopening of sentencing if Manoj guidelines were ignored. The Court stressed that the death penalty process must be “open, thorough and fair.”
The Supreme Court restored SBI’s punishment against a messenger found guilty of bribery, ruling that disciplinary authorities need not give detailed reasons if they agree with the inquiry officer’s findings. This strengthens SBI’s stand on strict anti-corruption measures.
The Supreme Court criticised AIADMK MP C.V. Shanmugam for casting doubts on the Election Commission and abusing court process. It set aside Madras HC’s order on the “Ungaludan Stalin” scheme and ordered him to pay Rs 10 lakh as costs.
The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of a father for raping his minor daughter, quoting Manusmriti to emphasise that the dignity of women is non-negotiable and forms part of India’s constitutional vision, not just cultural tradition.
