The Supreme Court strongly criticised the Maharashtra government for failing to conduct the trial of a 2022 murder case while the accused has remained in custody for over four years. The Court said the State opposed bail but neglected its duty to ensure a timely trial.
The Supreme Court cautioned lawyers against assuming that filing an adjournment slip automatically postpones proceedings. Stressing that only the Bench decides adjournments, the Court directed advocates to remain fully prepared to argue unless an adjournment is expressly granted by the Court.
The Supreme Court allowed withdrawal of an SLP seeking regular bail in an NDPS Act and Arms Act case after making sharp observations on the accused’s criminal antecedents during the hearing, remarking on the petitioner’s extensive criminal history before permitting withdrawal of the plea.
The Supreme Court emphasized that individuals involved in drug trafficking and narcotics-related activities must be dealt with firmly, observing that drug offenders are repeatedly destroying the lives of the country’s youth across generations and posing a serious threat to society and public welfare.
The Supreme Court of India expressed concern over a Delhi High Court ruling allowing law students with attendance shortages to appear in examinations, observing that such interpretation could weaken classroom-based legal education and turn law college hostels into “just boarding and lodging facilities”.
Justice BV Nagarathna questioned whether menstruation being termed a taboo is an objective fact or subjective perception, observing that such views depend on belief systems and that religious understanding should be based on a devotee’s perspective rather than an outsider’s interpretation.
The Supreme Court observed that Mamata Banerjee and All India Trinamool Congress leaders may pursue fresh legal action over West Bengal election results where victory margins were allegedly lower than voters removed during the controversial electoral roll revision exercise.
The Supreme Court refused divorce to a 54-year-old man, asking him to offer permanent alimony instead of avoiding maintenance. The Bench remarked, “₹15,000 is hardly anything these days… Shaanti se baitho, dete raho 15,000, khush raho.”
The Supreme Court expressed serious concern over repeated and unexplained delays in criminal trials in Maharashtra while hearing a 2019 Muthoot Finance dacoity case. The Court noted that only one witness has been examined in nearly seven years and sought an explanation from the State.
Allahabad High Court has ordered DMs across UP to investigate cases where converted individuals are allegedly using SC certificates. The Court warned that such misuse amounts to a “fraud on Constitution” and directed strict action.
