Welcome to the latest edition of India Judiciary Watch! This week’s edition of India Judiciary Watch surveys a dense docket of Supreme Court and High Court activity between 02 and 07 February 2026, spanning electoral disputes, constitutional litigation, service conditions, and regulatory oversight. From the Mamata Banerjee SIR challenge in the Supreme Court to the anti-conversion PIL filed by the National Council of Churches in India, and from the dearness allowance ruling under the West Bengal Services (ROPA) Rules, 2009 to directions anchored in precedents like Lok Prahari v. Union of India and Laxmi v. Union of India, the digest maps how courts are shaping the ground rules of governance and rights across multiple domains.
I. Key Legal Developments:
‘Bengal Is Targeted, We Aren’t Getting Justice’ :Mamata Banerjee Argues In Supreme Court Against SIR
Source: Click Here
Development: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appeared before the Supreme Court to challenge the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, claiming it unfairly focuses on "deletion" rather than "inclusion" and specifically targets women who adopt their husbands' surnames. She argued the SIR was politically motivated ahead of state elections and requested the elections be held using the previous year's electoral rolls. Banerjee also contended the ECI was improperly ignoring the Supreme Court's mandate to accept Aadhaar cards as proof, unlike in other states. The Supreme Court issued notice to the ECI on Banerjee's plea. Separately, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court of "hostility" toward ECI officials in the state and requested the court hear a separate PIL seeking protection for those officials, which the bench agreed to do.
‘Public Interest’: Supreme Court Says Plea To Ban Freebies By Political Parties Will Be Heard By 3-Judge Bench
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court has acknowledged the significant public interest and concern for the fairness of the electoral process raised by a plea seeking to either regulate or ban election freebies promised by political parties. Recognizing the issue's "paramount public importance," the Court indicated that the case, which addresses the impact of increasingly extravagant promises on public finances, will be listed before a larger three-judge bench around March to take up the challenge in due course.
SC Collegium Approves Appointment Of 5 Retired Judges As Ad Hoc Judges Of Allahabad High Court Under Article 224A
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court Collegium, using the power under Article 224A of the Constitution, has appointed five retired judges (Justices Mohd. Faiz Alam Khan, Mohd. Aslam, Syed Aftab Husain Rizvi, Renu Agarwal, and Jyotsna Sharma) as ad hoc judges to the Allahabad High Court for a two-year term. This unprecedented move is aimed at addressing the significant backlog of cases, especially criminal matters, and aligns with the framework set by the Lok Prahari v. Union of India (2021) judgment.
Supreme Court Issues Notices To Centre, 12 States On PIL By Christian Body Against Anti-Conversion Laws
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court has directed the Centre and 12 states, including Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh, to respond within four weeks to a new Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI). The PIL challenges the validity of the states' anti-conversion laws. The Chief Justice of India ordered the plea to be tagged with similar pending petitions for hearing by a three-judge bench. The Christian body argues that some state laws are problematic as they "incentivise vigilante groups to complain," but the Solicitor General counters that the laws' validity is upheld by a prior five-judge Supreme Court judgment. The NGO's plea contends that the laws violate Articles 21 (Protection of Life and Personal Liberty) and 25 (Freedom of Religion) of the Constitution. The Court had previously sought the stand of several states on similar pending pleas in September 2025.
'Punitive Demolitions Persist In UP Despite SC Ban': Allahabad High Court Asks If State Action Is A 'Colourable Exercise' Of Power
Source: Click Here
Development: The Allahabad High Court has strongly criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for the continued practice of "punitive demolitions" of structures immediately following the commission of an offense, despite the Supreme Court's "Bulldozer Justice" ruling. The Court questioned whether this constitutes a colorable exercise of executive power, noting numerous instances where demolition notices were issued right after an offense. This observation was made while hearing a petition from Faimuddeen and others, who feared their properties (a house, a commercial lodge, and a saw mill) in Hamirpur would be demolished after their relative, Aafan Khan, was named in an FIR under various acts, including the U.P. Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act.
You Can't Play With Right To Privacy Of This Country: Supreme Court Slams WhatsApp, Meta Over Privacy Policy
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court of India strongly criticized WhatsApp and Meta over the messaging platform's "take it or leave it" privacy policy, suggesting it could lead to data theft and noting the lack of an opt-out option for Indian users. The Court made these observations during the hearing of WhatsApp's appeal against a ₹213.14 crore penalty imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for its 2021 privacy policy. The Supreme Court has directed WhatsApp to file an affidavit explaining its privacy policy and data sharing activities and has also ordered the Central Government to be made a party to the case.
Jamiat Flags Assam CM's Speech On 'Miyas', Seeks Supreme Court Directions To Regulate Comments By Constitutional Office Holders
Source: Click Here
Development: The Islamic clerics' group Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind has petitioned the Supreme Court to direct constitutional post-holders to refrain from making divisive remarks, specifically citing recent comments by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. In their submission regarding a 2021 hate speech petition, Jamiat highlighted Sarma's January 27, 2026, speech where he allegedly claimed "four to five lakh Miya voters would be removed" after the Special Revision Exercise. Jamiat contends that "Miya" is a derogatory term for Muslims in Assam and is urging the court to establish guidelines to regulate communal speeches by individuals in constitutional positions that target or vilify communities.
Sonam Wangchuk Not In Good Condition: Supreme Court Urges Centre To Review Detention
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court has asked the Central Government to consider reviewing the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act, citing his reported poor health and five months of confinement. The government and Ladakh administration previously told the Court that the detention, justified by Wangchuk's alleged instigation in a border area, followed all procedures. Hearing a challenge to the detention, the Court questioned whether a preventive detention order could be set aside for "non-application of mind," even if subsequent confirmation orders weren't explicitly challenged. The Court stressed that preventive detention discretion must be exercised strictly within "legal parameters," not just based on a subjective "potential threat" perception.
Bank Fraud: Anil Ambani To Not Leave India; Supreme Court Orders ED To Set Up SIT
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court has ordered the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe extensive bank fraud allegations against Reliance Communications (RCOM), its group entities, and Anil Ambani, who is barred from leaving the country without explicit permission. The Court also instructed the CBI to investigate potential collusion by bank officials. The allegations stem from RCOM receiving ₹31,580 crore in loans between 2013 and 2017, with a forensic audit later revealing significant fund diversion, including circular routing and evergreening of loans. The Court noted the State Bank of India (SBI) delayed filing a formal complaint for five years despite receiving the audit report in October 2020. Both the ED and CBI are required to submit status reports within four weeks.
Centre Can Pursue $3.8 Billion Arbitral Award Against Reliance Industries
Source: Click Here
Development: The Delhi High Court allowed the Central Government to appeal a single-judge order that had rejected the enforcement of a $3.8 billion foreign arbitral award against Reliance Industries (RIL). The High Court determined that the dismissal of the enforcement petition constituted a "refusal" under Section 48 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, making it appealable under Section 50. The dispute centers on Production Sharing Contracts for the Panna-Mukta and Tapti oil and gas fields, with the Centre seeking to enforce a 2016 award claiming RIL owes $3.85 billion for excessive cost recovery. The single judge had previously rejected the plea, deeming the award "purely declaratory and inchoate" due to pending issues, such as the Cost Recovery Limit, before the tribunal.
Calcutta HC Directs State To Ensure Safe Convoy To Ministers In Shri Suvendu Adhikari's Plea Alleging Targeted Attacks On Opposition Leaders
Source: Click Here
Development: The Calcutta High Court has directed the State to ensure adequate security for the convoys of political leaders, ministers, and Members of Parliament, based on their entitlements. This directive stems from a petition filed by West Bengal's Leader of Opposition, Shri Suvendu Adhikari, who alleged that opposition leaders faced recurrent, targeted violence and that police officials, under the pretext of "route lining," were orchestrating attacks by sharing movement details. The court, which is hearing an application within a writ petition originally filed in October 2025, has scheduled the next hearing for February 18, 2026, to consider interim relief.
This Ailment Must End: Supreme Court On High Court Judges Delaying Judgments After Concluding Hearings
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court has issued a strong directive to all High Courts to stop the "unacceptable" practice of reserving judgments and failing to deliver or publish them for extended periods, asserting that these delays compromise justice. This action was prompted by a case involving the Jharkhand High Court, which was immediately ordered to release a judgment pronounced in December 2025 but still unpublished. The Supreme Court plans to discuss this issue with all High Court Chief Justices and establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to curb such delays, building on a prior order from November 2025 that required High Courts to submit reports detailing judgment timelines.
Decide Remaining Disqualification Petitions In Three Weeks Or Face Contempt : Supreme Court Warns Telangana Speaker
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court has issued a "last warning" to the Speaker of the Telangana Legislative Assembly, demanding a decision within three weeks on the three remaining disqualification petitions against ten BRS MLAs who defected to the Congress. The Court warned that failure to comply, following the Speaker's earlier non-compliance with a July 31, 2025, three-month deadline, would result in contempt orders. Although seven similar petitions were rejected in December after a previous stern warning, three are still pending.
Pune Porsche Crash: Supreme Court Grants Bail To Three Accused Of Swapping Blood Samples
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court has granted bail to three individuals namely Ashish Mittal, Aditya Sood, and Santosh Gaikwad, accused of tampering with blood samples in the 2024 Pune Porsche crash case. The decision was based on their 18-month incarceration, and the Court noted there were no allegations against the juvenile passenger. While granting conditional bail, the Court also criticized parents who give their children a "free hand." The Bombay High Court had previously denied them bail.
Madras High Court Seeks ECI's Response On Plea By PMK's Shri Ramadoss Regarding Allotment of Mango Symbol
Source: Click Here
Development: The Madras High Court has admitted a writ petition challenging the Election Commission of India's (ECI) decision to allot the "Mango" symbol to a political party's former president. The petitioner alleges the former president fraudulently submitted documents, as their tenure expired on May 28, 2025, and an extension without a general body meeting violates party bylaws. The court has directed the ECI and Tamil Nadu's Chief Electoral Officer to respond within three weeks, and is being asked to quash the ECI's communication dated July 30, 2025, and issue a new one to the current party president.
'Politically Motivated': Sonia Gandhi Opposes Plea For FIR Over Her Inclusion In Voter List Prior To Acquiring Indian Citizenship
Source: Click Here
Development: Congress leader Smt Sonia Gandhi has opposed before a Delhi Court a plea challenging a magisterial Court order refusing to order FIR against her for getting her name added in the electoral rolls of 1980, three years before getting Indian citizenship, allegedly by using forged documents. Gandhi has said that the plea is politically motivated, wholly misconceived, frivolous and abuse of the process of law. The criminal revision petition has been filed by Vikas Tripathi seeking criminal action against Gandhi. He challenged the ACMM order passed on 11th September. In her response, Gandhi has said that the Magisterial Court rightly observed that matters of citizenship fall exclusively under the Central Government's domain while electoral roll disputes are the sole prerogative of the Election Commission of India.
School Moves Madras High Court After State Objects To RSS Camp On Campus
Source: Click Here
Development: Sri Saraswathi Vidyalaya, a private school in Cuddalore, has filed a writ petition in the Madras High Court challenging a show cause notice from the Directorate of School Education. The notice, dated December 30, 2025, was issued after the school permitted an RSS-linked camp on its premises during school holidays. The school is accused of violating Rule 9(jj) of the Tamil Nadu Recognised Private Schools (Regulation) Rules, 1974, which restricts the use of school facilities for drills or training by non-students or non-staff. The school argues the camp was disciplined and did not disrupt academics, and also alleges pressure from local police. The Court has issued notice to the State and the education department, scheduling the next hearing for February 17, 2026.
Delhi Government to SC: Apollo Refusing to Treat Poor, Auction Recommended
Source: Click Here
Development: The Delhi Government informed the Supreme Court of its recommendation to seek fresh bids for the Indraprastha Apollo Hospital's land, building, and equipment, rather than extending its lease, due to the hospital's consistent failure to provide the promised free treatment to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) patients. The hospital was obligated to offer free treatment to 40% of OPD and 33% of IPD patients under a 1988 agreement, but an expert committee found the actual provision to be significantly lower (9-10% for OPD and 7-9% for IPD). The hospital's lease and joint venture agreement have expired. The competent authority has directed the fresh bidding process to be completed within two months, with Indraprastha Medical Corporation Ltd (IMCL) having the first right of refusal. The matter will be heard next on March 19, 2026.
Our Conscience Must Be Satisfied’ : Supreme Court Asks NBEMS To Explain Reasons To Reduce Qualifying Percentile Of NEET-PG 2025
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court has ordered the National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) to file an affidavit justifying its decision to significantly reduce the qualifying cut-off percentiles for NEET-PG 2025-26. The Court is scrutinizing the NBEMS's notice, dated January 13, 2025, which included a drastic reduction for SC/ST/OBC and PwBD candidates lowering the qualifying standard from the 40th percentile (235 marks) to the 0th percentile (minus 40 marks). A petitioner is challenging this reduction as arbitrary, a violation of constitutional rights (Articles 14 and 21), and a compromise to patient safety and the integrity of the medical profession, arguing that lowering standards simply to fill vacant seats abolishes merit.
Kerala High Court Seeks State's Stand In Plea Challenging Appointment Of Ex-CM VS Achuthanandan's Son As IHRD Director
Source: Click Here
Development: The Kerala High Court has sought a response from the State regarding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the appointment of Dr. V.A. Arun Kumar, son of former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthananthan, as the Director In-Charge of the Institute of Human Resources Development (IHRD). The PIL alleges that Dr. Arun’s 1997 appointment as Assistant Director was politically motivated and overlooked a required two-year software consultant experience. The petitioner is requesting the cancellation of 15 marks awarded to Dr. Arun and a new selection process. The court has scheduled the matter for 18th February 2026.Kunal Kamra moves High Court challenging validity of Government’s ‘Sahyog’ portal
Source: Click Here
Development: Comedian Kunal Kamra has legally challenged the amendments to the IT Rules (October 2025), particularly Rule 3(1)(d) and the Sahyog Portal, arguing they are unconstitutional for allowing vague and arbitrary content takedowns that violate free speech. Kamra is seeking the suspension of the Sahyog Portal. Separately, a Maharashtra Legislature committee clarified that legislator Sushma Andhare, not Kamra, requested the adjournment of the breach of privilege proceedings against him. The next hearing for this matter is set for 17th February, 2026.Supreme Court Questions UP Police For Not Invoking Hate Crime Offences In FIR Over Attack On Muslim Cleric In Noida
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court questioned the State of Uttar Pradesh for not invoking sections like 153B and 295A of the Indian Penal Code in a 2021 hate crime FIR lodged by a Muslim cleric. While the petitioner's counsel argued for broadening the case to address frequent nationwide hate incidents, the bench refused, limiting the scope to the individual incident due to a lack of broader empirical evidence. The case is currently pending.
SC Mediation Panel Writes To States, Urges ‘Serious Attempts’ To Resolve Cases Involving Govts
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court's Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee has launched the 2nd "Mediation for the Nation" drive, directing state governments to prioritize the settlement of cases involving them. States are required to form teams of senior officers (from home, labour, and land acquisition departments) to identify and actively settle various disputes, including criminal compoundable cases, labour disputes, and land acquisition matters. The drive involves screening approximately 2.3 crore pending cases for mediation suitability. High Courts are authorized to circulate guidelines, appoint subject experts as mediators, and secure additional mediation space if needed.
Madras High Court Mulls Setting Up SIT To Probe Fake Certificate Issued For Petrol Bunk
Source: Click Here
Development: The Madras High Court is considering forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the fraudulent issuance of No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for petrol bunk licenses. The Court has called for the Additional Director General of Police, CB-CID, to finalize the SIT's constitution. A petition has requested the cancellation of Final Explosive Licenses granted to Indian Oil Corporation and Nayara Energy Limited, which were allegedly obtained using these forged NOCs, with the petitioner claiming beneficiaries were complicit. The Court has criticized the slow progress of the investigation, noting that while charge sheets have been filed in some district cases, many beneficiaries in pending Chennai cases with strong evidence against them have not yet been named as accused.
Supreme Court Cautions High Courts Against Interfering In Elections Mid-Process
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court has issued a strong advisory to High Courts, urging them to refrain from interfering with the election process. The Court stressed that constitutional judicial bodies must be mindful of the greater public good in ensuring elections proceed smoothly and without interruption, and therefore must avoid granting overly generous interim reliefs to individual petitioners.
None can claim copyright over anti-Hindi agitations, Parasakthi producers tell Madras High Court
Source: Click Here
Development: The producer of the Tamil film Parasakthi is currently defending the movie in the Madras High Court against plagiarism claims. Scriptwriter Varun Rajendran is seeking to stop the film's OTT release, alleging it plagiarizes his 2010 registered script, Chemmozhi, and demanding credit. In its defense, the producer argued that no individual can claim copyright over historical events such as the anti-Hindi agitations in Tamil Nadu, which the film addresses.
Supreme Court Directs States/Union Territories To Release Pending Compensation To Acid Attack Victims By 10th March, 2026
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court has ordered all states and Union Territories to immediately release funds for compensating acid attack victims whose applications have been approved. This directive addresses the non-implementation of previous compensation orders due to the failure of governments to release the necessary funds. The order was issued during the hearing of a PIL seeking strict adherence to the Laxmi v. Union of India guidelines, which mandate a minimum compensation of ₹3,00,000 for acid attack victims through the Victim Compensation Schemes.
Supreme Court Raises Concerns Over High Courts Delaying Decision In Bail Pleas, Asks HCs To Submit Details Of Pending Matters
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court, concerned about the persistent backlog in High Courts regarding bail petition disposal, has issued a directive to all Registrar Generals. They are required to submit comprehensive data on all bail applications filed since January 1, 2025, as well as older petitions and those seeking sentence suspension, detailing filing, decision, and next hearing dates. The Court noted that delays are a recurring issue, specifically citing the Patna High Court's lack of urgent listing procedures, and that the situation has not improved since the Anna Waman Bhalerao case. Consequently, High Court Chief Justices are urged to re-examine rosters and increase benches for bail matters, and state agencies are instructed to cooperate, including allowing investigating officers to appear online for speedy disposal.
Ensure Continuous Drinking Water Supply To Residents Of West Kochi: Kerala High Court
Source: Click Here
Development: The Kerala High Court is hearing a Public Interest Litigation regarding a severe shortage of drinking water in West Kochi, Chellanam, Kumbalangi, and parts of Kochi Municipal Corporation. The petitioner is seeking court orders for the Kerala Water Authority officials to ensure a proper water supply and to install flow meters to manage and prevent water diversion. The Court has given the respondents two weeks to file affidavits detailing the measures taken to secure the water supply and hopes for continuous service to the affected areas. The next hearing is on February 19, 2026.
A Maharashtra Court Built For Adivasi Justice Had No Judge, Twice, Until Supreme Court Noticed
Source: Click Here
Development: The Aheri Sessions Court in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, established in 2023 to serve Maoist-affected Adivasi villages, has suffered from significant judicial vacancies, including 22 days in January 2026 and nearly three months in 2025. These vacancies have stalled trials, affected pending bail applications such as the 2016 Surendra Gadling arson case—and resulted in over 200 pending undertrial cases. The crisis escalated to the Supreme Court on January 21, 2026, which directed the Bombay High Court to appoint a judge within seven days, leading to an appointment two days later. The prolonged vacancies also forced lawyers to undertake a 120 km journey to Gadchiroli for hearings.
Delhi High Court Tells ED To Verify Grounds Of Interim Bail Granted To Former Jaypee CMD Manoj Gaur
Source: Click Here
Development: The Delhi High Court extended the interim bail of Manoj Gaur, former CMD of Jaypee Infratech Ltd., for 10 days, subject to strict conditions prohibiting any business, banking, or property transfer/creation of third-party rights. This decision came while the High Court was considering the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) challenge to a previous 14-day interim bail granted by a lower court based on the 92-year-old mother's health, which the ED was directed to verify. Gaur was arrested on November 13, 2025, for an alleged ₹13,000 crore diversion of homebuyer funds, and his counsel argued that the PMLA's twin conditions do not apply to interim bail, despite the trial court rejecting the ED's offer of custody parole.
Delhi Court Summons Ragini Nayak, Pawan Khera And Jairam Ramesh In Shri Rajat Sharma Defamation Case
Source: Click Here
Development: A Delhi Court has summoned Congress leaders Ragini Nayak, Pawan Khera, and Jairam Ramesh to stand trial for forgery and defamation. The charges were filed in a criminal complaint by journalist Rajat Sharma, who alleges they circulated an intentionally tampered video from a 2024 TV debate. The court proceeded after a forensic report indicated post-production alterations and found prima facie evidence that the accused "intentionally harmed his reputation" through coordinated social media posts.
Disturbing: Supreme Court Flags 7-Year Delay In Murder Trial, Summons J&K Home Secretary
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court expressed "grave concern" and called a seven-year delay in a Jammu & Kashmir murder trial a "serious failure" by the prosecuting agency. The court noted the examination of only seven witnesses and no progress in the last 82 hearings. In response, the Court granted the accused interim bail, summoned the J&K Home Secretary, and ordered data submission on all criminal trials in which undertrial prisoners have been incarcerated for five years or more.
Temple Land Grab Case: Telangana HC Denies Relief
Source: Click Here
Development: The Telangana High Court declined to provide immediate relief to eleven Saidabad families challenging an Endowments Tribunal order that declared them encroachers on land belonging to the Sri Bansuri Krishna Mandir at Karmanghat and mandated their eviction. The Court opted to adjourn the matter, directing the endowments department to file its counter-affidavits within four weeks. Consequently, the tribunal's finding of encroachment and the eviction order remain subject to challenge.
Supreme Court Slams ‘Acting DGP’ Culture, Asks UPSC To Approach Court If States Delay DGP Appointments
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court criticized State Governments for frequently appointing 'acting' Directors General of Police (DGPs) instead of following the guidelines set in the Prakash Singh case. To address this, the Court empowered the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to demand timely proposals for regular DGP appointments from the States. The Court also mandated that if States fail to submit names, the UPSC must inform the Court for accountability. Additionally, the Court instructed the UPSC to proceed with the selection process for Telangana's DGP, a position that has lacked a regular incumbent since 2017.
Calcutta High Court Refuses To Quash Criminal Case Over Alleged Illegal Filling Of Ponds For University Project
Source: Click Here
Development: The Calcutta High Court dismissed a revisional application by prominent scientist Dr. Pradip Kumar Ghosh to quash criminal proceedings against him. The case stems from a February 2014 complaint alleging that Ghosh illegally filled two ponds at the Ramkrishna Vivekananda Mission campus in Agarpara without necessary permissions. Ghosh argued the legal action was initiated out of malice following a change in Mission leadership, claiming authorization via a 2013 MoU for a university project. However, the Court rejected his arguments, stating the allegations involve disputed questions of fact that require a full trial for alleged violations of the West Bengal Inland Fisheries Act, 1984, and the West Bengal Land Reforms Act, 1955.
Sabarimala Gold Theft: Kerala Court Grants Bail To Prime Accused Unnikrishnan Potti
Source: Click Here
Development: Unnikrishnan Potti, the main accused in the Sabarimala gold misappropriation case, was granted statutory bail by a vigilance Court because the Special Investigation Team (SIT) failed to file a chargesheet within the mandated 90-day period. This is the second time Potti has received statutory bail in related cases concerning the alleged theft of nearly 4 kg of gold, which he purportedly stole by securing permission for repair works through corrupt Travancore Devaswom Board officials. Potti was arrested in October 2025 and booked under various sections of the IPC and the PC Act, with the SIT successfully recovering gold from his sister's residence. A parallel money laundering investigation is also being conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Trial Courts Must Record Offer Of Free Legal Aid To Accused Before Examination Of Witnesses : Supreme Court
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court has mandated that all High Courts must instruct trial courts to inform every accused person of their right to free legal aid if they cannot afford a lawyer. Furthermore, the accused's response to this offer must be officially recorded. This directive arose from a case where the Supreme Court granted bail to an appellant-accused under the NDPS Act, noting that the trial court's failure to provide counsel deprived the appellant of the chance to cross-examine prosecution witnesses.
Supreme Court Refers Plea Challenging Chhattisgarh Bar Council Elections To Justice Dhulia Committee
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court has referred allegations of malpractices, including corrupt practices and 'horse trading,' in the September 2025 Chhattisgarh State Bar Council elections to the High Powered Supervisory Committee (HPSC), led by Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, for inquiry. The decision was made while addressing a transfer petition by the Bar Council of India (BCI) to move the related writ petition from the High Court to the Supreme Court. Both parties agreed to the HPSC's involvement, and the Supreme Court has also authorized Justice Dhulia to take appropriate action against those found liable for corrupt practices in the past elections.
High Court Seeks Police Response On Accused Plea Seeking Bail In Delhi Riots Larger Conspiracy Case
Source: Click Here
Development: The Delhi High Court has sought a response and status reports from the Delhi Police regarding the bail pleas of Athar Khan and Saleem Malik, accused in the 2020 North-East Delhi riots conspiracy case. The accused are challenging a January 29th trial court order denying them bail under the UAPA. Counsel for Saleem Malik argued his allegations are identical to those of recently bailed co-accused Salim Khan and Shadab Ahmed. The High Court also called for the trial court record and stressed that no adjournment would be granted at the next hearing.
‘Will Complete Installation Of CCTV Cameras By 24th February 2026’: Jadavpur University Tells Calcutta High Court
Source: Click Here
Development: Jadavpur University informed the Calcutta High Court that Webel Technologies will install CCTV cameras on its campus within 17 days, guaranteeing completion before the next hearing on February 24th, 2026. The delay was attributed to Webel acquiring the high-end cameras recommended by the Supreme Court. The matter of slow installation progress was raised during a hearing about campus security following an alleged attack on State Education Minister Bratya Basu.
Allahabad High Court Bar Association opposes proposal to work on two Saturdays a month
Source: Click Here
Development: The Allahabad High Court Bar Association has strongly opposed the proposal for High Courts to hold sessions on two Saturdays a month. They argue that these weekend sittings would overburden lawyers, judges, and staff, taking away time crucial for case preparation and judgment writing. The Association rejects the view that linking case pendency to the number of working days is a flawed "corporate-style" approach and is urging other Bar Associations to pass resolutions against the proposal and send them to the Supreme Court, High Courts, and the Union Law Minister.
POCSO Act Ignores 'Adolescent Autonomy': Rajasthan High Court Suggests Govt To Exempt Consensual Relationships Of Young Adults
Source: Click Here
Development: The Rajasthan High Court has urged the Central government to review the POCSO Act, arguing that its current statutory framework, while aiming to protect children, is often misaligned with the sociological reality of consensual adolescent relationships, particularly among 16-to-19-year-olds ("Romeo-Juliet" cases). The Court highlighted that the Act's rigid, age-based application fails to differentiate between predatory exploitation and consensual relationships where predatory intent is absent. The judgment specifically suggested introducing an exemption clause for cases where the ages of the alleged perpetrator and victim are in close proximity.
Can Persons Discharged From Criminal Case Seek Deletion Of Past News Reports? Supreme Court To Examine
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court is set to examine the "right to be forgotten," specifically whether an individual acquitted of a crime can demand the removal or de-indexing of accurate past news reports about their case from the internet. The Court is hearing an appeal by Indian Express against a Delhi High Court order that mandated the removal of several news reports. While the Supreme Court stayed the takedown order, it allowed the underlying civil defamation suit to proceed. The core issue will be balancing the right to be forgotten with fundamental principles like press freedom, open court proceedings, and established privacy law precedents.
Supreme Court Directs Delhi Police To Bring Lawyer Who Made Allegations Against Judges
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court, during a hearing on the Supreme Court Bar Association's functioning, ordered the Delhi Police Commissioner to ensure the personal presence of advocate Mukut Nath Verma at the next hearing, authorizing the use of lawful coercive measures if existing bailable warrants could not be served. Furthermore, the Court directed that all reform proposals for bar body governance, including suggestions for enhanced representation for women and persons with disabilities, must be collected and presented in a tabulated form for review at the subsequent hearing.
Jammu And Kashmir High Court Stays Defamation Case Against Makers Of Film Article 370
Source: Click Here
Development: The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has temporarily stayed the criminal defamation proceedings against the creators of the film "Article 370." The stay was granted because the trial court allegedly failed to follow the mandatory procedure under Section 223(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, specifically by not examining the complainant or witnesses under oath before issuing summons. The High Court has sought a response from the complainant, and the defamation case will remain stayed until the next hearing on March 23rd, 2026.Quasi-Judicial Authorities Lack Review Power Unless Statutorily Empowered : Supreme Court
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court overturned a Calcutta High Court decision regarding a land dispute under the West Bengal Estates Acquisition Act, 1953. The case involved a Revenue Officer who illegally reopened and reviewed his earlier decision vesting land in the State, subsequently transferring it to a private company (Jai Hind Pvt. Ltd.) based on an executive direction from a State Minister citing economic and industrial use. The Supreme Court ruled this transfer impermissible, asserting a critical legal principle: quasi-judicial authorities cannot exercise review jurisdiction unless explicitly granted by statute. Consequently, the Revenue Officer’s review and the subsequent vesting of land to the private company were deemed illegal.File better affidavit on filling vacancies in Minorities Commission: Delhi HC to Centre
Source: Click Here
Development: The Delhi High Court has directed the Central Government to file a more detailed affidavit regarding the appointment of members to the non-functional National Commission for Minorities (NCM). The Court found the previous report by the Ministry of Minority Affairs "absolutely bald and vague," as it lacked details on when the appointment process began and its current stage. The Court, which first raised concerns in January 2026, gave the Centre two weeks to submit the improved affidavit, with the next hearing scheduled for February 26, 2026. The matter is being addressed as part of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging the government's failure to fill all seven key positions has "completely and systematically incapacitated" the NCM.SC agrees to examine Himachal Government's plea for withdrawal of cases against MPs, MLAs
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court has taken up the Himachal Pradesh Government's appeal challenging a High Court decision. The High Court had refused to permit the withdrawal of 45 out of 65 criminal cases against various MPs and MLAs, many of which are linked to Covid-era protests. Citing the Supreme Court's 2020 judgment, the High Court's order on April 26, 2024, emphasized that judicial approval is mandatory for withdrawals, and such actions must serve the public interest rather than political motives. The Supreme Court has issued a notice and scheduled the matter for a hearing on March 16th.
II. Details Of Important Cases
A. Supreme Court
DA Must Be As Per Formula In Rules : Supreme Court Directs To Refix Dearness Allowance Of Bengal Employees For 2008-19
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Supreme Court recently ruled that West Bengal Government employees are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA) for the 2008-2019 period. The DA must be calculated based on the West Bengal Services (Revision of Pay and Allowances) Rules, 2009 (ROPA 2009), which mandates the use of the All-India Consumer Price Index. The Court asserted that the State could not alter this statutory calculation method with office memoranda. While the Supreme Court partially upheld the Calcutta High Court’s directive to pay DA based on the All-India Consumer Price Index as prescribed by ROPA 2009, it partially allowed the State’s appeals by holding that the employees are not entitled to receive DA twice a year.
If People Reject, You Approach Judicial Forum' : Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain Plea Of Shri Prashant Kishor's Party Against Bihar Elections
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Supreme Court declined to hear a writ petition filed by Shri Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party challenging the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections and seeking their annulment, deeming it a "composite election petition" requiring an "omnibus" order. The Chief Justice of India, Kant, stated that the proper recourse for specific allegations of corrupt election practices is to file individual election petitions for each constituency, as mandated by law. The petitioner was ultimately permitted to withdraw the petition with the liberty to approach the Bihar High Court, which the Supreme Court indicated was the more suitable forum for such disputes. The petition had also sought a declaration that the inclusion of new beneficiaries in a cash transfer scheme during the Model Code of Conduct was illegal, though setting aside the entire election was its primary prayer.
Supreme Court Orders Constitution Of Tribunal To Settle Pennaiyar River Water Dispute Between Tamil Nadu And Karnataka
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Supreme Court has ordered the Union Government to form an inter-state water dispute tribunal within one month to resolve the Pennaiyar River conflict between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The dispute originated from a 2018 suit filed by Tamil Nadu, which alleges that Karnataka's upstream decisions have reduced water flow downstream. This decision comes after Tamil Nadu rejected the Centre's proposal for a resolution through ministerial meetings and following the Court's previous criticism of delays in the negotiation process.
Six Years On, Supreme Court Remands Flipkart-CCI Abuse Of Dominance Dispute To NCLAT
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Supreme Court has overturned a March 2020 NCLAT decision that had ordered a probe into abuse of dominance allegations against Flipkart. The Court has sent the matter back to the NCLAT for a fresh, independent review. The ruling specified that the NCLAT must exclude "legally relevant" material, particularly previous income tax proceedings that were later annulled and seemed to have influenced the earlier NCLAT decision. The appellate tribunal will now re-examine the core issue of whether a CCI investigation is warranted, with all issues left open for the parties to argue anew.
Supreme Court Grants Bail To Former Punjab Minister Bikram Singh Majithia In Corruption Case
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Supreme Court has granted bail to Shiromani Akali Dal leader Shri Bikram Singh Majithia in a corruption case. The case, registered by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, alleges the accumulation of over ₹ 540 crores in disproportionate assets during his tenure as an MLA and Cabinet Minister in Punjab between 2007 and 2017. Majithia, who had been in custody for seven months and had previously had his bail plea dismissed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, had challenged that High Court order. The Supreme Court's order allows the prosecution to seek the imposition of stringent conditions before the trial Court.
Supreme Court Lifts Ban On Anurag Thakur From Holding BCCI Office
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Supreme Court has lifted the 2017 ban on BJP Leader Shri Anurag Thakur that prevented him from holding office in the BCCI. The original ban was imposed because Thakur, as BCCI President, refused to implement the Lodha panel reforms. In the current ruling, the Court considered Thakur's unconditional apology and the argument that the nine-year duration of the ban was causing hardship. Applying the principle of proportionality and noting the restriction wasn't intended to be lifelong, the Court recalled the ban, allowing Thakur to participate in BCCI affairs again.
Supreme Court Quashes Madras High Court’s Late Evening Stay On Laws That Got Governor’s Deemed Assent
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Supreme Court nullified an interim order by the Madras High Court that had stayed Tamil Nadu's amendments transferring the power to appoint Vice-Chancellors from the Governor to the State Government. The Supreme Court's decision was procedural, stating the High Court acted without hearing the State. Consequently, the Supreme Court quashed the stay and sent the challenge back to the High Court for a fresh decision after hearing all parties expeditiously. The original case arose after the Tamil Nadu government enacted several Bills, including this amendment, as "deemed to have been assented" to following a Supreme Court ruling on Governors' powers.
High Court Stopped You From Committing Bigger Fraud: Supreme Court Refuses To Lift Stay On Maharashtra Cricket Body Polls
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Supreme Court upheld the Bombay High Court's stay on the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Apex Council elections. The High Court had halted the polls due to "large-scale induction of new members" just before the elections, which "raised serious questions of legality, fairness and transparency." The Supreme Court stated the High Court prevented the association from "committing bigger fraud" and directed the MCA to present its case back to the High Court, where the matter is pending. The High Court's initial decision followed petitions from figures including former Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav.
Supreme Court Asks Telangana High Court To Reconsider Shaadi.Com Founder’s Plea To Quash Cheating Case Over Fraud User
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court has directed the Telangana High Court to rehear a petition filed by Shaadi.com founder Anupam Mittal, who is seeking to quash a criminal case against him. The case was filed after a woman was allegedly defrauded by a man whose details the matrimonial platform failed to verify. The Supreme Court set aside the High Court's previous order, noting it didn't consider the merits of Mittal's plea. The Court also granted Mittal eight weeks of interim protection from coercive action while the High Court reconsiders the matter.
Supreme Court Junks Plea Against Kerala PSC Policy Accepting Higher Qualifications For Junior Nurse Post
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Supreme Court has affirmed the Kerala Public Service Commission's (KPSC) policy of allowing candidates with qualifications superior to the prescribed minimum to be eligible for a post. The ruling dismisses an appeal and upholds the decisions of the Kerala High Court and Administrative Tribunal. The case centered on a candidate for Junior Public Health Nurse Grade II who possessed a superior Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) instead of the required Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM) certificate. After initial rejection by the KPSC, the courts ruled her GNM qualification met the eligibility criteria.
Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail To Former Chhattisgarh Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma In Liquor Scam Cases
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Supreme Court granted interim bail to Kawasi Lakhma, a sitting Congress MLA and former Chhattisgarh minister, in two related cases stemming from the Chhattisgarh liquor scam: one under the Prevention of Corruption Act and a connected money laundering case. The Court considered his period of incarceration (since January 15, 2025) and the low likelihood of an early trial conclusion. The Court noted that the Speaker of the Assembly would decide on his requirement to attend Assembly meetings.
Vivek Tankha Withdraws Defamation Case Against Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan After They Settled The Matter
Source: Click Here
Development: Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Congress MP Shri Vivek Tankha have settled a criminal defamation case outside of court, leading to its withdrawal by Mr. Tankha. The case, filed in 2024 by Vivek Tankha, stemmed from allegations that Shri Shivraj Chouhan, along with BJP MP Shri Vishnu Datt Sharma and MLA Shri Bhoopendra Singh, had defamed him regarding a Supreme Court matter concerning the State Panchayat elections.
Citing Franz Kafka, Delhi High Court Orders Premature Release Of Former President’s Bodyguard Convicted In Gang Rape Case
Source: Click Here
Development: The Delhi High Court ordered the immediate, premature release of a former President's Bodyguard, who was serving a life sentence for a 2003 robbery and gang rape, after criticizing the Sentence Review Board (SRB) and other authorities for repeatedly and arbitrarily denying his release. The Court found the rejection orders lacked a reasoned analysis, calling the bureaucratic opacity "Kafkaesque." The convict's release was based on his good conduct and completion of reformative programs during his over two decades of incarceration, and was directed immediately, subject to final verifications.
Supreme Court Upholds Telangana High Court Quashing Of Free Land Allotment To IAMC Hyderabad
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Supreme Court dismissed the International Arbitration and Mediation Centre's (IAMC) appeal, upholding the Telangana High Court's decision to quash the free allotment of 3.70 acres of prime government land to IAMC. The Supreme Court agreed with the High Court's finding that the free allotment violated rules requiring alienation of state land to private bodies to be at market value. However, the Supreme Court did not interfere with the separate government decisions to grant IAMC ₹3 crore in financial aid and direct government departments to refer high-value disputes to the Centre for arbitration.
Supreme Court Upholds 2023 Election Of Karnataka Congress MLA K Y Nanjegowda, Notes He’s Winner Even After Recount
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Supreme Court upheld the 2023 election victory of Congress MLA Shri K Y Nanjegowda from the Malur constituency, overturning a September 2025 Karnataka High Court judgment that had annulled his win. The High Court's decision followed an election petition alleging irregularities, which resulted in a court-ordered recount. The Supreme Court's ruling confirmed the recount results, which showed Nanjegowda winning by a 250-vote margin (50,957 votes to the BJP candidate's 50,707), thereby validating his election.
Supreme Court Upholds NCLAT Order Directing NBCC To Complete Stalled Supertech Housing Projects
Source: Click Here
Development: The Supreme Court has upheld an NCLAT order directing NBCC to complete 16 stalled Supertech Limited housing projects, affecting 51,000 homebuyers. The Court, invoking Article 142, prioritized homebuyers’ interests, mandating that construction and possession must be delivered before any creditor dues are settled. The project completion, guided by an NCLAT expert committee and a 12-to-36-month roadmap, will be funded by the sale of unsold inventory and receivables, with no extra cost to the homebuyers. Third-party audits will ensure quality.
Supreme Court Directs Trial Courts To Inform Accused Of Right To Legal Aid Before Recording Evidence
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Supreme Court, while hearing a bail appeal in an NDPS case, issued a mandatory, nationwide directive for all trial courts. Before starting witness examination, courts must inform every accused person of their right to legal representation, including free legal aid. The court’s order must formally record this offer, the accused’s response, and any resulting action, ensuring that a lack of legal assistance does not prejudice the accused.
B. Delhi High Court
Labour Code Rules To Be Finalized By February End: Centre Tells Delhi High Court
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Delhi High Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the enforcement of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, after the Central Government assured the court that the necessary rules would be finalized by the end of February. The Solicitor General also confirmed that the existing labour tribunals would continue operating until the new statutory bodies under the Code are established. The PIL had contended that the new code's notification without the necessary rules and tribunals had paralyzed the previous adjudicatory mechanism.
C. Kerala High Court
Kerala High Court Orders Closure Of Unrecognised School Teaching Quran-Related Subjects
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Kerala High Court has ordered the closure of Ma’din Knowledge Garden Public School in Thrissur for operating illegally without the required State recognition under the Right to Education Act, 2009. The school, which provided Quran-based religious instruction to around 300 pre-schoolers, was found to be in violation of the statutory obligations, and its reliance on NIOS or other accreditations was insufficient. The Court has allowed the school to operate only for the rest of the 2025–26 academic year to facilitate alternative arrangements for its students.
Marriage to Victim: Kerala HC Quashes POCSO Case Against Youth
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Kerala High Court dismissed a POCSO case against a 23-year-old man accused of sexual assault, as he married the victim after she reached the age of majority. The ruling was based on a petition filed under Section 482 CrPC and an affidavit from the now-adult victim, who requested the case be quashed. The Court noted that the couple is reportedly living happily and emphasized precedents stating that continued criminal proceedings would negatively impact the lives of the couple.
Infructuous': Kerala High Court Dismisses Expelled CPI(M) Leader's Plea For Police Protection To Release Book On Fund Mismanagement By Party
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Kerala High Court has dismissed as infructuous a plea for police protection filed by expelled CPI(M) leader Shri Kunhikrishnan V. The plea was originally sought for the release of his book, “Nethruthwathe Anigal Thiruthanam,” which allegedly exposes irregularities in party funds by certain CPI(M) leaders, including Payyanur MLA Shri Madhusoodhanan T.I. The book release event, scheduled for 5 p.m. on February 2, 2026, at Gandhi Park in Payyannur, Kannur, has already taken place. The Court dismissed the plea after Kunhikrishnan’s counsel submitted that the matter had become infructuous. Notably, the Court had issued a directive last week to the police to ensure adequate protection for Kunhikrishnan’s life, including security for the book release event.
D. Allahabad High Court
Allahabad High Court Orders Consortium Of NLUs To Revise Clat-2026 Merit List
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Allahabad High Court directed the Consortium of National Law Universities to revise and republish the CLAT-2026 merit list within one month. This decision was based on the court's finding that two options for a disputed question were correct and that the oversight committee had illegally overruled the expert committee's view. The court mandated revised marks for the question across all booklets after dismissing the Consortium's challenge to territorial jurisdiction. The order stipulated that admissions already made after the first round of counselling should not be disturbed.
Allahabad High Court Orders Release Of Wiztown Director In Noida Techie Death
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Allahabad High Court ordered the immediate release of Abhay Kumar, director of MZ Wiztown Planners, ruling his arrest in the Noida techie drowning case was illegal. The Court found that police failed to comply with Clause 13 of the arrest memo by not informing Kumar of the grounds for his arrest or providing him with a copy of the memo before taking him into custody, leading to the quashing of his judicial remand orders. The case relates to the death of 27-year-old software engineer Yuvraj Mehta, whose car drowned in a water-filled trench at an undeveloped site in Noida’s Sector 150, which had reportedly been under Wiztown’s control.
E. Patna High Court
Patna High Court Quashes Cognizance Order Against State Minister Santosh Manjhi In 2017 FIR Over Road Blockade, Assault In Bodh Gaya
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Patna High Court has granted relief to Santosh Manjhi, Bihar’s cabinet minister of Minor Water Resources, in a 2017 case from Bodh Gaya involving a road blockade, alleged assault on a police official, and eve-teasing. Manjhi, the son of former Chief Minister Shri Jitin Manjhi, had challenged a 2021 order from the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Gaya, which took cognizance of various offenses against him, including rioting. His legal counsel argued that the Minister was falsely implicated due to political rivalry and that the cognizance order was legally unsound due to a lack of supporting evidence and improper judicial application of mind.
F. Jharkhand High Court
Every Discrepant Statement During Campaign Is Not 'Corrupt Practice': Jharkhand HC Upholds Election Of Chandradeo Mahato In 2024 Polls
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Jharkhand High Court, on February 3, 2026, upheld the election of Shri Chandradeo Mahato from the Sindri Assembly Constituency. The court ruled that an election campaign discrepancy does not automatically equate to a ‘corrupt practice’ unless it was “reasonably calculated to prejudice the prospects” of other candidates by misleading voters. The judgment emphasized that an election can only be declared void based on the specific grounds in Section 100 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, requiring the petitioner to plead and substantiate that any alleged non-compliance “materially affected the result of the election” or constituted a corrupt practice.
G. Karnataka High Court
Police Can’t Bar Public Speech On Whims And Fancies: Karnataka HC Quashes Notices Barring Two Speakers At Hindu Sammelana
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Karnataka High Court quashed police notices that sought to restrict speakers Harika Manjunath and Mithun Chakravarthy Devidas Shet (Chakravarthy Sulibeli) from participating in Hindu Sammelana events in Belagavi. The Court ruled that police cannot curtail fundamental rights like freedom of speech and assembly based on mere speculation (”whims and fancies”) or simply because past criminal cases were registered against the speakers. The judgment stressed that the registration of cases alone is insufficient grounds for prohibition and directed the police to re-evaluate the permission requests strictly adhering to the Karnataka Police Act, constitutional safeguards, and the proportionality standard set in the Anuradha Bhasin judgment.
H. Madras High Court
Madras High Court Dismisses Plea By Actor Vijay Challenging 1.5 Crore Income Tax Penalty
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Madras High Court dismissed Actor Vijay's challenge against a ₹ 1.5 crore penalty imposed by the Income Tax Department, which was related to ₹ 15 crore in undisclosed income for the financial year 2015-16, following a search in September 2015. The Court upheld the penalty proceedings, specifically confirming that the show cause notice issued in December 2018 was within the two-year limitation period under Section 263 of the Income Tax Act. The Court declined to examine other arguments but granted Vijay the liberty to appeal the penalty order to the appellate tribunal on grounds other than the limitation issue.
I. Other Tribunal & District Orders
Competition Commission Of India Orders Probe Into Indigo Over Flight Cancellations, Fare Surge
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered a detailed investigation into IndiGo Airlines for alleged abuse of dominance following large-scale flight cancellations and fare increases in early December 2025. The CCI noted that the airline cancelled 2,507 and delayed 1,852 flights over three days, affecting over 300,000 passengers with few alternatives. The Commission rejected IndiGo's argument of limited jurisdiction, asserting that sectoral regulation does not prevent competition scrutiny. Citing IndiGo's 60–63% market share and sole operator status on many routes, the CCI found a preliminary case of dominance and directed its Director General to complete the probe within 90 days.
Mumbai Court Closes Proceedings Against DHFL In Yes Bank PMLA Case
Source: Click Here
Verdict: A Mumbai PMLA Court has granted immunity to Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Limited (DHFL), now Piramal Capital and Housing Finance, in the Yes Bank–DHFL money laundering case. The court closed proceedings against the company under Section 32A of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, which provides a "clean break" for pre-CIRP offences after a resolution plan is approved. However, the ruling clarified that former promoters, officers, and other individuals allegedly involved will still face prosecution despite the company's discharge.
NCLAT Upholds CCI Decision To Close Abuse Of Dominance Case Against NSE Over Co-Location Services
Source: Click Here
Verdict: The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) upheld the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) 2021 decision to close an abuse of dominance case against the National Stock Exchange (NSE) regarding its co-location services. The NCLAT ruled that there was no prima facie case for an investigation, concluding that providing co-location facilities and choosing a specific technology did not constitute anti-competitive conduct or abuse of dominance, especially since there was no evidence of fraud or collusion and the services had regulatory recognition.
Delhi Court Upholds Order Framing Charges Against Alka Lamba For Assault On Police
Source: Click Here
Verdict: A Delhi Sessions Court dismissed a revision plea by Congress leader Alka Lamba, upholding a Magistrate's order to frame charges against her. The charges stem from an alleged assault on police and obstruction of public servants during a pre-2024 Lok Sabha election protest at Jantar Mantar demanding women's reservation. The court found no error in the initial order, rejecting Lamba's claim of a peaceful protest, and maintained the charges related to using criminal force, disobedience of prohibitory orders, and blocking a public way.
IV. Appointments, Collegium Recommendations, And Transfers Section :
Across proceedings such as the DA refixation verdict for West Bengal employees, the forthcoming tribunal in the Pennaiyar river dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and the Supreme Court’s insistence on recorded legal-aid offers in criminal trials, the judiciary engaged with the mechanics of elections, the limits of executive discretion, and access to welfare and public services. Taken together with interventions on issues like CLAT‑2026 revaluation and the review of preventive detention in cases like Sonam Wangchuk’s NSA custody, the week’s developments offer a consolidated view of how ongoing litigation is recalibrating the relationship between citizen, state, and market in contemporary India’s legal landscape.