Welcome to the latest edition of India Judiciary Watch! Between 2–7 March 2026, courts across India delivered a series of significant decisions and directions touching on insolvency law, consumer remedies, data protection, temple administration, and public accountability. The Supreme Court, for instance, clarified that homebuyers who choose to proceed under RERA cannot simultaneously pursue the same dispute before consumer forums, streamlining the dispute-resolution landscape. In another key development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court acquitted Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in the journalist Chhatrapati murder case, while separate sentences in other matters continue to operate. High Courts in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu also passed important orders on issues such as financial discipline in religious boards and the proper administration of major temples, reinforcing the themes of transparency and institutional responsibility.
I. Key Legal Developments
Courts Must Not View Every Development Project As Suspect Due To Environmental Concerns: CJI Surya Kant
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Development: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, during the inauguration of a refurbished library at the Punjab and Haryana High Court on March 7, 2026, called for a transition to a "mature environmental governance model." He argued that courts should avoid excessive suspicion of development projects, which can impede national growth. The CJI stated that while the rights-based environmental jurisprudence of the past was essential when regulations were weak, the current context, with India's growth as the world's fifth-largest economy, necessitates a new approach. This new model should focus on building environmental safeguards directly into development projects from the outset, rather than simply addressing damage later.
Activist Group Plans Writ Petitions Against Offshore Casino And Hill-Cutting Permissions In Goa
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Development: The activist movement "Enough is Enough," led by former High Court Chief Justice Ferdino Rebello, has announced its plan to file two separate writ petitions. The first petition will challenge the approval for a new offshore casino, citing concerns about alleged irregularities in casino operations. The second petition will target permissions granted for hill-cutting and filling of low-lying areas under the Goa Town and Country Planning Act, 1974, arguing that the lack of planning law rules since 1997 makes them problematic. Additionally, the movement intends to pursue legal action against casino companies operating without valid government notifications and will mobilize public support by forming groups across all 12 blocks of Goa.
Madras High Court Says Thiruparankundram Deepam Contempt Proceedings Not Political; Seeks Compliance With Court Order
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Development: The Madras High Court has clarified that the contempt proceedings regarding the Thiruparankundram Karthigai Deepam issue are strictly for ensuring compliance with its judicial order, not for political reasons. Justice G. R. Swaminathan stated the Court’s goal is to enforce respect for its earlier directive which permitted the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the Deepathoon. The Court previously criticized Tamil Nadu Minister S. Regupathy for giving the issue a “mischievous political spin.” Authorities have been given one week to respond to the Court’s proposal for allowing a limited group to perform symbolic prayers, with a warning of possible action for non-compliance.
Kerala High Court Criticises PIL Petitioners For Casting Aspersions On Judges In ‘Kerala Story 2’ Case; Allows Fresh Plea After Deletions
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Development: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Kerala High Court on March 3rd, 2026, seeking to compel the Union Government and the CBFC to make the producers of the film 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' remove the words "Kerala" or "Keralam" from the title. On March 5th, 2026, a bench composed of Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar VM strongly criticized the petition, stating that some remarks were impermissible and potentially constituted contempt for casting aspersions on a coordinate bench that had previously allowed the film's release. The petitioners subsequently apologized, agreed to remove the objectionable paragraphs, and were permitted by the Court to file an amended (fresh) petition.
TN AG Declines Consent To Initiate Contempt Against Ex-Judge For Remarks About Justice GR Swaminathan
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Development: The Tamil Nadu Advocate General refused to sanction criminal contempt proceedings against retired Madras High Court judge Justice D Hariparanthaman. The proceedings were sought over remarks Justice Hariparanthaman made in YouTube interviews criticizing sitting judge Justice GR Swaminathan. The retired judge had alleged political and communal bias, procedural manipulation, misuse of contempt powers, and influence from political, caste, or ideological factors in Justice Swaminathan's judicial orders, even calling some actions "anarchy." The Advocate General, while disagreeing with the statements, declined consent, stressing the need for greater caution when considering contempt against former constitutional office holders and evaluating such remarks in the context of freedom of speech and criticism.
Delhi High Court Stays Order Halting Uday Bhanu Chib’s Bail In AI Summit Protest Case
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Development: The Delhi High Court stayed a Sessions Court order that had halted the bail of Indian Youth Congress President Uday Bhanu Chib in the AI Impact Summit protest case. The High Court criticized the Sessions Court's lack of reasoning, stating the order showed "no application of mind," and emphasized that orders impacting personal liberty require justification. Separately, a Delhi Sessions Court granted other Youth Congress workers, also involved in the protest case, more time to respond to the Delhi Police's challenge against their bail.
Kerala High Court Reserves Verdict In Ex-MLA Antony Raju's Plea Against Order Refusing To Quash Conviction In Evidence Tampering Case
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Development: The Kerala High Court, through Justice C. Jayachandran, has reserved judgment on a petition filed by former MLA Antony Raju. Raju is challenging a Sessions Court order that refused to quash his conviction in the 1990 Thiruvananthapuram Airport evidence tampering case. The conviction stems from an incident where Raju, then a junior advocate, was accused of involvement in switching narcotics evidence to secure the acquittal of an Australian national. He was convicted under multiple IPC sections and sentenced to 3 years imprisonment. During the hearing, the Court questioned the prosecution's case, particularly noting the absence of a proven motive for Raju's involvement, the non-impleading of the senior advocate, and whether the mere receipt and return of the evidence is sufficient to establish criminal intention based on the circumstantial evidence.
Judicial Independence Includes Freedom Of Judges To Dissent From Colleagues: Justice B.V. Nagarathna
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Development: Justice B. V. Nagarathna, speaking at the T.S. Krishnamoorthy Iyer Memorial Lecture on March 3, 2026, stated that judicial independence is a broad concept encompassing not only protection from external pressure but also the freedom for individual judges to express dissenting or diverging views. She emphasized that these separate opinions are vital, proving the judiciary's intellectual autonomy and constitutional conviction. Justice Nagarathna stressed that judges must decide cases based on a sincere interpretation of the law, even if the resulting decisions are unpopular or carry negative career prospects, which is often the case when judicial review invalidates legislation or restricts executive actions.
‘Deity Cannot Be Left Remediless Merely Because It Doesn't Vote’: Madras HC Finds Wilful Contempt In Temple Land Encroachment Case
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Development: The Madras High Court (Madurai Bench) on March 4, 2026, addressed the wilful contempt of a 2018 order regarding the removal of encroachments from 507 acres of temple land in Karur. The Court found that administrative inaction was due to "electoral considerations," as encroachers, supported by political figures from parties including the AIADMK and INC (naming Karur MP S. Jothimani and former AIADMK Minister M.R. Vijayabhaskar), had organised disruptive protests, including attempted self-immolation. Acting as the "guardian of last resort" for the deity, the Court issued directives instead of individual punishments, ordering the disposal of pending civil suits within six months, mandatory quarterly compliance reports from the HR&CE, and police protection for eviction officials.
Delhi Court Orders Immediate Release of JNU Students Held Despite Bail Over Address Verification
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Development: The Patiala House Court, on February 28, 2026, ordered the immediate release of 14 JNU students, including JNUSU and AISA office bearers, who were granted bail on February 27th but remained in custody due to pending permanent address verification. The students were arrested following clashes during an AISA-led march to the Education Ministry, protesting alleged criticism of UGC norms regarding Dalit representation by Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit. The court modified the bail conditions, ruling that address verification is a procedural requirement and not a precondition for release after bail bonds are furnished.
Telangana High Court Declines Interim Relief In Vemulawada Dargah Relocation Case
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Development: The Telangana High Court refused to immediately stop the relocation of the 12th-century Dargah Hazrath Syed Tajuddin Khaja Bagh Sawar, located within the Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple complex in Vemulawada. The court was informed by the Advocate-General that the shrine had already been moved, with the caretaker's permission, as part of a ₹76-crore temple renovation project. The bench declined to intervene at this stage and has reserved the broader legal questions for a later hearing after all parties submit their detailed responses.
Kerala High Court Directs Production Of Global Ayyappa Sangamam Records, Seeks Safeguards in Global Ayyappa Sangamam Audit
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Development: The Kerala High Court criticized the Travancore Devaswom Board's (TDB) "below par" financial discipline regarding the Global Ayyappa Sangamam. Due to the TDB's failure to provide credible financial data, the Court mandated an independent auditor to review the records, focusing on potentially inflated or unauthenticated receipts. On March 5, 2026, the Court noted significant financial irregularities, including substantial disbursements without proper vouchers, expenses that exceeded sponsorship receipts, and the awarding of a contract to the IIIC without competitive quotations, followed by the IIIC's non-GST compliant subcontracting. The auditor was tasked with detailing all anomalies and deficiencies and suggesting necessary financial safeguards.
Rape Survivor Moves Supreme Court Against Anticipatory Bail Granted To Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil
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Development: A rape survivor has petitioned the Supreme Court of India, challenging the anticipatory bail granted by the Kerala High Court (Justice Kauser Edappagath, 12 February 2026) to MLA and former INC leader Rahul Mamkootathil in a rape case. The survivor objected to the High Court's observations suggesting a consensual relationship, arguing these remarks were unwarranted, questioned her character, and that the allegations clearly constitute rape under Section 63 of the BNS.
Court Issues Notice To Madhya Pradesh Minister Over Plea Alleging Insult To Tricolour
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Development: A special MP/MLA court in Jabalpur has issued a notice to Rao Uday Pratap Singh, the Transport Minister of Madhya Pradesh, regarding a plea alleging he insulted the national flag. The allegation is based on the improper display of the tricolour on a vehicle's bonnet during a 'Tiranga Yatra' in Narsinghpur on August 11, 2024. The notice was issued by Judicial Magistrate First Class D. P. Sutrakar while hearing an application filed by petitioner Kaushal Silawat, who is seeking a court direction for the police to register an FIR against the minister. The petitioner submitted evidence including photographs and prior complaints.
Kerala HC Hears CMO Bulk Messaging Challenge; AG Admits Unfiltered SPARK Data Mining, State Seeks Permission To Send ‘Thank You’ Message To CMRDF Donors
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Development: The Kerala High Court is hearing the CMO bulk messaging case concerning the State's unauthorized use of government employees' and judges' SPARK data to send bulk WhatsApp messages. The petitioners argue this unconsented use violates the right to privacy under Article 21, failing the Puttaswamy test. The Advocate General admitted messages were sent to all SPARK data principals without filtering, leading the Court to find a prima facie breach of privacy and continue its undertaking against fresh bulk messaging. The Court reserved its order on interim relief after final arguments, while deferring the State's request to send "Thank You" messages to donors.
Show Cause Notice Issued In Kangra Illegal Mining Case Along Chaki River In Himachal Pradesh.
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Development: The Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board has taken strict action against illegal riverbed mining on the Chaki river in Kangra. As part of an ongoing National Green Tribunal case, the board issued show cause notices to seven stone crusher units. This move comes after these units were found to be violating environmental norms under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Stricter penalties were imposed because some of the units had failed to comply with previous warnings and fines.
Telangana High Court Hears Challenge To Kaleshwaram Inquiry Report; State Says Notice Issued To KCR
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Development: The Telangana High Court received a submission from the State government confirming that a notice under Section 8B of the Commissions of Inquiry Act has been issued to former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao. This action is part of the inquiry into alleged irregularities associated with the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. The government's stance, presented during the hearings on petitions filed by KCR and others seeking to quash the report of the Justice P. C. Ghose Commission, was recorded by the Bench. The State asserted that the commission's findings were grounded in official records and documents obtained from both central and state agencies. The matter has been posted for a subsequent hearing.
Kerala HC Directs Chief Secretary To Submit Time-Bound Roadmap On Human-Wildlife Conflict In Aralam And Wayanad
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Development: The Kerala High Court has ordered the Chief Secretary to produce a comprehensive, time-bound roadmap to address the severe human-wildlife conflict in Wayanad and the TRDM area in Aralam, Kannur. This directive, which followed strong criticism after a tribal community member was killed in an elephant attack, mandates the inclusion of elephant walls and solar-powered hanging fences. The Court also emphasized that disaster management funds are available for immediate use, as the situation is already classified as a State-specific natural disaster.
Madras High Court Seeks DVAC Response On Contempt Plea Over Delay In FIR Against Minister KN Nehru
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Development: The Madras High Court has demanded a detailed counter-affidavit from the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) regarding a contempt petition. The petition, filed by MP IS Inbadurai, claims the DVAC deliberately ignored a February 20th High Court order to register an FIR against Minister KN Nehru and others in a cash-for-job scam, based on Enforcement Directorate evidence. The Court noted the ten-day delay in registering the FIR. The State mentioned that the DVAC is considering a review petition and assessing the need for sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The DVAC was directed to file its response, and the matter was adjourned.
Bengaluru Stampede Case: Karnataka High Court Asks State To Submit Proposed Chargesheet Material In Sealed Cover
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Development: The Karnataka High Court, on March 3, 2026, directed the State to submit the investigation material in a sealed cover before filing a chargesheet in the FIR against Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL) and DNA Entertainment Networks Ltd. This FIR relates to the tragic 2025 Bengaluru stampede during the RCB IPL victory celebrations, which caused 11 deaths. The Court reiterated that the investigation was permitted to continue, but a chargesheet cannot be filed without its explicit permission. The interim protection for the petitioners, including RCB's Marketing Head Nikhil Sosale who is seeking to quash the FIR, remains in force.
Supreme Court To Hear Plea Challenging Gujarat Civil Judge Recruitment Process
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Development: The Supreme Court, on February 26, 2026, issued a notice to the Gujarat High Court and the Gujarat Government regarding a petition filed by 20 candidates challenging the recruitment process for Civil Judge (Junior Division) posts. The notice is returnable on March 12, 2026. The petitioners argue that the recruitment process is flawed due to insufficient shortlisting (only 211 candidates qualified for 212 vacancies), examination defects (a question outside the syllabus and a defectively framed question), and a lack of transparency in the evaluation. The viva-voce interviews for the positions had already started on February 2, 2026.
Orissa High Court Grants Bail in OTET Paper Leak Case
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Development: The Orissa High Court has given conditional bail to eight people facing charges in the Odisha Teacher Eligibility Test (OTET) question paper leak scandal. The accused, who include a Board of Secondary Education official, were apprehended last year after the test had to be postponed. The postponement occurred because the identical exam paper started circulating on social media merely hours before the scheduled examination. In its order, the Court stipulated that the accused must fully cooperate with the ongoing Crime Branch investigation and are prohibited from leaving the country without prior authorization.
J&K Cricket Association Case: Srinagar Court To Frame Charges Against Former CM Farooq Abdullah
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Development: The Chief Judicial Magistrate in Srinagar has ordered the framing of charges against former JKCA President Farooq Abdullah and five others for alleged criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust. This relates to the misappropriation of ₹43.69 crore of BCCI grants between 2002 and 2011. The charges are under Sections 120-B, 406, and 409 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC). The court simultaneously rejected the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) application to add further charges, deeming it "misconceived" due to conflating IPC and RPC provisions and stating that the ED had no standing in a case prosecuted by the CBI. Two of the accused have become approvers.
Karnataka HC Stays Case Against Deputy CM DK Shivakumar Over Facebook Post Against BJP Leaders
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Development: The Karnataka High Court, through Justice Sunil Dutt Yadav, has stayed a criminal case against Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, pending a hearing on his quashing petition. The case stems from an FIR filed by the High Grounds police following a private complaint by the BJP's legal cell convenor. The complaint was about a 2024 Facebook post on the INC Karnataka page, which allegedly featured a morphed image of BJP leaders protesting Srikanth Poojary's arrest in the 1992 Ayodhya riots case, with altered placard text. The FIR includes charges under IPC Sections 153A, 504, 505(2), and 464, related to promoting enmity and creating false documents. The Court has requested a response from the State.
Bombay High Court Questions Legality Of AI Tools Simulating Celebrity Personalities Without Consent
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Development: The Bombay High Court is examining the legality of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to simulate celebrity personalities without consent, a concern raised during a suit filed by actor Shilpa Shetty to protect her personality rights. In addition to the misuse of AI, the Court also expressed alarm over online content and YouTube commentary that discusses pending judicial proceedings and spreads unverified information about ongoing cases.
Government Cannot Remain Mute Spectator When Its Property Is Subject To Litigation: Madras High Court
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Development: The Madras High Court (Madurai Bench) has ordered the Tamil Nadu government to create comprehensive guidelines for its revenue officials and government pleaders. This mandate came after the Court observed that the government, as the custodian of public land, cannot remain a "mute spectator" in litigation. The ruling was prompted by a case in Ramanathapuram where the State lost public land through an ex-parte decree because officials failed to contest the suit. The required guidelines must specify timelines for filing responses in civil suits involving government land and establish accountability measures for officials who fail to adhere to them.
Judicial Commission Extends Deadline To Submit Evidence In Indore Water Contamination Probe
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Development: The deadline for submitting evidence and documents to the judicial commission investigating deaths from contaminated drinking water in Indore's Bhagirathpura area has been extended to April 1st. The single-member commission, led by retired Justice Sushil Kumar Gupta, is examining the causes of contamination, the resulting loss of life and medical impact, administrative failures, and required remedial measures. Affected individuals and organizations are invited to submit relevant materials such as medical records, death certificates, and evidence of pipeline leakages.
Kerala High Court Seeks Centre, Digi Yatra Foundation Response On Data Protection Concerns
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Development: The Kerala High Court has requested clarification from the Union government on the formation of a Data Protection Board under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. This was in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that raised concerns about the protection, collection, storage, processing, and potential commercial exploitation of passengers' personal data gathered through the Digi Yatra system at airports. The Court has set the next hearing for March 19, 2026.
Madras High Court Grants Time Till 13th March For Armstrong Murder Accused To Surrender
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Development: The Madras High Court, through Justice C. Kumarappan, extended the surrender deadline until March 13, 2026, for 12 accused, including prime accused Aswathaman, in the 2024 murder case of former BSP leader K Armstrong. The extension allows the accused time to appeal the High Court's bail cancellation order to the Supreme Court. The accused are required to appear daily at the trial court until the new deadline.
Karnataka High Court Issues Notice On Sri Lankan Judge's Plea Claiming Rights Under Indian Constitution
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Development: The Indian High Court has issued a notice to Google, Colombo Telegraph, and Lanka e-News following a petition by sitting Sri Lankan Supreme Court judge, Justice AHM Dilip Nawaz. Justice Nawaz is seeking the takedown of four articles from 2015 and 2020, claiming they are defamatory and part of a politically motivated campaign. He approached the Indian court, citing ethical conflicts in Sri Lanka, and invoked Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, arguing it protects foreign nationals. He also seeks to enforce a 'right to be forgotten,' including a complete ban on URL search results. The preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 16.
CAT Wants Minimum Tenure For IAS Officers, Cancels Multiple Government Orders Transferring B Ashok
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Development: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) ruled against the Government of Kerala for violating the IAS (Cadre) Rules, 2014, by arbitrarily transferring IAS officers and appointing non-IAS officials to posts designated for IAS cadre officers. The CAT quashed several arbitrary transfer orders and mandated that all future postings and transfers of IAS officers must be based exclusively on the recommendation of the Civil Services Board. This significant ruling, stemming from a petition by the Kerala IAS Officers’ Association, emphasizes that only IAS officers can occupy IAS cadre posts and could affect various high-level positions currently held by non-IAS officers.
ED To Challenge Interim Bail Granted to Al Falah University Chairman In Money Laundering Case
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Development: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) plans to challenge the two-week interim bail granted on "humanitarian grounds" to Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, the Chairman of Al Falah University, by a Delhi court. Siddiqui, who was arrested in November 2025, is in judicial custody for a money laundering case involving alleged illicit fund generation from student fees by misrepresenting the university's accreditation. The temporary bail allows him to care for his wife, who is being treated for stage-4 cancer. The ED will petition the Delhi High Court, arguing that the ongoing investigation is at risk of witness influence or tampering by Siddiqui.
III. Details of Important Cases
A. Supreme Court
Supreme Court Reiterates That Commercial Wisdom Of CoC Cannot Be Supplanted By Judicial Review
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Verdict: The Supreme Court of India reaffirmed the principle that courts, including the NCLT, NCLAT, and itself, must not substitute their judgment for the commercial wisdom of the Committee of Creditors (CoC) operating under the IBC framework. The Court emphasized that decisions by the CoC to approve or reject resolution plans fall squarely within its commercial purview and are shielded from judicial interference, except where limited legal grounds specified within the IBC are applicable.
Homebuyers Cannot Approach Consumer Forum After Choosing RERA Remedy: Supreme Court
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Verdict: The Supreme Court of India recently applied the 'doctrine of election of remedies' to homebuyers' disputes, ruling that a homebuyer who chooses to pursue relief under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) is barred from subsequently filing a complaint with consumer forums, such as the NCDRC, for the same grievance. The decision, based on the principle that parties cannot maintain parallel proceedings after consciously electing the RERA remedy (like MahaRERA), prevents them from invoking the Consumer Protection Act for the identical cause of action.
B. Bombay High Court
Bombay High Court Rejects Plea for Namaz Space Near Mumbai Airport
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Verdict: The Bombay High Court denied a taxi drivers' association's request to either restore a prayer shed or allocate an alternative space near Mumbai's domestic airport for Ramzan prayers. This followed the 2025 demolition of a decades-old prayer shed near Terminal 1. The court prioritized security concerns within the high-security airport zone, stating that security overrides religious considerations. Nonetheless, the court permitted the petitioners to approach the Airports Authority of India or other airport authorities to seek space in the redeveloped airport if feasible.
C. Madras High Court
Madras High Court Dismisses Plea Against Animal Slaughter In Retail Meat Shops
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Verdict: The Madras High Court declined to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition that sought to restrict the slaughtering of animals (mutton, chicken, or beef) to only the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC)'s authorised slaughterhouses, preventing it within or behind retail shops. The special Division Bench refused to entertain the plea because the petitioner, S. Muralidharan of Chennai, failed to cite any specific instances of the alleged practice, relying instead on a general claim.
Madras High Court Grants Relief To Panneerselvam, H. Raja, 'Bussy' Anand In Different Criminal Cases
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Verdict: Justice A.D. Jagadish Chandira recently issued rulings in three politically significant cases on the same day. The decisions involved: quashing four criminal cases against former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam related to alleged 2024 election offenses; modifying the monthly appearance condition for BJP leader H. Raja while suspending his six-month sentence for offensive 2018 tweets, due to his recent stroke; and extending interim protection for TVK General Secretary 'Bussy' Anand for two weeks in a traffic disruption case.
Madras High Court Directs Tamil Nadu Government To Constitute Board Of Trustees For Tiruchendur Temple Within Four Months
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Verdict: The Madras High Court (Madurai Bench) has ordered the Tamil Nadu government to constitute a new Board of Trustees for the Tiruchendur Subramaniya Swamy Temple within four months. This directive, in response to a PIL, stems from concerns over a lack of transparency and accountability due to the continued temporary administration by a single 'fit person' after the previous Board's term ended in August 2024.
Madras High Court Sets Aside Order To Extend Thalikku Thangam Scheme To Those Who Earn Up To ₹12,000 A Month
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Verdict: The Madras High Court’s Division Bench overturned a single judge’s order that had expanded the income eligibility for the Thalikku Thangam marriage assistance scheme from ₹6,000 to ₹12,000 per month. The Bench ruled that the expansion was “judicial overreach,” emphasizing that setting welfare scheme eligibility criteria is the exclusive prerogative of the executive. The court directed authorities to process the original petitioner’s application based on the original ₹6,000 income limit. The text also notes that the scheme, initially launched by the AIADMK, has been relaunched by the current DMK government with a focus on educational incentives.
D. Chhattisgarh High Court
Scheduled Tribe Person Can Voluntarily Opt To Be Governed By Hindu Marriage Act: Chhattisgarh High Court
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Verdict: The Chhattisgarh High Court has ruled that members of a Scheduled Tribe (ST) can choose to be governed by the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, provided they follow Hindu customs and rites. The court interpreted Section 2(2) of the Act as a protective measure, not a mandatory exclusion, allowing ST individuals to voluntarily adopt Hindu customs and invoke the Act's jurisdiction. Citing Supreme Court precedent, the High Court held that ST members who follow Hindu rites, like 'Saptapadi,' are entitled to the Act's benefits. As a result, the court set aside a Family Court's rejection and remitted a mutual divorce plea to be decided on its merits under Section 13-B of the Act.
Liquor scam: Chhattisgarh High Court grants bail to Anwar Dhebar in corruption case
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Verdict: The Chhattisgarh High Court granted bail to businessman Anwar Dhebar, an accused in the alleged multi-crore Chhattisgarh liquor scam. The Court based its decision on the observation that his detention for nearly 22 months without the commencement of the trial would violate his right to personal liberty under Article 21, especially since charges are yet to be framed and the trial is unlikely to start soon due to the volume of evidence and parties involved. Bail was granted subject to conditions, including the surrender of his passport and cooperation with the investigation.
E. Kerala High Court
Kerala High Court Declines to Interfere in Assembly Proceedings Against MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil
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Verdict: The Kerala High Court refused to intervene in the Kerala Legislative Assembly's Ethics Committee proceedings against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. The Court dismissed a PIL seeking to halt the committee's action, affirming that the matter falls within the legislative domain, thus allowing the Ethics Committee to continue.
Kerala High Court Disposes PIL On ESIC Medical College At Kollam; Says MBBS Course Must Comply With NMC Norms
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Verdict: The Kerala High Court, addressing a PIL by N. K. Premachandran, ruled that the establishment of an MBBS course at the ESIC Hospital in Kollam must comply with National Medical Commission (NMC) regulations, particularly obtaining the Essentiality Certificate. The court directed authorities to expedite the medical college approval proposal within four weeks.
F. Karnataka High Court
Article 22 Protection Not Citizen-Centric, Extends To Foreign Nationals In India: Karnataka HC
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Verdict: The Karnataka High Court, through Justice M. Nagaprasanna, granted relief to two Nigerian nationals, Emeka James Iwoba and Uderike Fidelis, arrested under the NDPS Act. The Court ruled that Article 22(1) protection is extended to all persons, not just citizens, but found their arrest defective because the grounds were not communicated in substantial compliance with the Supreme Court’s mandate. Upon release, the petitioners, who had been overstaying since 2018, were ordered to be immediately handed over to the FRRO for deportation. Additionally, the Court directed the State Government to form state-level and district-level screening committees for overstaying foreign nationals within four months.
Karnataka High Court Quashes Case Against Congress Leader Accused Of Assaulting Ex-MLA In Assembly
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Development: The Karnataka High Court has dismissed criminal proceedings that were initiated against Naseer Ahmed for the alleged assault of former MLA K. Sudhakar. The incident occurred in 2019 within the Karnataka Legislative Assembly premises (Vidhana Soudha), near the minister's office. The initial complaint claimed Ahmed had voluntarily inflicted simple harm. However, the Court determined that the continuation of the criminal case was unwarranted given the available evidence, leading to the quashing of the registered offence.
G. Punjab and Haryana High Court
Punjab & Haryana High Court Acquits Dera Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim In Journalist Chhatrapati Murder Case
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Development: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has overturned the 2019 life sentence given to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh by a Special CBI Court in the 2002 murder case of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati. A Division Bench, consisting of Justices Sheel Nagu and Vikram Aggarwal, delivered the verdict, allowing Ram Rahim's appeal and clearing him of the charges more than seven years after the trial court judgment. Despite the acquittal, Ram Rahim will remain incarcerated, serving a 20-year sentence stemming from separate rape convictions.
H. Gauhati High Court
Gauhati HC Refuses To Quash Nagaland Lottery Scam FIR, Says Second FIR Permissible If Allegations Differ
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Verdict: The Kohima Bench of the High Court, under Justice Yarenjungla Longkumer, dismissed a petition seeking to quash FIR No. 009/2023 of the Kohima North Police Station. The FIR was lodged against six individuals for allegedly forging the official logo and signature of the Director of Nagaland State Lotteries to manufacture and distribute fake lottery tickets in West Bengal, resulting in GST and TDS evasion and financial loss to the State exchequer. The Court rejected the petitioners' contention that the Kohima FIR was an impermissible second FIR, ruling that a second FIR is permissible when it involves distinct offences, a wider factual matrix, or a rival version. The Court declined to exercise its powers under Section 528 BNSS read with Article 227.
I. Tribunals and Other Courts
Sabarimala Gold Theft Case: Kerala Court Rejects Bail Plea Of Former TDB Member KP Sankara Das
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Verdict: The bail applications of former Travancore Devaswom Board member K.P. Sankara Das were denied by a Kollam Vigilance Court. The rejection, which considered the accused's medical condition, is connected to two cases concerning the alleged gold loss at the Sabarimala Temple. The court highlighted Sankara Das's position as an accused in the suspected loss of gold from both temple idols and doorframes. The Special Investigation Team has stated its intention to submit the chargesheet by March 31st, 2026.
IV. Appointments, Collegium Recommendations, And Transfers Section
In summary, this week's judicial developments from the Supreme Court's rulings safeguarding creditor decisions under IBC and sequencing RERA-consumer remedies, to the Punjab & Haryana High Court's acquittal of Gurmeet Ram Rahim in the Chhatrapati murder case, alongside High Court directives on temple administration and data privacy that collectively sharpen statutory boundaries and institutional accountability across economic, criminal, and governance domains.