India’s legal landscape continued to witness significant judicial engagement this week across questions of constitutional governance, electoral processes, institutional accountability, religious freedoms, criminal justice, and regulatory oversight. From ongoing Constitution Bench hearings on the Sabarimala reference and challenges to the Election Commissioners appointment framework, to developments involving state governments, corporate disputes, and civil liberties, courts across the country addressed matters carrying both legal and institutional significance.
This edition of India Judiciary Watch presents a structured overview of key legal developments, major judicial observations, and important verdicts delivered between 04th May and 09th May 2026. The objective is to provide readers with a concise yet comprehensive understanding of how judicial proceedings are shaping governance, public policy, institutional functioning, and the broader legal discourse in India.
I. Key Legal Developments
Sabarimala Reference: Supreme Court Examines Limits Of Religious Autonomy And Impact Of Excommunication On Human Dignity
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: This week (5th –7th May 2026), the 9-judge Constitution Bench led by CJI Surya Kant continued hearings on Sabarimala Reference for Days 11 to 13. On 5th May, the Bench questioned the intent of original PIL petitioner Indian Young Lawyers’ Association calling it a “clear case of abuse of process of law.” Further, the Court examined whether non-devotees can challenge temple customs while highlighting discriminatory excommunication practices. On 6th May, arguments centred on excommunication in the Dawoodi Bohra community and its effect on individual dignity under Article 25. On 7th May, the Court struck a cautious note, warning that excessive judicial interference could flood the Courts and damage India’s religious fabric, while discussing limits of judicial review and concerns over practices like FGM. The hearing remained inconclusive and will continue next week.
Prerogative Of Parliament: Supreme Court On Plea Against Exclusion Of CJI From Selection Of Election Commissioners
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: The Supreme Court commenced hearings on petitions challenging the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 which excludes the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the selection committee for appointing Election Commissioners. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma observed that the Court cannot generally direct Parliament to frame specific legislation, noting that the previous Anoop Baranwal judgment was an interim arrangement in the absence of a law. Petitioners argued that the new Act grants the executive exclusive control, undermining the constitutional mandate for an independent election body. The Supreme Court criticised successive Governments for failing to enact a robust framework ensuring the independent functioning of the Election Commission, describing executive dominance in appointments as a “tyranny of the elected.” The Court noted that the law, which excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, was passed during a period when a significant number of opposition members were under suspension.
TN Assembly Elections: Madras High Court To Held Special Sunday Sitting To Hear DMK Candidate Who Lost To TVK Candidate By One Vote
Source: Live Law
Development: The Madras High Court convened a special sitting on Sunday to hear an urgent writ petition filed by DMK leader and former Tamil Nadu minister K.R. Periyakaruppan, who lost the Tirupattur constituency seat to TVK candidate Seenivasa Sethupathy by a single vote, with the margin being 83,375 votes against 83,374. Periyakaruppan has approached the Court contending that votes in his constituency were not recounted properly, and has sought an order preventing Sethupathy from participating in the trust vote scheduled on 11th May, 2026. The bench of Justices L. Victoria Gowri and N. Senthilkumar directed the Election Commission of India to explain why it failed to respond to DMK leader KR Periakaruppan’s complaint regarding an allegedly misdirected postal ballot in the Tiruppattur Assembly election, which he lost by one vote. The case has sparked a legal dispute over whether such an issue can be addressed through writ jurisdiction or only via an election petition, with the petitioner claiming the disputed ballot could alter the election outcome.
Supreme Court Refuses To Stay Transgender Amendment Act, 2026
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: A Division Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notice to the Union and all State Governments, regarding a batch of petitions challenging the Transgender Persons Amendment Act, 2026. The Court declined to grant an interim stay on the legislation. The petitioners argued that the amendment violates the fundamental right to self-identification by mandating medical board certification for gender recognition. The matter has been referred to a three judge bench for detailed examination of the constitutional validity of the new provisions.
PIL In Calcutta High Court Seeks Measures To Prevent Post-Poll Violence, Vandalism In West Bengal
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: The Humayun Kabir-led Aam Janata Unnayan Party has moved the Calcutta High Court alleging large-scale post-poll violence in Murshidabad following the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, including targeted attacks, vandalism, intimidation, and police inaction in registering complaints. The petition seeks an independent investigation, protection for affected political workers, and Court intervention to restore law and order, alleging violations of fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21.
Great Nicobar Project: Calcutta HC Upholds Maintainability Of PILs Alleging Forest Rights Act Violations, Calls Tribals 'Very Vulnerable'
Source: LiveLaw
Development: The Calcutta High Court has held that a PIL challenging alleged violations of the Forest Rights Act in connection with the Great Nicobar infrastructure project is maintainable.The Court was hearing three connected PILs filed by retired IAS officer Meena Gupta challenging various governmental actions linked to the Great Nicobar development project, The Government had argued that the petitioner, being a resident of Hyderabad, lacked the locus standi to challenge a project in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen ruled that when a case involves "very vulnerable" tribal groups like the Shompen and Nicobarese, who may be unable to approach the Court themselves due to social or geographic isolation, any public-spirited citizen can raise the issue. The Court emphasized that the strategic or economic importance of the ₹81,000 crore project does not grant it immunity from judicial review, especially when serious allegations regarding the violation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and the lack of proper Gram Sabha consent are involved.
Plea In Madras High Court Insists On FIR, Money Laundering Probe Against TVK’s Vijay Over 2015 Income Tax Dispute
Source: The Hindu
Development: A writ petition has been filed in the Madras High Court by M. Rajkumar seeking directions to register an FIR against Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and newly-elected Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay and to initiate a money laundering probe by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The plea is based on a 2015 Income Tax search and seizure related to his movie Puli, where Vijay allegedly received ₹4.93–5 crore in unaccounted cash remuneration apart from the declared ₹16 crore. The petition alleges suppression of income, concealment of transactions, and seeks criminal proceedings under IPC sections (including 420, 467, 471, 120B) and under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Madras High Court Registry initially refused to number the petition. However, on 8th April, 2026, the Bench composed of Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan directed the Registry to number the case, leaving the question of maintainability to be decided later. The petition was officially numbered on 6th May, 2026, and is expected to be listed shortly under “For Maintainability”.
Enough Is Enough: Supreme Court To State Of MP For Delay In Case Against Minister Shri Kunwar Shah For Remarks On Col. Sofiya Qureshi
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: The Supreme Court expressed strong disapproval of the Madhya Pradesh government's delay in deciding whether to grant sanction to prosecute state minister Shri Kunwar Vijay Shah. The minister had made objectionable remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who had briefed the media during Operation Sindoor. The Court made the remarks after Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta said that a decision on sanction to prosecute the minister was still pending. The matter is next listed after four weeks.
Union Cabinet Approves Decision To Increase Strength Of Supreme Court From 34 To 38 Judges
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: The Union Cabinet cleared a proposal to expand the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India. Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that a Bill to amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, will be introduced in the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament. This legislature aims to enhance judicial efficiency and address record-breaking pendency, and aims to manage a backlog currently exceeding 92,000 cases. Once the amendment is passed, the Supreme Court Collegium will begin recommending names for these newly created judicial positions to the Government.
BJP MP's Factory Was Raided Soon After He left AAP Along With Six Other Rajya Sabha MPs: Punjab & Haryana HC
Source: Live Law
Development: The Punjab and Haryana High Court restrained the Punjab Pollution Control Board from taking coercive action against Trident Limited without first giving it 30 days to rectify deficiencies, while observing that the timing of the raid shortly after Shri Rajinder Gupta shifted from AAP to the BJP created a reasonably palpable apprehension of political vendetta. The PPCB action is widely viewed as a retaliatory measure by the AAP-led Punjab Government against Shri Rajinder Gupta for switching to the BJP. The Court noted the PPCB failed to show any emergent situation where any stream, well, land or environment was being polluted by poisonous effluents. It was directed that the company be given 30 days to rectify any deficiencies and allowed it liberty to approach the NGT if coercive measures are later initiated under the Water Act.
SC Issues Notice To Hooda, AJL On CBI’s Petition Against High Court Clean Chit In Panchkula Land Allotment Case
Source: Live Law
Development: The Supreme Court issued notices to former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Associated Journals Limited (AJL) which publishes the newspaper National Herald, regarding a CBI appeal. The petition challenges a Punjab and Haryana High Court order which had quashed criminal proceedings and granted a clean chit to the accused in a land re-allotment case. The bench sought responses after the Solicitor General argued that the High Court failed to properly evaluate evidence under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The matter is now scheduled for further hearing in July 2026, effectively reviving a case that was previously closed by special courts following the High Court verdict.
Supreme Court Allows Bihar MP Pappu Yadav To Seek Urgent Hearing Before HC Against Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Threats
Source: Live Law
Development: The Supreme Court permitted Member of Parliament Rajesh Ranjan, alias Pappu Yadav, to approach the Patna High Court for an urgent hearing regarding his security concerns. The MP had filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court seeking enhanced security cover following alleged death threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. While the Supreme Court declined to entertain the petition directly under Article 32, it granted him liberty to move the High Court immediately. The Bench noted the sensitivity of the matter and directed the High Court to consider the plea for urgent listing, given the nature of the threats mentioned.
Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque: Jain Petitioner Tells Madhya Pradesh High Court Site Also Linked To Jain Traditions
Source: Live Law
Development: In a hearing on 6th May, 2026, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court heard submissions from a Jain petitioner claiming historical and religious links to the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex. The petitioner argued that Raja Bhoj was a patron not only of Hindu scholars but also of Jain scholars and literature. The plea specifically contended that the idol often identified as Goddess Saraswati is actually the Jain deity Ambika, citing Tirthankara iconography. Challenging a 2003 Archaeological Survey of India order that limits access to Hindus and Muslims, the petitioner sought prayer rights for Jains and the recognition of Jain architectural remains within the disputed structure.
Large Scale Banking Fraud Involving Anil Ambani's ADAG Requires Thorough Probe, Says SC
Source: The Hindu
Development: The Supreme Court emphasized the necessity for an exhaustive investigation into allegations of massive banking fraud involving the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) while hearing a PIL regarding estimated losses of ₹ 27,337 crore. Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that the central agencies must conduct a timely probe to maintain public confidence but refused to direct the immediate arrest of the industrialist. The bench noted that while it had previously intervened to activate the investigation, it would remain shy of ordering custodial interrogation unless requested by the agencies themselves, opting instead to monitor the progress of the seven ongoing cases and posting the matter for July.
NCLT Relied On Hallucinated Citations In Its Judgment, Suspended Essel Director Tells Supreme Court
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: The Supreme Court heard a plea by a suspended director Pooja Ramesh Singh on the NCLT Mumbai's order admitting Essel Infraprojects into insolvency relied on judgments that do not exist or cannot be verified. The appellant argued that the NCLT had relied on several judgments whose names and extracted portions were allegedly not genuine. The Supreme Court expressed concern over the possibility of judicial orders containing fabricated precedents and has sought a response from the respondent parties regarding these technical and substantive errors in the tribunal's reasoning.
Delhi High Court To Appoint 3 Senior Counsel To Assist After Arvind Kejriwal Boycott Of Judge In Excise Policy Case
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court announced that she would appoint three senior advocates as amici curiae to assist the Court in the Delhi Excise Policy case. This decision follows a move by former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders to boycott proceedings before her bench after their recusal application was rejected on 20th April, 2026. The Court is currently hearing a CBI revision plea against a trial Court order that discharged the accused. The judge noted that the appointment of neutral counsel is necessary to ensure the Court hears informed arguments despite the absence of the respondents’ legal representation.
TVK Functionary’s Plea Seeking Direction to TN Governor to Swear In Vijay as CM Becomes Infructuous After Swearing-In Ceremony
Source : Bar and Bench
Verdict: A Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) functionary moved the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Tamil Nadu Governor to invite Vijay to form the Government after TVK emerged as the single largest party in the hung 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections with 108 seats. The plea argued that the Governor could not insist on prior proof of majority support before issuing an invitation to form the government and contended that the appropriate constitutional course was to allow a floor test in the Assembly. However, since the swearing-in ceremony with the Governor has already taken place today, the petition is likely to become infructuous.
Supreme Court Issues Directions To Speed Up NIA Cases: Maximum 15 Cases Per Court, Daily Trials
Source : Bar and Bench
Verdict: The Supreme Court issued a comprehensive set of directions to expedite trials in cases under the National Investigation Agency Act. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi mandated the creation of exclusive NIA Courts based on pendency, requiring one Court for every 10-15 trials. The Court ordered that presiding officers in these special Courts must not be burdened with any other judicial work to ensure day-to-day hearings. Furthermore, the bench directed that at least one trial must be concluded every month. The Central Government was instructed to provide necessary funds and infrastructure to implement these changes across various high Court jurisdictions.
Court Stays FIR Against Iyer-Mitra For Objectionable Posts About 'Newslaundry' Women Journalists
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: A Delhi Court on 4th May, 2026, stayed its previous order that directed the registration of an FIR against commentator Abhijit Iyer-Mitra after he filed a revision petition. The initial order, issued on 23rd April, 2026, had found that Iyer-Mitra could be booked for sexual harassment and insulting the modesty of women under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023 due to derogatory social media posts targeting female employees of Newslaundry. The journalists had moved the Court under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita after police failed to take timely action on their complaints. This stay pauses the criminal proceedings initiated for alleged offences, while a separate defamation suit remains pending before the Delhi High Court. The Court said that the stay will continue till the Court hears the matter next on 28th May.
AAP Gujarat Unit Moves Supreme Court Against Blocking Of Its Facebook, Instagram Pages
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: The Supreme Court issued notices to the Central Government, the State of Gujarat, and Meta Platforms, seeking their responses on a plea filed by the Aam Aadmi Party. The plea challenged the blocking of the Facebook page and Instagram handle of AAP's Gujarat unit, which the party alleged was done shortly before local body elections in the state, without any notice or disclosure of a blocking order. The petitioner argued that the accounts were suspended without prior notice or a formal blocking order, allegedly due to copyright complaints. The Court sought clarity on the use of safe harbor provisions under the Information Technology Act to disable entire political communication channels without procedural safeguards.
Karnataka High Court Grants Bail To Accused In Alleged Mob Lynching Over Pro-Pakistan Slogans During Cricket Match
Source: Live Law
Development: The Karnataka High Court granted bail to one of the accused in the alleged mob-lynching of a Kerala man in Mangaluru who was accused of chanting pro-Pakistan slogans during a local cricket tournament. The accused had been in custody for over a year and argued that several co-accused had already secured bail, the trial had not commenced, and the incident was spontaneous rather than premeditated. The court directed the accused to be released from the custody upon furnishing a bail bond of ₹1 lakh along with two sureties to the like sum.
Dalit Student Suicide: Kerala High Court Seeks State's Response On Professor Dr. M. Kodanda Ram's Anticipatory Bail Plea
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: The Kerala High Court issued notice to the State Government and the victim's family regarding an anticipatory bail plea by Prof. Dr. M. Kodanda Ram, a dental college professor and the accused in this case. The professor is accused of abetting the suicide of Nithin Raj, a Dalit dental student who allegedly faced caste based harassment. The Court is hearing an appeal against a Sessions Court order that previously denied him bail under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. The accused contends that the student’s distress was actually caused by harassment from mobile loan application recovery agents, and not faculty conduct. The matter is posted for further consideration.
Supreme Court Agrees To Hear Sringeri MLA Ouster Case As Karnataka High Court Stays Tampering FIR Case
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: On 5th May, 2026, the Karnataka High Court granted an interim stay on an FIR filed against Shri D.N. Jeevaraj and election officials regarding tampering allegations. Justice M. Nagaprasanna observed that the criminal proceedings required deeper scrutiny while the apex Court remained seized of the primary election dispute, thus preventing any immediate coercive action against the newly declared legislator. Subsequently, on 7th May, 2026, the Supreme Court agreed to hear an urgent petition by Congress leader TD Rajegowda challenging a Karnataka High Court order that led to his ouster as Sringeri MLA. This followed a 2nd May recount where BJP candidate Shri D.N. Jeevaraj was declared the winner by a margin of 52 votes. Shri TD Rajegowda alleged that the recount process involved criminal tampering of 255 postal ballots.
'Modify LOC': Bombay High Court Paves Way For Return Of UK-Based YouTuber Sangram Patil Booked For 'Objectionable' Posts Against PM Modi
Source: Live Law
Development: The Bombay High Court directed the Maharashtra Government to modify the Look Out Circular (LOC) against Dr. Sangram Patil, a British national, allowing his return to the United Kingdom by 11th May, 2026. Justice Ashwin Bhobhe accepted formal undertakings from Patil and his Indian-resident parents, ensuring his cooperation with ongoing investigations into social media posts targeting BJP leaders. While the Court disposed of the interim plea regarding travel restrictions, the primary petition to quash the December 2025 FIR remains pending.
Supreme Court Asks Sambhal Mosque Committee Factions To Resolve Dispute After 2 Petitions Filed Against Same HC Order
Source: Live Law
Development: The Supreme Court asked rival factions of the Sambhal Mosque Committee to internally resolve their dispute after noting that two separate SLPs had been filed against the same Allahabad High Court judgment through different advocates. The matter relates to the ongoing Sambhal mosque-temple dispute, where the Allahabad High Court had allowed a civil suit and survey proceedings concerning claims that the Shahi Jama Masjid was built after demolition of a temple. The Court expressed reluctance to intervene in the committee’s internal management dispute and urged the board to pass a resolution clarifying authorised representation before proceedings continue.
Supreme Court Closes Case Over West Bengal VC Appointments, Approves Candidates For Remaining 3 Universities
Source: Live Law
Development: The Supreme Court closed the long-running dispute over Vice-Chancellor appointments in West Bengal after approving candidates for the remaining three universities and directing the State Government to complete appointments following the Governor’s approval. The matter had remained stalled for nearly 2.5 years due to a deadlock between the former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led State Government and the Governor, following which the Court had constituted a Search-cum-Selection Committee headed by former CJI U.U. Lalit to oversee appointments across 36 universities.
Lakhimpur Kheri Case: Supreme Court Expresses Disappointment At Non-Examination Of Witnesses, Asks Trial Judge To Ensure Their Presence
Source: LiveLaw
Development: The Supreme Court expressed strong disappointment regarding the stagnant pace of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence trial, noting that no witnesses were examined in the preceding two months. Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi criticized the state of Uttar Pradesh for a status report that failed to explain why witnesses remained absent despite the issuance of warrants. The bench directed the trial judge to employ all lawful measures to secure witness attendance and mandated strict adherence to the witness protection scheme. While monitoring the two cross-trials where seventy two and nine witnesses remain respectively, the Court also ordered the completion of a witness intimidation probe within four weeks.
State Minority Commission Has No Jurisdiction Over Property Disputes: Kerala High Court
Source: Live Law
Development: The Kerala High Court held that the Kerala State Minority Commission has no jurisdiction to order eviction in private property disputes, ruling that such matters fall exclusively within the domain of civil Courts. The Court quashed eviction directions issued by the Commission against the petitioner in the case challenging the orders issued by the Kerala State Minority Commission, observing that the Commission had overstepped its statutory powers under the Kerala State Commission for Minorities Act, 2014 by directing police and revenue authorities to enforce eviction. The Court further ordered restoration of possession to the petitioner within two days.
Supreme Court Raises Alarm Over Punjab Drug Crisis, Urges Police To Target Big Sharks Instead Of Small Players
Source : Bar and Bench
Development: The Supreme Court expressed grave concern over the persistent drug crisis in Punjab, noting that law enforcement agencies appear to be targeting only small-time peddlers while major kingpins remain at large. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, while hearing a matter concerning the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, questioned the state government on the lack of progress in identifying the "bigger sharks" behind the international smuggling routes. The Court observed that merely arresting local carriers does not break the supply chain and directed the state to submit a detailed report on the status of investigations into high level drug syndicates and the steps taken to prevent cross border trafficking.
PIL Filed Before Bombay High Court Against Removal Of Maratha Empire Map From NCERT Class 8 Textbook
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: Raje Mudhojiraje Ajitsinghrao Bhonsle of the Nagpur royal family and other descendants of prominent Maratha lineage filed a Public Interest Litigation before the Bombay High Court challenging the removal of a map depicting the Maratha Empire’s 1759 CE territorial extent from Class 8 textbooks. The petitioners alleged that the NCERT acted unilaterally following objections from Rajasthan based royal families. The plea, referring to an RTI response, contends that the map was withdrawn between October 2025 and April 2026 without consulting historical records or an expert committee, following the death of lead historian Gajanan Bhaskar Mehendale.
Supreme Court Grants Bail To Alleged Bangladeshi Man Accused Of Transborder Human Trafficking
Source: Live Law
Development: The Supreme Court granted bail to an alleged Bangladeshi national accused in a transborder human trafficking case, citing his 2.5-year custody period and imposing strict conditions including weekly reporting and passport seizure. The petitioner is accused by the NIA of being part of a transnational human trafficking syndicate that facilitated illegal entry of persons from Bangladesh and Myanmar into India using forged documents, including fake passports. Arrested in November 2023 under IPC, Foreigners Act, and Passport Act provisions, he approached the Supreme Court seeking bail after the Karnataka High Court denied relief, while several co-accused had already secured bail. The bench noted that the petitioner could be granted bail given the time spent in custody, subject to stringent conditions.
Supreme Court Expands Definition of 'Acid Attack Victim' Under RPwD Act
Source: The Indian Express
Development: The Supreme Court expanded the definition of ‘acid attack victims’ under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 to include survivors who were forcibly made to ingest acid and those who suffered severe internal injuries without any visible external disfigurement. The Court found the existing definition under-inclusive and invoked its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to treat the expanded definition as a deemed amendment, binding on medical boards nationwide with immediate effect. It also directed the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to formally notify the amendment within two weeks, and made the ruling retrospectively applicable from 2016.
Supreme Court Slams Odisha Courts For Ordering Dalit, Adivasi Accused To Clean Police Stations For Bail
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: The Supreme Court declared bail conditions requiring Dalit and Adivasi accused to clean police stations as null and void while disposing of a suo motu case. Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi quashed around fifty such orders from the Orissa High Court and trial Courts, labeling them abhorrent and regressive. The bench observed that these conditions, imposed between May 2025 and January 2026 primarily on anti-mining protesters, fundamentally violated human dignity and the presumption of innocence. The Court directed all High Courts to ensure judicial officers refrain from such practices, mandating a compliance report from the Orissa High Court Registrar General within four weeks.
Supreme Court Seeks Karnataka Response On Actor Darshan's Plea Alleging Denial Of Basic Amenities In Prison
Source: Live Law
Development: The Supreme Court issued notice on a petition filed by actor Darshan, an accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, alleging denial of basic prison amenities despite being an undertrial prisoner and delay in trial proceedings. The Court sought reports from the Bengaluru Sessions Court and the Karnataka Government regarding the pace of trial, witness examination status, and whether minimum entitlements available to ordinary prisoners were being provided to him. The matter follows the Supreme Court’s earlier cancellation of bail granted to Darshan and other accused over concerns of witness influence and alleged preferential treatment.
Supreme Court of India Empowers District Collectors To Enforce Solid Waste Management Rules 2026, Issues Key Directions
Source: Live Law
Development: The Supreme Court empowered District Collectors across India to directly enforce the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 by directing the Centre to delegate statutory powers under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 for one year. The Court authorised Collectors to create special enforcement cells, conduct inspections, issue binding directions, and even order stoppage of water or electricity supply for non-compliant bulk waste generators. It also issued extensive nationwide directions on waste segregation, garbage management, scientific disposal, urban cleanliness, and monitoring mechanisms involving local bodies and pollution control authorities.
CJI Surya Kant Warns Of Legal Action Over Fake Casteist Quote Attributed To Him On X
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: CJI Surya Kant strongly denied a fabricated caste-related statement falsely attributed to him on social media and warned that those responsible would face legal consequences. The fake post, circulated on X with the CJI’s photograph, contained inflammatory remarks regarding caste and reservation discourse. The CJI clarified that the statements were completely baseless and stated that he was prepared to use the full force of the law against those behind the misinformation campaign.
Allahabad High Court Grants Anticipatory Bail To Muslim Girl Accused Of Trying To Convert Hindu Classmate
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: The Allahabad High Court granted anticipatory bail to a Muslim student, who along with four other students are accused under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. The Court found no corroborative evidence beyond the victim's initial statement to establish the applicant's specific involvement, and noted her clean criminal record. The bail was granted on a personal bond and a direction to appear before the trial Court or investigating officer within thirty days. An earlier Division Bench had declined to quash the FIR in a related plea by other accused students on 16th April, 2026.
Anil Ambani Tells Delhi HC Adani Is Interested In His Companies, NDTV Publishing Defamatory Articles
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: The Delhi High Court issued notice to NDTV and its CEO and editor-in-chief Shri Rahul Kanwal after industrialist Shri Anil Ambani filed a defamation suit against the media house over its reporting on CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) cases against his companies. Ambani's counsel alleged that NDTV, whose majority shareholder is the Adani Group, had published 72 targeted articles against him in recent months to serve the Adani Group's commercial interests, and that CBI and ED arrests of persons linked to Reliance group entities were being misleadingly attributed to Ambani personally. The Court declined immediate injunctive relief, noting the case raises Article 19 concerns, and listed the matter for further hearing. Shri Anil Ambani has also named IANS, Adani-owned and several editors as defendants, and seeks damages exceeding ₹ 2 crore, to be donated to charity.
Devaswom Board Cannot Take Over Temple Management Merely By Exercising General Supervisory Powers: Kerala High Court
Source: Live Law
Development: The Kerala High Court clarified that the Malabar Devaswom Board cannot assume management of a temple solely by invoking its general supervisory powers under Section 20 of the Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act. The Court held that while the Board possesses broad oversight to ensure temples are managed according to the law, such powers do not authorize the displacement of existing hereditary trustees or the takeover of administration without following specific statutory procedures. The bench emphasized that any move to assume direct control must be preceded by a formal finding of mismanagement or a violation of the trust deed, ensuring that the autonomy of private or hereditary administrations is not bypassed through administrative overreach.
POCSO Case: Allahabad High Court Judge Recuses From Hearing Contempt Plea Against Swami Avimukteshwaranand
Source: Live Law
Development: Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal of the Allahabad High Court recused himself from hearing a contempt petition filed against Swami Avimukteshwaranand, stating that he did not wish to hear the matter and directing it to be placed before another bench after nomination by the Chief Justice. The contempt petition, filed by Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj, alleged that Avimukteshwaranand had violated the conditions attached to the anticipatory bail granted to him by the High Court in connection with a POCSO case registered in Prayagraj. The bail conditions had, among other things, prohibited the applicants from giving media interviews or making statements regarding the case, and the contempt application alleged that Avimukteshwaranand had held meetings and made public statements in breach of these conditions.
CCI Orders Probe Against Pernod Ricard Over Alleged Brand Pushing Under Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: Competition Commission of India has ordered a probe against Pernod Ricard and seven other entities over allegations of exclusive dealing and “brand pushing” in Delhi’s liquor market under the Delhi Excise Policy 2021–22. The CCI found a prima facie case that Pernod Ricard may have entered into anti-competitive arrangements with wholesalers and retailers to boost its market share, and directed the Director General to complete the investigation within 90 days.
Delhi HC Protects Shashi Tharoor Personality Rights Restrains AI Generated Deepfakes
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: The Delhi High Court granted interim protection to Shashi Tharoor in a suit alleging AI-generated deepfake videos and violation of his personality rights. Tharoor argued that unknown entities used artificial intelligence to create hyper-realistic videos falsely depicting him praising Pakistan’s foreign policy and making politically sensitive statements during the Kerala election campaign. The Court was told that the fabricated content had spread widely across digital platforms, allegedly misleading the public, journalists, and political circles while damaging Tharoor’s reputation and public credibility. Justice Mini Pushkarna issued interim directions after observing the seriousness of the alleged misuse of AI and online disinformation.
ED Withdraws Press Release Against FIITJEE After Delhi High Court Objection
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) informed the Delhi High Court that it has withdrawn a press release which accused FIITJEE Limited and its founder of money laundering. Justice Anita Bhardwaj was hearing a petition filed by the coaching institute which argued that the agency issued the public statement even though no formal prosecution complaint had been filed. The petitioner contended that the press release caused irreparable damage to its reputation and business. Following the Court's observation that such public disclosures might be premature before a case reaches the adjudicatory stage, the agency confirmed the removal of the link from its website, leading the Court to dispose of the plea.
BCI Petitions CJI Over Andhra Pradesh High Court Judge’s Conduct, Spotlighting Judicial Temperament and Bar–Bench Tensions
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: The Bar Council of India petitioned Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to intervene following a widely circulated video of Justice Tarlada Rajasekhar Rao of the Andhra Pradesh High Court ordering a young lawyer into 24-hour judicial custody. The order was reportedly recalled later following intervention by the Bar. The incident has since triggered criticism within sections of the legal fraternity regarding Courtroom conduct and treatment of young advocates. BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra described the judge's actions as grossly inappropriate after the advocate was allegedly rebuked and mocked for failing to produce a specific order copy. Although the judge later recalled the custody direction, the BCI has requested administrative measures, including the withdrawal of judicial work from the judge, his transfer to a distant High Court, and mandatory training on judicial temperament and Bar-Bench relations.
Who Gets To Be Called 'Hon'ble' In India? Allahabad High Court Answers
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: The Allahabad High Court clarified that the honorific "Hon'ble" is reserved exclusively for constitutional functionaries who exercise sovereign functions across the three organs of Government the legislature, executive, and judiciary. The bench noted that this includes the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Union and State Ministers, Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, the Speaker and Chairpersons of Parliament and State Assemblies, and Members of Parliament (MPs) and State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs). Crucially, the Court ruled that civil servants, regardless of how senior their rank or position may be, are not entitled to this title, as they do not hold sovereign constitutional offices. This clarification arose after the Court noticed that an FIR had failed to use the proper honorific for BJP MP Shri Anurag Thakur, prompting the Court to emphasize that personal disgruntlement or lack of familiarity cannot justify ignoring established protocol. In an earlier order, the Court had asked the State home secretary to explain the protocol lapse.
Supreme Court Asks BCI To Set Up Expert Panel To Examine Issue Of AI Misuse In Indian Courts
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: The Supreme Court directed the Bar Council of India to constitute a committee of independent experts to examine the escalating risks of artificial intelligence (AI) in judicial proceedings. The Court took serious note of a trial Court in Andhra Pradesh that relied on four non-existent, AI-generated precedents in a property dispute. The bench declared that basing judicial decisions on synthetic or fake judgments does not constitute a mere error in judgment but qualifies as professional misconduct. While the Court clarified it does not intend to ban AI, it stressed the need for accountability and sovereign large language models to prevent algorithmic hallucinations from compromising the integrity of the adjudicatory process.
Plea Before Bombay High Court Challenges Sir Ratan Tata Trust Board Composition
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: A petition has been filed by Thane resident Suresh Patilkhede challenging the current board composition of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT). The petitioner alleges that the board is in “clear and continuing violation” of a 2025 amendment to the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, which reportedly caps the number of "life trustees" at one-fourth of the total board members if the trust deed is silent on such appointments. Currently, three out of the six trustees Shri Noel Tata, Shri Jimmy Naval Tata and Shri Jehangir HC Jehangir hold life tenures, exceeding the statutory limit. While the Bombay High Court refused to grant an urgent stay on the trust's scheduled 8th May, 2026 board meeting, the trust itself ultimately postponed the meeting to 16th May, 2026 amid internal friction over issues like the potential listing of Tata Sons and board representation.
SC Seeks Centre's Response On Christian Michel James' Plea In AgustaWestland Case
Source: Live Law
Development: The Supreme Court issued a notice to the Centre and central investigative agencies regarding a plea by British national Christian Michel James for release from custody. James, an alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland helicopter deal, argued that his eight year incarceration exceeds the maximum sentence for the corruption charges leveled against him. The petition also challenges the validity of the India-UAE extradition treaty, claiming it conflicts with the doctrine of speciality in the Extradition Act which restricts prosecution to specific extradited offences. The bench has granted the Government four weeks to file their detailed responses.
Plea To Limit Aadhaar Enrolment Only For Children Below 6 : Supreme Court Asks Petitioner To Approach Authorities
Source: Live Law
Development: The Supreme Court directed the Union Government to examine a petition seeking fundamental changes to the issuance of Aadhaar cards. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant requested the Centre to consider stricter guidelines for adults and adolescents, while potentially limiting new enrollments primarily to children. The petition filed by BJP leader and Advocate Shri Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay argued that existing statutory requirements, such as a 182 day stay and a rental agreement, are insufficient and enable infiltrators to obtain the document and subsequent benefits. The Court noted that forging of Government IDs is a widespread issue, often operated through international criminal hubs, and encouraged the executive to address these systemic vulnerabilities.
Very Nasty: CJI Makes Scathing Remarks On SC Registry’s Failure To Issue Notice To ED
Source: Live Law
Development: Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed severe displeasure over the Supreme Court registry's failure to issue a formal notice to the Enforcement Directorate despite a specific judicial order passed two months prior. The Court noted that the delay in administrative processing effectively stalled a bail plea, leading the Chief Justice to describe the situation as very nasty and unacceptable for a top judicial institution. Observing that such lapses undermine the efficiency of the justice delivery system, the bench demanded an immediate explanation from the Registrar. The Court emphasized that the registry must function as a seamless bridge between judicial orders and their execution rather than becoming a source of procedural hurdles.
Judge Who Quit Bengal SIR Tribunal Cleared More Voters Than EC Added To Rolls
Source: Indian Express
Development: A single appellate tribunal led by Justice (Retd) T.S. Sivagnanam cleared 1,717 voters for restoration to the rolls, yet the Election Commission officially added only 1,607 names across all nineteen tribunals combined. This discrepancy highlights a major gap in the execution of the Supreme Court's mandate to rectify the mass deletion of over 27 lakh electors under the controversial residency verification exercise. Justice Sivagnanam resigned from the tribunal shortly before these figures surfaced. The mismatch suggests that hundreds, if not thousands, of citizens cleared by judicial oversight were still unable to cast their votes due to administrative failures in updating the supplementary electoral lists.
Mizo Woman Moves Supreme Court Claiming New Marriage Law Discriminates Against Mizo Women Who Marry Non-Mizos
Development: A petition was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Mizo Marriage and Inheritance of Property (Amendment) Act, 2026. The petitioner, Lalsangliani Colney, argues that the new law creates a gender-based classification by excluding Mizo women who marry non-Mizo men from legal protections regarding marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Under the amendment, a Mizo man who marries outside the community retains his legal status and rights, whereas a Mizo woman in the same situation is stripped of them. The plea contends that the law makes a woman’s fundamental rights dependent on her husband’s identity, violating constitutional guarantees of equality and protection against discrimination based on sex.
II. Details of Important Cases
A. Supreme Court
If Right To Speedy Trial Violated, Bail Must Be Considered Regardless Of Crime's Seriousness: Supreme Court
Source: Live Law
Verdict: The Supreme Court granted bail to a murder accused ruling that the violation of the right to a speedy trial necessitates a plea for bail regardless of the seriousness of the offense. Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Vijay Bishnoi noted that the petitioner had been in custody since November 2022 and had spent nearly four years in jail without a single witness being examined. The bench set aside the Bombay High Court order, observing that there were no reasonable prospects of the trial concluding soon. The Court emphasized that while the charges were grave, the infringement of Article 21 guarantees required judicial intervention to prevent indefinite incarceration without trial.
Corporate Veil Can Be Lifted To Include Assets Of Group Companies In CIRP Of Holding Company
Source: Live Law
Verdict: The Supreme Court set aside an appellate tribunal order that had stalled the resolution of major housing projects including the Supreme Court’s stance on the "single economic entity" doctrine. The Court reaffirmed that the corporate veil is not an impenetrable shield when subsidiary companies are merely conduits for the parent company's operations. The bench emphasized that the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code must be interpreted purposively to ensure that the primary developer's insolvency encompasses all relevant assets, even those technically held by subsidiaries, to ensure the successful resolution of debt and the delivery of long-delayed housing units to creditors.
‘Parties Happily Cohabited For 4 Yrs, Relationship Soured Later’: Supreme Court Quashes False Marriage Promise Rape Case
Source: Live Law
Verdict: The Supreme Court quashed a rape case filed against a man who was accused of luring a woman into a physical relationship under a false promise of marriage. The Court observed that the relationship was consensual and spanned several years during a time when both parties were aware they were still legally married to their previous spouses. The Court noted that because the woman had sought a second marriage on a matrimonial site before her divorce was finalized and stayed with the man voluntarily for years without complaint, the relationship could not be termed as "deception" or "rape." The Court clarified that a breach of promise to marry due to a soured relationship is different from a false promise made at the very beginning with the intent to deceive.
Over 4,200 Homebuyers Get Relief As Supreme Court Restores Insolvency Plans For Earth Infra's Projects
Source: Bar and Bench
Verdict: The Supreme Court restored the insolvency resolution plans for four stalled projects of Earth Infrastructures Ltd, providing a final resolution for over 4,200 homebuyers. The Court set aside the NCLAT order that had previously stalled the process, affirming that the resolution plans for Earth Towne, Earth Sapphire Court, Earth Tech One, and Earth Copia were legally sound. Justices Sanjay Kumar and Alok Aradhe held that the resolution applicants, Alpha Corp and Roma Unicon, must fulfill their commitments without burdening homebuyers with further costs. The Court also restricted the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority from charging penal interest for the period the projects were stalled.
Supreme Court Sets Aside Bail Of Two UAPA Accused In Haldwani Riots Case
Source: Bar and Bench
Verdict: The Supreme Court cancelled the default bail granted to two key accused in the 2024 Haldwani violence case, setting aside a previous High Court order. The Court ruled that the trial Court had appropriately extended the investigation period beyond the initial ninety days, thereby making the claim for default bail under Section 167 of the Criminal Procedure Code invalid. The Court noted that in cases involving large scale communal violence and attacks on state machinery, the complexities of the probe justify the extra time taken by the police to file the final report, provided the legal procedures for extension were strictly followed.
Ensure Persons With Disabilities Scoring Above General Cut-Off Are Considered In Unreserved Vacancies : Supreme Court
Source: Live Law
Verdict: he Supreme Court directed the Union and State Governments to implement the policy of upward movement for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) in public employment. The Court ruled that disabled candidates who secure marks above the general category cut-off on their own merit must be adjusted against unreserved vacancies instead of being confined to the reserved quota. This ensures that the 4% horizontal reservation remains available for those who strictly require it. The bench emphasized that this approach fulfills the constitutional mandate of equality and inclusion, ordering all authorities to complete the necessary compliance exercises to recognize the intellectual and professional achievements of meritorious disabled individuals.
'Revenue Record Doesn't Confer Title' : Supreme Court Summarises Principles On Revenue Entries & Land Ownership
Source: Live Law
Verdict: The Supreme Court, comprising Justices Pankaj Mithal and S.V.N. Bhatti, dismissed an appeal by Vadiyala Prabhakar Rao & Ors. claiming title over 600 acres in Telangana based on revenue entries like Faisal Patti and Pahanies, affirming that such records serve only fiscal purposes for land revenue payment and do not confer ownership or title, while carrying presumptive value only for possession. The bench summarized key principles, noting revenue records are maintained by Patwaris and prone to tinkering, stray entries lack weight against consistent ones, and fabricated records cannot bind the Government. It upheld the Andhra Pradesh High Court's Division Bench reversal of a Single Judge's order, ruling writ jurisdiction under Article 226 unsuitable for factual title disputes best resolved in civil Courts.
Supreme Court States Para-Teachers' Claim For Regularisation Subject To Educational Standards Set By State
Source: Live Law
Verdict: The Supreme Court held that para-teachers and contractual teachers cannot claim automatic regularisation through judicial orders merely on the basis of long years of service, as this would create a parallel mode of public recruitment outside constitutional and statutory norms. While acknowledging the legitimate expectations and economic vulnerabilities of para-teachers in Jharkhand, the Court upheld the State’s authority under Articles 14, 16, and 309 to determine eligibility and recruitment standards for permanent teaching posts. However, the Court directed the State to periodically implement existing rules reserving 50% of vacancies for para-teachers and criticised prolonged ad-hocism in the education sector.
Evaluation Of The Supreme Court Argument Regarding Existing Hate Speech Laws
Source: Live Law
Verdict: The Supreme Court dismissed a batch of petitions refusing to issue fresh guidelines on hate speech by holding that current legal frameworks are sufficient. Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta ruled that there is no legislative vacuum, as provisions in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and the Representation of the People Act, 1951 already penalize such conduct. The Court emphasized the doctrine of separation of powers, stating that the creation of new criminal offences remains an exclusive legislative function. It clarified that grievances regarding hate speech arise from inconsistent enforcement by authorities rather than a lack of law, and directed that existing statutory remedies, including magisterial oversight, be utilized.
B. Karnataka High Court
Karnataka High Court Upholds Transgender Women's Right To Continue Hormone Therapy
Source: Bar and Bench
Development: The Karnataka High Court directed medical professionals to facilitate the ongoing Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for two transgender women, despite the provisions of the newly passed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026. Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum observed that the petitioners had been undergoing therapy since late 2023 and that abruptly stopping such medical treatment could lead to severe physical and mental harm. The Court emphasized that access to ongoing healthcare is a fundamental right under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, which cannot be suspended even while the broader validity of the Amendment Act is being challenged in the Supreme Court.
C. Bombay High Court
State Can't Deny Aid To Child Homes While Funding Ladki Bahin Yojana: Bombay High Court
Source: Bar and Bench
Verdict: The Bombay High Court delivered a judgement ruling that the Maharashtra Government cannot arbitrarily withhold financial support from non-governmental children’s homes. Justices Kishore Sant and Sushil Ghodeswar observed that while the state prioritizes flagship welfare schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana for women, it remains constitutionally obligated under Article 14 to provide for vulnerable children. The Court noted that denying salary grants to staff in NGO-run homes creates an untenable disparity compared to Government-aided institutions. Consequently, the bench directed the state to identify at least one competent voluntary children's home in each district and frame a comprehensive salary-grant policy within six months.
Bombay High Court Upholds Acquittal Of All 22 Accused In Sohrabuddin Fake Encounter Case
Source: Bar and Bench
Verdict: The Bombay High Court upheld the acquittal of all 22 individuals accused in the 2005 fake encounter killings of Sohrabuddin Shaikh, his wife Kauser Bi, and associate Tulsiram Prajapati. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad dismissed the appeals filed by Shaikh's brothers, which had challenged the 2018 special CBI Court verdict. The Court found no merit in the arguments that the trial was fundamentally flawed or that the evidence was erroneously appreciated. The acquittal includes 21 police personnel from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh, after the prosecution failed to prove charges following the hostilization of 92 witnesses. The Bombay High Court also dismissed a batch of petitions challenging the discharge of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh and Tulsiram Prajapati alleged fake encounter cases. The Court observed that the allegations of a political conspiracy were not backed by legally admissible material and that the discharge was justified as there were no grounds to proceed with a trial.
Bhima Koregaon Trial Yet To Start; Bombay HC Grants Bail To Surendra Gadling After 8 Years In Jail
Source: Bar and Bench
Verdict: The Bombay High Court granted bail to advocate Surendra Gadling noting that he had spent eight years in custody as an undertrial in the Bhima Koregaon case. A division bench of Justice A.S. Gadkari and Justice Shyam Chandak observed that the trial had yet to commence and there was no immediate prospect of its conclusion. The Court emphasized that prolonged incarceration without trial violates the fundamental right to liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. Gadling, who was arrested in June 2018 under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), was directed to surrender his passport and cooperate with ongoing proceedings as conditions for his release.]
Bombay High Court Refuses Bail In Former State Minister Baba Siddique Murder Case
Source: Live Law
Development: The Bombay High Court denied bail to an accused in the murder case of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, holding that there was sufficient prima facie material linking him to the alleged organised crime conspiracy behind the killing. The Court relied on co-accused confessional statements, call data records, and provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), observing that the stringent twin conditions for bail under Section 21(4) of MCOCA were not satisfied.
Bombay High Court Quashes Bribery Case Filed By Lilavati Trust Against HDFC Bank CEO Shri Sashidhar Jagdishan
Source: Bar and Bench
Verdict: The Bombay High Court quashed the FIR and all criminal proceedings against HDFC Bank MD and CEO Shri Sashidhar Jagdishan. The case originated from a complaint by the Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust alleging bribery and criminal breach of trust based on a diary found during loan recovery proceedings. The Court set aside a magistrate order from 29th May that had initiated the police probe, finding the allegations insufficient to warrant a criminal investigation. The Bench further observed that the request to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation was premature, effectively terminating the immediate legal challenge against the bank executive.
Citizens Shouldn't Be Burdened By Biometric Errors In Aadhaar: Bombay High Court To UIDAI
Source: Bar and Bench
Verdict: The Bombay High Court recently granted relief to 19-year-old twin brothers whose Aadhaar updates were stuck in "administrative limbo" for four years due to biometric mismatch errors. A division bench of Justices Ravindra V. Ghuge and Hiten S. Venegavkar criticized the UIDAI for a lack of clear guidance, noting that genuine residents should not be left remedial or forced to approach constitutional Courts over technical glitches. The Court emphasized that while maintaining database integrity is a matter of national importance, the process must be "citizen-centric" and "humane," especially for students needing verification for admissions and insurance. To prevent future hardships, the High Court directed the UIDAI to provide written reasons for rejections and establish facilitation centers to guide citizens through rectification procedures rather than sending them on repeated, uninformed office visits.
D. Delhi High Court
Delhi High Court Rejects Spicejet’s Plea To Review ₹ 144 Cr Payment Order In Dispute With Kalanithi Maran
Source: Times Of India
Verdict: The Delhi high Court dismissed a review petition filed by SpiceJet and its promoter Shri Ajay Singh against a prior direction to deposit ₹ 144 crore. The Court also imposed a cost of ₹ 50,000 on the petitioners for what it characterized as a persistent attempt to delay compliance with judicial orders. The airline had cited financial distress and operational disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict as grounds for seeking reconsideration, offering a commercial property in Gurugram as security instead of cash. The judge rejected these arguments, noting that the payment obligation stems from an admitted liability and that the Supreme Court had already declined similar requests for relief.
Delhi High Court Upholds Pilot's Suspension Despite 0.004% Blood Alcohol Trace
Source: Indian Express
Verdict: The Delhi High Court upheld the three month suspension of a pilot who tested positive during a pre-flight breath analyser test. The Court dismissed the pilot's appeal against a single judge order, ruling that any subsequent blood or urine tests conducted at private labs are irrelevant once a breath analyser test returns a positive result at the airport. The pilot, scheduled for a flight from Kolkata to Delhi, had recorded a blood alcohol content of 0.004%. The Bench emphasized that the Court lacks the technical expertise to override aviation safety standards which mandate a zero tolerance policy for alcohol.
Delhi High Court Upholds Forced Retirement Of IAF Employee Who 'Faked' Union Receipts To Collect Money
Source: Indian Express
Verdict: The Delhi High Court dismissed a petition by a civilian carpenter of the Indian Air Force challenging his compulsory retirement for financial misconduct. A division bench of Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Amit Mahajan ruled that acts impinging upon integrity cannot be shielded from disciplinary oversight merely because they are linked to union activities. The petitioner was found guilty of unauthorizedly collecting subscriptions and forging receipt books using a union registration number while not being an office bearer. The Court upheld the Central Administrative Tribunal’s decision, noting that the punishment was not shockingly disproportionate given the gravity of the forgery.
POCSO Act: Minor's Consent Is No Consent In Law, Says Delhi High Court While Setting Aside Acquittal
Source: Indian Express
Verdict: The Delhi High Court set aside the acquittal of a man charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, emphasizing that the consent of a minor is legally irrelevant. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma ruled that the trial Court erred in treating the prosecutrix's statement as consensual, asserting that the legislative intent of the Act is to protect children who lack the maturity to provide valid legal consent. The Court found that the medical evidence and the victim's age at the time of the incident sufficiently established the offense. Consequently, the High Court convicted the accused, stressing that judicial interpretations must strictly adhere to the statutory mandate that classifies any sexual act with a minor as non-consensual.
Delhi High Court Grants Bail To Sukesh Chandrashekhar's Wife Leena Paulose In ED Case; No Relief In MCOCA Case
Source: Bar and Bench
Verdict: The Delhi High Court granted bail to Leena Paulose, wife of alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, in a money laundering case. Justice Anita Bhardwaj ruled that Paulose had been in custody for over three years, which exceeded the period typically required for investigating her alleged role in siphoning funds. The Court noted that while she is entitled to relief under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) due to the length of her incarceration, she will remain in jail because she was denied bail in a parallel case involving the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act. The bench observed that the trial in the organized crime matter involves complex evidence and multiple accused, necessitating her continued detention.
E. Calcutta High Court
Singur Nano Plant Dispute: Calcutta HC Refuses Unconditional Stay On ₹765 Crore Arbitral Award In Tata’s Favour
Source: Bar and Bench
Verdict: The Calcutta High Court declined to grant an unconditional stay on an arbitral award requiring the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC) to pay over ₹765 crore to Tata Motors. Justice Aniruddha Roy ordered the state corporation to deposit the entire awarded amount, along with accrued interest, with the Registrar General as a condition for staying the execution of the award. This dispute originated from the 2008 closure of the Nano car plant in Singur following intense land acquisition protests. While the state challenged the original tribunal decision, the Court maintained that the corporation failed to provide sufficient grounds for a stay without financial security.
F. Allahabad High Court
Qualified Wife Who Sits Idle Can Be Denied Interim Maintenance: Allahabad High Court
Source: Bar and Bench
Verdict: The Allahabad High Court dismissed an appeal filed by a woman, a qualified gynecologist, who challenged a family Court's refusal to grant her interim maintenance under Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act. The Court noted that the woman was highly qualified and had previously earned an annual income exceeding ₹ 31 lakhs, as reflected in her Income Tax Returns. While the husband was directed to pay ₹ 60,000 per month for the maintenance of their children, the Court refused to grant maintenance to the wife, viewing her current unemployment as a voluntary choice intended to burden her husband. The bench, comprising Justices Atul Sreedharan and Vivek Saran, clarified that while the law protects spouses in genuine need, it does not subsidize “deliberate idleness” by those who possess the expertise to support themselves handsomely.
CLAT UG 2026: HC Sets Aside Order Directing Revised Merit List
Source: Hindustan Times
Verdict: The Allahabad High Court set aside a previous order that had directed a revision of the CLAT UG 2026 merit list due to alleged discrepancies in the answer key. A division bench observed that judicial interference in academic evaluations should be minimal, especially when an expert committee has already vetted the challenges. The Court noted that altering the merit list at a late stage would cause immense hardship to thousands of students who have already secured admissions and commenced their academic sessions. While acknowledging the petitioners' concerns regarding specific questions, the bench prioritized institutional stability and the sanctity of the competitive examination process over individual grievances.
G. Madhya Pradesh High Court
Madhya Pradesh High Court Rules Compassionate Appointment Is Not A ‘Property Right’
Source: Indian Express
Verdict: The Madhya Pradesh High Court on 5th May, 2026, dismissed a petition seeking compassionate appointment, clarifying that such employment is not a heritable property right. The Court ruled that compassionate appointment is an exception to the general rule of public employment and is intended solely to provide immediate financial relief to a family in distress following the death of a breadwinner. The judges noted that if a family has sufficient means of subsistence or if a long period has passed since the employee's death, the claim for appointment loses its primary objective. The Court emphasized that these appointments cannot be claimed as a matter of right after the immediate crisis has been mitigated.
Madhya Pradesh High Court Reaffirms SC Status Cannot Be Carried Across States After Migration
Source: Live Law
Verdict: The Madhya Pradesh High Court held that a person migrating from one State to another cannot automatically claim Scheduled Caste reservation benefits in the new State, even if the caste is recognised as an SC category in both States. The Court observed that SC recognition is linked to the specific social, economic, and educational backwardness faced by that community within a particular State, and such conditions may not identically exist elsewhere. Applying Supreme Court precedent, the Court ruled that the petitioner, who had migrated from Rajasthan to Madhya Pradesh after marriage, could not claim SC reservation benefits in Madhya Pradesh on the basis of a Rajasthan-issued caste certificate.
H. Other Courts and Tribunals
Maharashtra Court Acquits MLC Anil Parab In Resort Corruption Case
Source: Bar and Bench
Verdict: A special Court in Khed, Ratnagiri acquitted Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Shri Anil Parab and four others in the high profile Sai Resort corruption case. Special Judge Prasanna S Chandgude ruled that the prosecution failed to prove charges of cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy related to alleged illegal construction within coastal regulation zones and tax irregularities. The Court highlighted significant discrepancies between the FIR and the chargesheet and specifically noted that the primary complainant was not examined as a witness. Finding no evidence of pecuniary gain by the public servants involved or intent to cause loss to the Government, the Court cleared all accused of all criminal charges.
NCLAT sets aside ₹301 crore CCI penalty against Grasim
Source: Bar and Bench
Verdict: The NCLAT has set aside a ₹301.61 crore penalty imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Grasim Industries for the alleged abuse of its dominant position in the market for Viscose Staple Fiber (VSF). The NCLAT observed that the CCI had erred in its assessment of the relevant market and failed to provide sufficient evidence that the company’s pricing policies were discriminatory or exclusionary. The tribunal noted that the regulator cannot interfere with the commercial wisdom of a business unless there is clear proof of an anti-competitive effect that harms the market structure. This ruling provides significant relief to the company, as it cancels the fine and rejects the findings of unfair trade practices previously upheld by the CCI.
IV. Appointments, Collegium Recommendations And Transfers Section
The week’s developments reflect the increasingly central role of the judiciary in navigating questions that sit at the intersection of governance, constitutional interpretation, administrative accountability, and individual rights. Several proceedings also highlighted broader institutional concerns ranging from judicial pendency and electoral independence to the growing challenges posed by technology, regulatory overreach, and procedural delays within the justice system.
As multiple constitutionally significant matters continue to remain under judicial consideration, the coming weeks are likely to further shape discussions around federalism, institutional balance, civil liberties, and the evolving relationship between law and governance in India. India Judiciary Watch will continue to track these developments with a focus on clarity, institutional context, and legal significance.