Welcome to the latest edition of Judgement Junction for the week 22nd December - 27th December, 2025. Notable developments included the Delhi High Court's suspension of Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence with conditional bail pending appeal, the Supreme Court's reprimand of Uttarakhand authorities for inaction on widespread forest land grabbing, and directives for stricter enforcement against pollution at construction sites by the Bombay High Court. Courts also issued notices on Enforcement Directorate challenges in the National Herald case, framed charges in the Chinese visa scam involving Karti Chidambaram, and advocated broader reforms like Chief Justice Surya Kant's vision for multi-door courthouses integrating mediation and arbitration.
I. Key Legal Developments:
CBI Moves Supreme Court Against Delhi HC Order Suspending Sentence Of Kuldeep Sengar In Unnao Rape Case
Development: The Delhi High Court has temporarily suspended the life sentence of Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case, granting him conditional bail while his appeal is heard. The Court explicitly stated this does not overturn his conviction, but only holds the sentence “in abeyance.” A key part of the High Court’s decision was its finding that Sengar, despite being an MLA, is not a “public servant” under the aggravated offense section of the POCSO Act, overturning the trial court’s view. The bail is subject to strict conditions, including a ₹15 lakh personal bond, weekly reporting to the police, passport deposit, and maintaining a distance of at least 5 km from the survivor. The case has been marked by national controversy due to allegations of intimidation and violence against the survivor and her family. The Delhi High Court’s bail order is currently being challenged in the Supreme Court by the CBI.
Delhi Court Frames Charges Against Congress MP Karti Chidambaram In Chinese Visa Case
Development: The Rouse Avenue Courts have ordered the framing of charges against Congress MP Karti Chidambaram and six others in the Chinese visa scam case, finding a prima facie case of criminal conspiracy and bribery. One accused was discharged due to lack of evidence. The case, based on a CBI charge-sheet, alleges Chidambaram received illegal gratification to facilitate visas for Chinese nationals. With charges framed, the matter will proceed to trial, with the next hearing scheduled for January 2026.
Delhi Air Pollution: High Court Asks GST Council To Decide On Lowering, Abolition Of GST On Air Purifiers; Centre Warns Of 'Pandora's Box', Cites Constitutional Process
Development: The Delhi High Court has directed the GST Council to urgently consider lowering or eliminating the 18% GST on air purifiers, citing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and the severe air pollution crisis. The court suggested parity with medical devices, which have a 5% GST, and referenced a prior Parliamentary Standing Committee recommendation for a tax reduction. The Central government, however, opposed the court's intervention, warning it could set a precedent for numerous similar exemption requests and interfere with the GST Council's constitutional mandate to operate by consensus. The Centre argued that the doctrine of separation of powers prevents judicial directives on tax policy and that the matter should follow the established process, as it is already under parliamentary review.
Supreme Court Slams Uttarakhand Authorities For Being Silent Spectators To Forest Land Grabbing; Says Thousands Of Acres Lost
Development: The Supreme Court of India severely criticized the Uttarakhand authorities for their role as "silent spectators" in the large-scale illegal encroachment and grabbing of forest land, which has led to the loss of thousands of acres to private entities. Acknowledging the serious concerns over forest degradation, a Division Bench took suo motu cognisance of reports highlighting systematic inaction by local authorities. The Court expanded the matter into a formal proceeding and issued several directives to combat the situation. Specifically, the Court ordered the Chief Secretary and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to form an Enquiry Committee and submit a report. Furthermore, the Court restrained private parties from alienating the land or creating third-party rights, prohibited any new construction in the area, and instructed the Forest Department to take immediate possession of all vacant land, with the exception of residential houses.
Delhi High Court Issues Notice On ED’s Challenge To Refusal Of Cognisance Against Rahul, Sonia Gandhi In National Herald Case
Development: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has moved the Delhi High Court to challenge a trial court's order that refused to acknowledge its money laundering complaint in the National Herald case, which involves Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, arguing for the ED, contended that the trial court erred by insisting that ED proceedings require an FIR for the predicate offence, an interpretation he warned could severely impact the PMLA enforcement. The High Court has issued notice on the matter, setting the next hearing for March 12, 2026.
Arnab Goswami's Interview With Former CJI BR Gavai On The Aravalli Verdict
Development: Former Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai defended the Supreme Court's controversial Aravalli verdict in a recent interview on Arnab Goswami’s Republic TV, explaining he spoke out to counter public misunderstandings. Having monitored the matter for over three years and conducted extensive hearings, he stressed that delivering the judgment was a necessary judicial duty. Justice Gavai defended the court's reliance on an expert committee's definition and highlighted that the ruling includes conditions restricting mining until comprehensive sustainable development plans are finalized. The interview emphasized the ongoing debate about the environmental and regulatory consequences of the Aravalli decision.
Bombay High Court Intensifies Scrutiny of Air Pollution, Signals Possible Restrictions on New Construction Projects
Development: The Bombay High Court, in a suo motu PIL regarding Mumbai's air quality, strongly criticized the BMC and MPCB for a widespread failure to enforce pollution-control norms, particularly at construction sites. Citing the "extremely negligent" demolition at the Bandra East Government Colony as an example, the Court expressed dismay over the sanctioning of over 125 large-scale projects despite "rampant non-compliance." The Bench threatened to halt approvals for new projects and directed authorities to implement stricter enforcement, surprise inspections, accountability for flying squads, and submit a time-bound corrective plan.
Red Fort Blast Case: Court Extends Judicial Custody Of Seven Accused Till 8th January
Development: The Patiala House Court has prolonged the judicial custody of the seven individuals accused in the Red Fort blast case until January 8, 2026. The Additional Sessions Judge issued this order following the production of the accused by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under stringent security measures. The blast, which took place on November 10th, resulted in the deaths of 14 people and left several others injured. According to the NIA's submission to the court, the attack was coordinated by a terror module. This module is alleged to have furnished logistical support, provided shelter, and aided in the destruction of evidence related to the incident.
“Law Should Not Be Used To Target Specific Individuals”: Madras High Court Grants Interim Bail To Savukku Shankar
Development: The Madras High Court has granted interim bail to YouTuber and journalist Savukku Shankar from December 26, 2025, to March 25, 2026, citing his medical condition and concerns over the repeated infringement of his personal liberty. The Court expressed concern about the pattern of multiple cases against him, stressing that the law should not be used to target individuals or suppress dissent. His release is conditional, and the Court highlighted that civil remedies are the appropriate way to handle complaints about allegedly defamatory content.
CJI Surya Kant Pitches For ‘Multi-Door Courthouse’ For Comprehensive Dispute Resolution
Development: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant advocated for the legal system to adopt a "multi-door courthouse" model, transforming courts into comprehensive dispute resolution centres offering mediation, arbitration, and litigation. Speaking at the National Conference on Mediation, the CJI praised mediation as the "highest evolution of law," capable of reducing judicial pendency and promoting participatory justice. While acknowledging the success of the “Mediation for Nation” campaign, he stressed the critical need to address the significant shortfall in trained mediators and expand mediation capacity across all levels of the judiciary.
‘Come Back To India For Challenging Vires Of Fugitive Economic Offenders Act’: Bombay High Court To Vijay Mallya
Development: The Bombay High Court has mandated that fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya must file an affidavit stating his proposed date of return to India. The Court made it unequivocally clear that it will not consider his challenge to the constitutional validity of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 unless he first submits to its jurisdiction. A Division Bench ruled that Mallya cannot simultaneously challenge the vires (legal force) of the Act and contest the 2019 order that declared him a fugitive economic offender. The judgment clarifies a distinction: while statutory orders under the Act may be challenged in absentia, a constitutional challenge requires Mallya's physical submission to Indian jurisdiction.
PM Modi Degree Defamation Case: Gujarat High Court Reserves Verdict On Arvind Kejriwal's Plea Seeking Separate Trial From Sanjay Singh
Development: The Gujarat High Court has reserved its verdict on Arvind Kejriwal's plea to sever his trial from that of AAP MP Sanjay Singh in a criminal defamation case filed by Gujarat University. The case stems from alleged remarks made about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's educational degree. Kejriwal argues the statements were made separately and do not constitute the "same transaction" for a joint trial, while Gujarat University contends the remarks are part of a continuous transaction, a view supported by lower courts.
Dadri Lynching 2015, UP Court Rejects Govt's Plea To Withdraw Charges Against Accused In Akhlaq Murder Case
Development: The Gautam Budh Nagar court has rejected the Uttar Pradesh Government’s plea to withdraw the prosecution in the 2015 alleged lynching case of Mohammad Akhlaq in Dadri. The court has directed that the trial proceed on a day-to-day basis and ordered the protection of evidence. Consequently, a separate petition filed by Akhlaq’s wife before the Allahabad High Court challenging the proposed withdrawal has become infructuous, as the trial court has already denied the withdrawal attempt.
Allahabad High Court Doubts UP DGP’s Claim That Only 11 Mob Lynching Cases Reported In State Since 2018
Development: The Allahabad High Court (Lucknow Bench) has challenged the Uttar Pradesh DGP's claim of only 11 mob lynching cases since 2018, calling the figure "prima facie incorrect." The Court made this observation while hearing a plea related to the U.P. Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, where it also flagged the casual registration of FIRs under the Act and questioned the State's compliance with the Supreme Court's Tehseen S. Poonawalla directives on vigilantism. The Court has directed the State to widely publicize the Uttar Pradesh Victim Compensation Scheme, 2014, and the 2018 Government Order on mob lynching, and has sought fresh affidavits from senior officials to address these concerns.
Supreme Court Stays Conviction Of NCP Leader Manikrao Kokate In 1995 Cheating Case, Restrains His Disqualification As MLA
Development: The Supreme Court has temporarily stayed the conviction of Manikrao Kokate, a senior NCP leader (Ajit Pawar faction), in a 1995 cheating case. The stay is specifically intended to prevent his disqualification as an MLA. A Division Bench issued notice on his challenge against the Bombay High Court's order, which had suspended his sentence but not the conviction. The Court, however, clarified that the stay does not allow Kokate to hold any office of profit. Justice Bagchi noted a potential "fundamental error" in classifying a false declaration as forgery.
Delhi Court Reserves Order Against Sajjan Kumar In A Case Related To 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots
Development: The Rouse Avenue Courts has reserved their order until January 22nd in the case against Congress leader Sajjan Kumar regarding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The case relates to killings and arson in Janakpuri and Vikaspuri. Although murder charges were dismissed, Sajjan Kumar still faces charges such as rioting and promoting enmity for his alleged presence and participation in the mob during the crimes.
Plea Before Supreme Court Against PM Narendra Modi’s Chadar Offering At Ajmer Sharif Dargah
Development: The Supreme Court refused to grant an urgent hearing on December 22nd regarding a plea that sought to bar Prime Minister Narendra Modi from presenting a ceremonial chadar at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah during the 814th Urs celebrations. The chadar is slated to be offered on the Prime Minister's behalf by the Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju. The petitioner had urgently mentioned the matter before a vacation Bench, arguing that a similar dispute concerning religious sites was already under consideration by the Court. However, the Court declined the urgent listing, stating that no hearing would take place on that date.
High Court Asks Haryana Govt To File Fresh Affidavit On Teacher Shortage, Infrastructure Adequacy In Govt Schools
Development: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered the State of Haryana to submit a new, comprehensive, district-specific affidavit detailing the availability of teachers and infrastructure in Government schools, strictly adhering to the norms of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. This directive stems from a suo motu proceeding initiated due to severe teacher shortages, as the State's previous affidavit was deemed inadequate. The State must provide data on pupil-teacher ratios, special educators, infrastructure, teaching equipment, libraries, sports facilities, and the status of ongoing recruitment.
AP High Court Suggests Reforms In Tirumala Hundi Process To Prevent Theft, Urges Use Of AI
Development: The Andhra Pradesh High Court has ordered the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to implement comprehensive reforms, including the use of technology, digitization, and AI, in the Tirumala Tirupati Hundi (offerings) processing system to prevent theft and misappropriation. Justice Gannamaneni Ramakrishna Prasad emphasized the need to protect the offerings due to their religious sentiments. The TTD must submit Plan A for immediate reforms within two weeks and Plan B for permanent, technology-driven reforms within eight weeks, while investigations into alleged misappropriation continue.
Lionel Messi Event Fiasco: Calcutta High Court Declines To Interfere With Probe By WB SIT, Inquiry Commission
Development: The Calcutta High Court has declined to stop the ongoing probe into the disorder during Lionel Messi's Kolkata visit. A Division Bench refused to interfere with the investigation, which is being conducted by a State-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) and an enquiry commission. The Court noted that the police investigation is in a preliminary stage and that no evidence of bias or illegality was presented to justify transferring the case to the CBI, emphasizing that investigation is the statutory domain of the police.
You Should Be Thick-Skinned: Delhi High Court To YSR Congress Leader In Suit Over Tirupati Laddu Reporting
Development: The Delhi High Court is hearing a defamation suit filed by a YSR Congress Party leader and former chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam against multiple media organizations. The leader is seeking the removal of articles that allegedly linked him to the Tirupati laddu ghee controversy and is demanding ₹ 10 crore in damages. The court summoned the media defendants, limited future publications on the matter to the court's proceedings, and noted that public figures, especially politicians, should be "thick-skinned." The next hearing is scheduled for January 29, 2026.
Karnataka High Court Flags ‘Inadvertent’ Gap In Hindu Succession Act, Asks Centre To Recast Laws On Widows Rights
Development: The Karnataka High Court identified an "inadvertent gap" in the 2005 amendment to Section 6 of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956. A Division Bench noted that the amended provision, unlike the unamended one, fails to explicitly protect the rights of widows and mothers during a notional partition. The Court, therefore, modified a trial court's order in a partition dispute and has urged the Ministry of Law and Parliamentary Affairs to reconsider and recast the provision to resolve this ambiguity.
‘Can’t Play With Citizens’ Lives,’ HC Orders Monitoring Committee For Kanjurmarg Dumping Site, Seeks Stringent Measures To Mitigate Foul Odour
Development: The Bombay High Court has strongly criticized the Maharashtra Government and contractors for the hazardous conditions at the Kanjurmarg dumping site in Mumbai, declaring that authorities must not “play with the lives of citizens.” A Division Bench mandated the State to swiftly implement immediate short-term measures within one week to alleviate foul odour and pollution. Furthermore, the Court ordered the establishment of a monitoring committee with technical experts to ensure compliance. The ruling emphasized the necessity of strict adherence to environmental laws, the adoption of scientific mitigation measures, and issued a warning that contractors could face action under the “polluter pays” principle for even minor lapses.
After 21 Years, Delhi High Court Upholds Tax On LG’s 2003 Cricket World Cup Sponsorship Payments
Development: The Delhi High Court upheld the Income Tax Department's levy of withholding tax on a portion of sponsorship payments made by LG Electronics India for the 2003 and 2007 ICC Cricket World Cups. The Court ruled that one-third of the USD 11 million paid by LG constituted a "royalty" for the substantive right to use ICC trademarks, making it taxable under the Income Tax Act and the India–Singapore DTAA. The Court dismissed LG's claim that trademark use was merely incidental to advertising, affirming that the Global Partnership Agreement granted independent rights to use the marks.
Calcutta High Court Flags Unfair Exclusion Of IndiaMART By ChatGPT, Defers Interim Relief Pending OpenAI Hearing
Development: The Calcutta High Court, in a case involving IndiaMART, found a strong prima facie case of selective discrimination. IndiaMART alleged that its platform was deliberately excluded from ChatGPT-generated results, leading to commercial and reputational damage. Justice Ravi Krishan Kapur noted that the exclusion appeared to be without any rational foundation and highlighted the prima facie use of USTR reports by OpenAI without providing IndiaMART with notice, a hearing, or conducting an independent assessment, especially since similar entities remained on the platform. However, the Court ultimately denied the request for ad-interim relief, stating that granting such a direction would effectively provide the final remedy without the respondents having been heard.
Telangana HC Declines To Pass Order Over GHMC Divisions Delimitation, Merger With New Ones
Development: The Telangana High Court declined to issue any immediate, specific directives regarding the petitions challenging the GHMC's delimitation exercise and the merger of certain new divisions. The court's decision was influenced by the principle that judicial interference is typically avoided in matters closely tied to the electoral process. Furthermore, the court acknowledged that the delimitation was already in an advanced stage, with numerous objections having been processed and only final approval pending.
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee Political Affairs Committee Member N. Subramanian Taken Into Police Custody for Sharing an AI-generated Image
Development: Senior Congress leader and Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Political Affairs Committee member, N. Subramanian, was taken into custody by Chevayur police in Kerala. The arrest stems from a case registered against him for allegedly sharing an AI-generated, digitally altered image on Facebook. This image depicted Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan with Unnikrishnan Potti, a suspect in the Sabarimala gold theft case, accompanied by a caption that implied a link between the two. Police asserted that the post was intended to inflame tensions by provoking violence and promoting hostility between groups, which formed the basis for the case against him.
II. Details of Important Decisions:
A. Supreme Court
Can't Protect Unauthorised Construction Saying It's Compoundable Violation : Supreme Court Rejects Plea Against Demolition
Verdict: The Supreme Court of India recently affirmed that unauthorized constructions cannot be protected from demolition simply because they are technically "compoundable" under municipal regulations. The Court dismissed a petition challenging a demolition order on this very ground. It emphasized that allowing illegal structures to be shielded on the basis of compoundability would only encourage further illegal construction and overburden the judiciary with prolonged litigation. The ruling thus reinforces the principle that unauthorized structures must be removed.
B. Delhi High Court
SEBI Cannot Rely On “Intrinsic” Investigation Report Without Giving Copy Of It To Accused: Delhi High Court
Verdict: The Delhi High Court has ruled that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) must provide its internal investigation report to an accused person in a criminal case if that report was the basis for the prosecution. The court overturned a trial court's decision, stating that withholding this foundational document creates an "unfair information imbalance" and harms the accused's ability to prepare a proper defense. The High Court mandated that SEBI furnish the report, allowing for the redaction of only sensitive portions.
'Half Of DU Students Are There': Delhi High Court Orders Action Against Unauthorised Restaurants At Majnu Ka Tila
Verdict: The Delhi High Court has instructed Delhi's civic bodies to take legal action, preferably within three months, against unauthorized cafes and restaurants in Majnu ka Tila that are operating in multi-storey buildings without approved plans and safety compliance. The court disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) after noting that the DDA had already registered a complaint, but mandated authorities to swiftly review the grievance and proceed with enforcement due to the high public footfall in the area.
Delhi High Court Mandates E-KYC For Domain Registrations To Curb Online Frauds
Verdict: The Delhi High Court has introduced significant measures to combat online fraud involving deceptive websites that impersonate established brands. These directives, issued to domain registrars, include mandating compulsory e-KYC for all domain name registrations, restricting automatic privacy masking of registrant details, and implementing various actions for infringing domains. Registrars must promptly suspend, permanently block fraudulent domains, and disclose registrant information, along with setting up technological safeguards against the misuse of famous trademarks.
C. Calcutta High Court
Kolkata High Court Passes Judgement on Solving Infrastructural Deadlock Posed By Various Governments in PIL Filed by a BJP Worker
Verdict: The Calcutta High Court ruled on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the delays in the Orange Line Metro project, filed by Shri Upamanyu Bhattacharya. The Court rejected the State's challenge to the PIL, stating that withholding traffic diversion permissions was against public interest and that project delays deprive citizens of essential services. Finding the authorities' justifications for the delays "irrational and unsubstantiated," the Court ordered the State Government and Traffic Police to promptly finalize and communicate two specific consecutive weekend night traffic blockade dates to allow for the completion of the remaining metro piers. The Court emphasized the need for administrative cooperation and declined to suspend its directives, setting enforceable timelines to ensure the project's swift completion.
D. Karnataka High Court
Karnataka High Court Quashes Notification Of Land For BMIC Project For Not Awarding Compensation From Past 17 Years
Verdict: The Karnataka High Court has invalidated the land acquisition notifications for one acre intended for the Bangalore–Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor Project (BMICP). Justice K.S. Hemalekha ruled that the prolonged, 17-year delay by authorities in either passing an award or paying compensation rendered the proceedings illegal, constituting a violation of Article 300A of the Constitution. The Court emphasized that this extended and unexplained dormancy effectively destroyed the legality of the acquisition. Furthermore, the Court noted that possession of the land was never taken and it was ultimately not required for the project, concluding that the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board could not hold private property under indefinite acquisition.
E. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court
Jammu & Kashmir High Court Dismisses Mehbooba Mufti’s PIL On Undertrial Prisoners, Terms It Politically Motivated
Verdict: The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Mehbooba Mufti, which sought the transfer of undertrial prisoners from jails outside the Union Territory back to facilities within Jammu & Kashmir. The court characterized the petition as “politically coloured” and “misconceived,” asserting that PILs should not be used for electoral campaigning or to gain political advantage. Specifically, the court found the petition lacked the necessary specifics, being “vague” and “unsubstantiated” due to the absence of details regarding the affected prisoners, the specifics of their cases, or any concrete transfer orders.
F. Gujarat High Court
Gujarat High Court Ends Danta Royals’ Right to Perform Puja at Ambaji Temple
Verdict: The Gujarat High Court has affirmed the registration of the Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan as a public trust, dismissing the appeal by the former Danta state royalty. The court struck down the royalty's exclusive privilege to perform a private puja on the eighth day of Navratri that excluded other devotees. Key reasons for the verdict include identifying the temple as a public religious institution and the deity as a juristic person owning the property. The court held that the appellants, whose status was reduced to a custodian after the state's merger, cannot claim ownership over the deity's property and cannot curtail the public's right to worship, rejecting their hereditary claims.
G. Punjab & Haryana High Court
Passport Also Means Of Identification, Bail Condition To Deposit It Can't Be Imposed Routinely
Verdict: The Punjab and Haryana High Court, in a ruling by Justice Sumeet Goel, held that requiring the deposit of a passport as a condition for bail should not be a routine practice, recognizing the passport's importance as an identification document. The Court quashed a condition compelling petitioners to surrender their passports but allowed the trial court to stipulate that they must obtain prior permission for foreign travel. The judgment clarified that this bail condition is separate from statutory impounding under the Passports Act, 1967, and must be based on an objective assessment of flight risk and adhere to the doctrine of proportionality.
H. Other Tribunal & District Court Orders
West Bengal’s Murshidabad District Court Awards Life Term For 13 In Lynching Of Father-Son Duo In Murshidabad
Verdict: A subordinate court in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district has sentenced 13 people to life imprisonment for the lynching and murder of a father and his son at their home in Jafrabad during violent protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in April 2025. The victims Harigobind Das aged 72 and Chandan Das aged 42, were killed by a mob, and the fast-track court found the 13 accused guilty of murder and related offences. The court also directed the state government to pay compensation to the victims’ family, and the state may decide whether to appeal the verdict in a higher court
These rulings highlight persistent tensions between judicial oversight and executive functions, alongside judicial pushes for technological interventions in areas like temple offerings management and domain registration safeguards against online frauds. The digest reflects a judiciary actively engaging with enforcement gaps, public health emergencies, and procedural fairness across environmental, criminal, and administrative domains.