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- Karnataka High Court Grants Bail to Man Accused Under Section 69 BNS for Deceitful Sexual Intercourse
News · 10 Oct 2026
Justice S. Vishwajith Shetty granted regular bail to Mohammed Ayan, 26, accused under Section 69 BNS for sexual intercourse obtained through false promise of marriage. The court noted the investigation was complete, charge sheet filed, maximum punishment is ten years, and the petitioner has no prior criminal record. The court observed that according to the complainant's statement, the alleged marriage promise occurred after the first act of intercourse.
- Karnataka High Court Closes Contempt Plea Against BPL Limited for Alleged Property Encumbrance Violation
News · 10 Oct 2026
Justice Jayant Banerji and Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju closed a contempt petition by Morgan Securities against BPL Limited over alleged violation of a 2020 asset restraint order. The Division Bench found no documentary evidence of actual breach, noting that while BPL's board was authorized to create encumbrances via a November 2025 resolution, no assets were actually charged or pledged in violation of the court's July 10, 2020 order.
- Karnataka High Court Quashes Government Takeover of Anjanadri Mandir, Restores Vidyadasa Baba's Puja Rights
News · 10 Oct 2026
Justice M. Nagaprasanna's bench quashed the state government's 2018 notifications that brought the Anjanadri Mandir in Koppal district under the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act. The court found the notifications violated due procedure and natural justice by failing to provide adequate opportunity to concerned parties. The ruling upholds Vidyadasa Baba's right to perform puja and permits the government to initiate fresh proceedings with proper legal compliance.
- Chief Justice Questions Executive Magistrate's Authority Over Jantar Mantar Protest Student Bond Notice
News · 10 Oct 2026
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated on October 10, 2026, that the Court would seek explanation from the Greater Noida executive magistrate regarding a Rs 5 lakh bond notice issued to a student allegedly linked to the Jantar Mantar protest. The Chief Justice questioned the magistrate's authority to issue such notice, citing earlier Supreme Court directives against penal action against students participating in protests.
- Supreme Court Agrees to List Plea on Delhi Police Permission for Peaceful Protests
News · 10 Oct 2026
The Supreme Court agreed to list a plea seeking directions to Delhi Police to permit peaceful protests in Delhi, including at Jantar Mantar, amid allegations of obstruction. The Court will first check for similar pending matters before proceeding with the plea, which arises from ongoing agitation against the Chief Election Commissioner and police restrictions on demonstrations.
- Supreme Court Questions Bar Council of India's Authority Over Law College Regulation
News · 10 Oct 2026
The Supreme Court observed on October 7, 2026, that it would examine whether the Bar Council of India (BCI) possesses statutory authority to control and regulate law colleges or universities. The Court questioned whether BCI, as a regulator, is the appropriate expert body for legal education matters, suggesting that eminent law scholars and academics might be better suited to handle academic regulation.
- Supreme Court Bar Association Seeks CJI Intervention Over Lawyer Detentions
News · 10 Oct 2026
The Supreme Court Bar Association passed a resolution on October 10, 2026, urging Chief Justice Surya Kant to intervene following detention of lawyers by Delhi Police and Central forces during a protest near Supreme Court premises. The SCBA condemned use of excessive force against senior and young advocates, particularly women advocates, who were allegedly peacefully protesting against the Chief Election Commissioner.
- Chief Justice Warns of Supreme Court Intervention Over Metro Station Closure
News · 10 Oct 2026
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant remarked on October 10, 2026, that the Supreme Court would intervene if the metro station near the court remained closed by afternoon. The closure, linked to ongoing Delhi protests, has caused inconvenience to lawyers, litigants, and court staff, prompting the Supreme Court Bar Association to highlight the accessibility concerns to the Chief Justice.
- Supreme Court Rules Against Falsely Quoting Judges and Fabricating Lawyer Statements
News · 10 Oct 2026
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant ruled that falsely quoting judges in online clips of court proceedings constitutes criminal conduct, despite such clips being otherwise barred. The Court also declared that fabricating statements attributed to lawyers during oral submissions is unacceptable, addressing concerns regarding the integrity of court proceedings and public dissemination of judicial information.
- Supreme Court Reiterates Written Communication of Arrest Grounds Under Article 22(1)
News · 10 Oct 2026
A bench of Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar reiterated in judgment 2026 INSC 1022 (decided September 21, 2026) that grounds of arrest must be communicated to arrested persons in writing and in a language they understand, reinforcing constitutional protections. The Court directed that safeguards established in Mihir Rajesh Shah v. State of Maharashtra must be followed when custodial interrogation is sought, strengthening procedural protections for arrested individuals.
- Supreme Court Clarifies Succession Law for Woman Bhumidhar Under Delhi Land Reforms Act
News · 10 Oct 2026
A bench of Justice S.V.N. Bhatti and Justice N.V. Anjaria clarified that under Section 51(2) of the Delhi Land Reforms Act, 1954, the personal law applicable to succession of a woman Bhumidhar's holding is determined by the personal law in force on her date of death, not as it stood on July 20, 1954. The judgment upheld a Delhi High Court Division Bench's decision sustaining mutation in favor of the woman's sons from her second marriage, settling a 50-year-old property dispute originating from 1973.
- Karnataka High Court Rules Stock Options Count as Income and EMIs Non-Deductible for Maintenance
News · 10 Oct 2026
The Karnataka High Court held that gains from stock options constitute income for maintenance purposes even if not paid monthly, and loan EMIs used to build assets are 'capital investment' and cannot be set off against maintenance payments. The court increased interim maintenance from ₹50,000 to ₹1,20,000 per month payable from January 8, 2026, with arrears due within four weeks, warning against income suppression.
- Karnataka High Court Hears Challenge to Income Tax Exclusion of Same-Sex Couples from Spouse Benefits
News · 10 Oct 2026
Before Justice B.M. Shyam Prasad, the court heard arguments that excluding same-sex couples from the 'spouse' benefit under Section 56(2)(x) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, violates Article 15 of the Constitution by discriminating on the ground of sex. The Centre argued that same-sex partners must challenge marriage laws rather than the Income Tax Act. The matter is posted for further hearing on October 12, 2026.
- Karnataka High Court Upholds Acquittal in 2009 SC/ST Atrocities Case Involving Ambedkar Photograph
News · 10 Oct 2026
Justice G. Basavaraja dismissed the State's appeal and upheld the acquittal of 26 persons charged under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, for allegedly pulling down an Ambedkar photograph and community hall signboard in Bommanahalli village in 2009. The court found no legal or factual error in the trial court's judgment, which acquitted the accused due to material contradictions in eyewitness accounts entitling them to benefit of doubt.
- Karnataka High Court Rejects WinZO US Plea to Transfer ED-Attached Funds
News · 10 Oct 2026
Justice C.M. Poonacha rejected WinZO US Inc.'s interim application seeking permission to transfer funds in US bank accounts under Enforcement Directorate attachment to another US bank. The court held that allowing such transfer would dilute the provisional and confirmed attachment orders under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, but granted liberty to approach Silicon Valley Bank for release in accordance with ED directions.
- Karnataka High Court Stays FIRs Against BJP Booth Level Agents Over Bulk Voter Deletion Forms
News · 10 Oct 2026
Justice Anant Ramanath Hegde issued an interim stay on FIRs registered against two BJP Booth Level Agents for submitting bulk Form 7 objections affecting 778 and 136 electors in Malleswaram constituency. The court questioned why filing more than 50 such applications constitutes a criminal offense and noted that police cannot investigate non-cognisable offences without a Magistrate's order under Section 174(2) BNSS.
- Karnataka High Court Seeks State Response on 'Er' Prefix Recognition for Engineers
News · 10 Oct 2026
Justice CM Poonacha issued notice to the state government on a PIL challenging the September 15 government order permitting engineers to use the prefix 'Er' before their names. The petitioner argues the order is arbitrary and discriminatory, granting official recognition to one profession while excluding advocates. The court questioned whether this decision violates equality rights under the Constitution.
- Advocate Seeks Attorney General's Consent for Contempt Proceedings Over X Post Criticizing Supreme Court Bench
News · 10 Oct 2026
Advocate Kaushik Chatterjee requested Attorney General R. Venkataramani's consent to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against Saurav Das for an October 4, 2026 post on X criticizing a Supreme Court bench including Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi regarding their handling of West Bengal and Bihar SIR-related petitions. The post allegedly claimed the bench would hold 'absolutely ZERO CREDIBILITY.' The request invokes Section 15(1)(b) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
- Supreme Court Issues Order in Criminal Writ Petition by Mahua Moitra Against West Bengal
News · 10 Oct 2026
The Supreme Court uploaded an order dated October 1, 2026, in Criminal Writ Petition No. 390/2026 filed by Mahua Moitra against the State of West Bengal. The order was made available on the Supreme Court's official website on October 9, 2026. The case concerns constitutional protections and state action, reflecting the Supreme Court's jurisdiction over writ petitions challenging state authority.
- Supreme Court Stays High Court Bail and Orders Re-arrest in ₹3,000 Crore Drug Trafficking Case
News · 10 Oct 2026
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana stayed bail granted by the Punjab and Haryana High Court and ordered re-arrest of an accused in a major narcotic trafficking case involving ₹3,000 crore and 5,000 Tramadol tablets. The Court questioned whether illegal detention prior to arrest could vitiate the arrest, rejecting the High Court's reasoning. This decision reasserts the Supreme Court's authority in serious drug trafficking prosecutions.
- Supreme Court to Prioritize SIR-Deleted Voters' Appeals Ahead of Kolkata and Howrah Municipal Elections
News · 10 Oct 2026
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana acknowledged a plea to prioritize appeals filed by over 22 lakh voters whose names were deleted from West Bengal's electoral roll during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The Court stated it would consider the matter on October 16, 2026, addressing whether excluded voters may vote in upcoming municipal elections. This decision balances electoral integrity with voter inclusion rights.
- Supreme Court Questions Madhya Pradesh High Court's Casual Reduction of Murder Conviction
News · 10 Oct 2026
The Supreme Court expressed dismay at the Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision to reduce a murder conviction, describing the approach as 'shocking' and 'cryptic and casual.' The Supreme Court questioned the High Court's methodology in handling the conviction reduction, indicating judicial scrutiny of lower court decisions that appear insufficiently reasoned. This reflects the Supreme Court's commitment to maintaining consistency in criminal law application.
- Supreme Court Directs Reassessment of Travel Restrictions, Distinguishes Between Prohibition and Regulation
News · 10 Oct 2026
A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, including Justice V. Mohana, found Delhi Police's restrictions on free movement ahead of October 10 protests to be 'over-reaching.' The Court clarified the legal distinction between total prohibition and regulation of public transport, securing an assurance from the Solicitor General that authorities would reassess travel prohibitions. This ruling protects citizens' right to associate and protest while maintaining the state's regulatory authority.
- Supreme Court Hosts National Consultation on Ten Years of Juvenile Justice Act, 2015
News · 10 Oct 2026
The Supreme Court is conducting a two-day national consultation on October 10-11, 2026, reviewing the implementation and impact of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Organized by the Supreme Court's Juvenile Justice Committee with UNICEF, the consultation addresses children's rights, preliminary assessment in heinous offences, adoption, institutional care, and rehabilitation challenges. The Chief Justice of India will release a compendium of landmark judgments on the Act from 2015 to September 2026.
- Supreme Court Rules Legal Heir Entitled to Ancestral Property Share is Necessary Party to Partition Suit
News · 10 Oct 2026
The Supreme Court in Geeta Bai v. K Arjun Singh held that a legal heir entitled to a share in ancestral property under Section 6 of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, is a necessary party to partition suits. The Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta clarified that compromise decrees passed without impleading such necessary parties are nullities, and that Order XXIII Rule 3A CPC does not bar impleading omitted necessary heirs. The ruling protects the rights of all ancestral property stakeholders.
- Supreme Court Restores Acquittal in Criminal Breach of Trust Case, Holds Prosecution Failed to Prove Entrustment
News · 10 Oct 2026
A Bench of Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar set aside the Bombay High Court judgment and restored the acquittal of Ramkrushna Prahllad Dongardive in Criminal Appeal No. 1432 of 2019 for criminal breach of trust under Section 409 IPC. The Court held that the prosecution failed to prove entrustment of property or dishonest intention, establishing that both elements are essential for conviction. This judgment clarifies the evidentiary burden in public servant breach of trust cases.
- Supreme Court Upholds Hindu Widow's Limited Estate Becomes Absolute Property Under Section 14
News · 10 Oct 2026
The Supreme Court dismissed a civil appeal in Sultan Singh v. Financial Commissioner, Government of NCT of Delhi, affirming that a Hindu widow's limited estate transforms into absolute property under Section 14 of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956. The judgment (2026 INSC 1107) was delivered on October 9, 2026. This ruling clarifies succession rights for Hindu widows and reinforces the protective provisions of the Succession Act.
- Karnataka High Court Affirms Well-Known Trademark Protection Extends Beyond Registration Class
News · 9 Oct 2026
The Karnataka High Court dismissed an appeal by ACC Steel Pvt. Ltd., affirming that ACC Limited's well-known 'ACC' trademark—in use since 1938—is protected against use on dissimilar goods even if the rival has registration in a different class. The court held that Sections 11(2) and 29(4) of the Trade Marks Act protect well-known marks from unfair advantage, and Section 29(5) supports injunctions against using registered trademarks as corporate names. The decision prevents ACC Steel from selling TMT bars as 'ACC TMT 500' and using 'ACC' in its corporate name.
- Karnataka High Court Rules Simultaneous Prosecution Under IPC Sections 406 and 420 Permissible for Distinct Acts
News · 9 Oct 2026
The Karnataka High Court clarified that simultaneous prosecution under Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code is not inherently barred when distinct acts or transactions are involved. The court held that if a complaint independently establishes both fraudulent inducement and subsequent dishonest misappropriation of entrusted property through separate criminal acts, the accused can be tried for both offenses. This judgment provides clarity on the maintainability of dual charges when elements of each offense are independently constituted.
- Karnataka High Court Recognizes Civil Right to Name Change for Minor Without Prior Documentary Proof
News · 9 Oct 2026
Justice Hanchate Sanjeevkumar of the Karnataka High Court allowed a minor girl to change her name from 'Lakshmi N' to 'Veena N', affirming that every citizen has a fundamental civil right to be recognized by their chosen name. The court overturned the trial court's dismissal which had required documentary proof of prior use, deeming such a requirement unwarranted. The High Court issued a mandatory injunction directing defendants to update school records and recognize the plaintiff by her new name for all purposes.
- Supreme Court Orders Release of 26-Year Convict, Cites Fundamental Rights Violation
News · 9 Oct 2026
The Supreme Court ordered the release of a convict who had served approximately 26 years in prison, holding that denial of premature release violated fundamental rights under Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 21 (Right to Life). The judgment emphasized the necessity of considering rehabilitation and reformation of inmates who have undergone significant transformation during extended incarceration.
- Supreme Court Upholds NCLT's Power to Recall Fraudulent CIRP Admissions
News · 9 Oct 2026
A bench of Justices P. S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe ruled that the National Company Law Tribunal possesses inherent jurisdiction to recall orders admitting insolvency proceedings if the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process was initiated based on fraud or collusion. The Court established that the existence of debt constitutes a jurisdictional fact essential for tribunal authority, and fraudulent debt can undermine the integrity of the insolvency resolution framework under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
- Supreme Court Affirms Victim's Right to Speedy Trial as Fundamental Stakeholder Right
News · 9 Oct 2026
A bench of Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar ruled that victims possess locus standi to petition High Courts for expeditious criminal trial conclusion, setting aside a Delhi High Court order that had dismissed a complainant's petition as frivolous. The Court clarified that the right to speedy trial is not exclusively the accused's prerogative but equally belongs to victims under Section 528 B.N.S.S., directing the trial court to conclude proceedings within one year from September 24, 2026.
- Karnataka High Court Rules Company Director Cannot Challenge Income-Tax Search in Individual Capacity
News · 9 Oct 2026
Justice B M Shyam Prasad ruled that a company director cannot challenge an income-tax search and seizure conducted against the company in his individual capacity when the search is not directed against him personally. The Court disposed of Obedulla A's petition challenging the search against Attica Gold Private Limited, clarifying that any grievance must be raised by the affected person. The director was permitted to appear before authorities on October 14, 2026, in response to a summons.
- Karnataka High Court Directs Verification of KVAT Payment Challans to Recall Recovery Proceedings
News · 9 Oct 2026
The Karnataka High Court disposed of a petition by E Frontline Recycling Pvt Ltd concerning an ex-parte adjudication order dated March 19, 2019, under the Karnataka Value Added Tax Act, 2003. The Court granted liberty to the petitioner to approach the respondent with certified copies and challans, directing verification of asserted KVAT remittances and recall of recovery proceedings if the challans relate to the relevant tax period. The respondent must communicate its decision within two weeks.
- Karnataka High Court Grants Interim Protection to BJP Leader in Voter Deletion Case
News · 9 Oct 2026
Justice Venkatesh Naik T of the Dharwad Bench issued an interim direction restraining police from taking coercive steps against BJP leader Dr. Ravi Patil and two co-petitioners until October 13, 2026, in a case involving alleged fabricated Form 7 applications during electoral roll revision in Belagavi. The petitioners sought quashing of the FIR registered by Market Police alleging attempts to delete 198 Muslim voters' names. The Court recorded the Government Pleader's request for time to file objections and the latest investigation report.
- Karnataka High Court Directs Fresh Examination of GST Refund Claim Involving Transitional Credit
News · 9 Oct 2026
The Karnataka High Court directed Central Tax authorities to freshly examine Super Wave Technology Private Limited's GST refund claim related to transitional credit following delayed customs duty payment in 2017. The Court quashed the appellate order and summary, finding inadequate examination of the claim, and mandated consideration of the petitioner's circumstances under applicable law. The interest demand was suspended pending this re-examination and determination of refund entitlement.
- Karnataka High Court Stays Proceedings Against Minister Laxman Savadi in 2018 Assault Case
News · 9 Oct 2026
Justice Anant Ramanath Hegde stayed further proceedings against Co-operation Minister and Athani MLA Laxman Savadi, who was recently added as an accused under Section 319 CrPC in a 2018 assault case. The High Court found the trial court's procedure for summoning Savadi to be contrary to law, while permitting the trial against other accused to continue. The stay protects Savadi from coercive action despite not being named in the original charge sheet.
- Karnataka High Court Sets Aside Ex-Parte GST Order Due to Petitioner's Pregnancy
News · 9 Oct 2026
The Karnataka High Court quashed an ex-parte GST adjudication order dated December 11, 2025, against M/s Ganga Medical Stores for FY 2021-22, accepting medical records proving the petitioner's inability to participate due to pregnancy and medical condition. The Court directed the GST authority to provide a fresh hearing and opportunity to the petitioner by October 14, 2026, after the statutory appeal period had expired. This ruling underscores the High Court's recognition of genuine health impediments in administrative proceedings.
- Supreme Court Clarifies Legal Standards for Breakup-Related Suicide Cases, Rejects Automatic Abetment Classification
News · 9 Oct 2026
The Supreme Court, in its October 8, 2026 pronouncements, stated that if a breakup leads to suicide, it cannot always be classified as abetment to suicide. This judicial observation clarifies the legal interpretation of abetment in relationship-related death cases, emphasizing the need for case-specific analysis rather than automatic categorization. The clarification addresses nuances in criminal law application regarding causation and culpability in such sensitive matters.
- Supreme Court Issues Directives for Enhanced Women Safety in Delhi Including Police Patrols and Driver Verification
News · 9 Oct 2026
The Supreme Court issued directions concerning women's safety in Delhi, ordering authorities to step up police patrols, verify antecedents of cab and bus drivers, and close unauthorized liquor outlets. These directives address critical aspects of public safety and law enforcement in the capital. The orders form part of the Supreme Court's ongoing engagement with women's safety issues and public order maintenance in metropolitan areas.
- Supreme Court Seeks State-Wise Compliance Reports on Rehabilitation Centers for Disabled Children
News · 9 Oct 2026
The Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and including Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana sought state-wise compliance reports regarding regulation, registration, and standards of rehabilitation centers, child development centers, and mental health establishments serving children with disabilities. The directive stems from Public Interest Litigation 'Rahul Bajaj v. Union of India & Ors.' highlighting alleged gaps in statutory safeguards implementation. The next hearing is scheduled for October 22, 2026.
- Supreme Court Initiates Suo Motu Proceedings on Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment Gaps, Proposes Dedicated Corpus
News · 9 Oct 2026
A Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and including Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana initiated suo motu proceedings titled 'In Re: Lack of Adequate and Systematic Treatment for SMA Patients and Other Ancillary Issues'. The bench observed that inadequate financial support hinders preventive and post-atrophy treatment for SMA patients and mooted creation of a dedicated fund or corpus with a regular, permanent mechanism for contributions and fund maintenance to address systemic gaps in patient care.
- Supreme Court Modifies Arbitrator Appointment Order, Permits Counterclaim for Set-Off in IBC Proceedings
News · 9 Oct 2026
A Supreme Court bench comprising Justices J. B. Pardiwala and K. Vinod Chandran upheld an arbitrator's appointment under Section 11 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, while modifying the High Court's order in the case of Modern Asset v. KNK Constructions Private Limited. The bench permitted the Operational Creditor to raise a counterclaim solely for set-off purposes rather than affirmative recovery, balancing the 'clean slate' principle under Section 31(1) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code with equitable considerations given the creditor's minimal haircut of 0.72%.
- Supreme Court Continues Hearings on NEET Examination Structural Reforms Following Centre's Affidavit
News · 9 Oct 2026
The Supreme Court is continuing to hear petitions seeking structural changes to the NEET examination system, following submission of an affidavit by the Centre outlining undertaken reforms. The petitions seek comprehensive modifications to the examination framework and procedures. The Court's ongoing examination of these petitions will determine what structural reforms, if any, will be mandated for future NEET administrations.
- Karnataka High Court Rules Section 69 BNS Sexual Intercourse Charge Not Applicable to Women Accused
News · 8 Oct 2026
The Karnataka High Court quashed charges under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, against a woman accused, holding that the offence of sexual intercourse by false promise of marriage cannot be attracted against a woman based on the complaint allegations. Justice Anant Ramanath Hegde partly allowed the petition under Section 482 CrPC and Section 528 BNSS, clarifying that this specific offence is gender-specific and does not apply to female accused, while directing investigation into remaining alleged offences against the woman to continue.
- Supreme Court Restores Attempt to Murder Charge in Rajasthan Criminal Appeal, Sets Aside High Court Modification
News · 8 Oct 2026
Justices Aravind Kumar and Vipul M. Pancholi in Abhishek v. State of Rajasthan (Criminal Appeal 4765/2026, 2026 INSC 1093) set aside the High Court's judgment and restored the Additional Sessions Judge's order framing charge under Section 307 IPC (attempt to murder). The bench held there was no justification for altering charges before evidence testing at trial, clarifying trial courts retain authority to modify charges to Section 308 or lesser offences if prosecution evidence proves insufficient. The case was directed for expeditious trial.
- Supreme Court Directs Punjab to Submit Compensatory Afforestation Land Proposal for Highway Projects
News · 8 Oct 2026
Chief Justice Surya Kant's bench, with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, ordered Punjab to submit a formal proposal for allocating land for compensatory afforestation related to highway construction following NHAI's challenge to High Court interim orders staying tree felling in the Zirakpur bypass project. The Court expressed concern over Punjab's forest cover at 3.67 percent while balancing environmental obligations against infrastructure and border connectivity needs. The bench directed NHAI to serve copies on Punjab for response.
- Supreme Court Questions Jharkhand DGP Appointment Rules for Conflict with Prakash Singh Framework
News · 8 Oct 2026
Chief Justice Surya Kant's bench, including Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, examined Jharkhand's Director General of Police appointment regulations allowing officers with less than six months residual service before retirement. The bench observed prima facie conflict with binding Prakash Singh v. Union of India principles mandating minimum six-month residual service and two-year tenure. The Court granted Jharkhand one week to reconsider and directed Amicus Curiae to examine DGP appointment rules across other states.
- Supreme Court Directs Guruvayoor Temple to Maintain Traditional Ekadasi Udayasthamana Pooja Practice
News · 8 Oct 2026
A bench led by Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi issued an interim order directing Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple in Kerala to conduct Udayasthamana Pooja on Vrishchikam Ekadasi day according to traditional practice in P.C. Hary v. Guruvayoor Devaswom Managing Committee (CA 15380/2025). The Court rejected temple management's plea citing crowd management difficulties, holding that worshippers' faith and sentiments take precedence over administrative inconvenience. Final hearing is scheduled for December 2026.