Legal Pulse: Weekly Digest of Key Legal Developments (June 23rd - June 28th, 2025)

An article covering all key legal developments for the week June 23rd - June 28th, 2025 across courts in India.

This past week, Indian courts have actively engaged with critical issues spanning public safety, cultural heritage, and legal accountability. From the Supreme Court to various High Courts, significant pronouncements and actions have been made, reinforcing constitutional principles and addressing procedural concerns. This review delves into prominent developments and verdicts, offering a detailed look at cases from the Cauvery Aarti Project to the Nizamabad terror case.

I. Key Highlights

Over the past week, Indian courts delivered a series of judgments touching upon critical issues of national security, local administration, judicial accountability, and corruption. This document includes legal developments and verdicts with notable implications - particularly highlighting the key aspects of the cases discussed in Supreme Court and High Courts across the country.

Legal Developments -

1. CJI on Constitutional Supremacy and Judicial Activism: Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai emphasized that the Constitution is supreme, not Parliament, as all three branches of government function under it. He emphasized the distinct constitutional roles of the government's branches. While in another event in Nagpur, he defended judicial activism as essential for protecting citizens' rights but cautioned it must not turn into "judicial adventurism," affirming the judiciary's role as a corrective when constitutional limits are violated. Referring to the 'Basic Structure' doctrine, he noted that while Parliament can amend the Constitution, it cannot alter its core. He stated that a judge's independence lies in upholding constitutional duties, not merely ruling against the government, and stressed that public opinion should not influence judicial decisions. Highlighting his commitment to fundamental rights, CJI Gavai cited his judgment against "bulldozer justice," affirming the right to shelter. He also stated that Babasaheb Ambedkar envisioned one Constitution for India and never favored the idea of a separate Constitution for a State, and hence Article 370 was abrogated.

2. Justice Dipankar Datta on Collegium System: Justice Dipankar Datta publicly raised concerns about the Collegium system, stating that "external forces" hinder judicial appointments. While defending judicial activism, he warned against its excess and called for more transparency and merit in the process. In response, Chief Justice B.R. Gavai assured that steps were being taken to improve transparency.

3. Karnataka High Court Stays ASHA Mentors' Termination: The Karnataka High Court has stayed the termination of 195 ASHA Mentors. The mentors challenged their dismissal as unfair and illegal after more than ten years of service and are demanding their jobs be made permanent.

4. Madhya Pradesh High Court Rejects Urs and Namaz Plea at Muhammad Ghaus Dargah: The Madhya Pradesh High Court rejected a plea to hold Urs and offer Namaz at the Muhammad Ghaus Dargah, a protected monument under the 1958 Act. It ruled the site is a heritage monument, not a religious shrine, stressing public access, preservation, and protection for future generations. The Court said such rituals cannot be allowed, as the site is not legally a religious shrine but a national heritage monument, also housing the grave of Tansen.

5. Madras High Court Sets Aside FCRA Renewal Rejections: The Madras High Court set aside the Centre's rejection of FCRA renewals for two charitable trusts, citing a lack of specific violations and emphasizing that procedural lapses under amended rules should not hinder genuine charitable work. The Court criticized the suspicion cast on foreign-funded NGOs without evidence and directed authorities to process the renewals within four weeks. Justice Anand Venkatesh held the rejection was based on a procedural formality under a 2020 amendment, on which clarification should have been sought.

6. Karnataka High Court Quashes Cases Against Basavaraj Bommai: The Karnataka High Court on Friday quashed two criminal cases against former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, filed over his alleged objectionable remarks during a protest rally against the Waqf Board and State Government for allegedly taking over farmers' and temple properties.

7. Supreme Court to Examine OBC Certificate for Children of Single Mothers: The Supreme Court is to examine a plea seeking an OBC certificate for children raised by single mothers. The Court flagged the "serious hardship" that single mothers from OBC communities face when obtaining caste certificates for their children under current guidelines, which mandate that such certificates be based solely on paternal lineage. The Court questioned why a child should be denied this benefit when raised by an OBC mother, drawing parallels to previous rulings that extended similar benefits to children of SC/ST mothers in inter-caste marriages. By agreeing to hear the challenge, the Court signaled that it may consider amending these guidelines to allow the child's caste status to be determined by the mother's identity.

8. Gauhati High Court Orders Completion of Child Trafficking Trials: The Gauhati High Court, in compliance with the Supreme Court's April 2025 judgment in Pinki v. State of Uttar Pradesh & Anr., has issued a circular directing all courts in Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh to complete pending child trafficking trials within six months. The directive aligns with the Apex Court's nationwide order for expediting such cases and ensuring that every High Court monitors and reports progress. The move also calls for the implementation of recommendations from a study by the Bharatiya Institute of Research and Development (BIRD), treating missing children cases as abduction or trafficking until proven otherwise.

9. J&K High Court Orders Return of Woman Deported to Pakistan: The J&K High Court directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to bring back Rakshanda Rashid, a 63-year-old woman deported to Pakistan despite having lived in India for nearly 40 years on a Long-Term Visa (LTV). The Court found no valid deportation order and stressed the urgency due to her medical condition and lack of support in Pakistan.

10. Gauhati High Court Reinstates Officers in APSC Cash-For-Jobs Scam: The Gauhati High Court set aside the discharge of 52 civil service officers accused in the APSC cash-for-jobs scam, citing violation of Article 311(2) of the Constitution. The Court noted that no proper Government order was passed to dispense with a departmental enquiry, and statements to police couldn't be relied upon due to Sections 25 & 26 of the Evidence Act. The APSC cash-for-jobs scam, exposed in 2016, involved corruption in the 2013-2014 Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) exams.

11. PIL Seeks Ban on Santhara Ritual for Minors: A PIL has been filed in the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking a ban on the Jain ritual of Santhara, a practice of voluntary fasting unto death. The petition follows the alleged forced initiation of Santhara on a 3-year-old girl in Indore, which resulted in her death. The plea claims the act was non-consensual and seeks legal prohibition on allowing minors or those lacking mental capacity to undergo such rituals. The Court has sought further clarification and has impleaded the deceased child's parents in the matter.

12. MP High Court Bars Urs & Namaz at Gwalior’s Muhammad Ghaus Dargah, Cites Heritage Protection Over Ritual Rights: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has rejected an appeal seeking permission to hold Urs and offer Namaz at the Muhammad Ghaus Dargah in Gwalior, a centrally protected monument under the 1958 Act. The Court said such rituals cannot be allowed, as the site is not legally a religious shrine but a national heritage monument, also housing the grave of Tansen. It emphasised public access, historical preservation, and the duty to protect monuments for future generations.

13. Madras High Court Issues Contempt Notice to IAS Officers: The Madras High Court, in the case of S Vinoth Raghavendran v. Ms P. Amudha and Others, has taken a serious view of continued inaction in removing encroachment from temple land, issuing contempt notices to five IAS officers, including top bureaucrats from departments like Revenue, School Education, and HR & CE. The Court had earlier directed the State to find alternative land for a school operating on temple property, but no progress was made despite repeated directions over five years.

14. Karnataka High Court Hears Challenge to Bike Taxi Ban: The Karnataka High Court is hearing appeals against a recent ban on bike taxi services in the state. Two individual bike owners have joined Ola, Uber, and Rapido in challenging the ban, arguing that the Motor Vehicles Act and Aggregator Rules allow two-wheelers to operate as contract carriage transport vehicles. They claim the ban is hurting commuters and violates their fundamental right to conduct business. The court had earlier ruled that bike taxis cannot operate without specific guidelines from the State under Section 93 of the MV Act.

15. Prajwal Revanna Seeks Bail Due to Trial Delay: Former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna has filed a fresh bail plea before the Karnataka High Court in the sexual assault and rape case against him. Revanna's counsel argued that there has been a significant delay in the trial proceedings and claimed a change in circumstances since the earlier rejection of his bail. His legal team emphasized that the delay is prejudicial to his rights and urged the court to consider bail independently of the earlier merits-based rejection. The court had initially denied him bail, citing concerns over witness tampering and the serious nature of charges under Section 376 IPC.

16. MP High Court Issues Notice on PIL for Special Educators: The Madhya Pradesh High Court recently issued a notice to the Centre and State in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the appointment of special educators in private schools across Jabalpur. The Division Bench responded to allegations that private schools were failing to comply with mandates under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the Right to Education Act, 2009, which require schools to appoint trained special educators and create accessible infrastructure for children with disabilities.

17. Karnataka High Court Seeks Response on Cauvery Aarti Plea: The Karnataka High Court issued notices to the State Government concerning a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the proposed Cauvery Aarti near the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir. The petitioner, Sunanda Jayaram, argued that the ₹92.30 crore project, intended to mimic the Ganga Aarti, poses significant environmental risks including dam safety, water pollution, ecological imbalance, and adverse effects on agricultural fields, contending it violates the Dam Safety Act, 2021.

18. Madhya Pradesh High Court Rejects Plea for Guidelines Against Misleading News Targeting Muslims: The Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed a writ petition seeking guidelines to curb the publication of misleading or defamatory news targeting Muslims and Islam. The Court held that such reliefs could only be sought through a public interest litigation and advised the petitioner to pursue remedies through appropriate legal channels. The Plea was filed for the registration of a criminal case against the editors of two Hindi newspapers for allegedly using terms like 'Love Jihad' to hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims and incite communal hatred.

19. Uttarakhand HC Vacates Stay on Panchayat Polls: The Uttarakhand High Court vacated its stay on all Panchayat election proceedings in the state, clearing the path for polls to resume. The court had initially halted the elections on June 23rd due to the State Government's failure to issue a gazette notification for its new rotation-based reservation rules. The State Government successfully argued for the stay's vacation, informing the court that the revised reservation policy had been notified on June 14th, attributing the earlier oversight to a "communication gap". The High Court directed the State Government to file a detailed response to the petitioners' grievances, including allegations that the new policy violates earlier court rulings and Section 126 of the Uttarakhand Panchayati Raj Act, 2016.

20. Andhra Pradesh High Court Grants Interim Protection to Jagan Mohan Reddy: The Andhra Pradesh High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, former Chief Minister and current leader of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), till July 1, in the death case of an elderly man named Singaiah. The incident occurred during a political rally in Palnadu district, where the victim was allegedly run over by a vehicle in Jagan's convoy.

21. Kerala High Court Criticizes MLA Anwar in Phone Tapping Controversy: The Kerala High Court has strongly criticised MLA (IND) P.V. Anwar in a phone tapping controversy, questioning whether he is running a "parallel administration". The case involves allegations that Anwar, a sitting MLA, illegally tapped the phones of IPS officers. Despite an initial police probe yielding no results, the Court has pulled up the state Government for lack of progress and emphasized its responsibility to investigate thoroughly.

22. Allahabad HC Mulls Ordering Reconstruction of Demolished Structure: The Allahabad High Court severely reprimanded the Collector, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, and Tehsildar of Baghpat for allegedly demolishing petitioner's house on May 16th, 2025, a day after the High Court had issued an interim stay order on all eviction and demolition proceedings. Justice J.J. Munir expressed grave concern over a perceived "culture" among executive officers who flout judicial directives, noting that officials appeared to have read the stay order during the demolition. The court asserted that any action taken in violation of a judicial order is legally void. It directed the three officials to file personal affidavits by July 7th, 2025, explaining why they should not be ordered to rebuild the house at government expense.

23. Madras High Court Denies Anticipatory Bail to MLA Poovai Jaganmoorthy: The Madras High Court dismissed the anticipatory bail petition of AIADMK MLA K.V. Kuppam “Poovai” Jagan Moorthy, finding prima facie material to proceed against him in the alleged abduction of an 18-year-old boy. The case stemmed from a complaint by Lakshmi, who stated her younger son was abducted by her elder son’s in-laws and miscreants after her elder son married without the girl’s family’s consent.

24. NGOs Shouldn't Be Looked At With Suspicion Just Because They Receive Foreign Aid: Madras High Court : The Madras High Court set aside the Centre’s rejection of FCRA renewal applications by the Sharma Centre for Heritage Education and the Ellen Sharma Memorial Trust, established in 1982 for child welfare and education and dependent on foreign donations for 70–75% of revenue. Their registration, regularly renewed until 2016, was sought again in 2021 but rejected without specifying any violation. The Centre later cited a Section 7 violation (transfer of funds without prior permission) in its counter-affidavit. Justice Anand Venkatesh held the rejection was based on a procedural formality under a 2020 amendment, on which clarification should have been sought. The court said foreign-funded institutions should not be suspected without evidence of misuse and that procedural lapses should not stop charitable work. Authorities were directed to process and grant the renewal within four weeks.

25. Karnataka HC junks FIR against ex-CM Basavaraj Bommai: The Karnataka High Court on Friday quashed two criminal cases registered against former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, accusing him of making objectionable statements during a protest rally held to condemn the actions of the Waqf Board and State Government in allegedly grabbing the properties of farmers and temples.

26. Karnataka High Court Grants Relief To BJP Leader Ananth Kumar Hegde Booked For Assault In Alleged Road Rage Case: The Karnataka High Court issued an interim order directing police not to take any coercive action against former BJP MP Shri Ananth Kumar Hegde in an alleged road rage case. Hegde had filed a petition to quash the FIR registered against him under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.While issuing notice to the respondents, the court also directed Hegde to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

27. Gujarat High Court Extends Asaram Bapu’s Temporary Bail: The Gujarat High Court extended Asaram Bapu’s temporary bail in a rape case until July 7th. A division bench granted the extension, noting the pending NALSA certificate. Asaram’s counsel had requested the extension, citing a delay in his release from a previous three-month temporary bail. The complainant’s counsel opposed the extension, arguing Asaram was moving between hospitals to stay out of jail and could be treated at AIIMS or an Ayurvedic hospital in Jodhpur. The court orally expressed concern over the practice of repeatedly extending temporary bail, calling it an “unending process,” but ultimately granted the brief extension.

28. Kerala High Court on Vacant VC Posts in Universities: The Kerala High Court expressed serious concern over the functioning of 12 out of 13 state universities without regular Vice-Chancellors, calling it detrimental to the quality of higher education. The Court noted that the administrative deadlock stems from persistent disagreements between the Chancellor (the Governor) and university Senates, many of which are perceived to be aligned with the ruling Left government.

29. Kerala High Court Initiates Suo Motu PIL on Ex-CM's Son's Directorship: The Kerala High Court initiated a suo motu PIL to inquire if ex-CM V.S. Achuthanandan’s son got IHRD’s Directorship due to political influence. The Court questioned his appointment as a clerk with no teaching experience to a post equivalent to a Vice Chancellor, questioning if he “usurped” the position due to political connections. While allowing Dr. Vinu Thomas access to the documents, the Court deemed the denial a violation of natural justice and ordered a Division Bench to examine Dr. Arun Kumar's eligibility and continuation in the role.

30. Live-In Relationship Concept Goes Against Indian Middle-Class Values: Allahabad High Court: The Allahabad High Court, while granting bail to Shane Alam, who was accused of sexual exploitation under the false promise of marriage, remarked that live-in relationships are “against the settled law in the Indian Middle Class Society.” Justice Siddharth expressed displeasure at the rising number of such cases, stating that while the Supreme Court legalized live-in relationships, their “after-effects” are evident, particularly harming women who find it difficult to find a life partner after such breakups. Despite these observations, bail was granted considering factors like the accused’s incarceration since 25^th February, lack of prior criminal history, and jail overcrowding.

31. Contempt Plea in Allahabad HC Alleging UP Govt Flouted Demolition Assurance: A contempt plea was filed in Allahabad HC alleging UP Govt flouted assurance against Bahraich Mazar demolition. The State had assured the court on June 10th, 2025, that demolition would halt for four weeks, but the structure was allegedly completely razed just three days later, on June 13th. The managing committee of the Waqf claims authorities took caretakers into custody and continued demolition, leaving only graves intact, thereby violating religious sentiments and the rule of law.

32. Delhi High Court Seeks Police Response on Ex-MLA Balyan’s Bail Plea: The Delhi High Court sought police response on ex-MLA Balyan’s bail plea in an MCOCA case.

33. West Bengal Government Seeks Extension for DA Dues: The West Bengal government has approached the Supreme Court seeking an extension of six more months to clear 25% of the outstanding Dearness Allowance (DA) dues.

34. Gujarat High Court Issues Contempt Notice for Dargah Demolition: The Gujarat High Court issued a contempt notice to Junagadh Municipal Corporation officers for demolishing a 300-year-old Dargah, defying a 2018 Supreme Court order and a 2024 state policy on handling unauthorized religious structures. The court found that the officers ignored the Dargah’s documented ownership and pending legal proceedings, acting on short-notice demolition orders.

35. Karnataka High Court Appoints Amicus Curiae in Chinnaswamy Stadium Stampede PIL: The Karnataka High Court has appointed Senior Advocate S. Susheela as amicus curiae in a suo-motu PIL concerning the stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB’s IPL victory celebration. The bench, led by Acting Chief Justice V.M. Kameshwar Rao, also heard parties like KSCA, RCSPL, and DNA Entertainment Ltd, who sought more time to file their responses.

36. Andhra Pradesh High Court Bars Waqf Tribunal from Hearing Land Dispute: The Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled that the Waqf Tribunal lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate matters already decided by a civil court prior to the commencement of the Waqf Act, 1995, specifically under Section 7(5).

37. Delhi High Court Grants Interim Relief for Batla House Properties: The Delhi High Court has granted interim protection from demolition to seven properties in Delhi's Batla House area. Justice Rajneesh Kumar Gupta ordered the status quo to be maintained until the next hearing on July 10, clubbing the matter with other related cases. The petitioners argued that their properties were either outside Khasra Number 279 or legally covered under schemes like PM-UDAY.

38. Kerala High Court Questions CBFC Delay on Film Certification: The Kerala High Court questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for withholding certification of the Malayalam film JSK: Janaki v State of Kerala, starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi. The delay reportedly stems from informal objections to the film’s title and the use of the name “Janaki,” allegedly associated with the Hindu goddess Sita.

II. Supreme Court Verdicts

1. Wazahat Khan Case: SC Stays Arrest in Outside FIRs: Wazahat Khan, whose complaint led to influencer Sharmistha Panoli's arrest, was granted relief by the Supreme Court, which stayed his arrest in FIRs filed outside West Bengal over alleged inflammatory posts, though he remains in custody within the state. The Supreme Court agreed to hear his plea to club FIRs from multiple states, but it criticized the communal nature of his tweets, stating that hate speech is not protected under Article 19(1)(a).

2. PIL Seeks Suspension of Air India Boeing Fleet: A PIL filed in the Supreme Court seeks suspension of all Boeing aircraft operated by Air India pending a safety audit. Filed by lawyer Ajay Bansal after the June 12 crash, it cites airworthiness concerns, falsified audits, and DGCA findings of fabricated inspections, urging enforcement of aviation laws and improved safety measures. The plea also cites a DGCA report revealing fabricated safety inspections and calls for enforcement of the Aircraft Act, 1934 and Aircraft Rules, 1937, along with demands for public accountability, improved safety protocols, and grounding of unfit aircraft.

3. SC Takes Suo Motu Note of Agencies Summoning Lawyers: The Supreme Court granted relief to a Gujarat lawyer and took suo motu note of agencies summoning lawyers, calling it a threat to legal independence. It framed constitutional questions on summoning lawyers in their professional role, referred the matter to the CJI, granted interim protection, and sought views from top legal bodies.

4. SC Orders Inquiry and Compensation for Illegal Detention: The Supreme Court ordered an inquiry and ₹5 lakh compensation for a man illegally detained in Ghaziabad jail for two months after receiving bail in a case related to alleged forced religious conversion, calling it a violation of his fundamental rights. The apex Court directed appointing the Principal District Judge of Ghaziabad to conduct the inquiry and determine whether there was negligence or mala fide intent. It also ordered ₹5 lakh compensation to Aftab, to be paid by the State, pending further directions based on the inquiry report.

5. SC Stays Gauhati HC Order on Enhanced Compensation for Army Land: The Supreme Court stayed a Gauhati High Court order on enhanced compensation for Army land in Arunachal.

III. High Court Verdicts -

A. Andhra Pradesh High Court

1. Waqf Tribunal's Jurisdiction: The Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled that the Waqf Tribunal lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate matters already decided by a civil court prior to the commencement of the Waqf Act, 1995, specifically under Section 7(5)

B. Bombay High Court

1. Disclosure of Second Marriage: The Bombay High Court held that the disclosure of a second marriage in an affidavit is no ground to invalidate an election win, reinforcing the importance of transparency over moral judgment in personal matters.

2. Maharashtra Assembly Polls Petition Dismissed: The Bombay High Court dismissed a writ petition alleging discrepancies in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, particularly concerning an unusually high number of votes cast after 6 PM. The Court held that the petition, based solely on a newspaper article and lacking authentic or legal evidence, was speculative, unsustainable, and a gross abuse of process.

3. Lilavati Trust moves Bombay High Court for CBI probe against HDFC Bank CEO over ₹2 crore bribe: The Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust has filed a petition before the Bombay High Court seeking transfer of the investigation against HDFC Bank MD & CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), alleging he received ₹2.05 crore in bribes to facilitate illegal control of the Trust by former trustees. An FIR has already been registered based on diary entries allegedly showing payments to Jagdishan. The Trust argues that he qualifies as a public servant under the Prevention of Corruption Act, necessitating a central agency probe. Meanwhile, Jagdishan has filed a petition to quash the FIR, calling the diary entries unverified and insufficient for criminal proceedings.

C. Delhi High Court

1. Batla House Properties Demolition Relief: The Delhi High Court granted interim protection from demolition to seven properties in Delhi's Batla House area. Justice Rajneesh Kumar Gupta ordered the status quo to be maintained until the next hearing on July 10, clubbing the matter with other related cases. The petitioners argued their properties were either outside Khasra Number 279 or legally covered under schemes like PM-UDAY, which regularizes unauthorized colonies, and challenged the vagueness of DDA's notices.

D. Kerala High Court

1. Kerala High Court Criticizes State Govt For Not Enacting Law Against Black Magic, Asks About Other Deterrent Steps : The Kerala High Court, while hearing a PIL filed by Kerala Yukthi Vadhi Sangham, expressed dissatisfaction with the Kerala government’s decision not to enact ‘The Kerala Prevention of Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices, Sorcery and Black Magic Bill, 2019’. The case emerged after the Pathanamthitta human sacrifice incident, highlighting the need for legal deterrence against such practices. Although the Court accepted the State’s argument that it cannot compel legislation via a writ (as it falls under government policy discretion), it directed the State to clarify what non-legislative steps it intends to take to address black magic and related practices. The Home Secretary was asked to file an affidavit detailing the State’s action plan.

2. CBFC and Film Title "Janaki": The Kerala High Court questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for withholding certification of the Malayalam film JSK: Janaki v State of Kerala, starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi. The delay reportedly stems from informal objections to the film’s title and the use of the name “Janaki,” allegedly associated with the Hindu goddess Sita.

H. Madras High Court

1. Madras High Court delivers split verdict on animal sacrifice at Thiruparankundram Hill : In a significant ruling, the Madras High Court delivered a split verdict on whether animal sacrifice at the Sikkandar Badhusha Dargah on Thiruparankundram Hill can be legally allowed. Justice J Nisha Banu upheld the practice as a constitutionally protected religious right under Article 25, noting that similar rituals occur in Hindu temples and cannot be selectively banned. In contrast, Justice S Srimathy held that the Dargah must prove its right to such practices in a civil court, citing the lack of historical evidence and concerns over communal disharmony. Due to this split, the matter will be referred to the Chief Justice of the High Court for assignment to a third judge for a final decision.

I. Odisha High Court

1. Orissa High Court slams bulldozer action; orders ₹10 lakh compensation : The Orissa High Court condemned the unauthorised demolition of a decades-old community centre by state authorities, terming it an instance of “bulldozer justice”. Justice Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi ruled that demolitions without procedural safeguards and judicial finality violate Article 300A (right to property) and fundamental legal principles. The Court held the demolition unlawful as it was carried out despite subsisting High Court orders restraining eviction during the appeal process. It directed the State to pay ₹10 lakh in compensation—₹2 lakh of which is to be recovered from the erring Tahasildar’s salary and ordered departmental action against him.

J. Telangana High Court

1. Telangana high court directs SEC to hold panchayat polls within 3 months; government asked to complete BC quota process : The Telangana High Court directed the State government to conduct elections to local bodies within three months. The judgement came in response to petitions filed by former sarpanches whose terms had expired at the end of 2024. The judgment instructed the government to prepare the lists of voters and reservations for different categories, like women and Backward Classes, within a month from the date of receiving the judgment copy

2. Muslim Wife's Right to Divorce by Khula: The Telangana High Court ruled that a Muslim wife has the absolute right to divorce by Khula without her husband's consent. The Court clarified that the role of Muftis or Councils in such matters is merely advisory, not binding. It upheld the Family Court’s decision recognizing a woman’s Khula divorce despite her husband’s objections, rejecting his plea to invalidate the divorce certificate issued by the Sada-E-Haq Sharai Council.

3. NIA Appeals in PFI Members' Bail: The Telangana High Court has admitted the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) appeals seeking cancellation of bail granted to accused members of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) in a 2022 case. The bench imposed a penalty on the agency due to inaction. Despite this, the Court agreed to hear the matter, called for the case and bail records, and issued personal notices to the accused.

The detailed review of cases from the Supreme Court and various High Courts underscores the dynamic and critical role of the Indian judiciary in upholding the Constitution and addressing multifaceted legal and societal challenges. The pronouncements and actions of the past week highlight the judiciary's commitment to ensuring public safety, preserving heritage, and maintaining legal accountability, setting important precedents for the future.