Legal Pulse : Weekly Digest of Key Legal Developments (July 7th to July 11th, 2025)

An article covering all key legal developments across the courts in India for the week.

Between July 7 and July 11, 2025, a series of legal proceedings and judicial interventions took place across the Supreme Court and multiple High Courts in India, addressing a diverse range of issues with administrative, political, and social implications. This period saw deliberations on matters such as electoral roll revisions in Bihar, the regulation of digital platforms, state-level legislation on sacrilege, and ongoing public interest litigations concerning governance, public services, and freedom of expression.

High Courts in Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka, Calcutta, Madras, and others were actively engaged with cases that involved both procedural challenges and broader constitutional questions. Many developments, while interim in nature, signaled emerging legal interpretations on fundamental rights, administrative actions, and statutory compliance. At the same time, judicial commentary on subjects such as undertrial detentions, language policy, hate speech, and media regulation drew public attention for their potential downstream impact.

This article provides a structured summary of the week’s key legal updates such as verdicts, orders, notices, and judicial observations along with their contextual relevance.

I. Key Legal Developments -

1. Supreme Court Asks ECI To Consider Aadhaar, Voter ID & Ration Cards For Bihar Electoral Roll Revision; Says Timelines Are Short

   Source : Click here

   The Supreme Court instructed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to accept Aadhaar, Voter ID, and Ration cards for Bihar's "Special Intensive Revision" (SIR) of electoral rolls. Over 10 petitions challenged the SIR, arguing it was arbitrary, lacked legal basis, and risked disenfranchisement by excluding Aadhaar and setting an artificial cut-off. The ECI maintained its constitutional power, stating Aadhaar is for identity, not citizenship, and assured due process. The Court questioned the SIR's timing and its focus on citizenship rather than simple revision. The final order is pending, with the next hearing on July 28th.

2. Punjab Considering Law With Death Penalty For Sacrilege, To Convene Special Assembly Session :

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   The Punjab Government seeks to legislate stricter punishments, including the death penalty, for sacrilege, particularly concerning Sikh holy texts, an issue highlighted by CM Bhagwant Mann after the 2015 Guru Granth Sahib incident. The Centre reportedly returned the 2018 Congress-passed sacrilege Bills, which stipulated life imprisonment, advising fresh legislation aligned with the BNS.

3. Reuters X account restored in India after suspension over legal demand :

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   Access to the official X accounts @Reuters and @ReutersWorld was temporarily restricted for users in India on July 6, 2025. X confirmed the action was taken in compliance with a directive from Indian authorities under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, which allows the government to block online content. This move was part of a broader compliance effort involving over 2,300 accounts, and Reuters described it as press censorship.

   However, the Government of India, through the Press Information Bureau, clarified that the Centre had not issued such a blocking order. The government stated it had actually requested X to restore access to the accounts and expressed concern over the platform’s handling of the situation.

4. Bombay HC Tells BMC To Reconsider Ban On Animal Slaughter For Paryushan Parva :

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   The Bombay High Court directed petitioners to approach the BMC and civic authorities in Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik to re-evaluate their one-day slaughterhouse closure decision for the 2025 Paryushan festival. This was in response to a PIL seeking a nine-day ban. The Court noted that accepting such demands could lead to requests for similar bans during other festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi or Navratri in diverse cities like Mumbai. In August 2024, the BMC had permitted a two-day closure for Paryushan, reducing it to one day for 2025.

5. Karnataka High Court Issues Notice To The BMRCL, State And Centre On A Petition By BJP MP Tejasvi Surya :

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   The Karnataka High Court has issued notice to BMRCL, the State, and the Centre, following a petition by BJP MP Tejasvi Surya. Surya seeks the immediate publication of the Fare Fixation Committee Report, led by former Justice R Tharani, which BMRCL has failed to release despite repeated requests from Surya.

6. Right To Ply Bike Taxis Arises From Fundamental Right To Trade, State Can't Take Away Permit Granted By MV Act: OLA To Karnataka High Court :

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   Several bike taxi aggregators, including Uber India, Rapido, and OLA, have appealed an order that upheld the state government's ban on bike taxi operations. ANI Technologies (OLA) argued before the Karnataka High Court that this ban infringes upon the aggregators' fundamental right to trade, as guaranteed by Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution. They further contended that while the law allows for certain restrictions, the State cannot prohibit the operation of bike taxis if the Motor Vehicles Act permits their registration and grants permits, as such a ban would violate both statutory provisions and constitutional guarantees.

7. Congress Leader Moves Delhi High Court Against Arnab Goswami For Comment That Congress Sided With ‘Enemy Of The Nation’ :

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   Congress leader Pawan Khera has filed a defamation case against Republic TV Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami for a statement on live television that the Indian National Congress (INC) sided with the “enemy of the nation” during Operation Sindoor.

8. J&K Court Closes Case Against PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra For Flouting MCC :

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   The criminal case against PDP leader and Member Legislative Assembly Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, who was accused of violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections, has been dismissed by a Kashmir court in Awantipora. The court's decision was based on the prosecution's failure to identify the specific public servant whose lawful order was allegedly disobeyed. Additionally, the mandatory procedural requirement of a written complaint from the Election Commission or its designated officer was not met.

9. Kerala High Court Slams Ex-MLA For FB post Alleging Inclination Of Judge Towards RSS :

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   The Kerala High Court initiated suo-moto criminal contempt of court proceedings against former CPI(M) MLA R Rajesh for a Facebook post (July 5) alleging that the bench handling university cases had judges leaning towards the Sangh parivar. This occurred as the Court heard a petition by Kerala University Registrar Dr. KS Anil Kumar challenging his suspension after opposing the use of a Bharat Mata portrait with a saffron flag at an event with Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar.

10. Court Records Statement Of Congress Leader Sajjan Kumar in the 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots :

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    A Delhi court recorded the statement of former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar in a case of violence in Janakpuri and Vikaspuri during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The SIT has accused Mr. Kumar in both cases, which stem from two separate FIRs. The first FIR, lodged in 2015, is about the murders of Sohan Singh and his son-in-law Avtar Singh on November 1, 1984, in Janakpuri. In the second case, on November 2, Gurcharan Singh was allegedly set ablaze by a mob in Vikaspuri.

11. Central Government Reveals Plan To End Long-Pending Court Cases, Prevent Unnecessary Litigation :

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    To ensure timely adjudication of cases where the Government is a litigant, the Union Law Ministry has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) through an office memo (OM). This SOP, directed to all ministries and departments of the Government of India, aims to prevent unnecessary litigation and streamline inter-departmental coordination in legal matters.

12. MP High Court Directs State To File Status Report In PIL Alleging Epidemic-Like Situation In Jabalpur Due To Poor Public Hygiene, Sanitation :

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    Madhya Pradesh High Court claims that Jabalpur is effectively “sitting over a heap of garbage,” leading to unhygienic conditions across the city. The PIL alleges that every fourth person in Jabalpur is suffering from diseases like swine flu, chikungunya, malaria, dengue, and even the Zika virus, due to these conditions. In response, the High Court has directed the State Government and Jabalpur Municipal Corporation to submit a detailed status report within four weeks.

13. “How Long Can A Suspect Be Kept In Jail”, HC asks Delhi Police In A Bail Plea Of Umar Khalid In 2020 Delhi Riot Case :

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    The Delhi High Court questioned the Delhi Police regarding the prolonged detention of accused persons, remarking that five years have passed since the February 2020 riots, yet arguments on the framing of charges remain unconcluded. In connection with a UAPA case linked to the alleged conspiracy behind the February 2020 Delhi riots, the Delhi High Court reserved its order on the bail pleas of activists Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid. Special Public Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed their bail, arguing that individuals accused of anti-national activities, such as Khalid and Imam, should remain incarcerated until acquitted or convicted.

14. Varanasi Court Rejects Plea To Transfer 1991 Gyanvapi Mosque Suit :

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    The Varanasi District Court rejected a plea to transfer the 1991 Gyanvapi suit from the civil judge's court. The court ruled that the petitioners were not parties to the original suit, and therefore lacked the legal standing to request the transfer. The 1991 suit concerns the dispute over the Gyanvapi mosque complex, which is adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

15. “Politicians Feel Sky Is The Limit, Court Can't Tolerate It”: Madras High Court Remarks In Suo Motu Case Against Ponmudi For 'Hate Speech' :

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    The Madras High Court, while hearing a suo motu case against former Tamil Nadu Minister Ponmudi for his remarks targeting Vaishnavism, Saivism, and women, orally observed that politicians today believe Article 19 of the Constitution grants them limitless freedom. The court emphasized that the nation belongs to all its citizens, not solely politicians, and stated it would not idly tolerate individuals speaking as if they were "King.".

16. Vice President Questions CJI’s Role in CBI Director Appointment :

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    During an interaction with students at the National University of Advanced Legal Studies (NUALS) in Kochi, the Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, voiced significant constitutional concerns. He questioned the legal rationale and separation of powers inherent in the Chief Justice of India's participation in the selection of the CBI Director. The Vice-President highlighted what he perceives as judicial overreach and the erosion of institutional boundaries between the judiciary, the executive, and the legislature in India's democracy.

17. Karnataka High Court Stays Closure of Jan Ausadhi Kendra For 18 Owners :

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    The Karnataka High Court has put a temporary stay on the 18 petitioners, the operation of a Government Order issued by the State's Health Department directing the closure of all Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) operating within the premises of Government hospitals. The Petitioners contended that the Government Order was passed in haste, without consulting them or even giving a warning, and thus it defeated public interest.

18. CJI Gavai Flags Decades-Long Delays Plaguing India’s Legal System :

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    Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai underscored the pressing need for reforms within India's legal system. He specifically addressed the critical issues of persistent judicial delays and the severe problem of prolonged undertrial imprisonments, stating that the judiciary faces "unique challenges" and is "badly in need of fixing." Gavai cited instances where individuals were exonerated only after enduring years of incarceration. Despite these significant concerns, he conveyed careful optimism for the future, encouraging young legal professionals to be agents of change with unwavering integrity. He also offered guidance to students, advising them on selecting mentors judiciously and pursuing scholarship opportunities for international education to alleviate financial burdens.

19. Kerala Government Moves High Court To Cancel Anticipatory Bail Of BJP Leader PC George In 2022 Hate Speech Case :

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    The Kerala Government has petitioned the High Court to revoke the anticipatory bail granted to BJP leader PC George in a 2022 hate speech case. George was accused of making inflammatory statements against Muslims and was granted bail on the condition that he would not commit similar offenses or make provocative statements. The State alleges that George violated these bail conditions by engaging in another act of hate speech against the Muslim community during a channel debate. He is accused of equating the community with terrorists and has been booked under various provisions of the BNS in a new FIR. The High Court has already denied him anticipatory bail in connection with this 2025 FIR.

20. Delhi High Court Objects To Saket Gokhale's Apology Affidavit, Asks Him To File Afresh :

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    The Delhi High Court refused to take on record the apology affidavit filed by All India Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale for defaming former Indian Assistant Secretary-General to the United Nations, Lakshmi Puri. Puri had objected to Gokhale's tweets raising questions about her and her husband, Union Minister Hardeep Puri's assets, over a property purchased by her in Switzerland. She contended that the tweets were false and defamatory.

21. District Judge Report Confirms Sivaganga 'Custodial Death', Madras High Court Asks CBI To File Chargesheet Expeditiously :

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    The Madras High Court received a report from a District Judge, appointed to conduct a preliminary inquiry, indicating that the death of a 29-year-old temple guard in Sivaganga was a case of custodial torture and death. Given that the State Government has already transferred the probe to the CBI, the bench directed the Union Government to appoint an investigating officer within a week and ordered that the chargesheet be filed as soon as possible, by August 20.

22. Karnataka High Court Bars Police From Filing Chargesheet Against RCB, Others :

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    The Karnataka High Court passed an interim order restraining the State police from filing its final report or chargesheet in the criminal cases filed against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), event management company DNA and others in connection with the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede. The Court, therefore, told the State that while it may continue its investigation, it should not file charge sheets without the Court's permission.

23. Madras High Court Bars TNSTC Buses From Plying On NH At Four Toll Plazas Due To Non-Payment Of Toll :

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    The Madras High Court has temporarily suspended its order preventing Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) buses from using four national highway toll plazas. This decision comes after the State Government assured the court that it would settle TNSTC's substantial outstanding toll fees, which amount to approximately ₹276 crore, including penalties and interest. The court had originally issued the order due to TNSTC's persistent failure to make meaningful efforts to pay these long-standing dues, despite numerous warnings. The judge acknowledged the potential impact on the public but emphasized the necessity of a strong directive to compel officials to clear the debt. The order has been held in abeyance for two weeks, contingent on the State Government's assurance.

24. Delhi High Court Seeks ED Response On Arvind Kejriwal Plea Against Court Summons In Excise Policy Case :

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    The Delhi High Court has directed the ED to respond to Arvind Kejriwal's petitions challenging summons in the Delhi Excise Policy case. Kejriwal, arrested and bailed in related ED and CBI cases, had not appeared for ED questioning in the money laundering probe tied to alleged kickbacks used for AAP's Goa election campaign.

25. “Rail Order To X To Remove Video Of Woman Driving On Tracks Isolated Case Of Misuse”: Central Govt :

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    The Central Government acknowledged in the Karnataka High Court that a recent takedown notice issued by the railways to social media platform X over a video showing a woman driving on railway tracks in Telangana was a misuse of statutory powers but stressed it was an isolated incident. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta said this “isolated incident” did not undermine the overall objective of the Centre’s Sahyog portal to streamline the regulation of online intermediaries.

26. Children Raised Without Religion, Caste Are The Hope For Future: Kerala High Court Justice VG Arun :

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    Justice Arun while speaking at an event organised by the Kerala Yukthivadi Sangam, a rationalist organisation based out of Kerala, remarked that the hope for the future lies in children who are unbound by the notions of religion. He further praised parents who choose to raise their children outside the influence of religion.

27. Punjab & Haryana High Court Grants Bail To Doctor Arrested For Mocking PM Modi And Home Minister Amit Shah :

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    The Punjab & Haryana High Court has granted bail to Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed, a 65-year-old orthopedic doctor from Fatehabad, Haryana. Dr. Ahmed was arrested and booked under Sections 152 (Acts endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India) and 197(1)(d) (Imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration) of BNS, 2023, following allegations that he mocked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Home Minister Shri Amit Shah in an AI-generated video after Operation Sindoor.

28. Kerala High Court Asks CBFC To Certify Suresh Gopi Starrer After Makers Agree To Edit Title & Scenes Referencing ‘Janaki’ :

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    In a resolution before the Kerala High Court, Cosmos Entertainment, the producers of 'JSK - Janaki v State of Kerala,' have accepted the CBFC's recommendations. They have agreed to alter the film's subtitle, changing 'Janaki' to 'Janaki V.' or 'V. Janaki.' Furthermore, the production committed to muting the name in two scenes. These scenes depict the aggressive cross-examination of a rape survivor, named Janaki (after the Hindu goddess Sita), by a lawyer from a different religious background.

29. Bengal Police Approach Calcutta HC Accusing NCW Of Interfering In Anubrata Mondal Case :

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    The Calcutta High Court was approached by the West Bengal Police, who accused the National Commission for Women (NCW) of undue interference in the investigation of a case. This case was filed against Trinamool Congress leader Anubrata Mondal, who is alleged to have abused a woman police officer. The complaint originated in June after an audio recording went viral, in which Mondal can be heard using offensive and threatening language towards the Officer-in-Charge of the Bolpur police station.

30. Karnataka HC Directs Prajwal Revanna To Sessions Court For Bail In Rape Case, Sets 10-Day Deadline For Disposal :

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    The Karnataka High Court has instructed Prajwal Revanna, former JD(S) MP and grandson of former PM HD Deve Gowda, to seek regular bail from the Sessions Court in connection with the alleged rape and sexual assault case against him. The High Court has granted him the option to return to the High Court after he has pursued all available remedies in the trial court. In response to his second consecutive bail application, the bench mandated that if Revanna submits a plea to the Sessions Court, it must be resolved within 10 days.

31. MP High Court Issues Notice On PIL Over Minor's Death Linked To Jain Ritual 'Santhara' Death Fast :

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    Madhya Pradesh High Court issued notice to the Union and state governments on a PIL seeking to ban the ritual of 'Santhara' for children under 18 and persons of unsound mind. The plea argues that while the practice, which involves abstaining from food and water leading to death, should be performed by adult Jains with a clear understanding, this PIL was filed after the death of a three-year-old girl allegedly forced into the ritual.

32. Kerala High Court Orders Arrest Of Cargo Ship In ₹ 9,531-Crore Damage Case :

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    The Kerala government filed an admiralty suit for ₹ 9,531 crore for pollution, remediation, and loss of livelihood caused by the wreck of the MSC Elsa-3. In response, the High Court ordered the conditional arrest of the Liberia-flagged MSC Akiteta II, owned by MSC Shipping Co (also owner of MSC Elsa-3), currently anchored in Vizhinjam port.

33. Ambedkar Wanted Judiciary To Be Free From Executive Interference: CJI Gavai :

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    While addressing the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly upon his elevation to the top judicial post, Chief Justice BR Gavai said that Dr B.R. Ambedkar spoke about the supremacy of the Constitution and believed that the judiciary should be free from interference from the executive.

34. Impeachment Of Sitting Karnataka HC Judge Sought Over Dharmasthala Order :

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    The Karnataka Rashtra Samithi Chief has requested President Smt. Draupadi Murmu to initiate the impeachment of Karnataka High Court Justice R. Devdas. This appeal is in response to a January 2025 directive issued by Justice Devdas. The order instructed police to take action against an activist. This activist was protesting and making "defamatory allegations" against D. Veerendra Heggade, the head of the Dharmasthala temple. The activist's protests are connected to the 2012 rape and murder of Sowjanya, a case that also alleges the involvement of individuals associated with the Heggade family.

35. ‘Satisfied With Kolkata Police Probe’: Victim's Lawyer Tells Calcutta High Court :

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    The Calcutta High Court was told by the lawyer representing the female student who was gang raped in South Kolkata Law College, that the victim's family was presently satisfied with the Kolkata police's progress in probing the incident. A Division bench of Justices Soumen Sen and Smita Das De was hearing multiple PILs seeking an independent probe into the incident, as well as enhanced security measures across campuses in the state. Notably, the Kolkata police had arrested all three accused, as well as the security guard of the college, within 2 days of the incident. The court has now asked the Kolkata police to submit its next report in the matter after four weeks.

36. Madhya Pradesh High Court Refused To Quash FIR Against Congress Worker Over FB Post On PM Shri Narendra Modi :

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    The Madhya Pradesh High Court declined to dismiss an FIR filed against Congress worker Yadvendra Pandey. The FIR stemmed from a Facebook post by Pandey, in which he allegedly asserted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji withdrew from the conflict with Pakistan due to pressure from neighboring nations. The post also reportedly contained insulting language directed at the Indian Armed Forces. The court noted that the police had gathered sufficient evidence against Pandey, underscoring that judicial intervention in ongoing investigations should be a rare occurrence.

37. BNS Offences Can Be Scheduled Offences Under PMLA After IPC Repeal: Bombay High Court :

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    The Bombay High Court ruled that offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 can be treated as “scheduled offences” under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), even though the new code is not expressly mentioned in the PMLA’s schedule after it replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), The Court rejected a bail application that challenged the jurisdiction of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute a money laundering case based on predicate offences registered under the BNS.

38. Karnataka High Court To Hear In September CM Siddaramiah's Plea Against Order Upholding Sanction To Prosecute In MUDA Case :

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    On September 24, 2024, the single judge had dismissed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's plea against the Governor's decision granting sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita for investigation/prosecution. On September 24, 2024, a single judge dismissed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's plea challenging the Governor's decision to grant sanction for investigation/prosecution under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

    The Karnataka High Court is scheduled to hear Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's appeal in September against this single-judge order, which upheld the Governor's action in the alleged MUDA Scam. Concurrently, the court will also hear an appeal filed by the complainant, Snehamayi Krishna. This appeal challenges the order that refused to transfer the investigation of the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

39. Calcutta High Court Seeks Response From Odisha Govt Over Alleged Detention Of Migrant Workers From Bengal :

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    The Calcutta High Court has raised concerns with the Government of Odisha regarding the alleged detention of Bengali-speaking migrant workers from West Bengal within Odisha. Senior Counsel Kalyan Bandopadhyay also highlighted similar detentions of Bengali migrant workers in Assam. In response, the court has instructed the Chief Secretary of West Bengal to designate a nodal officer. This officer will be responsible for coordinating with the Odisha Government to relay the court's inquiries to the Chief Secretary of Odisha and to facilitate the release of the migrant workers.

40. Paradoxical That Countries With Harsh Immigration Laws & Excessive Force Use Claim To Be Human Rights Champions : Justice Surya Kant :

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    Speaking at the Embassy of India in Sweden, Justice Surya Kant, a Supreme Court Judge, highlighted India's deep-rooted and historical commitment to human rights, embedded in its constitutional heritage, predating the global emphasis on the subject. He also pointed out the inconsistency of countries with strict immigration policies and a tendency to use excessive force for minor infractions, while simultaneously claiming to be advocates for human rights.

41. Karnataka High Court Calls For State's Response Within 3 Weeks In Plea Challenging Mandatory Teaching Of Kannada In CBSE, ICSE Schools :

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    The Karnataka High Court has imposed a three-week deadline for the State Government to submit its objections to a public interest litigation (PIL). This PIL, filed by parents of students in various CBSE and CISCE schools across Karnataka, challenges certain enactments that mandate the teaching of the Kannada language in schools. The plea specifically argues that the Kannada Language Learning Act, 2015, the Kannada Language Learning Rules, 2017, and the Karnataka Educational Institutions (Issue of No Objection Certificate and Control) Rules, 2022, negatively impact both students and teachers.

42. Kerala High Court Stayed Suo Motu Case Against Son Of Ex-CM VS Achuthanandan :

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    A single judge’s order to register a suo motu case against Dr. V.A. Arun Kumar, son of former CM V.S. Achuthanandan, was stayed by the Kerala High Court. The suo motu case was initiated to examine allegations of political influence in Kumar’s appointment as Director in Charge of the Institute of Human Resources Development (IHRD). A Division Bench stayed the order because Kumar was not heard before the pronouncement of the decision. Kumar has denied the allegations, stating his promotions were as per the rules and the findings of political influence were baseless.

43. Calcutta High Court Seeks Delhi Govt's Response Over Bengal Family Allegedly Detained By Delhi Police & Deported To Bangladesh :

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    The Calcutta High Court has sought answers from the Delhi Government over the alleged detention of a migrant family from Bengal and their subsequent deportation to Bangladesh. Two habeas corpus writs were presented before the bench. One pertains to a family of three, father, mother, and their eight-year-old son, who were allegedly deported. The other concerns their close relatives, another set of parents and a minor son.

44. Rajasthan Court Summons Drishti IAS Founder Vikas Divyakirti For Derogatory Remarks Against Judiciary :

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    Additional Civil Judge Manmohan Chandel has taken cognisance of a criminal complaint against Drishti IAS founder Dr. Vikas Divyakirti for allegedly making derogatory statements against the judiciary in a viral video, claiming High Court judges are appointed through lobbying, not merit, and that judicial power is an illusion. The court, asserting Divyakirti used an indecent and insulting tone, ordered his personal appearance on July 22 and directed Ajmer Police to investigate.

45. Review Plea Filed Against Allahabad HC Order Refusing To Entertain PIL Seeking Cancellation Of Rahul Gandhi's Citizenship :

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    A review petition challenges the Allahabad High Court's May 2025 order, which denied BJP Member S. Vignesh Shishir's PIL to revoke Rahul Gandhi's citizenship. The original PIL was dismissed as "another round of litigation" without new material. The review petition reasserts that Gandhi is a British citizen, an NRI due to residing in India less than 182 days annually. This is Shishir's fourth unsuccessful attempt to challenge Gandhi's citizenship.

46. Kerala High Court Concerned Over Management Of Waste Collection Points, Says They Can't Become Dump Yards :

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    Considering suo moto proceedings initiated after a fire at the Brahmapuram dumping yard, the Kerala High Court questioned local authorities, including the State Pollution Control Board, regarding the frequency and manner of waste collection in different areas of Ernakulam. During the proceedings, the Court orally remarked that waste was not being removed daily in many areas, emphasizing that it is the obligation of local authorities to ensure its regular collection.

47. Mandate To Display QR Codes On Eateries Along Kanwar Route In UP & Uttarakhand Challenged In Supreme Court :

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    The Supreme Court received an application challenging Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand's directives requiring food sellers on the Kanwar Yatra route to display QR codes revealing owner details. The applicant argues these orders violate a previous Supreme Court interim order that protected sellers from forced identity disclosure. The applicant claims the new directives circumvent the court's earlier ruling.

48. Karnataka High Court Stays BJP's Defamation Case Against CM Siddaramaiah Over ‘Corruption Rate’ Ads :

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    The Karnataka High Court temporarily stayed a defamation case filed by the BJP against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The BJP had sued Siddaramaiah and other Congress leaders for publishing newspaper ads that accused the previous BJP government (2019-2023) of widespread corruption, calling it a “40% commission sarkar.” This stay is similar to relief previously granted to Rahul Gandhi and DK Shivakumar in the same case, and the High Court has decided to hear all the related petitions together.

49. Savarkar Defamation Case: Rahul Gandhi Pleads 'Not Guilty'; To Face Trial :

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    Rahul Gandhi, Opposition Leader, has pleaded 'not guilty' to a criminal defamation complaint. The complaint alleges that Gandhi made a "defamatory" speech against leader Vinayak Savarkar in London, and has repeatedly defamed Savarkar on various occasions. A specific incident cited is a March 5, 2023 address to the Overseas Congress in the United Kingdom, where Gandhi allegedly falsely accused Savarkar of writing a book describing an assault on a Muslim man, an incident the complaint states Savarkar never wrote about nor did it occur.

50. UGC’s Anti-Ragging System Has Utterly Failed, Says Delhi High Court :

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    The Delhi High Court, through a bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, has issued a strong rebuke against the UGC’s anti-ragging measures. The court indicated a potential initiation of a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to tackle the escalating incidence of ragging and student fatalities in higher education institutions. The judiciary questioned the efficacy of the UGC's current anti-ragging framework, highlighting the gross inadequacy of merely ₹44 lakh allocated annually for the welfare of over 35 million students across the country. This development follows a similar concern voiced by the Supreme Court in March of this year, which noted that existing UGC anti-ragging regulations largely remained unimplemented and called for a National Task Force to address student mental health issues.

II. Cases from High Courts across India -

A. Allahabad High Court

1. Allahabad HC Dismisses Plea Seeking Criminal Case Against Dy CM Keshav Maurya :

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   The Allahabad High Court, through its Single Judge bench of Justice Sanjay Kumar Singh, dismissed a petition seeking the registration of a criminal case against Senior BJP Leader and Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya. The plea, filed by BJP leader and social activist Diwakar Nath Tripathi from Prayagraj, alleged that Maurya submitted fake educational degrees while contesting elections and obtaining a petrol pump dealership. The Allahabad District Court had previously dismissed the case, concluding that no cognizable offense was made out.

B. Andhra Pradesh High Court

1. Andhra Pradesh High Court Says CBI Director Delegated Tirupati Laddu Probe In Violation Of SC Order :

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   The Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled that the CBI Director unlawfully appointed J Venkat Rao as the investigating officer in the Tirupati laddu case SIT, despite the Supreme Court-constituted SIT not including him. The court ordered the CBI Director to conduct a free and fair probe. The controversy began in November 2024 when CM N Chandrababu Naidu alleged animal fat use in laddus under the previous Congress government.

C. Calcutta High Court

1. Calcutta High Court Bars “Tainted Candidates” from West Bengal School Jobs :

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   The Calcutta High Court has prohibited "tainted" candidates, previously identified by the Supreme Court, from reapplying for assistant teacher positions in West Bengal's new recruitment drive. The court stated that the initial appointments of these candidates were a result of fraud. The High Court also upheld the state's policy decision requiring a minimum of 50% marks at the graduation or post-graduation level. The West Bengal School Service Commission (WBCSSC) was directed to complete the selection process according to the Supreme Court's schedule, ensuring no "tainted" applications are processed. This order, initially passed by a Single Judge Bench, was subsequently affirmed by the Division Bench, which rejected petitions filed by the West Bengal government.

D. Delhi High Court

1. Delhi High Court Stays Release Of 'Udaipur Files' Movie, Asks Centre To Decide On Revision Against CBFC Certificate :

   Source : Click here

   The Delhi High Court has halted the release of "Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder." This allows the Islamic clerics' body Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind and other petitioners to formally appeal the CBFC's approval to the Central Government. The High Court criticized the film for its negative depiction of the Muslim community and admonished the CBFC for failing to penalize the producer for releasing an unauthorized trailer. The stay remains until Monday, July 14th, for the petitioners to submit their appeal, with the Centre then having seven days to decide. Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind sought to prevent the film's release, arguing its trailer could incite animosity between Hindu and Muslim communities.

E. Madhya Pradesh High Court

1. MP High Court Denies Relief To Cartoonist Hemant Malviya For Caricature on PM & RSS :

   Source : Click here

   The Supreme Court received an anticipatory bail application from Cartoonist Hemant Malviya after the Madhya Pradesh High Court denied his request. Malviya faces accusations of publishing a derogatory caricature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak (RSS) on his Facebook page. The High Court deemed Malviya's actions, which included depicting the RSS with the Prime Minister and making a demeaning remark referencing Lord Shiva in the comments, as a "sheer misuse of the freedom of speech and expression" under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

F. Madras High Court

1. Madras HC Closes Contempt Case After Five IAS Officers Apologise Over Delay In School Eviction From Temple Land :

   Source : Click here

   The Madras High Court closed a contempt of court case against senior State Government officials over delay in demolition of a St. Joseph Matriculation Higher Secondary School on land belonging to Devanatha Swamy Temple in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district. The court has advised the school authorities to seek an alternative site if the land allotted by the Government is unsuitable, and asked officials to consider the request.

G. Kerala High Court

1. Kerala High Court Cancels KEAM Exam Results, Says Prospectus Can't Be Changed At Final Stage :

   Source : Click here

   The Kerala High Court directed the cancellation of the Kerala Engineering Architecture and Medical (KEAM) exam results, deeming the last-minute change to the prospectus erroneous. A single-judge bench set aside the published rank list (which was based on the amended prospectus) and mandated the publication of a new, revised rank list in line with the original prospectus. The High Court subsequently upheld the single judge's order, thereby dismissing the State Government's appeal against the decision to set aside the KEAM exam results.

2. Kerala Joint Family Abolition Act Sections Repugnant To Hindu Succession Act: Kerala HC :

   Source : Click here

   The Kerala High Court has ruled that Sections 3 and 4 of the Kerala Joint Hindu Family System (Abolition) Act, 1975, are superseded by Section 6 of the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005. This decision means that the Kerala Act's provision (Section 3), which states that individuals cannot claim birthright in ancestral property, is no longer valid. Consequently, the Court observed that Hindu daughters can now claim equal coparcenary rights in joint family property, in line with the 2005 Amendment to the Hindu Succession Act, as the earlier provisions had prevented them from doing so.

III. Appointments, Collegium Recommendations and Transfer of Judges -

IV. Conclusion -

The legal and judicial activity from July 7 to July 11, 2025, reflects the breadth and complexity of issues currently being adjudicated across Indian courts. While several matters remain sub judice and await final rulings, the week’s interim orders and hearings offer important insights into the evolving relationship between law, governance, and public interest.

The judgments and observations recorded during this period pertain not only to ongoing political developments but also to questions of institutional accountability, regulatory clarity, and administrative procedure. Whether in the realm of electoral processes, public policy implementation, or civil liberties, the judiciary continues to engage with a wide range of legal concerns that intersect with governance and society at large.