The Delhi High Court refused to stay the OTT release of Dhurandhar 2 in a copyright dispute over the remixed song "Tirchi Topiwale."

The Court observed that since the film had already played in theaters without an injunction, it would be "incongruous" to restrict its release on digital platforms.

The Court noted that the plaintiff suppressed facts regarding prior litigation and that the original 1988 agreement, prima facie, covered future technical advancements like streaming.

While clearing the path for the OTT release, the Court directed Super Cassettes Industries to deposit ₹50 lakh with the Registrar General to balance the equities between the parties.

[Trimurti Films Pvt Ltd v. Super Cassettes Industries Pvt Ltd & Ors.]

The Delhi High Court has directed the Competition Commission of India not to pass final orders in its ongoing investigation into Apple’s alleged anti-competitive practices regarding the App Store. 

The Bench noted that final orders at this stage could create "complications," as Apple has a pending challenge against the law allowing penalties based on global turnover.

The Court allowed the CCI to proceed with its hearings, but emphasized that no final decision should be rendered until the legal challenge regarding retrospective global turnover penalties is adjudicated. 

Apple has consistently argued that such penalty provisions exceed the scope of the Competition Act and conflict with established precedents.

[Apple Inc. v CCI & Ors.]

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi HC has recused herself from hearing the CBI’s challenge against the discharge of AAP leaders in the Delhi excise policy case. 

This follows her initiation of criminal contempt proceedings against former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and five other AAP leaders for alleging a conflict of interest.

Justice Sharma noted that under judicial discipline, a judge who initiates contempt cannot preside over the main matter.

While transferring the case to another bench, she stood by her earlier order dismissing the recusal applications, stating she acted to protect the dignity of the institution against social media attacks on her family.

[CBI v. Arvind Kejriwal & Ors.]

The Madras High Court granted bail to a father accused of sexual assault, highlighting an "alarming trend" of the 1098 child helpline being misused to file false POCSO cases.

The Court observed that the minor girl had called the helpline to defuse domestic discord between her parents, but was allegedly coerced and intimidated by Child Welfare Committee (CWC) officials into making "bad touch" allegations.

The Court noted that such practices cause devastating reputational and psychological trauma.

Consequently, the Court directed the State to frame strict guidelines for recording children's statements and ordered the District Collector to pay ₹1 lakh compensation to the girl for the trauma caused by official coercion.

The Supreme Court questioned the inclusion of a Union Cabinet Minister in the selection panel for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.

The Bench observed that for the Election Commission to be truly independent, it must also appear to be independent.

The Court noted that a neutral third party should ideally replace the Minister to prevent executive dominance over the process.

While the Attorney General argued that the 2023 Act is a valid exercise of legislative power, the Court suggested that these fundamental constitutional questions might require adjudication by a larger Constitution Bench.

[Association for Democratic Reforms v. UOI & Ors.]

The Supreme Court of India has implemented immediate administrative changes to support national fuel conservation efforts following the US-Iran conflict.

According to a circular issued by Secretary General Bharat Parashar, all matters listed on miscellaneous days, Mondays and Fridays, will now be heard exclusively via video-conferencing.

Additionally, Supreme Court judges have unanimously resolved to adopt car-pooling arrangements. The Registry will also allow up to 50 percent of its staff to work from home for two days a week, ensuring essential services remain uninterrupted through weekly rosters.

These measures follow a Union Government's Directive aimed at mitigating the impact of the ongoing global fuel crisis.

Madhya Pradesh High Court has declared the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.

Quashing a 2003 ASI order that allowed Muslims to offer prayers at the site, the Bench ruled that the religious character of the structure is fundamentally Hindu.

The Court relied on historical literature and ASI survey reports, which indicated the site was a center of Sanskrit learning and the mosque was constructed using remains of pre-existing temples. 

While affirming Hindu worship rights, the Court noted that the Muslim community may apply to the State for alternative land to construct a mosque.

[Hindu Front for Justice v. Ministry of Culture]

The Karnataka High Court asked the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) to justify the arrest of Gameskraft founders Deepak Singh, Prithvi Raj Singh, and Vikas Taneja in a money laundering case.

Justice M.G.S. Kamal directed the ED to place on record its “reasons to believe” and the material relied upon for making the arrests.

The Court observed that enforcement authorities cannot exercise arrest powers casually and warned that officers could face imprisonment if arrests are found to be wrongful.

The founders have challenged the legality of their arrest and remand before the High Court.

The Delhi High Court observed that a woman’s right to reside in a “shared household” under the Domestic Violence Act cannot be used as a weapon to defeat the property and peaceful residence rights of senior citizens.

The Court upheld an eviction order passed against a daughter-in-law and her son from the property owned by elderly in-laws, noting that the right of residence is protective in nature and not a proprietary right.

It further held that where family relations have irretrievably broken down, courts must balance the residential rights of the daughter-in-law with the dignity, autonomy, and peaceful living rights of senior citizens.

[Smt Ritu Taneja & Anr. v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi & Ors.]

The Supreme Court raised serious concerns over the growing number of lawyers allegedly practising with fake or doubtful law degrees.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that the issue required immediate attention and remarked that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) should ideally investigate the matter.

During the hearing, the Court reportedly referred to “thousands of fraudulent people wearing black robes” and emphasised the seriousness of unauthorised legal practice.

The observations were made while the Bench was hearing a matter concerning questionable law degrees and legal qualifications.

The Gujarat High Court has ruled that truck drivers are solely responsible for accidents caused by parking on highways without warning indicators or safety signals.

Justice Mool Chand Tyagi overturned a previous tribunal decision that suggested "contributory negligence" by a deceased scooterist who rammed into a stationary truck at night.

The Court emphasized that parking a vehicle partially on the road without lights constitutes a "gross violation" of the Motor Vehicles Act.

It noted that oncoming glare makes it nearly impossible for motorists to spot unlit obstructions, subsequently increasing the compensation for the victim’s family from ₹5.96 lakh to ₹9.25 lakh.

[Patel Jashiben Govindbhai Wife of Decd. & Ors. v. Shaitan Singh S/O Arjun Singh & Anr.]

The Bombay High Court has ruled that the State’s failure to provide sun shelters and seating at bus stops is a direct violation of the Right to Life under Article 21.

Taking suo motu cognizance of poor infrastructure in Nagpur, the Court emphasized that forcing commuters to endure extreme weather without basic amenities constitutes a breach of constitutional governance.

Justices Anil S. Kilor and Raj D. Wakode observed that a life of dignity includes protection from harsh elements while accessing public transport.

Consequently, the Nagpur Municipal Commissioner must submit an infrastructure upgrade plan within four months.

[Court’s on its own motion v. The State of Maharashtra, Thr. Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mumbai & Ors. ]