Trending Legal News and Updates

Trending news

Supreme Court Quashes Maharashtra’s Move to Declare Private Lands as Forests

The Supreme Court upheld Maharashtra’s decision to classify extensive private lands in Mumbai, Thane, and adjoining districts as “private forests.”

The Court found that the classification process violated statutory safeguards under the Maharashtra Private Forests (Acquisition) Act, 1975, as landowners were not given prior notice or an opportunity to be heard.

The Court held that such large-scale declarations without due procedure amounted to deprivation of property rights under Article 300A of the Constitution.

Finding serious procedural lapses and non-compliance with the law, the Court ruled the High Court’s decision unsustainable and quashed the state’s notifications.

[State of Maharashtra v Private Landowners]

Read Details / 3 hours ago

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Unilateral Cancellation of Sale Agreement Invalid Without Contractual Right: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court held that a party cannot unilaterally cancel an agreement to sell unless the contract explicitly permits such termination. Interpreting Section 14 of the Specific Relief Act, 1963,

The Court clarified that where an agreement is non-determinable, unilateral termination is invalid in law. The aggrieved party, therefore, need not first challenge such cancellation before seeking specific performance.

The Court further held that the burden to justify termination lies on the party cancelling the contract, who must approach the court to establish its validity. The judgment reinforces that contractual obligations cannot be avoided by one-sided actions lacking legal or contractual sanction.

[K. S. Manjunath & Ors v Muttanna Chennappa Batil & Ors.]

Read Order / 3 hours ago

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Delhi High Court Grants Four-Week Parole to Gang-Rape Convict After Sister’s Death

The Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Sanjeev Narula, convened a special sitting on a Sunday to grant four-week parole to a 55-year-old gang-rape convict whose sister had passed away earlier that morning.

The convict’s application for custody parole was moved immediately after his sister, aged 60 and suffering from post-tuberculosis lung complications, succumbed to her illness.

The Court noted that it had earlier granted the convict a one-day custody parole on November 7 to visit his ailing sister.

Observing that any delay would cause irreparable loss, the Court directed the prison authorities to release the convict on furnishing a personal bond.

[Tasleem v State of NCT of Delhi]

Read Details / 3 hours ago

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Adjournment Slips Without Stated Reasons Unacceptable: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court directed that adjournment slips without stated reasons shall not be accepted by court staff.

The Court observed that the existing pro forma lacked a column for specifying reasons, which was unacceptable. The Court was hearing a case where an adjournment was sought without disclosing any justification.

The Court instructed the Registry to issue a revised pro forma requiring counsel or litigants to clearly mention the cause for seeking adjournment to ensure procedural accountability and prevent misuse of adjournments.

[Lava International Ltd v Dolby International AB & Anr.]

Read Order / 4 hours ago

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Freedom to Choose Life Partner Is Fundamental to Personal Liberty: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court reaffirmed that the freedom to choose one’s life partner is an essential component of personal liberty and privacy guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

A Bench led by Justice Sanjeev Narula observed while granting police protection to an inter-caste couple who had been in a relationship for eleven years and faced threats from the woman’s family opposing their marriage.

The Court held that every adult has an inviolable right to autonomy in matters of love and marriage, and no family, community, or social group can lawfully interfere, threaten, or impose sanctions against such personal choices.

Read Details / 4 hours ago

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NIA Seeks In-Camera Hearing in Yasin Malik Death Penalty Appeal: Delhi High Court

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) requested the Delhi High Court to conduct in-camera proceedings in its appeal seeking enhancement of the sentence imposed on separatist leader Yasin Malik from life imprisonment to death in a 2017 terror funding case.

The Bench stated that it would consider the agency’s request. Appearing through video conference, Malik told the Court that he had been under severe psychological stress for three years while awaiting the decision.

The trial court had previously declined to impose the death penalty, observing that it should be reserved for the “rarest of rare” cases.

The appeal will next be heard on January 28.

Read Details / 4 hours ago

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Supreme Court Decries Rising Trend of Litigants Accusing Judges of Bias Over Adverse Orders

The Supreme Court expressed concern over the increasing tendency of litigants to make baseless and scandalous allegations against Judges when orders do not favour them.

The observation came in a contempt case involving N Peddi Raju and two lawyers who had accused a Telangana High Court Judge of bias. The Bench emphasised that such conduct undermines the integrity of the judiciary and reminded lawyers of their duty to uphold judicial dignity and decorum.

Noting that the concerned Judge had accepted the unconditional apologies tendered, the Court closed the proceedings, observing that “the majesty of law lies in forgiveness, not punishment.”

[N Peddi Raju v High Court for the State of Telangana]

Read Details / 4 hours ago

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Supreme Court Raises Concern Over Deepfake Manipulation and Algorithmic Bias in Generative AI Systems

The Supreme Court expressed concern over the misuse of Artificial Intelligence in the judiciary, with Chief Justice BR Gavai remarking that even judges have seen morphed images of themselves.

The Court was hearing a PIL seeking a legislative or policy framework to regulate the use of Generative AI (GenAI) in judicial and quasi-judicial bodies.

The petition highlighted risks of “hallucinations,” fake case laws, and AI bias, arguing that such arbitrariness violates Article 14.

Observing that GenAI’s opacity could undermine fairness and accuracy in justice delivery, the Bench adjourned the matter for two weeks for detailed consideration.

[Kartikeya Rawal v Union of India]

Read Details / 4 hours ago

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Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Reply on Implementing Women’s Reservation in Parliament

The Supreme Court sought the Central government’s response to a public interest litigation (PIL) demanding implementation of the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023, which reserves one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the Delhi Assembly for women.

A Bench noted that women constitute the “largest minority,” representing nearly 48% of India’s population, and emphasised the importance of ensuring political equality through timely implementation.

While acknowledging that policy enforcement falls within the executive’s domain, the Court directed the Centre to clarify the steps taken and the timeline proposed for enforcing the women’s reservation law.

[Priya Sharma v Union of India]

Read Details / 4 hours ago

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GST Registration Doesn’t Substitute Mandatory Trade Licence: J&K High Court

The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court held that GST registration cannot substitute or override the requirement of obtaining a valid trade licence under relevant regulatory laws.

The Court clarified that while GST registration reflects tax compliance, it does not confer the right to conduct any business activity without proper authorisation.

Rejecting the petitioner’s argument that tax payment legitimised unlicensed trade, the Court termed such a claim “absurd” and reaffirmed that business operations must conform to statutory licensing norms.

Upholding the provisions of the J&K Brick Kiln (Regulation) Act, 2010 and Rules, 2017, the Court dismissed the petitions challenging the licensing requirement.

[Ravi Kumar v Union Territory of J&K & Ors.]

4 hours ago

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Delhi High Court Refers EBC–Rupa Constitution Trademark Dispute to Mediation

The Delhi High Court referred the trademark dispute filed by Eastern Book Company (EBC) against Rupa Publications India over the design and trade dress of its pocket edition of the Constitution of India towards mediation.

EBC alleged that Rupa’s red-and-black “coat-pocket edition” was deceptively similar to its own established version, creating consumer confusion.

Earlier, the Court had restrained Rupa from selling or distributing the contested edition and directed the recall of unsold stock. Rupa has now moved to vacate the interim injunction, while EBC has been directed to file its response.

The matter will be heard before the Delhi High Court Mediation Centre.

Read Order / 4 hours ago

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Mere Possession of Fake Currency Not Enough for Conviction: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court acquitted a man who had been convicted 38 years ago for possessing a counterfeit 100-dollar note, holding that mere possession of fake currency does not attract Section 489C of the Indian Penal Code.

The Court ruled that a conviction requires proof that the accused knew the note was counterfeit and intended to circulate it as genuine. Since the prosecution failed to establish such intent, and witnesses turned hostile.

The Court found the conviction unsustainable. It emphasised that suspicion cannot substitute proof in criminal trials and set aside the lower court’s findings.

[Abdul Hakkim v State of Kerala]

Read Order / 6 hours ago

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Delhi High Court Protects Actress Jaya Bachchan’s Personality Rights, Orders Takedown of Misused Content

The Delhi High Court issued notice on a plea filed by actor Jaya Bachchan seeking protection of her personality and publicity rights against the unauthorised commercial use of her name, image, voice, and likeness.

The petition alleged that multiple online platforms, including websites and social media accounts, were exploiting her identity through AI-generated content, fake endorsements, and merchandise without consent.

The Actress sought a permanent injunction restraining such misuse and directions to intermediaries to promptly take down infringing material.

The Court took note of the alleged violations and directed the respondents to file their replies.

[Jaya Bachchan v Bollywood Bubble & Ors.]

Read Details / 6 hours ago

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Andhra Pradesh High Court Orders Reservation for Transgender Persons in Six Months

The Andhra Pradesh High Court directed the State Government to grant reservation for transgender persons in public employment within six months, recognising them as one of the most socially and economically marginalised communities.

Justice Nyapathy Vijay held that their exclusion from family, social, and political life justified affirmative action under Articles 16(4) and 16(4A) of the Constitution.

The Court ordered the government to frame comprehensive policies that ensure equality, representation, and the protection of transgender persons across all public sectors. It emphasised that inclusion and dignity must replace discrimination and invisibility in governance and employment.

[Katru Rekha v State of Andhra Pradesh]

Read Order / 6 hours ago

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Police Must Complete Passport Verification Within Four Weeks: Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court directed that police verification for passport applications must be completed within four weeks, emphasising that undue delay violates the fundamental right to travel.

A Bench of Justices Ajit Kumar and Swarupama Chaturvedi noted that the Court is “flooded” with pleas arising from stalled verifications and held that timely processing is essential for administrative fairness.

The Court further directed that applicants facing pending criminal proceedings must obtain necessary no-objection certificates before applying, and passport authorities must inform applicants within one month if their applications cannot be processed. The directions aim to streamline verification and safeguard citizens’ mobility rights.

[Rahimuddin v Union of India & Anr]

Read Order / 6 hours ago

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