Officers Carrying Out Illegal Demolitions Liable To Restore Properties At Personal Cost & Pay Damages: Supreme Court

In the judgment containing directions against "bulldozer actions", the Supreme Court has warned that officials who carry out illegal demolitions in contravention of the judicial directions will be held liable to restore the properties at their personal cost in addition to pay damages.The Court also warned that the officials who violate the directions will be hauled up for contempt of...

Supreme Court Seeks Video Of Delhi High Court Bar Association Meeting On Women's Reservation Proposal

The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought the production of a video recording from the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) General Body Meeting (GBM) held on October 7, 2024.This meeting had seen the rejection of a proposal to reserve seats for women in the association's Executive Committee. The Court scheduled the matter for further hearing on November 18 at noon, where it will review...

'Lackadaisical Approach In Implementing Arms Act' : Supreme Court Forms Committee In Each State & UT To Curb Illegal Gun Menace

The Supreme Court recently constituted a Committee in each State as well as Union Territories after it found that the proliferation of factories, and workshops producing unlicensed arms, which are outside the regulatory framework, resulted in crimes against the Society as well as against the State. It also found that there is a "lackadaisical approach" in the implementation of the Arms Act,...

NDPS Act| What Are Consequences If Chargesheet Is Filed Without FSL Report? Supreme Court Hears Reference

The Supreme Court today (November 13) highlighted the need to consider the 'irreversible consequences' and effects on the rights of an accused when a chargesheet is filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985 without the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report within the time limit. The Special bench led by Justice Suryakant comprising Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and...

2008 Malegaon Blast | Special Court Issues Fresh Bailable Warrant Against Pragya Thakur For 'Continuous' Non-Appearance In Court

A special court in Mumbai on Wednesday issued a fresh Bailable Warrant (BW) against right-wing extremist Pragya Singh Thakur for not remaining present before the court during the final hearing of the 2008 Malegaon Blast case.Special Judge AK Lahoti noted that the Pragya did not appear before the court on Wednesday as was directed in an earlier order wherein a BW was issued for her...

Demolition Of House For Crime Of One Person Amounts To 'Collective Punishment' On Entire Family Which Is Impermissible : Supreme Court

While issuing a set of directions to curb "bulldozer actions", the Supreme Court has observed that demolishing the houses of persons on the ground of their alleged involvement in crimes would amount to inflicting a "collective punishment" on the family, which is impermissible under the Constitutional scheme.A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan observed in the judgment...

Ministry Of Law & Justice Issues Guidelines For Fair Allocation Of Cases Among Panel Counsels Of Union Govt

The Ministry of Law and Justice has issued an Office Memorandum for the fair and transparent allocation of cases to panel counsels of the Union Government.The OM is issued in the light of complaints received against "unfair and opaque" allocation of cases by the Litigation-in-Charges of the High Courts, District Courts and Tribunals. "Such practices are not only detrimental to other...

Supreme Court Seeks Union, Delhi Authorities' Response On PIL Seeking Urgent Implementation Of Land Pooling And Green Development Area Policies

The Supreme Court recently issued notice to the Union of India and Delhi authorities on a public interest litigation seeking implementation of Land Pooling and Green Development Area policy in the national capital.A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan passed the order, seeking a response from the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Delhi government, DDA and others.Senior Advocate...

Telangana High Court Judges Emphasise Role Of Community Mediation Centres At Legal Services Day Event

In celebration of Legal Services Day, the Telangana State Legal Services Authority (TSLSA) organized a comprehensive legal awareness programme at Ambedkar Bhavan, Hanumakonda, highlighting the importance of accessible legal aid and dispute resolution mechanisms.Justice Sujoy Paul of Telangana High Court and Executive Chairman of TSLSA, inaugurated the event which saw participation from...

Demolition Presumed To Be Punitive When Property Is Selectively Chosen Suddenly After Occupant Is Accused Of Crime : Supreme Court

In its judgment on bulldozer actions, the Supreme Court has significantly observed that if a particular structure is chosen suddenly for demolition, while other similarly situated structures in the same vicinity are not even touched, State malafide may loom large. Where it is established that selection of a property (for demolition) was arbitrary, and soon before initiation of action, an...

'Stand On Your Own Legs' : Supreme Court Asks NCP(Ajit Pawar) To Not Use Photos & Videos Of Sharad Pawar For Maharashtra Elections

While hearing the dispute related to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the Supreme Court on Wednesday (November 13) orally asked Ajit Pawar group to not use the photos and videos of Sharad Pawar in their campaign materials for the Maharashtra assembly elections.The Court told NCP (Ajit Pawar) that they have to fight the elections based on their separate identity. The Court asked Ajit Pawar...

Executive Can't Become Judge, Pronounce Guilt Of Persons & Punish Them By Demolishing Their Properties : Supreme Court

Pronouncing judgment in the 'bulldozer matter', the Supreme Court today stated in unequivocal terms that the executive demolishing house of an accused without following due process of law would constitute an 'abuse of power'. If it takes such arbitrary action, the executive would be guilty of giving a go-by to principles of law and acting in a high-handed manner, which would have to be dealt...