Supreme Court Weekly Round-Up

 A Major Entitled To Freedom Of Choice, Court Can’t Assume Role Of Super Guardian

“A major is entitled to the freedom of choice. As long as the choice remains, the court cannot assume the role of the super guardian, moved by the sentiment of the mother or the egotism of the father,” observed the Supreme Court bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice AM Khanwilkar on Friday. The bench was hearing a Special Leave Petition arising out of a judgment of the Kerala High Court refusing to grant the prayer of the present petitioner for the writ of habeas corpus in respect of her daughter, noting that the daughter had attained the age of 18 years on September 19, 2016.

SC Tells Slum Rehabilitation Authority To Help Mumbai Slum-Dwellers Entangled In Litigation

In a relief to over 800 slum-dwellers in Mumbai whose dream of having a permanent roof over their head has become a nightmare due to multitudes of litigation between builders and the authorities, the Supreme Court, invoking its inherent powers, has issued directives to the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) to ensure development of the slums and rehabilitate the slum-dwellers in proper accommodation.

Execution Of Death Sentence In Rape-Cum-Murder Case Stayed

The Supreme Court stayed execution of death sentence of a man accused of rape-cum-murder of an 8-year-old girl. The trial court had convicted Veerendra for rape and murder of a minor girl, who was his near relative as well. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had upheld the findings of the trial court and confirmed death penalty.

Illegal Trafficking Of Kids In Orphanages: SC Directs Impleadment Of All States, Seeks Response On Setting Up Of Statutory Human Rights Courts

The Supreme Court bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice AM Khanwilkar on Thursday, hearing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) on the issue of trafficking of children from orphanages in the state of West Bengal, directed all states to be impleaded as respondents thereto. Further, the bench required the states to file their response on the mandate of sections 30 and 31 of the Protection of Human Rights Act of 1993 requiring the specification of one Sessions Court in each district of every state as the Human Rights Court for speedy trial of offences arising out of violation of human rights and appointment of a Special Public Prosecutor for it.

Constitutionality Of 2018 Haj Guidelines: SC Says Allotment Of Seats To States By Draw Of Lots Will Be Subject To Final Determination Of Challenge

A Supreme Court bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice AM Khanwilkar on Friday stated that the allotment of seats made by way of the state-by-state draw of lots in pursuance of the Guidelines for Haj-2018 for the pilgrimage in August shall be subject to the final order of the apex court on the validity of the guidelines.

SC Defreezes Adarsh Society A/C; Allows Withdrawal Of Rs 1.68 Cr For Maintenance, Litigation Fee Purpose

In a huge relief to controversial Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society  in Mumbai, the Supreme Court on Friday ordered CBI to defreeze its accounts and allow the society to withdraw Rs 1.68 crore for maintenance and litigation fee payment purpose after giving a security of immovable properties.

Aircel-Maxis Scam: SC Directs Centre To Submit Status Report On Probe’s Progress By Jan. 23

The Supreme Court bench of Justice Arun Mishra and Justice Mohan M Shantanagoudar on Thursday directed the Union of India to file by January 23 the status report on the progress of investigation by the agencies concerned in connection with the Aircel-Maxis matter.

SC Refuses To Review Delhi HC Order Rejecting AAP Leader Deepak Bajpai’s Plea Questioning Patiala House CMM’s Jurisdiction

The Apex Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra dismissed a petition filed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Deepak Bajpai who, along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and four others, is facing defamation case filed by Union Minister Arun Jaitley.

 Notice To States On PIL For Proper Implementation Of Rules To Prevent Sexual Harassment At Work Place

The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notice to States on a PIL which sought a direction for proper Implementation of provisions of Sexual Harassment At Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition) Act 2013 without further delay.

 SC Seeks Detailed Affidavit From CPCB On Pre And Post Diwali Pollution Situation

The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Central Pollution Control Board to file a detailed affidavit on the pollution situation in the national capital and NCR carrying a detailed comparative study of pre and post Diwali period.

SC To BCCI: Allow Bihar To Play Ranji Trophy

The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the BCCI to allow Bihar to play Ranji Trophy and other domestic cricket tournaments. It is going to happen after a long 14 years.

 SC Refers Petition Challenging The Vires Of Section 497IPC To Constitution Bench

A three Judge Bench of the Supreme Court of India on Friday referred the petition challenging the Constitutional validity of Section 497 IPC to the constitution Bench.