The Uttar Pradesh government has been placing posters with names and photos of those accused of damaging public property during protests. This was first seen during the anti-CAA protests in 2020, where 57 protesters were identified and asked to pay compensation of Rs. 1.55 crore, while also facing the threat of having their properties seized. This controversial tactic was challenged by the Allahabad High Court and the matter is still in litigation. The government has since passed a new law on recovery of damages, but the Supreme Court has directed them to not take action on previous notice. However, posters with names and photos of protesters have resurfaced, causing further backlash and disruptions in Parliament among opposition parties.
The Delhi High Court has recently named 70 lawyers as Senior Advocates, recognizing their extensive contributions and expertise in the legal field. Among those conferred with the prestigious title are renowned names such as Gautam Narayan, Sanjeev Sagar, and Sumeet Verma. This move by the court aims to acknowledge and honor these lawyers for their outstanding proficiency and experience in the field of law.
The Supreme Court has rescheduled the hearing of the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute to December 9 due to lack of time. The main issue is whether an intra-court appeal against rejection of a petition under Order 7 Rule 11 CPC is maintainable before the Allahabad High Court. Apart from this, three special leave petitions have been filed by the Shahi Idgah Masjid and Sunni Central Waqf Board challenging previous court orders related to the dispute. The dispute pertains to the removal of 18 suits filed by the deity and Hindu worshippers for the removal of Shahi Idgah mosque, with the mosque committee arguing that the suits are barred by the Places of Worship Act.
After facing criticism from the Delhi High Court, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government appears to be reconsidering their refusal to implement the Ayushman Bharat insurance scheme initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This comes after BJP MPs filed a plea in the court seeking implementation of the scheme in Delhi, while other states have already adopted it. The scheme, which was recently expanded to cover all individuals over 70, has been hailed as a crucial step towards providing universal healthcare, but political reasons have caused delay in its adoption in Delhi and West Bengal.
The Supreme Court has directed the petitioners to approach the High Court over the dispute surrounding the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. The court has also asked the trial court to refrain from taking any action until the case is heard and has urged the district administration to maintain peace in the area. This plea was moved by the management committee of the mosque, which is embroiled in a dispute with Hindus over a temple allegedly destroyed to build the mosque. The Supreme Court is currently hearing multiple petitions related to disputes over religious places in India.
The Supreme Court has announced that all Stage 4 emergency measures to deal with Delhi's hazardous air quality will continue until at least Monday, with a review scheduled for December 2. In related news, an explosion near a theatre and an attack on Enforcement Directorate officials in Bijwasan serve as an alarming reminder of the severe consequences of the city's pollution crisis. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has issued notices on a PIL seeking the implementation of Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in the national capital.
The Bangladesh High Court has rejected a plea to ban the activities of ISKCON in Bangladesh, stating that the government has taken appropriate actions to address concerns. This decision comes after three separate cases have been filed in connection with ISKCON's activities and the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif, with 33 accused arrested. The court emphasized the importance of maintaining public safety and upholding law and order, relying on reports from the additional attorney general and deputy attorney general.
In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court has cleared the way for the trial of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, leader of Dera Sacha Sauda, in connection with the 2015 sacrilege incidents. This decision comes after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann granted permission for his prosecution, following the High Court’s order to expedite the case. With Ram Rahim currently serving a 20-year sentence for rape and murder convictions, the court's notice to him highlights the significance of this high-profile case.
A Delhi Court issued notice to the Special Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) after the agency's counsel gave an "offensive" and "derogatory" response to a query. The court was hearing an application in a money laundering case filed by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who was recently cleared by the Supreme Court. The judge also mentioned a previous case where the ED's counsel made a false submission and cited the high court mandate on not granting unnecessary adjournments. In a separate incident, two members of the 'Thak-Thak gang' were recently arrested by the Delhi Police.
In a long-standing legal battle over the Massey Ferguson tractor brand, TAFE, a well-known tractor manufacturer based in Chennai, has declared a legal victory against AGCO, a global leader in agriculture machinery. The Madras High Court has granted TAFE the right to continue using the brand, recognizing their sixty-year history with it. TAFE boasts a strong reputation for quality and a vast distribution network, making them a formidable presence in the global market.