The Supreme Court has agreed to examine the Central Bureau of Investigation's appeal against the acquittal of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and four others in the murder case of former sect manager Ranjit Singh. The case, which has seen multiple twists and turns, has been referred to Justice Bela M. Trivedi's bench, which is already hearing a related petition filed by the victim's father. The CBI has argued that Ram Rahim orchestrated the murder after suspecting Singh of leaking an anonymous letter accusing him of sexual misconduct. The case has attracted widespread public attention due to Ram Rahim's involvement and frequent paroles from prison.
Self-styled godman Asaram, who was convicted in two separate rape cases, has been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on medical grounds. However, the bail is only until March 31 and he will remain in jail as he has to obtain bail in another rape case. Asaram's request for bail was based on his deteriorating health condition, for which he had previously received treatment in Pune and AIIMS Jodhpur. The Supreme Court also ordered police officers to escort him to the hospital for treatment without imposing any restrictions on where he should go.
The Delhi Police has vehemently opposed the bail plea of accused in the Delhi riots case, citing the stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). ASG Chetan Sharma argued that the accused were part of a clinical, pathological and planned conspiracy by forces inimical to India, and referred to Supreme Court verdicts to support his argument. The accused, including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, have been in prison for many years and have sought bail citing delay in trial. However, Sharma blamed them for the delay and argued that mere delay cannot be a ground for bail under UAPA.
In a recent hearing, the Supreme Court expressed dismay at the daily generation of 3,000 tonnes of untreated municipal solid waste in Delhi. The court warned of drastic consequences, including possible halting of development activities, if illegal dumping continues to plague the city. It directed the government to take immediate measures to prevent fires and pollution at the two largest dumping sites in the city and file a detailed affidavit on compliance with Solid Waste Management Rules by January 15. This development highlights the urgent need for effective waste management policies in the capital city.
The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the increasing solid waste crisis in Delhi and has directed the Delhi government and MCD to clarify their compliance with the 2016 rules for managing such waste. The Court also ordered the government to submit a detailed affidavit on steps taken to curb illegal dumping and fires caused by it. The MCD and Amicus Curiae engaged in a heated debate over the authorities' efforts to tackle the waste crisis.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a committee that met to select the new chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The meeting, which was also attended by leaders from the opposition Congress party, took place more than a month after the previous chairperson's tenure ended. The NHRC, which is responsible for protecting and promoting human rights in India, has been led by former Supreme Court judges in the past.
After a political scuffle between the security guards of BJP leader Kabir Shankar Bose and TMC workers, Bose petitioned for the transfer of probe into two FIRs filed against him, citing a biased investigation. The SC, recognizing the “bitter enmity” between Bose and his former in-laws, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee and his daughter, ordered for a CBI investigation, stating that the "charged" political atmosphere in West Bengal may lead to an unfair investigation by the local police. Ananthakrishnan G., a senior journalist with The Indian Express, is known for his impactful legal reporting and has extensive experience in the political and community beat.
In a significant development, Switzerland has taken a unilateral decision to revoke the 'Most Favoured Nation' status accorded to India under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) treaty. This move will have a major impact on Indian businesses operating in Switzerland as well as Swiss investments in India. The decision was made by the Swiss finance department in response to the Supreme Court of India's 2023 ruling, stating that the MFN clause between two nations does not automatically apply when a country joins the OECD. This raises questions on the interpretation and application of the MFN clause in tax treaties under the OECD, which is known for shaping international policies for better economic and social outcomes.
India's top court is currently hearing petitions challenging a 1991 law that aims to preserve the character and identity of religious places of worship as they existed on the country's independence in 1947. The law has been a subject of controversy due to its impact on the dispute over the Babri Masjid, which was demolished in 1992. While some argue that the law infringes on religious freedom and secularism, others defend it as crucial in safeguarding the places of worship of religious minorities in a predominantly Hindu country. The court's decision on the issue, expected in February, could have wider implications for religious tensions in India.
In a significant development, the Supreme Court granted bail to former Rajasthan MLA Giriraj Singh Malinga, who was accused of brutally attacking a Dalit engineer. Malinga, who was a Congress leader at the time of the incident but is now in the ruling BJP, surrendered following the SC's orders. The court has kept his Special Leave Petition pending and scheduled it for further hearing after his surrender. The accused had allegedly abused the engineer and caused him physical harm over a disagreement related to his constituency. The case has sparked controversy, with the state opposing Malinga's bail and the complainant citing concerns of intimidation and influence on public opinion.