Insights
“A Landmark Judgment on Personal Relationships, Moral Character, and Public Employment” In a significant judgment reflecting evolving social realities, the Supreme Court of India has held that a consensual premarital physical relationship between two unmarried adults cannot, by itself, be treated as evidence of poor moral character or moral turpitude. The Court emphasized that the failure of a romantic relationship to culminate in marriage does not automatically establish cheating, dishonesty, or unfitness for public service. The ruling came in Gajula Thirupathi v. Telangana State Level Police Recruitment Board & Others, where a police constable candidate's appointment had been cancelled because of his
Family-owned businesses form the backbone of the Indian economy and contribute significantly across sectors including manufacturing, infrastructure, real estate, retail, healthcare, technology and financial services. Many of India’s most successful enterprises have evolved from closely held family businesses where ownership, management and succession remain concentrated within family structures. While such businesses often benefit from strong relationships, long-term vision and intergenerational commitment, they are equally vulnerable to ownership disputes that can threaten business continuity, erode enterprise value and damage family relationships.
In a significant step toward prison reform and judicial digitization, the Supreme Court of India has formally concluded proceedings in Surendra @ Sunda v. State of Uttar Pradesh, the case that resulted in the creation of the E-Prisons Early Release Processing Module, a nationwide digital platform designed to streamline the consideration of premature release and remission cases of eligible prisoners.
In an increasingly interconnected global economy, joint ventures have emerged as one of the most effective mechanisms for businesses seeking strategic expansion, market penetration, technology sharing and capital optimisation. Both domestic and foreign enterprises frequently utilise joint venture structures to combine resources, leverage complementary expertise and access new commercial opportunities within India’s rapidly growing economy.
In a significant development concerning child protection and reproductive healthcare regulation, the Supreme Court of India has raised concerns over the potential misuse of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy centres as channels for child trafficking. While hearing the matter of Pinki v. State of Uttar Pradesh & Anr., the Court examined submissions highlighting the absence of a dedicated mechanism to detect and prevent trafficking-related offences within fertility clinics and surrogacy arrangements.
In today’s rapidly evolving regulatory and investment landscape, Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) compliance has emerged as a critical component of corporate governance, risk management and long-term enterprise value creation. Investors, lenders, regulators, customers and multinational counterparties increasingly evaluate businesses not only on financial performance but also on their environmental stewardship, labour practices, ethical conduct and governance standards. For Indian companies, ESG is no longer a voluntary reputational initiative; it is a strategic legal and commercial imperative.
In a significant development for women's rights, public health, and educational equity, the Supreme Court of India has reiterated that menstrual hygiene is a fundamental right flowing from Article 21 of the Constitution. While hearing the matter of Dr. Jaya Thakur v. Government of India & Ors., the Court emphasized that merely recognizing a right is insufficient unless it translates into meaningful and effective implementation on the ground. The Court's latest observations highlight a critical challenge in governance bridging the gap between policy formulation and actual delivery of essential services. By directing the Union Government and States to strengthen compliance with earlier directions concerning menstrual hygiene management in schools, the Court has reinforced the constitutional obligation to ensure dignity, health, and equality for adolescent girls across the country.
In today’s increasingly regulated commercial environment, businesses across industries are subject to frequent inspections, audits and investigative reviews by governmental authorities and regulatory agencies. Regulatory inspections may arise under corporate, taxation, labour, environmental, financial, anti-corruption, data protection, consumer protection and sector-specific laws. Such inspections often involve extensive scrutiny of operational records, financial documentation, compliance systems and internal governance mechanisms.
