Insights
In a significant ruling underscoring the importance of procedural discipline and statutory limitation, the Supreme Court of India has reiterated that condonation of delay cannot be claimed as a matter of right and lies entirely within the discretion of the Court.
In a significant reaffirmation of constitutional protections against misuse of criminal procedure, the Supreme Court held that the successive registration of FIRs merely to keep an accused in custody after grant of bail constitutes a clear abuse of the legal process. The ruling came in BINAY KUMAR SINGH & ANR. V. STATE OF JHARKHAND & ORS., where the Court also reiterated that it will not hesitate to exercise jurisdiction under Article 32 when a prima facie violation of fundamental rights is established.
In a significant order aimed at preserving the effective functioning of environmental adjudication in India, the Supreme Court recently permitted three Judicial Members of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to continue in office beyond their retirement dates as a temporary stopgap arrangement. The Court recognised that imminent vacancies in judicial positions could severely disrupt the Tribunal’s functioning across multiple locations and adversely impact litigants seeking environmental justice.
In a significant reaffirmation of personal liberty under criminal jurisprudence, the Supreme Court of India has held that anticipatory bail should not ordinarily be restricted to a fixed duration such as till the filing of a chargesheet. The ruling in Sumit v. State of Uttar Pradesh & Another strengthens the principle that once granted, anticipatory bail generally continues unless special reasons justify limitation or cancellation.
In a major regulatory development, the Central Government has notified sweeping amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, significantly strengthening the legal framework governing synthetically generated and artificial intelligence-based content on digital platforms. Issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under Section 87 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, the amendments will come into force on 20 February 2026.
In a significant ruling reinforcing access to justice and procedural fairness, the Supreme Court of India has held that delays in filing appeals under Section 74 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (“2013 Act”) may be condoned by applying Section 5 of the Limitation Act, 1963.
In a significant reaffirmation of victim’s rights and state accountability, the Supreme Court of India has directed all States and Union Territories to release pending compensation amounts to acid attack survivors whose claims have already been approved. The Court made it clear that administrative delays and lack of fund disbursal cannot be permitted to render judicial directions meaningless.
In a significant ruling on Hindu joint family property jurisprudence, the Supreme Court clarified that when ancestral property capable of generating income is proven to exist, any property subsequently acquired by the Karta during the continuance of the joint family is presumed to be joint family property. The burden then shifts to the person asserting self-acquisition to establish the same through convincing evidence.
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC), once hailed as a transformative reform for resolving corporate distress in India, has come under sharp judicial scrutiny. During the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning alleged large-scale bank fraud by companies of the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG), the Supreme Court raised serious concerns regarding the systemic misuse of the IBC framework, particularly in relation to asset undervaluation and insider-controlled resolution processes.
ASHISH SATISH MITTAL V. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA & CONNECTED CASES The Supreme Court of India, while dealing with bail pleas arising out of the infamous 2024 Pune Porsche accident, made sharp and socially resonant observations on parental responsibility, privilege, and accountability. The case has drawn nationwide attention not merely because of the tragic loss of two innocent lives, but also due to the alleged systematic attempt to cover up the crime.
