New Insights

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.

In a landmark judgment advancing gender justice and constitutional dignity, the Supreme Court of India has unequivocally declared that menstrual health is an integral part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. Recognising the systemic exclusion faced by adolescent girls due to lack of menstrual hygiene infrastructure, the Court issued comprehensive directions mandating free supply of biodegradable sanitary napkins, gender-segregated toilets, and menstrual hygiene management facilities in all schools across India.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) notified the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, marking a significant regulatory intervention aimed at addressing discrimination particularly caste-based discrimination within Indian higher education institutions (HEIs).

In an important public interest proceeding on Wednesday addressing the growing menace of stray dog attacks across India, the Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concern over incidents of dog attacks on beaches, particularly in Goa and Kerala, and their adverse impact on tourism and public safety.

In a significant ruling reinforcing the separation between administrative functions of court registries and the judicial authority of courts, the Supreme Court of India has categorically held that a court registry cannot question a litigant’s decision to implead a particular party nor demand reasons for such impleadment. The Court emphasized that such scrutiny falls exclusively within the judicial domain, not the administrative powers of the Registry.

In a recent significant judgment dealing with sentencing principles in heinous crimes, the Supreme Court of India modified the sentence imposed on a convict in a 2019 gang rape and murder case from imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life to a fixed term of 25 years without remission. While upholding the conviction, the Court carefully balanced aggravating and mitigating circumstances, reaffirming the evolving jurisprudence on proportional punishment.

In a significant step aimed at safeguarding fair trials, protecting individual rights, and ensuring responsible dissemination of information, the Supreme Court of India has directed all States to formulate a comprehensive policy governing police media briefing. The directive comes in light of a detailed Police Manual for Media Briefing submitted by the amicus curiae to the Court.

In a significant reaffirmation of workers’ rights, the Supreme Court of India has held that compensatory allowances form part of the “ordinary rate of wages” for calculating overtime wages under Section 59 of the Factories Act, 1948. The ruling clarifies a long-standing dispute concerning whether allowances such as House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), Clothing and Washing Allowance (CWA), and Small Family Allowance (SFA) should be included while computing overtime.

In a significant intervention touching upon property rights and equality in land acquisition, the Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concern over the structural inequities in the compensation mechanism under the National Highways Act, 1956.