R. Sai Spandana's Posts

A

Hearing Reports

Judicial Vacancies Update | Day 2: Supreme Court dismisses Haryana Government’s application to oversee examinations in the state

Bench states there is no objective data to prove the High Court Committee cannot continue monitoring exams

26th Sep 2023

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Assam Citizenship

Hearing Reports

Assam’s National Register of Citizens | Constitution Bench to hear arguments from 17 October 2023

Bench to decide if Section 6A of the Citizenship Act 1955 suffers from any “constitutional infirmity.”

21st Sep 2023

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reservation

Hearing Reports

Challenge to Extended Reservations in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies | Is the 104th Constitutional Amendment Unconstitutional?

Supreme Court to decide the validity of the constituent powers of amendment to extend the prescribed reservation period

21st Sep 2023

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Bribery Narasimha

Hearing Reports

MLA Bribery | Seven-judge bench to reconsider a 25-year-old judgement on constitutional immunity for lawmakers

Time to relook Narasimha Rao v State since it concerns a question that affects “morality of polity”, says Supreme Court

20th Sep 2023

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Analysis

“What is your locus?” Optics, politics & frivolity in Public Interest Litigation

In recent years, PIL has become an extension of the political theatre while voices from the ground, stay silent still.

19th Sep 2023

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PIL PILs

Analysis

Political interests, personal agendas, bland orders: Have PILs strayed from their intended purpose?

There’s been an unprecedented increase in the number of petitions in recent years, but experts suggest that the SC is less PIL-friendly

15th Sep 2023

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EGI Editors Guild

Analysis

How can we be prosecuted for a report? Editors Guild asks Manipur Government at Supreme Court

Top Court extends protection to members of Editors Guild till 15 September 2023, when it will consider transfer of case to Delhi High Court

11th Sep 2023

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370

Hearing Reports

Abrogation of Article 370 | Day 16: SC reserves judgement after hearing arguments from 40 counsel

The final day of arguments began with tempers running high over lead petitioner’s Mohammad Lone’s affidavit and his “allegiance” to India

370

Hearing Reports

Abrogation of Article 370 | Day 15: “If 370 is beyond the reach of amendment, is it above basic structure?” Court asks Petitioners

After submissions by 18 advocates in support of the abrogation of Article 370, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal began rejoinder arguments.

370

Hearing Reports

Abrogation of Article 370 | Day 14: Legitimacy of J&K Constitution came directly from the Indian Constitution, respondents argue

Senior Advocate Dwivedi contended that the recommendation of the J&K Constituent Assembly was never meant to be binding on the President

J&K 370

Hearing Reports

Abrogation of Article 370 | Day 13: No limit on President’s power to pull plug on special status of J&K, respondents argue

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Court that the Union couldn’t commit to a date for restoring statehood for J&K

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31st Aug 2023

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370

Hearing Reports

Abrogation of Article 370 | Day 12: J&K has seen rapid development since it was made a Union Territory

Union argues that the President had untrammelled power to repeal Art. 370 as part of larger goal of national integration.

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29th Aug 2023

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J&K 370

Hearing Reports

Abrogation of Article 370 | Day 11: Removing Art. 370 Was Union’s Way to Rectify the Mistakes of the Past

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argues that people of J&K were wrongly convinced that Article 370 was a boon.

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28th Aug 2023

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Channel

Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Abrogation of Article 370 | Day 10

The Constitution Bench heard the Unions opening arguments in support of the abrogation of Article 370.

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27th Aug 2023

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Channel

Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Abrogation of Article 370 | Day 8, 9

On Days 8 and 9, 12 counsels appearing for the petitioners in the challenge to Article 370 argued before the Supreme Court.

and

26th Aug 2023

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370 Union

Hearing Reports

Abrogation of Article 370 | Day 10: Constitution of J&K is merely an Act providing for internal governance of the state, argues Solicitor General

The Union advanced the view that Article 370 promoted a “psychological duality” that was being taken advantage of by forces against India.

and

24th Aug 2023

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Article 370

Hearing Reports

Abrogation of Article 370 | Day 9: What makes the relationship between India and J&K binding, asks CJI

Petitioners conclude arguments; counsel dig deep into constitutional history to argue against revocation.

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23rd Aug 2023

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J&K 370

Hearing Reports

Abrogation of Article 370 | Day 8: On reorganisation of J&K, misuse of President’s Rule and protection of minorities

Article 370 represented a constitutional promise to protect a religious minority, argues P.C. Sen.

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22nd Aug 2023

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J&K 370

Hearing Reports

Abrogation of Article 370 | Day 7: Reorganisation of J&K into Union Territories is contrary to federalism, argue Petitioners

Senior Advocates Dave, Naphade and Dwivedi highlighted the adverse consequences of the abrogation of Article 370.

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17th Aug 2023

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Abrogation of Article 370

Hearing Reports

Abrogation of Article 370 | Day 6: Power of the President under Article 356 is not absolute, argues Dhavan

Petitioners argued Constitution does not allow the President to permanently abrogate Article 370 when J&K was under President’s Rule.

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16th Aug 2023

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Bill

Analysis

Union Bill Seeks to Nullify Another Supreme Court Judgement

DESK BRIEF: New Bill proposes a three-member committee with two members of the ruling party to nominate members of the Election Commission.

12th Aug 2023

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autonomy

Hearing Reports

Abrogation of Article 370 | Day 5: Union Had No Authority to Dismantle Autonomy of J&K

By applying select parts of the Indian Constitution to itself, J&K showed that they retained autonomy under Art. 370 even after accession.

and

10th Aug 2023

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abrogation

Hearing Reports

Abrogation of Article 370 | Day 4: J&K Constituent Assembly made Art. 370 Permanent in the State’s Constitution

Sr. Adv. Gopal Subramanium argued Art. 370 is a manifestation of the federal structure envisaged for J&K.

Article 370

Hearing Reports

Abrogation of Article 370 | Day 3: Executive Decisions Cannot Permanently Alter the Constitution

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal completed 3 days of arguments on why Parliament had no power to repeal Article 370.

early release Bilkis Bano

Hearing Reports

Early Release of Bilkis Bano Convicts | Day 4: Petitioners Highlight the Heinous Nature of Crimes Committed

Adv. Shobha Gupta submitted that the convicts did not qualify for early release as the crimes they committed against Bilkis Bano were grave.

7th Aug 2023

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Rahul Gandhi

Analysis

Rahul Gandhi’s Criminal Defamation Conviction and Sentencing Unjustified, says Supreme Court

The Bench held that the two-year jail term awarded to Rahul Gandhi for his Modi remark was excessive and devoid of reason.

Abrogation

Hearing Reports

Abrogation of Article 370 | Day 1: Art. 370 a Permanent Feature of the Constitution

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal argued abrogation of Art. 370 cannot be done following the dissolution of the J&K Constituent Assembly in 1957.

July

Analysis

Monthly Review: July 2023

In July, the top Court returned from summer vacation and continued to hear Constitution Bench cases and delivered key judgements.

31st Jul 2023

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seven and nine

Court Data

Where are the Seven and Nine Judge Constitution Benches?

Constitution Benches assembled 55 times in the first half of 2023. None of them were seven and nine-judge Benches.

31st Jul 2023

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Abrogation of Article 370

Analysis

Understanding the Abrogation of Article 370: Origin and Impact

The Supreme Court will decide the extent of the Union’s powers to make laws for Jammu and Kashmir and abrogate Article 370.

29th Jul 2023

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Mishra

Hearing Reports

Supreme Court Extends Tenure of Incumbent ED Director Sanjay Mishra till September

The Bench clarified Mishra would seize to be the ED’s Director at midnight on September 15, 2023.

27th Jul 2023

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five-Judge Pendency

Court Data

Half-Yearly Five-Judge Constitution Bench Pendency | 2023

The Supreme Court heard and decided several five-Judge Constitution Bench cases this year, leading to a drop in the number of pending cases.

26th Jul 2023

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Rahul Gandhi

Analysis

The ‘Modi’ Defamation Case Against Rahul Gandhi: The Story So Far

The Supreme Court to decide if Mr. Rahul Gandhi’s conviction for defamation must be stayed and his disqualification from Parliament quashed.

21st Jul 2023

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Delhi

Hearing Reports

Challenge to Delhi Service Ordinance | Day 3: Bench Refers Case to a Constitution Bench

The challenge to the Delhi Ordinance will be heard after the Court completes hearing the challenge to the abrogation of Art. 370.

20th Jul 2023

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Judgement

Hearing Reports

Altering Rules on Appointment to Public Posts | Day 3: Bench Reserves Case for Judgement

The Bench heard various proposals from petitioners on how to ensure that rules during the appointment process are not altered arbitrarily.

18th Jul 2023

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Hearing Reports

Altering Rules on Appointment to Public Posts | Day 2: Gujarat, Gauhati, Patna, Rajasthan

The Bench de-tagged cases from different High Courts, and began to address the question of the reference Order.

13th Jul 2023

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Manipur High Court

Hearing Reports

Altering Rules on Appointment to Public Posts | Day 1: Manipur

The Supreme Court reverted the case challenging the Manipur HC’s 2015 Resolution about District Judge appointments to a 3-Judge Bench.

12th Jul 2023

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Kerala High Court

Hearing Reports

Altering Rules on Appointment to Public Posts | Day 1: Kerala

The Supreme Court held that the Administrative Tribunal of the Kerala High Court was wrong to impose a cut-off for the viva interview.

12th Jul 2023

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Hearing Reports

Abrogation of Article 370: Constitution Bench to Hear Arguments from Aug 2, 2023

Constitution Bench decides to hear the case on merits from August 2nd, 2023.

11th Jul 2023

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Hearing Reports

Challenge to Delhi Service Ordinance | Day 1

Supreme Court to consider the plea seeking stay on the Union’s Ordinance on July 17th, 2023.

10th Jul 2023

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Murari

Analysis

Justice Krishna Murari: Notable Judgements and Cases

Justice Krishna Murari authored over 60 judgements in his 3.75-year tenure at the SC.

7th Jul 2023

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women judges

Court Data

Only 107 of 788 Sitting High Court Judges are Women

With hardly any senior women judges in India's High Courts, gender diversity at the Supreme Court will take a hit.

30th Jun 2023

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authored

Court Data

Justice V. Ramasubramanian: Number of Judgements Authored

Justice Ramasubramanian authored 102 judgements during his 3.75-year tenure at the SC.

29th Jun 2023

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Rate of Authorship

Court Data

Justice V. Ramasubramanian: Rate of Judgement Authorship

Justice Ramasubramanian has authored judgements in 32.6% of the benches he was part of.

29th Jun 2023

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Ramasubramanian

Analysis

Justice V. Ramsubramanian: Tenure in Numbers

Justice V. Ramasubramanian retires after a 3.75-year tenure, having written over 100 Judgments.

28th Jun 2023

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Channel

Next 8 CJIs of India

If the seniority principle is followed, these 8 Judges will lead the Supreme Court of India as Chief Justice till 2031.

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27th Jun 2023

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Chief Justice of India

Court Data

Expected Tenures of the Next 8 Chief Justices of India

Only 2 out of the upcoming 8 Chief Justices will serve a tenure of more than 1 year.

27th Jun 2023

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Analysis

Next 8 Chief Justices of India

If the seniority principle is followed, these 8 Judges will lead the Supreme Court of India as Chief Justice till 2031.

26th Jun 2023

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Hearing Reports

Validity of Circumstantial Evidence in Bribery Cases: Judgement Summary

A 5-Judge Constitution Bench unanimously held that a public servant could be convicted for bribery based on circumstantial evidence.

20th Jun 2023

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Court Data

Justice K.M. Joseph: Number of Judgements Authored

Justice K.M Joseph was the fifth highest judgement contributor at the SC at the time of his retirement.

17th Jun 2023

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Channel

Supreme Court Cases on the rights of LGBTQIA+ Persons

We trace the evolution of the rights for Queer persons across 4 landmark judgments, and a 5th pending case before the SC.

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17th Jun 2023

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Analysis

Justice Ajay Rastogi’s Notable Judgements

The 4th senior most Judge of the SC, Justice Rastogi, has authored 158 judgements.

16th Jun 2023

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Court Data

Justice K.M. Joseph: Rate of Judgement Authorship

Justice K.M. Joseph has authored judgements in 33% of the Benches he was part of.

16th Jun 2023

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Channel

Union v Local Government: Battle for Delhi’s Governance

Who should have the power to govern Delhi? In this episode of SCO Explains, we dive into the clash over control, and try and understand why

Analysis

Justice K.M. Joseph: Tenure in Numbers

Justice K.M Joseph retires after a 4.75-year tenure, having written over 130 Judgments.

15th Jun 2023

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Channel

In Just 5 Months, SC conducted 55 CB Hearings

The SC has conducted a remarkable 55 Constitution Bench hearings in just 5 months. Why does this matter? SCO investigates.

Court Data

In 5 Months, the SC Conducted a Remarkable 55 CB Hearings

After a long time, the Court is abuzz with Constitution Bench activity, with hearings in 16 cases and Judgements in 13.

26th May 2023

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Analysis

Amidst Cabinet Reshuffle, India Gets New Law Minister

Mr. Kiren Rijiju replaced as Law Minister after a tenure of nearly two years.

18th May 2023

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Court Data

SC’s Live Transcription Project: A Failed Experiment?

Since the launch of the live transcription project, only 36% of Constitution Bench hearings have been transcribed.

18th May 2023

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Same sex marriage

Hearing Reports

Plea for Marriage Equality: Argument Matrix

What were the issues and the arguments raised on both sides in the plea for marriage equality?

15th May 2023

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Channel

Plea for Marriage Equality Day #10

The petitioners concluded their rejoinder arguments and the Bench reserved judgement.

11th May 2023

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Same sex marriage

Hearing Reports

Plea for Marriage Equality: Constitution Bench Day #10

The petitioners concluded arguments in response to the submissions against the recognition of the right to marry.

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11th May 2023

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Channel

Plea for Marriage Equality Day #9

The respondents reiterated that Parliament was the only competent authority to recognise marriage equality.

10th May 2023

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Same sex marriage

Hearing Reports

Plea for Marriage Equality: Constitution Bench Day #9

Respondents cite the welfare of children and the impact of marriage on society to argue against LGBTQIA+ marriages.

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10th May 2023

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Channel

SCO Daily: Plea for Marriage Equality: Day 8

As the arguments in the plea for marriage equality reach the finish line, the Bench deliberates if there is a fundamental right to marry.

Same sex marriage

Hearing Reports

Plea for Marriage Equality: Constitution Bench Day #8

The Bench pondered over a broader question: Does a fundamental right to marry exist?

Analysis

The Challenge to the Appointment of 68 Judicial Officers in Gujarat

Has the Gujarat HC breached the ‘merit-cum-seniority’ rule in its recent Judicial appointments?

8th May 2023

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Analysis

Rights of Marriage or the Right to Marry?

As the focus of the Marriage Equality hearings shifts to the ancillary rights of marriage, SCO examines the way forward.

5th May 2023

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Same sex marriage

Hearing Reports

Plea for Marriage Equality: Constitution Bench Day #7

Union informed the Bench that it would consider making administrative changes to grant certain rights to LGBTQIA+ couples.

Hearing Reports

SC’s Power To Directly Grant Divorce: Judgement Pronouncement

A 5-Judge Constitution Bench held the SC could, as a Court of first instance, grant divorce on the grounds of ‘irretrievable damage.’

1st May 2023

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Analysis

The Union’s Case Against Marriage Equality

DESK BRIEF: Union argues that the right to sexual autonomy does not include the right to compel the State to recognise LGBTQIA+ marriages.

29th Apr 2023

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Same sex marriage

Hearing Reports

Plea for Marriage Equality: Constitution Bench Day #6

The Union argued that the SC could not address the marriage equality issue without delving into personal law issues.

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27th Apr 2023

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Same sex marriage

Hearing Reports

Plea for Marriage Equality: Constitution Bench Day #5

Union argued that recognising the right to marry for all classes of persons in the LGBTQIA+ spectrum would lead to legal complications.

Same sex marriage

Hearing Reports

Plea for Marriage Equality: Constitution Bench Day #4

Can the SC deny marriage equality to the queer community to avoid practical difficulties that may arise out of the law?

Same sex marriage

Hearing Reports

Plea for Marriage Equality: Constitution Bench Day #1

SC recommends restricting the petitions seeking recognition of same-sex marriage to the Special Marriage Act, of 1954.

Hearing Reports

WhatsApp’s Privacy Policy Day #3

Attorney General R. Venkataramani assured the Court that the Digital Data Protection Bill, 2022 would be introduced in Parliament in July.

11th Apr 2023

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Same sex marriage

Analysis

Must Reads: Legal Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage

DESK BRIEF: Five must-reads that will help you understand the debate surrounding the legalisation of same-sex marriage.

1st Apr 2023

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Analysis

Understanding the Shiv Sena Conflict

SCO consolidates everything you need to know about the Shiv Sena Conflict

Tenure Extension for CBI ED Directors

Hearing Reports

CBI/ED Tenure Extension Day #2: Petitioners Argue Tenure Extensions Oppose Past SC Decisions

The Bench heard arguments stating that tenure extensions compromised CBI/ED independence.

23rd Mar 2023

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Same sex marriage

Analysis

SCO Shorts: Plea for Marriage Equality

A 5-Judge Constitution Bench will decide the validity of same-sex marriages in India. SCO breaks down the case here.

20th Mar 2023

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Hearing Reports

Additional Compensation for Bhopal Gas Tragedy Victims: Judgement Summary

Supreme Court dismissed the Union’s curative petition seeking additional compensation for Bhopal Gas Tragedy victims.

15th Mar 2023

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Same sex marriage

Hearing Reports

Plea for Marriage Equality #1: SC Refers Plea to 5-Judge Constitution Bench

The Constitution Bench will begin hearing arguments on the case from April 18th, 2023.

13th Mar 2023

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Analysis

The SC’s Attempt to Mitigate Executive Interference

DESK BRIEF: Two recent decisions by the SC aim to decrease the Executive's interference in the functioning of autonomous bodies.

11th Mar 2023

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Analysis

February Monthly Review: New Judges, Notable Hearings, and Technological Developments

The SC delivered two Constitution Bench decisions while also introducing significant infrastructural initiatives.

3rd Mar 2023

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Shiv Sena disqualification

Hearing Reports

Maharashtra Political Crisis Day #9: Shinde Faction Argues SC Cannot Speculate on Hypothetical Circumstances

Sr. Adv. Harish Salve argued that it is not permissible for the SC to decide matters of defection based on Assumptions of fact.

2nd Mar 2023

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Analysis

AI and the Law: A New Era in the Justice System?

SCO takes a glance into the use of AI in legal spaces around the world.

25th Feb 2023

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Shiv Sena disqualification

Hearing Reports

Maharashtra Political Crisis Day #6: Sr. Adv. Kapil Sibal Argues That the Governor Wrongly Called For a Trust Vote

The Uddhav Thackeray faction argued that they must be reinstated as the Maharashtra government since they were wrongfully ousted.

23rd Feb 2023

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Analysis

Insights Into a Supreme Court at Full Strength

DESK BRIEF: The Union cleared 7 SC judge appointments within a week returning the SC to its full sanctioned strength of 34 Judges.

18th Feb 2023

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A

Hearing Reports

Judicial Vacancies Update #1: SC Directs Gujarat to Clear Pending Appointments

The SC questioned the Gujarat government on its 8-year delay in carrying out judicial appointments and infrastructure development.

9th Feb 2023

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Channel

SCO Daily: Is WhatsApp violating the Right to Privacy?

The Court decided to hear the case after Parliament considers the Digital Data Protection Bill, 2022

Hearing Reports

WhatsApp Privacy Policy Day #2: Bench Decides to Hear Case in April

The Bench will hear the matter after the Digital Data Protection Bill, 2022 is introduced in the Parliament to avoid overlap with it.

1st Feb 2023

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Hearing Reports

WhatsApp Privacy Policy Day #1: Union Seeks to Postpone Hearing

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta claimed the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022 would resolve the petitioner’s issues.

31st Jan 2023

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Hearing Reports

Adultery in Armed Forces Day #1: Court Clarifies Judgement does not Concern Armed Forces Enactments

The Constitution Bench observed that the Joseph Shine Judgment was not relevant to cases under the Armed Forces Enactments.

31st Jan 2023

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Channel

SCO Explains: The Bhopal Gas Tragedy, 40 Years Later

The SC will decide if the emergence of new facts justifies the Union's plea to increase compensation granted to Bhopal Gas Tragedy victims.

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24th Jan 2023

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Hearing Reports

Anti-Conversion Laws Day #1: Bench Orders Parties to File Transfer Petitions Within 2 Weeks

Parties from both sides argued that the Bench should transfer all the pending challenges to anti-conversion laws to the SC.

16th Jan 2023

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