The Supreme Court is deliberating a landmark Presidential Reference on whether Governors have a fixed timeline to assent to bills passed by state legislatures. The bench, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, questioned whether courts should "sit idle" as gubernatorial inaction stalls democratic governance. A ruling is expected soon that could redefine the separation of powers and clarify if such delays are subject to judicial review.

In a move that could reshape environmental governance, the Supreme Court, in a hearing on Delhi’s firecracker ban, raised concerns over its limited geographical enforcement. The bench emphasized that “clean air is a right” and questioned why the ban applied only to the Delhi-NCR and not uniformly across the country. This underscores that environmental safeguards cannot be selectively enforced, especially when pollution knows no political boundaries.

The Supreme Court has firmly ruled that Aadhaar is an identity document, not proof of Indian citizenship. Delivered on September 1, 2025, this decision arose during Bihar’s voter roll revisions, where political parties had pressed for Aadhaar’s use to curb exclusion. By citing the Aadhaar Act and Puttaswamy judgment, the Court clarified that democracy rests on citizenship, not biometric identity, reshaping debates on electoral inclusion.

On 26 August 2025, the SC acquitted two men convicted for the 2012 rape-murder of a 12-year-old, citing inadequate DNA and forensic evidence. The Court overturned Putai’s death sentence and Dileep’s life term, underscoring the need for reliable scientific evidence in criminal trials. This precedent strengthens the defence’s ability to challenge weak forensic links in sexual offence prosecutions.

In a landmark order, the SC allowed death row convict Vasanta Sampat Dupare to reopen sentencing, citing non-compliance with Manoj v. State of MP (2022) safeguards. By invoking Article 32 as a corrective tool, the Court has carved a narrow but powerful remedy for capital cases. Defence lawyers gain a new pathway to challenge final death sentences where procedural safeguards are breached.

The Supreme Court has appointed a Justice Jasti Chelameswar-led SIT to probe allegations against Gujarat’s Vantara Centre, including unlawful animal procurement, WLPA violations, and money laundering. The fact-finding mandate highlights corporate accountability in conservation projects and could set precedent for SIT-led inquiries in environmental law.

With the elevation of Justices Alok Aradhe and Vipul M. Pancholi, the Supreme Court has regained its sanctioned strength of 34 judges. While addressing chronic understaffing, Justice Pancholi’s appointment—superseding 56 senior High Court judges—raises debates on seniority, transparency, and collegium practice. For lawyers, this impacts bench constitution, case listing, and succession dynamics.

The Supreme Court in State Bank of India v. Ramadhar Sao (2025) reaffirmed that judicial review in disciplinary proceedings is limited to correcting legal or procedural errors, not re-evaluating evidence. Setting aside Patna High Court’s orders, the Court restored SBI’s penalty of removal with superannuation benefits, stressing that corruption cannot be excused even at lower levels of employment.

Explore the complete legal process, grounds, and key judgments behind contested divorce under Indian law.

SC warns against misuse of UP Gangsters Act; says personal liberty can't be compromised without fair legal basis.

Detailed analysis of Section 498A IPC, its misuse, procedural safeguards, and key Supreme Court rulings shaping its interpretation.

Introduction On 16 June 2025 , the Supreme Court of India declined to grant anticipatory bail  to an accused implicated in a “dunki”...

SC: High Court can't enhance sentence suo motu in convict’s appeal; only State or victim can seek harsher punishment.

Courts in India interpret NDPS bail strictly, but key rulings offer relief when procedural lapses or delays exist.

SC to decide if courts can hear disputes over properties covered by pre-Constitutional covenants with princely states.

SC: Passing a law by Parliament or State Legislature can't be treated as contempt of court unless it's unconstitutional.

Supreme Court rules Railways can impose penalties for misdeclared goods even after delivery under Section 66 of the Railways Act.

SC quashes 498A case, cautions against vague allegations on in-laws and distant relatives in matrimonial disputes.

SC to hear son's plea against Assam Police for allegedly detaining & planning to deport mother despite pending case.

SC slams Delhi HC for delay in bail plea, says even a day's delay in liberty matters is unacceptable; directs urgent hearing.