Judicial Independence Also Means Independence From Undue AI Influence: Justice BV Nagarathna

Supreme Court judge Justice BV Nagarathna has cautioned that the traditional understanding of judicial independence must adapt to the realities of artificial intelligence, stressing that excessive reliance on AI could subtly influence judicial reasoning and threaten cognitive autonomy.Addressing the 22nd Biennial State Level Conference of Judicial Officers held in Bengaluru on the...

Constitution Demands That We Dismantle Structures That Produce Inequality: Ex-CJI BR Gavai

Former Chief Justice of India Justice BR Gavai stated that the Constitution does not treat equality as a mere formal guarantee but requires the State and institutions to actively address and dismantle structural conditions that perpetuate inequality.Delivering the inaugural Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Lecture titled “Sustainable Development & Substantive Equality: A Constitutional Dialogue”...

Duty To Maintain Spouse Primary; Loan Repayments For Asset Creation No Ground To Reduce Maintenance Liability: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court recently observed that deductions arising out of financial commitments such as loan repayments, particularly where they contribute towards creation of assets, cannot be treated on par with necessary expenditure so as to substantially reduce the liability of maintenance. The Court emphasized that the obligation to maintain a spouse is a primary duty and cannot be subordinated...

Supreme Court To Examine Validity Of Gangster Acts & Laws Against Organised Crimes

The Supreme Court recently placed before a 3-judge bench a plea challenging certain provisions of the UP Gangster Act and Rules. Considering that the decision will have an impact on similar laws in States likes Gujarat, Maharashtra, NCT of Delhi and Karnataka, the Court decided to hear their Advocate Generals as well.The Court also added the Union of India as a party, considering that an...

Supreme Court Daily Round-Up : April 17, 2026

Links to reports of April 17 Kerala v. Tamil Nadu: Supreme Court Stays NGT Proceedings Against Kerala's Check Dam Construction In Border VillageLow Judge-To-Population Ratio Must Be Fixed To Tackle Judicial Delays: : Justice AS OkaWife & Her Family Cannot Be Prosecuted For 'Dowry-Giving' Based On Her Complaint Against Husband For Taking Dowry : Supreme CourtHigh Courts Must Act As...

Draft Petitions Personally, Don't Outsource To AI: CJI Surya Kant To New AoRs

The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, advised newly inducted Advocates-on-Record (AoRs) to personally draft petitions and not outsource legal work to artificial intelligence or other external parties, emphasizing that every pleading filed before the Court reflects the professional judgment and responsibility of the advocate whose name appears on it.Addressing the newly qualified AoRs during...

Supreme Court Approves Environment Compensation Charge Hike For Commercial Vehicles Entering Delhi, Mandates 5% Annual Increase

The Supreme Court has approved a proposal to enhance the Environment Compensation Charge (ECC) on commercial vehicles entering Delhi, while mandating a 5% annual increase to maintain its deterrent effect against pollution. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, by order passed on 12/03/2026, but uploaded today, approved...

Clause Saying 'Can Be Settled By Arbitration' Does Not Create Mandate To Arbitrate : Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Friday (April 17) held that an arbitration clause employing the word “can” does not constitute a binding arbitration agreement. A bench of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh dismissed an appeal filed against the Bombay High Court's decision, which held that Clause 25 of the Bill of Lading containing the arbitration agreement lacked the...

Lok Sabha Rejects Constitution (131st) Amendment Bill 2026 To Increase Seats; Centre Withdraws Delimitation Bill

The Lok Sabha today rejected the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, moved by the Union Government, which seeks to expand the strength of the House and revise the framework governing delimitation and implementation of women's reservation.While 298 members present out of 528 members present and voting approved the Bill, 230 members voted against it. Thus, the...

Reform Before Uniformity: Case For Repairing Personal Laws Rather Than Replacing Them

The recent proceedings before the Supreme Court of India, seeking the Union's response to a challenge against aspects of Muslim inheritance law as discriminatory to women, have predictably reignited the call for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The instinct is familiar: when confronted with inequity within a system, replace the system altogether. When the Court expressed a poignant concern: that merely striking down the 1937 Act might create a "legal vacuum," leaving Muslim women without the...

Allahabad High Court Orders FIR Against LoP Rahul Gandhi On Plea Alleging British Citizenship

In a significant order, the Allahabad High Court (Lucknow Bench) today directed the lodging of a First Information Report (FIR) and investigation against the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in connection with a BJP Worker's petition over his alleged British Citizenship.A bench of Justice Subhash Vidyarthi thus set aside an order of a Lucknow Court refusing to order an...

Landlord's Bona Fide Need To Be Assessed As On Date Of Eviction Petition Unless Subsequent Events Cause Material Change : Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has reiterated that in eviction petitions, the adjudication of a landlord's bona fide need must ordinarily be assessed as on the date when the eviction suit was filed, unless a subsequent event materially changes the ground of relief. Applying this principle, the Court remanded a 31-year-old eviction dispute to the Trial Court for fresh consideration.A Bench of Justice...