Rajasthan HC Upholds Life Term for POCSO Convict: Crime Against Child is ‘Lacerating Wound’ on Society

Delhi HC Overturns Acquittal in 2013 Harassment Case, Upholds IPC Section 354A, POCSO Charge Dropped

Delhi High Court overturned a 2014 acquittal in a 2013 sexual harassment case, convicting the accused under IPC Section 354A while dismissing POCSO charges due to age proof deficiencies. The court delivered strong observations against victim-blaming based on clothing and character, and cautioned judicial officers against humiliating cross-examination.

SC on Article 17: Purification Ritual After Dalit Use Raises Untouchability Question

A purification ritual at Haldwani after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's rally has reignited the legal debate on untouchability. The Supreme Court's 2024 ruling in Sukanya Shantha case links Article 17 to caste-based notions of 'purity and pollution', extending its reach beyond denial of entry to discriminatory acts based on touch or presence.

Allahabad HC Upholds Mandatory Govt Service Bond for Subsidised PG Medical Education

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that doctors who pursue subsidised PG medical education cannot evade the mandatory two-year government service bond, even if there is administrative delay in providing posting. The court held that the bond ensures availability of doctors in government hospitals and protects patients' right to life under Article 21.

Delhi HC Holds Doctor Must Verify Minor's Age, Report Termination Under POCSO

Delhi HC rules that a medical practitioner cannot rely solely on a patient's oral age claim for abortion; must verify age through documentary evidence and report minor's pregnancy under POCSO. This reinforces medico-legal responsibilities and is crucial for exam questions on MTP Act, POCSO Act, and judicial interpretation.

Kerala HC Upholds 4% Disability Quota in Promotions, Sets Aside Contempt Interim Order

Kerala High Court has upheld the 4% disability quota in promotions, confirming the Kerala Administrative Tribunal's 2022 order in favour of an employee with 40% benchmark disability. It, however, set aside the tribunal's 2024 interim contempt order, ruling that positive directions cannot be issued in contempt proceedings. The judgment reinforces Supreme Court precedents in Siddaraju and Leesamma Joseph.

Madras HC Directs TN Chief Secretary to Form Panel on POCSO, Juvenile Justice Gaps

The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to form a committee of Home, Health, and Law Secretaries to address systemic gaps in implementing the POCSO and Juvenile Justice Acts. The court made key suggestions including gender-neutral application of POCSO, avoiding criminalizing consensual adolescent relationships, and establishing protocols for medical termination of pregnancy and child witness deposition rooms. This is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it touches upon child rights, judicial activism, and state governance.

Kerala HC Quashes POCSO Conviction, Flags Misuse in Matrimonial Disputes

The Kerala High Court has quashed a POCSO conviction, observing that the Act is being misused in matrimonial disputes to settle personal scores. The court emphasized that trial courts must carefully scrutinize evidence to rule out false implications, especially when matrimonial discord is present. This judgment is crucial for understanding judicial safeguards in child protection laws.

Karnataka HC Upholds Rs 15 Lakh Alimony: Able-Bodied Husband Must Maintain Wife Even Without Income

Karnataka High Court affirmed Rs 15 lakh permanent alimony, ruling that an able-bodied husband cannot escape maintenance by claiming no income. The court emphasized strict adherence to Rajnesh vs Neha guidelines requiring both parties to disclose assets and liabilities before determining alimony.