Patna High Court Holds: Employee Cannot Be Treated as Slave – SBI Officer Reinstated After 30 Years

Patna HC Mandates Hearing, Fixed Timelines for Remission; 30-Day Appeal, 14-Yr Custody Rule

The Patna High Court has laid down directions to make remission and premature release transparent and time-bound. Key reforms include a hearing before remission withdrawal, fixed deadlines for reports (15/30/15 days), a 30-day appeal mechanism, and a dedicated portal for tracking life convicts. This affects the Bihar Prison Manual, 2012 and sets a precedent for prison reforms.

Patna HC Rules Religious Freedom Under Article 25 Subject to Public Order and Morality

Patna High Court holds that the right to profess and practise religion under Article 25 is not absolute and can be restricted for public order, morality, and health. This reiterates the essential religious practices doctrine and clarifies that constitutional protection does not extend to every mode of exercise. A plea for 300 devotees in a religious procession in Siwan, Bihar, was dismissed citing past law-and-order incidents.

Seven Years After Article 370 Abrogation: J&K Statehood Delay Undermines Integration Gains

Seven years after the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir remains a Union Territory. While security gains and reduced separatism are notable, the delay in restoring statehood threatens to undermine the integration achievements. The article argues that withholding statehood now demoralises the electorate and breaches the Supreme Court's assurance of temporary UT status.

SC Order: News Outlets Can Report but Cannot Use Audio-Video Clips of Court Proceedings

The Supreme Court clarified on July 31 that recognized news outlets can report court proceedings but cannot use audio-video clips of hearings on digital platforms. This order balances open justice with preventing commercial exploitation of livestreamed proceedings.

Supreme Court Clarifies July 31 Order: Media Can Report Proceedings But Cannot Use Audio-Video Clips

The Supreme Court clarified that news outlets can report court proceedings but cannot use audio or video clips in their reports. This balances open justice with preventing misuse of selective clips. Key for understanding judicial transparency and media regulation.

Maharashtra Panel Recommends BNS Amendment for Social Media Defamation After 11 Years of 66A

A Maharashtra government committee has recommended amending the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to specifically criminalize defamatory social media posts, 11 years after the Supreme Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act. The move aims to tackle online defamation while incorporating safeguards against misuse, but faces legal scrutiny over potential conflict with free speech rights under Article 19(1)(a).

Madhya Pradesh High Court Quashes Non-Speaking Order, Restores 50% Pension to Govt Employee

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has quashed a punishment order withholding 50% pension of a government employee, holding that the disciplinary authority must pass a reasoned (speaking) order and consider the employee's defence. This reinforces the principle of natural justice and the requirement of speaking orders in disciplinary proceedings, a key concept for administrative law.

Allahabad High Court: Govt Cannot Force Sale Deeds for Land Acquisition; Must Use LARR Act 2013

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that the government cannot force private landowners to sell their land through sale deeds if they are unwilling. If consent is not obtained, the government must follow the compulsory acquisition process under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. This distinction between voluntary sale and compulsory acquisition is crucial for land rights and government infrastructure projects.