Gauhati HC Quashes Bigamy Case Under BNS Section 82, Cites Muslim Personal Law Permitting Up To Four Marriages

Delhi HC: Muslim Personal Law Marriage Cannot Immunize Sexual Assault of Minor Under POCSO Act, BNS

Delhi HC held that a marriage valid under Muslim personal law does not confer immunity from POCSO and BNS for sexual intercourse with a minor wife. The court refused to quash FIR against a 28-year-old man who married a 16-year-old girl, emphasizing that consent of a minor is irrelevant and Parliament has not provided marital exception in POCSO.

Karnataka HC Quashes BNS Section 69 Case in 5-Year Consensual Live-In Relationship

The Karnataka High Court has ruled that a five-year consensual live-in relationship cannot sustain a charge of sexual intercourse based on a false promise of marriage under Section 69 of the BNS. The court quashed criminal proceedings, emphasizing that a prolonged consensual relationship negates the element of deceit, a critical ruling for understanding judicial interpretation of consent and criminality in intimate relationships.

SC Proposes Special Courts for CBI & NIA Cases on Manipur Ethnic Violence; 891 Witnesses Yet to Testify

The Supreme Court has proposed setting up exclusive Special Courts to hear cases related to the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence investigated by the CBI and NIA, highlighting the slow pace of trials. With 891 out of 904 witnesses yet to be examined and serious charges including sexual violence, this move aims to expedite justice. For exam aspirants, this links to judicial administration, Article 14 (speedy trial), and the role of special courts under the NIA Act.

SC Quashes NEET Protest FIRs Under Article 142, Orders Compensation Policy for Suicide Victims

Supreme Court used Article 142 to quash all FIRs registered against NEET protesters across India, while ordering compensation policy for families of students who died by suicide. This judgment underscores the balance between protest rights and criminal liability, and the government's commitment to address exam leak issues.

Uttarakhand Waqf Board Proposes Revised Nikahnama Aligned with UCC; Interfaith Marriages under Special Marriage Act

Over 1.5 years after Uttarakhand implemented the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the State Waqf Board has proposed a revised nikahnama to bring Muslim marriage registrations in line with the new law. The proposal bans conversions solely for marriage and mandates interfaith couples to register under the Special Marriage Act, marking a significant step in UCC implementation.

Allahabad HC Holds Right to Choose Spouse Under Article 21; Cites Article 25 on Voluntary Conversion

The Allahabad High Court has reaffirmed that the right to choose a matrimonial partner is part of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) and that voluntary religious conversion is protected under Article 25 (Freedom of Conscience and Religion). The judgment, freeing a man confined by his father after converting to Islam, is crucial for understanding the scope of fundamental rights in interfaith relationships and the limits of state anti-conversion laws.

SC Issues Notice to Centre on Plea to Ban Polygamy Under Section 82 BNS Uniformly

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of polygamy among Muslims, arguing it violates gender equality and is a primary driver of female destitution. The plea seeks uniform application of Section 82 BNS (bigamy law) and compulsory registration of Muslim marriages. This case could reignite the Uniform Civil Code debate and has implications for personal law reforms.

Supreme Court Seeks Centre's Response on Polygamy Challenge under Section 82 BNS

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of polygamy and asked it to consider legislative steps to abolish the practice for all citizens. The petition seeks to treat polygamy as a criminal offence under Section 82 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which currently applies only to non-Muslims. This case could have far-reaching implications for Muslim Personal Law and gender justice.