Madras HC Confirms Death Penalty for Rape of 3 Minors, Invokes 'Rarest of Rare' Doctrine Under POCSO

Delhi HC Rules Minor's Consent Invalid Under MTP Act; Doctor Must Face Trial for POCSO Violations

Delhi HC has ruled that a minor cannot independently consent to abortion under the MTP Act; guardian consent is mandatory. The doctor failed to obtain it and did not complete Form I, leading to criminal proceedings. This clarifies legal responsibilities of doctors and procedural safeguards for minors.

Madras HC: No Sanction Needed Under BNSS Section 218 for Disproportionate Assets Cases

The Madras High Court has ruled that no prior sanction is required under Section 197 CrPC or Section 218 BNSS to prosecute public servants for disproportionate assets, because such an offence has no nexus with official duty. The ruling, which refused to discharge former DMK Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam and his family, clarifies a key examiner-relevant dimension of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

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.

Madras HC Upholds Speaker's Decision to Drop Disqualification of 21 AIADMK MLAs Under Tenth Schedule

Madras High Court dismissed a PIL challenging the Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker's decision to drop disqualification proceedings against 21 AIADMK MLAs who had defied the party whip and voted for the TVK government. The Court ruled that a political party can condone its members' voting against the whip within 15 days, even if the initial complaint sought disqualification under both paragraphs of the Tenth Schedule.

Allahabad HC: Wearing Headscarf Not Essential Religious Practice; Reiterates Judicial Doctrine

The Allahabad High Court has reaffirmed the 'essential religious practices' test, ruling that wearing a headscarf is not essential to Islam. This judgment clarifies the scope of religious freedom in educational institutions and is crucial for understanding the judiciary's role in defining religious practices.

Muthanga Verdict: 42 Acquitted, 4 Convicted, 5-Year Jail for Geethanandan in 2003 Agitation Case

The Principal Sessions Court in Kalpetta delivered a landmark verdict on July 31, 2026, in the 23-year-old Muthanga land agitation case. All 42 accused in the murder of police constable Vinod were acquitted, while four leaders including social activist M. Geethanandan were convicted under IPC Sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) and sentenced to 5 years rigorous imprisonment. The verdict closes a chapter on a seminal tribal rights movement that influenced the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

SC Directs Guidelines for Timely Emergency Care After Ghaziabad Hospital Negligence in Rape Case

Two Ghaziabad hospitals agreed to pay Rs 12 lakh compensation to the family of a 4-year-old rape-murder victim after the Supreme Court, led by CJI Surya Kant, intervened. The court will issue guidelines to ensure timely medical care in such cases, highlighting systemic negligence and the need for accountability in emergency healthcare for sexual assault victims.

Madras HC Calls for Amendment to Section 15 Hindu Marriage Act: Right to Marry is Human Right

The Madras High Court has urged Parliament to amend Section 15 of the Hindu Marriage Act, recommending that a spouse appealing a divorce decree must obtain an interim stay within two months, or the other spouse should be free to remarry. The Court held that the right to marry is a human right and prolonged appeals should not leave remarriage uncertain for years.