Patna High Court Bans Media from Calling Accused 'Mastermind' or 'Kingpin' Before Trial

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

Patna High Court reinstated an SBI officer who was declared to have voluntarily resigned due to prolonged illness. The court held that the bank failed to consider medical documents or give a fair opportunity, emphasizing that an employee cannot be treated as a slave. This judgment reinforces principles of natural justice in service law, crucial for administrative law questions.

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.

SC Asks if PMLA Adjudicating Authority Can Confirm Attachments Without Judicial Member; Only 60 of 8,851 ED Cases Went to Trial

The Supreme Court questioned whether the PMLA Adjudicating Authority can validly confirm asset attachment orders when sitting without a judicial member, given the massive workload of thousands of cases per tribunal. With ED data showing only 60 of 8,851 cases went to trial, the core issue is whether quasi-judicial functions are being performed properly or merely rubber-stamped.

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.

SC Replaces 2023 Gender Stereotype Handbook with 2026 Report on Compassionate Court Practices for Trial Judges

The Supreme Court has released a new report replacing its 2023 gender stereotype handbook, shifting focus from language to courtroom trauma. It mandates trial judges to develop an 'Emotional Quotient', control aggressive cross-examinations, and prevent secondary traumatisation of sexual assault survivors, following the Allahabad HC's controversial 'preparation vs attempt' ruling.

Supreme Court Split Verdict: Justice Dipankar Datta Terms Centre's Remarks on Collegium 'Disquieting'

In a split verdict, Justice Dipankar Datta of the Supreme Court strongly defended the collegium system, terming the Centre's oral criticism as 'disingenuous, evasive and disquieting'. The judgment reaffirms the judiciary's independence in appointments and warns against undermining institutional integrity. Essential for UPSC Polity (Judicial Appointments, Separation of Powers).

Supreme Court Questions Fairness of PM-Led Panel for CEC Appointment Under 2023 Act

The Supreme Court has questioned whether the selection of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners by a PM-led committee (with a Union Minister and LoP) demonstrates 'fairness'. The Centre defended the process citing constitutional trust, but the court hinted at the need for a more independent mechanism. This is crucial for understanding the debate on institutional independence and the Election Commission's autonomy.