Supreme Court Observer

🌿 Good Morning! 🧑‍⚖️ Today, a five-judge Constitution Bench will hear petitions seeking reservation for Civil Judges in promotions to Principal District Judge posts. The Bench is expected to lay down clear guidelines on how inter-seniority, merit, and experience should be balanced in judicial promotions: http://bit.ly/4hs14Jc 🌫️ Even after Diwali, Delhi’s air quality has sharply deteriorated — prompting renewed attention to the Supreme Court’s past directions on firecrackers, enforcement failures and systemic pollution control: http://bit.ly/4ogtOaA 📄 Yesterday, the Supreme Court heard a plea on long-pending vacancies in the Central and State Information Commissions. The petitioners argued that the Union had taken no steps for over 10 months to fill posts at the Central Information Commission, warning that the delay was “killing the RTI Act”: http://bit.ly/43ub9Qc 🌀 Volume 10, Issue 4 of SCO.LR is now live — featuring 5 key judgments by the top court from October 2025: http://bit.ly/42ZGFp9

🌞Good morning! 🃏The Supreme Court will soon hear challenges to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act which bans all real money games. In a new commentary, Sudhanshu Kumar, Aditi Pangotra & Harsha N question the logic of a blanket ban: http://bit.ly/4ocDbIm 🏳️‍🌈Recently, in Jane Kaushik v UoI, the Court slammed governments for failing to enforce transgender rights under the 2019 Act. With a committee led by Justice Asha Menon now set to frame equality guidelines, we note that the ruling rekindles the vision in the 2015 'NALSA' verdict: http://bit.ly/47IxzzC 📈The Court’s pendency hit 88,625 cases in September, the highest this year. Read our monthly tracker for more: http://bit.ly/3J67FfX

🪻Good Morning! 🏳️‍🌈 Last week, the Court directed compensation for a transwoman teacher who was dismissed by private schools in UP and Gujarat after she revealed her gender identity. The Court also held that the Union and states had failed to provide a proper mechanism for her to seek remedies: https://bit.ly/4oDawMl 🎥 Earlier this month, an advocate hurled a shoe at CJI Gavai during a proceeding. In our latest video, we unpack how precedent and statutes support a contempt action against the assailant: https://bit.ly/4ovfzhH 📬 Prefer to read? We’ve covered the incident in our newsletter: https://bit.ly/4pZWZzU 📑 Catch up on this week's edition of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports: http://bit.ly/4njXNgz

🌿 Good Morning! 👨‍⚖️ Next week, a five-judge Constitution Bench will hear arguments on whether reservation can be provided within the Principal District Judge cadre for officers promoted from the Civil Judge/Judicial Magistrate level: http://bit.ly/3WO4Y5M 🚦Earlier this month, the Supreme Court issued time-bound directions to curb road fatalities, ordering strict helmet enforcement, nationwide footpath audits, and regulation of high-beam and strobe lights within 7 months: http://bit.ly/49hXnDZ 📖 Volume 10, Issue 3 of SCO.LR is live — featuring judgements spanning the SC/ST Atrocities Act, matruka property, CBI investigations, the rights of waitlisted candidates and limits on dormant parties exploiting long-pending litigation: http://bit.ly/4njXNgz

⛅ Good Morning! ⚖️ The Supreme Court Collegium has, for the first time, publicly acknowledged that it was revising a transfer recommendation at the Government's request. Justice Atul Sreedharan will now go to the Allahabad HC instead of Chhattisgarh. Our newsletter has the story: https://bit.ly/46XLeTc 🏥 The Court has asked the Centre to consider formulating a comprehensive policy for providing financial and other support to Armed Forces cadets who suffer disabilities during training. Read: https://bit.ly/3WNg8Yo 🏙️ As the capital emerges from Diwali celebrations, here’s what the Court had said on firecracker use in Delhi-NCR: https://bit.ly/4oluI55 🌀 Volume 10, Issue 3 SCO.LR is here! Your weekly dose of five key cases from the top court: https://bit.ly/3KY0wyQ

⛅Good Morning! 🔍 While the Supreme Court Collegium officially acknowledged that the transfer of Justice Atul Sreedharan to Allahabad High Court was after the Union’s intervention, it remains silent on the reasons. Our newsletter unpacks the story: https://bit.ly/46XLeTc 🏙️ As New Delhi emerges after a weekend of Diwali celebrations, here's a breakdown of the Court's orders on firecrackers. While green crackers may be used between 18-21 October, the Court has laid down certain conditions: https://bit.ly/4oluI55 🌀 Volume 10, Issue 3 of SCO.LR is out! It features decisions on the SC/ST Atrocities Act, matruka property, CBI investigations, the rights of waitlisted candidates and limits to dormant parties free-riding benefits of long pending litigation: https://bit.ly/3KY0wyQ

🌴 Good Morning! 👨‍⚖️ The SC Collegium recently recommended that Justice Atul Sreedharan be transferred to Allahabad High Court. It had earlier recommended a transfer to Chhattisgarh. Its latest resolution acknowledged that the reconsideration was "sought" by the Union Government. What does this suggest? Our newsletter: https://bit.ly/46XLeTc 🏥 The Court has urged the Government to consider comprehensive proposals for providing financial benefits and facilities for armed forces cadets who become disabled as a result of training. More in our report: https://bit.ly/3WNg8Yo ⏱️ Earlier this month, the Court clarified that the Juvenile Justice Act applies retrospectively. We analyse the practical and policy considerations: http://bit.ly/42I8u55

🌤 Good Morning! 🗳 Yesterday, the Supreme Court continued hearing challenges to the Special Intensive Revision of Bihar’s voter list. The Bench noted that the Election Commission is "bound" to publish the final list on time. More: http://bit.ly/4n7WCk0 🎆 The Court has allowed the restricted sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi–NCR from 18 to 21 October, provided they carry authorised QR codes. The Court also ordered random checks and monitoring. http://bit.ly/4oluI55 ⚖️ On 9 October, the Court held that the Juvenile Justice Act operates retrospectively, extending its protection to those who were minors before the law came into effect. What implications does this have for India’s criminal justice system? http://bit.ly/42I8u55

🌻 Good Morning! 🧨Yesterday, the Supreme Court permitted the limited sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi–NCR between 18 and 21 October. The firecrackers must contain authorised QR codes. The Court put in place regulation measures including random inspections, and monitoring by PCBs. All applicable rules here: http://bit.ly/4oluI55 ⚖️ On 9 October, the Court held that the Juvenile Justice Act applies retrospectively, which means that the law protects minors who committed offences even before the Act came into force. What does this mean for criminal law in India? http://bit.ly/42I8u55 🚦 Expressing serious concern over pedestrian fatalities, the Court directed the Union to implement a comprehensive pedestrian safety policy. It called for footpath audits, clear walking zones, regulation of strobe and high-beam lights, and strict enforcement of traffic norms: http://bit.ly/42FKpvL

🌻 Good Morning! 👨‍⚖Yesterday, a five-judge Constitution Bench passed directions in a case concerning in-service reservations for the post of Principal District Judge. Arguments will commence on 28 October: http://bit.ly/47320iw ⚖️ Yesterday, the Court ordered a CBI probe into the stampede that claimed 41 lives in TN's Karur last month. It constituted a retired judge-led supervisory committee to maintain judicial oversight over the politically sensitive investigation: https://bit.ly/4haqQ4w 🚦Concerned by the data on road fatalities, the Court had directed the Union to frame guidelines for pedestrian safety. Last week, it issued a range of directions for strict enforcement, including footpath audits and regulation of strobe lights: http://bit.ly/4qe6yeQ

🪴 Good Morning! 🚦Earlier this month, the Court issued wide-ranging directions to curb rising road fatalities. It ordered authorities to enforce strict helmet rules, footpath audits and regulation of headlights and strobe lights within 7 months: http://bit.ly/4qe6yeQ 📖 Last month, the Court referred to a larger bench on whether the Right to Education Act applies to minority educational institutions. Shivani Singh unpacks the issues at stake: https://bit.ly/46MDS4S 🏛️ The shoe-hurling incident directed at CJI BR Gavai made headlines last week. In our newsletter we write about the Court’s restraint in initiating action against the assailant: https://bit.ly/4pZWZzU ⚖️ Also, Volume 10 Issue 2 of SCO.LR is out. Don’t miss key updates from the Supreme Court. Read: http://bit.ly/46Qbv5W

📚 Volume 10 Issue 2 SCO.LR is here! In this week's Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR), we look at the most important judgements delivered by the Supreme Court between 6 October to 10 October 2025. 5️⃣ This week’s judgements deal with : - Validity of a mandatory experience clauses in public tenders - The doctrine of public trust in artificial water bodies - The right to defence under the IPC - The age-restriction on surrogacy; and - The liability of a trustee under the Negotiable Instruments Act Do check it out! https://www.scobserver.in/journal/sco-lr-2025-volume-10-issue-2/ 👀 Read these judgements in a reader friendly format on our SCO.LR page. Each judgement has been presented visually through our mindmaps: https://www.scobserver.in/supreme-court-observer-law-reports-scolr/

🪴 Good Morning! 📖 In September, the Supreme Court referred to a larger bench a 2014 Judgement which held that the Right to Education Act is not applicable to minority educational institutions. Shivani Singh on the issues at play: https://bit.ly/46MDS4S 🧨 Last week, the NCR states requested the Court to adopt a balanced approach on the sale and use of green firecrackers during Diwali. The states sought permission for limited use during celebrations for Diwali, Christmas and Gurupurab: https://bit.ly/4qpn1gr 🧑‍⚖️ A Constitution Bench held that Article 233 does not exclude judicial officers with prior Bar experience from being appointed as District Judges under the advocate stream. Our judgement matrix: http://bit.ly/4nHughE

✨ Good Morning! ⚖️ Yesterday, a five-judge Bench unanimously held that judicial officers with 7 years of prior Bar experience are eligible for direct recruitment as District Judges. The Court directed all states and HCs to amend service rules within 3 months: bit.ly/46IOzW6 📜 Interpreting Article 233 as a complete code, the Bench rejected the idea of a fixed quota for practising advocates and clarified that eligibility will rest on a combined seven years of Bar and/or judicial experience, with a minimum age of 35 years. Our Judgement Summary: http://bit.ly/4nLn8kA 🧾 Our Judgement Matrix outlines the key issues and holdings. Read here: http://bit.ly/4nHughE 🗳️ The Court continued hearing the challenge to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. The Bench yesterday directed the State Legal Services Authority to ensure volunteers assist 3.7 lakh excluded electors in filing appeals: http://bit.ly/434jzNY

☀️ Good Morning! 👩‍⚖️Today, a five-judge Constitution Bench will pronounce its judgement on whether judicial officers who served as advocates in the past are eligible for appointments under the Bar quota. Our argument matrix covers the key contentions: https://bit.ly/3KzccaV 🗳️A Division Bench is also scheduled to hear pleas on the Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls in Bihar. Update from the last hearing: http://bit.ly/48TzimJ 🥳 We are thrilled to share that SCO crossed 10,000 followers on Instagram! Your support means a lot to us. Follow our Instagram page here: https://bit.ly/46L8Z0E

☀️ Good Morning! 👨‍⚖️ Yesterday, Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi heard pleas on the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of the Bihar rolls. The Court noted confusion over whether the added names were those that had been previously deleted. It adjourned to 9 October, asking the ECI to provide the information. Read our hearing report to know more: http://bit.ly/48TzimJ 🔍 On 26 September, a three-judge review Bench reversed the May 2025 order that had directed Bhushan Steel’s liquidation. Read our Desk Brief on the case: https://bit.ly/4nDF3JV 🔟 The 10th volume of SCO.LR is out! Five key judgements from the last week of September are now available for easy reading in HTML format. See here: http://bit.ly/4o72yL1

🌕 Good Morning! 🔟 The 10th volume of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR) is here! In this issue, we cover five key judgements from the last week of September. All judgements are available in HTML. Read them here: http://bit.ly/4o72yL1 🔍 In an act of self-correction, a three-judge review Bench reversed a May 2025 Order which ordered the liquidation of Bhushan Steel despite the completion of its acquisition by JSW for ₹19,700 crore. We unpack the judgement in our newsletter: https://bit.ly/4nDF3JV 👨‍⚖️ Yesterday, an advocate hurled a shoe at CJI BR Gavai during ongoing proceedings. Reports suggested it was a reaction to the CJI's oral remarks in a case involving a Hindu deity. ❓ More about CJI Gavai: https://bit.ly/4j7voYW

🌞 Good Morning! ☔ Our Monsoon Session Review traces the happenings in the Supreme Court between 14 July and 30 September—marked by two Constitution Bench hearings, new appointments and key administrative decisions. Read here: http://bit.ly/4gRfpP6 👩🏻‍⚖️ Can serving judicial officers be directly appointed as District Judges under the Bar quota? A five-judge Constitution Bench examined the scope of Article 233 and has reserved its judgement. Read our Desk Brief for an analysis: http://bit.ly/477WOeq 📅 Our September Review captures a busy month as the Court. There were key rulings on the Waqf Amendment Act, minority rights and electoral roll revisions in Bihar: http://bit.ly/4q0WRjU

🌞 Good Morning! 👩🏻‍⚖️ A Constitution Bench heard arguments on whether serving judicial officers can be directly appointed as District Judges under the Bar quota. Read our desk brief: http://bit.ly/4gSiqig 🏭 In the Bhushan Steel insolvency case, the Court reversed a two-judge Bench ruling and upheld JSW’s ₹19,700 crore acquisition. Back in July, we had carried a commentary by lawyer Srinivas Kotni critiquing the earlier verdict: http://bit.ly/4pNiB2v 🕌 The Court recently delivered a judgement on the Waqf Amendment Act, staying certain provisions while leaving others untouched. More: http://bit.ly/46hQ2CF 5️⃣ The latest edition of SCO.LR (Vol. 9, Issue 5) brings you a concise roundup of five significant SC rulings from last week: http://bit.ly/42YCbPk

🌱 Good Morning! 📧 Have you subscribed to SCO’s newsletter? 👩‍⚖️ Last week, we wrote about how the Constitution Bench case on the appointment of district judges connects to a wider concern about vacancies and pendency: https://bit.ly/471l0PB 🕌 We also covered the Court’s interim judgement which stayed some key provisions of the Waqf Amendment but not others: http://bit.ly/46hQ2CF 📑 As a lighter read, we discussed what it's like to report on the Court and its daily operations: http://bit.ly/4n8OQaA 📈 All this and a lot more every Saturday! Subscribe now: https://bit.ly/3Yr3WOe