While the top Court affirmed Patkar’s conviction, it set aside a 1 lakh rupees penalty imposed by the trial court in this case stemming from a statement made in 2000-2001.
As allegations of mass burials in the Dharmasthala temple stirs national debate, the Supreme Court’s refusal to interfere with the HC’s order lifting a gag order is a step in the right direction for press freedom.
While the Court upheld the constitutionality and legality of the in-house inquiry process, it noted that its decision would not preclude Justice Varma from seeking legal remedies in future.
The top Court’s decision effectively upholds the Tamil Nadu government’s position and reiterates that State-level schemes named after sitting Chief Ministers or prominent leaders are not inherently unconstitutional.
The bench led by Justice Surya Kant directed ECI to provide constituency-wise and booth-wise disclosure of names, along with reasons, for deletion from the draft electoral rolls published on August 1.
In its December 2023 judgement upholding Article 370’s abrogation, the Court had stated that statehood must be restored “as soon as possible.” Yet no steps have been taken so far.
On July 31, the Madras High Court had issued interim directions barring the state government from naming any new or rebranded public welfare scheme after a living personality.
The bench led by CJI Gavai noted that although the Court does not possess advisory jurisdiction, the continued delays in deciding disqualification petitions raise important questions for Parliament to consider.
