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Ex-Chief Justice of Allahabad HC calls for united fight to save Goas ecology

Special Correspondent Panaji: Former Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court Justice (retd) Ferdino Rebello has called for the launch of a statewide peoples movement to protect Goas ecology, urging citizens to unite against hill cutting, forest diversion and unchecked real estate development. Warning of an impending ecological collapse amid growing water scarcity, he said urgent [] The post Ex-Chief Justice of Allahabad HC calls for united fight to save Goas ecology appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Highest officer liable for contempt for non-compliance with court order: Allahabad HC

Maintaining that the Uttar Pradesh chief secretary will be liable for contempt in cases relating to the Land Acquisition Act, 1984, as well as the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, the court said distribution of work between different departments cannot be used as a pretext for not implementing a court order.

Justice Delayed: The Unnao rape survivor's long-running legal battle

LUCKNOW: At a time when the pillars of democracy appear to be crumbling incessantly, the judiciary is still considered the last resort for the common man to seek unconditional reprieve. However, when a rape survivor is forced to sit on a dharna under the chilling winter sky against a convicted perpetrator, mind you, not an accused, the image appears deeply disturbing. The conditional bail granted by the Delhi High Court to former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case has stirred the nations conscience. Although the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the main prosecuting agency in the case, has moved the Supreme Court against the December 23 judgment , the survivors lawyer, Mehmood Pracha, has expressed serious doubts over the intent of the central agency, which has been probing the case since it was handed over to it following a massive public outcry during the Yogi Adityanath governments tenure in 2018. We are not sure if the CBI will contest this case in the Supreme Court sincerely or not. We feel that the CBI has approached the Supreme Court just to save its face and to douse public anger against the Delhi High Court order, Pracha said. He said he would approach the CBI office to get an FIR registered on behalf of the rape survivor against the investigating officer of the case and other CBI officials, who had allegedly been backing Sengar during the trial in the lower court, seeking action against them. Pracha also claimed that he was preparing to independently challenge the High Court order in the apex court so that there could be some scope of justice for the survivor in the present circumstances. The only relief for the survivor is that Sengar will remain in jail as he is currently serving another 10-year sentence for allegedly plotting the murder of the survivors father while in judicial custody. He would walk out of jail only after securing bail in that case as well. Two lawyers move SCchallenging Delhi HC order granting bail to Unnao rape convict Kuldeep Sengar Who can forget the April forenoon of 2018, when a 17-year-old minor from Unnao attempted to die by suicide outside the heavily guarded chief ministers residence in Lucknow in a desperate bid to force the state government to acknowledge her plight. The minor alleged that Sengar, then the powerful BJP MLA from Bangarmau in Unnao, had raped her the previous year. She also accused the system of shielding him. After facing alleged mudslinging and character assassination, the survivor was finally heard and an FIR was eventually registered by the Uttar Pradesh police against Sengar, his brothers and others named by her. She was aware that it would be a long and arduous battle for justice. Sengar was arrested and sent to jail, but not before allegedly plotting an assault on the survivors father while he was in custody after being picked up by district police in connection with a brawl involving Sengars supporters. The survivors father was allegedly coerced by the police authorities in Unnao to pressure his daughter into withdrawing her allegations. The Uttar Pradesh government transferred the probe to the CBI in April 2018. In 2019, the survivor had a providential escape after a truck rammed into her car on a national highway. Since then, she has been living under court-ordered Central Reserve Police Force protection in Delhi. She eventually got married in 2023. The hearing in the case was shifted to the national capital on the directions of the Supreme Court, which transferred it from Lucknow citing grave threats to the survivors life. In December 2019, the trial court sentenced Sengar to life imprisonment and ordered him to pay Rs 25 lakh as compensation. He was tried under child protection laws as the survivor was 17 at the time of the assault in 2017. However, six years after the conviction, another judicial order has brought the focus back to the 2017 case. Unnao rape case: Protest outside Delhi HC against suspension of Kuldeep Sengar's jail term Aghast at the High Court order, the survivor and her mother, along with several social activists, protested at India Gate and outside the Delhi High Court. They were allegedly dragged, pushed and pulled by the Delhi police during the protest. According to legal experts, the Delhi High Courts order was based on a legal technicality raised by Sengars counsel, whether the former legislator qualified as a public servant. The argument centred on Section 5(c) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which allows a life sentence for aggravated penetrative sexual assault committed by a public servant. This provision was used by the trial court to award Sengar a life sentence in December 2019. Exploiting what was argued to be a loophole in the definition of a public servant under the POCSO Act, Sengar drew benefit when a two-judge bench of the Delhi High Court ruled that he could not be categorised as a public servant either under Section 5(c) of the Pocso Act or Section 376(2)(b) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The court, in its prima facie finding, said the offence of aggravated penetrative sexual assault under POCSO was not made out against Sengar. In suspending the former MLAs life sentence, the High Court observed that since the POCSO Act did not define a public servant, the term had to be interpreted through Section 21 of the IPC, which lists various categories of public servants but does not explicitly include MPs or MLAs. Under POCSO, aggravated penetrative sexual assault by a public servant is punishable with a minimum 20-year jail term, extendable to the remainder of a convicts natural life. Several legal experts argue that the High Court order runs contrary to the trial courts findings. The trial court had held that a public servant was anyone holding an official position mandated to perform specific duties under the Constitution, and that Sengar fell within that category. Will not be scared, have faith in Supreme Court: Unnao rape survivor After settling that Sengar was not a public servant, the High Court prima facie held that he was nonetheless guilty under Section 3 of the Pocso Act, which deals with penetrative sexual assault and carries a minimum sentence of 10 years. Granting further relief, the court noted that since the offence occurred prior to the 2019 amendment to the POCSO Act, which raised the minimum punishment from seven years to 10, the earlier sentencing framework applied. Consequently, the court observed that Sengar had already served the minimum term. However, the High Courts emphasis on safeguarding the fundamental rights of a convicted offender has struck a discordant note in a case where the survivor and her family have faced alleged intimidation and constant threats from a powerful political figure. Ever since the conditional bail was granted, there has been an outpouring of support for the Unnao rape survivor, who has repeatedly said she fears for her life. The trial court had earlier flagged serious lapses in the CBIs investigation, stating that it was an inescapable conclusion that the agency did not conduct a fair probe. It observed that the CBIs alleged laxity worked to the disadvantage of the survivor and her family and also questioned the delay in filing the charge sheet in the custodial death case against Sengar. The survivors struggle dates back to the initial inaction of the Uttar Pradesh police, which was criticised by the Allahabad High Court. The disturbing feature of the case is that the law and order machinery and the government officials were directly in league and under the influence of Kuldeep Sengar, the court observed in April 2018. The court noted that the survivors father was allegedly assaulted by Sengars relatives and henchmen. Even the survivors uncle was implicated in a petty case and continues to languish in Unnao jail. Despite being grievously injured, the survivors father was declared fit by the then Unnao Chief Medical Officer, following which he was sent to jail. He later died in judicial custody. Unnao rape case: CBI to challenge Delhi HC order; survivor meets Rahul Gandhi, seeks assistance Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a party-hopping politician, was regarded as a towering figure in Unnao. The eldest of four brothers, he entered politics by winning a Gram Pradhan election in 1996. He later won the 2002 Assembly election from the Unnao constituency on a Bahujan Samaj Party ticket. Over the years, he switched parties multiple times, joining the Samajwadi Party in 2007, winning from Bangarmau, repeating the feat from Bhagwantnagar in 2012, and eventually joining the BJP to win from Bangarmau in the March 2017 Assembly election. Months later, in June 2017, the survivor accused him of raping her at his office in his ancestral village on the pretext of offering her a job. A Thakur by caste, Sengar was considered an electoral asset across parties in Unnao, a district with a sizeable upper-caste population. He consolidated his clout with the backing of his brothers, Manoj and Atul, who allegedly acted as strongmen and helped him dominate the region adjoining Lucknow. The Sengar brothers were once accused of firing at an Additional Superintendent of Police-rank officer. Instead of booking them, the state police allegedly chose to strike a compromise in 2004.

Allahabad HC quashes forgery case against shooter Vartika Singh

Court finds no evidence of cheating; notes absence of inquiry into origin of alleged forged documents

Trial court erred: Allahabad high court; man freed after 24 years in jail

In a significant ruling, the Allahabad high court has freed a man after nearly 24 years of imprisonment. The court found the trial court erred by relying solely on a confession made under duress. Upholding the right to a fair trial, the bench highlighted the lack of legal aid and corroborative evidence, leading to the acquittal of Azad Khan.

Consensual relation with student is not sex harassment: Allahabad high court

The Allahabad High Court ruled that a consensual relationship between a teacher and student constitutes misconduct, not sexual harassment. This decision overturned a 19-year-old dismissal order for an MNNIT lecturer, deeming the penalty disproportionate. The court noted the relationship appeared consensual and was not followed by criminal action.

Court dismisses UP government plea to drop charges in Mohammad Akhlaq lynching case

A court in Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday rejected the State government's plea to withdraw the prosecution case against all the accused involved in the lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq in 2015. Additional District Judge Saurabh Dwivedi dismissed the Public Prosecutor's plea under Section 321 CrPC which sought to drop charges against the 14-surviving accused, Live Law reported. The court also directed the day-to-day hearing of the case and also passed order to ensure the protection of the evidence related to the case, the report said. The Fifty-year-old Mohammad Akhlaq was brutally lynched by his neighbours, including the son of a local BJP leader, in Uttar Pradesh's Dadri. The lynching led to nationwide protests involving slogans, Not in my name, to denounce the spike in Hindutva mob violence against Muslims. The State government filed the withdrawal application - seeking to withdraw the case against all the accused involved in the lynching- in the court on October 15. Meanwhile, Akhlaq's wife moved the Allahabad High Court against the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to withdraw the case against the accused as well as the withdrawal application filed by the Prosecutor in the Gautam Budh Nagar court. On September 18, 2015, a mob gathered outside Akhlaq's home in the Bisada village in Dadri after an announcement from the local temple alleged that he had slaughtered a cow and stored its meat in the fridge. The mob --led by Vishal Rana, son of a local BJP leader, and cousin Shivam-- dragged Akhlaq and his son Danish out of their home and assaulted them until they fell unconscious. While Akhlaq died at a Noida hospital, Danish survived after suffering severe head injuries and undergoing major surgery.

Allahabad HCRestores YouTuber's Maintenance Plea Rejected Over Her Social Media Earnings

The court emphasised that the mere possibility or capacity to earn cannot be equated with actual earnings

Moral Lapse: Allahabad HC Says Dismissal Over Teacher-Student Relationship Excessive

Court said the penalty of dismissal from service with disqualification imposed on him was shockingly disproportionate and required reconsideration by the disciplinary authority.

'Marriage Can't Be Declared Void At Instance Of In-Laws': Allahabad HC Recognises Soldier's Widow

The High Court rejected the in-laws argument that the absence of a 'vidai'ceremony disproved the marriage

Uttar Pradesh bar council to act against tainted lawyers

The Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh has unanimously decided to suspend licenses of advocates listed as history-sheeters or gangsters. The council has initiated suo motu proceedings against 98 advocates, with 23 cases pending before the disciplinary committee. This decision was informed to the Allahabad HC during a hearing concerning an advocate facing multiple criminal charges.

Advocates with criminal records face licence suspension: UP Bar Council to HC

Prayagraj: The Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh has informed the Allahabad High Court that it has taken a unanimous decision to suspend the licences of advocates who are listed as history-sheeters or gangsters in police records. On the history sheeter advocates, the court was also informed that the Bar Council had taken suo motu cognisance Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Five accused convicted in 2016 Bulandshahr gang rape case

Nearly a decade after a horrific crime that shook the nation, the city court at Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh convicted all five accused in the Bulandshahr gang rape case on Saturday. The case had sparked nationwide outrage in 2016. The Special Judge POCSO Case, Bulandshahr, has held all five accused identified as Juber, Sajid, Dharamvir, Naresh and Sunil Kumar guilty in the gang rape case. After the conclusion of the trial, the court found the accused persons guilty and will pronounce the sentence on December 22. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered the case in compliance with an order of the High Court of Allahabad whereby the probe in the case was transferred from Kotwali Dehat Police Station of Bulandshahr to the federal agency. The case pertains to a heinous incident involving rape, dacoity, wrongful confinement and penetrative sexual assault on a child. As per allegations, a group of five to six armed assailants forcibly took a family of six at gunpoint, looted cash and jewellery and subsequently held them captive in adjoining fields. The incident had taken place when six members of a Noida-based family were travelling to Shahjahanpur in UP. At the national highway passing through Bulandshahr, their car was stopped by criminals at Dostpur village. The assailants dragged the 13-year-old girl and her mother out and raped them in a field nearby. The victims and their entire family members identified the accused after they were shown around 50 photographs of criminals in the various areas in the area. The incident evoked a huge outcry and received widespread criticism over the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh. The National Commission for Women also slammed the UP police for negligence and apathy to the point that there were mistakes even in the preparation of the FIR. After completion of the investigation, CBI filed a charge-sheet on November 5, 2016, against three accused persons before the Court of the Additional. District and Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge (POCSO Cases), Bulandshahr. Subsequently, a supplementary charge-sheet was filed on April 18, 2018, against three additional accused persons. During the pendency of the trial, one accused expired in judicial custody.

36 former judges condemn Opposition leaders' bid to impeach Justice G R Swaminathan

NEW DELHI: Thirty-six former judges,including former Supreme Court and High Court Chief Justices, denounced theOpposition leaders' bid to impeach Madras High Court judge Justice G R Swaminathan, stating such an attempt, if allowed to proceed, would cut at the very roots of democracy and independence of the judiciary. This is a brazen attempt to browbeat judges who do not fall in line with the ideological and political expectations of a particular section of society. Even if the reasons mentioned by the signatory Member(s) of Parliament are taken at face value, they are wholly inadequate to justify resorting to such a rare, exceptional and serious constitutional measure such as impeachment, the former judges in a letter said. It further added that even during the dark period of the Emergency, the then Government adopted various mechanisms, including supersessions to penalise judges who refused to oe the line. The supersession of three seniormost judges of the Supreme Court after the decision in Kesavananda Bharati, the sidelining of Justice H.R. Khanna after his famous dissent in ADM Jabalpur, are sobering reminders of how political overreach can damage judicial independence. Despite these onslaughts, our Judiciary has stood the test of time and withstood all external pressures, the former judges said while condemning the move to try to impeach Justice Swaminathan. The present move (to try to impeach Justice Swaminathan) is not an isolated aberration. It fits into a clear and deeply troubling pattern in our recent constitutional history, where sections of the political class have sought to discredit and intimidate the higher judiciary whenever outcomes do not align with their interests, said the 36 former judges in their signatories letter. Terming the bid as not principled and as reasoned criticism of judicialdecisions, the letter written by 36 former judges sai, it was an attempt to weaponise impeachment and public calumny as instruments of pressure, a practice that strikes at the heart of judicial independence and the basic norms of constitutional democracy. The very purpose of the impeachment mechanism is to uphold the integrity of the judiciary, not to convert it into a tool of arm-twisting, signalling and retaliation, the letter said. To wield the threat of removal as a means of compelling judges to conform to political expectations is to turn a constitutional safeguard into an instrument of intimidation. Such an approach is anti-democratic, anti-constitutional, and an anathema to the rule of law, the letter said. Terming the present attempt as a razen one, to impeach a sitting High Court judge for discharging his judicial duty, the letter added that, therefore, it was not an isolated episode but part of a continuing assault on the dignity and independence of the judicial institution itself. Today, the target may be one judge; tomorrow, it will be the institution as a whole. The former judges, therefore, call upon all stakeholders, Members of Parliament across party lines, members of the Bar, civil society, and citizens at large to unequivocally denounce this move and ensure that it is nipped in the bud at the very inception. Judges must remain answerable to their oath and to the Constitution of India, not to partisan political pressures or ideological intimidation. The message from all constitutional stakeholders must be clear and firm: in a Republic governed by the rule of law, judgments are tested by appeals and legal critique, and not by threats of impeachment for political non-conformity, the 36 former judges stated. Out of 36 signatories, some of the names were former Supreme Court Judge Justice Krishna Murari, former Chief Justice of Delhi and Meghalaya, Rajender Menon and S Vaidyanathan, respectively. Also, 14 of Madhya Pradesh HC's former judges and 11 of Allahabad HC's former judges were signatories andcondemned the move to impeach Justice G R Swaminathan.

Married on paper, living with another partner? Court says its not legal

The Allahabad High Court ruled that individuals in a live-in relationship cannot claim legal protection if one partner is already married and hasn't divorced. Justice Vivek Kumar Singh emphasized that personal liberty does not supersede the legal rights of an existing spouse, particularly the right to companionship.

'Sar Tan Se Juda Slogan Challenges India's Sovereignty, Integrity': Why Allahabad HC Denied Bail In Bareilly Violence Case

The court said such expressions go beyond protected speech and fall within the realm of incitement and unlawful conduct

'Early Years Of Legal Practice Bring Uncertain Income': Allahabad HC Cuts Maintenance Payable By Lawyer

The court noted that income in such cases is typically fluctuating and uncertain, and cannot be presumed merely on the basis of the profession

No Marriage, Still A Right To Protection: Allahabad High Court On Live-In Couples

The court ruled that the Constitution does not permit interference with personal choice once the individuals involved have attained majority

'Sar Tan Se Juda' Slogan Challenge To India's Integrity, Incites Armed Rebellion: Allahabad HC

Justice Deshwal drew clear lines between devotional chants and divisive threats, saying that religious proclamations carry no offense unless weaponised to intimidate others.

Live-in relationships part of right to life, not illegal: HC asks police to protect couples

The Allahabad High Court has declared live-in relationships legal. Adults in such relationships are entitled to protection of life and personal liberty. The court directed authorities to ensure the safety of live-in couples facing threats. This ruling emphasizes that personal choices of adults are not subject to judicial judgment. The law recognizes these relationships, offering protection and rights.

Live-In Relationships Not A Crime: Allahabad HC Orders Protection For 12 Couples

Allahabad High Court orders police protection for 12 live-in couples facing family threats, affirming their right to life and liberty regardless of marital status.

Allahabad High Court HJS 2025 pre result declared for direct recruitment preliminary examination; download here

Allahabad HC HJS 2025 result: The Allahabad High Court has declared the pre result for the Higher Judicial Service (HJS) 2025 preliminary examination for direct recruitment. The exam was held on July 20, 2025, for 83 posts under U.P. HJS 2023. A total of 1,419 candidates have been provisionally declared successful. Category-wise cut off marks are released, with unreserved at 60 and others at 45. Candidates can check and download results online at allahabadhighcourt.in using enrolment or registration numbers.

'Sar tan se juda' slogan challenge to India's integrity, incites people for armed rebellion: Allahabad HC

The Allahabad High Court has made a bold statement by deeming the slogan 'Gustakh-e-nabi ki ek saza, sar tan se juda' as a direct challenge to Indian laws and its national integrity. The slogan was labeled as provocative, potentially stirring armed revolt.

SC Collegium recommends elevation of five judges as Chief Justices of High Courts

Justice Manoj Gupta of the Allahabad High Court was proposed for appointment as the Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court, consequent upon the retirement of incumbent Chief Justice on January 9, 2026

SC Collegium recommends appointment of Chief Justices of five State High Courts

NEW DELHI: In a significant development, the Supreme Court Collegium, in its meeting held on December 18, 2025, has recommended the elevation and appointment of five Judges as Chief Justices to five State High Courts across the country. The SC Collegium said Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta (Allahabad High Court) has been recommended to be the Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court. Justice Revati P. Mohite Dere (Bombay High Court) has also been recommended to be the Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court. Similarly, Justice MS Sonak (Bombay High Court) has been recommended to be the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court. Justice A Muhamed Mustaque (Kerala High Court) has been recommended to be the Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court. Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo (Orissa High Court) has been recommended to be theChief Justice of Patna High Court. The decision to recommend the Judges' names wastaken by the SC Collegium, which was headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant. This was the second major decision taken by CJI Kant after taking charge on November 24 from CJI B R Gavai (now retired).After theSCCollegium's recommendations, the Centre will deliberate upon names, decide and send its final proposal to the SC Collegium for final decision. TheSCCollegiumis an apex body, headed by the CJI, who decides, recommends and transfers judges to various State High Courts depending upon the expertise, know-how, etc.

Live-in relationships are not illegal, State must protect such couples, says Allahabad High Court

The court orders the Uttar Pradesh police to provide protection to 12 live-in couples allegedly threatened by their families

'Live-in relationships not illegal, State must protect couples': Allahabad HC gives relief to 12 women

LUCKNOW: The Allahabad High Court has granted protection to 12 women who are in live-in relationships, observing that such relationships cannot be termed illegal and that living together without marriage does not amount to an offence. Hearing a batch of 12 petitions, a single-judge Bench comprising Justice Vivek Kumar Singh directed the police chiefs of the concerned districts to provide immediate protection to the petitioners if anyone attempted to harass them or disturb their peaceful living. The order was passed on Wednesday. The petitioners had approached the court, stating that they were facing threats to their lives due to their live-in relationships. They claimed they had sought help from local police authorities, but no action was taken. In all the writ petitions, which were clubbed together, the petitioners sought directions to the police to protect them from family members, relatives or associates who might cause harm. In its order, the court said the controversy involved in all the petitions was similar and was therefore being decided through a common order. The Bench observed that while the concept of live-in relationships may not be acceptable to all sections of society, it could not be said that such relationships were illegal or that cohabitation without marriage constituted an offence. Live-in relationships are still facing social stigma and moral debate, especially, regarding traditional values, children, differing religious/cultural perspectives. For some, it is immoral while others see it as a valid choice for compatibility, the court observed. Referring to statutory protections, the court noted, Even under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, a woman who is in a domestic relationship has been provided protection, maintenance etc. The word wife has not been used under the said Act. Once an individual, who is a major, has chosen his/her partner, it is not for any other person, be it a family member, to object and cause a hindrance to their peaceful existence. The court emphasised that it was the bounden duty of the state to protect the life and liberty of every citizen. Mere fact that the petitioners had not solemnised marriage would not deprive them of their fundamental right as envisaged in the Constitution of India being citizens of India, it said, adding that it was not for the courts to judge adults who chose to live together without marriage. If the petitioners had not committed any offence, this court saw no reason as to why their prayer for grant of protection could not be acceded to, the order said. Therefore, with due respect to the judgments rendered by the co-ordinate benches, who have denied protection to couples, who were in a live-in relationship, this court is unable to adopt the same view. Having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case, this court is of the view that the petitioners are at liberty to live together peacefully and no person shall be permitted to interfere in their peaceful living, the Bench ruled. On the question of police protection, the court directed that if any disturbance was caused, the petitioners shall approach the Commissioner of Police/SSP/SP concerned with a certified copy of this order the police officer, after being satisfied that the petitioners are majors and willingly living together, will provide immediate protection The court further said, If the petitioners are educated and they produce educational certificates and other certificates admissible under law, from which it is evident that they have attained majority then no police officer shall take any coercive action against them unless an FIR is registered against them in respect of any offence whatsoever If they do not have any documentary proof regarding age and they come from rural background and or are illiterate/semi-literate, the police officer can subject such boy or girl to ossification test to verify their correct age and follow other procedures permissible under the law, the order added. During the hearing, the state government opposed the petitions, arguing that live-in relationships could not be accepted at the cost of the countrys social fabric. The government counsel submitted that such relationships had no legal status and could be terminated at will by either partner, leading to complications, including with respect to children born out of such relationships. There is no legal status of such a relationship and the legal status of the children born out of such a relationship would not be determined and it will create a lot of complications in the life of live-in partners, therefore, before seeking any relief from the court, they should marry first, the counsel argued. He further contended that allowing the petitions would impose an impermissible obligation on the state to supervise and protect personal choices, asserting that police protection could be granted only to couples who had solemnised marriage against family opposition, not to unmarried couples. In his concluding submission, the government counsel said, no relief can be granted by this court considering the status of the parties/petitioners. Rejecting the states objections, the court reiterated that adults in consensual relationships were entitled to protection of their life and liberty, irrespective of marital status.

Honourable prefix inappropriate for bureaucrats: Allahabad HC

Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court questioned the use of the term honourable for bureaucrats and state government officials, asking the Uttar Pradesh revenue departments principal secretary to file a personal affidavit disclosing the authority of law that justifies the phrasing. A bench comprising Justice Ajay Bhanot and Justice Garima Prashad passed the order hearing a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

'Honourable' prefix doesn't hold good for bureaucrats: Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court is questioning the use of the title 'Honourable' for bureaucrats and state government officials. The court has asked the Uttar Pradesh revenue department's principal secretary to provide a personal affidavit. This affidavit must disclose the legal authority justifying the use of such phrasing. The court observed a trend of using 'Honourable' for various state officials.

HC transfers case of Rahul Gandhis citizenship from Raebareli to Lucknow

Lucknow: The Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court on Wednesday transferred a criminal complaint questioning the citizenship of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from Raebareli to Lucknow after the petitioner claimed that he was receiving life threats there and cannot get a fair hearing. Justice BR Singh passed the order on the petition of S Vignesh Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

SC notice to Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha secretariats on Justice Yashwant Varma's impeachment plea

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Lok Sabha Speaker. This follows a plea by Allahabad High Court Justice Yashwant Varma. He is challenging the Speaker's decision to form an impeachment committee. Justice Varma argues the committee was formed unilaterally. He claims this violates the Judges (Inquiry) Act. The court questioned how parliamentary experts missed this procedural issue.

Cash discovery row: SC agrees to hear Justice Varma's plea against constitution of LS probe panel; lawyer flags 'procedural lapse'

An Allahabad High Court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma, has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Lok Sabha Speaker's inquiry committee formed to probe corruption allegations against him. He argues the committee's constitution by the Speaker alone is a procedural lapse, as such a panel should be jointly formed by both Houses of Parliament.

Supreme Court issues guidelines to curb dowry-related violence

The Supreme Court on Tuesday underscored the grave constitutional, criminal, and societal implications of dowry across religious communities and issued a slew of measures to curb the violence and deaths related to the social evil. The Bench of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice NK Singh set aside a verdict of the Allahabad High Court, which [] The post Supreme Court issues guidelines to curb dowry-related violence appeared first on India Legal .

Supreme Court issues notice to Parliament secretariats on Justice Varmas impeachment plea

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats and sought detailed replies after hearing a plea filed by Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma challenging the impeachment proceedings initiated against him. A two-judge Bench headed by Justice Dipankar Datta issued the notices while taking up Justice Varmas petition, in which he has questioned the procedure adopted for initiating his removal. We issue notice and seek reply, the apex court said. In his plea, Justice Varma contended that the impeachment process violated the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, arguing that the motion for his removal was not passed by both Houses of Parliament on the same day. He also challenged the constitution of the three-member inquiry committee, asserting that once motions are introduced in both Houses, the committee must be formed jointly by the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, and not unilaterally by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Justice Varma is facing a probe under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, following allegations of corruption. A parliamentary inquiry committee has already submitted a report indicting him and recommending his removal. Earlier, the three-member panel, after examining more than 55 witnesses, reported the recovery of large amounts of burnt and unburnt cash from Justice Varmas official residence. In its 64-page report, the committee held, This committee holds the money/cash that was found in the storeroom located within the premises of 30 Tughlaq Crescent... officially occupied by Justice Varma. The panel rejected Justice Varmas claim that he had no knowledge of the cash found at his residence. It is unbelievable. If there was any conspiracy, why did he not file a complaint or inform the Chief Justice of the High Court or the Chief Justice of India? the report said. The committee made scathing remarks against the judge, noting that he neither reported the incident to the police nor informed any judicial authority. It said eyewitnesses and material evidence confirmed the presence of large quantities of Rs 500 notes, both burnt and unburnt, at the residence. The panel described his conduct as unnatural and concluded that there was sufficient substance in the allegations against him, recommending his removal. On May 8, following the indictment by a Supreme Court-appointed in-house committee, then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, who has since retired, wrote to the Centre recommending Justice Varmas impeachment. The former CJI took the step after Justice Varma declined to resign despite being indicted by the in-house committee. Justice Khanna had earlier asked Justice Varma to step down after the committee found him guilty of misconduct. The in-house panel reached its conclusions after analysing extensive evidence and recording statements from more than 45 individuals, including Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora and the Delhi Fire Service chief. Justice Varma has consistently denied the allegations, contesting the findings in his responses to the Delhi High Court Chief Justice and the apex court-appointed panel. When contacted by TNIE through calls and messages for his response on the findings of the in-house probe panel, Justice Varma did not respond.

SC agrees to hear Justice Yashwant Varmas plea challenging constitution of inquiry panel

New Delhi, Dec 16: The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varmas plea challenging the constitution of an inquiry committee by Lok Sabha Speaker to probe corruption charges against him. The inquiry committee comprises Supreme Court judge Aravind Kumar, Madras High Court Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, and senior Karnataka High Court advocate B V Acharya. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih issued notices to the office of the [] The post SC agrees to hear Justice Yashwant Varmas plea challenging constitution of inquiry panel appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Supreme Court issues notice on Justice Yashwant Varma plea challenging inquiry panel constituted by Lok Sabha

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Secretary General of the Lok Sabha on a petition filed by Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, challenging the constitution of a three-member parliamentary inquiry committee formed to probe allegations of corruption against him under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. The Bench led by Justice [] The post Supreme Court issues notice on Justice Yashwant Varma plea challenging inquiry panel constituted by Lok Sabha appeared first on India Legal .

Adulterated cough syrup case: HC dismisses petitions seeking quashing of FIR

Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court on Monday dismissed writ petitions seeking to quash FIRs filed against two men for allegedly trafficking adulterated cough syrup and stay their arrests. Petitioners accused of committing crime against society: HC A bench comprising Justice Ajay Bhanot and Justice Garima Prasad said the petitioners were accused of committing a crime Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

High Court's Split Verdict In 2016 Anti-Terror Agency Officer, Wife's Murder

The Allahabad High Court has given a split verdict in a nine-year-old case involving the fatal shooting of National Investigation Agency (NIA) Deputy Superintendent of Police Tanzeel Ahmed and his wife in their car in Bijnor.

'Earning woman able to maintain herself': Allahabad HC sets aside maintenance order

LUCKNOW: In a significant decision, the Allahabad High Court set aside an order passed by the lower court of Gautam Buddh Nagar mandating a man to pay maintenance to his estranged wife, observing that she earned her living and did not reveal the true salary in her affidavit. The bench comprising Justice Madan Pal Singh also allowed a criminal revision petition filed by the man Ankit Saha. A perusal of the impugned judgment indicates that in the affidavit filed before the trial court, the opposite party herself admitted that she is a post-graduate and a web designer by qualification. She is working as a senior sales coordinator in a company and getting a salary of Rs 34,000 per month, the court said in the order dated December 3. But in her cross-examination, she has admitted that she was earning Rs 36,000 per month. Such an amount for a wife who has no other liability cannot be said to be meagre; whereas the man has the responsibility of maintaining his aged parents and other social obligations, it observed. The High Court observed that the woman was not entitled to get any maintenance from her husband as she is an earning lady and able to maintain herself. The man's counsel argued in court that the estranged wife did not reveal the whole truth in the affidavit. She claimed herself to be an illiterate and unemployed woman. When the document filed by the man was shown to her before the trial court, she admitted her income during cross-examination. Thus, it is clear that she did not come before the trial court with clean hands, said the mans counsel while making his submissions. The court, in its order, said, Cases of those litigants who have no regard for the truth and those who indulge in suppressing material facts need to be thrown out of the court. It impugned the lower court's February 17 judgment and order, passed by the principal judge of a family court in Gautam Buddh Nagar and allowed the criminal revision petition filed by the man.

Krishna Janmabhoomi case: Allahabad HC sets Jan 30 hearing; trust seeks Dhirendra Shastri as witness

LUCKNOW: In a major development, Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Nirman Trust moved the Allahabad High Court with an application seeking inclusion of Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, Peethadheshwar of Bageshwar dham, as a spiritual witness in this case. In the application, it was claimed that Dhirendra Shastri had good knowledge of religious traditions as well as historical evidences of this case. According to the trust, there is no reference to Eidgah in the records of Mathura Municipal Corporation. Meanwhile, during the hearing of the main Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah title dispute case on Friday, the Allahabad High Court fixed January 30, 2026, as the next date of hearing. The bench, comprising Justice Avnish Saxena, fixed the next date after hearing counsels for the parties. While taking up the case, the court verified the documents regarding some amendments in the pleadings. At an earlier hearing, the court had observed that since the record was voluminous, the parties to the suit may file objections in all the pending applications, so that the applications could be decided at an early date. It had also directed to rearrange the file strictly in accordance with general rules (Civil) and number the same accordingly. It may be recalled that the Hindu side has filed 18 suits for possession of land after removal of the structure of Shahi Eidgah mosque, as well as for restoration of the temple and for permanent injunction. On August 1, 2024, the High Court had rejected applications of the Muslim side challenging the maintainability of suits by Hindu worshippers and held that all suits of Hindu worshippers were maintainable. In the August 1 order, the court had also held that these suits were not barred by the Limitation Act, Waqf Act, or the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which prohibits conversion of any religious structure as it existed on August 15, 1947. The controversy is related to the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb-era Shahi Eidgah mosque in Mathura, which is alleged to have been built after demolishing a temple at the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

Allahabad HC stays further demolition of SP leaders banquet hall; orders status quo

LUCKNOW: The Allahabad High Court came to the rescue of a Samajwadi Party leader who owns a banquet hall - Aiwane-e-Farhat - in Bareilly by restraining the Bareilly Development Authority (BDA) from carrying out any further demolition of the residential structure and marriage hall. A division bench comprising Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Kunal Ravi Singh directed the parties, on Wednesday, to maintain the status quo and granted liberty to the petitioners to approach the Vice-Chairman of the BDA with applications for the regularisation and compounding of the unauthorised construction. The order came almost a week after the Supreme Court declined to entertain a writ petition filed under Article 32 by SP leader Sarfaraz Wali Khan and his wife Farhat Jahan but granted them liberty to approach the jurisdictional High Court. On December 4, the Apex Court, while disposing of the petition, noted that the demolition exercise has already begun and that partial demolition had been carried out. However, the Supreme Court had granted interim protection for one week, directing that parties maintain the status quo till December 10, 2025. When the matter was presented before the High Court, Senior Advocate Shashi Nandan, appearing for the petitioners, argued that the demolition action was being taken under the guise of an alleged order (dated October 12, 2011) that was never served upon the petitioners. The petitioners alleged that the authorities concerned proceeded directly with demolition without giving any prior notice or following the procedure prescribed under the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973. The petitioners expressed their willingness to resort to remedies available under the 1973 Act, as they submitted that the specific constructions were compoundable. On the other hand, Senior Advocate Ashok Mehta, representing the BDA, opposed the petition, alleging that the petitioners had concealed material facts. It was submitted that notices were issued under Section 27(1) of the 1973 Act as early as 2011 regarding the construction of a Marriage Hall (Barat Ghar) without a sanctioned map. It was pointed out that despite being afforded several opportunities between May and October 2011, the petitioners failed to appear or furnish evidence. Consequently, a demolition order was passed on October 12, 2011. The BDA further argued that, in 2018, petitioner no. 2 admitted to operating the marriage hall Aiwan-e-Farhat but claimed that the structure was old and had been purchased under a sale deed dated 1991. The Authority contended that despite this, no map was ever submitted for approval, nor was any compounding application filed. After hearing both sides, the High Court observed that it was not inclined to adjudicate the matter on the merits at this stage, given the disputed questions of fact which cannot be examined in writ jurisdiction. However, to ensure the ends of justice, the Court accorded liberty to the petitioners to move appropriate applications under Sections 14 and 15 of the 1973 Act, along with an application for compounding such portion of the construction as may be permissible under the Rules. Setting a strict deadline, the bench asked the petitioners to file such applications before the Vice-Chairman of the Bareilly Development Authority within two weeks. The Court, at the same time, directed the BDA Vice-Chairman to process those applications strictly in accordance with law and dispose of them within a further period of six weeks from the date of filing. In order to secure the property during the interim period, the High Court directed all parties to maintain status quo with respect to the property in question, and no further demolition shall be carried out until the disposal of the applications. The petitioners were also restrained from carrying out any further construction or alteration on the site.

Ashish Misra to stay in Lakhimpur Kheri from December 25 to 31: SC relaxes bail conditions

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday--relaxing a bit the bail conditions--allowed former Union Minister's son Ashish Mishra , the main accused, to visit his native place in Lakhimpur from December 25-31, on the terms and conditions imposed on him by the Court in May. Liberty is granted to the petitioner (Ashish Mishra) to visit and stay in Lakhimpur Kheri from 25th December to 31st December, subject to the same terms and conditions which were there earlier. The two-judge bench of the apex court, headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi passed the order after hearing a plea filed by Mishra, seeking certain relaxation. The top court also noted that, as per the updated status report filed by the State of UP, in the main trial, 36 witnesses have been examined and 85 are yet to be examined. 10 witnesses have been exempted. The Court was also apprised by the UP Additional Advocate General that 789 trials are pending before the same judge who is hearing the case. Hearing this from the AAG, the Court listed the matter for further hearing to March 2026. During the hearing, the Court was also informed that there was a need for additional courts for hearing trial proceedings, as present judicial officers were facing extreme workload. It is notable that in May, the Court relaxed Mishra's bail conditions and allowed him to visit Lakhimpur Kheri every Saturday evening to spend time with family, subject to the condition that he should return to Lucknow Sunday evening. The Court had also in its earlier order added that while in Lakhimpur Kheri, Mishra should not participate in any public meeting or political activities and that the visit shall be private only for the family members. According to the prosecution, eight persons, including four farmers, were allegedly killed on October 3, 2021, after violence broke out in the Lakhimpur Kheri district in the state of Uttar Pradesh during a protest against the Centres farm laws that have now been repealed. The farmer's organisation, in the case, have alleged that a vehicle belonging to accused Mishra had run over a group of demonstrators. Earlier on July 22, 2023, in a major relief to prime accused, Mishra, son of former Union Minister Mishra, in the case that claimed eight lives, the Supreme Court in its order had granted him bail with slew of directions. The Supreme Court had on March this year in its decision refused to recall its earlier order granting bail to Mishraover allegations that witnesses were being threatened in the case. The accused, Mishra was first arrested in the case on October 9, 2021. He walked out of jail on February 15, 2022, after the Allahabad High Court had granted him bail. On December 6, an Uttar Pradesh court had framed charges against 14 persons including Mishra. Mishra has been charged for a number of offences including murder, attempt to murder, rioting and criminal conspiracy. The trial had begun on December 16, 2023.

MP man alleges social ostracism as panchayat orders 'boycott' for eating at Dalit's house; probe on

Raisen (MP): A man from Raisen district in Madhya Pradesh has alleged that his village panchayat ordered a social boycott against him and his family after he ate food at a Dalit's family as part of a post-death ritual, prompting the authorities to launch a probe. The incident occurred in Piparia Puaria village of Udaypura, around 100 km from the district headquarters around a month back and came to light on Tuesday during a jan sunwai (public hearing) of the matter. The village panchayat allegedly ordered the social boycott of three members of an upper caste community for consuming food at the Dalit man's house, and set certain conditions before them, including organising a feast, to avoid ostracism. While two of the three men accepted the panchayat's conditions and performed 'penance', one of them - Bharat Singh Dhakad - approached the police and lodged a complaint against the village body, alleging that he and his family members were being treated like untouchables and barred from taking part in social events, a police official said. The village sarpanch, however, dismissed the allegations. Udaypura is the assembly constituency of Madhya Pradesh Minister of State for Health Narendra Shivaji Patel. Udaypura tehsildar Dinesh Bargale said that the Dhakad filed an application to the collector during the public hearing on Tuesday, accusing the panchayat of issuing the social boycott order. Dhakad made these allegations against the sarpanch, deputy sarpanch, and panchs of the concerned gram panchayat, he said. The matter is being investigated and if the allegations are found to be true, legal action will be taken against those involved, Bargale said. Dhakad said he and his fellow gram panchayat assistant secretary Manoj Patel and teacher Satyendra Singh Raghuvanshi had a meal at a Dalit family's house in the village as part of a 'shraddha' ceremony. But after the incident, the panchayat passed a resolution declaring that eating at a Dalit's house was a greater sin than cow slaughter and those who indulged in it must purify themselves by bathing in the Ganga river and by offering a feast in the village, he said. Dhakad claimed that under pressure from the panchayat, Patel and Raghuvanshi bathed in the Ganga river and organised a feast in the village, but he refused to comply. After this, he and his family were socially boycotted and excluded from all events, he said. Dhakad said that he was being treated like an untouchable and barred from entering the temple. He also claimed that when he raised this issue with the panchayat, he was asked to have his head shaved to absolve himself of the sins and perform the pind daan (a post-death ritual) for his father while he was still alive. When contacted, sarpanch Bhagwan Singh Patel dismissed the allegations as baseless. If someone in the village is not inviting him to their programme due to personal reasons, then it is his personal matter. Allegations like untouchability are not correct, he said. The sarpanch said that MLA and Minister of State Narendra Shivaji Patel also came and tried to convince the people. But if they are not listening, what can he do? Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDOP) Kunwar Singh Mukati said that excluding someone from social events in the village, treating them as untouchables, or imposing punishments such as bathing in the Ganga, performing feasts, and tonsuring ceremonies are punishable offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Spreading social animosity, forcing social punishment through pressure or threats, and preventing social participation are crimes. Every citizen has the right to live with dignity and equality. Therefore, if such a case comes to light, an investigation will be conducted and the culprits will be prosecuted, he said. When Satyendra Singh Raghuvanshi, the teacher who ate with Dhakad at the Dalit's house, was contacted about this, he said that he is no longer facing any boycott. He said he has been posted at the government middle school in the village for the last 16 years and the Dalit man, where he went to have meal, has been his friend. I do not believe in the caste system, so I went to my friend Santosh Mehtar's house to eat during the 'shraddha' ceremony. Someone made a video of the incident and circulated it locally, which led to a controversy, he said. Talking to PTI , Raghuvanshi admitted that as per the panchayat's order, he went to his guru's ashram in Allahabad and came back after bathing at the sangam (confluence) of rivers. I don't have complaints against anyone, he said.

Idea is to curtail litigation, not generate it: Supreme Court while setting aside HC order on revenue map correction

The idea is to curtail the litigation and not generate it, a bench of Justices Rajesh Bindal and Manmohan said, as it set aside an order of the Allahabad High Court, which had remanded back a matter -- related to authorities rejecting a man's application for correction of a revenue map -- for fresh consideration after hearing all parties concerned.

Supreme Court moves to curb court remarks that hurt victims

The Supreme Court is considering guidelines to prevent victims of sexual offenses from facing prejudice due to insensitive court remarks. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated such comments can have a chilling effect and pressure victims to withdraw complaints. The court will set aside a controversial Allahabad High Court ruling and ensure trials proceed without hindrance.

Aakar Patel | How The Ayodhya Frenzy By Advani Transformed India, Put BJP In Power

In February 1989, at the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, the VHP said it would lay the foundation stone for the temple in November. This would involve the making of bricks across the country with Rams name embossed on them and their being carried in processions through towns and villages to Ayodhya in November

SC extends stay on Allahabad HC's 'breast-grabbing not rape' remark; trial to proceed on rape charges

'No home can be razed sans due process'

Allahabad High Court has halted the demolition of 27 homes in Bareilly's Shahabad area, emphasizing due process. Residents, who had been paying taxes for years, received notices declaring their homes illegal. The court directed the civic body to issue a reasoned order after a personal hearing, preventing any coercive action until then.

HC rejects anticipatory bail plea of singer Neha Singh Rathore over alleged remarks on PM

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Bhojpuri singer and YouTuber Neha Singh Rathore on Friday in connection with a case related to alleged indecent remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Allahabad HC Pulls Up Registry After Disabled Litigant Forced To Reach Courtroom Without Assistance

The HC recorded that the man, who has a locomotor disability that severely restricts his mobility, arrived in court with great difficulty

Remarks against Army: SC extends stay on trial court proceedings against Rahul Gandhi till April 22

The Bench was hearing Mr. Gandhi's plea challenging a May 29 order of the Allahabad High Court dismissing his plea challenging the trial court's summoning order in the case

Giving SC benefits to converts to Christianity is a fraud on the Constitution: Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to cease Scheduled Caste benefits for individuals converting to Christianity. The court stated that continuing these benefits would be a fraud on the Constitution. It emphasized that only Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists are recognized as Scheduled Castes.

Find out if converted Christians are availing OBC, SC/ST benefits: Allahabad HC to Centre, UP govt

Allahabad High Court has directed UP authorities to investigate converted Christians claiming reservation benefits under OBC and SC/ST categories. District magistrates have been given four months to identify and prevent such practices, citing Supreme Court rulings that conversion to Christianity severs caste ties and claiming benefits post-conversion is a constitutional fraud.

Allahabad HC asks Uttar Pradesh to act against converts retaining SC benefits

Court cites constitutional provisions and past rulings while directing authorities to examine misuse of Scheduled Caste status after conversion

Fraud On Constitution: Allahabad HC Orders Crackdown On Converted Christians Using SC Benefits

The order was passed by Justice Praveen Kumar Giri while dismissing an application filed by Jitendra Sahani, who is accused of mocking Hindu deities and promoting enmity.

Police Cannot Take Possession Of A Human Being: Allahabad HC Frees Woman Held In Protection Home

Once the bench accepted the medical assessment of her age, it held her to be a major entitled to decide where she wished to live

'Sensitive Bilateral Climate, No Extradition Treaty': Allahabad HC Rejects Bail Of Chinese National

Given the absence of an extradition arrangement and the fact that co-accused had absconded earlier, the bench held that release on bail would be inappropriate

'Name Changed, Converted To Islam': UP Man Who Killed Brother In 1987 Arrested After 36 Years

The case caught eyeballs last month after the Allahabad High Court pulled up the Bareilly Police and ordered them to find Pradeep within four weeks.

Cutting delays, with a little help from mediators

India gets a new Chief Justice as it marks the 76th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution. A new judicial era has begun with the appointment of Justice Surya Kant as the 53rd Chief Justice of India. His rise from humble origins to the high office reflects the democratic character and inclusivity of our public institutions. The new CJI has a unique opportunity to develop the constitutional vision of access to justice. His nearly-15-month tenure has the potential to make a substantive impact on the future of the judiciary. The elements of consensus and continuity while bringing about change will be critical. Given this, CJI Kant should consider focusing on three critical aspects of judicial governance. The constitutional vision is partly clouded at present. The World Justice Projects Civil Justice Index uses accessibility, affordability, delay, and legal aid as metrics to evaluate justice systems. India ranked 114th out of 143 jurisdictions on the index for 2025. This indicated high costs, long delays, and limited use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms. Broadening the scope of access to justice beyond the National Legal Service Authority (Nalsa) will require the active involvement of the bar, and of the corporate and transactional world of legal practice. Access to justice ought to be everyones responsibility. This brings us to the case for establishing a National Access to Justice Fund to support legal aid and related services. It could be corporate-funded, independently-managed, and tax-incentivised within the broader ambit of Nalsa, directly supporting legal services for people who cannot afford it. This will strengthen and augment Nalsa without compromising on independence or accountability. Brazil is a good example of according constitutional priority to access to justice. It has established one federal and 27 state public defenders offices. These are autonomous constitutional bodies that promote access to justice by providing free legal aid, promoting human rights, and defending the individual and collective rights of those in need. Investing resources in developing a robust ADR framework is critical. The Mediation Act, 2023 established the legal framework for creating the Mediation Council of India to encourage institutional and pre-litigation mediation, and work towards legally-binding settlement agreements. It even permits online and cross-border mediation for certain categories of disputes. Global experiences inform that a strong mediation-based dispute resolution mechanism can effectively address delays. The Singapore International Mediation Centre has settled more than 70 percent of the cases that had come before it, the same success rate as that of civil mediation in the UK. Nearly 60 percent of the cases in US federal courts get settled through mediation. China has witnessed extraordinary progress in developing mediation organisations as the first line of defence. In 2020, the Supreme Peoples Court in China launched a one-stop platform for international commercial dispute resolution. The integration of online litigation and mediation led to a 30 percent increase in successful commercial mediation. The country has also mainstreamed mediation and online dispute resolutionover 12 million cases were resolved through pre-litigation mediation in 2023, more than 40 percent of all filings. The scale and scope of mediation in China is worth studying, especially for India, where case pendency is a major issue. Serious efforts are needed to make mediation prevalent in dispute resolution in India. The idea of dedicated mediation cells with full-time mediators attached to each district court should be considered. The assessment of their performance could be based on settlement rate and user satisfaction. District and subordinate courts should consider organising case management conferences where judges record reasons for not sending cases for mediation. There is also an urgent need to fill judicial vacancies. Around 20-25 percent of positions in district and subordinate courts and 20-30 percent in high courts are unfilled.The Allahabad High Court has a vacancy of more than 40 percent. The stress on the lower courts, which operate with smaller staffing strengths, is significant as they deal with more than 85 percent of Indias caseload. The courts are also struggling with the lack of administrative staff such as court managers, clerks, and stenographers. Thirteen high courts have reported administrative vacancies of 20-50%. While judicial service examinations are the preferred way of recruiting judges, lateral entries and appointment of part-time judges, especially for district and subordinate courts, can be considered. India is an outlier among BRICS nations, with the lowest number of judges compared to its population. India has 15 judges per million peopleBrazil has 80, China has about 160, and South Africa over 40. We are also poorly placed in representation of women in the judiciary, at 37.4 percent38 percent in the subordinate courts and 14 percent in the high courts. The representation is even lesser in the nations top courtonly 3.1 percent. In the last 75 years, only 11 women have been appointed judges of the Supreme Court. Speaking at a conference earlier this month, Justice Kant had observed, The notion of access to justice is not an abstract ideal. Rather, its a sapient right that must be continuously nurtured through institutional strength, professional competence, and compassionate engagement The journey toward accessible justice is not traversed on a linear paththe road is long and winding. As the Chief Justice of India embarks on his own journey of judicial, intellectual and moral leadership along that winding road, the constitutional vision of access to justice should be the lodestar. (Views are personal) C Raj Kumar Founding Vice Chancellor, O P Jindal Global (Deemed) University, and Dean, Jindal Global Law School.

Allahabad HC Rejects Bail Plea of Chinese Citizen Accused of Possessing Forged Passport

The court also considered the fact that India does not have an extradition treaty with China

Forcing happily-married couple to face trial under POCSO Act would be irony of fate: Allahabad HC

The woman's father got the FIR lodged, alleging that his daughter was abducted in April 2024; the woman had denied the allegations in her statement before police and stated that she had left her parents' home willingly.

Allahabad High Court Quashes POCSO Case Against 'Happily-Married' Couple

Quashing criminal proceedings under the POCSO Act, the Allahabad High Court has observed that forcing a happily-married couple to face trial merely to record a hostile testimony would be an irony of fate and an instrument of harassment.

Bare Allegations Not Enough: Allahabad HC Declines Husbands Plea For Childs DNA Test

The court noted that the law places significant weight on the legitimacy of a child, recognising it as a conclusive presumption aimed at ensuring stability within family structure

Instrument Of Harassment: Allahabad HC Quashes POCSO Case Lodged By Father After Girl Denies Allegations

Court said continuing the case would serve no purpose when the girl, now an adult and married to the accused, has consistently denied the allegations.

Very Serious: Allahabad HC Raps Trial Court For 20-Year Trial, Orders Conclusion In One Month

It also ordered that if the prosecution does not produce evidence on the next date, its opportunity to do so must be closed.

Allahabad HC Upholds Life Term For Father Who Killed Teen Daughter In 2015

In her complaint, the convict's wife had narrated that her husband had been upset about their daughters frequent interactions with a local youth.

Are Lawyers Demanding the Supreme Court Cancel the Election over Vote Theft? No!

This old Allahabad High Court video is being falsely shared as lawyers protesting against alleged vote theft.

Anyone can file complaint on public property damage

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has held that there is no provision in law which bars an individual from filing a complaint related to damage to public property. The SC was hearing an appeal against a September 24, 2024 order of the Allahabad High Court that had stayed the summoning of accused persons in the case, saying that gram pradhan had no locus to lodge an FIR in the matter. While allowing the appeal, a bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B Varale said on November 18 that there was no provision in the Code of Criminal Procedure, which bars a citizen from filing a complaint for prosecution of a public servant or any other person who has allegedly committed an offence. The bench said it was well recognised principle of criminal jurisprudence that anyone can set out or put the criminal law into motion, except where the statute enacting or creating an offence indicates to the contrary. In the case at hand, there is no specific provision in the 1984 Act (Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act) which limits the eligibility of the person making the complaint, the bench said. The prosecution had filed a charge sheet under various sections of the IPC, SC/ST Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act in a case in Uttar Pradesh. The trial court took cognisance of the charge sheet and summoned the accused, who challenged the order before the HC. The court said that the High Court manifestly erred in law in holding that since the Gram Pradhan was not the competent authority to lodge an FIR, the action of the Special Judge in taking cognisance and summoning the accused was bad in law.

SC to hear on December 1 plea of Hindu party in Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah mosque dispute case

The Supreme Court will hear a plea on December 1 concerning the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah mosque dispute. The plea challenges an Allahabad High Court order. This order treated another party as the representative of all Lord Krishna devotees. The Supreme Court believes the issue requires detailed examination.

Victim Married Accused, Has Child: Allahabad High Court Drops Kidnapping, POCSO Case After 8 Years

Court found that the complainants daughter, on whose alleged kidnapping and POCSO charges the prosecution was built, had long since married the principal accused.

'Will prioritise reducing pendancy of cases': CJI designate Surya Kant

NEW DELHI: The Chief Justice of India (CJI) designate Surya Kant on Saturday said that his immediate focus after assuming office would be to clear the large pendency of cases in the Supreme Court, which has now crossed 90,000. Speaking during an informal interaction with the media at his official residence at 7, Krishna Menon Marg, Justice Kant said, The number of cases has crossed 90,000 in the Supreme Court at present. I must target reducing pendency by ensuring optimal utilisation of judges. Responding to TNIE 's question on cases pending for 30 years or more, Justice Kant said he would prioritise such cases, adding that more Constitution Bench matters would be taken up. The CJI-designate said that he would also work to reduce pendency in High Courts and lower courts. I would constitute Constitution Benches on priority to decide questions of law because of which High Courts and lower courts are unable to make decisions, Justice Kant said. Justice Kant will take charge as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on November 24, and will serve until February 9, 2027, succeeding the incumbent CJI B R Gavai. On judicial promotions and reforms, Justice Kant said he would actively promote mediation, calling it a game changer and a solution to many systemic problems. The entire country is talking about mediation today. Mediation has really picked up momentum. Private corporations, MNCs, banks, etc., have approached the Supreme Court seeking training for in-house mediators. I think mediation is the need of the hour, he said. Stressing that mediation can significantly reduce pendency, he cited the law minister's participation in mediation conferences and the prime minister's emphasis on building capacity for mediation. On the government being the biggest litigant, often filing appeals even in matters it has lost, Justice Kant said he would encourage the government and its agencies to opt for mediation. Responding to a question on social media trolling of the Supreme Court and judges, he said, Agar problem aati hai toh samadhan bhi aata hai (If a problem comes, the solution also comes). On the issue of centralisation of High Court benches, he said that states have their own historical and logistical reasons behind the location of benches. Uttar Pradesh has the Lucknow Bench with outstanding infrastructure, but the bench strength is not enough. Allahabad also has a certain sanctioned strength, he noted. Speaking about Artificial Intelligence (AI), he described it as a grey area. We have to determine the boundaries of how much AI we need in the judicial process. We will take a holistic view and consult the Bar, he said. Addressing concerns about social media trolls and pressure on the judiciary, Justice Kant reiterated that he had never felt pressured at any point in his career. I dont think a judge or the CJI comes under pressure from social media... or what I jokingly call 'unsocial media'. Never carry any burden of such people. Just ignore them. Focus on your work, he said. On litigants approaching the Supreme Court directly, he said that the system must examine why people bypass High Courts and lower courts for matters that should be adjudicated there first.

HC judge recuses from Azam Khan cases just before scheduled hearing

LUCKNOW: Allahabad High Court Justice Sameer Jain, on Friday, recused himself from hearing all matters related to Samajwadi Party leader and former MP Azam Khan, including 2016 Yatimkhana (orphanage) case. Justice Jain was scheduled to hear the matter related to forcible eviction of residents from Yatimkhana Basti in Rampur in 2016, on Friday afternoon but prior to the commencement of the proceedings, he made an unexpected announcement in open court, stating that he would no longer be able to hear cases related to Azam Khan. He did not specify any reason for the recusal. At the time of the announcement, advocate SFA Naqvi and advocate Syed Ahmad Faizan appeared for co-accused, while advocate NI Jafri, advocate Shashwat Anand, and advocate Shashank Tiwari represented Azam Khan and co-accused Virendra Goyal. Lawyers present in the court described the decision as surprising, as Justice Jain had previously been hearing four cases linked to the SP leader. The court clarified that the stay on the trial courts final decision will continue until the next hearing. The matter will now be placed before an appropriate bench after allocation. Advocate Shashwat Anand called Justice Jains decision a rare instance in the High Court where a judge recused himself from all matters related to one individual at once. Justice Jain had earlier granted bail to Azam Khan on September 10 in Yatimkhana case after which the hearings were underway to consider closure of the proceedings.

Allahabad High Court refuses to quash FIR against accused in Bareilly violence case

As per the prosecutions case, Maulana Tauqeer Raza had allegedly given a call to members of a particular community to assemble at the Islamiya Inter College in Bareilly on September 26

Allahabad HC acquits man after 28 years in prison for Gaziabad bus blast

A Muslim man jailed in connection with the Gaziabad bus blast case of 1996, has been acquitted by the Allahabad High Court after 28 years. In 1997, the man identified as Mohammed Ilyas was jailed for Modingar- Gaziabad bus blast that killed 18 people. In June 1997, Ilyas was picked up from his residence in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

SC Extends Stay on Trial Against Rahul Gandhi for Army Remarks

The bench was hearing Gandhi's plea challenging a May 29 order of the Allahabad High Court dismissing his plea challenging the trial court's summoning order in the case

Adani gets creditors nod to buy bankrupt Jaiprakash Associates

In a statement to exchanges, Adani Enterprises said it had received a Letter of Intent (LOI) from the Resolution Professional (RP) on November 19, 2025 at 3:05 p.m. The plan now requires approval from the National Company Law Tribunals Allahabad Bench and other regulatory authorities. According to the filing, implementation may be carried out by Adani Enterprises, its promoter group or other Adani entities, or through a special purpose vehicle, in accordance with the terms of the resolution plan.

Allahabad HC bins Noori masjid committee plea

Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has disposed of a writ petition filed by the managing committee of Fatehpur-Noori Jama Masjid, after taking into consideration the Uttar Pradesh governments categorical undertaking that no further demolition of the religious structure was required. However, the division bench, comprising Justices Atul Sreedharan and Anish Kumar Gupta, granted the petitioner Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Brutal But Circumstantial: Allahabad HC Commutes Death Penalty In Infant Rape-Murder Case

Observing that the case rested on circumstantial evidence and that there was no indication of premeditation, the bench applied the principles governing the rarest-of-rare category.

Allahabad HC sets aside conviction of Mohammad Ilyas in 1996 bus bomb blast case

A two-judge Bench comprising Justice Siddharth and Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra vacated the conviction, observing that the prosecution miserably failed in proving the charges

Agreement To Sell Property Doesnt Make Buyer An Owner, Says Allahabad High Court

The court emphasised that such agreements create no legal interest in the property and merely provide a right to seek specific performance

Woman With Live-In Partner Denied Police Protection, Allahabad HC Cites Bigamy, Pending Divorce

The court said extending protection in these circumstances would, in effect, protect an act that could amount to a criminal offence under Indian law

UP: HC denies granting protection to live-in couple, says woman still married

Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has refused to grant protection to a live-in couple, noting that the woman was still married to another man and the freedom of one person cannot encroach or outweigh the legal right of another. Justice Vivek Kumar Singh, while dismissing the writ petition, said no law-abiding citizen, who is already Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Nithari horror: No celebrations in acquitted Surinder Koli's village, family fled out of shame years ago

DEHRADUN: As news of the Supreme Court's acquittal of Surinder Koli, the main convict in the horrific 2006 Nithari serial killings, spread through his native village in Uttarakhand, no family members remain to celebrate. The infamous case, which shook the nation, has left a permanent scar on Mangrukhal village in Almora district. Koli, originally from the remote village, worked as a domestic help for businessman Moninder Singh Pandher in Noidas Sector-31 when the gruesome discovery of skeletal remains of at least eight children was made in a drain behind the house on December 29, 2006. The subsequent excavation revealed remains belonging to poor children and young women who had gone missing from the area. While Koli is legally free, his family has been decimated by the infamy. His mother Kunti Devi passed away three years ago, still waiting for her son to return, while his wife Shanti Devi fled the village around a decade ago with their two children, choosing anonymity over social ostracism. The disgrace was too much to bear, a local source commented on the family's plight. When Surinder went to jail, his daughter was young, and his wife was pregnant with their son. They faced constant humiliation. Nithari killings: SC acquits Surendra Koli in last pending case Shanti Devi reportedly settled in Haryana, never visiting her husband in prison nor returning home. Her current whereabouts are not known. Kolis brothers have also severed ties with the village, leaving behind a legacy of shame and sorrow. The family's ancestral home now stands as a crumbling ruin. The legal reprieve was secured through persistent efforts by former Zila Panchayat member Narayan Singh Rawat. Rawat recounted the crucial intervention in 2014 when Kolis death warrant was imminent after the Allahabad High Court upheld the death penalty. I contacted lawyers and managed to get the court opened late at night, Rawat stated. We argued that since Koli was an accused in 14 separate cases, executing him for one would jeopardize justice in the remaining thirteen. The court agreed to review the matter. This legal maneuver ultimately led to the Supreme Court's decision on Tuesday to acquit him.

Nithari Case: Supreme Court acquits Surendra Koli, orders immediate release

Surendra Koli has been acquitted by the Supreme Court in a Nithari killings murder and rape case. The court ordered his immediate release. This acquittal follows his earlier acquittal in 12 other cases by the Allahabad High Court. Koli was convicted in the Nithari case in 2011. The Nithari murders occurred between 2005 and 2006.

Allahabad HC grants relief to hairstylist Jawed Habib, son, in investment fraud case

Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to celebrity hairstylist Jawed Habib and his son Anosh Habib in an alleged investment fraud case. Directing the police not to take any coercive action against the father-son duo until the investigation is complete, a two-judge bench comprising Justices Siddhartha Varma and Achal Sachdev Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Nithari killings: SC acquits Surendra Koli in last pending case

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed a curative petition filed by Surendra Koli challenging his conviction and death sentence in one of the Nithari murder cases. With the apex court allowing the curative plea, Koli will now be a free man as he is already acquitted in other Nithari cases. The Nithari killings came to light with the discovery of skeletal remains of eight children from a drain behind businessman Moninder Singh's Pandher's house at Nithari in Noida on December 29, 2006. The order was passed by a bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justices Surya Kant and Vikram Nath, which had heard Koli's petition in the open court. Koli was convicted for the rape and murder of a 15-year-old girl in Noida's Nithari village, and his conviction was upheld by the Supreme Court in February 2011. His review plea was dismissed in 2014. However, in January 2015, the Allahabad High Court commuted his death sentence to life imprisonment due to an inordinate delay in the decision on his mercy petition. In October 2023, the Allahabad High Court acquitted Koli and co-accused Pandher in several other Nithari cases, overturning the death sentences awarded by the trial court in 2017. The court acquitted Koli in 12 cases and Pandher in two. The CBI and the victims' families later challenged these acquittals before the Supreme Court, but the top court dismissed all 14 appeals on July 30 this year.

Police verification for passports must be completed within four weeks: Allahabad HC

The court observed that the passport delay is a hurdle to the right to travel and that any delay in such administrative functions should be strictly avoided unless justified by exceptional circumstances

Jailed scammer sends threat mail to Allahabad HC judge using cop's phone, FIR lodged

A shocking plot has been uncovered in Lucknow. Anubhav Mittal, already jailed for a massive Rs 3,700 crore cyber fraud, allegedly used a police constable's phone. He sent a threatening email to an Allahabad High Court judge. The email was sent under a fake name. Mittal aimed to frame a fellow inmate.

Allahabad HC directs UP govt to amend educational documents of transgender petitioner

LUCKNOW: In a landmark judgement, the Allahabad High Court has upheld the right of transgender people to get their name and gender changed in official documents. The HC directed the UP education department to amend the documents of the petitioner to reflect the correct name and gender. The court ordered that fresh marksheets and certificates be issued to the petitioner who had undergone a surgery for a gender change from female to male. Allowing the writ petition filed by Sharad Roshan Singh, the single judge bench comprising Justice Saurabh Shyam Shamshery set aside the impugned (under challenge) order dated April 8, 2025 passed by the regional secretary, Madhyamik Siksha Parishad, Bareilly. The application of the petitioner for change of name had been rejected on the ground that relevant provisions and government orders do not provide any procedure for correction of name in educational documents at a very belated stage and provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 read with Rules, 2020 are not applicable. The petitioner was recognized as a transgender person under the aforesaid Act of 2019. Under section 6 of the Act of 2019, the district magistrate had issued a certificate of identity. Subsequently, the petitioner had undergone a surgery for a gender change and under section 7 of the Act, a certificate was issued by the district magistrate in a prescribed format. The petitioner then filed an application for change of name in the educational documents under Rule 5 (3). However, by means of the impugned order dated April 8, 2025, the regional secretary, Madhyamik Siksha Parishad, rejected the application on the aforesaid grounds. Appearing on behalf of the petitioner, senior advocate HR Mishra and Chitrangada Narayan relied on various judgments of the apex court and high courts of other states to assert the right of the petitioner to get his name changed after the gender change. In his judgment dated November 6, Justice Saurabh Shyam Shamshery said: The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 is a special Act. Therefore, the concerned respondents (education authorities of the state) have committed a legal error by not applying the provisions of the Act of 2029 in favour of the petitioner. The court said that under Rule 5(3) and Annexure-1 of the Act, transgender persons could modify all official documents including educational certificates, which could be updated to reflect their correct name, gender, and photograph. The bench emphasised that government inaction infringed upon the constitutional rights of equality, dignity, and non-discrimination guaranteed to transgender individuals. Consequently, the court set aside the April 8, 2025, order. It instructed the state government and the Board to complete the necessary amendments and issue updated certificates within eight weeks.

HC to hear Mathura Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute on Dec 12

Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court on Thursday fixed December 12 for the next hearing in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah mosque dispute at Mathura. Justice Avnish Saxena fixed the next date after hearing counsels for the parties and granted last opportunity to file written statements in those cases, where they have not been filed. The Hindu Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .