Supreme Court to Hear Challenges to India's Waqf Act and Amendment
Key Takeaways
- SC to hear petitions challenging Waqf Act 2025 constitutional validity on April 16.
- SC: President must act on TN bills in 3 months; criticizes Governor's delay.
- SC criticizes UP govt's Prayagraj demolition, orders Rs 10 lakh compensation each.
- India focuses on easing corporate laws, decriminalizing minor offenses to boost investment.
- Mehul Choksi was arrested in Belgium following India's extradition request.
Top Stories
Waqf Act 2025 constitutional validity hearing on April 16
On April 14, 2025, it was reported that a bench of the Chief Justice of India, along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan, will hear petitions on April 16, 2025, challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf Act 2025.
Waqf Amendment Act 2025 challenged in Supreme Court
On April 14, 2025, the Communist Party of India and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam jointly filed a petition with the Supreme Court of India, challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf Amendment Act of 2025.
SC: President must act on TN bills in 3 months
On April 14, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled in the Tamil Nadu vs Governor RN Ravi case, setting a three-month deadline for the President to act on bills reserved by the Governor. The Court criticized the Governor's delay in assenting to ten Tamil Nadu bills as "illegal and erroneous," with Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan expressing their disapproval; Chief Minister MK Stalin hailed the verdict as a significant victory.
SC criticizes UP govt's Prayagraj demolition, orders compensation
On April 14, 2025, the Supreme Court criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for demolishing properties in Prayagraj in March 2021. The court ordered the Prayagraj Development Authority to pay Rs 10 lakh each in compensation for demolishing five residential structures, citing procedural loopholes.
India focuses on easing corporate laws
On April 14, 2025, it was reported that the Indian government is focusing on easing corporate laws, decriminalizing minor offenses (over 46 under the Companies Act), possibly introducing private bankruptcy, and streamlining procedures to boost business and investment.
Mehul Choksi arrested in Belgium
Mehul Choksi was arrested in Belgium following India's extradition request.
Judicial Rulings
Bombay HC stays demolition, but it was already done
On April 14, 2025, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court issued a stay on the proposed demolition of a house belonging to an accused in recent violence in the city; however, the demolition had already been carried out.
SC issues notice in Malvan demolition case
On April 14, 2025, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Malvan Municipal Council regarding the demolition of a shop and house belonging to a family accused of chanting "anti-India" slogans during an India-Pakistan cricket match.
Bulldozer Justice
Article discusses bulldozer justice, due process concerns
On April 14, 2025, an article discussed the increasing use of bulldozers for demolitions in India, raising concerns about due process and the judiciary's response. The article argues that this practice has evolved into a political tool for punishment, often targeting vulnerable groups.
Policy Updates
Justice Nagarathna advocates mandatory mediation in family courts
On April 14, 2025, Justice BV Nagarathna advocated for making mediation mandatory in family courts to help reduce the number of cases, stressing the importance of using trained mediators or retired judges.
Call for papers: Women, Law, and Justice in India
On April 14, 2025, College of Law for Women announced a call for papers for an edited book on "Women, Law, and Justice in India: Navigating Legal Reforms and Gender Equality." The deadline for abstract submission is April 30, 2025, with full chapter submissions due May 15, 2025.
Legal Events
JLU Bhopal: Human Rights Conference on May 1-2
Jagran Lakecity University, Bhopal, will host the II JLUCCLHR International Conference on ‘Evaluating Constitutionalism and its Application in Global Governance for Securing Human Rights’ on May 1-2, 2025, in a hybrid format. The registration deadline is April 18, 2025.
Delhi University: AI & IP Conference on April 26
The Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, is organizing an international conference on “Navigating Intellectual Property Landscape in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” on April 26, 2025, starting at 10 am, in hybrid mode. The deadline for abstract submission is April 18, 2025, registration and fee payment is April 20, 2025 and full paper submission is May 30, 2025.