Supreme Court Upholds Section 498A; Issues Directives to Combat Child Trafficking
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court affirms Section 498A IPC's constitutionality, protecting women and children under Article 15.
- Supreme Court mandates six-month trials for child trafficking cases and cancels licenses for hospitals stealing newborns.
- Supreme Court criticizes Allahabad High Court and UP for mishandling child trafficking case.
- Supreme Court directs judges to avoid inappropriate remarks in sexual violence cases.
- States challenge Waqf Amendment Act's vires, citing concerns over transparency and impact on land declaration.
Top Stories
Supreme Court upholds Section 498A IPC's constitutionality
On April 14, 2025, the Supreme Court dismissed a PIL challenging the constitutionality of Section 498A IPC (now BNS Section 84), affirming its validity under Article 15 for protecting women and children. The court rejected requests for balanced protection in matrimonial cases and declined to set time limits for maintenance cases, deeming these policy matters for Parliament.
Supreme Court acts to prevent child trafficking
On April 15, 2025, the Supreme Court issued directives to combat child trafficking, including completing trials within six months, implementing recommendations from a Bench report, and mandating states to cancel hospital licenses if a newborn is stolen. High Courts are required to seek status reports and ensure day-to-day trials in these cases.
Supreme Court criticizes handling of UP child trafficking case
On April 15, 2025, the Supreme Court criticized the Allahabad High Court and Uttar Pradesh for their handling of a child trafficking case, which resulted in accused individuals absconding. The court is reviewing anticipatory bail petitions and has scheduled a further hearing for April 21.
Supreme Court: No inappropriate remarks in sexual violence cases
On April 15, 2025, the Supreme Court directed judges to refrain from making inappropriate observations in cases involving sexual violence against women.
States challenge Waqf Amendment Act's vires
On April 15, 2025, several states filed applications regarding the Waqf Amendment Act: Haryana challenged its vires, Maharashtra offered assistance with parliamentary records, Madhya Pradesh supported its transparency, Rajasthan argued it curbs arbitrary declarations, Chhattisgarh aimed to simplify procedures, and Assam addressed its impact on land declaration in Scheduled/Tribal Areas.
Call for Papers
IJLLR announces call for papers, indexing, and more
On April 15, 2025, the Indian Journal of Law and Legal Research (IJLLR) announced a call for papers for Vol 7 Issue 1 (ISSN: 2582-8878) with a submission deadline of April 18, 2025. IJLLR also announced its indexing in MANUPATRA, HEINONLINE, ROAD, and GOOGLE SCHOLAR, accepting submissions on any socio-legal topic from Academicians, Research Scholars, Lawyers, and Law Students. Processing charges range from INR 800/- to INR 1000/-, and foreign authors pay $25/-.
Canonsphere Law Review calls for submissions
On April 15, 2025, Canonsphere Law Review announced a call for submissions for Volume I Issue I (April – June 2025), with a deadline of June 30, 2025. The journal seeks high-quality scholarship on contemporary legal issues from legal scholars, practitioners, and students.
Career Corner
Internship at Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Delhi
On April 15, 2025, Prarthna shared an internship opportunity at The Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Delhi, with a stipend of Rs. 10,000 for 2 months, with applications due by April 26, 2025.
Mauria Udyog Limited hiring lawyers in New Delhi
On April 15, 2025, Mauria Udyog Limited in New Delhi announced they are hiring lawyers with 5 – 10 years of litigation experience, offering a salary of up to Rs. 1L. Interested candidates can apply by sending their CVs to [email protected] or WhatsApp 9312211852.
Judicial Rulings
Delhi High Court to reconsider senior advocate designations
On April 15, 2025, the Supreme Court instructed the Delhi High Court to re-evaluate applications for senior advocate designations that were deferred or rejected in November 2024, citing concerns about irregularities. The court also ordered the reconstitution of the Permanent Committee.
Judge's remark in rape case sparks controversy
On April 15, 2025, Justice Sanjay Kumar Singh of the Allahabad High Court granted bail to a rape accused, stating the survivor “invited trouble and was responsible for the same”.
Supreme Court questions Allahabad High Court's judicial observations
On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the Supreme Court expressed concern over repeated judicial observations in orders from the Allahabad High Court.
Law School Updates
Experts discuss legal education at Bharat Shiksha Summit
On April 15, 2025, legal experts at the Bharat Shiksha Summit 2025 discussed legal education, with Justice JK Maheshwari emphasizing practical training, Justice Rajesh Bindal advocating syllabus revision, and Attorney General R Venkataramani stressing ethical grounding.
Lawctopus' Online Summer Training Program: Registration closing
On April 15, 2025, Aditya Aryan reported that registration for Lawctopus’ Online Summer Training Program, which has two batches in June and July, closes on April 15, 2025.
Webinar on cracking UGC NET Law 2025
On April 15, 2025, Mansi announced a webinar on 'Smart Strategy to Crack UGC NET Law 2025: Roadmap & Mistakes to Avoid’ by LLS on April 15, 2025, at 7 PM.
Legal Appointments
Shivendra Dwivedi appointed Additional Advocate General
On April 15, 2025, Shivendra Dwivedi was appointed as the Additional Advocate General for Himachal Pradesh in the Supreme Court by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla. He will represent Himachal Pradesh in cases before the Supreme Court.