The Indian Supreme CourtFile Photo The Indian Supreme CourtFile Photo 2024 was a significant year for the Supreme Courthola play, not the least of it having to do with the much-trumpeted retirement of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and the real-time implications of his judgments of the past decade.
Some of the Indian Supreme Court’s landmark judgments of 2024 were:
Striking Down Caste-Based Segregation in Prisons
On October 3, 2024, the Supreme Court addressed the issue of caste-based segregation and division of labour in prisons.
Basesd on a petition filed by journalist Sukanya Shantha, based on her 2020 investigative report, "From Segregation to Labour, Manu’s Caste Law Governs the Indian Prison System," which revealed that prison manuals in several states allocated menial tasks to prisoners based on caste, perpetuating social hierarchies even within correctional facilities.
The Court struck down as unconstitutional such caste-based provisions in prison manuals. The apex bench further mandated all states and UTs to amend their prison manuals to remove discriminatory provisions and practices.
jili 178 how to cash inProperty Demolitions Case
In November 2024, the Supreme Court addressed the issue of demolitions of illegal properties without due process or when a person is accused of a crime, a State practice that had been criticised for communally targeting communities, and/or used a tool for political vendettas. The judgment came at a time when several state governments were facing allegations of using demolitions as a means to suppress dissent and target minority communities.
The Court denounced the arbitrary demolitions and issued comprehensive guidelines to ensure that any such actions adhere to legal procedures and respect individual rights.
The judgment reinforced the necessity of following due process before undertaking demolitions, thereby protecting citizens from arbitrary state actions. The Court's guidelines include prior notifications, personal liability of the officer-in-charge in case procedure isn’t followed, and opportunities for appeal.
Upholding the Constitutional Validity of the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrasa Education Act, 2004
In November 2024, the Supreme Court overturned a state-imposed ban on Islamic schools, or madrasas in Uttar Pradesh, a decision that had significant implications for religious freedom and minority rights in India.
By a judgement of November 5, 2024, the apex court upheld the constitutional validity of the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrasa Education Act, 2004, overturning an Allahabad High Court judgement that had invalidated the Act.
The ban was perceived as part of broader measures by certain political entities to marginalise minority communities, leading to widespread protests and debates about religious freedoms in India.
The Court ruled that the ban violated constitutional principles, allowing approximately 25,000 madrasas to continue operating, thereby impacting millions of students and teachers. It also noted that Madrasas have been an integral part of India's educational and cultural fabric for centuries, providing religious and secular education to Muslim communities.
The judgment upheld the right to religious education, reinforcing India's commitment to secularism and pluralism.
The bench ordered state authorities to respect the autonomy of religious educational institutions while ensuring that educational standards are maintained, requiring a balanced approach to regulation.
Interim Bail for Political Leaders: Kejriwal’s Interim Bail
In July 2024, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a graft case related to the Capital city's alcohol sales policy. The case against Kejriwal was viewed by some as politically motivated, reflecting the contentious nature of anti-corruption measures and their implementation in India's political arena.
The Court emphasised the right to life and liberty while granting interim bail, directing a larger bench to handle the case for a comprehensive hearing. The case highlighted the intersection of law and politics, raising questions about the use of legal instruments in political rivalries.
The interim nature of Kejriwal’s bail would mean that ongoing legal proceedings could further hearings that will delve deeper into the broader implications for political accountability in India.
The same year, the Supreme Court of India delivered several significant judgments that have had a profound impact on the nation's legal and social landscape. Building upon previously discussed rulings, here are additional landmark decisions from 2024, along with their historical context, political significance, and societal implications.
Taxing on Mines and Minerals
On July 25, 2024, a nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court ruled that state governments have the exclusive power to impose taxes on mines and minerals, distinguishing "royalty" from "tax." The distinction between royalty and tax in the context of mineral resources has been a longstanding legal debate, impacting the fiscal autonomy of states.
The judgment came amid discussions on resource allocation and revenue sharing between the central and state governments, highlighting the importance of clear delineation of fiscal powers.
In an 8:1 majority decision, the Court held that under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), royalty is conceptually different from a tax, thereby affirming the states' authority to levy taxes in this sector. The ruling could potentially lead to policy reforms and adjustments in the mining sector to align with the change in laws.
Sreejesh, who retired from the national team after the Paris Olympics, opened up about his love story during an interaction with PTI editors on Tuesday, speaking candidly about how he fell for Aneeshya. He was already studying at the sports school, located in Kannur, when Aneeshya got admitted in 2001.
“The number 16 jersey that PR Sreejesh used will now be retired. This is for the senior team. For junior the jersey will be there for they want Sreejesh to groom the next Sreejesh,” Hockey India secretary general Bholanath Singh said.
By clarifying the financial powers of state governments concerning natural resources, the SC reinforced the country’s federal structure. The ruling will significantly impact State’s income, especially mineral-rich states.
Places Of Worship Act: Supreme Court Hearing, The Controversy And More | ExplainedGuidelines for Portrayal of Persons with Disabilities in Visual Media
In 2024, the Supreme Court, agreed with Delhi High Court, and issued guidelines to the visual media industry regarding the portrayal of persons with disabilities, emphasising the need for respectful and accurate representation.
The Court directed that individuals with disabilities must not be lampooned or depicted in a derogatory manner, and issued specific guidelines to ensure dignified representation in films and television. The judgment aligns with India's commitments under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and international conventions advocating for the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
The media industry must now adhere to these guidelines, which may require changes in content creation processes, increased awareness, and sensitivity training for creators and producers.
Regulation of Tax Audit Assignments for Chartered Accountants
The Supreme Court upheld a rule issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) that limits the number of tax audit assignments a Chartered Accountant (CA) can accept in a financial year. The ICAI introduced the cap to enhance audit quality and reduce instances of oversight due to excessive workload among practicing CAs. The Court upheld the validity of the ICAI's rule, which sets the upper limit at 60 tax audit assignments per financial year for individual CAs.
The judgment supports measures to maintain quality and due diligence in tax audits by preventing overburdening of professionals. It reinforces ethical standards within the profession, ensuring that CAs can dedicate adequate time and resources to each assignment.
Practicing CAs may be required to make adjustments in their client management and operational practices to stay within the cap.hola play
