Law & Justice This Week: Big Wins, Court Orders & Legal Milestones [January 19- January 25, 2026]
Key Judicial Developments of the Week In India
1. Alternative To Hanging As Death Penalty: The Supreme Court reserved its verdict on a plea seeking a painless and humane alternative to hanging as a mode of execution. The petition argued that hanging causes avoidable suffering and violates constitutional guarantees.
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2. Stray Dogs Case: The Supreme Court took exception to comments made by Maneka Gandhi criticising its handling of stray dog issues. Court indicated that the remarks could amount to contempt of court.
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3. Hate Speech Cases: The Supreme Court expressed concern over continued police inaction in hate speech cases across states. It sought detailed compliance reports on enforcement of its earlier directions.
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4. West Bengal SIR: The Supreme Court permitted voters in West Bengal to submit objections in the Special Intensive Revision exercise through authorised representatives. Court also ordered safeguards to prevent exclusion of genuine voters.
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5. Delhi NCR Air Pollution Case: The Supreme Court directed authorities to stop objecting and start implementing long-term solutions to curb air pollution in Delhi-NCR. It stressed coordinated action over bureaucratic delays.
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6. Separate Spaces For Pooja And Namaz At Bhojshala Site: The Supreme Court directed that separate spaces be earmarked for pooja and namaz at the disputed Bhojshala–Kamal Maula complex in Dhar during Basant Panchami 2026. The arrangement was ordered to maintain public order and communal harmony.
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7. Mahua Moitra Cash for Query Case: The Delhi High Court granted the Lokpal two months to decide on granting sanction to the Central Bureau of Investigation to file chargesheet against Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra in the cash for query scam. Court said prolonged inaction defeats the statutory purpose of the Lokpal Act.
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8. ‘100 Years Of Attack On Hinduism by Dravida Parties’, said Madras High Court: The high court quashed an FIR against BJP leader Amit Malviya over a social media post targeting Dravida parties. Court held that the post did not disclose the commission of any cognizable offence.
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9. Pujaris Have No Claim Over Temple Land: The Gujarat High Court has held that a pujari (temple priest) is merely a servant or appointee of the deity and does not acquire proprietary rights over temple property or adjacent land. Court dismissed the priest’s appeal seeking adverse possession, observing that long-term service or ritual performance does not confer title or ownership over the land.
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10. Denial of POCSO Compensation: The Allahabad High Court has held that the absence of physical injuries cannot be a reason to deny compensation under the POCSO Act to a child survivor. Court directed that the child must be considered for relief based on trauma and circumstances of abuse, not merely physical marks.
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11. Cannot Close Madarsas for Mere Being Unrecognized: The Allahabad High Court held that a madarsa cannot be shut down solely on the ground that it is unrecognised, and directed that any action under law must follow due statutory procedure. Court, however, clarified that while the institution can continue functioning, it won’t be entitled to state grants or examination rights until it obtains official recognition.
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