Law & Justice This Week: Big Wins, Court Orders & Legal Milestones [November 10- November 16, 2025]
Key Judicial Developments of the Week In India
1. Aadhaar Not Proof of Citizenship, ECI Tells SC: The Election Commission told the Supreme Court that Aadhaar can only establish identity, not citizenship, during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. It clarified that Aadhaar linkage cannot be used to determine voter eligibility on citizenship grounds.
Read more here
2. SC Seeks Data From All High Courts on Reserved Judgments: The Supreme Court directed all high courts to provide details of judgments reserved since 31 January 2025, along with dates of pronouncement and website upload. The order aims at compiling a nationwide status report on pending reserved judgments.
Read more here
3. SC denies bail to ISIS-links terrorist Syed Mamoor Ali: The Supreme Court of India refused bail to Syed Mamoor Ali, accused of forming a WhatsApp group replicating ISIS, conspiring to attack the Ordnance Factory, Jabalpur, and promoting extremist ideology; the court held that even ‘preparation’ constitutes an offence under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Read more here
4. SC Flags Missing Judicial Infrastructure Funds in Punjab: The Supreme Court criticised the Punjab government over the absence of new court complexes in Malerkotla despite central funds being released. The bench questioned alleged diversion or non-utilisation of judiciary-specific grants.
Read more here
5. SC Sets Aside Surendra Koli’s Conviction in Nithari Killings: The Supreme Court acquitted Surendra Koli in the 2006 Nithari killings, holding that the prosecution failed to establish his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The bench ordered his immediate release and observed that the real perpetrator in the gruesome case was never conclusively identified.
Read more here
6. ‘Pollution Causing Permanent Damage’, SC Urges Virtual Hearings: The Supreme Court warned that Delhi-NCR’s air quality is causing irreversible harm and suggested that lawyers appear virtually where possible. The bench expressed concern over severe pollution levels during ongoing hearings.
Read more here
7. Saranda Forest wildlife sanctuary: The Supreme Court ordered the State of Jharkhand to notify the 31,468.25 hectares (126 compartments) of the Saranda Forest (West Singhbhum) as a wildlife sanctuary within three months, excluding six compartments designated for mining, and clarified that tribal and forest-dweller rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006 would continue to be protected.
Read more here
8. Madras HC Clarifies if Hostels Can Be Taxed Commercially: The Madras High Court has ruled that hostels providing accommodation to working men and women must be treated as residential units for tax purposes, not as commercial establishments.
Read more here
9. Child-Care Leave Cannot Be Denied Arbitrarily: The Delhi High Court held that child-care leave is a welfare-oriented service entitlement and cannot be declined without valid reasons. Court directed the employer to consider the request as per guidelines.
Read more here
10. Delhi riots probe against Kapil Mishra: A Delhi sessions court set aside the magistrate’s April 1, 2025 order directing “further investigation” into Kapil Mishra’s alleged role in the February 2020 Delhi riots, holding that the magistrate exceeded his jurisdiction, made ambiguous findings and engaged in “flawed theory-building”.
Read more here
11: NCC Act Doesn’t Provide for Transgender Cadets: The Kerala High Court rejected a plea by a transgender applicant seeking enrolment in the NCC, holding that the Act currently recognises only male and female categories. Court urged the Centre to consider whether legislative change is necessary.
Read more here