Key Judicial Developments of the Week In India.

1. Satya Niketan PG Collapse: Supreme Court Steps In After 7 Deaths

The Supreme Court declined to transfer the Satya Niketan building-collapse proceedings to itself but directed the Delhi High Court to monitor the case closely. The collapse of an illegally constructed PG building killed seven people and triggered scrutiny of construction violations, residential land misuse and regulatory failures

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2. Marital Rape

The Supreme Court began examining the constitutional challenge to the marital rape exception, questioning whether a husband can be prosecuted for non-consensual sexual intercourse with his wife. Court is also considering the implications of the exception under the present criminal-law framework.

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3. Section 69 BNS

The Supreme Court held that a consensual relationship cannot become a criminal offence under Section 69 BNS merely because a man later refuses to marry. Court said the prosecution must show that the promise was deceitful from the beginning and quashed the FIR where the refusal followed family opposition.

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4. Warning Labels on High-Sugar, High-Salt Foods

The Supreme Court sought clarity from the Centre and FSSAI on its proposal for front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat. Court expressed concern over delays and specifically highlighted the need to protect children and public health.

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5. PMLA Charges Against Lalu, Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav

A Delhi court ordered framing of money-laundering charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav in the alleged IRCTC hotels case. Court found sufficient grounds to proceed over alleged irregularities in the award of hotel contracts during Lalu Yadav's tenure as Railway Minister.

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6. “Misuse” of Goonda Act

The Allahabad High Court said repeated cases before it indicated that the Uttar Pradesh government was using the Goonda Act as a “tool of oppression”. It quashed an externment order, stressing that the law must be used sparingly in clear cases involving public disorder and not to punish people without conviction for a substantial offence.

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7. Aakriti Chaudhary’s NSA Detention; UP Government to Challenge

The Allahabad High Court quashed the NSA detention of Delhi University graduate Aakriti Chaudhary in connection with the Noida workers’ protest in April this year, calling the detention arbitrary and vague and ordering her release. The Uttar Pradesh government's challenge to the ruling has since been indicated before the Supreme Court.

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8. SC/ST Act Misuse

The Allahabad High Court has ordered a statewide inquiry into allegations of misuse of provisions under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in claims for monetary relief. Court directed authorities to examine whether compensation meant for genuine victims was being claimed through false or fabricated cases.

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9. Rahul Gandhi Defamation Cases

The Bombay High Court refused to quash a defamation case against Rahul Gandhi over his “commander-in-thief” remark concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Separately, a complainant has approached the Supreme Court seeking early hearing of the defamation case over Gandhi's remarks on the Indian Army.

Read here for remark on PM Modi case and here for Gandhi's army remark case

10. Forced Hijab

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has refused to quash an FIR against a Damoh school over allegations that Hindu students were made to wear hijab and subjected to religious coercion. Court allowed the criminal proceedings to continue, leaving the allegations to be examined during the investigation and trial.

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