Law & Justice This Week: Big Wins, Court Orders & Legal Milestones [January 26- February 1, 2026]
![Law & Justice This Week: Big Wins, Court Orders & Legal Milestones [January 26- February 1, 2026]](https://lawbeat.in/h-upload/2026/01/31/1500x900_2119727-weekly-round-up-courts-this-week-india-supreme-court-high-courtsjpg.webp "Law & Justice This Week: Big Wins, Court Orders & Legal Milestones [January 26- February 1, 2026]")
Key Judicial Developments of the Week In India
1. Stay on UGC Regulations, 2026: The Supreme Court of India on January 29 stayed the implementation of the UGC Regulations, 2026, observing that the new rules appear vague and capable of misuse. The order was passed in a batch of three petitions, which contend that the new rules dilute existing safeguards by narrowing the definition of caste-based discrimination. Court has sought responses from the Centre and UGC.
2. Menstrual Health Part of Right to Life: The Supreme Court of India on January 30 pushed for framing pan-India standards to ensure menstrual hygiene access for schoolgirls. Court observed that menstrual health is intrinsically linked to dignity and the right to life under Article 21.
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3. VIP Darshan at Mahakaleshwar Temple: The Supreme Court of India on January 27 questioned whether courts can regulate who enters a temple while hearing a plea against VIP darshan. It observed that temple entry practices fall largely within the domain of religious management. It allowed the withdrawal of the petition.
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4. Reliance Communications Banking Fraud Probe: The Supreme Court of India directed the CBI and Enforcement Directorate to file a status report on their investigation into alleged massive bank loan siphoning by Reliance Communications, its group and promoter Anil Ambani. Court also granted the Anil Ambani Group and Ambani a last opportunity to appear and respond before the next hearing.
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5. Stem-Cell Therapy for Autism: The Supreme Court on January 30 held that stem-cell therapy cannot be recognized as a legitimate clinical treatment for autism spectrum disorders. Court emphasised reliance on established medical standards and cautioned against unproven therapies being marketed or promoted to vulnerable patients.
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6. PMLA case Against Arvind Kejriwal: A Delhi court has dismissed two complaints filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly ignoring summons issued in connection with the Delhi excise policy investigation, holding that no incriminating material was made out against him.
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7. Jana Nayagan Film Certification Row: A Madras High Court division bench on January 27 overturned a single-judge direction that ordered a U/A (Universal/Adult) certificate for Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan. The division bench held that CBFC was not given proper opportunity to put its objections before the single judge bench.
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8. Live-in Relationships Leading too Criminal Cases: The Allahabad High Court overturned a rape conviction, observing that the prosecutrix was an adult and that the relationship between the parties was consensual. Court remarked that such relationships, influenced by western culture, are increasingly resulting in criminal litigation.
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9. ‘Routine’ Police Shootings In UP: The Allahabad High Court on January 28 sought an explanation from the UP DGP over allegations of routine police shootings targeting accused persons’ legs. Court questioned the legality and consistency of such police practices.
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10. Justice Sushil Kumar Gupta to Probe Bhagirathpura Water Crisis: The Madhya Pradesh High Court on January 27 appointed former judge of the court, Justice Sushil Kumar Gupta, to inquire into the recent alleged water contamination tragedy in the Bhagirathpura area of Indore.
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11. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's Death in Baramati Plane Crash: The death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a charter aircraft crash near Baramati on January 28, has triggered multi-layered aviation, regulatory and administrative scrutiny, with a formal investigative phase led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau along with parallel oversight and technical review by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Both agencies have initiated evidence collection, site analysis and technical reconstruction of the flight’s final minutes.
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