#delhi_high_court

Delhi High Court Dismisses PIL Challenging IFCI's NSE Share Divestment, Imposes ₹5 Lakh Costs The Delhi High Court dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the divestment of Industrial Finance Corporation of India Ltd’s (IFCI) shareholding in the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE), while imposing a cost of ₹5 lakh on the petitioner for failing to disclose a pending case in the Bombay High Court. The court ruled that the petitioner had suppressed material information about an overlapping plea, leading to the dismissal of the PIL on grounds of forum shopping and lack of public interest. The petitioner had alleged irregularities in IFCI’s divestment of its NSE shares, claiming that the transactions resulted in a notional loss to the public exchequer. According to the PIL, IFCI held 24,97,750 equity shares of NSE as of March 31, 2015, representing 5.55% of the company’s paid-up equity capital. During the financial year 2015-16, IFCI sold 11,25,000 equity shares in four tranches to entities including the DVI Fund, Soach Global, and two undisclosed transferees for ₹440.93 crores. The petitioner argued that these shares were sold at a valuation lower than a comparable transaction in June 2013, where NSE shares were valued at ₹3,990 per share, implying an overall valuation of ₹17,995 crores. The petitioner further claimed that the divestment led to a notional loss of approximately ₹12,121.13 crores to IFCI and, by extension, the public exchequer. The PIL also referenced media reports linking the divestment to an inquiry by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) into former IFCI chairmen and managing directors.#delhi_high_court #national_stock_exchange_of_india #securities_and_exchange_board_of_india #industrial_finance_corporation_of_india #serious_fraud_investigation_office

Former Congress MP and 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Convict Sajjan Kumar Dies in Delhi Sajjan Kumar, a former Congress MP and convicted participant in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, died in Delhi at the age of 80. He was rushed to Safdarjung Hospital, where he was declared dead, according to ANI reports. Kumar had been incarcerated at Tihar Jail, serving multiple concurrent life sentences related to his role in the 1984 riots. His death marks the end of a legal journey that spanned decades, marked by convictions, acquittals, and ongoing judicial scrutiny. Kumar’s involvement in the 1984 riots, a period of widespread violence against Sikhs in India, led to multiple legal cases. In January 2026, the Rouse Avenue Court acquitted him in one case, citing insufficient evidence to prove his presence at the crime scene or his participation in an unlawful assembly. This acquittal was linked to FIRs from Vikaspuri and Janakpuri areas, where anti-Sikh violence occurred in 1984. However, his legal troubles persisted. In December 2018, the Delhi High Court overturned a 2013 acquittal in a separate case involving the killings of five Sikhs in Raj Nagar Part-I of Palam Colony and the destruction of a gurdwara. The court convicted Kumar of criminal conspiracy and abetment, sentencing him to life imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life. The judgment also characterized the 1984 violence as “crimes against humanity,” underscoring the gravity of his alleged actions. Kumar’s legal battles extended to the Saraswati Vihar case, where he was sentenced to life imprisonment in February 2025. The Rouse Avenue Court convicted him for his role in a mob attack that resulted in the deaths of Jaswant Singh and Tarundeep Singh, who were burned alive.#delhi_high_court #tihar_jail #sajjan_kumar #1984_anti_sikh_riots #rouse_avenue_court

Delhi High Court Halts JNU Admissions Based on Deprivation Points, Questions Addition of Marks to CUET Scores The Delhi High Court has temporarily suspended Jawaharlal Nehru University’s (JNU) admission process for the 2026–27 academic session, which relied on a system of “Deprivation Points” added to candidates’ CUET scores. The order, issued on August 14, 2026, came in response to a petition challenging the practice of granting additional points to applicants based on factors like the geographical location of their previous schooling. Justice Jasmeet Singh, presiding over the case, emphasized that the issue required further judicial scrutiny before allowing admissions to proceed under the disputed system. The petition, filed by Amit Mehra, an aspiring postgraduate student, contested Section V of JNU’s 2026–27 e-Prospectus, which outlined the Deprivation Points mechanism. Under this policy, candidates could receive up to 12 additional points, with each point equating to three marks in the CUET examination. The petitioner argued that this system unfairly altered the merit-based evaluation process and sought its removal, requesting that admissions be determined solely by CUET scores, normalized marks, or percentiles without regional weightage. JNU defended the policy, asserting that it was grounded in its institutional guidelines and aimed to ensure equitable representation of students from diverse backgrounds. The university’s counsel cited the First Schedule of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Act, 1966, and noted that the Academic Council had previously reviewed the issue before implementing the points system. However, the court expressed skepticism about the validity of this justification.#jawaharlal_nehru_university #delhi_high_court #amit_mehra #cuet_scores #first_schedule_jnu_act

Delhi High Court Restrains JNU from Admitting Students Based on Deprivation Points The Delhi High Court has issued an interim order prohibiting Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) from using deprivation points as a criterion for student admissions. The court observed that the practice of assigning deprivation points to applicants effectively alters the scores obtained in the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), thereby undermining the fairness and transparency of the admission process. The order, passed on August 17, 2026, was delivered by the court in response to a petition challenging the university’s policy of incorporating deprivation points into its admission framework. The court emphasized that such points, which are meant to account for socio-economic disadvantages, have been misinterpreted and misapplied by JNU. According to the judgment, the inclusion of deprivation points in the admission calculation distorts the original intent of the policy, which is to provide equitable opportunities to marginalized groups. The court’s directive comes amid growing concerns about the integrity of the admission process at JNU. Legal representatives of the petitioners argued that the use of deprivation points has led to inconsistencies in the evaluation of candidates, with some students benefiting disproportionately from the system. The court acknowledged these concerns and mandated that JNU suspend the implementation of the deprivation points policy until a final decision is made on the matter. The order highlights the judiciary’s role in ensuring that educational institutions adhere to principles of equity and merit.#jawaharlal_nehru_university #delhi_high_court #common_university_entrance_test #deprivation_points #jnu_admissions

Delhi High Court Considers Interim Protection for PhysicsWallah Founder Alakh Pandey Against Unauthorized Use The Delhi High Court on Tuesday indicated it may grant interim relief to PhysicsWallah founder Alakh Pandey against unauthorized commercial exploitation of his identity, while emphasizing the need to balance this with protections for free speech and legitimate parody. Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani reportedly made the observation during hearings for a civil suit filed by Pandey, who alleges that his facial expressions, likeness, and teaching style are being monetized without permission through digital stickers, GIFs, and online merchandise. The court stressed that any injunction must not infringe on content protected under the right to free speech. Pandey’s legal team, represented by Senior Advocate J Sai Deepak, argued that his public persona has gained widespread recognition, making his identity a target for commercial harvesting. Deepak presented evidence showing that online stickers and GIFs featuring Pandey’s image are being sold, with some containing explicit, abusive, or derogatory elements. He emphasized that such content risks damaging Pandey’s reputation among students, stating, “As an educator, it has the potential of bringing me down in the eyes of the students.” However, he clarified that the legal action is not aimed at silencing criticism or parody, stressing that certain boundaries must be upheld. The court declined to issue an immediate blanket order covering all 100-plus URLs submitted by the plaintiff, noting that the links included instances of legitimate commentary and protected speech. Justice Bhambhani highlighted the necessity of distinguishing between permissible expression and unauthorized exploitation.#alakh_pandey #delhi_high_court #physicswallah #j_sai_deepak #justice_anup_jairam_bhambhani

Physics Wallah Founder Alakh Pandey Seeks Legal Protection For Personality Rights Alakh Pandey, the founder of the popular educational platform Physics Wallah, has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court seeking legal protection for his personality rights. The case, titled Alakh Pandey v. John Doe & Ors, marks a significant step in the ongoing debate over the boundaries of free speech and intellectual property in the digital age. Pandey, who has become a prominent figure in India’s education sector, alleges that his name and image are being misused by various entities for commercial gain, defamatory content, and sexually explicit material. The Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani, has acknowledged the urgency of the matter and scheduled a hearing for the following day. During the initial proceedings, Senior Advocate J Sai Deepak, representing Pandey, outlined the alleged violations. He emphasized that the infringing content includes hundreds of pages offering discounts under the guise of Pandey’s name, defamatory posts on social media, and AI-generated images, stickers, and GIFs created for profit. Deepak argued that such content not only tarnishes Pandey’s reputation but also risks diminishing his standing as an educator among his students. The court directed Deepak to present the alleged violations in a structured format, categorizing them into three main types: (1) commercialization or monetization of Pandey’s personality, (2) content that is explicitly vulgar or sexually explicit, and (3) libel or slander that may fall under free speech protections or require action outside the scope of personality rights.#physics_wallah #alakh_pandey #delhi_high_court #j_sai_deepak #anup_jairam_bhambhani

--- Politics & Protests CJP Protests in Delhi: The CJP (Congress Party) continues protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, demanding the government address issues like the NEET exam paper leak. Rahul Gandhi (Congress leader) accused the Central Government of politicizing the NEET leak scandal. Nadda (Central Minister) criticized Rahul Gandhi for using student protests for political gain. Legal Actions Against Protests: Delhi High Court is reviewing petitions challenging the police use of lathis (batons) against protesters. The Central Government assured that no action would be taken against protesters if they disperse, prompting Wangchuk (a protest leader) to call for a ceasefire. --- Education & Controversies NEET Paper Leak Scandal: The NEET exam (for medical admissions) faced a paper leak, leading to widespread student protests. Rahul Gandhi accused the government of "destroying the education system" and highlighted the stress on students due to such incidents. Passport Fee Dispute: Delhi High Court ordered the Central Government to review passport fee hikes within three months. --- Legal & Social Issues Inmate Marriage in Jodhpur Jail: Two life-term prisoners in Jodhpur Jail married while incarcerated, sparking discussions about prison rights and human dignity. Viral Incident: A soldier helped a woman by carrying her EV (electric vehicle) to a charging station after it broke down, gaining social media attention. Road Safety Concerns: A tourist in Chennai fell into a 500-foot deep gorge, highlighting risks of unsafe road infrastructure. --- Social & Family Dynamics Role of a Father: The text emphasizes the father's role as a silent worker who provides emotional support and guidance to children, underscoring the importance of family bonds.#central_government #rahul_gandhi #delhi_high_court #congress_party #jantar_mantar

Delhi Police Conducts Secret Operation to Remove Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar-Mantar Delhi Police executed a highly secretive and meticulously planned operation on Saturday morning to remove Sonam Wangchuk from the Jantar-Mantar protest site. According to sources, the strategy was finalized during the first high-level meeting after the new police chief assumed command. The operation was limited to a select group of senior officials to ensure discretion. Wangchuk, who had been fasting at the protest site for the past 20 days, was taken to Safdarjung Hospital in the early hours of Saturday. The police stated that this move was necessitated by his deteriorating health and directives from the Delhi High Court. However, the planning of the operation was described as both covert and well-orchestrated. Senior police sources revealed that the decision to act was made during the initial meeting under the new chief. The operation was timed for a period when the protest site had the fewest people present, minimizing the risk of confrontation. Additionally, Wangchuk’s close associate, Abhijit Dipak, was temporarily absent from the site, which facilitated the move. The operation was divided into three phases. In the first phase, plainclothes police officers secured the platform and covered Wangchuk’s bed with white sheets to prevent panic among the crowd. He was then carefully lifted and transported to an ambulance. In the second phase, CRPF and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel took control of the barricades to manage the protesters and prevent any potential clashes. The third phase involved senior officers monitoring the entire operation from a control point, ensuring the smooth movement of ambulances and police vehicles.#delhi_police #delhi_high_court #sonam_wangchuk #jantar_mantar #abhijit_dipak

Cockroach Janta Party Founder Announces Hunger Strike Amid Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalization On Saturday, July 18, 2026, Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, announced an indefinite hunger strike, following the hospitalization of educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk, who had been fasting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar for 21 days, was transferred to Safdarjung Hospital under the orders of the Delhi High Court and at the request of medical experts due to his deteriorating health. The Delhi Police cited “essential medical care” as the reason for the transfer, which occurred shortly after Dipke’s own release from detention. Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, confirmed his admission to Safdarjung Hospital, emphasizing that no medical treatment should be administered without her consent or the approval of his doctors, who have monitored his health for 20 days. She stated, “Nothing should be administered to him orally or intravenously without take consent from me, his family, and his doctors.” The hospital noted that Wangchuk’s condition, exacerbated by prolonged fasting and dehydration, required continuous monitoring and treatment to stabilize his body parameters. Dipke, addressing protesters at Jantar Mantar, condemned the Delhi Police and the BJP government for forcibly moving Wangchuk to the hospital, calling it an “antic” by “RSS goons.” He vowed to continue the protest, declaring, “We will stay right here. And we will march to Parliament from right here on July 20.” His remarks were met with heightened security measures, including barricades and paramilitary forces deployed to manage the protest site and prevent disruptions. The incident sparked widespread political backlash.#delhi_high_court #sonam_wangchuk #abhijeet_dipke #gitanjali_j_angmo #safdarjung_hospital

Government Doctor To Monitor Sonam Wangchuk, Says High Court As Hunger Strike Enters Day 19 The Delhi High Court has directed the government to ensure the health and safety of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 19 days. The court’s order comes amid growing concerns over his deteriorating condition, with legal representatives warning that he may not survive the next 48 hours if he does not break his fast. The activist, 59, is protesting against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, whom he accuses of failing to address allegations of leaked question papers for competitive exams, including the May 3 NEET-UG examination. The court’s ruling followed a plea filed by Wangchuk’s supporters, which highlighted his significant weight loss of 8.5 kilograms and urged authorities to take immediate medical action. The petition emphasized that the government’s inaction could lead to a “matter of great shame for the country and the world.” The court responded by ordering daily medical check-ups by government doctors, with intervention required if his condition worsens. It stressed that “the life of any citizen is precious” and that all efforts must be made to save his life. During the hearing, the government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, admitted that while daily health check-ups are being conducted, the doctors involved are not always from state-run institutions. Mehta acknowledged that private physicians sometimes provide care, prompting the court to insist that Wangchuk receive regular monitoring from government medical professionals. The court also emphasized that any necessary medical intervention, including force-feeding if required, should be carried out without delay.#delhi_high_court #sonam_wangchuk #dharmendra_pradhan #cockroach_janta_party #neetug

Delhi High Court Orders 15-Day Decision on Removal of YouTube Video Alleged to Defame Hindu Deities The Delhi High Court has directed the Government Advisory Committee (GAC) to decide within 15 days whether to remove a YouTube video uploaded by content creator Dr. Druv Rathi, which is alleged to defame Hindu deities and provoke religious sentiments. The video, titled "Can Hindus Eat BEEF? Kerala Story 2 Exposed," has sparked controversy over its claims about ancient Hindu scriptures and the dietary practices of deities like Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. The court’s order came after the central government filed a petition against Rathi, alleging that the video promotes misinformation and insults religious beliefs. The petition, filed by advocate Amita Sachdeva, argues that the content is offensive, inflammatory, and potentially harmful to Hindu communities. Sachdeva has also filed a criminal case against Rathi, accusing him of spreading content that could incite communal tensions. The video in question, uploaded on March 21, discusses the dietary habits of Hindu deities, citing ancient texts to suggest that figures like Lord Rama and Lord Krishna consumed meat. Rathi’s argument hinges on interpreting classical Hindu scriptures to justify such practices. However, the petition challenges this interpretation, asserting that the video misrepresents religious traditions and could cause significant distress to followers. During the court hearing, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma emphasized that the video’s content is derogatory toward Hindu deities and cannot be tolerated. He argued that the video’s claims could undermine religious harmony and urged the GAC to act swiftly.#delhi_high_court #chetan_sharma #government_advisory_committee #dr_druv_rathi #amita_sachdeva

Delhi HC issues notice of MCD Junior Engineer seeking anticipatory bail in corruption case The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the CBI to provide a status report on a plea filed by Navdeep Khatri, a Junior Engineer (JE) with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), seeking anticipatory bail in a corruption case. Khatri’s application for anticipatory bail was rejected by the trial court last week, prompting him to approach the high court. The court issued notice to the CBI and scheduled the matter for hearing on July 3. The case revolves around allegations of bribery tied to construction activities in the GB Road area. An FIR was filed on May 4 by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Khatri, accusing him of allegedly demanding Rs 2 lakh from a builder to expedite construction on an unauthorized property. The complaint alleges that the builder, Lokesh, approached Khatri during the development of a property in Annar Wali Gali, Katra Gafoor Baksh, Mohalla Nihariyan, G.B. Road, Delhi, and demanded the bribe. The FIR claims that Lokesh threatened to involve Khatri in the matter if the payment was not made. Justice Mini Pushkarna, presiding over the case, ordered the CBI to submit a detailed report on the investigation’s progress. The court also directed the matter to be heard by the concerned bench. Senior advocate N Hariharan, along with Bharat Gupta, Sujeet Beniwal, Tushar Rohmetra, and Siddharth Yadav, represented Khatri. The legal team argued that Khatri has no role in the allegations and that the FIR fails to establish his involvement in the alleged crime. The petitioner’s counsel emphasized that Khatri has been instructed by the MCD to cooperate in the investigation but faces apprehension of arrest due to inquiries by police officials in his neighborhood.#central_bureau_of_investigation #delhi_high_court #mcd #navdeep_khatri #lokesh

Anjana Om Kashyap Files ₹2 Crore Defamation Case Against Khan Sir and 4PM News in Delhi High Court Anjana Om Kashyap, a prominent journalist and media personality, has filed a defamation case worth ₹2 crore in the Delhi High Court against Khan Sir, 4PM News, and several other defendants. The case, listed for hearing on June 8 before the vacation bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, alleges that the defendants engaged in a coordinated campaign to defame Kashyap and her organization, India Today. The suit seeks the removal of defamatory content, an order to cease further posts, and compensation for damages. The legal action was initiated after Kashyap hosted a debate on Aaj Tak on May 29, 2026, during which she critiqued the growing influence of online "star teachers" and the commercialization of education. She argued that her remarks were part of a fair journalistic discussion on a matter of national importance. However, the suit claims that this sparked a sustained campaign by defendants with significant social media followings, targeting Kashyap and her network between May 30 and June 4. The defendants, including prominent educators like Abhinay Sharma, Babita Tyagi, and Arvind Bhadauriya, as well as X handles and the 4PM News Network, are accused of using abusive and scandalous language to subject Kashyap to insults, ridicule, and public hostility. The suit alleges that these actions were entirely unrelated to any legitimate public debate. Additionally, Khan Sir is specifically named for publicly disclosing information about the school attended by Kashyap’s child, which she claims was irrelevant to the controversy and exposed her family to harassment, unwanted attention, and security risks.#delhi_high_court #khan_sir #anjana_om_kashyap #4pm_news #abhinay_sharma

Journalist Anjana Om Kashyap Files Defamation Suit Against Faisal Khan in Delhi High Court A defamation lawsuit has been filed by journalist Anjana Om Kashyap against Faisal Khan before the Delhi High Court, alleging that his remarks during a public debate on the NEET exam system constituted defamatory content. The case, titled ANJANA OM KASHYAP & ANR v. FAISAL KHAN & ORS, seeks the removal of allegedly harmful material from online social media platforms and compensation of Rs. 2 crore. The matter is scheduled to be heard by a vacation bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna on the day following the filing. The controversy emerged during a live debate focused on the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) system, where Kashyap reportedly criticized online educators, labeling them as "frauds" and "explainers" who prioritize views over academic integrity. Khan, who is referred to as "Khan Sir" in the initial report, allegedly made defamatory comments about Kashyap’s coverage of "star teachers," a term used to describe prominent educators in the online learning space. The lawsuit claims these remarks damaged Kashyap’s professional reputation and warranted legal action. Kashyap’s legal team argues that Khan’s statements were not only false but also targeted her work as a journalist, undermining her credibility in reporting on educational reforms. The case highlights tensions between media professionals and educators in the digital age, particularly regarding the role of online platforms in shaping public discourse. The court will need to determine whether Khan’s remarks crossed the threshold of defamation, which requires proof of false statements, intent to harm, and damage to reputation.#delhi_high_court #khan_sir #anjana_om_kashyap #faisal_khan #neet_exam_system

Naga Chaitanya Files Legal Action Against Misuse of Identity and Defamatory AI Content Actor Naga Chaitanya has initiated legal proceedings in the Delhi High Court to address the alleged misuse of his personal identity and the proliferation of defamatory AI-generated content online. His legal team argued that unauthorized use of his name, image, and voice through deepfake technology and AI tools has led to the circulation of explicit material, commercial exploitation, and reputational harm. The case highlights concerns over the boundaries of public scrutiny for celebrities and the legal protections available for personality rights. During the hearing, Senior Advocate Vaibhav Gaggar, representing Chaitanya, presented evidence to the court detailing the extent of the alleged violations. The legal team submitted that several websites were exploiting Chaitanya’s name in conjunction with explicit search terms to attract traffic and distribute objectionable content. Unauthorised merchandise listings featuring his likeness were also showcased, with the court informed of online stores selling products bearing his image without consent. The lawsuit specifically targets the use of deepfake technology, voice-cloning software, and AI-based editing tools to create and disseminate false audiovisual material for financial gain. Chaitanya’s counsel emphasized that such practices have severely impacted his reputation, privacy, and public standing. The legal team also drew attention to defamatory YouTube uploads targeting the actor, noting that while some links had been removed, others linked to media coverage remained accessible. Justice Jyoti Singh, presiding over the case, acknowledged the heightened public scrutiny faced by celebrities but underscored the existence of clear boundaries.#delhi_high_court #naga_chaitanya #vaibhav_gaggar #justice_jyoti_singh #nagarjuna

Delhi High Court Grants Naga Chaitanya Interim Relief in Personality Rights Case The Delhi High Court has taken decisive action to safeguard the personality rights of Telugu actor Naga Chaitanya, issuing summons against unnamed defendants and indicating it will pass an interim order to protect the actor’s identity from unauthorized misuse. The court’s intervention follows a detailed presentation of evidence highlighting the widespread exploitation of his name, likeness, and personal information across digital platforms. The case underscores the growing legal challenges faced by celebrities in combating the proliferation of deepfakes, explicit content, and unregulated merchandise that infringe on their intellectual property and privacy. The court was presented with concrete examples of websites that paired Naga Chaitanya’s name with explicit search terms to manipulate traffic, as well as listings for unauthorized merchandise featuring his image. The suit also cited instances of manipulated content and defamatory material related to his personal life, which have been circulating online without his consent. Despite prior efforts by the actor to address these violations, including the issuance of cease-and-desist notices and legal complaints to intermediaries, online platforms, and service providers, the defendants either failed to respond adequately or provided only partial compliance. This allowed the infringing material to persist, with some platforms even monetizing the unauthorized content. Naga Chaitanya’s legal team has sought a dynamic injunction, a legal mechanism that enables courts to extend protection to new infringing URLs as they emerge without requiring repeated litigation.#deepfakes #ai_generated_content #delhi_high_court #naga_chaitanya #nagarjuna_akkineni

FIFA World Cup Faces Broadcasting Deadlock in India Amid Policy Shifts The FIFA World Cup, set to begin on June 12, is facing a critical challenge in India, where no broadcaster has secured the rights to air the tournament. Despite the country’s massive population of 1.4 billion and its potential as a major market, structural issues in sports broadcasting have left the event without a clear platform. The situation highlights deeper economic and regulatory shifts that have disrupted India’s sports media landscape. FIFA initially valued the India media rights package for the 2026 and 2030 tournaments at nearly $100 million, but the figure was later reduced to $35 million after minimal interest. Even this lower valuation failed to attract serious bids, with the best offer reportedly coming from a Reliance-backed joint venture at $20 million. FIFA’s refusal to accept this amount has left the rights in limbo, just weeks before the tournament’s start. Legal efforts to resolve the issue have also stalled. On May 12, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Union government and Prasar Bharati, following a petition that labeled the World Cup a “sporting event of national importance.” The petition sought directions to ensure the tournament reaches Indian viewers through free-to-air platforms like Doordarshan and DD Sports. However, the court’s notice does not guarantee a resolution, as the petition remains a legal push rather than a confirmed deal. A key legal question remains: whether the Sports Broadcasting Signals Act’s mandatory sharing provisions apply since India is not competing in the tournament. The broader issue lies in the collapse of India’s sports broadcasting model, which was once driven by cricket dominance and the lucrative fantasy gaming industry.#india #delhi_high_court #fifa_world_cup #reliance #prasar_bharati

Delhi High Court Upholds Dismissal of Retired Air Force Officer The Delhi High Court dismissed a writ petition challenging the dismissal of Corporal Sachin Kumar Solanki, a retired Indian Air Force officer, and upheld the decision to remove him from service. In an order dated May 19, 2026, a Division Bench comprising Justices Anil Kshetarpal and Amit Mahajan affirmed the Armed Forces Tribunal’s (AFT) ruling that his removal was lawful. The court rejected his claims of procedural impropriety and disproportionate punishment, emphasizing the unique operational requirements of the military. Corporal Solanki, who joined the Indian Air Force in 2011 as an Airman-Communication Technician, was dismissed after an incident that led to his removal from service. He had previously challenged the decision through legal channels, but the court found that his actions violated internal disciplinary protocols. The petitioner, now referred to as Ex-Corporal (Retd), had not utilized the IAF’s internal redressal mechanisms before publicly airing grievances on social media. The case began when Solanki contested his dismissal before the Principal Bench of the AFT in New Delhi. His original application was dismissed on October 17, 2025, with the tribunal ruling that the administrative action was lawful. The AFT held that there was no violation of natural justice, the punishment was not arbitrary, and the decision was consistent with military discipline. In its review, the Delhi High Court reiterated that courts intervene in military disciplinary matters only in exceptional cases involving patent illegality or disproportionate punishment. The bench noted that the armed forces operate under strict hierarchies and operational demands, which require strict adherence to internal protocols.#indian_air_force #delhi_high_court #corporal_sachin_kumar_solanki #armed_forces_tribunal #air_force_order_17_2015

Delhi High Court Imposes ₹30 Lakh Fine on Google for Trademark Misuse The Delhi High Court has ruled that Google violated trademark laws by using Hindware’s registered mark “HINDWARE” as a keyword in its AdWords advertising program, imposing a ₹30 lakh fine on the tech giant. The court’s May 22 judgment, delivered in two commercial suits filed by Hindware (through its predecessor HSIL) against Google and other entities, concluded that Google’s role in facilitating the unauthorized use of the trademark for commercial gain constituted active participation in trademark infringement. The case originated in 2013–14 when Hindware, a leading sanitaryware manufacturer, alleged that its competitors, including Grohe India and Cera Sanitaryware, had exploited its trademark by purchasing “HINDWARE” and related keywords like “HINDWARE SANITARY” on Google’s AdWords platform. These keywords were used to display sponsored links to the competitors’ websites as the first search results when users typed “HINDWARE.” Hindware argued that this practice caused consumer confusion and undermined its brand’s reputation. During the trial, Grohe, Cera, and Omkara Infoweb settled with Hindware, leaving Google India and Google LLC as the remaining defendants. Hindware emphasized the strength of its brand, which had been recognized as a well-known trademark by the Delhi High Court in earlier litigation. It contended that Google’s role in managing keyword auctions, suggesting trademarks via its keyword planner, and ranking ads made it an active participant in the infringement. The company argued that Google’s use of the trademark as a keyword for identical goods (sanitaryware) created a likelihood of confusion among consumers.#google #delhi_high_court #hindware #adwords #trademark_misuse

Indian Sanitaryware Brand Wins Legal Battle Against Google Over Trademark Infringement The Delhi High Court has ruled that Google’s practice of auctioning trademarked brand names as advertising keywords in its Google Ads program constitutes clear trademark infringement. The court ordered the tech giant to permanently stop using the term “HINDWARE” or its variations as keywords in its advertising system and awarded Rs 30 lakh in damages to Hindware, an Indian sanitaryware manufacturer. The case, which spanned over a decade, centered on whether Google’s pay-per-click model violated trademark laws by allowing competitors to divert traffic to their websites using a registered brand’s name. The dispute began in 2013 when Hindware discovered that competing brands, including Cera Sanitaryware and Grohe, were purchasing the trademark “HINDWARE” as a keyword through Google AdWords. This practice led to customers searching for Hindware being shown results from these competing brands, which Hindware argued constituted “unfair competition” and “trademark dilution.” While Cera and Grohe eventually settled with Hindware, the legal battle against Google continued, focusing on whether the search engine’s role in facilitating keyword bidding qualified as trademark infringement under India’s Trade Marks Act. The court’s 163-page judgment emphasized Section 29(6)(d) of the Trade Marks Act of 1999, which defines unauthorized use of a registered trademark as including advertising in digital formats, such as sponsored search keywords. Justice Pushkarna ruled that Google’s AdWords program allowed competitors to exploit Hindware’s brand reputation by bidding on the term “HINDWARE,” effectively diverting potential customers to their websites.#google #delhi_high_court #hindware #trade_marks_act #google_ads