High Court Criticizes Bank's Account Freeze Policy for Abhisek Banerjee The High Court on Thursday criticized the bank's decision to freeze Abhisek Banerjee's personal bank account, calling the policy discriminatory. The court expressed concern over the bank's requirement for Abhisek to personally visit the branch to complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) process, rejecting the bank's argument that verification of his identity was necessary. Justice Krishna Rao, presiding over the case, questioned whether the bank sought to "see Abhisek Banerjee's face," emphasizing that the institution should accept documents provided by the individual. The court directed the bank to accept Abhisek's submission of required documents, including Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN card, passport, and driving license, without necessitating his physical presence. However, the bank's employees were instructed to handle the KYC process for Abhisek, ensuring compliance with the court's directive. The bank had previously argued that online KYC procedures were not feasible for Abhisek, citing the need for in-person verification. Abhisek's legal counsel, Anand Bhattacharya, contested the bank's decision, stating that the account was frozen without prior notice. He highlighted that the KYC process for the 2026 December deadline had already been completed, questioning the validity of the bank's current request. The court acknowledged the need for further clarification on the bank's stance but emphasized that the account freeze and credit card activation would be addressed in subsequent hearings. The case, which involves Abhisek's legal battle over his frozen account, is set for review on September 8.#high_court #south_24_parganas #abhisek_banerjee #justice_krishna_rao #anand_bhattacharya
Rajasthan Panchayat Elections: Reservation Lottery Postponed to September, District-Level Draw Scheduled for Sept 17 The reservation lottery for Rajasthan’s Panchayat elections has been postponed from August to September, with the district-level draw set for September 17 and the sub-district-level draw for September 18. This adjustment follows the release of a revised schedule by the state’s Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, led by Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Jogendra Ram. The original plan had scheduled the lottery for August 17, but the dates were shifted to align with the phased election timeline and ensure completion of the entire process by November 15, 2026, as mandated by the High Court. The state election commission has outlined that the first phase of elections will focus on urban bodies, while the second phase will address Panchayat institutions. The High Court’s directive requires the state government to finalize both election processes by November 15, 2026. The lottery for urban bodies, including mayors and chairpersons, was already conducted on August 13, leaving the remaining Panchayat positions to be determined through the September lotteries. The revised schedule now places the district-level lottery for positions such as district council members, Panchayat committee members, and principal officers on September 17. The sub-district-level draw, which will determine candidates for sarpanch (village head) and ward panch (ward head) roles, is set for September 18. Officials, including district collectors and sub-divisional magistrates, have been instructed to ensure the lottery procedures are completed on these dates. The delay in the lottery was necessitated by the need to coordinate the two-phase election schedule.#high_court #state_election_commission #rajasthan_panchayat_elections #department_of_rural_development #dr_jogendra_ram
Supreme Court Orders Mahua Moitra to Appear in Person Amid Egg-Throwing Case Mahua Moitra, a member of the Trinamool Congress, faced a stern rebuke from the Supreme Court after her legal team requested a virtual appearance in a case involving an incident where she was allegedly thrown eggs at a police station. The court rejected her plea for a remote hearing, criticizing her for seeking leniency and questioning her willingness to confront public dissent. The case stems from an incident in which Moitra, who represents a parliamentary constituency, reported being targeted with eggs during a visit to her local police station. Her lawyer argued that appearing in person could expose her to potential harassment, but the Supreme Court dismissed the request, emphasizing the importance of judicial procedures. The controversy began when Moitra filed a petition seeking exemption from appearing before police authorities in a case related to alleged offenses against religious sentiments. The High Court had previously granted her interim relief, including a stay on her arrest and a directive to cooperate with the investigation. However, the Supreme Court overturned this decision, stating that her fear of public backlash was not a valid reason to avoid personal appearance. The court’s bench, comprising Justices Deepankar Datta and Sheel Nagu, expressed frustration with her approach, questioning whether a politician could be intimidated by such incidents. Moitra’s legal team had cited the incident of being thrown eggs as a justification for her request, but the Supreme Court dismissed this as an overreach. The judges highlighted that the Constitution guarantees the right to protest and that her case did not warrant special treatment.#high_court #trinamool_congress #supreme_court #mahua_moitra #gopal_shankar_narayanan
High Court Orders Audit of Patient Load and Staffing in Vidarbha Hospitals The High Court in Vidarbha has directed government authorities to submit detailed records of each hospital’s average daily patient footfall, along with the number of attendants, nurses, and other support staff engaged in patient care. The court emphasized that this information is crucial to evaluate whether the existing manpower is sufficient to handle the current patient load and to assess the quality of services provided in public hospitals. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing after a gap of three weeks. The directive comes amid growing concerns about the operational efficiency of government healthcare facilities in the region. The court’s order highlights the need for transparency in hospital management, particularly in ensuring that staffing levels align with the demand for medical services. By analyzing the data, the judiciary aims to identify potential gaps in resource allocation and take corrective measures to improve patient care. The decision follows a growing public outcry over long wait times and inadequate staffing in public hospitals. Activists and patient representatives have repeatedly raised issues about the strain on healthcare workers and the impact on patient outcomes. The audit is expected to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by hospitals in Vidarbha, including the distribution of medical personnel across different facilities. The court’s focus on staffing ratios underscores the broader debate about healthcare infrastructure in India. While private hospitals often operate with higher staff-to-patient ratios, public institutions frequently struggle with understaffing and outdated facilities.#high_court #government_authorities #vidarbha_hospitals #public_hospitals #patient_outcomes
Haldwani News: High Court Relocation Expected to Improve Infrastructure and Services The Supreme Court’s decision to relocate the High Court from Nainital to Haldwani has sparked optimism about improved infrastructure and services in the region. The shift is anticipated to address longstanding challenges in electricity supply, water access, and connectivity, while also boosting local economic activity. Residents and business owners in Haldwani have expressed hope that the move will alleviate daily struggles and create opportunities for growth. Haldwani’s current infrastructure faces significant hurdles. For decades, the area has relied heavily on tube wells for drinking water, as the Gola River fails to provide a consistent supply. This dependency has left communities vulnerable to shortages, particularly when maintenance issues arise. Meanwhile, the existing 22.5 MVa power plant, built to serve the region, struggles to meet demand due to its distance from residential areas. This has led to frequent low-voltage problems, especially during peak summer months when energy demands surge. The relocation of the High Court is expected to catalyze improvements in these areas. The Supreme Court’s directive to shift the High Court to Haldwani has already prompted the government to prioritize infrastructure development. The move is anticipated to bring better connectivity, as the region serves as a central hub between Nainital and other parts of the state. Local traders and transporters believe this will reduce travel times and ease congestion, particularly during the peak tourist season. The impact on water supply is also a key focus. The Gola River’s inability to provide reliable drinking water has forced residents to depend on tube wells, which are prone to breakdowns.#high_court #supreme_court #haldwani #gola_river #happy_atwal
Ministerial Approval for Special Court and Social Welfare Initiatives The Andhra Pradesh government has approved the establishment of a special court in Visakhapatnam to handle cases under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act. This decision was announced during a ministerial meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. The approval was welcomed by the state’s Law and Minority Welfare Minister, N. M. D. Farook, who expressed satisfaction with the move. The special court is intended to expedite the trial of cases registered under the NIA Act, which deals with serious crimes such as terrorism and organized crime. The meeting also approved the creation of a new post titled "Registrar" within the High Court system. This role is designed to streamline case management and reduce the backlog of pending cases in district courts. The minister highlighted that the new position would enhance administrative efficiency, allowing courts to process cases more swiftly. This initiative is expected to alleviate the burden on lower courts and improve the overall judicial process. In addition to legal reforms, the ministerial meeting endorsed the establishment of three "Excellence Centers" under the state’s Social Welfare Department. These centers will be set up in specific districts: Madhuravada in Visakhapatnam district, Tadikondla in Guntur district, and Kotla in Tirupati district. The initiative aims to provide advanced educational facilities and support for marginalized communities. The centers will operate from the upcoming academic year, focusing on skill development, vocational training, and access to higher education for underprivileged groups. The Social Welfare Minister, Dr. Dola Shri Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, thanked the Chief Minister and other ministers for their support.#high_court #andhra_pradesh #visakhapatnam #national_investigation_agency #nara_chandrababu_naidu
Delhi Power Companies to Face CAG Audit, High Court Ruling The Delhi government has secured a significant legal victory as the High Court cleared the way for the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to conduct an audit of the city’s power distribution companies. The ruling, which came after a prolonged legal battle, has paved the way for the audit process to proceed, with the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi set to oversee the next stage of hearings. Minister Ashish Sood, who oversees power affairs in the state, hailed the decision as a win for public interest, stating it would expose inefficiencies and ensure transparency in the operations of the power companies. The audit, which has been delayed for months, aims to scrutinize the financial and operational practices of Delhi’s power distribution firms. The government claims the move is essential to address concerns about mismanagement and ensure that public funds are used efficiently. Sood accused the power companies of attempting to obstruct the audit process, citing their previous attempts to challenge the legal proceedings in court. He emphasized that the ruling would now allow for a thorough examination of their financial records and service delivery mechanisms. The High Court’s decision to allow the audit has been seen as a major step toward holding the power companies accountable. The ruling comes amid growing public frustration over frequent power outages and rising electricity bills. The government has argued that the audit will help identify areas of waste and corruption, ultimately leading to better service for residents. However, the power companies have not yet commented publicly on the ruling, though legal representatives of the firms are expected to file further appeals or petitions in the coming weeks.#high_court #delhi_government #comptroller_and_auditor_general #ashish_sood #lieutenant_governor_delhi
Almost qualified is not qualified: High Court refuses relief to job aspirant awaiting final diploma result The High Court recently dismissed a petition filed by a job aspirant who sought relief after failing to meet the eligibility criteria for a recruitment process due to pending examination results. The court emphasized that the practice of setting a cut-off date for acquiring essential qualifications is a well-established legal principle grounded in constitutional values of equality, fairness, and administrative efficiency. The decision underscores the importance of maintaining certainty and uniformity in recruitment timelines to prevent disorder and ensure fairness for all candidates. The petitioner, who was pursuing a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from a recognized institution, argued that she had completed all semesters of the course, including mandatory industrial training and internship requirements. However, she was unable to appear in one examination due to unavoidable circumstances. The examination was scheduled for June, with final results and diploma certificates expected in July or August. Despite her efforts, the court ruled that the mere possibility of acquiring the qualification at a future date did not justify relaxing the eligibility conditions. Justice Harpreet Singh Brar, presiding over the case, observed that the cut-off date for submitting applications was not arbitrary or unreasonable. The court highlighted that such deadlines serve a public purpose by ensuring uniformity and fairness in recruitment processes. It noted that if timelines for achieving milestones were not clearly defined and enforced, recruitment exercises could become "open-ended and disorderly.#high_court #recruitment_process #justice_harpreet_singh_brar #diploma_in_electrical_engineering #constitutional_articles_14_16
Yogi Cabinet Approves 12 Key Proposals Including Panchayat Reservation Commission and 1010-Bed Hospital The Yogi Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, approved 12 significant proposals during a meeting held in Lucknow on May 18, 2026. The decisions, which include the establishment of a Panchayat Reservation Commission, expansion of the Lucknow Metro, and the construction of a 1010-bed hospital, are expected to have a major impact on both governance and infrastructure development in Uttar Pradesh. Among the most notable approvals was the formation of the Panchayat Reservation Commission, tasked with determining the reservation quota for Other Backward Classes (OBC) in local body elections. The commission, which will consist of five members, will be chaired by a retired High Court judge. Its mandate includes conducting a comprehensive study on OBC representation and submitting a report by November 2026. This decision comes after a directive from the High Court in February 2025 to establish such a body. The report is anticipated to influence the timing of upcoming panchayat elections, which are likely to be held after the 2027 state assembly elections. Another key initiative is the expansion of the Lucknow Metro, specifically the Charbagh to Basant Kunj corridor. The cabinet gave its approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this project, which aims to enhance public transportation in the city. Additionally, the government approved an increase in the internship stipend for veterinary science students, raising the monthly allowance from 8,000 rupees to 12,000 rupees. This move is expected to provide financial relief to approximately 2,500 students enrolled in veterinary colleges across the state.#high_court #yogi_adityanath #panchayat_reservation_commission #lucknow_metro
Suvendu govt ends religion-based schemes in Bengal, scraps state OBC list The BJP government has also done away with the exisiting state OBC list in accordance with the Calcutta high court judgement and would set up a panel to decide quota eligibility. Last year on July 28, however, the CJI-led bench of the Supreme Court had vacated high court's stay on implementation of the new OBC list that had a total of 140 sub-groups under OBC-A and OBC-B categories, including 80 belonging to the Muslim community. #BJP_government #high_court #Calcutta_high #Suvendu_govt #state_OBC #OBC_list #scraps_state #quota_eligibility #exisiting_state #govt_ends
Video: Mamata Banerjee in lawyer’s gown faces sloganeering at Calcutta high court during post-poll violence case hearing Former Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee appeared as counsel at the Calcutta High Court, presenting evidence of post-poll violence. She alleged that children and women were not spared and submitted a list of alleged murder victims, urging the court to protect the people of Bengal. The Trinamool Congress lauded her commitment to truth and justice. #Mamata_Banerjee #Mamata #high_court #Banerjee #violence_case #Calcutta #post-poll_violence #Calcutta_high #Banerjee_appeared #presenting_evidence
SC acquits man after 22 years in jail, raps Delhi high court for nixing delayed appeal The Supreme Court has ordered the release of a murder convict after 22 years, criticizing the Orissa High Court for dismissing his appeal solely on grounds of delay. The apex court invoked its extraordinary powers under Article 142, highlighting the convict's satisfactory jail conduct and lack of legal aid. #Supreme_Court #high_court #Delhi_high #murder_convict #Orissa_High #raps_Delhi #acquits_man #nixing_delayed #delayed_appeal #appeal_solely
Shashi Tharoor moves Delhi high court to block AI deepfakes Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection against AI-generated deepfake videos depicting him praising Pakistan and discussing sensitive political matters. He argued that such content could harm India's international standing and be exploited by foreign entities. #Shashi_Tharoor #Tharoor #Court_seeking #high_court #Delhi_high #moves_Delhi #praising_Pakistan #Tharoor_moves #deepfakes_Congress #political_matters
Himanta wife passport row: Pawan Khera moves SC for anticipatory bail after setback from Guwahati HC The Gauhati high court had on April 24 rejected Khera's plea for anticipatory bail in the case registered against him by the Crime Branch of Assam Police in Guwahati. The case against Khera was registered after he claimed at a press brief that Assam CM's wife Riniki Bhuyan "holds multiple foreign passports and undisclosed assets abroad". #high_court #Pawan_Khera #anticipatory_bail #Crime_Branch #Assam_Police #Himanta_wife #Gauhati_high #rejected_Khera #Khera_moves #Khera_plea
Allahabad high court stays FIR order against Rahul Gandhi in dual citizenship case The Allahabad high court has temporarily halted its order for an FIR against Rahul Gandhi concerning alleged dual citizenship. The court emphasized the need to hear the accused before any decision. This follows an earlier directive to register a case based on claims of concealed British citizenship during company incorporation. The probe's transfer to a central agency was also permitted. #Rahul_Gandhi #Rahul #Gandhi #high_court #temporarily_halted #Allahabad_high #FIR_order #stays_FIR #alleged_dual #dual_citizenship
Bombay high court comes to rescue of couple with Australian citizenship three years after they adopted a baby in India #India #Australian #high_court #Australian_citizenship #Bombay_high
Governor is bound by council of ministers’ advice on release of convicts from prison: Madras high court The bench arrived at the finding while answering a reference made by a division bench of the court in view of conflicting judgments of two different division benches of the HC on the issue. #Madras_high #high_court #ministers’_advice #reference_made #conflicting_judgments #bench_arrived #division_benches
J&K admin defends ban on books in HC, says ‘secessionist’ in nature Jammu and Kashmir administration defended its ban on 25 Kashmir-related books in high court, citing state security and public order. The government also justified the legal provision used for the ban. Petitioners challenging the order have been given time to respond. The full bench will hear the case. #high_court #Kashmir-related_books #nature_Jammu #Kashmir_administration #citing_state #admin_defends #administration_defended #state_security #defends_ban #public_order
Big setback for Nirav Modi as UK high court rejects reopening extradition plea #high_court #court_rejects #Nirav_Modi #Big_setback #extradition_plea
High Court Affirms Repayment of ₹4.25 Crore in Film Funding Dispute The bench confirmed the findings of a single judge, ruling that Menon and his firm were obligated to repay ₹4.25 crore received from R.S. Infotainment, led by producer S. Elred Kumar, for a film project that never materialized. The dispute stemmed from an agreement signed on November 27, 2008, under which R.S. Infotainment agreed to fund a Tamil film, designated as "production no. 6," with a budget of ₹13.5 crore. The agreement required the film’s production to commence in December 2008 and conclude by April 2009. It also included a clause mandating repayment with 24 per cent interest if the project was not completed within the specified timeline. The court emphasized that there was no evidence connecting the ₹4.25 crore advance to the production of a released film. This absence of proof led to the directive that the amount be repaid with 12 per cent interest from May 2010, along with litigation costs of ₹12 lakh. The ruling marked the resolution of a prolonged legal battle, closing the case with the enforcement of these financial obligations. The decision underscores the legal implications of unmet contractual deadlines in film production agreements. The court’s emphasis on the lack of evidence linking the advance to completed work highlights the importance of adhering to contractual terms and maintaining proper documentation in such ventures. The case also reflects the challenges faced by producers and investors in ensuring projects meet their timelines, with financial repercussions for those who fail to deliver. The ruling serves as a precedent for similar disputes, reinforcing the need for clarity in agreements and accountability for parties involved.#high_court #film_production #r_s_infotainment #s_elred_kumar #menon
