Lex Regula News Letter - March 06, 2025 

 INDIA 

1. Supreme Court Allows Resumption of 'The Ranveer Show' with Decency Standards

The Supreme Court has lifted the ban on YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia’s podcast, The Ranveer Show, but with strict guidelines on maintaining decency and morality in content. The ruling comes after complaints about offensive language and controversial topics. The Court emphasized that while freedom of expression is protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, it is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2).

Source: Supreme Court of India

2. Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail in Chhattisgarh Coal Levy Scam

The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to former bureaucrats accused in the ₹500 crore Chhattisgarh coal levy scam, citing lack of direct evidence linking them to money laundering activities. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had alleged that senior officials received kickbacks from coal traders in exchange for favorable contracts. The case will continue, but the accused can remain out of custody for now.

Source: Supreme Court of India

3. Supreme Court Mandates User Notification Before Social Media Content Removal

In a major ruling impacting social media censorship in India, the Supreme Court has directed platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to notify users before taking down their posts. This move aims to enhance transparency and accountability in digital content moderation. The case was brought by free speech advocates who argued that arbitrary content removal violated Article 19 of the Constitution.

Source: Supreme Court of India

4. Supreme Court Reserves Judgment on FIR Against Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi

The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi’s plea seeking the quashing of an FIR against him in Gujarat. The FIR alleges that a poem he recited at a public rally contained anti-national elements and incited communal disharmony. The Court is weighing the right to free speech against the need to prevent hate speech.

Source: Supreme Court of India

5. Supreme Court Clarifies Corruption Presumption Requires Proof of Bribe Demand

The Supreme Court has ruled that a public servant cannot be presumed guilty of corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, unless there is concrete evidence of a bribe demand. The verdict is expected to impact ongoing and future corruption cases, making it harder to convict officials based solely on circumstantial evidence.

Source: Supreme Court of India

6. Supreme Court Affirms Eligibility of Visually Impaired Candidates for Judicial Appointments

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has ruled that visually impaired individuals are eligible for judicial appointments, emphasizing that courts must provide reasonable accommodations such as assistive technology and screen readers. The decision reinforces India’s commitment to equal opportunity and accessibility.

Source: Supreme Court of India

7. Karnataka High Court Quashes FIR Against Jain University Affiliates

The Karnataka High Court has quashed the FIR against students and faculty of Jain University, who were accused of insulting Dr B.R. Ambedkar during a cultural event. The Court found no criminal intent, ruling that the event organizers had no malicious intent and should not face legal consequences.

Source: Karnataka High Court

8. Reliance Industries Seeks Extension for EV Battery Plant Setup

Reliance Industries has requested an extension from the Indian government for setting up its EV battery manufacturing plant under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. The delay has already led to a penalty of ₹31 million, and the government is reviewing whether to approve the extension.

Source: PRS India

9. Government Proposes Reduction in States' Share of Federal Taxes

The Union Government has proposed a reduction in the states' share of federal tax revenue from 41% to 40%. This move, if approved, will impact state finances and could lead to legal challenges from state governments demanding their rightful share.

Source: PRS India

10. India to Introduce New Bill to Replace Decades-Old Income Tax Law

The government is set to introduce a new Income Tax Bill in Parliament, replacing the Income Tax Act, 1961, to address outdated tax provisions, reduce litigation, and streamline tax compliance for businesses and individuals.

Source: PRS India

11. Delhi High Court to Hear Petitions on CLAT 2025 Answer Key Errors

The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear petitions regarding alleged errors in the CLAT 2025 answer key. Several aspirants have challenged the Consortium of National Law Universities, claiming discrepancies affected their results. The court's decision could impact admissions to premier law schools across the country.

Source: Careers360

12. National Green Tribunal Imposes Penalty on Industries Polluting Ganga

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed hefty fines on industries found guilty of discharging untreated effluents into the Ganga River. The tribunal emphasized the need for strict compliance with environmental norms to protect the river's ecosystem.

Source: National Green Tribunal

13. Securities Appellate Tribunal Upholds SEBI's Order Against Insider Trading

The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) has upheld a SEBI order penalizing individuals involved in insider trading. The tribunal reinforced the importance of maintaining market integrity and protecting investor interests.

Source: Securities Appellate Tribunal

14. Competition Commission of India Approves Major Telecom Merger

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the merger of two leading telecom companies, stating that the consolidation would not adversely affect market competition. This decision is expected to reshape the telecom landscape in India.

Source: Competition Commission of India

 INTERNATIONAL 

1. ICC Issues Arrest Warrant for Sudan’s Former Intelligence Chief

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Sudan’s former intelligence chief, accusing him of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Darfur conflict. The ICC is increasing its focus on prosecuting high-profile figures responsible for human rights violations.
Source: International Criminal Court

2. US Supreme Court to Rule on Presidential Immunity in Trump Case

The US Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on whether Donald Trump can claim presidential immunity to avoid prosecution in cases linked to the 2021 Capitol riot. This ruling could have major implications for presidential accountability and executive power.
Source: Supreme Court of the United States

3. EU Approves Stricter AI Regulation Under New AI Act

The European Parliament has officially approved the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, introducing stricter regulations on AI development and deployment, particularly for high-risk applications such as facial recognition and automated decision-making.
Source: European Parliament

4. UK Supreme Court Rules Against Government’s Rwanda Deportation Plan

The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the government’s plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda is unlawful, citing concerns over human rights violations. This ruling is a major setback for the UK’s immigration policy.
Source: Supreme Court of the United Kingdom

5. China Introduces New Cybersecurity Law Targeting Foreign Tech Firms

China has passed a new cybersecurity law that imposes tighter restrictions on foreign tech companies, requiring them to store user data within China and allow government access when demanded. Critics argue this move is aimed at controlling digital information.
Source: National People’s Congress of China

6. UN Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza, Condemns Civilian Casualties

The United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, citing rising civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis. However, key members like the US and Israel abstained from voting, making enforcement uncertain.
Source: United Nations

7. France’s Top Court Upholds Ban on Abaya in Schools

The French Council of State has upheld the government’s ban on abayas in public schools, ruling that the move aligns with France’s secularism laws. The decision has sparked controversy among religious freedom advocates.
Source: Conseil d'État (France)

8. Canada Passes Landmark Indigenous Rights Legislation

Canada has passed a historic law recognizing the self-governance rights of Indigenous communities, allowing them greater control over land, resources, and legal systems. This law aligns with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Source: Parliament of Canada

9. Russia Expands ‘Foreign Agents’ Law to Include Media and NGOs

The Russian government has expanded its controversial 'Foreign Agents' law, requiring NGOs, journalists, and activists receiving foreign funding to register as foreign agents. Critics warn that this will further suppress dissent.
Source: State Duma of Russia

10. Germany Criminalizes Deepfake Misinformation Before Elections

Germany has introduced new legislation that criminalizes the use of deepfake technology to spread false information during elections. This move comes in response to concerns over AI-generated misinformation in political campaigns.
Source: Bundestag (Germany)

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