Lex Regula Weekly News Letter (March 21st to March 30th, 2025)

 Lex Regula Weekly News Letter 

 March 21st To March 30th 

Supreme Court Decisions

---

1. Supreme Court Sets Aside Preventive Detention Order (March 24, 2025)

   • The Supreme Court quashed a preventive detention order against an alleged syndicate member involved in gold smuggling. The Court held that the detaining authority failed to consider the bail conditions imposed by the Magistrate, thus violating Article 21.
     📚 Source: LiveLaw

2. SC Allows Live Streaming of Constitution Bench Cases (March 22, 2025)

   • In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court permitted live streaming of Constitution Bench proceedings related to matters of public interest, including cases involving the interpretation of constitutional provisions.
     📚 Source: Bar and Bench

3. No Bar on Revision of GST Returns Beyond Deadline (March 21, 2025)

   • The Supreme Court allowed revisions in GST returns beyond the prescribed deadline in cases where the taxpayer’s mistake was bona fide and did not cause loss of revenue.
     📚 Source: Economic Times

4. Suo Motu Case Against Allahabad High Court's Order on Rape Definition (March 25, 2025)

   • The Supreme Court initiated a suo motu review of an Allahabad High Court order which controversially ruled that certain actions did not amount to rape or attempted rape. The case was registered as In Re: Order dated 17.03.2025 passed by Allahabad High Court.
     📚 Source: Indian Legal Live

5. Upholding of Electoral Bond Disclosure Verdict (March 26, 2025)

• The Supreme Court refused to stay its previous order that mandated disclosure of electoral bond details. The Court reiterated that transparency in political funding is essential to uphold democracy.
  📚 Source: Hindustan Times

High Court Decisions

---

Delhi High Court:

1. Delhi HC Denies Relief to JSW Steel and Trafigura (March 30, 2025)

   • The Delhi High Court refused to allow JSW Steel and Trafigura to clear shipments of low-ash metallurgical coke worth $90 million, aligning with India’s import restrictions to protect domestic industries.
     📚 Source: Reuters

2. Delhi HC Declines to Restrain Winzo’s Tagline (March 21, 2025)

   • The Court dismissed CreativeLand Advertising’s plea to restrain Winzo from using the tagline “Jeeto Har DinZo,” citing lack of substantial evidence of passing off.
     📚 Source: Law Wiser

3. Delhi HC Orders Release of Detained Foreign Nationals (March 25, 2025)

   • The Delhi High Court ordered the immediate release of 22 foreign nationals who had been detained beyond their visa expiry. The Court reiterated that detention cannot be extended indefinitely without following due process.
     📚 Source: Bar and Bench

---

Allahabad High Court:

1. Allahabad HC Weekly Roundup: Lawrence Bishnoi Case (March 30, 2025)

   • The Allahabad High Court addressed multiple cases, including proceedings involving the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang and corruption allegations against state officials. The Court observed that such cases needed expedited hearings to ensure swift justice.
     📚 Source: SCC Online

2. Allahabad HC Seeks Government Reply on EWS Quota Expansion (March 28, 2025)

   • A Division Bench of the Allahabad High Court sought the state government’s response on a PIL challenging the expansion of the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota beyond 10%, citing violation of constitutional principles.
     📚 Source: India Legal

---

Calcutta High Court:

1. Calcutta HC Issues Notice on Land Acquisition Case (March 27, 2025)

   • The Calcutta High Court issued notices to the West Bengal government in a PIL challenging the land acquisition process for a highway project, citing procedural lapses and non-payment of adequate compensation to displaced families.
     📚 Source: The Telegraph

2. Calcutta HC Permits Transfer of Pending Case Records (March 29, 2025)

   • The High Court approved the transfer of pending case records related to the Circuit Bench to ensure better case management and faster disposal of old cases.
     📚 Source: Calcutta High Court Notification

---

Bombay High Court:

1. Bombay HC Quashes FIR Against Social Activist (March 25, 2025)

   • The Bombay High Court quashed an FIR filed against a prominent social activist for allegedly instigating violence during a farmers’ protest, citing lack of evidence.
     📚 Source: Hindustan Times

2. Bombay HC Asks Maharashtra Govt to Provide Data on Caste Census (March 28, 2025)

   • The Bombay High Court directed the Maharashtra government to submit a detailed report on the methodology and findings of the caste census conducted in the state.
     📚 Source: Times of India

---

Madras High Court:

1. Madras HC Orders Closure of Polluting Industries in Chennai (March 26, 2025)

   • The Madras High Court ordered the immediate closure of five industrial units in Chennai found guilty of polluting groundwater and violating environmental norms.
     📚 Source: The Hindu

2. Madras HC Grants Bail to Jailed YouTuber (March 29, 2025)

   • The Madras High Court granted bail to a YouTuber who was arrested under sedition charges for allegedly criticizing the state government’s policies.
     📚 Source: New Indian Express

📚 International Judicial Developments

---

1. US Supreme Court Upholds Ban on TikTok Ownership by Chinese Firms (March 23, 2025)

   • The US Supreme Court upheld legislation banning Chinese firms from holding ownership stakes in social media apps operating in the US, citing national security concerns.
     📚 Source: BBC

2. European Court Rules Against Poland on Judicial Independence (March 25, 2025)

   • The European Court of Justice ruled that Poland’s judicial reforms violated the EU’s principles of judicial independence and ordered corrective measures.
     📚 Source: The Guardian

PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATIONS (PILs)

⚖️ Supreme Court of India

---

1. PIL on Uniform Implementation of National Education Policy (NEP)

• Filed: March 22, 2025

• Petitioner: Advocate Ashish Kumar

• Key Issue: The petitioner sought a directive to ensure the uniform implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 across all states and union territories. The PIL highlighted inconsistencies in the adoption of NEP provisions by different states, leading to disparities in educational standards.

• Status: The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Union Government and all state governments, directing them to submit detailed reports on the current implementation status within six weeks.
  📚 Source: LiveLaw

2. PIL Seeking Regulation of AI-Based Content to Prevent Misinformation

• Filed: March 24, 2025

• Petitioner: Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF)

• Key Issue: The PIL sought strict regulations on AI-generated content, highlighting concerns over misinformation, deepfakes, and harmful propaganda circulating on social media. The petitioner demanded that the government establish a framework for regulating and labeling AI-generated content.

• Status: The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Electronics and IT.
  📚 Source: Bar and Bench

3. PIL on Honey-Trap Scandal in Karnataka

• Filed: March 25, 2025

• Petitioner: NGO 'Citizens for Justice'

• Key Issue: The PIL sought a CBI investigation into the alleged honey-trap scandal involving Karnataka judges and ministers. The petition highlighted concerns about judicial integrity and demanded an independent inquiry to uncover the nexus between politicians and criminals.

• Status: The Chief Justice of India has agreed to list the petition for an expedited hearing.
  📚 Source: Law Wiser

4. PIL on Increasing Oxygen Supply in Government Hospitals

• Filed: March 27, 2025

• Petitioner: Delhi-based NGO ‘Health Rights Forum’

• Key Issue: The petition sought an increase in oxygen supply infrastructure in government hospitals to avoid any potential shortage in future health emergencies. It pointed out that despite promises made after the COVID-19 crisis, no concrete steps had been taken by the Centre and State Governments.

• Status: The Supreme Court directed the Union Health Ministry to provide an updated status report within four weeks.
  📚 Source: Hindustan Times

5. PIL Challenging Misuse of Preventive Detention Laws

• Filed: March 28, 2025

• Petitioner: Advocate Prashant Bhushan

• Key Issue: The PIL challenged the growing misuse of preventive detention laws such as the NSA (National Security Act) and UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act). The petitioner alleged that these laws were often misused against activists and journalists.

• Status: The Court directed the Attorney General to assist in framing new guidelines to prevent misuse.
  📚 Source: LiveLaw

⚖️ High Courts PILs

🏛️ Delhi High Court

---

1. PIL Against Misleading Advertisements by E-Commerce Platforms

• Filed: March 23, 2025

• Petitioner: Consumer Rights Forum

• Key Issue: The petition challenged the misleading discount schemes and false price claims by e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart. The PIL demanded stricter regulations and penalties for such practices.

• Status: The Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).
  📚 Source: Economic Times

2. PIL for Protection of Trees During Infrastructure Projects

• Filed: March 26, 2025

• Petitioner: Delhi Environmental Protection Society

• Key Issue: The PIL highlighted the lack of measures to protect trees during road-widening and metro expansion projects in Delhi. It sought directives for replantation and compensation for environmental damage.

• Status: The Court directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to submit an environmental impact assessment report.
  📚 Source: The Hindu

🏛️ Allahabad High Court

---

1. PIL Seeking Regulation of Unlicensed Coaching Centers

• Filed: March 24, 2025

• Petitioner: Uttar Pradesh Parents Association

• Key Issue: The PIL sought regulation of unlicensed coaching centers in Uttar Pradesh, alleging that many centers operated without valid licenses, compromising the quality of education.

• Status: The High Court directed the state education department to provide a list of recognized and unrecognized coaching centers within four weeks.
  📚 Source: India Legal

2. PIL on Slaughterhouse Waste During Maha Kumbh 2025

• Filed: March 28, 2025

• Petitioner: Ganga Bachao Samiti

• Key Issue: The PIL sought a ban on discharging slaughterhouse waste into the Ganga during the Maha Kumbh 2025. The petitioner argued that the pollution of the holy river violated the right to clean water under Article 21.

• Status: The High Court issued an interim order directing the state government to ensure strict monitoring of waste disposal practices.
  📚 Source: India Legal

🏛️ Bombay High Court

---

1. PIL Seeking Inclusion of Mental Health in School Curriculum

• Filed: March 21, 2025

• Petitioner: Maharashtra Students Welfare Association

• Key Issue: The PIL emphasized the need to introduce mental health awareness as part of the school curriculum, citing increasing cases of depression and anxiety among students.

• Status: The Court directed the Maharashtra State Education Board to submit a detailed proposal on integrating mental health modules.
  📚 Source: The Times of India
  
  

🏛️ Calcutta High Court

---

1. PIL Seeking Scrutiny of Police Encounter Cases in West Bengal

• Filed: March 25, 2025

• Petitioner: Human Rights Watch (India)

• Key Issue: The PIL sought a judicial inquiry into the rising incidents of police encounters in West Bengal, alleging that many encounters were staged.

• Status: The Court issued notices to the State Home Department and directed the formation of an independent committee to examine encounter cases.
  📚 Source: The Telegraph

🏛️ Madras High Court

---

1. PIL on Regulation of Online Gaming Platforms

• Filed: March 29, 2025

• Petitioner: Tamil Nadu Legal Aid Forum

• Key Issue: The PIL called for stricter regulations on online gaming platforms to prevent gambling addiction among minors and vulnerable individuals.

• Status: The High Court sought responses from the Tamil Nadu government and the Ministry of Information Technology.
  📚 Source: New Indian Express

Please subscribe 😇 to Lex Regula & Like our Facebook Page for latest updates of the legal world.