🌞 Good Morning!
👨🏽⚖️ Should a sitting judge engage in critical public deconstruction of settled judicial decisions? We revisit the question in light of Justice Bhuyan's recent speech: https://bit.ly/4yXUx1y
🏳️⚧️ On Monday, the Supreme Court deferred consideration of interim protection for transgender identity cards issued under the 2019 Act. Read: https://bit.ly/4yUWWtz
📬 From the constitutional validity of life sentences to post-facto environmental clearance, here are five unmissable Supreme Court decisions from last week: https://bit.ly/4w8taiz
👨🏽⚖️ Should a sitting judge engage in critical public deconstruction of settled judicial decisions? We revisit the question in light of Justice Bhuyan's recent speech: https://bit.ly/4yXUx1y
🏳️⚧️ On Monday, the Supreme Court deferred consideration of interim protection for transgender identity cards issued under the 2019 Act. Read: https://bit.ly/4yUWWtz
📬 From the constitutional validity of life sentences to post-facto environmental clearance, here are five unmissable Supreme Court decisions from last week: https://bit.ly/4w8taiz
Supreme Court Observer
An exercise in introspection - Supreme Court Observer
🌸 Good Morning!
🌳 On 29 July, a three-Judge Bench of the Supreme Court delivered the final judgement in Vanashakti v Union of India and declared prior environmental clearance mandatory. Read: https://bit.ly/4fR1yIC
🗃️ July recorded over 95,000 pending cases. We analyse the pendency, institution and disposal trends of this year: https://bit.ly/4wDp5nz
📊 A newly launched Judicial Transparency Index scores the higher judiciary in India on 68 indicators and across 18 themes. We examine: https://bit.ly/4fPfnan
🌳 On 29 July, a three-Judge Bench of the Supreme Court delivered the final judgement in Vanashakti v Union of India and declared prior environmental clearance mandatory. Read: https://bit.ly/4fR1yIC
🗃️ July recorded over 95,000 pending cases. We analyse the pendency, institution and disposal trends of this year: https://bit.ly/4wDp5nz
📊 A newly launched Judicial Transparency Index scores the higher judiciary in India on 68 indicators and across 18 themes. We examine: https://bit.ly/4fPfnan
Supreme Court Observer
Vanashakti III restores rule and exception - Supreme Court Observer
A three-Judge Bench declares prior clearance mandatory, corrects the precedent record, and forgives every project already in the pipeline.
🌺 Good Morning!
🌳 On 29 July, the Supreme Court held that the Environment (Protection) Act allows limited post-facto environmental clearances in exceptional cases. We analyse the Vanashakti litigation and it's line of precedent: https://bit.ly/4fR1yIC
⚖️ Our summary of the Vanashakti III judgement explains the limited statutory exception recognised by the Court and breaks down its findings on the key issues. Read: https://bit.ly/4fRwmud
🗃️ Pendency in the Supreme Court remained above the 95,000-mark at the end of July 2026. We map out the trends across pendency, institution and disposal of cases this year: https://bit.ly/4wDp5nz
🌳 On 29 July, the Supreme Court held that the Environment (Protection) Act allows limited post-facto environmental clearances in exceptional cases. We analyse the Vanashakti litigation and it's line of precedent: https://bit.ly/4fR1yIC
⚖️ Our summary of the Vanashakti III judgement explains the limited statutory exception recognised by the Court and breaks down its findings on the key issues. Read: https://bit.ly/4fRwmud
🗃️ Pendency in the Supreme Court remained above the 95,000-mark at the end of July 2026. We map out the trends across pendency, institution and disposal of cases this year: https://bit.ly/4wDp5nz
Supreme Court Observer
Vanashakti III restores rule and exception - Supreme Court Observer
A three-Judge Bench declares prior clearance mandatory, corrects the precedent record, and forgives every project already in the pipeline.
🌞 Good morning!
⚖️ Our commentary examines the Supreme Court’s 2026 Report on gender-sensitive judging and whether it addresses all forms of gender stereotypes: https://bit.ly/4xmKUI2
🗞️ The 2026 Report replaces the Court’s 2023 gender stereotypes handbook, which CJI Surya Kant described “too Harvard-oriented.” Our newsletter examines the questions raised by the new report: https://bit.ly/4fM6P5s
🌐 On 7 August, the Supreme Court heard challenges to provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and its Rules. Our hearing report: https://bit.ly/4xtkV1s
🏔️ On 30 July, the Supreme Court directed the inquiry into Himachal Pradesh’s depleting ecology to the Central Empowered Committee. We analyse the move: https://bit.ly/4fPWRjG
⚖️ Our commentary examines the Supreme Court’s 2026 Report on gender-sensitive judging and whether it addresses all forms of gender stereotypes: https://bit.ly/4xmKUI2
🗞️ The 2026 Report replaces the Court’s 2023 gender stereotypes handbook, which CJI Surya Kant described “too Harvard-oriented.” Our newsletter examines the questions raised by the new report: https://bit.ly/4fM6P5s
🌐 On 7 August, the Supreme Court heard challenges to provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and its Rules. Our hearing report: https://bit.ly/4xtkV1s
🏔️ On 30 July, the Supreme Court directed the inquiry into Himachal Pradesh’s depleting ecology to the Central Empowered Committee. We analyse the move: https://bit.ly/4fPWRjG
Supreme Court Observer
From Boston to Bhopal? The SC’s new publication on gender stereotypes - Supreme Court Observer
While the 2026 Report promises more practical training for judges, it may turn out less useful to tackle all kinds of gender stereotypes
🌼 Good morning!
📬 Our latest issue of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR) features five important judgements from 3 to 8 August 2026. Read: https://bit.ly/4g97oFt
♀️ Our newsletter examines whether the Supreme Court’s latest Report on gender-sensitive judging can help combat gender stereotypes and prevent them from distorting judicial outcomes. Read: https://bit.ly/4fM6P5s
🌐 On 7 August, the Supreme Court continued hearing challenges to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. Petitioners argued that it removes an existing public-interest safeguard for disclosing personal information. Read: https://bit.ly/4xtkV1s
📬 Our latest issue of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR) features five important judgements from 3 to 8 August 2026. Read: https://bit.ly/4g97oFt
♀️ Our newsletter examines whether the Supreme Court’s latest Report on gender-sensitive judging can help combat gender stereotypes and prevent them from distorting judicial outcomes. Read: https://bit.ly/4fM6P5s
🌐 On 7 August, the Supreme Court continued hearing challenges to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. Petitioners argued that it removes an existing public-interest safeguard for disclosing personal information. Read: https://bit.ly/4xtkV1s
Supreme Court Observer
SCO.LR | 2026 | Volume 8 | Issue 2 - Supreme Court Observer
In this issue, we shortlist five important judgements from 3 August to 8 August 2026
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🌄 Good Morning!
👨⚖️ The Justice Yashwant Varma Inquiry Report is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament today. The Committee had submitted its report to Speaker Om Birla on 18 May: https://bit.ly/4ulztPD
📬 The latest issue of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR) brings you five notable judgements from last week: https://bit.ly/4g97oFt
🗂️ The 2026 Report on Gender and Sensitivity promises practical training for judges, but may fall short in addressing all forms of gender stereotypes: https://bit.ly/4xmKUI2
⚖️ What is a Lok Adalat? Who organises it and what cases does it take up? Find out on our Procedure page: https://bit.ly/3TQ5aDy
👨⚖️ The Justice Yashwant Varma Inquiry Report is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament today. The Committee had submitted its report to Speaker Om Birla on 18 May: https://bit.ly/4ulztPD
📬 The latest issue of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR) brings you five notable judgements from last week: https://bit.ly/4g97oFt
🗂️ The 2026 Report on Gender and Sensitivity promises practical training for judges, but may fall short in addressing all forms of gender stereotypes: https://bit.ly/4xmKUI2
⚖️ What is a Lok Adalat? Who organises it and what cases does it take up? Find out on our Procedure page: https://bit.ly/3TQ5aDy
Supreme Court Observer
Inquiry Committee submits report on Justice Yashwant Varma to Speaker Om Birla - Supreme Court Observer
The Lok Sabha speaker set a precedent by directing the committee to complete its work despite Justice Varma's resignation
🌼 Good Morning!
🧑🏻⚖️ Yesterday, the Secretaries-General of both Houses of Parliament tabled the Judges Inquiry Committee’s report on the Justice Yashwant Varma cash-in-house controversy. The Committee concluded that all three Articles of Charge against him stand proved: https://bit.ly/4fTMMCf
⚖️ Yesterday, the Supreme Court listed hearings in two seven-judge Bench matters:
• 🏛️ Challenge to States’ power to impose taxes based on annual turnover — from 22 September 2026: https://bit.ly/4z8rJTT
• 🗣️ MLA immunity under Article 194 and freedom of speech — from 6 October 2026: https://bit.ly/3UedSeN
📖 In our review of They Created a Nation: The Omnipresence of “Due Process” in the Indian Constitution, we examine the “due process” clause deliberately omitted by the framers of the Constitution. Read: https://bit.ly/3TJxOGn
🧑🏻⚖️ Yesterday, the Secretaries-General of both Houses of Parliament tabled the Judges Inquiry Committee’s report on the Justice Yashwant Varma cash-in-house controversy. The Committee concluded that all three Articles of Charge against him stand proved: https://bit.ly/4fTMMCf
⚖️ Yesterday, the Supreme Court listed hearings in two seven-judge Bench matters:
• 🏛️ Challenge to States’ power to impose taxes based on annual turnover — from 22 September 2026: https://bit.ly/4z8rJTT
• 🗣️ MLA immunity under Article 194 and freedom of speech — from 6 October 2026: https://bit.ly/3UedSeN
📖 In our review of They Created a Nation: The Omnipresence of “Due Process” in the Indian Constitution, we examine the “due process” clause deliberately omitted by the framers of the Constitution. Read: https://bit.ly/3TJxOGn
Supreme Court Observer
The Justice Yashwant Varma report answers its absent Judge - Supreme Court Observer
A statutory inquiry, once seized of definite charges, survives the resignation and boycott of the judge it examines.
🌷 Good Morning!
🧑🏻⚖️ On 12 August, the report of the Judges Inquiry Committee on the Justice Yashwant Varma cash-in-house controversy was laid before both Houses of Parliament. All three Articles of Charge stand proved. Our analysis: https://bit.ly/466oT4p
📘 A recent book by N. Kavitha Rameshwar traces the journey of due process from the Magna Carta to American law and the Indian Constitution. Our Book Review: https://bit.ly/3TJxOGn
⚖️ The Supreme Court has scheduled hearings in two seven-judge Constitution Bench matters:
1. Whether States may impose a surcharge on sales tax computed on annual turnover — 22 September 2026: https://bit.ly/4z8rJTT
2. Whether Legislative Privilege under Article 194 overrides free speech under Article 19(1)— 6 October 2026: https://bit.ly/3UedSeN
🧑🏻⚖️ On 12 August, the report of the Judges Inquiry Committee on the Justice Yashwant Varma cash-in-house controversy was laid before both Houses of Parliament. All three Articles of Charge stand proved. Our analysis: https://bit.ly/466oT4p
📘 A recent book by N. Kavitha Rameshwar traces the journey of due process from the Magna Carta to American law and the Indian Constitution. Our Book Review: https://bit.ly/3TJxOGn
⚖️ The Supreme Court has scheduled hearings in two seven-judge Constitution Bench matters:
1. Whether States may impose a surcharge on sales tax computed on annual turnover — 22 September 2026: https://bit.ly/4z8rJTT
2. Whether Legislative Privilege under Article 194 overrides free speech under Article 19(1)— 6 October 2026: https://bit.ly/3UedSeN
Supreme Court Observer
The Justice Yashwant Varma report answers its absent Judge - Supreme Court Observer
A statutory inquiry, once seized of definite charges, survives the resignation and boycott of the judge it examines.
🌼 Good Morning!
🇮🇳 Our Independence Day newsletter looks back at 79 years of India’s independence and the growing influence of “Swadeshi jurisprudence” in courts and classrooms. Read: https://bit.ly/4wXRiWf
⚖️ On 22 July, the Court issued notice issued in a writ petition filed by Shiv Sena (UBT), challenging Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s authority to recognise the merger of its legislators with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. We summarise the petition: https://bit.ly/4gznOrU
📃 On 20 July, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal filed a PIL seeking an authoritative interpretation of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The petition argues that incorrect reading of the anti-defection law facilitates defections. Read our petition summary: https://bit.ly/4xLb6fD
🇮🇳 Our Independence Day newsletter looks back at 79 years of India’s independence and the growing influence of “Swadeshi jurisprudence” in courts and classrooms. Read: https://bit.ly/4wXRiWf
⚖️ On 22 July, the Court issued notice issued in a writ petition filed by Shiv Sena (UBT), challenging Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s authority to recognise the merger of its legislators with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. We summarise the petition: https://bit.ly/4gznOrU
📃 On 20 July, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal filed a PIL seeking an authoritative interpretation of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. The petition argues that incorrect reading of the anti-defection law facilitates defections. Read our petition summary: https://bit.ly/4xLb6fD
Supreme Court Observer
Law, history, and ideas of India - Supreme Court Observer
🌼 Good Morning!
🏳️⚧️ Yesterday, the Supreme Court recorded the Union’s statement that transgender identity cards issued before the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026 came into force will remain valid, subject to the outcome of the proceedings: https://bit.ly/3TXOSZi
📽️ The Transgender Amendment Act is currently under challenge before the Supreme Court. After three hearings, we recap the latest developments: https://bit.ly/4bUPbdz
⚖️ Volume 8 Issue 3 of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR) shortlists five important judgements from 10 to 14 August. Read: https://bit.ly/4g3qXQM
🏳️⚧️ Yesterday, the Supreme Court recorded the Union’s statement that transgender identity cards issued before the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026 came into force will remain valid, subject to the outcome of the proceedings: https://bit.ly/3TXOSZi
📽️ The Transgender Amendment Act is currently under challenge before the Supreme Court. After three hearings, we recap the latest developments: https://bit.ly/4bUPbdz
⚖️ Volume 8 Issue 3 of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR) shortlists five important judgements from 10 to 14 August. Read: https://bit.ly/4g3qXQM
Supreme Court Observer
Union promises no disruption to transgender identity cards already issued - Supreme Court Observer
Petitioners sought to preserve rights flowing from the 2019 law amid changes under the 2026 amendment
🌸 Good Morning!
🪧 Yesterday, the Supreme Court indicated that it may use Article 142 to quash FIRs against students who participated in the recent protests. It clarified that cases involving persons accused of grave offences will continue separately. Read more: https://bit.ly/4qqhDtL
🏛️ On 3 August, CJI Surya Kant inaugurated 16 special courts at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court Complex. We examine the push for courts dedicated to anti-terror, narcotics and organised crime cases, and why this does not necessarily create judicial capacity. Read: https://bit.ly/3ShlXik
🏳️⚧️ On Monday, the Union assured that transgender identity cards issued before the commencement of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026 will not be disturbed. Our report: https://bit.ly/3TXOSZi
⚖️ Volume 8 Issue 3 of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR) highlights five of the most important judgements delivered last week: https://bit.ly/4g3qXQM
🪧 Yesterday, the Supreme Court indicated that it may use Article 142 to quash FIRs against students who participated in the recent protests. It clarified that cases involving persons accused of grave offences will continue separately. Read more: https://bit.ly/4qqhDtL
🏛️ On 3 August, CJI Surya Kant inaugurated 16 special courts at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court Complex. We examine the push for courts dedicated to anti-terror, narcotics and organised crime cases, and why this does not necessarily create judicial capacity. Read: https://bit.ly/3ShlXik
🏳️⚧️ On Monday, the Union assured that transgender identity cards issued before the commencement of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026 will not be disturbed. Our report: https://bit.ly/3TXOSZi
⚖️ Volume 8 Issue 3 of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR) highlights five of the most important judgements delivered last week: https://bit.ly/4g3qXQM
Supreme Court Observer
SC says Jantar Mantar protest FIRs cannot define students’ futures - Supreme Court Observer
The Court said Article 142 can clear FIRs involving students alone, while cases against those accused of grave offences will continue separately
🌞 Good Morning!
🗓️ Today a nine-judge Constitution Bench will pronounce its judgement on the definition of “industry” under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The Court had reserved its verdict in March, following 3 days of arguments. Our case background: https://bit.ly/4bY5uGm
❓Our explainer analyses the stakes in the case that could reshape India’s labour jurisprudence: https://bit.ly/4bnYktW
🧩 The nine-judge bench will also reconsider a 1978 decision which favoured an expansive definition of “industry” under the Act. Our arguments matrix summarises the key contentions: https://bit.ly/4d2d5VK
🏭 In a commentary, Justice K. Chandru, former judge of the Madras High Court, wrote that the nine-judge bench hearing on the definition is "a waste of judicial time." Read: https://bit.ly/4lO5oF0
📑 Stay tuned to scobserver.in as we breakdown, summarise and analyse the verdict!
🗓️ Today a nine-judge Constitution Bench will pronounce its judgement on the definition of “industry” under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The Court had reserved its verdict in March, following 3 days of arguments. Our case background: https://bit.ly/4bY5uGm
❓Our explainer analyses the stakes in the case that could reshape India’s labour jurisprudence: https://bit.ly/4bnYktW
🧩 The nine-judge bench will also reconsider a 1978 decision which favoured an expansive definition of “industry” under the Act. Our arguments matrix summarises the key contentions: https://bit.ly/4d2d5VK
🏭 In a commentary, Justice K. Chandru, former judge of the Madras High Court, wrote that the nine-judge bench hearing on the definition is "a waste of judicial time." Read: https://bit.ly/4lO5oF0
📑 Stay tuned to scobserver.in as we breakdown, summarise and analyse the verdict!
Supreme Court Observer
Definition of "Industry" - Case Page - Supreme Court Observer
A nine-judge Bench of the Supreme Court unanimously held that the triple test laid down in Bangalore Water Supply v A. Rajappa (1978) will determine all pending industrial disputes.
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Today, a nine-judge Constitution Bench will determine the definition of "industry" under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
🧵 Follow this thread for live-updates from the pronouncement: https://x.com/scobserver/status/2090300278058917998
🧵 Follow this thread for live-updates from the pronouncement: https://x.com/scobserver/status/2090300278058917998
X (formerly Twitter)
Supreme Court Observer (@scobserver) on X
Today, a nine-judge Constitution Bench will determine the definition of "industry" under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
🧵 Follow this thread for live-updates from the pronouncement. Live-st…
🧵 Follow this thread for live-updates from the pronouncement. Live-st…
🌞 Good Morning!
🏭 Yesterday, a nine-judge Constitution Bench held that while the 1978 definition of "industry" has stood the test of time, some aspects of the triple test require refinement. The reformulated test will apply prospectively. Our report: https://bit.ly/4imgxNr
🔖 _"14 Lawyers: Portraits from the Bar"_ by Senior Advocate Raju Ramachandran tells the story of Nirmal and Kapila Hingorani, the couple behind the first PIL in India. An excerpt: https://bit.ly/3TZkqhs
🌐 Can AI companies be allowed to train their technology on copyrighted material in "public interest"? IP lawyer Aparajita Lath analyses a recent Delhi High Court decision: https://bit.ly/4ilAJix
🏭 Yesterday, a nine-judge Constitution Bench held that while the 1978 definition of "industry" has stood the test of time, some aspects of the triple test require refinement. The reformulated test will apply prospectively. Our report: https://bit.ly/4imgxNr
🔖 _"14 Lawyers: Portraits from the Bar"_ by Senior Advocate Raju Ramachandran tells the story of Nirmal and Kapila Hingorani, the couple behind the first PIL in India. An excerpt: https://bit.ly/3TZkqhs
🌐 Can AI companies be allowed to train their technology on copyrighted material in "public interest"? IP lawyer Aparajita Lath analyses a recent Delhi High Court decision: https://bit.ly/4ilAJix
Supreme Court Observer
1978 “Industry” test to determine pending cases - Supreme Court Observer
Majority held the reference maintainable and left pending disputes to be decided under the 1978 triple test
💤 Good Morning!
📅 We don’t usually send out our message on Saturdays, but today is a working day for the Supreme Court, so here’s what’s happening:
👨🏻⚖️ Justice Sanjay Karol retires from the Supreme Court today, after a tenure of three and a half years. On the occasion of his retirement, we look back at:
* ✍🏼 His notable judgements: https://bit.ly/4zvUGt3
* 📊 His tenure in numbers: https://bit.ly/4xa37J7
🏭 On 20 August, a nine-judge Constitution Bench held that a reference seeking reconsideration of the definition of “industry” is maintainable. Read our:
* 📈 Judgement matrix: https://bit.ly/4ihwAw4
* 📝 Judgement summary: https://bit.ly/4gorCuL
⚖️ Yesterday, the Supreme Court modified its 2025 mandate requiring Civil Judge (Junior Division) candidates to have three years of practical experience at the Bar. It held that the requirement could be met through a combination of institutional training and supervised work. Read: https://bit.ly/4qy34V0
📅 We don’t usually send out our message on Saturdays, but today is a working day for the Supreme Court, so here’s what’s happening:
👨🏻⚖️ Justice Sanjay Karol retires from the Supreme Court today, after a tenure of three and a half years. On the occasion of his retirement, we look back at:
* ✍🏼 His notable judgements: https://bit.ly/4zvUGt3
* 📊 His tenure in numbers: https://bit.ly/4xa37J7
🏭 On 20 August, a nine-judge Constitution Bench held that a reference seeking reconsideration of the definition of “industry” is maintainable. Read our:
* 📈 Judgement matrix: https://bit.ly/4ihwAw4
* 📝 Judgement summary: https://bit.ly/4gorCuL
⚖️ Yesterday, the Supreme Court modified its 2025 mandate requiring Civil Judge (Junior Division) candidates to have three years of practical experience at the Bar. It held that the requirement could be met through a combination of institutional training and supervised work. Read: https://bit.ly/4qy34V0
Supreme Court Observer
Justice Sanjay Karol’s notable judgements
From proportionality in criminal sentencing to nationwide directives, Justice Karol leaves a legacy of firm and precise adjudication
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🌻 Good Morning!
⚖️ Our latest newsletter responds to the recent NALSAR row, looking at the Supreme Court's archival practices and record of judicial outreach: https://bit.ly/3Uvm8XW
👨🏻⚖️ On the occassion of Justice Sanjay Karol retirement, we look back at:
* ✍🏼 His notable judgements: https://bit.ly/4zvUGt3
* 📊 His tenure in numbers: https://bit.ly/4xa37J7
🏭 The recent nine-judge Constitution Bench decision on definition of “industry” contained 5 opinions. Learn more through our:
* 📈 Judgement matrix: https://bit.ly/4ihwAw4
* 📝 Judgement summary: https://bit.ly/4gorCuL
⚖️ Our latest newsletter responds to the recent NALSAR row, looking at the Supreme Court's archival practices and record of judicial outreach: https://bit.ly/3Uvm8XW
👨🏻⚖️ On the occassion of Justice Sanjay Karol retirement, we look back at:
* ✍🏼 His notable judgements: https://bit.ly/4zvUGt3
* 📊 His tenure in numbers: https://bit.ly/4xa37J7
🏭 The recent nine-judge Constitution Bench decision on definition of “industry” contained 5 opinions. Learn more through our:
* 📈 Judgement matrix: https://bit.ly/4ihwAw4
* 📝 Judgement summary: https://bit.ly/4gorCuL
Supreme Court Observer
Speaking out
The NALSAR row shows how judicial outreach increasingly invites dialogue, dissent and demands for transparency
🌇 Good Morning!
📬 The Supreme Court delivered 28 reportable judgements between 17 and 21 August 2026. Our latest issue of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports highlights five of the most important ones: https://bit.ly/4gu6ymW
⚖️ Our newsletter examines whether the Supreme Court has bridged the gap between institutional facts and public perception in light of the NALSAR controversy. Read: https://bit.ly/3Uvm8XW
🏭 The nine-judge Constitution Bench judgement on the definition of “industry” spans 489 pages and contains five opinions. Explore our:
* 📝 Judgement summary: https://bit.ly/4gorCuL
* 📈 Judgement matrix: https://bit.ly/4ihwAw4
📬 The Supreme Court delivered 28 reportable judgements between 17 and 21 August 2026. Our latest issue of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports highlights five of the most important ones: https://bit.ly/4gu6ymW
⚖️ Our newsletter examines whether the Supreme Court has bridged the gap between institutional facts and public perception in light of the NALSAR controversy. Read: https://bit.ly/3Uvm8XW
🏭 The nine-judge Constitution Bench judgement on the definition of “industry” spans 489 pages and contains five opinions. Explore our:
* 📝 Judgement summary: https://bit.ly/4gorCuL
* 📈 Judgement matrix: https://bit.ly/4ihwAw4
Supreme Court Observer
SCO.LR | 2026 | Volume 8 | Issue 4 - Supreme Court Observer
The Supreme Court delivered 28 judgements between 17 to 21 August 2026. In this issue, we identified five of the most important ones…
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🌼 Good Morning!
⚖️ On 13 August, the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026 received Presidential assent, three days after its introduction in Parliament. Prashant Reddy T. writes that the new Act could pave the way for another round of litigation. Read: https://bit.ly/4gkHcsI
🏭 Contributing Editor V. Venkatesan analyses the nine-judge “industry” verdict and examines what it leaves open for the new Industrial Relations Code. Read: https://bit.ly/4wUmDZb
🗳️ On 25 August, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to disclose the number of appeals pending against the deletion and inclusion of voters in West Bengal’s electoral rolls. Read: https://bit.ly/4gPYle2
🗃️ The Supreme Court’s three-day Special Lok Adalat concluded on 23 August. Of 3285 cases listed, 1712 were resolved, including 48 through mediation. We analyse: https://bit.ly/4zDTlR8
⚖️ On 13 August, the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026 received Presidential assent, three days after its introduction in Parliament. Prashant Reddy T. writes that the new Act could pave the way for another round of litigation. Read: https://bit.ly/4gkHcsI
🏭 Contributing Editor V. Venkatesan analyses the nine-judge “industry” verdict and examines what it leaves open for the new Industrial Relations Code. Read: https://bit.ly/4wUmDZb
🗳️ On 25 August, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to disclose the number of appeals pending against the deletion and inclusion of voters in West Bengal’s electoral rolls. Read: https://bit.ly/4gPYle2
🗃️ The Supreme Court’s three-day Special Lok Adalat concluded on 23 August. Of 3285 cases listed, 1712 were resolved, including 48 through mediation. We analyse: https://bit.ly/4zDTlR8
Supreme Court Observer
New tribunal law raises more questions than answers - Supreme Court Observer
The Tribunal Reforms Act, 2026 paves the way for yet another round of litigation
🌇 Good Morning!
🗳️ On Tuesday, the Supreme Court sought details of appeals against the deletion and inclusion of voters in West Bengal’s electoral rolls. It also considered whether voters whose names were deleted should receive priority in the disposal of appeals. Our hearing report: https://bit.ly/4gPYle2
🪧 On 25 August, the Court agreed to list an interim application seeking the reconstitution of the High-Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC) investigating allegations of police excesses during the 20 July student protests at Jantar Mantar. Read: https://bit.ly/4wLE7Xz
⚖️ On 13 August, the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026 received Presidential assent just three days after its introduction in Parliament. In his commentary, Prashant Reddy T. explains why the Act could trigger further litigation once the qualification criteria for tribunal members are notified. Read: https://bit.ly/4gkHcsI
🗳️ On Tuesday, the Supreme Court sought details of appeals against the deletion and inclusion of voters in West Bengal’s electoral rolls. It also considered whether voters whose names were deleted should receive priority in the disposal of appeals. Our hearing report: https://bit.ly/4gPYle2
🪧 On 25 August, the Court agreed to list an interim application seeking the reconstitution of the High-Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC) investigating allegations of police excesses during the 20 July student protests at Jantar Mantar. Read: https://bit.ly/4wLE7Xz
⚖️ On 13 August, the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026 received Presidential assent just three days after its introduction in Parliament. In his commentary, Prashant Reddy T. explains why the Act could trigger further litigation once the qualification criteria for tribunal members are notified. Read: https://bit.ly/4gkHcsI
Supreme Court Observer
West Bengal SIR | SC directs ECI to disclose status of pending appeals - Supreme Court Observer
Petitioners contended that only seven lakh appeals were filed by voters deleted from electoral rolls
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🌳 Recently, the Supreme Court set aside the 2017 NGT finding that the World Culture Festival organised by the Art of Living Foundation had damaged the Yamuna floodplain. Our analysis: https://bit.ly/4iz8mNW
🗃️ On 25 August, the Court sought details on the number and status of appeals filed before tribunals against the deletion and inclusion of voters in West Bengal’s electoral rolls. The petitioners had submitted that the data was not in the public domain. Read: https://bit.ly/4gPYle2
⚖️ The Tribunals Reforms Act, 2026 marks the Union's fifth attempt at tribunal reform in the last decade. Prashant Reddy T. analyses the Act, pointing out how it leaves tribunals partially dependent on their parent ministries. Read: https://bit.ly/4gkHcsI
🌳 Recently, the Supreme Court set aside the 2017 NGT finding that the World Culture Festival organised by the Art of Living Foundation had damaged the Yamuna floodplain. Our analysis: https://bit.ly/4iz8mNW
🗃️ On 25 August, the Court sought details on the number and status of appeals filed before tribunals against the deletion and inclusion of voters in West Bengal’s electoral rolls. The petitioners had submitted that the data was not in the public domain. Read: https://bit.ly/4gPYle2
⚖️ The Tribunals Reforms Act, 2026 marks the Union's fifth attempt at tribunal reform in the last decade. Prashant Reddy T. analyses the Act, pointing out how it leaves tribunals partially dependent on their parent ministries. Read: https://bit.ly/4gkHcsI
Supreme Court Observer
Proving the polluter: What the Yamuna floodplain verdict demands of environmental liability - Supreme Court Observer
The Supreme Court holds that the polluter pays principle presupposes a proven polluter and a documented ecological baseline.
🌇 Good Morning!
👨🏻⚖️ Our newsletter analyses Justice Sandeep Mehta’s leaked letters to CJI Surya Kant and examines how they present a unique opportunity for the Supreme Court to reinforce public confidence in the institution. Read: https://bit.ly/4zNshPg
3️⃣ Our timeline traces a brief history of how the three-year practice rule in the district judiciary has evolved since 1924. Read: https://bit.ly/3SwNwEt
🏭 The 2020 Code defines “industry” afresh. We analyse how a future Supreme Court bench might treat the commercial-character limb after the recent judgement on the definition of “industry”. Read: https://bit.ly/4wUmDZb
👨🏻⚖️ Our newsletter analyses Justice Sandeep Mehta’s leaked letters to CJI Surya Kant and examines how they present a unique opportunity for the Supreme Court to reinforce public confidence in the institution. Read: https://bit.ly/4zNshPg
3️⃣ Our timeline traces a brief history of how the three-year practice rule in the district judiciary has evolved since 1924. Read: https://bit.ly/3SwNwEt
🏭 The 2020 Code defines “industry” afresh. We analyse how a future Supreme Court bench might treat the commercial-character limb after the recent judgement on the definition of “industry”. Read: https://bit.ly/4wUmDZb
Supreme Court Observer
Raising a complaint - Supreme Court Observer
Justice Sandeep Mehta’s leaked letters present a unique opportunity for the Supreme Court to reassure public faith in itself