🌼 Good Morning!
💉 Last week, the Gujarat High Court quashed the rejection of a couple's IVF treatment request, after finding that the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 (ART Act) prescribes separate age limits for men and women. Read: https://bit.ly/4d21uVO
👨🏻⚖️ On 1 September, the Supreme Court directed seven states to raise the retirement age of district judiciary officers to 62, revisiting the question for the first time since 2002. Read: https://bit.ly/46fa9QX
⚖️ In Volume 9, Issue 1 of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR), we shortlist five notable judgements from last week. Read: https://bit.ly/4xagdFi
💉 Last week, the Gujarat High Court quashed the rejection of a couple's IVF treatment request, after finding that the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 (ART Act) prescribes separate age limits for men and women. Read: https://bit.ly/4d21uVO
👨🏻⚖️ On 1 September, the Supreme Court directed seven states to raise the retirement age of district judiciary officers to 62, revisiting the question for the first time since 2002. Read: https://bit.ly/46fa9QX
⚖️ In Volume 9, Issue 1 of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR), we shortlist five notable judgements from last week. Read: https://bit.ly/4xagdFi
Supreme Court Observer
Gujarat HC adds a second route around reproductive age limits - Supreme Court Observer
Court permits a fresh IVF request, extending reproductive choice beyond the Supreme Court’s transitional exception.
🌼 Good Morning!
🪧 Yesterday, the Supreme Court directed that the High Power Enquiry Committee examining alleged police excesses during the student protest at Jantar Mantar function under its direct supervision. Read: https://bit.ly/4xMaKpg
🗃️ After a significant spike in July, pendency in the Supreme Court fell by 1,079 cases to 94,639 by the end of August. We analyse: https://bit.ly/4xOMzH2
⚖️ The first Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR) issue of September 2026 is out. Our shortlist of important judgements covers the district magistrate's power, discretion in imposing penalties, juvenility as a defence after case disposal, and more: https://bit.ly/4xagdFi
🪧 Yesterday, the Supreme Court directed that the High Power Enquiry Committee examining alleged police excesses during the student protest at Jantar Mantar function under its direct supervision. Read: https://bit.ly/4xMaKpg
🗃️ After a significant spike in July, pendency in the Supreme Court fell by 1,079 cases to 94,639 by the end of August. We analyse: https://bit.ly/4xOMzH2
⚖️ The first Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR) issue of September 2026 is out. Our shortlist of important judgements covers the district magistrate's power, discretion in imposing penalties, juvenility as a defence after case disposal, and more: https://bit.ly/4xagdFi
Supreme Court Observer
SC says Jantar Mantar HPEC would report directly to Bench, opened access for vulnerable witnesses - Supreme Court Observer
Bench kept inquiry panel under its direct supervision, while asking it to ensure confidential access for vulnerable witnesses
🌻 Good Morning!
🤝 In our latest commentary, Advocate Sarthak Gupta argues that the Supreme Court treated the mass registration of FIRs against Jantar Mantar protestors as a dispute to be settled rather than an abuse of process. Read: https://bit.ly/3SYbj0j
🪧 Last week, the Court directed confidential access to the High-Powered Enquiry Committee for vulnerable witnesses in its probe into alleged police excesses at Jantar Mantar. Read: https://bit.ly/4xMaKpg
🗃️ For the first time since May, the Court recorded more disposals than institutions. Read our monthly pendency report for August: https://bit.ly/4xOMzH2
🤝 In our latest commentary, Advocate Sarthak Gupta argues that the Supreme Court treated the mass registration of FIRs against Jantar Mantar protestors as a dispute to be settled rather than an abuse of process. Read: https://bit.ly/3SYbj0j
🪧 Last week, the Court directed confidential access to the High-Powered Enquiry Committee for vulnerable witnesses in its probe into alleged police excesses at Jantar Mantar. Read: https://bit.ly/4xMaKpg
🗃️ For the first time since May, the Court recorded more disposals than institutions. Read our monthly pendency report for August: https://bit.ly/4xOMzH2
Supreme Court Observer
The CJP Order and the limits of Article 142 - Supreme Court Observer
The quashing of FIRs reads less like an adjudication and more like a settlement agreement that received a judicial stamp.
🌸 Good Morning!
👨🏻⚖️ Our newsletter analyses the Punjab Government’s objection to the appointment of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Read: https://bit.ly/4iu9uTc
🪧 In his commentary, Advocate Sarthak Gupta argues that no petition in the Jantar Mantar protests sought the quashing of FIRs under the Supreme Court’s Article 142 jurisdiction. Read: https://bit.ly/3SYbj0j
⚖️ Volume 9 Issue 2 of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR) identifies five of the most important judgements published by the Court last week. Read: https://bit.ly/4iu3ytq
👨🏻⚖️ Our newsletter analyses the Punjab Government’s objection to the appointment of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Read: https://bit.ly/4iu9uTc
🪧 In his commentary, Advocate Sarthak Gupta argues that no petition in the Jantar Mantar protests sought the quashing of FIRs under the Supreme Court’s Article 142 jurisdiction. Read: https://bit.ly/3SYbj0j
⚖️ Volume 9 Issue 2 of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR) identifies five of the most important judgements published by the Court last week. Read: https://bit.ly/4iu3ytq
Supreme Court Observer
Bench or bias? - Supreme Court Observer
From recusal pleas to judicial appointments, litigants and governments have reasons to care who sits on the bench.
🌅 Good Morning!
🏛️ Recent appointments reveal that transferring judges prior to their elevation as Chief Justice must allow sufficient time for consultation with State governments. Our latest analysis: https://bit.ly/4dBbJ3y
⚖️ In our latest issue of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR) we identify five notable judgements published between 7 and 11 September 2026. Read: https://bit.ly/4iu3ytq
🏭 On 20 August, a nine-judge Constitution Bench delivered its verdict in the reference seeking a reconsideration of the definition of "industry". Our video summarises the judgement and the separate opinions authored by the judges on the Bench. Watch here: https://bit.ly/4h6TK5Y
🏛️ Recent appointments reveal that transferring judges prior to their elevation as Chief Justice must allow sufficient time for consultation with State governments. Our latest analysis: https://bit.ly/4dBbJ3y
⚖️ In our latest issue of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR) we identify five notable judgements published between 7 and 11 September 2026. Read: https://bit.ly/4iu3ytq
🏭 On 20 August, a nine-judge Constitution Bench delivered its verdict in the reference seeking a reconsideration of the definition of "industry". Our video summarises the judgement and the separate opinions authored by the judges on the Bench. Watch here: https://bit.ly/4h6TK5Y
Supreme Court Observer
Collegium’s familiarisation policy: an incomplete reform - Supreme Court Observer
Recent appointments reveal that transfer of judges prior to their elevation as Chief Justice must factor time for state government consultation.
🌇 Good Morning!
🪧 In its latest order, the Supreme Court declined to reconstitute the High-Powered Enquiry Committee investigating allegations of police excesses in the 20 July Jantar Mantar Protest. We report: https://bit.ly/3USu5H2
🏛️ We examine two recent Collegium developments: the February policy decision to transfer prospective Chief Justice two months before their appointment date, and the Union’s 5 September notification appointing new CJs at eight High Courts. Read: https://bit.ly/4dBbJ3y
🏭 In August 2026, the nine-judge Constitution Bench delivered its verdict in the reference seeking a reconsideration of the definition of "industry". Our video summarises the 489-page judgement and the five opinions authored by the judges on the Bench. Watch here: https://bit.ly/4h6TK5Y
🪧 In its latest order, the Supreme Court declined to reconstitute the High-Powered Enquiry Committee investigating allegations of police excesses in the 20 July Jantar Mantar Protest. We report: https://bit.ly/3USu5H2
🏛️ We examine two recent Collegium developments: the February policy decision to transfer prospective Chief Justice two months before their appointment date, and the Union’s 5 September notification appointing new CJs at eight High Courts. Read: https://bit.ly/4dBbJ3y
🏭 In August 2026, the nine-judge Constitution Bench delivered its verdict in the reference seeking a reconsideration of the definition of "industry". Our video summarises the 489-page judgement and the five opinions authored by the judges on the Bench. Watch here: https://bit.ly/4h6TK5Y
Supreme Court Observer
Jantar Mantar Protests | Objections to HPEC “premature”, says Supreme Court - Supreme Court Observer
The inquiry will first look at pellet guns, violence against women protesters and the destruction of property
Today, the Supreme Court emphasized the need for setting up two special courts to facilitate speedy disposal of cases in the Manipur ethnic violence. It issued directions to safeguard internally displaced persons. We report: https://www.scobserver.in/journal/manipur-violence-court-reiterates-the-need-of-special-courts-to-hear-cases/
Supreme Court Observer
Manipur Violence | SC reiterates the need of special courts to hear cases - Supreme Court Observer
The Bench directed the Manipur Legal Service Authority to furnish information on unnatural death cases in the state
🌅 Good Morning!
👩🏽⚖️ Yesterday, the Supreme Court took note of status reports on human rights violations in Manipur and issued directions to ensure the safety of persons displaced within the state. Our report: https://bit.ly/4y5tmko
⚖️ The law governing tribunals has been through repeated back and forth between the executive and judiciary. Our timeline provides an accessible overview: https://bit.ly/4hca3P9
🪧 In its latest order on the Jantar Mantar protests, the Court directed the High-Powered Enquiry Committee to first examine alleged use of pellet guns, violence against women protesters and the destruction of property. Our report: https://bit.ly/3USu5H2
👩🏽⚖️ Yesterday, the Supreme Court took note of status reports on human rights violations in Manipur and issued directions to ensure the safety of persons displaced within the state. Our report: https://bit.ly/4y5tmko
⚖️ The law governing tribunals has been through repeated back and forth between the executive and judiciary. Our timeline provides an accessible overview: https://bit.ly/4hca3P9
🪧 In its latest order on the Jantar Mantar protests, the Court directed the High-Powered Enquiry Committee to first examine alleged use of pellet guns, violence against women protesters and the destruction of property. Our report: https://bit.ly/3USu5H2
Supreme Court Observer
Manipur Violence | SC reiterates the need of special courts to hear cases - Supreme Court Observer
The Bench directed the Manipur Legal Service Authority to furnish information on unnatural death cases in the state
🌸 Good Morning!
👨🏻⚖️ Did you know that the petition challenging the three-year practice rule was filed on behalf of persons with disabilities? Vijay K. Tiwari explains why the Bench failed to address the petitioners' concerns. Read: https://bit.ly/4yJrlKD
🪙 The Supreme Court recently held that a trust which lacks a separate juristic personality cannot be prosecuted if money allegedly linked to a criminal offence finds its way into the trust. Our analysis: https://bit.ly/4cVV2Qh
⛏️ A three-judge Bench permitted mining blocks containing "virgin forest land" in Karnataka to be auctioned and leased, making forest clearance a second step in the process. We examine the history and consequences of this decision: https://bit.ly/4yftFcg
👨🏻⚖️ Did you know that the petition challenging the three-year practice rule was filed on behalf of persons with disabilities? Vijay K. Tiwari explains why the Bench failed to address the petitioners' concerns. Read: https://bit.ly/4yJrlKD
🪙 The Supreme Court recently held that a trust which lacks a separate juristic personality cannot be prosecuted if money allegedly linked to a criminal offence finds its way into the trust. Our analysis: https://bit.ly/4cVV2Qh
⛏️ A three-judge Bench permitted mining blocks containing "virgin forest land" in Karnataka to be auctioned and leased, making forest clearance a second step in the process. We examine the history and consequences of this decision: https://bit.ly/4yftFcg
Supreme Court Observer
The second coming of charity in disability discourse - Supreme Court Observer
The Supreme Court’s decision on the 3-year practice criteria marks a step back in disability jurisprudence
Volume 9 Issue 3 of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports is here!
Catch the whole issue here: https://www.scobserver.in/journal/sco-lr-2026-volume-9-issue-3/
The Supreme Court delivered 18 reportable and non-reportable judgements last week. In this issue, we have identified five of the most important judgements, including decisions on:
- *Grant of disability pensions for ex-servicemen* : https://www.scobserver.in/supreme-court-observer-law-reports-scolr/grant-of-disability-pensions-for-ex-servicemen/
- *Presumption of guilt under POCSO Act, 2012* : https://www.scobserver.in/supreme-court-observer-law-reports-scolr/presumption-of-guilt-under-pocso-act-2012/
- *Validity of methanol regulation* : https://www.scobserver.in/supreme-court-observer-law-reports-scolr/validity-of-maharashtras-methanol-regulation/
- *Interim relief under Section 92, CPC* : https://www.scobserver.in/supreme-court-observer-law-reports-scolr/interim-relief-under-section-92-cpc/
- *Payment of interest by award-debtor* : https://www.scobserver.in/supreme-court-observer-law-reports-scolr/payment-of-interest-by-award-debtor/
As always, all judgements come with concise and accurate summaries, in clean format with easy-citation features and a mindmap for a visual break-down
Catch the whole issue here: https://www.scobserver.in/journal/sco-lr-2026-volume-9-issue-3/
The Supreme Court delivered 18 reportable and non-reportable judgements last week. In this issue, we have identified five of the most important judgements, including decisions on:
- *Grant of disability pensions for ex-servicemen* : https://www.scobserver.in/supreme-court-observer-law-reports-scolr/grant-of-disability-pensions-for-ex-servicemen/
- *Presumption of guilt under POCSO Act, 2012* : https://www.scobserver.in/supreme-court-observer-law-reports-scolr/presumption-of-guilt-under-pocso-act-2012/
- *Validity of methanol regulation* : https://www.scobserver.in/supreme-court-observer-law-reports-scolr/validity-of-maharashtras-methanol-regulation/
- *Interim relief under Section 92, CPC* : https://www.scobserver.in/supreme-court-observer-law-reports-scolr/interim-relief-under-section-92-cpc/
- *Payment of interest by award-debtor* : https://www.scobserver.in/supreme-court-observer-law-reports-scolr/payment-of-interest-by-award-debtor/
As always, all judgements come with concise and accurate summaries, in clean format with easy-citation features and a mindmap for a visual break-down
Supreme Court Observer
SCO.LR | 2026 | Volume 9 | Issue 3 - Supreme Court Observer
In this issue, we identify five important judgements from 14 September to 18 September 2026
🌅 Good Morning!
📹 Our newsletter revisits the _Harshita Grover_ interim order, in which the Supreme Court barred sharing clips of its proceedings without prior permission. Read: https://bit.ly/4yQvpc2
🗃️ Our latest issue of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR) identifies five important judgements from 14 to 18 September 2026. Read: https://bit.ly/4y7HbP7
🧑🏻🦽 In our latest commentary, Vijay K. Tiwari examines the _Bhumika Trust_ judgement and argues that it is a step back in disability jurisprudence. Read: https://bit.ly/4yJrlKD
📹 Our newsletter revisits the _Harshita Grover_ interim order, in which the Supreme Court barred sharing clips of its proceedings without prior permission. Read: https://bit.ly/4yQvpc2
🗃️ Our latest issue of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports (SCO.LR) identifies five important judgements from 14 to 18 September 2026. Read: https://bit.ly/4y7HbP7
🧑🏻🦽 In our latest commentary, Vijay K. Tiwari examines the _Bhumika Trust_ judgement and argues that it is a step back in disability jurisprudence. Read: https://bit.ly/4yJrlKD
Supreme Court Observer
Clipped justice - Supreme Court Observer
An intervention asks whether open justice can survive prior permission for sharing courtroom videos online
🌅 Good Morning!
🗳️ Yesterday, the Supreme Court issued notice on a plea regarding the SIR in Delhi and heard submissions on the use of Aadhaar, capacity of BLOs and notices on logical discrepancy. We report: https://bit.ly/4Arf7Ij
🪙 A 7-judge bench led by CJI Surya Kant reserved judgement on whether state governments can collect sales tax based on annual turnover. We explain the 29 year history of this case: https://bit.ly/4ya7lkp
5️⃣ In our latest issue of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports, we identify five of the most important judgements from last week. Read: https://bit.ly/4y7HbP7
🗳️ Yesterday, the Supreme Court issued notice on a plea regarding the SIR in Delhi and heard submissions on the use of Aadhaar, capacity of BLOs and notices on logical discrepancy. We report: https://bit.ly/4Arf7Ij
🪙 A 7-judge bench led by CJI Surya Kant reserved judgement on whether state governments can collect sales tax based on annual turnover. We explain the 29 year history of this case: https://bit.ly/4ya7lkp
5️⃣ In our latest issue of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports, we identify five of the most important judgements from last week. Read: https://bit.ly/4y7HbP7
Supreme Court Observer
Delhi SIR | SC asks ECI to make ‘logical discrepancy’ notices clearer - Supreme Court Observer
Bench asked ECI to tell voters what they needed to clarify and suggested an FAQ on common queries
Supreme Court delivers split verdict on challenge to ECI appointments law. Justice Dipankar Datta said the ECI must not only be independent, but "appear to be independent". Justice SC Sharma held that the challenge raised a substantial question of law. The Bench directed the matter to be placed before the CJI for consideration by a larger Bench.
Read the full report: https://www.scobserver.in/reports/sc-delivers-split-verdict-sends-eci-appointments-law-challenge-to-larger-bench/
Read the full report: https://www.scobserver.in/reports/sc-delivers-split-verdict-sends-eci-appointments-law-challenge-to-larger-bench/
Supreme Court Observer
SC delivers split verdict, sends ECI appointments law challenge to larger bench - Supreme Court Observer
Justice Datta rejected the Union’s plea for reference, while Justice Sharma held that the challenge raised a substantial question of law
On 22 September, a seven-judge Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant reserved judgement in a 27-year-old reference on whether state governments can impose a surcharge, additional tax, levy or cess calculated on the basis of a validly levied sales or purchase tax.
Read our detailed hearing report: https://www.scobserver.in/reports/states-power-to-impose-surcharge-on-sales-tax-seven-judge-bench-reserves-judgement/
Read our detailed hearing report: https://www.scobserver.in/reports/states-power-to-impose-surcharge-on-sales-tax-seven-judge-bench-reserves-judgement/
Supreme Court Observer
States’ power to impose surcharge on sales tax | Seven-judge bench reserves judgement - Supreme Court Observer
Bench considered whether an additional levy calculated on a validly levied sales or purchase tax fell beyond State legislative competence
The Supreme Court has published its Division Bench order referring the ECI Appointments Act, 2023 challenge to a larger bench.
The 70-page document includes the split opinions. Read it here: https://www.scobserver.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ECI-Reference-Judgement-Supreme-Court-Jaya-Thakur-v-Union-of-India.pdf
The 70-page document includes the split opinions. Read it here: https://www.scobserver.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ECI-Reference-Judgement-Supreme-Court-Jaya-Thakur-v-Union-of-India.pdf
🌼 Good Morning!
🗳️ Yesterday, the Supreme Court referred the ECI Appointments Act challenge to a larger bench despite a split opinion on the need for a reference. Our report: https://bit.ly/4hmEimB
⛓️💥 This week, the Court held that the police must obtain a magistrate's approval for re-arresting a person who was released due to an Article 22 violation. We analyse the ruling: https://bit.ly/4haZBZB
🪙 On Tuesday, a seven-judge Constitution Bench reserved judgement in a reference pending since 1999 on state government powers of levying surcharges on sales tax. We report in detail: https://bit.ly/4hbmo7z
🗳️ Yesterday, the Supreme Court referred the ECI Appointments Act challenge to a larger bench despite a split opinion on the need for a reference. Our report: https://bit.ly/4hmEimB
⛓️💥 This week, the Court held that the police must obtain a magistrate's approval for re-arresting a person who was released due to an Article 22 violation. We analyse the ruling: https://bit.ly/4haZBZB
🪙 On Tuesday, a seven-judge Constitution Bench reserved judgement in a reference pending since 1999 on state government powers of levying surcharges on sales tax. We report in detail: https://bit.ly/4hbmo7z
Supreme Court Observer
SC delivers split verdict, sends ECI appointments law challenge to larger bench - Supreme Court Observer
Justice Datta rejected the Union’s plea for reference, while Justice Sharma held that the challenge raised a substantial question of law
🌅 Good Morning!
👨🏻⚖️ On 23 September, a Division Bench in the Supreme Court delivered a ‘split’ opinion on whether the challenge to the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 should be referred to a larger Bench.
❓The matter was then referred to a larger bench despite the difference.
📖 Read our Order Matrix (https://bit.ly/4dz9Zb6) and Order summary (https://bit.ly/4h82IkU) to know more!
5️⃣ In our latest issue of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports, we identify five of the most important judgements from last week. Read: https://bit.ly/4y7HbP7
👨🏻⚖️ On 23 September, a Division Bench in the Supreme Court delivered a ‘split’ opinion on whether the challenge to the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 should be referred to a larger Bench.
❓The matter was then referred to a larger bench despite the difference.
📖 Read our Order Matrix (https://bit.ly/4dz9Zb6) and Order summary (https://bit.ly/4h82IkU) to know more!
5️⃣ In our latest issue of the Supreme Court Observer Law Reports, we identify five of the most important judgements from last week. Read: https://bit.ly/4y7HbP7
Supreme Court Observer
Challenges to the Appointment of Election Commissioners Act, 2023 | Order Matrix - Supreme Court Observer
A snapshot of the two opinions on whether the challenge to the 2023 law on Election Commission appointments should go to a larger Bench