This roundup of weekly legal developments in India covers the most significant Supreme Court and High Court rulings, including relief to Azim Premji in Wipro labour law case; Rising child marriages in UP; AAP deregistration plea dismissed; Twisha Sharma Case, etc.
It also highlights major legislative developments such as the first AI portfolio in India in Kerala cabinet and cosmetics are not medicines, along with other updates from across India.
STORY OF THE WEEK
Judgment Pronouncement Directions | 3 Months to Pronounce, 24 Hours to Upload: SC Issues Comprehensive Directions for Procedural Timelines for Judgment Pronouncement by High Courts
In Pila Pahan v. State of Jharkhand, WP (Crl.) 169/2025), decided on 29-5-2026, the Supreme Court issued comprehensive directions vis-a-vis procedural timelines for pronouncement of judgments/ orders, ensuring accountability and transparency.
Read more HERE
SUPREME COURT HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
3-Year Legal Practice Rule | Supreme Court Extends Deadline for Application to Entry-Level Judiciary Exams till further orders
In Bhumika Trust v. Union of India, 2026 SCC OnLine SC 956, the Supreme Court directed that its interim order dated 13 April 2026 regarding closing date for submission of applications for recruitment as judicial officers at the entry level shall continue to operate till further orders.
Read more HERE
TET Exam | No Error in Anjuman Ishaat-e-Taleem Trust Verdict: SC Upholds TET Requirement for In-Service Teachers; Extends Compliance Deadline to 31 August 2028
In State of U.P. v. Anjuman Ishaat-E-Taleem Trust, 2026 SCC OnLine SC 998, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the correctness of its judgment in Anjuman Ishaat-e-Taleem Trust, holding that Section 23, RTE Act always contemplated acquisition of prescribed qualifications by in-service teachers and that TET is a mandatory eligibility requirement rooted in the constitutional guarantee of quality education under Article 21-A.
Read more HERE
Also Read: SC Quashes Medical Negligence Case Against Anaesthetist | SCC Times
Section 311 CrPC | Prosecutrix Cross-Examined 4 Times Over 5 Years, Defence Files 94 More Questions 4 Years Later: SC Says Section 311 CrPC Cannot Fill Defence Lacunae
In State of Tripura v. Panna Ahmed, 2026 SCC OnLine SC 960, the Supreme Court set aside impugned order passed by the High Court and restored the trial court’s order, holding that “power under Section 311 CrPC cannot be exercised merely to fill up lacunae in the defence case”.
Read more HERE
SIR Bihar Elections | Article 324 Is Not a Dead Letter; ECI’s Special Intensive Revision of Bihar Electoral Rolls Is Constitutionally Valid: Supreme Court
In Association for Democratic Reforms v. Election Commission of India, 2026 SCC OnLine SC 990, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the process conducted, holding that SIR exercise does not stand in direct conflict with the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act) and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 (1960 Rules), and it does not detract from the constitutional imperative of free and fair elections. It was held that exercise of SIR is traceable to Section 21(3) RP Act read with Article 324 of the Constitution, undertaken to advance the very objective which Part XV of the Constitution is designed to protect.
Read more HERE
Also Read: SC refuses to interfere in Punjab Municipal Elections amid ballot paper-EVM issue | SCC Times
Evidence Law | Mere Suspicion and Technical Defects Cannot Defeat Valid Testamentary Disposition; Supreme Court Upholds Will Despite Exclusion of Natural Heirs
In Parvathi Nairthi v. Laxmi Nairthy, 2026 SCC OnLine SC 911, the Supreme Court affirmed the concurrent findings of all the courts below and held that the will had been duly executed and validly proved. The Court found no suspicious circumstances sufficient to dislodge the will and no infirmity in the appreciation of evidence by the courts below.
Read more HERE
Arbitration | SC Restores Arbitral Award in Teesta Stage III BOCW Cess Dispute; Reiterates BOCW Cess Becomes Enforceable Only Upon Constitution of Welfare Boards
In Navayuga Engg. Co. Ltd. v. Sikkim Urja Ltd., 2026 SCC OnLine SC 957, the Supreme Court set aside the impugned judgment insofar as it affected the appellants and restored the arbitral award, holding that the controversy was squarely covered by its earlier judgment in Prakash Atlanta (JV) v. NHAI, 2026 SCC OnLine SC 1998, wherein it was held that BOCW cess could not be leviable until constitution of Welfare Boards under the Building and Other Construction Workers’ (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 (BOCW Act).
Read more HERE
NEET Paper Leak 2026 | “NTA has not learnt its lesson yet”: Supreme Court issues notice to NTA in NEET Paper Leak case
In FAIMA v. NTA, 2026 SCC OnLine SC 958, the Supreme Court issued notice and directed NTA to file an affidavit detailing the steps taken to implement the recommendations of the High-Level Committee of Experts
Read more HERE
Bhopal Dowry Death Case: SC takes note of assurance to transfer case to CBI; Urges Parties to refrain from making statements before media
In Alleged institutional bias and procedural discrepancies in the unnatural death of a young girl at her matrimonial home, In re, 2026 SCC OnLine SC 959, the Supreme Court took note of the Solicitor General’s assurances to ensure swift hand over of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as the same has already been recommended by the Madhya Pradesh government.
Read more HERE
Also Read: Homicidal Hanging, Not Suicide: SC upholds conviction in Tripura dowry death case | SCC Times
Education Law | Minimum Pass Marks, a Corrigendum, and Years of Uncertainty: Supreme Court Ends MBBS Students’ Legal Battle with a Degree
In Jashandeep Kaur v. Union of India, 2026 SCC OnLine SC 955, the Supreme Court regularised the admission, conduct and conclusion of the MBBS course undertaken by the petitioners during pendency of litigation and directed issuance of degrees in their favour within 3 weeks. The Court, however, kept the larger question of law open for consideration and observed that it would hear the National Medical Commission (NMC) on the issue for an appropriate declaration of law.
Read more HERE
Motor Vehicle Accident Claim | To Deduct or Not to Deduct: Supreme Court Settles the Law on Deduction of Mediclaim After Noting “Too Many Surprisingly Divergent Views”
In New India Assurance Co. Ltd. v. Dolly Satish Gandhi, 2026 SCC OnLine SC 861, the Supreme Court after taking a serious note of considerable number of contrary High Court opinions on the issue, clarified that amount received as part of mediclaim/medical insurance is not deductible from compensation as calculated by the MACT adjudicating a claim for compensation under the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 (MVA), which may also include compensation under the head of medical expenses, if claimed.
Read more HERE
Also Read: SC Allows Appointment of Manipur DGP from Outside Cadre Amid Unrest | SCC Times
HIGH COURT HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS WEEK
ALLAHABAD HIGH COURT
GST | If Filing an Appeal Makes an Advocate a Conspirator, It Would Be the End of the Bar: Allahabad HC Quashes FIR Against Advocate in ₹ 10 Cr GST Evasion Case
In Samarpan Jain v. State of U.P., Criminal Misc. Writ Petition No. 23443 of 2025, decided on 21-5-2026, the Allahabad High Court allowed the petition, thereby quashing the criminal proceedings, holding that they violated all known principles of criminal liability. The Court held that an advocate cannot be prosecuted for professional act because if an advocate is to be held in conspiracy with his client for doing a professional act, like preferring an appeal, it would be the end of the very existence of the Bar and the right of an advocate to practice under the Advocates Act, 1961.
Read more HERE
Labour Law | Why Allahabad High Court granted relief to Azim Premji in Wipro Labour Law Case
In Azim Premji v. State of UP, Application u/S 482 —3262 of 2017, decided on 20-5-2026, the Allahabad High Court allowed the petition, holding that the impugned summoning order was passed in a proforma manner without any discussion of material available on record, satisfaction regarding ingredients of the alleged offence, or the role attributable to Azim Premji. Reiterating that the summoning order must reflect application of mind and satisfaction of the Court regarding the existence of sufficient grounds to proceed against the accused, the Court held that the impugned summoning order did not disclose any such satisfaction and appeared to have been passed mechanically.
Read more HERE
Criminal Law | Child Marriages Rising in U.P.: Allahabad HC Flags Systemic Gap, Directs DGP to Issue Guidelines
In Chahat Ansari v. State of U.P., 2026 SCC OnLine All 7655, the Allahabad High Court rejected the petition, holding that prima facie, ingredients of Sections 137(2) and 87, Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), were clearly made out and a case has been made out against the accused persons. Remarking that child marriages were increasing in U.P. due to police inaction, the Court directed the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, to issue necessary instructions, guidelines, circular letter, and Director General of Police (DGP) letter to all the Commissioners of Police/Senior Superintendent of Police/Superintendent of Police of Uttar Pradesh to ensure that appropriate action was taken whenever information about a child marriage comes to the knowledge of the police.
Read more HERE
Criminal Law | Will Respect Maa Ganga For Life: Allahabad HC Grants Bail to Three More Men Accused of Throwing Non-Veg Food in River Ganga
In Danish Saifi v. State of U.P., 2026 SCC OnLine All 7607, Allahabad High Court allowed the applications, holding that a prima facie case for bail was made out. The Court stated that the accused showed genuine remorse for their actions, and the apology note appeared heartfelt. Furthermore, the Court noted that it had similarly granted bail to the co-accused persons while considering the period of detention, lack of criminal antecedents, and the apology.
Read more HERE
BOMBAY HIGH COURT
Evidence Law | Unreliable DNA, Doubtful Victim Testimony, Contradictions, Delay, No TIP: Bombay HC Acquits Rape Accused as Investigation Lapses Pile Up
In Afzal Khan v. State of Goa, 2026 SCC OnLine Bom 3290, the Bombay High Court held that the prosecution failed to prove the offence of rape beyond reasonable doubt. The Court emphasised that contradictions in the victim’s statements, unexplained delay in lodging the FIR, absence of a Test Identification Parade (TIP), inconsistencies in medical evidence, and lapses in the investigation cumulatively rendered the prosecution case unreliable. The Court noted that DNA evidence failed to corroborate the prosecution’s case and, being neither conclusive nor sufficient on its own, could not sustain conviction. Accordingly, the appellant was acquitted and ordered to be set at liberty forthwith unless required in custody in any other proceeding.
Read more HERE
Arbitration | Substitution of Arbitrator Denied After Proceedings are Abandoned For 9 Years: Bombay HC
In Supama Realtors LLP v. Mulchand Kaluchand Ranka, 2026 SCC OnLine Bom 3054, the Bombay High Court while dismissing the application, denied the substitution of arbitrator after the arbitral proceedings were abandoned for 9 years.
Read more HERE
CALCUTTA HIGH COURT
GST | Once Section 129 CGST Conditions Are Met, Revenue Must Release Detained Goods
In Ranjeet Kumar Poddar v. Commr. CGST, 2026 SCC OnLine Cal 5291, the Calcutta High Court: The Single Judge Bench of Justice Aniruddha Roy directed the release of the consignment of areca nuts, subject to compliance of the provisions laid down under Section 129(1)(a), Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017.
Read more HERE
DELHI HIGH COURT
Criminal Law | Magistrate Cannot Impose Foreign Travel Restriction Years After Grant of Bail by “Clarifying” Original Order
In Shabir Momin v. State (NCT of Delhi), W.P.(CRL) 3845 of 2025, decided on 29-5-2026, the Delhi High Court set aside the impugned order and reiterated that a Magistrate has no jurisdiction to review or modify a bail order once passed, except as permitted by law. The Court held that the introduction of a foreign travel restriction several years after grant of bail amounted to an impermissible review of the original bail order, which was barred under Section 362, Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (CrPC).
Read more HERE
Intellectual Property Rights | “What Cannot be Done Directly Cannot be Done Indirectly”: Delhi HC Refuses Belated Amendment of Priority Date to Revive Deemed Withdrawn Patent Application
In Neurocentria Inc. v. Controller of Patents & Designs, 2026 SCC OnLine Del 3970, the Delhi High Court upheld the impugned order and reiterated that the timelines prescribed under the Patents Act, 1970 and the Patent Rules, 2003 for filing national phase applications and RFEs are mandatory and non-extendable in nature.
Read more HERE
Also Read: DHC stays ROC penalty orders against LinkedIn India in SBO disclosure case | SCC Times
AAP Deregistration case | Observations in a Separate Criminal Revision Petition Cannot Be a Ground Deregistration of a Political Party: Delhi HC Dismisses AAP Deregistration Plea
In Satish Kumar Aggarwal v. Union of India, 2026 SCC OnLine Del 4024, the Delhi High Court dismissed the petition as misconceived and held that the ECI had no power to deregister a political party for alleged violation of Section 29-A(5) except in limited circumstances.
Read more HERE
Sports Law | Motherhood Can’t Be Ground to Exclude Women Athletes from Competitive Sport; Delhi HC Permits Vinesh Phogat to Participate in 2026 Asian Games Trials
In Vinesh Phogat v. Wrestling Federation of India, 2026 SCC OnLine Del 3925, the Delhi High Court permitted the appellant to participate in the Selection Trials for Asian Games 2026, scheduled for 30 May 2026 and 31 May 2026, thereby reinforcing the constitutional guarantee that maternity cannot become a basis for exclusion or disadvantage in professional or sporting careers.
Read more HERE
Criminal Law | Subsequent Breakdown of Marriage No Ground to Revive Quashed Rape FIR
In Ashwini Pal v. State, 2026 SCC OnLine Del 4058, the Delhi High Court refused to recall the impugned quashing order, holding that the impugned order had not been procured by fraud and that the present application merely sought reopening of a concluded criminal proceeding on the basis of subsequent matrimonial discord.
Read more HERE
Also Read: DHC acquits accused in rape and kidnapping case; prosecutrix held major and consenting | SCC Times
Income Tax Law | Delhi High Court Quashes Income Tax Assessment Order for Non-Consideration of ASSESSEE’s Reply Filed After Adjournment Request
In Sanjeev Kumar Bidhuri v. National Faceless Appeal Centre, New Delhi, 2026 SCC OnLine Del 3960, the Delhi High Court quashed the assessment order and consequential demand notice after finding violation of the principles of natural justice and infringement of the petitioner’s right to be heard under Article 14 of the Constitution.
Read more HERE
Criminal Law | Anticipatory Bail to Wife Can’t Be Denied Solely Due to Husband’s Failure to Surrender
In Priyanshi Sharma v. State, 2026 SCC OnLine Del 3821, the Delhi High Court granted anticipatory bail to the appellant, holding that wife’s anticipatory bail cannot be rejected because co-accused husband failed to surrender after rejection of his anticipatory bail application.
Read more HERE
JAMMU & KASHMIR AND LADAKH HIGH COURT
UAPA | Constitutional Courts Can Intervene in Delayed UAPA Trial as It Violates Article 21; J&K and Ladakh HC Directs Expeditious Conclusion of Proceedings
In Arif Billa Sheikh v. State (UT of J&K), WP(C) 964 of 2026, decided on 22-5-2026, the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court held that Constitutional Courts can intervene in delayed UAPA trial as it violates the right to liberty granted to the accused under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court directed the trial court to accord priority and conclude the proceedings expeditiously while ensuring day-to-day progress in terms of Section 19, National Investigation Agency Act, 2008 (NIA Act).
Read more HERE
KARNATAKA HIGH COURT
Motor Vehicle Accident Claim | Housewife’s Contribution Grows with Age, Future Prospects Cannot be Ignored: Karnataka HC Enhances Motor Accident Compensation
In Arasu N. v. Nagappa, 2026 SCC OnLine Kar 2990, the Karnataka High Court modified the impugned award and judgment by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, enhancing the compensation to ₹10,02,888. The Court took into consideration the future prospects of the family while assessing compensation.
Read more HERE
MADHYA PRADESH HIGH COURT
Twisha Sharma Case: Six Ante-Mortem Injuries, Forced Abortion Allegations, Non-Cooperation — Why MP HC Quashed Mother-in-Law’s Anticipatory Bail
In State of M.P. v. Giribala Singh, 2026 SCC OnLine MP 12496, the Madhya Pradesh High Court quashed the anticipatory bail granted to mother-in-law (the respondent), considering the facts and the allegations levelled against her.
Read more HERE
Also Read: MP HC issues notice to mother-in-law in Bhopal Dowry Death Case | SCC Times
SC/ST Act | SC/ST Act Cannot Be Used Against a Member of a Scheduled Tribe: MP HC Grants Anticipatory Bail to ‘Goud’ Community Accused
In Mulam Singh Gond v. State of M.P., 2026 SCC OnLine MP 12495, the Madhya Pradesh HC allowed the appeal and granted anticipatory bail to the appellant considering the fact that the only allegation against the appellant was that he was driving the car when the prosecutrix was being taken by the co-accused, for which he made a representation to police but they could not examine and verify the CCTV footage, and since appellant was a government employee and co-operated with the investigation, there was no apprehension of absconding or tampering with the evidence.
Read more HERE
PUNJAB & HARYANA HIGH COURT
PM Modi Video Case | ‘Too Soon to Rule Out Criminality’: Punjab & Haryana HC Rejects Madhu Kishwar’s Anticipatory Bail Plea in PM Modi Video Case
In Madhu Purnima Kishwar v. Union Territory, Chandigarh, CRM-M-30428-2026 (O&M), decided on 29-5-2026, the Punjab & Haryana High Court dismissed the petition holding that the investigation was still at a nascent stage and the petitioner had failed to make out a case for grant of the extraordinary relief of pre-arrest bail.
Read more HERE
RAJASTHAN HIGH COURT
Education Law | Visa Delays, Expired Deadlines, State Inaction: Rajasthan HC Holds Scholarship Cannot Be Denied to Student Who Never Started His Studies
In Aditya Sharma v. State of Rajasthan, 2026:RJ-JP:20977-DB, decided on 20-5-2026, the Rajasthan High Court allowed the appeal and set aside the impugned order, holding that the condition related to change of university or course, under Clause 13(xiv) and (xv), Swami Vivekanand Scholarship for Academic Excellence Yojana Guidelines 2025 (Guidelines 2025), that it can be availed only once during the studies, is applicable only if the student has started his studies and scholarship has been granted and utilised in a particular institute and then the student has shifted to another university or upgraded to a higher course. The Court held that the action of the respondents denying the grant to the appellant was a case of the misconception and misunderstanding of the provisions of the Guidelines 2025.
Read more HERE
Suo Motu Cognizance | Shutters Down, ‘Emergency Windows’ Open: Rajasthan HC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of After-Hours Liquor Sales in Jodhpur; Issues Interim Directions
In Systemic Violations of Liquor Closing Hours and Excise Regulations in Jodhpur City, In re, decided on 22-5-2026, the Rajasthan High Court held that the same directly infringed upon the right to live with dignity and in a safe environment under Article 21 of the Constitution and undermined the State’s obligation under Article 47 to protect public health.
Read more HERE
Income Tax Law | Assessing Officer Followed ITAT Order and Supreme Court Ruling — Still Faced Disciplinary Action: Rajasthan HC Quashes Proceedings, Holds It Was Not Misconduct
In Union of India v. N.P. Arora, 2026 SCC OnLine Raj 2966, the Rajasthan High Court affirmed the order, holding that the assessment order passed by the respondent under Section 143(3), Income-tax Act, 1961 (IT Act), and exemption granted under Section 10-B, IT Act, does not amount to “misconduct” but discharge of a quasi-judicial function, as it reflected bona fide application of mind supported by cogent reasons as the order was in compliance with the rulings of Supreme Court and Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), and no ill intention or proof of personal gain or any undue advantage given by the respondent to the assessee could be proved.
Read more HERE
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS OF THIS WEEK
LEGISLATION UPDATES
Kerala Cabinet Portfolio Allocation 2026: Ministers, Departments & First AI Portfolio in India
On 20 May 2026, the Kerala government allocated ministerial portfolios marking a significant milestone by creating India’s first dedicated Artificial Intelligence portfolio at the Cabinet level alongside key departmental assignments.
Read more HERE
Can’t Let Public Confidence Erode: Inside the BCI Order Suspending Advocate Samarth Singh Over Dowry Death Allegations
On 20 May 2026, the Bar Council of India has issued an urgent interim order suspending Advocate Samarth Singh following serious allegations of dowry death and cruelty in connection with his wife’s death.
Read more HERE
No More Jumping the Queue: Cinematograph (Certification) Amendment Rules, 2026 Scrap Priority Scheme for Film Certification
On 20 May 2026, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting notified the Cinematograph (Certification) Amendment Rules, 2026 to amend the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. The provisions came into force on 22 May 2026.
Read more HERE
Transparency, Accountability, Athletes First: Key Features of the National Sports Governance (National Sports Board) Rules, 2026
On 22 May 2026, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Board) Rules, 2026 to reform and standardize the functioning of sports bodies in India by creating a transparent, accountable, and athlete—centric governance system.
Read more HERE
Acid Attack Victims Definition Revised: Key Changes Under RPWD Act 2016
On 22 May 2026, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment issued a notification revising the definition of “acid attack victims” covered under the Schedule of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Read more HERE
National Shipping Board Rules 2026 Notified in Supersession of National Shipping Board Rules, 1960
On 20 May 2026, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways notified the National Shipping Board Rules, 2026 to ensure an effective advisory body that guides the Government of India on shipping-related matters and promotes the development of the maritime sector. The provisions came into force on 20 May 2026.
Read more HERE
High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes: MHA Notification, Members, Role & Objectives
On 26 May 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification constituting a High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes to undertake scientific study of the nature, causes and consequences of such demographic changes occuring across the country and to recommend appropriate policy, administrative and legal measures.
Read more HERE
What Traffic Offence Will Cost You How Much in Madhya Pradesh — The Complete Compound Offences List Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
The Madhya Pradesh Government’s notification dated 6 March 2023 outlines a comprehensive list of compoundable offences under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, replacing all previous notifications on the subject.
Read more at: HERE
What Has Changed for Transgender Persons in India? The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act 2026 Explained
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, effective from 25 May 2026, revises key definitions, removes the explicit right to self-perceived gender identity, and updates provisions on identity certification and gender change procedures
Read more at: HERE
Cosmetics Are Not Medicines: CDSCO Prohibits Injectable Use
On 18 May 2026, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) issued a public notice reaffirming that cosmetics are for external use only and cannot be injected.
Read more HERE
Companies CSR Policy Amendment Rules, 2026: Enabling CSR Funding via Social Stock Exchange
On 27 May 2026, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) notified Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Amendment Rules, 2026, aimed at modernizing CSR implementation mechanisms and aligning them with evolving financial instruments and regulatory frameworks.
Read more HERE
OP.ED.
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Laws on Paper, Crashes in Air: The Indian Aviation Safety Paradox by Revant Sinha and Vibha Kulkarni
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State-Owned Enterprises as Claimants Under the ICSID Convention by Aayushi Bhargava and Ayushi Malik
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The Constitutional Case for a Denotified Tribes Schedule by Yashweer Singh
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An Analysis of the Legal Requirement of a Clear and Enforceable Undertaking: Key Ruling of the Supreme Court in UV Asset Reconstruction Co. Ltd. v. Electrosteel Castings Ltd. by Shubhangi Shukla
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The Twilight Trap: Location-Based Timing and Sunset Benchmark Required under Section 42, NDPS Act, 1985 by Srinivasan Gopal
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India’s Aviation Sector Takes a Global Stage with the Notification of Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Rules, 2026 by Love Kumar Gupta
KNOW THY JUDGE
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Justice Vipul M. Pancholi’s life and career reveals his commitment towards the principles of justice
