Catch up on the top legal developments this week (10-16 August 2026), including Tarun Tejpal’s conviction, SOP for digital arrest scams, missing persons, re-examination of UPPSC 2016 Examination answer key, Notional Annual Increment, appearing via video conference, Chhatrasal Stadium Assault Case, SIAC India Conference 2026, and more.
STORY OF THE WEEK
CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN | From apology emails to CCTV timestamps: How the evidence was read differently from the trial judge to convict Tarun Tejpal
In a criminal appeal titled State of Goa v. Tarunjit Tejpal, 2026 SCC OnLine Bom 8926, filed by the State of Goa against the acquittal of the former Editor-in-Chief of Tehelka in a sexual assault case involving a woman employed with Tehelka, the Bombay High Court held that an appellate court has full power to review, reappreciate and reconsider the evidence upon which an order of acquittal is founded, while bearing in mind the double presumption in favour of the accused. The Court found that the victim’s testimony was quite natural, inspired confidence and merited acceptance, and that her version qualified the test of high quality and calibre and was sterling.
The Court further held that the trial court’s findings were directly contrary to the evidence on record and per se perverse, having relied upon preconceived notions, irrelevant or inadmissible material, stereotypical assumptions and hyper-technicalities. Setting aside the acquittal, the Court convicted the accused under Sections 376(2)(f), 376(2)(k), 354, 354-A, 354-B, 341 and 342, Penal Code, 1860 (IPC).
Read more HERE
SUPREME COURT HIGHLIGHTS
EDUCATION LAW | Judgments apply retrospectively unless expressly made prospective; Karnataka HC order for 5-year payment to medical college for 2002—2003 admissions, set aside
In an appeal filed by the Government of India in Union of India v. Sri Devraj URS Medical College, 2026 SCC OnLine SC 1479, against the Karnataka High Court’s order directing the Government of India to pay the subvention amount in respect of students admitted up to the Academic Year 2002—2003, for 5 years or until completion of the course, whichever was earlier, the Supeme Court held that the subvention scheme ceased to operate upon the final decision in T.M.A. Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka, (2002) 8 SCC 481, pronounced on 31 October 2002. The scheme could not be treated as continuing for the entire 5-year course merely because the students had been admitted while the interim scheme was in force. The Court further reiterated that a declaration of law by the Supreme Court has retrospective effect unless expressly stated otherwise. The prospective protection contemplated in T.M.A. Pai Foundation was held to apply only to statutory provisions inconsistent with the judgment and did not preserve executive schemes such as the subvention scheme.
Read more HERE
SERVICE LAW | Recent performance carries greater weight than entire service record: CISF officer’s compulsory retirement, upheld
In an appeal titled Sushil Sharma v. Union of India, 2026 SCC OnLine SC 1501, arising out of judgment and order passed by the Delhi High Court, whereby the High Court dismissed the writ petition filed by the appellant and upheld the orders of compulsory retirement passed against him, the Supreme Court upheld the order of compulsory retirement as well as the Delhi High Court’s judgment, holding that the impugned judgment and order did not suffer from arbitrariness, mala fides or perversity.
Read more HERE
CRIMINAL LAW | From RBI SOPs to a call “Kill Switch”: Plan against digital arrest scams
In a suo motu proceeding titled Victims of Digital Arrest Related to Forged Documents, In re, 2026 SCC OnLine SC 1532, concerning victims of digital arrest scams and the wider institutional response required to combat such cyber-enabled fraud, the Supreme Court while noting an encouraging decline in reported digital-arrest complaints, emphasised that “continued monitoring remains indispensable” and issued further interim directions to strengthen mechanisms for prevention, investigation, grievance redressal and speedy restoration of defrauded money to victims.
Read more HERE
CRIMINAL LAW | “Person” includes adults: States, UTs directed to register FIRs for every missing person, irrespective of age or gender
In a special leave petition titled G. Ganesh v. State of T.N1., concerning the issue of missing persons, in which a Committee constituted by the Court and headed by Senior Advocate Mukta Gupta has been undertaking an exercise in coordination with the authorities and stakeholders concerned, the Supreme Court directed all States and Union Territories to strictly comply with its order dated 22 May 2026 requiring registration of an FIR upon receipt of information regarding any missing person, irrespective of age or gender.
Read more HERE
CIVIL LAW | Are separate appeals required where suit and counterclaim are disposed of by a common judgment?
In an appeal titled Basudev v. Sanjay Kumar, 2026 SCC OnLine SC 1534, which challenged the High Court’s finding that 2 separate appeals ought to have been filed against a common judgment adjudicating a suit and counterclaim, the Supreme Court held that a composite appeal can be filed against the suit and counterclaim, irrespective of whether 1 or 2 decrees are drawn up, provided separate grounds are raised against the decree in the suit and the decree in the counterclaim, and the appeal is valued as 2 separate appeals with court fees paid accordingly.
Read more HERE
EDUCATION LAW | Courts can’t act as “Expert of Experts” in academic matters; All HC’s direction to re-evaluate UPPSC 2016 Examination answer keys, set aside
In an appeal titled U.P. Public Service Commn. v. Sunil Kumar Singh2, filed against the Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services (General Recruitment) Examination, 2016 and Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services (Special Recruitment) Examination, 2016, wherein the Allahabad High Court had directed the U.P. Public Service Commission (UPPSC) to re-evaluate answer scripts, delete certain questions and award full marks for another, followed by consequential steps in the recruitment process, the Supreme Court set aside impugned judgment and order of High Court, reiterating that while judicial review of academic matters, courts cannot act as “expert of experts” and directs re-evaluation of examination papers.
Read more HERE
Also Read: Purpose of the trade is irrelevant once UPSI possession and trading are established: Supreme Court
SERVICE LAW | “Supreme sacrifice made”; Article 142 invoked to extend extraordinary pension benefits to widow of Shaurya Chakra awardee, an additional ₹10 lakhs relief granted
Invoking its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution in a case titled Kuldeep Kaur v. Union of India, 2026 SCC OnLine SC 1540, the Supreme Court extended extraordinary pensionary benefits under Category “C”, CCS (Extraordinary Pension) Rules, 1939 from the date of death to the widow of a General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF) employee who had made the “supreme sacrifice” while saving fellow workers and equipment and was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra. Holding that the relief ought not to be confined to 3 years preceding the filing of the writ petition, the Court directed the Union of India to pay a consolidated sum of ₹10 lakhs for the period from 13 July 2000 to 12 July 2015.
Read more HERE
MAINTENANCE | Maintenance enhanced for wife undergoing cancer treatment and minor children; PF & ESPP deductions rejected as permanent charges
In a case concerning determination of just and adequate maintenance for a wife undergoing cancer treatment and 2 minor children, the Supreme Court reconsidered the quantum of maintenance awarded by the Delhi High Court. The Court held that deductions towards Provident Fund (PF) and Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs), unlike mandatory deductions such as income tax and professional tax, ultimately accrued as benefits to the husband and could not be treated as permanent charges. Taking into account the wife’s cancer treatment expenses and her responsibility of caring for the 2 children, the Court enhanced her monthly maintenance to ₹30,000 and the children’s maintenance to ₹75,000 each, totalling ₹1,50,000 per month with effect from 1 January 2025.
Read more HERE
HIGH COURT HIGHLIGHTS
FAMILY LAW | “Marriages are being solemnised without verifying age of persons concerned”: Aliganj Arya Samaj Mandir barred from solemnising marriages
In a writ petition titled Neha v. State of U.P., 2026 SCC OnLine All 24124, filed by a young couple seeking protection, the Allahabad High Court listed the matter while holding that it appeared that marriages were being solemnised in the Arya Samaj Mandir even without verifying the age of the persons concerned. Accordingly, the Court directed that until further orders, the Arya Samaj Mandir concerned shall not solemnise any marriage or issue any marriage certificate.
Read more HERE
CRIMINAL LAW | Attempt to rape allegations escaped attention of investigating agency: CID probe ordered
In a writ petition titled X7 v. State of Karnataka, 2026 SCC OnLine Kar 8819, seeking further investigation in a case where the police had filed a charge sheet only for the offence of attempt to murder under Section 307, Penal Code, 1860 (IPC), despite the victim’s allegations that the accused attempted to force her into sexual intercourse before inflicting multiple grievous injuries upon her, the Karnataka High Court expressed shock that a statement which prima facie disclosed ingredients of an attempt to commit rape had escaped the attention of both the investigating agency and the trial court. The Court held that the victim’s statement under Section 164 CrPC revealed a “disturbing and disquieting” narrative. Thus, the Court held that the investigation suffered from glaring omissions striking at the very root of a fair and comprehensive investigation and directed a fresh probe by the Crime Investigation Department (CID).
Read more HERE
CONTRACT LAW | FIR stayed against SPM Chemicals & Minerals in ₹1.75 crore dispute; Held, breach of contract cannot be forcefully converted into criminal action
In a petition titled Renu Jain v. State (NCT of Delhi), 2026 SCC OnLine Del 5811, challenging the order directing registration of an FIR under Section 175(3), Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), the Delhi High Court stayed the operation, implementation and execution of the impugned order, observing that a simple commercial dispute arising out of alleged deficiency in supply of goods appeared to have been forcefully converted into a criminal action. The Court reiterated that the growing tendency in business circles to convert purely civil disputes into criminal cases and settle civil disputes and claims by applying criminal prosecution should be deprecated and discouraged.
Read more HERE
DOWRY DEATH | After 47 years, doubt prevails over conviction: Husband acquitted in 1979 dowry death case
In a criminal appeal titled Triveni v. State, 2026 SCC OnLine All 23563, the Allahabad High Court allowed the appeal and acquitted the appellant, holding that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The Court found that the unexplained delay of more than 4 years in lodging the FIR, contradictory medical evidence regarding the cause of death, and the incomplete chain of circumstantial evidence created serious doubt, entitling the appellant to the benefit of doubt.
Read more HERE
SERVICE LAW | Why Retirement Timing Doesn’t Cost Employees Their Annual Increment
In a writ petition titled Shivaji Nivrutti Bamane v. State of Maharashtra3, seeking grant of notional/annual increment due on 1 July after retirement and consequential recalculation of retirement benefits, the Bombay High Court held that employees who had served for more than 6 months from the last date of annual increment were entitled to the benefit of annual increment. The Court noted that under Rule 10, Maharashtra Civil Service (Revised Pay) Rules, 2009 (2009 Rules), there is a uniform date of annual increment, i.e. 1 July every year, and employees completing 6 months or more in their service as on 1 July would be eligible for grant of annual increment.
Read more HERE
RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL RIGHTS | “Exceptionally grave and egregious violation of constitutional rights”: Daughters confined by father for converting to Islam released, 25 Lakhs compensation ordered
In a habeas corpus petition titled Kunwar Sultan Ali v. State of U.P.4, filed against illegal detention of 2 major women by their father because they converted to Islam, the Allahabad High Court allowed the petition, holding that both daughters were unwillingly confined in their parental home and were prevented from exercising their independent choice solely because they decided to embrace a different faith, which was manifestly violative of their constitutional rights. Thus, the Court was duty-bound to restore their liberty in exercise of its extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution.
Read more HERE
SERVICE LAW | Retired before July 1? 6 month’s service from date of last increment entitles retiree to Notional Annual Increment
While considering a petition titled Jyotiram Maruti Tupe v. State of Maharashtra, 2026 SCC OnLine Bom 8928, seeking grant of notional annual increment falling due on 1 July after superannuation and consequential revision of retirement benefits, the Bombay High Court held that annual increment is an earned benefit accruing on account of service rendered during the relevant period and that employees who had completed more than six months of qualifying service before retirement were entitled to notional annual increment while determining pensionary benefits.
Read more HERE
CRIMINAL LAW| Every awkward expression of admiration isn’t a crime: FIR against 21-year-old over one Instagram message, quashed
In a case titled Thomas Jadan v. State of Karnataka, 2026 SCC OnLine Kar 9664, the Karnataka High Court quashed an FIR against a 21-year-old student arising from a solitary Instagram message complimenting a female classmate’s appearance. The Court held that the message did not disclose voyeurism, stalking or intentional insult to a woman’s modesty, observing that youthful or inappropriate expressions cannot automatically constitute criminal offences.
Read more HERE
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE | Appearing via video conferencing not a fundamental right: ₹6.7 Lakhs cost imposed on man who filed several RTIs, refused to appear in person
In a writ petition titled Vemula Venkata Vinay Babu v. State of U.P., 2026 SCC OnLine All 24262, the Allahabad High Court dismissed the petition, holding that the information sought by the petitioner had already been supplied to him. The Court also rejected the petitioner’s claim that he had an absolute right to appear only through video conferencing and held that appearing via video conferencing is not a fundamental right but a mode of convenience. The Court imposed costs totalling ₹6.7 lakhs, comprising ₹50,000 for a misconceived application, ₹1.2 lakhs at ₹5,000 each for the 24 RTI applications, and a further ₹5 lakhs to discourage such conduct, payable to the High Court Legal Services Committee within four weeks.
Read more HERE
CRIMINAL LAW | Chhatrasal Stadium Assault Case: Unpacking the judgment in the Sushil Kumar Bail Case
In a regular bail application titled Sushil Kumar v. State Govt. of NCT of Delhi, 2026 SCC OnLine Del 5953, the Delhi High Court declined to enlarge the petitioner on bail, holding that the circumstances projected by him did not constitute a genuine change in circumstances warranting a departure from the view earlier taken by the Supreme Court. The Court observed that the petitioner’s reliance on the deposition of complainant Ashok Dhankad and the fact that certain prosecution witnesses had turned hostile could not, at this stage, be treated as a change in circumstances, particularly when the Supreme Court had earlier expressed concerns regarding the petitioner’s societal standing and influence and the possibility of interference with the trial.
Read more HERE
ADVOCATES | Clear AIBE Within 2 Years or lose right to practice: Rules clarified for 2009-2010 onwards law graduates
In Yogendra v. State of U.P., 2026 SCC OnLine All 25632, the Allahabad High Court considered whether an advocate who had graduated after the academic session 2009-10 but had not qualified the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) despite expiry of two years could appear before the Court. Though the bail application had already been disposed of, the Court had permitted the counsel to argue the matter as a one-time exception under Section 32 Advocates Act, 1961, while keeping the larger issue pending for determination. The Court subsequently examined the legal position concerning provisional enrolment, qualification of AIBE, practice before the High Court and verification of Certificate of Practice (COP).
Read more HERE
FOREIGN COURTS
MALAYA HIGH COURT | Not under arrest, yet not free to leave: When does police control become arrest?
The case titled Nur Qyira Izzati Binti Yusri v. Mohammad Jazlan Bin Shahrif,5 arising from a candlelight vigil held at Dataran Merdeka during the COVID-19 pandemic, following which the plaintiffs were required by police officers to accompany them to Dang Wangi District Police Headquarters (IPD Dang Wangi) for documentation and enforcement purposes. The Malaya High Court considered whether, despite the police officers’ insistence that the plaintiffs were “not under arrest”, they had in fact been deprived of their liberty. The Court held that, viewed objectively, the plaintiffs were under arrest once they were compelled to accompany the police and were no longer free to leave. Thus, the plaintiffs had been deprived of their liberty in a manner, which amounts to arrest in law.
Read more HERE
TRIBUNALS AND COMMISSIONS
INCOME TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL | Consideration received on repurchase of vested but unexercised Flipkart ESOPs is taxable as “capital gains”, not as “salary perquisite”
Allowing the appeal filed by the assessee in Pramod Kumar Jain v. CIT, 2026 SCC OnLine ITAT 13430, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal held that the consideration received by a Flipkart employee on repurchase of vested but unexercised stock options could not be taxed as a “perquisite” under Section 17(2)(vi), Income-tax Act, 1961, since no “specified security” had come into existence. The Tribunal held that the vested Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) represented a capital asset in the nature of a right to subscribe to shares, and its repurchase amounted to a transfer chargeable to tax as long-term capital gains.
Read more HERE
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRBUNAL | ₹10.46 Crore in claims, ₹1.55 Crore Recovered: SIS Mohan Real Estate Resolution Plan approved
In Tatanagar Financial Services Ltd. v. SIS Mohan Real Estate (P) Ltd6, an Interlocutory Application was filed by Resolution Professional (RP) seeking direction for final approval of resolution plan, the National Company Law Tribunal, Kolkata, approved the Total Resolution Plan and held that the applicant complied with requirement of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC). Further emphasised that “Commercial Wisdom of CoC” was to be given paramount status.
Read more HERE
GST APPELLATE TRIBUNAL | Finance Act, 2025 Amendment prospective; No 10% penalty pre-deposit for appeals arising from pre-01-10-2025 GST proceedings
In Reddy Veeranna Constructions (P) Ltd. v. Appeal I Commissioner, 2026 SCC OnLine GSTAT 158, the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT), Hyderabad, held that the appellant was not liable to make any statutory pre-deposit under Section 112(8), Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (CGST Act) for admission of its appeal, as the penalty proceedings had commenced before the amendment introduced by the Finance Act, 2025 came into force.
Read more HERE
OTHER UPDATES
NEWS
LEGISLATIONS
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RBI Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 5.25%; Retains Neutral Stance
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No Charges on UPI Payments: Government Clarifies What the PSS Act Amendment Really Means
ALSO READ
1. SLP (Crl.) No. 11263 of 2025
2. Civil Appeal No. 4970 of 2017
3. Writ Petition (St.) No. 6552 of 2026
4. HABEAS CORPUS WRIT PETITION No. — 1079 of 2026
5. Civil Suit No. WA-21NCVC-255-12 of 2021
6. I.A. (IB) No. 488/KB of 2025
