Cigarettes to burn holes in your pocket from Feb 2026: Govt raises Excise Duty on tobacco products
Finance Ministry has notified an increase in excise duty on tobacco products, applicable from February 2026.
public interest
Bombay High Court holds License fee on sky-signs and hoardings to be regulatory fee, not tax, despite GST
“The control and regulation of sky-signs and hoardings in the modern times is a significant challenge for the municipal bodies who are caught between a balance to be brought about by such high technological advancements.”
Status quo order cannot hinder flood mitigation; Eco Park and ponds conceived in larger public interest: Madras High Court
“It is necessary to reiterate the grave concerns surrounding air pollution and AQI levels, the reduction of which forms a central part of the rationale behind the Eco Park, since air pollution today is not merely an environmental issue, it has become a public health emergency.”
“Misuse of Public office a gruesome crime”; Rajasthan High Court refuses to withdraw case against BJP MLA for fabricating Class X marksheet
“Such matters of a gruesome crime involving misuse of public office and public money do not warrant withdrawal of prosecution merely on the ground of good public image of an accused or that he is elected Member of Legislative Assembly.”
Rajasthan High Court refuses to interfere in Sewage Treatment Plant site selection policy decision; dismisses PIL
“It is not for the Court, while exercising extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to decide which site would be more suitable for setting up the sewage treatment plant. This necessarily has to be done by the Government and its Authorities.”
“Why no action taken against anti-social elements who vandalised Dr. Ambedkar’s Statue”; MP High Court seeks explanation from Police Authorities
The State accepted notice and sought time to obtain instructions as to “why action has not been taken against the anti-social elements who have broken the statue of Dr. Ambedkar on the night of 10-02-2025.”
Electricity Act, 2003 mandates that Regulations framed by the State Commissions must serve larger public interest: Supreme Court
“The Electricity Act, 2003 envisions a structured and fair mechanism for open access while ensuring that market participants do not engage in practices detrimental to the larger consumer base”.
Issuance of injunction essential in cases of blatant IPR violations to safeguard both private & public interests: Rajasthan High Court
The Court found that the respondents’ label is a near replica of the appellant’s trademark and design, including the “Swastik” symbol, which has been consistently used by Rajani Products since 1983.
Madras High Court allows CMRL to acquire land near two Hindu temples for metro station construction
“Almighty would undoubtedly shower his kindness and benevolence for the development of a metro rail station, which will benefit lakhs of people from all segments of society, some of whom may well be devotees, who visit the temple.”
NCLT rejects Vedanta Ltd.’s demerger plan over non-disclosure of SEPCO’s debt and procedural irregularities
“The present one is a case where material facts have not been disclosed by the Applicant Company, violating Section 230 (2)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013, which in our considered opinion is bound to prejudice the public interest at large.”
‘Compulsory retirement not a punishment, does not have any stigma attached to it’; Chhattisgarh HC upholds compulsory retirement of a 50-year-old man
As per Annual Confidential Reports, the petitioner’s overall grade was average or below average. Since, the petitioner completed 50 years of age, this decision of compulsory retirement could have been taken by the State authorities. The un-communicated adverse remarks cannot be made a basis to disturb the finding recorded by the competent authority.
Supreme Court upholds land acquisition for Yamuna Expressway; Justifies Invocation of Urgency Clause
Supreme Court directed that a 64.7% enhancement in compensation would apply in rem, ensuring that uniform benefits would be provided to all affected landowners under the present land acquisition process.
Ban manufacturing, marketing & use of plastic with less than 120-micron: Meghalaya HC directs State
“Research and experience have shown that these plastic products have some very adverse impact on the eco-system and environment. Plastic waste cannot be easily recycled or safely destroyed. It causes waste management problems.”
Bar under S.77 of U.P. Revenue Code is not applicable due to no change in Bhumidhari Rights; Allahabad HC upholds State’s use of land for water tank and RCC centre
“Whenever even a very small part of an area, reserved for a public purpose, is used for other public purpose, the Gram Sabha concerned, and officials of State will take endeavour to make out a larger consensus amongst the villagers so that they may not approach this Court to oppose the public cause”
NCLAT upholds Central government’s takeover of Delhi Gymkhana Club; directs conduct of elections for management restoration
The NCLAT noted that the NCLT had not delegated its jurisdiction to the 15-member committee but tasked the committee to act under the NCLT’s oversight, ensuring compliance with its guidance and observations.
Blind rejection of License transfer request without provision violates principles of Equity, Justice & Good Conscience: Rajasthan High Court
The Court advised the State of Rajasthan to amend the Motor Driving School Registration Scheme, 2018 to include provisions for license transfer to legal heirs.
“Object of consulting the Central Vigilance Commission is not in the interest of the employee but in the larger interest of the banking institution”: Karnataka HC
While considering a matter revolving around dismissal of a Banker due to indiscriminate lending of money to fictitious persons, the Court stated, “Funds are parked with the banks by broad segments of the public and this establishes a public trust which compels the banker to act with a greater care than what individuals engaged in commerce ordinarily do.”
“Interests of securing higher profits must yield before the safety of lakhs of passengers using the platform”: Bombay HC
The Court held that railway platforms exist mainly for travelling passengers and their free movement; their safety being paramount compared to the business interest of the petitioner in operating the catering stall.
Delhi High Court dismiss PIL seeking directions to allow Delhi CM to interact with the Delhi Assembly for efficient governance
A PIL was filed seeking issuance of directions to GNCTD to provide arrangements for efficient governance of Delhi by allowing the Chief Minister to interact with the Delhi Assembly and Cabinet Ministers via video conferencing subject to any conditions that may be imposed.