Current Legal Update

Over 2,000 advocates demand urgent judge appointments, end to ‘judge-son’ nexus

In a sweeping call for systemic overhaul in judicial appointments, more than 2,000 advocates have backed a requisition seeking the immediate filling up of approximately 283 vacant high court judges’ posts, including 35 (now 26 after oath of 10 judges on August 4) in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, warning that judicial delays, institutional favouritism, and in-breeding are threatening the credibility and independence of the higher judiciary.

Current Legal Update

Supreme Court Condemns Manual Scavenging at Its Own Premises, Issues Stark Warning of FIRs Against Responsible Officials

The Supreme Court showed serious concern regarding reports and images of manual scavenging and unsafe cleaning being conducted on the premises of the Supreme Court itself. The Bench expressed disapproval of the continued work, even after a national ban, ordered the officials to provide an account, and indicated criminal action to follow if an adequate response was not provided. The case emphasizes the Court’s determination to remove inhuman cleaning practices and preserve stringent mechanisms for the health and dignity of sanitation workers. 

Current Legal Update

Supreme Court Recalls Order Banning High Court Judge From Hearing Criminal Cases

The Supreme Court lifted the ban of Justice Prashant Kumar and deleted the other remarks and passed the case back to the Allahabad High Court. The decision highlights the aspects of restriction of the interventions of the Supreme Court in the administrative aspects of high courts, and it also emphasizes the dignity of the courts and respect amongst the various courts.

Current Legal Update

State bar council issues notices to 16 lawyers over alleged bench hunting

The Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana has issued notices to 16 lawyers—including some senior advocates—for allegedly “bench hunting,” or trying to get cases heard by judges they think will rule in their favour.
This all ties back to a high-profile corruption case involving Gurugram realtor Roop Bansal and former CBI judge Sudhir Parmar, where lawyers are accused of manipulating which judge would hear the case.