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The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly set to dismiss the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) demand to remove senior match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 panel. This comes after Pakistan threatened to pull out of the tournament over the controversial no-handshake incident that occurred during the India–Pakistan Group A clash in Dubai. Background: The Handshake Fiasco On September 14, 2025 , after India’s victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Group A fixture at the Dubai International Stadium , Indian players declined to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav later explained the decision, stating it was a mark of solidarity with the families of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, in which 26 civilians were killed by terrorists. The refusal sparked a diplomatic and sporting controversy, with the PCB filing a complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) , alleging that referee ...

The Supreme Court of India, in a batch of writ petitions led by Writ Petition (Civil) No. 276 of 2025 , examined the constitutional validity of key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 . The petitioners argued that several amendments were violative of Articles 14, 15, 19, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30 and 300A of the Constitution, while the Union of India defended the law as a necessary reform to address misuse of Waqf provisions. Background of the Case Multiple writ petitions challenged amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995 (renamed as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995). The contentious provisions included Sections 3(r), 3C, 3D, 3E, 9, 14, 23, 36, 104, 107, 108, 108A , among others. The primary challenges were against: Deletion of “Waqf by User” (customary usage-based waqf). Government property exemption (Section 3C). Protected monuments provision (Section 3D). Restrictions on Scheduled Tribe land (Section 3E). Inclusion o...

The final deadline for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year 2025–26 is September 15, 2025 . The Income Tax Department has reminded taxpayers that no further extension will be granted this year. Already, more than six crore ITRs have been filed, with numbers expected to rise further as last-minute filers complete the process. Earlier, the due date was July 31 , but it was extended by six weeks due to “structural and content revisions” in the ITR forms. The department has also ensured round-the-clock assistance through calls, live chat, WebEx sessions, and social media support. Importance of Filing Income Tax Return Filing ITR is not just a legal obligation; it has multiple practical and financial benefits. 1. Legal Compliance Every person with taxable income above the basic exemption limit must file ITR. Non-filing can lead to penalties, interest, and prosecution in some cases. 2. Proof of Income ITR acts as an authentic document for proof of income. It is oft...

Introduction In a significant ruling with far-reaching implications for India’s real estate sector, the Supreme Court of India has drawn a sharp line between speculative investors and genuine homebuyers , calling the former a “slow poison” to the sector. The Court emphasized that the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 , should not be exploited as a recovery tool by investors seeking quick profits without any intent of purchasing a home. Instead, the law must be a mechanism for protecting homebuyers and ensuring timely completion of projects. The Case Before the Court A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan was hearing a batch of appeals linked to insolvency proceedings initiated against two builders. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) had previously dismissed these cases, classifying the petitioners as “speculative investors.” The Supreme Court upheld the NCLAT’s decision, reiterating that speculative misuse of the IBC undermines the very stabil...

Court Emphasizes Procedural Safeguards Under PMLA The Delhi High Court has ruled that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) must strictly follow the procedures laid down in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) when seeking to retain seized or frozen property. The judgment reinforces that procedural safeguards are crucial to protect individuals’ rights from arbitrary retention of property. A bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad and Justice Harish Vadiyanathan Shankar delivered the verdict on Friday, making it clear that ED cannot directly seek the adjudicating authority’s approval for retention without first issuing a formal order. Requirement of a Formal Order Before Retention According to the court, before the ED approaches the adjudicating authority, an authorised officer must pass a formal order explaining why retention for up to 180 days is necessary. Without this essential step, the adjudicating authority has no legal basis to determine whether the seized property is ...

ECI Defends Its Constitutional Authority The Election Commission of India (ECI) has categorically told the Supreme Court that courts cannot mandate fixed timelines for special intensive revisions (SIR) of electoral rolls. In an affidavit filed on Friday, the ECI asserted that such decisions lie solely within its constitutional and statutory authority , as provided under Article 324 of the Constitution , the Representation of the People Act, 1950 , and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 . The Commission emphasized that it enjoys complete discretion over the preparation and revision of rolls and warned that any judicial interference in fixing mandatory timelines would amount to encroachment upon its plenary powers . PIL Seeks Nationwide Special Electoral Roll Revisions The affidavit was filed in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay . His petition demanded mandatory nationwide special intensive revisions , especially before parl...

Court’s Strong Observations The Bombay High Court has held that municipal corporations across Maharashtra must be held liable for loss of life, injuries, and damages caused to citizens due to potholes. The court emphasized that it was unacceptable for citizens to suffer without any fault of their own because of the negligence of civic authorities. A division bench of Justice Revati Mohite-Dere and Justice Sandesh Patil made these remarks on Friday while hearing a suo moto public interest litigation (PIL) initiated after reports of multiple pothole-related fatalities. Data Collection on Pothole Deaths Ordered The High Court directed all municipal corporations to collect and submit data on pothole-related deaths and injuries within their jurisdictions. It also asked the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) to provide details of accidents on roads and flyovers maintained by them. The court observed: “Municipal corporations must be made liable for this. Th...

Introduction On September 12, the Supreme Court of India was advised to adopt a court-monitored hybrid resolution mechanism for the completion of the long-delayed Supernova project by Supertech Realtors in Noida. The suggestion comes in line with judicial interventions in stalled housing projects like Amrapali and Unitech , ensuring homebuyers’ interests are safeguarded when insolvency processes fail. About the Supernova Project Developer : Supertech Realtors (a wholly owned subsidiary of Supertech Ltd, currently facing insolvency proceedings). Project Type : Mixed-use development, including residential units, commercial spaces, offices, studio apartments, serviced apartments, and shopping centres . Location : Sector 94, Noida. Scale : An 80-floor skyscraper with a height of 300 metres , touted as the tallest building in Delhi-NCR . Stakeholders’ Confidence in Court-Monitored Resolution Advocate Rajiv Jain , assisting in the matter, told a bench of Justices Su...

The Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline for Assessment Year 2025-26 is fast approaching on 15 September 2025 . While millions of taxpayers—salaried employees, professionals, freelancers, and businesses—are hurrying to file on time, many remain unaware of the serious consequences of missing the deadline. From late fees and interest charges to even loss of tax benefits and prosecution in extreme cases , the implications are significant. Late Fee Under Section 234F The Income Tax Act, 1961 , prescribes a penalty for delayed filing under Section 234F , based on the taxpayer’s income: If total income exceeds ₹5 lakh , the penalty is ₹5,000 . If total income is below ₹5 lakh , the penalty is ₹1,000 . No penalty applies if the income is below the taxable threshold . However, even those exempt from penalty may still face compliance issues if filing is required for reasons such as foreign income or certain financial transactions . Interest on Unpaid Tax Liability If you...

Introduction The Delhi High Court has issued a significant ruling safeguarding the personality and publicity rights of actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan , restraining multiple entities from using her name, image, and voice without prior consent. The judgment reinforces the legal protections available to celebrities against unauthorized commercial exploitation of their identity. Background of the Case Aishwarya Rai Bachchan filed a petition before the Delhi High Court, alleging that several individuals and organizations were illegally using her name, voice, and videos for commercial purposes. The unauthorized usage also included morphed images created using artificial intelligence , some of which were circulated in a pornographic context , thereby causing severe reputational and personal harm. She argued that such actions infringed upon her publicity rights, privacy, and dignity , and sought judicial intervention. The Court’s Observations Justice Tejas Karia delivered a 16-page or...

Supreme Court’s Landmark Observation On Wednesday, the Supreme Court upheld a Delhi High Court order directing the registration of criminal cases against former Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar and officer Vinay Kumar Pandey . The apex court emphasized that “those who investigate should also be investigated to ensure the common man’s faith in the system is kept alive.” A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B Varale dismissed the appeals filed by both officers, confirming the Delhi HC’s earlier decisions of 2006 and 2019. Allegations Against the Officers The case dates back to the late 1990s and early 2000s when Neeraj Kumar was deputed to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as its joint director. Pandey, later an Assistant Commissioner of Police, was serving as a CBI inspector at the time. Complainant Sheesh Ram Saini alleged he was coerced into signing documents in a corruption case involving former ED deputy director Ashok Agarwal. Complainant Vij...

Clear Distinction Between Rape and Consensual Sex The Supreme Court on Wednesday emphasised the need for courts to carefully differentiate between rape and consensual sex , particularly in cases where allegations arise from a promise of marriage . The court held that if an accused never intended to marry and entered into a relationship with mala fide motives, such conduct could amount to cheating or deception .

The Indian government has permitted manufacturers, packaging firms, and importers to revise the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of unsold stock to reflect the recently announced GST reforms. The revision will be allowed until 31 December 2025 or till stocks last—whichever is earlier. Transparency in Price Revision Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi , clarified that the revised prices must reflect only GST changes . Importantly, the old MRP must remain visible on the packaging. Any increase or decrease in price should directly correspond to GST rate revisions, ensuring that companies do not exploit the reform to arbitrarily increase prices. This safeguard, Joshi stated, is aimed at transparency and protecting consumer interests . Guidelines for Implementation According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs notice: The new MRP can be stamped, stuck, or printed on the packaging. Overwriting is not allowed ; the original MRP must re...

Supreme Court Acquits Woman Convicted of Abetment to Suicide The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday delivered a significant ruling that routine neighbourhood quarrels cannot be equated with abetment to suicide. The Court acquitted a Karnataka woman, Geeta, who had previously been convicted under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for allegedly driving her neighbour to suicide. Case Background The case dates back to August 12, 2008 , when a 25-year-old woman from Vijaypur set herself ablaze by pouring kerosene and later succumbed to her injuries. In her dying declaration, she named five neighbours , alleging harassment and constant quarrels over scolding their children. While the trial court acquitted four of the accused, it convicted Geeta under Section 306 IPC, sentencing her to five years in prison. Since the victim belonged to a Scheduled Caste, Geeta was also convicted under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act , leading to a life sentence. High Court Proceeding...

Background of the Case The Supreme Court of India on Monday raised serious concerns regarding provisions of the National Highways Act, 1956 (NHAI Act) that govern compensation for land acquisition. The Court described the provisions as “bad,” particularly because they deny landowners judicial recourse and instead place adjudicatory powers in the hands of bureaucrats rather than judicial officers.

Compensation for Prolonged Detention The Supreme Court of India has ordered the state of Madhya Pradesh to pay ₹25 lakh compensation to a man who remained in prison for over four years and seven months beyond his lawful sentence . The ruling was delivered by a bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan .

Introduction Television actor Ashish Kapoor , best known for his roles in several popular Hindi serials, has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody after being arrested from Pune last week. He is accused in a gangrape case involving a 24-year-old woman. The investigation remains ongoing, with crucial evidence including the complainant’s missing phone yet to be recovered. The Case Background According to the complaint, the woman – a professional based in Gurugram – attended a house party in Delhi’s Civil Lines on August 10, 2025 . She alleged that Kapoor, along with his friend, forced her into a washroom where she was raped. The incident was reportedly filmed on her own phone , which was later snatched from her. The complainant further alleged that she was assaulted by a woman at the party and threatened with the leaked video . An FIR was registered on August 11, 2025 , under charges of gangrape and assault, with Kapoor named as the primary perpetrator . Arrest After Three We...

India and the European Union (EU) are preparing for a decisive round of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) , with the 13th round of talks set to begin in New Delhi on September 8, 2025 . These discussions come as both sides aim to finalise the deal by the end of this year, amid growing concerns over global trade disruptions triggered by U.S. tariff policies. Strategic Importance of the Talks The FTA has gained renewed urgency as tariff wars led by the U.S. are reshaping global trade flows. According to officials, both India and the EU see the deal as a mechanism to “de-risk” supply chains and provide stability for businesses across critical sectors. To give political momentum to the negotiations, EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic and agriculture commissioner Christophe Hansen are expected to visit New Delhi for discussions with commerce minister Piyush Goyal . Progress Achieved So Far The two sides have already closed 11 out of 23 chapters of the agreement, in...

Chargesheet Filed in Sohra Court The Meghalaya Police has filed a 790-page chargesheet in the sensational murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi , who was brutally killed during his honeymoon trip to Sohra in May 2025. The chargesheet, submitted before the Sohra court, names five principal accused and lays bare a conspiracy that investigators have described as “cold-blooded and meticulously planned.” The accused include: Sonam Raghuvanshi (wife of the victim) Raj Kushwaha (alleged lover of Sonam) Three hired assailants – Vishal Singh Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi All have been charged under Sections 103(1), 238(a), and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 . How the Murder Was Planned According to the SIT, Sonam Raghuvanshi (Accused No. 1) continued her relationship with Raj Kushwaha even after marrying Raja on May 11, 2025 , in Indore. Within days of the wedding, the duo allegedly conspired to eliminate Raja under the guise of a honeymoon tr...

Background of the Case The Supreme Court of India, in Anoop Maheshwari v. Oriental Insurance Company Ltd. & Ors. (Civil Appeal Nos. 12098-12099 of 2024, decided on 4th September 2025), dealt with a compensation dispute arising from a motor accident in 2007. The claimant, a young graduate, lost his leg due to a rashly driven truck. While the Tribunal and the High Court awarded compensation under different heads, the claimant sought enhancement before the Supreme Court.

Bomb Threat Amid Ganesh Visarjan Festivities Mumbai Police announced a high alert on Friday after receiving a chilling threat from an organization called Lashkar-e-Jihadi . The caller claimed that 34 “human bombs” carrying 400 kg of RDX had been planted across the city in 34 vehicles to cause blasts capable of “shaking the entire city.” The timing of the threat coincided with the Ganesh Visarjan processions on the eve of Anant Chaturdashi , when lakhs of devotees gather across Mumbai for the immersion of idols, heightening public safety concerns. Details of the Threat Call The threat call was received on the traffic police helpline , where the caller further claimed that the planned explosions would kill one crore people . Following the message, police across Maharashtra intensified security checks and monitoring in sensitive locations. Recent Pattern of Hoax Threats in Mumbai This latest development follows a series of bomb threat hoaxes in Mumbai over the past few months...

Background of Rampal and Satlok Ashram Controversy Rampal, head of the Satlok Ashram , has been in custody since November 2014 after being arrested in a criminal contempt case by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. His arrest followed large-scale violence during an operation to bring him before the court. The 2014 incident led to six deaths and injuries to 110 police personnel and 70 civilians , sparking widespread controversy. Following this, five criminal cases were registered against him. High Court’s Suspension of Sentence On September 2, 2025 , the Punjab and Haryana High Court suspended Rampal’s life sentence in a 2014 case involving the deaths of four women and one child at his ashram. This comes just days after another suspension on August 28, 2025 , in a separate case concerning the death of one woman during the same operation. The bench of Justice Gurvinder Singh Gill and Justice Deepinder Singh Nalwa noted that Rampal, now 74 years old , had already spent 10 yea...