Top Legal Highlights of the Week: 01/09/2025 to 07/09/2025

Bombay High Court Steps In On Maratha Protest

Mumbai, September 1, 2025: In a decisive move, the Bombay High Court issued a strong order today to address the large-scale Maratha protest that had caused widespread chaos in Mumbai. The court’s action came after a legal complaint was filed, arguing that the protest had gone too far and was illegally disrupting the lives of the city's citizens. The protest, led by activist Manoj Jarange, began as a demand for reservations for the Maratha community. However, it soon grew into a massive gathering that moved towards Mumbai, blocking highways and paralyzing public transport. The court noted that the protestors had broken the conditions of their initial permission for a peaceful gathering and were causing serious trouble for the general public, especially during the Ganpati festival.

The court’s judgment was firm and clear. It ordered the Maharashtra government to immediately stop any more protestors from entering the city. Additionally, it directed the authorities to ensure that all streets and public places that had been taken over by the protest were cleared by the following day. The court stated that the right to protest, while fundamental, cannot be used to paralyze a major city. The ruling sent a strong message that public order must be maintained and that the law must be enforced to protect the rights of all citizens. This intervention was seen as a crucial step in bringing the city back to normal.

Supreme Court Reviews Governor’s Power On Bills

New Delhi, September 3, 2025 |The Supreme Court has started hearings on whether state governors can indefinitely delay or block bills passed by state legislatures. Several states complained that Governors were misusing their authority, undermining democracy.

The core issue is whether a governor, appointed by the center, can withhold approval without explanation. States argued that this practice disregards the people’s mandate and effectively gives Governors a “veto” over elected governments.

The Court is considering setting a clear deadline for Governors to act on bills. A ruling in this case could become a landmark, shaping the balance of power between state governments and the Governor’s office and ensuring smoother lawmaking.

Vaishno Devi Tragedy: Landslide Claims Dozens of Lives, Pilgrimage Halted

Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, September 4, 2025 |A tragic landslide near the Vaishno Devi Shrine has left at least 34 pilgrims dead and over 20 injured, prompting immediate, large-scale rescue operations. The disaster, triggered by incessant rainfall, occurred on the old track connecting Adhkuwari to the main Bhawan, trapping many devotees under debris. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army, and local police, along with Shrine Board staff, were immediately deployed to the site to evacuate the injured and retrieve the victims. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has since temporarily suspended the yatra from Katra to the Bhawan, with officials urging pilgrims to remain at the base camp for their safety. The tragic event has cast a pall of grief over the region and led to widespread concern over the safety of the pilgrimage route during the monsoon season.

Authorities have confirmed that an ex-gratia relief package will be announced for the victims' families, and a high-level inquiry has been initiated to assess the safety protocols along the yatra route.

Noida Dowry Case: New Evidence Turns Abetment Into Murder Probe

Noida, September 5, 2025 | A significant twist has emerged in the tragic dowry death case of a 26-year-old woman, with police finding key evidence that has fundamentally altered the investigation against her husband and in-laws. The new evidence, which includes an inflammable liquid at the crime scene and fresh video clips, has shifted the police's focus from a case of abetment to a possible murder charge. The deceased woman's family had initially filed a complaint against her husband and in-laws, alleging that she was being harassed for dowry, which they believe led to her death.

Police sources confirmed that an inflammable liquid was found at the location where the woman’s body was discovered. This finding is crucial, as it suggests the fire was not an accident but a deliberate act. The presence of an accelerant points towards a planned event, which could be an attempt to destroy evidence or commit a more severe crime. Additionally, new video clips recovered from a mobile device reportedly show moments leading up to the incident, including a verbal altercation. This digital evidence provides a new and undeniable dimension to the case. A senior police official stated that the new forensic and digital evidence will be key to establishing the exact sequence of events and the motive behind the crime. The case is no longer solely based on testimony but is now supported by concrete scientific and digital findings. The investigation is ongoing as police work to piece together the events that led to the woman's death. The new evidence is expected to drastically strengthen the prosecution's case, with authorities likely to file charges of murder instead of abetment to suicide, marking a significant step toward justice for the victim.

Major Overhaul of Immigration Law in India

New Delhi, September 6, 2025 |A new law, the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, has come into effect, bringing a major change to how India manages visitors and foreigners. The new law, which was made active on this date, replaces several older, separate laws that were put in place decades ago. The main purpose of the new law is to modernize the country's immigration system and make it more streamlined. It centralizes all matters related to foreigners under the national government, giving it full control over entry, stay, and exit.

One of the key features of the law is the creation of a new, single digital database. This will help the government keep a close watch on foreigners, track overstays, and prevent people from using fake documents. The new law also has stricter punishments for those who break immigration rules. For example, using fake travel documents now carries a much higher penalty, including a longer jail term and a larger fine. Additionally, businesses like hotels and educational institutions are now required to share information about foreign guests or students directly with the government using a new electronic system. This legal overhaul is aimed at making the process clearer and safer for everyone involved.

Supreme Court Bars Anticipatory Bail in SC/ST Act Cases

New Delhi, September 7, 2025 | The Supreme Court has ruled that people accused under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act cannot seek anticipatory bail. The decision strengthens the law and ensures stronger protection for SC/ST communities. The case arose after a High Court granted pre-arrest bail in an atrocity complaint. Overturning that order, the Supreme Court said the Act clearly prohibits such relief. The judges explained that the Act’s purpose is to shield vulnerable communities from violence, humiliation, and harassment. Allowing anticipatory bail could weaken the law and give the accused an opportunity to threaten or influence victims.

Still, the Court allowed a narrow exception: if the police report itself shows that no offence under the Act is made out, anticipatory bail may be considered. But it cautioned that courts cannot conduct a mini-trial at this stage.

This ruling reaffirms the strict enforcement of the SC/ST Act and signals that crimes against marginalized groups will not be taken lightly.