Here is the Daily Roundup of Important Judgments and Orders from the Supreme Court and the High Courts for September 23, 2026.
DNA Did Not Match Newborn Child, MP High Court Grants Benefit of Doubt and Sets Aside Sexual Assault Conviction
The Madhya Pradesh High Court acquitted Teerath @ Chotu Tekam after examining witness testimony and DNA evidence. Justice Devnarayan Mishra found that the scientific evidence excluded him as the child's biological father and that the remaining prosecution evidence did not provide a reliable basis for sustaining his conviction. Read more...
Allahabad HC Warns Against Forcing Employees To Wear Santa Claus Caps, Cites Religious Freedom and Workplace Harmony
The Allahabad High Court partly allowed Vikram Singh’s application, setting aside his summoning order after finding that proceedings under non-cognizable offences were wrongly treated as a State case. The Court also cautioned “V Bazar” authorities against compelling employees to wear Santa Claus red caps, noting concerns involving different faiths and workplace harmony. Read more...
Allahabad HC Slams Ex-Judge for Concealing Revised Pension, Upholds Family Court Order Doubling Wife’s Maintenance
The Allahabad High Court dismissed Naresh Kumar's criminal revision challenging enhancement of his wife's maintenance from ₹9,000 to ₹18,000 per month. The Court considered his revised pension, the status of his divorce decree, and his second marriage before affirming the Family Court's order. Read more...
Civil Suits Can Be Consolidated When Issues Are Similar And Common Evidence Is Sufficient: MP High Court
The Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed a civil revision seeking consolidation of three suits involving family property and Gwalior Ice Factory. Justice Ashish Shroti held that the suits involved different causes of action, reliefs and evidence. The Court therefore upheld rejection of the consolidation application under Section 24 CPC. Read more...
Allahabad HC Grants Anticipatory Bail to Lawyer in Alleged Fake Law Degree Case
The Allahabad High Court granted anticipatory bail to Gaurang Brijvasi in an FIR concerning verification of his law degree. Justice Rajiv Lochan Shukla noted that the university had not definitively confirmed the degree as forged, while the investigation remained pending and custodial interrogation was considered unnecessary. Read more...
Investigating Officer Can Serve as Prosecutor in Navy Court-Martial Proceedings, Kerala High Court Rules
The Kerala High Court ruled that an Investigating Officer can also serve as Prosecutor in Navy court-martial proceedings. The Division Bench upheld Regulation 178(3), finding no constitutional violation under Article 21 and recognising the separate procedural framework governing naval court-martial proceedings. Read more...
60-Year-Old Ceiling Proceedings Quashed After Notice Was Issued To Dead Person, MP High Court Finds Jurisdictional Defects
The MP High Court allowed Rajat Builders’ writ petition and quashed ceiling proceedings concerning Banediya land. Justice Sandeep N. Bhatt found that the Section 10 notice had been issued after the original owner’s death, while procedural, jurisdictional and natural justice requirements had also not been properly followed. Read more...
Supreme Court Holds Contractual Clause Can Bar Arbitrator From Awarding Pre-Reference Interest in Public Works Dispute
The Supreme Court held that Clause 54 of NEEPCO’s General Conditions of Contract expressly barred interest arising from delayed payments. It distinguished the clause from the one considered in Harish Chandra and held that the arbitral tribunal exceeded its jurisdiction by awarding pre-reference interest. The High Court judgment was set aside to that extent. Read more...
Allahabad HC Holds 5-Day Police Custody Illegal, Orders Release and Rs 50,000 Compensation
The Allahabad High Court held that Kamlesh Kumar was kept in illegal police custody from August 15 to August 19, 2026. The Bench ordered his release, directed the Uttar Pradesh Government to pay Rs 50,000 compensation, and required recovery of the amount from responsible officials after disciplinary inquiry. Read more...
Advocate Says Trial Court Judgment Was by “Match Fixing”; Karnataka High Court Sentences Him to 15 Days’ Simple Imprisonment
The Karnataka High Court sentenced advocate H.P. Sabjan to 15 days’ simple imprisonment after finding two criminal contempt charges proved. The case arose from remarks alleging “match fixing” by a trial court and subsequent allegations that a High Court order was false, fabricated and forged. Read more...
P&H High Court Rejects Bail To Former Cop Accused Of Using Police Uniform To Facilitate Drug Transport
The Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed Sarabjit Singh’s regular bail petition in a 2013 NDPS case. The Court held that the Section 37 conditions for bail were not satisfied, while also considering the alleged role attributed to him and his prolonged custody. The trial court was requested to expedite proceedings. Read more...
Delhi High Court Rejects CBI Challenge To Chitra Ramakrishna’s Bail In NSE Phone Tapping Case
The Delhi High Court dismissed the CBI’s challenge against bail granted to former NSE chief Chitra Ramakrishna in the alleged phone tapping case. The prosecution case concerns alleged interception of NSE employees’ calls through iSec Services. Justice Madhu Jain passed the order, leaving the trial court’s bail decision undisturbed. Read more...
Bombay HC Holds Duty-Free Shops Not Exempt From Domestic Laws; Leaves Nicotine Pouch Drug Status Open
The Bombay High Court held that goods sold through Duty Free Shops remain subject to domestic regulatory laws despite their customs-controlled location. However, it left open whether nicotine pouches qualify as drugs under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, directing the petitioners to approach the authorities with product specifications and supporting material. Read more...
Delhi HC Grants Bail to Amitabh Jhunjhunwala, Holds ‘Sick or Infirm’ Exception Under PMLA Need Not Require Imminent Threat to Life
The Delhi High Court granted regular bail to Amitabh Jhunjhunwala on medical grounds, holding that the PMLA’s “sick or infirm” exception does not require an imminently life-threatening condition. Justice Madhu Jain considered his cumulative medical conditions and the need for structured, continuing treatment before granting bail subject to strict conditions. Read more...
Karnataka HC Revives Land Acquisition For DRDO’s AI & Robotics Centre Citing National Security
Karnataka High Court allowed DRDO's appeals against a 2014 order quashing land acquisition for CAIR in Bengaluru, ruling that national defence needs outweigh procedural objections raised by landowners, while protecting their compensation rights. Read more...
Govt Can Withhold Appointment During Pending Criminal Case, Allows Joining After Candidate’s Acquittal: Rajasthan HC
The Rajasthan High Court dismissed the State’s appeal and upheld Jeetendra Kumar Choudhary’s appointment as Basic Computer Instructor after his acquittal. The Bench distinguished cases involving pending criminal proceedings and held that, since Choudhary had been acquitted and already selected, the direction permitting him to join with notional benefits remained sustainable. Read more...
Supreme Court To Examine Whether BCI Can Control Law Colleges And Regulate Legal Education
The Supreme Court will examine whether the Bar Council of India has statutory authority to control law colleges and universities. The Bench questioned the extent of BCI’s role under Section 7(1)(h) of the Advocates Act, while hearing challenges concerning the BCI-PEARL FIRST Trust and institutions linked to it. Read more...
Delhi High Court Directs Police Probe Into Alleged Fabrication Of 2024 Court Order After ‘Interim Stay’ Added
The Delhi High Court directed the Commissioner of Police to inquire into an alleged fabrication of its 2024 order after a second version contained an additional “interim stay” paragraph. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav also allowed the petitioners to approach the Registrar General with both versions of the order. Read more...
Bank Cannot Assume Interest On Terminal Benefits To Deny Compassionate Appointment: Delhi High Court
The Delhi High Court allowed a widow’s appeal against denial of compassionate appointment, holding that hypothetical interest on terminal benefits could not be treated as family income. The Bench also held that family pension and other service benefits could not by themselves bar compassionate appointment under the bank’s scheme. Read more...
Supreme Court Rejects Challenge To 2018 SC/ST Act Amendment, Declines To Revisit 2020 Verdict
The Supreme Court dismissed Brijbhushan Saini’s challenge to the 2018 SC/ST Act amendment, declining to reconsider its 2020 ruling. The Bench said safeguards remain available in individual cases, including judicial examination of whether a prima facie case exists and scrutiny of arrests under applicable criminal procedure. Read more...
Gujarat HC Denies Interim Relief to Ravi Nair in Adani Defamation Case, Reserves Order on Non-Bailable Warrant Challenge
The Gujarat High Court declined interim release to journalist Ravi Nair while hearing his challenge to a non-bailable warrant in the Adani defamation case. Justice M K Thakker reserved the matter for orders and observed that interim relief was unnecessary after hearing the petition. Read more...
MLAs Cannot Challenge Legislative Procedure Weeks Later After Remaining Silent During Vote: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court dismissed Agri S.S. Krishnamurthy’s challenge to the Tamil Nadu Assembly’s amended Mekedatu resolution. The Bench held that alleged procedural irregularities inside the House were protected by Article 212 and noted that members who had an opportunity to object could not later challenge the procedure. Read more...
Supreme Court Delivers Split Verdict on Election Commissioners Appointment Law; Matter Sent To CJI For Constitution Bench
The Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on September 23 over the Union’s request to refer the challenge to the 2023 Election Commissioners appointment law to a larger Bench. Justice Dipankar Datta rejected the reference, while Justice Satish Chandra Sharma favoured a Constitution Bench. The matter was placed before the CJI for appropriate consideration. Read more...
Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance Of Patna HC Verdict Holding Salwar Removal Attempt, Chest Pressing Not Attempt To Rape
The Supreme Court has registered suo motu proceedings over the Patna High Court’s July 9 judgment concerning an attempt-to-rape conviction. The Supreme Court noted certain observations as offending and directed service on the accused, while reserving further consideration until he is heard. Read more...
Calcutta HC Refuses Electricity Connection To Condemned Building Citing Serious Safety Risk
The Calcutta High Court dismissed a plea seeking electricity supply to a printing press operating from a condemned building. Justice Om Narayan Rai held that serious safety risks and the proposed demolition of the premises made a direction to CESC for electricity supply unwarranted. Read more...
Bombay HC Bans Firecrackers on Public Streets During Festivities, Orders Strict Noise Pollution Controls
The Bombay High Court has banned bursting of firecrackers on public streets during festivities and ordered stricter enforcement of noise pollution rules. The Bench directed authorities to monitor decibel levels, regulate sound systems, prohibit high-intensity lights, seize violating equipment and consider security deposits for permissions granted during festive processions. Read more...
Calcutta HC Upholds Arrest Warrant Against Accused Who Left India Before FIR, Notes ₹28.53 Crore Cash And 15 Kg Gold Recovery
The Calcutta High Court dismissed Md. Nazibuddin’s revision challenging an arrest warrant and proclamation issued during investigation. Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya held that the petitioner’s departure from India before registration of the criminal case was material and found no fault with the warrant or subsequent proclamation. Read more...
Cuttack Not Arbitration Seat Merely Because Proceedings Were Held There: Supreme Court Restores MCL's S. 34 Challenge Before Sundargarh Court
The Supreme Court restored Mahanadi Coalfields' Section 34 petitions before the Sundargarh District Court, holding that Cuttack could not be treated as the arbitration seat merely because proceedings were conducted there. The Court also rejected the High Court's finding that the petitions were barred by limitation. Read more...
Penetration To Any Extent Is Penetrative Sexual Assault Under POCSO: Himachal Pradesh HC Upholds Sentence
The Himachal Pradesh High Court dismissed Shyam Veer’s criminal appeal and upheld his conviction under Section 6 of the POCSO Act. The Court held that penetration to any extent can constitute penetrative sexual assault even without physical injury, relying on witness, medical and forensic evidence. Read more...
Punjab & Haryana HC Seeks Report After Execution Court Wrongly Recorded High Court Stay in Arbitration Case
The Punjab and Haryana High Court sought a status report from the District Judge, Sri Muktsar Sahib, after an execution order allegedly recorded a High Court stay that was actually granted by an Additional District Judge. The Court also flagged discrepancies in recording appearances and adjourned the matter. Read more...
Father Facing POCSO Prosecution Cannot Get Child Custody While Case Is Pending: Supreme Court Allows Mother To Take Children To UK
The Supreme Court allowed a mother to relocate her two children to the United Kingdom, holding that the father facing pending POCSO prosecution could not be granted custody. It also expunged Delhi High Court observations questioning the allegations and directed that the criminal proceedings remain unaffected by custody findings. Read more...
Modification Of Interim Relief Is Not A “Judgment” Under Letters Patent: J&K High Court Dismisses Defence Tender Appeal
The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court held that modification of interim relief in a pending writ petition does not amount to a judgment under Clause 12 of the Letters Patent. The Bench dismissed the appeal against an order allowing a defence tender to proceed, while keeping all substantive issues open. Read more...
Supreme Court Questions Use Of PIL To Challenge Tender Based On Competing Bidders’ Claims
The Supreme Court expressed reservations about challenging tender validity through a PIL where competing bidders’ claims require comparative assessment. While hearing appeals concerning a Himachal Pradesh road contract, the Court granted the contractor three months to complete the awarded work, subject to quality verification and re-tendering if unfinished. Read more...
