The Supreme Court of India is set to reopen on July 8 after its summer vacation, with several significant hearings and verdicts expected in the coming months. These cases cover a wide range of issues, from constitutional questions to high-profile criminal cases.
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court will address the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act.
- The minority status of Aligarh Muslim University is under review.
- Chief Minister Kejriwal’s challenge to his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate will be heard.
- The Court will decide on the powers of the Center and States over taxing mineral rights and mining leases.
- The interpretation of Article 39(b) of the Constitution in the context of private resources is pending.
- The validity of subclassification within the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for reservations is under scrutiny.
- The penal provisions of the CGST/SGST Act and Customs Act are being challenged.
- The regulatory powers over ‘industrial alcohol’ under the IDR Act 1951 are in question.
- A contempt case against Patanjali Ayurved and Baba Ramdev is awaiting a verdict.
Major Verdicts Awaited
Constitutional Validity of Section 6A of Citizenship Act
Section 6A of the Citizenship Act 1955 allows foreign migrants of Indian origin, who came to Assam after January 1, 1966, but before March 25, 1971, to seek Indian citizenship. Indigenous groups in Assam have challenged its constitutionality, arguing that it legalizes illegal infiltration from Bangladesh. The judgment was reserved on December 12, 2023.
Minority Status of Aligarh Muslim University
The Supreme Court will decide whether Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) can claim minority status. The case stems from a 2006 Allahabad High Court verdict that denied AMU this status. The judgment was reserved in February.
CM Kejriwal’s Challenge to Arrest by ED
Chief Minister Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, is under review. The arrest was related to the ongoing Liquor Policy Controversy. The Supreme Court granted him interim release, which expired on June 2.
Center vs. State Powers Over Taxing Mineral Rights & Mining Leases
A 9-judge Constitution Bench will decide whether royalties on mining leases can be considered a tax and whether States have the power to levy such royalties. The judgment was reserved on March 14.
Interpretation of Article 39(b) of the Constitution
The Court will interpret whether private resources form part of the ‘material resource of the community’ under Article 39(b) of the Constitution. The judgment was reserved on May 1.
Validity of Subclassification Within SCs and STs for Reservations
The validity of subclassification within the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for reservations is under review. The judgment was reserved on February 9.
Challenge to Penal Provisions of CGST/SGST Act & Customs Act
The Supreme Court is reviewing a batch of 281 petitions challenging the penal provisions of various laws, including the Customs Act, Excise Act, and GST Act. The judgment was reserved on May 16.
Regulatory Powers Over ‘Industrial Alcohol’ Under IDR Act 1951
The Court will decide whether ‘denatured spirit or industrial alcohol’ can be considered ‘intoxicating liquor’ under State legislation. The judgment was reserved on March 14.
Contempt Case Against Patanjali Ayurved and Baba Ramdev
A contempt case against Patanjali Ayurved Ltd and its founders for publishing misleading medical advertisements is awaiting a verdict. The judgment was reserved on May 14.
Important Hearings to Look Forward To
Challenge to NEET-UG 2024 Examination
The Supreme Court will hear petitions challenging alleged malpractices and irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 Examination on July 8. The Court has refused to stay the counseling process for medical admissions, clarifying that any such admissions will be subject to the outcome of the pending petitions.
Issue of Election Freebies Promised by Political Parties
The Court will hear a long-pending matter on the validity of political parties promising election freebies out of public funds. The hearing is anticipated to be on merits.
Review of the ‘Marriage Equality Case’
The Supreme Court will review its earlier decision in Supriyo v. Union of India, where it refused to recognize same-sex marriages as valid in law. The review petitions are listed in chambers on July 10.
Reconsideration of the PMLA Judgment
The Court will hear pleas calling for reconsideration of the judgment in Vijay Madanlal Choudhary v. Union of India, which upheld the constitutional validity of various provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The hearing will begin on July 23.
Contempt Case Against DDA Vice Chairman for Illegally Felling Trees
A suo motu contempt case against DDA Vice Chairman Subhashish Panda for the illegal felling of trees in Delhi’s Ridge Forest will be heard. The Court has directed a compliance report to be filed by July 11.
Plea for Expert Committee Assessment of Three New Criminal Laws
A petition seeking the constitution of an expert committee to assess the viability of three new criminal laws has been filed. The petitioner has also prayed for a stay on the implementation of these laws, which came into effect on July 1.