CONSTITUTIONAL VALIDITY
A Minnesota county sold a woman's condo for $40,000 over a $15,000 tax debt and kept the rest; what did the US Supreme Court say?
Notably, the original tax bill was around $2,300. But, after interest and penalties, the debt was increased to around $15,000. Hennepin County sold the property for $40,000 and kept the money left after settling Tyler's tax debt, according to the US Supreme Court. The dispute was mostly about whether the county could keep more than Tyler owed.
Compulsory retirement order is neither punitive nor stigmatic in character: SC
The Supreme Court upheld the Chhattisgarh government's order of compulsory retirement for several employees. It noted such orders are not punitive or indicative of misconduct against the employees. The court emphasised the importance of objective evaluations when determining an employee's suitability for continued service. It clarified that the decision should not be based on mere conjecture or whim.
Centre mulls panel to revisit UGC equity regulations amid Supreme Court case
On January 29, the Supreme Court stayed the operation of the 2026 UGC regulations due to concerns over ambiguity. The Centre has informed the court about the possibility of forming a committee to revisit these regulations. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that the government aims to address the concerns of all student groups. Several petitions have challenged the constitutional validity of specific provisions within the regulations.
Centre supports plea to deny perks to high office holders who quit to avoid removal
The Centre has expressed support for a public interest litigation regarding constitutional functionaries and their resignation benefits. The petition aims to prevent these functionaries from retaining perks upon resigning to evade removal proceedings. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta indicated the government would respond to the petition. The plea also argues that such provisions are arbitrary and violate constitutional rights. This legal action highlights the importance of accountability among high constitutional offices.
'Surcharge an enhancement of rate of sales tax': SC upholds states' power to levy additional sales tax
The Supreme Court reaffirmed a 1974 ruling regarding states' power to levy additional sales tax. This ruling clarified that such levies are enhancements to existing sales tax rates. The court found that previous challenges did not hold merit due to changes in tax legislation. The Goods and Services Tax framework significantly altered the taxation system for states. Therefore, the legal question presented has been rendered academic by these developments.
Democrats turn to 2028 White House race after midterm triumph, but party divided over its direction
Democrats have begun positioning for the 2028 US presidential race after sweeping midterm victories, but divisions over the party's ideological direction could complicate their path to the White House. Meanwhile, Republicans face the challenge of finding a successor to Donald Trump while retaining his influential MAGA voter base.
Stocks in news: BSE, Lenskart, Nykaa, Bharti Airtel, LIC, Aurobindo Pharma and Nalco
Indian equity markets have enjoyed a remarkable stretch, registering gains for five consecutive sessions. The Nifty 50 index showed impressive growth, sparking optimism for a breakout beyond 24,000. Companies like Lenskart, Aurobindo Pharma, and BSE are in the spotlight as they report positive earnings. Experts advise keeping an eye on the support levels as the bullish trend persists.
SC upholds states’ power to levy additional sales tax, surcharge under pre-GST regime
The Supreme Court has upheld the validity of states imposing additional taxes, surcharges and cesses calculated as a percentage of sales or purchase tax under the pre-GST regime. A seven-judge Constitution Bench said the nearly 27-year-old reference had become academic after GST subsumed sales tax, while affirming that the 1974 S Kodar ruling remains good law.
SC seeks Centre, ECI response to plea challenging blanket immunity for Election Commissioners
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and the Election Commission on a plea challenging legal immunity granted to the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners for acts performed in official duties. The petition questions whether Section 16 of the 2023 law violates constitutional principles of equality, accountability and access to justice.
Supreme Court directs Centre to set up special cell to monitor child labour law
The Supreme Court has instructed the Centre to create a special cell for monitoring child labour law implementation. This special cell is to ensure compliance with the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016. The Ministry of Women and Child Development is responsible for issuing directions to state enforcement agencies. The court noted the importance of strict enforcement of the amended provisions of the law.
SC says 1974 ruling on states' power to levy additional sales tax continues to hold
The Supreme Court held that a previous ruling from 1974 regarding additional sales tax remains applicable today. It determined that the legal question raised was now of no practical significance due to legislative changes. The Goods and Services Tax law implementation in 2017 contributed to this determination. The court ruled that state legislatures' ability to impose surcharges is governed by existing precedents.
SC posts pleas challenging validity of Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 to January 21 next year
The Supreme Court has delayed hearings regarding the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. It has asked the involved parties to finalise their pleadings by December 31, 2026. The court intends to hear challenges that aim to invalidate specific provisions of the Waqf Act. Furthermore, the court had earlier stayed certain clauses to protect party interests while processing the case.
Govt employees facing disciplinary action? Know these 7 important rights before accepting charges
Employees in the government sector who find themselves undergoing disciplinary reviews must be informed about their rights before replying to any allegations. They deserve clear charges and at least 15 days to respond. Should they dispute the charges, an oral inquiry, enabling cross-examination of the witnesses, is obligatory. These employees can also present their defense witnesses and seek a personal hearing.
NCLT voids Rs 525-cr guarantee, Mumbai land transfer in JLS Realty dispute
The NCLT has invalidated multiple transactions involving JLS Realty Pvt Ltd, including its transfer of redevelopment land. The tribunal found that the transfer to Spenta Suncity lacked commercial benefit and involved financial obligations. Management changes made in February 2021 were deemed invalid due to improper procedures and lack of justification. Additionally, share transfer claims by IIFL were ruled as unproven and unsubstantiated during the tribunal's examination.
Karnataka HC grants relief to JioStar, Zee over 2% cess as broadcasters challenge law
The Karnataka High Court has issued a ruling preventing the state government from taking action against broadcasters. This relates to a 2% welfare cess imposed on television operators and other entities. Justice HT Narendra Prasad directed the state government to respond to petitions challenging the cess. The broadcasters argue that they differ fundamentally from cinema theatres in their operations.
SC seeks Centre's response on PIL on transgender rights law
The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response regarding a PIL from Women's Declaration International India. This PIL raises concerns over potential conflicts between transgender rights and protections for biological women. Senior advocate Akhil Sibal highlighted issues related to rights in areas like sports and prisons. The Solicitor General discussed implications of gender identity regulations on women's legal protections. The matter is currently linked to ongoing hearings on transgender legislation.
Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi, Shah of treating Indian businesses as 'playthings' amid Tata Sons row
Rahul Gandhi has raised concerns about the treatment of Indian businesses by the BJP-led government. He claims that the ongoing disputes within Tata Sons reflect broader issues in business leadership. Noel Tata has objected to N Chandrasekaran's reappointment, citing procedural irregularities and lack of transparency. He questions the legitimacy of the resolution passed by the Tata Sons board amid unresolved objections.
Government response sought on plea against mandatory singing of Vande Mataram
The Supreme Court is considering a plea regarding the mandatory singing of Vande Mataram at official functions. The plea challenges the validity of a law and government directions aimed at enforcing this requirement. Carnatic vocalist TM Krishna filed the petition against the 2026 amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act. A three-member bench is evaluating the implications of this requirement for national honor.
Sebi extends deadline for debenture trustees to comply with norms till April 2027
Sebi has extended the deadline for debenture trustees to comply with regulatory requirements by six months. The new deadline for compliance is now set for April 27, 2027. This extension was granted after receiving industry feedback about operational challenges faced by debenture trustees. The regulator is currently reviewing the regulatory framework related to debenture trustees through an Expert Working Group.
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