
SC tells Senthilbalaji to choose between ministership and freedom
1. Supreme Court tells Senthilbalaji to choose between ministership and freedom
The Supreme Court took stern exception to the continuance of Tamil Nadu Minister for Electricity, Prohibition and Excise V. Senthilbalaji in office while out on bail in money laundering proceedings linked to a cash-for-jobs 'scam', saying 'you have to make a choice between the post and your freedom'.
2. Madras HC to take up suo motu writ against Minister Ponmudy's speech
The Madras High Court directed its Registry to take up a suo motu writ petition with respect to a derogatory speech delivered by Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K. Ponmudy against Saivites, Vaishnavites and women in general.
3. Madras HC reverses discharge of Minister Duraimurugan in 2002 disproportionate assets case
The Madras High Court reversed the discharge order passed by a special court in Vellore in 2007 in a disproportionate assets case booked by the DVAC in 2002 for having allegedly amassed the wealth between 1996 and 2001 when he had served as Minister for Public Works Department (PWD) in former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi's Cabinet.
4. TASMAC versus ED case: Madras HC dismisses pleas against search
The Madras High Court dismissed writ petitions filed by the Tamil Nadu government and Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) to declare as illegal a search and seizure operation carried out by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) at the corporation's headquarters in Chennai between March 6 and 8.
5. State government approves Chennai Metro Rail's Airport-Kilambakkam project
After years of wait, the Tamil Nadu government has approved Chennai Metro Rail's Airport-Kilambakkam project and has forwarded the detailed project report (DPR) to the Centre.
To be built at an estimated cost of ₹9,335 crore, the Airport-Kilambakkam corridor is expected to significantly improve the commute for those residing in the city's southern areas such as Chromepet, Pallavaram, Tambaram and Perungalathur.
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New Indian Express
43 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Supreme Court grants interim protection from arrest to MP Journalist alleging police assault
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Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
A critical test for institutions
The Supreme Court stopped short of instituting an internal probe into the conduct of Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court, following a March letter from the Rajya Sabha secretariat raising issues of jurisdiction, this newspaper reported Monday. The letter reiterated the process as referred to by Rajya Sabha chairperson and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar previously in February in Parliament — that only Parliament and the President have the jurisdiction to proceed against the judge, who is in the dock for alleged hate speech against Muslims delivered in December 2024. Even as the Supreme Court took note of that speech, a group of 55 opposition MPs filed a notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking Justice Yadav's impeachment for 'grave violation of judicial ethics'. As per the law, the removal of a high court or Supreme Court judge for 'proved misbehaviour or incapacity' must go through Parliament. The chairperson will now have to decide on the admissibility of the motion and if an inquiry needs to be held. The Rajya Sabha chairperson, who has been vocal about judicial integrity and institutional probity, should ensure that the complaint against the judge is now processed in a transparent manner and concluded before the judicial officer retires in April next year. A timely closure in the matter is necessary to ensure that there is no reputational damage to the judiciary, Parliament, or the concerned judge, in case he is found innocent of the alleged hate speech. Interestingly, while Justice Yadav, reportedly, regretted his conduct and assured the Supreme Court collegium that he will render a public apology in a closed-door meeting with it in December, he has not issued one and instead defended his speech, delivered in a meeting of Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists in Prayagraj, as reflecting India's cultural ethos. A judge is bound by oath to protect constitutional values, not articulate majoritarian sentiments or populist views, even if they are part of some perceived cultural ethos. Any deviation is a violation of the oath and compromises the integrity of the judiciary. The Justice Yadav case presents a critical test. It is not merely about the conduct of one judge but will have wider implications for the principle of separation of powers and commitment of public institutions to constitutional ideals. How this matter is now handled by the Rajya Sabha will set an important precedent for the future of India's democratic institutions.


Scroll.in
an hour ago
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Collegium system imperfect but preserves ‘judiciary's autonomy', says Supreme Court judge
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