Your weekly dose of legal insights, industry trends, and research-driven updates
Delhi HC Halts MCD Demolition, Extends Relief to Petitioner
The Delhi High Court has restrained the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) from demolishing a residential property in West Delhi until the owner’s appeal is heard by the Appellate Tribunal, MCD (ATMCD). The property was initially sealed in June 2025 following a show-cause notice under the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act. It was later temporarily de-sealed for short periods with the last extension set to expire on September 4. Since the ATMCD currently has no presiding officer to hear appeals, the High Court stepped in to extend the de-sealing period and bar any demolition action. The court clarified that this is only interim protection and that the merits of the case will be decided once the Tribunal becomes functional.
No Trial Needed: High Court Clears Case After Amicable Resolution
The Delhi High Court has quashed an FIR filed under Sections 498A, 406, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code after noting that the parties had amicably settled their marital dispute. Justice Girish Kathpalia passed the order in a petition seeking quashing of FIR No. 356/2024 registered at Farsh Bazar police station. The complainant confirmed receipt of full and final settlement towards stridhan and alimony. The couple’s marriage has been dissolved by divorce with no children from the wedlock. The court observed that since the parties resolved their differences with relatives' intervention, it would be in the interest of justice not to push them through trial. The FIR and related proceedings were quashed.
SC Eases Digital Filing: AORs Allowed to Modify Entries on Hearing Day
The Supreme Court has announced key upgrades to its Online Appearance Portal for smoother filing by Advocates-on-Record (AORs). A circular by OSD (Registrar) (Technology) allows AORs to edit or modify submitted appearances until 11:30 AM on the listing day. This provides flexibility for last-minute corrections. AORs can also submit or edit appearances in dismissed or disposed matters before 11:30 AM on the listing day. The Registry has requested bar associations to circulate the information, with the circular uploaded on the Court’s website.
No More Call Drops: Supreme Court Complex Gets Signal Boost
After complaints of weak mobile signals in the Supreme Court complex, the Registry confirmed restoration of Reliance Jio services at key points via reactivated portable mobile towers (CoWs) near Advocates’ Parking (Gate E) and UCO Bank e-lobby, with a third at Gate A expected soon. Airtel users have connectivity at the e-lobby and Gate A, while Vodafone Idea enjoys uninterrupted service across sites. The disruption stemmed from technical upgrades. The Registry apologized for the inconvenience and urged circulation of the update among advocates and visitors.
Article 371D Scheme Must Be Preserved, Not Reinterpreted: SC
The Supreme Court upheld Telangana rules reserving 85% of medical and dental seats for “local candidates” under the Presidential Order per Article 371D. A bench led by Justices B.R. Gavai and K. Vinod Chandran set aside Telangana High Court rulings expanding the definition to include all with residence certificates. Local preference requires continuous study or residence culminating in the qualifying exam in the state. A proviso protects children of state employees, All India Services officers, defence personnel, and PSU staff posted outside Telangana. Admissions under interim orders remain undisturbed.
SC Overturns Delhi HC, Dismisses Possession Suit in Property Dispute
The Supreme Court ruled that documents like Agreement to Sell, General Power of Attorney, Affidavit, Receipt, or even a registered Will do not confer ownership rights over immovable property without a registered sale deed. The bench held the relied-upon Will was not proved lawfully and was surrounded by suspicious circumstances, rendering it invalid. Setting aside the Delhi High Court judgment, the court dismissed the possession suit and clarified succession opens in favour of all legal heirs, while safeguarding bona fide purchasers to the seller’s share only.
Delhi HC: Technicalities Cannot Defeat Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The Delhi High Court set aside ONGC’s cancellation of a GATE-2020 candidate with 17% hearing loss and directed the PSU to consider him for appointment as AEE (Instrumentation) against a vacancy that would otherwise revert to unreserved. The Division Bench held that Sections 3 and 20 of the RPwD Act require non-discrimination and reasonable accommodation even without 40% benchmark disability. Chapters VI/VII for PwBD do not limit general PwD rights. ONGC must assess him on other parameters (excluding benchmark/medical standards), with seniority from actual appointment date.