Your weekly dose of legal insights, industry trends, and research-driven updates
1. Supreme Court dismisses SLP, clarifies Article 136 meant only for substantial questions of law or injustice
The Supreme Court on October 9, 2025 dismissed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed against a High Court order, observing that no substantial question of law or procedural irregularity warranted its intervention under Article 136 of the Constitution. The Bench held that the impugned judgment was well-reasoned and did not call for reconsideration. It further directed that all pending applications stand disposed of with the dismissal of the petition. The Court reiterated that the special leave jurisdiction is discretionary and not an avenue for reappreciation of evidence or factual findings. The decision reinforces judicial consistency in limiting the apex court’s intervention to cases involving grave legal or constitutional issues.
2. Fredun Pharma acquires WAGR, launches India’s first neutral pet marketplace amid regulatory, IP considerations
Fredun Pharmaceuticals Ltd has acquired Bengaluru-based pet-tech startup WAGR, launching India’s first neutral pet marketplace that allows multiple brands and service providers to operate without exclusivity or bias. The acquisition gives Fredun access to WAGR’s existing digital infrastructure and a growing user base of pet owners across India. Legally, the deal may attract scrutiny under the Competition Act, 2002, particularly concerning fair access and non-preferential listings. The company must also ensure compliance with Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 and conduct intellectual property due diligence over WAGR’s proprietary technology and brand assets. Additionally, as the platform processes user data, adherence to India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 will be essential to maintain regulatory credibility and consumer trust.
3. Delhi HC: No common symbol until leadership dispute resolved, ECI decision legally sustainable
The Delhi High Court a writ petition filed by Akhil Bharatiya Jan Sangh seeking directions to the Election Commission of India (ECI) for allotment of a common election symbol for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Justice Mini Pushkarna held that the ECI rightly refused the request since an unresolved internal leadership dispute existed within the party. The Court referred to “Janata Party v. ECI (2024 SCC OnLine Del 2642)” , reaffirming that the ECI lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate internal disputes in unrecognized political parties. It ruled that such matters must be settled through a civil suit or appropriate judicial forum before symbol allotment can be considered.
https://delhihighcourt.nic.in/app/showFileJudgment/59209102025CW152622025_210743.pdf
4. Supreme Court dismisses curative petition, holds no case made for reconsidering final judgment
The Supreme Court dismissed a curative petition filed against its earlier judgment, holding that no violation of principles of natural justice or manifest error had been established. The Bench observed that the curative jurisdiction being the final judicial remedy and is reserved for cases of exceptional injustice. It reiterated that mere dissatisfaction with the outcome cannot justify reopening concluded matters. The Court emphasized that curative petitions must demonstrate substantial procedural violations or bias, failing which they are liable to dismissal at the threshold. Accordingly, the petition and pending applications were dismissed, reaffirming the Court stance on preserving the sanctity and finality of its judgments.
5. Kerala’s AI traffic cameras issue 1.13 crore challans; ?514 crore fines remain uncollected
Kerala’s AI-enabled traffic surveillance system has issued over 1.13 crore challans worth ?737 crore till August 30, 2025. However, only ?222.75 crore has been collected exposing a ?514 crore enforcement gap. Thiruvananthapuram topped the list with 22.3 lakh violation notices and ?153.45 crore in fines. Despite the government’s claim of reduced road fatalities, legal and procedural lapses undermine the system’s credibility. Many motorists remain unaware of penalties due to outdated registration data and failed notifications. Officials admit that prosecution for non-payment is rare as linking e-challan clearance to vehicle services ensures compliance mainly from commercial fleets. The report highlights weak enforcement despite extensive digital surveillance and AI integration in traffic regulation.
6. RBI opens M&A financing to banks, balancing opportunity with systemic-risk and compliance oversight
In a major policy shift, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed Indian banks to finance domestic mergers and acquisitions a move expected to energize India’s $40 billion deal market. Until now, such funding was restricted, leaving NBFCs, private equity firms and foreign investors to fill the gap. The decision follows the rollback of the 2016 large-exposure norms, expanding banks’ ability to fund big corporate deals. According to Bank of Baroda’s research note, this reform could stimulate credit growth among medium and large enterprises while enhancing competition in deal financing. Experts say the success of this shift will depend on banks’ prudence in managing acquisition-related risks.
7. Synoptics Technologies barred by SEBI after probe uncovers false fee claims and IPO fund diversion
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has barred Mumbai-based IT firm Synoptics Technologies and its promoters Jatin Shah, Jagmohan Manilal Shah and Janvi Jatin Shah from accessing the securities market. The 17-year-old company allegedly diverted ?19 crore or nearly 54% of IPO proceeds under false expense claims such as management and underwriting fees. SEBI’s investigation found that the transfers took place a day before trading began, violating the escrow agreement. In a confirmatory order, Whole-Time Member Kamlesh C. Varshney upheld the interim order issued on May 6, 2025 continuing the ban until completion of the probe. The regulator said the action aims to safeguard investor interests and ensure market integrity.
8. SC underscores judicial finality, rules that review not meant to reargue settled legal issues
The Supreme Court dismissed a review petition challenging its earlier judgment holding that no error apparent on the face of the record had been demonstrated. The Bench reiterated that a review jurisdiction is limited and cannot be invoked to reargue or reopen issues already adjudicated. Observing that all relevant contentions had been considered in the main judgment, the Court found no merit in the plea for reconsideration. Consequently, the review petition was dismissed and all pending applications were also disposed of. The ruling underscores the Court’s consistent position that finality of its judgments must be respected except in cases of manifest and self-evident error.