GK/Current Affairs for Judiciary ( 9th- 15th May 2020)

  • Balance security, rights, says SC as it rejects 4G for J&K
    • The apex court declined the pleas for restoration of 4G internet services in Jammu and Kashmir.
    • It said that there was a need of delicate balancing of national security concerns and human rights.
    • It underlined that the outside forces are trying to infiltrate the borders to destabilise the integrity of the nation.
  • SC clarifies on Sabarimala review pleas: Can refer to larger bench
    • The Supreme Court came out with detailed reasons to support its February 10, 2020 decision.
    • It overruled the objections to the order.
    • They pertained to referring questions of law arising out of the Sabarimala review petitions to a larger bench.
    • The bench said that it can refer questions of law to a larger bench in a review petition.
  • Supreme Court extends interim relief to Arnab
    • The Supreme Court extended the interim protection from arrest granted to Arnab Goswami.
    • He is the editor-in-chief of Republic TV.
    • He has been booked by Mumbai Police for allegedly hurting religious sentiments during a news show.
  • Gujarat HC quashes minister’s election: ‘manipulation of record’
    • The Gujarat High Court set aside state minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama’s election in 2017.
    • His election was set aside on grounds of “corrupt practice” and “manipulation of record”.
    • He was elected from Dholka constituency.
    • The Congress candidate, Ashwin Rathod had challenged Chudasama’s election.
    • Rathod had alleged that returning officer had illegally rejected 429 votes received via postal ballot.
  • SC rejects Sajjan bail plea
    • The Supreme Court declined to grant Sajjan Singh on medical grounds.
    • He is a former Congress leader.
    • He was convicted and sentenced to life in connection with 1984 Anti-Sikh riots.
  • Supreme Court lawyers can skip black coats, robes for now
    • The top court exempted lawyers appearing in virtual hearings from wearing the black coats and robes.
    • The exemption was given as a precautionary measure to contain spread of COVID-19 virus.
    • This was being done “considering the medical advice”.
  • Rejecting PIL on migrants, SC asks: How can anyone stop them when they sleep on tracks?
    • The Supreme Court declined to entertain a PIL seeking directions that District Magistrates (DMs) support migrant workers.
    • It sought that DMs should identify, shelter, feed and provide free transport to to stranded migrant workers or those on the move.
    • The top court said that it for the states to take actions.
  • HC: Azaan may be integral to Islam, not use of loudspeakers
    • The Allahabad High Court observed that recitation of Azaan may be an integral part of Islam.
    • But it held that its recitation through voice amplifiers or loudspeakers is not an integral part of Islam.
  • No action for now if firms don’t pay full wages to staff, says SC
    • The Supreme Court restrained the government from taking any coercive action for the time-being against employers not paying employees full wages for the period of lockdown.
    • The bench said that there may be smaller companies which are not earning and are, hence, unable to pay.
  • SC stays HC order against Chudasama election
    • The Supreme Court stayed the Gujarat High Court’s order setting aside 2017 election of Bhupendrasinh Chudasama.
    • He is a minister in the Gujarat state cabinet holding many portfolios.
    • The High Court had set aside his election to the assembly on grounds of “falsification and manipulation of record…”.
    • The top court had issued notice on Chudasama’s plea challenging the May 12 decision of the High Court.