Indian Legal News – August 2, 2025

    August 2, 2025

    Stay updated with the top legal developments across India as of August 2, 2025. Here's a comprehensive summary of key judgments, policy updates, and court observations.

⚖️ Supreme Court & High Court Highlights

1. SC Upholds Bombay HC Order on Unauthorized Flats

The Supreme Court upheld a Bombay High Court directive asking residents of the top 18 floors of a Tardeo tower in Mumbai to vacate within two weeks. The structure lacked occupancy and fire safety clearances.

2. Himachal Pradesh: Climate Warning from SC

The apex court expressed serious concern over unregulated construction and tourism in Himachal Pradesh, warning the region could "vanish into thin air" without immediate intervention.

3. SC to BJP Leader in Defamation Case: “Why So Touchy?”

In a case filed by BJP’s Rajiv Babbar against Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, the SC questioned the seriousness of the defamation charge and suggested an amicable closure.

4. Women Can Be Better Custodians of Property: SC

The Court dismissed a 20-year-old criminal case concerning property rights, stating that daughters are not inferior to sons and may in fact be superior custodians in familial property matters.

5. Betting Apps Under Legal Scrutiny

The Supreme Court directed the Central Government to submit a plan to regulate betting apps, citing addiction among youth and financial exploitation.

6. Bombay High Court Expands Access

A new Kolhapur circuit bench of the Bombay High Court will begin functioning from August 18, easing access to justice in six Maharashtra districts.

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🏛️ Other Important Court Rulings

7. Civil Disputes Misrepresented as Criminal Cases: SC

The Court ruled that civil matters should not be disguised as criminal proceedings, quashing such a case accordingly.

8. Karnataka HC on Insurance & Drunk Driving

The Karnataka High Court clarified that insurance companies can be absolved of liability in accident claims involving drunk driving.

9. Delhi HC Quashes FIR Based on Settlement

The Delhi High Court quashed an FIR under IPC Sections 354(A), 354(D), and 509, after both parties reached a mutual settlement.

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📜 Policy & Legislative Updates

10. Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 Comes Into Effect

The amended Act, effective July 5, mandates:

• Representation of women on Waqf Boards.

• Inclusion of sectarian balance (Sunni/Shia).

• Appeal mechanism to High Courts within 90 days.

11. New Criminal Laws Now Active

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (which replaced IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act) are now in force and under implementation nationwide.

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🧑‍⚖️ Events & Discussions

12. AICC Legal Conclave 2025

The AICC’s Law, Human Rights & RTI Department hosted its annual conclave in New Delhi. Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy discussed constitutional accountability and MLA disqualification issues.

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📈 Legal Reform & Technology

• Anti-Defection Law under review: Experts continue to flag delays and biased handling of defection cases in state legislatures.

• AI in Law: Indian researchers introduced tools like TathyaNyaya (for factual case prediction) and LawPal (a multilingual legal chatbot) to improve legal access.

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📌 Sources:

• Supreme Court of India

• Economic Times, Times of India, Bar & Bench, Verdictum, SCC Online, Law Trend, Wikipedia