The week spanning from Monday, May 26th, to Friday, May 30th, 2025, witnessed a highly active period within India's judicial landscape, marked by a series of significant rulings and crucial legal developments. These pronouncements from both the Supreme Court of India and various High Courts addressed a wide array of critical domains, including aspects of national security, federal-state dynamics, judicial accountability, and a diverse range of civil and criminal matters. This comprehensive review aims to provide a clear and concise overview of these pivotal events, offering insights into the judgments, ongoing legal proceedings, and new judicial appointments that are continually shaping the nation's jurisprudence.

I. Key Highlights from the Week

The Indian judiciary consistently demonstrated its robust and proactive engagement throughout the week, delivering a series of rulings and overseeing developments with profound and tangible implications for the legal and administrative fabric of the country:

1. Supreme Court Directs Inquiry into Assam Encounters & Initiates Contempt Proceedings:

The Supreme Court of India unequivocally mandated an independent and swift inquiry into alleged fake encounters that reportedly occurred in the state of Assam. Concurrently, displaying its commitment to judicial sanctity, it initiated suo motu criminal contempt proceedings against digital journalist Ajay Shukla for what it meticulously termed "scandalous" and "scathing" observations directed at a senior Supreme Court judge. As a direct consequence, the Court also specifically instructed YouTube to promptly remove the impugned video content from its platform.

2. Lokpal Dismisses Complaints Against Former SEBI Chief:

The Lokpal of India, after due deliberation, definitively dismissed all complaints that had been formally lodged against former SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) Chief Madhabi Puri Buch. These complaints were related to the widely discussed Hindenburg-Adani case. The Lokpal's findings unequivocally deemed the allegations as baseless, unsubstantiated, frivolous, and demonstrably politically motivated.

3. Dr. Subramanian Swamy's Plea on Ram Setu:

Dr. Subramanian Swamy's persistent plea, seeking explicit directions for the Central Government to formally declare Ram Setu a National Monument and to facilitate a comprehensive survey of the site by both the Geological Survey of India and the Archaeological Survey of India, was formally heard before the Supreme Court.

4. ED Names CPI(M) in Karuvannur Bank Scam:

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), a key investigative agency, formally and explicitly named the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) in Kerala, along with several of its prominent leaders, notably including MP K. Radhakrishnan, as accused parties in the ongoing and extensively investigated Karuvannur Co-operative Bank Scam.

5. Varanasi Court Rejects Complaint Against Rahul Gandhi:

A Varanasi Chief Judicial Magistrate, after careful consideration, rejected a criminal complaint that had been filed against Rahul Gandhi. This complaint specifically concerned his alleged remark referring to Lord Rama as a "mythological figure."

II. Significant Legal Developments :

This past week brought forth an array of several crucial legal developments, each intricately contributing to the continuous evolution of legal discourse and the practical, day-to-day application of law across various sectors:

1. Lokpal Clears Ex-SEBI Chief in Adani Case:

On May 27th, the Lokpal, a statutory body, officially dismissed all complaints against former SEBI chief Madhabi Puri Buch in connection with the Hindenburg-Adani case. The Lokpal's observation explicitly stated that there was "absolutely no evidence" found to substantiate the allegations. The Lokpal's order further categorized these allegations as "unsubstantiated, frivolous, and politically motivated."

2. Ram Setu National Monument Plea:

On May 27th, Dr. Subramanian Swamy formally moved the Supreme Court. His petition sought explicit directions for the Central Government to actively consider and act upon his plea to formally declare Ram Setu, a chain of limestone shoals, as a National Monument. Furthermore, his petition specifically requested the facilitation of a comprehensive survey of the site by the Geological Survey of India and the Archaeological Survey of India.

3. Supreme Court's Contempt Action Against Journalist Ajay Shukla:

On May 28th, the Supreme Court of India, exercising its inherent powers, initiated suo motu (on its own motion) criminal contempt proceedings against digital journalist Ajay Shukla. This severe action was taken in direct response to what the court meticulously described as "scathing and scandalous" observations made by Shukla concerning a senior Supreme Court judge. As a direct and immediate consequence, the court additionally directed the digital platform YouTube to promptly and completely remove the offending video content from its servers.

4. Kerala High Court Questions Centre on Wayanad Landslide Victims' Loan Waivers:

On May 29th, the Kerala High Court, in an important proceeding, questioned the Central Government regarding its precise plans to provide loan waivers for victims of the devastating 2024 Wayanad landslides. The court specifically noted its concern that a proposed one-year moratorium on loan restructuring for affected individuals, while a step, might prove fundamentally inadequate to address the full scope of their significant financial hardships.

5. Supreme Court Directs Inquiry into Assam 'Fake Encounters':

On May 28th, the Supreme Court of India issued a direct and firm order to the Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC). The directive mandated the AHRC to conduct an independent, thorough, and swift inquiry into serious allegations of fake police encounters that have reportedly taken place in the state of Assam. This directive underscores the paramount importance of thorough investigation into such grave accusations.

6. ED Names CPI(M) in Karuvannur Bank Scam:

On May 27th, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officially and publicly named Kerala's ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) and several of its prominent leaders, specifically including MP K. Radhakrishnan, as accused parties in the ongoing and highly publicized Karuvannur Co-operative Bank Scam investigation.The scam involves misappropriation of over ₹300 crore from various customer accounts, where money was syphoned off through benami loans (a transaction or property held in the name of one person but actually owned by another) and forged documents.

7. Karnataka High Court Slams BJP MLC N Ravikumar:

On May 29th, the Karnataka High Court orally directed BJP MLC N Ravikumar to issue a public apology to Kalaburagi District Collector Fauzia Tarannum. This strong directive followed a controversial "Pakistan" remark allegedly made by the MLC.

8. Delhi High Court Rules in Favor of ANI in Defamation Suit Against YouTuber Mohak Mangal:

On May 27th, the Delhi High Court delivered a significant ruling in favor of Asian News International (ANI) in a defamation suit that ANI had formally filed against YouTuber Mohak Mangal. The court ordered Mohak Mangal to take down words like "hafta vasooli", "ghatiya tareeka" and “kidnap karlete hain hostage banake." and other defamatory content. Furthermore, the court also ordered comedian Kunal Kamra to take down a related tweet that amplified the content.

9. Supreme Court Admonishes Haryana Government on Illegal Mining:

On May 29th, the Supreme Court expressed strong and unequivocal admonishment towards the Haryana Government for its demonstrable and persistent failure to effectively curb illegal mining activities in the environmentally sensitive Aravalli Hills region, with particular emphasis on the Nuh district. The court specifically highlighted alleged collusion between the powerful mining mafia and state officials.

10. Supreme Court Restricts SIT Probe in Ali Khan Mahmudabad's Case:

On May 29th, the Supreme Court meticulously restricted the scope of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe against Ashoka University Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad. The investigation was strictly limited to two specific First Information Reports (FIRs) that solely concerned his social media posts related to 'Operation Sindoor'.

11. Bombay High Court Restrains Mumbai Airport on Celebi:

On May 28th, the Bombay High Court issued a temporary restraint order preventing Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) from making a final decision on bids to replace Turkey-based Celebi for ground handling services. This restraint is specifically in effect until Celebi's legal challenge to the prior cancellation of its security clearance is fully heard and decided.

12. Supreme Court Issues Notice on Waqf Act 1995 Challenge:

On May 28th, the Supreme Court issued formal notice to both the Union Government and various State Governments. This notice was in response to a petition that challenges several key provisions of the Waqf Act 1995.

13. Delhi Court Raps Delhi Police in Kapil Mishra Case:

On May 27th, a Delhi Court severely criticized the Delhi Police for what it identified as an inadequate and incomplete investigation into an FIR that had been filed way back in 2020. This FIR was against BJP Minister Kapil Mishra and pertained to alleged "communal tweets" made by him.

14. Bombay High Court on 'Operation Sindoor' Arrest:

On May 27th, the Bombay High Court adopted a distinctly sympathetic stance towards a 19-year-old engineering student who had been arrested for an allegedly objectionable social media post concerning 'Operation Sindoor'. The court's compassionate approach signaled a judicial preference for restraint against excessive penal action, particularly in cases involving sensitive expressions.

15. Varanasi Court Rejects Complaint Against Rahul Gandhi:

On May 27th, the Varanasi Chief Judicial Magistrate definitively rejected a criminal complaint that had been filed against Rahul Gandhi. This complaint was specifically regarding his alleged remark referring to Lord Rama as a "mythological figure." The court's dismissal underlined that the matter was sub judice.

16. NEET-PG 2025 to be Conducted in Single Shift:

On May 28th, the Supreme Court issued a clear directive to the National Board of Examination. The directive stipulated that the NEET-PG 2025 examination must be conducted in a single shift. The court explicitly observed that a two-shift examination pattern, as previously considered, would inevitably introduce "arbitrariness" into the evaluation process.

17. Supreme Court Dismisses Christian Michel's Plea:

On May 28th, the Supreme Court summarily dismissed a plea that had been filed by British national Christian Michel. His plea specifically challenged a particular bail condition that had been imposed in a money laundering case linked to the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam.

18. Kolkata Police Arrests Social Media Influencer:

On May 27th, the Kolkata police executed an arrest of a 22-year-old law student. The arrest was made in connection with an allegedly objectionable social media post related to 'Operation Sindoor.' She was charged under multiple sections of the law, including those pertaining to promoting enmity between different groups and inciting public mischief.

III. Important Verdicts :

A. Supreme Court

1. West Bengal Post-Poll Violence Bail Cancelled:

On May 29th, the Supreme Court of India set aside specific orders issued by the Calcutta High Court. These orders had previously granted bail to five accused individuals who were implicated in a serious case involving rioting and attempted rape that tragically occurred during the post-poll violence in West Bengal.

2. RTI for Justice Yashwant Varma Inquiry Report Rejected:

On May 28th, the Supreme Court definitively rejected an RTI (Right to Information) application that sought access to the inquiry committee report concerning Justice Yashwant Varma, along with all related correspondence between the Chief Justice of India (CJI), the President, and the Prime Minister. The rejection was firmly based on comprehensive grounds of judicial independence, privacy, and confidentiality. The Bench that delivered this crucial ruling comprised Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta.

3. Interim Bail Granted to Chhattisgarh Coal Scam Accused:

On May 28th, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to several accused individuals embroiled in the Chhattisgarh Coal Levy Scam. The beneficiaries of this interim bail included Suryakant Tiwari, Ranu Sahu, Saumya Chaurasia, and Sameer Vishnoi. Critically, the bail was granted with stringent conditions, most notably prohibiting them from residing within the state of Chhattisgarh.

4. Karnataka Government Ordered Not to Remove Temple Priest:

On May 28th, the Supreme Court issued a direct and unambiguous order instructing the Karnataka Government to allow Sri Anjaneya Temple head priest Vidyadas Babaji to continue performing his religious duties and to reside at the temple premises. This order effectively upheld a prior ruling from the Karnataka High Court, specifically dated 2023. The Bench presiding over this matter comprised Justices Hrishikesh Roy and Prashant Kumar Mishra.

B. High Courts Across India

I. Allahabad High Court

1. Deity Radha Rani's Impleadment Plea Rejected in Mathura Dispute:

On May 27th, the Allahabad High Court definitively rejected an application filed by Deity-Shriji Radha Rani, which had sought formal impleadment as a party in the ongoing Mathura Krishna Janambhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute. The Single Judge Bench, led by Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal, explicitly stated that the underlying claim was based on "Puranic references considered hearsay" and unequivocally concluded that the deity was neither a necessary nor a proper party to the legal proceedings.

2. Rahul Gandhi's Plea Against Army Remarks Summons Rejected:

On May 27th, the Allahabad High Court rejected a plea filed by Rahul Gandhi. This plea had challenged a Lucknow court's summoning order issued in a defamation case. The defamation case stemmed from his alleged derogatory remarks concerning the Indian Army, purportedly made during the 2022 Bharat Jodo Yatra. The Bench comprising Justices Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Ajai Kumar Srivastava observed that the matter was sub judice.

II. Delhi High Court

1. Lalu Prasad Yadav's Plea to Stay Land-for-Jobs Scam Trial Rejected:

On May 28th, the Delhi High Court dismissed a plea filed by RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav. His plea specifically sought a stay on the ongoing trial court proceedings in the corruption case related to the alleged land-for-jobs scam.

2. POCSO Case Against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Closed:

On May 27th, a Delhi court accepted the closure report that had been submitted by the Delhi Police. This acceptance thereby recommended the formal cancellation of the sexual harassment case, filed under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act, against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, which involved a minor female wrestler.

3. Protection Granted to Journalist Amarkant Singh Chouhan Alleging Police Assault:

On May 28th, the Delhi High Court issued a clear directive to the Delhi Police. The directive instructed the police to provide adequate protection to journalist Amarkant Singh Chouhan, who had alleged threats to his life and physical assault from police officials within the state of Madhya Pradesh.

4. Saket Gokhale Warned of Civil Imprisonment:

On May 27th, the Delhi High Court issued a show-cause notice to TMC MP Saket Gokhale. This stern action was taken due to his failure to apologize to former diplomat Lakshmi Puri, despite a standing court order for ₹50 lakh in damages that stemmed from defamatory social media posts. The court explicitly noted his conduct as "mocking the court" and further highlighted that a portion of his salary had previously been attached.

5. Termination of Christian Army Officer Upheld:

On May 27th, the Delhi High Court upheld the dismissal of an Indian Army Commanding Officer. This officer had been dismissed after he categorically refused to fully participate in weekly regimental religious parades, specifically citing his Christian faith as the reason. The court's ruling reinforced the fundamental principle that military discipline and unit cohesion take absolute precedence over individual religious expression within the armed forces.

III. Punjab and Haryana High Court

1. Trial Judge Bribery Case:

On May 28th, the Punjab and Haryana High Court continued to actively address a high-profile bribery case involving a trial court judge and M3M Group Director Roop Bansal. This particular case has been distinctly characterized by frequent bench changes or instances where pleas were repeatedly withdrawn. The genesis of this complex case dates back to a 2023 FIR (First Information Report) that was filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau against judicial officer Sudhir Parmar for allegedly accepting bribes from both the M3M and IREO groups. The ongoing proceedings are currently being heard before a Bench comprising Justices Harinder Singh Sidhu and S.S. Bassi.

IV. Judicial Appointments and Collegium Recommendations :

The past week also marked several notable developments in judicial appointments across various courts, signifying a continuous and crucial effort to strengthen the judicial system:

1. Supreme Court: On May 27th, the Central Government officially notified the elevation of three distinguished Justices—NV Anjaria, Vijay Bishnoi, and Atul S Chandurkar—as Judges of the Supreme Court of India.

2. Madhya Pradesh High Court: On May 27th, three accomplished advocates—Deepak Khot, Amit Seth, and Pavan Dwivedi—were formally sworn in as Judges of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

3. Rajasthan High Court: On May 29th, the Supreme Court collegium, following its established procedures, recommended the names of three highly qualified lawyers for appointment as judges of the Rajasthan High Court: Bipin Gupta, Sanjeet Purohit, and Ravi Chirania.

In summary, the period from May 26th to May 30th, 2025, has been a testament to the Indian judiciary's dynamic and multifaceted role in upholding the rule of law and addressing complex societal challenges. From significant rulings on national security and judicial accountability to directives concerning environmental protection and federal-state relations, the courts have consistently reinforced fundamental legal principles. The detailed overview of judgments and judicial appointments underscores the judiciary's ongoing commitment to transparency, justice, and the continuous evolution of India's legal framework.