Staying informed on legal developments is essential for those preparing for judicial services, CLAT, or any law-related exams.
December 2024 witnessed landmark rulings, key legislative moves, and significant debates shaping India's legal and governance framework. Here’s a curated list of the top legal news updates of the month, arranged in order of importance for your preparation.
1. Supreme Court Upholds Places of Worship Act, 1991
The Supreme Court ordered a halt on the registration of new suits and passing of survey orders in cases concerning religious places, after MP Asaduddin Owaisi filed a PIL seeking stricter protocols for handling disputes
Context:
The Act preserves the religious character of places of worship as they stood on August 15, 1947, aiming to curb communal tensions and ensure judicial consistency.
Key Cases Impacted:
- Gyanvapi Mosque dispute.
- Mathura Shahi Idgah case.
Significance:
By upholding the 1991 Act, the Court reinforced its commitment to secularism and maintaining communal harmony.
2. PIL on Reforming Dowry and Domestic Violence Laws
The tragic suicide of Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash led to a PIL in the Supreme Court demanding reforms to address the misuse of dowry and domestic violence laws.
Proposals in the PIL:
- Formation of an expert committee comprising retired judges and legal experts to review existing laws.
- Mandatory recording of gifts and articles exchanged during marriages to prevent false allegations.
Concerns over Section 498A IPC Misuse:
The Supreme Court has repeatedly cautioned against the misuse of Section 498A IPC, initially enacted to protect women from cruelty and dowry harassment.
Key Judgments Referenced:
- Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2014): Issued guidelines to curb arrests in dowry cases.
- Payal Sharma v. State of Punjab (2024): Highlighted the need to avoid implicating distant relatives.
The initiative seeks to balance protections for women while safeguarding men and families from false allegations.
3. Debate on "One Nation, One Election" Intensifies
The government introduced two bills—the Constitution 129th Amendment Bill 2024 and Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill 2024—to implement simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and local bodies.
Arguments For:
- Reduces electoral costs and minimizes governance disruptions.
- Streamlines the election process.
Arguments Against:
- Potential threat to federalism and state autonomy.
- May conflict with the Constitution’s Basic Structure doctrine.
These bills have been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further scrutiny.
4. SC Clarifies Scope of Section 306 IPC (Abetment of Suicide)
In a significant judgment, the Supreme Court clarified that harassment alone does not constitute abetment of suicide under Section 306 IPC.
This ruling came in a case of Jaydeepsinh Pravinsinh Chavda and others v. State of Gujarat (2024) where a husband was accused following his wife's suicide after alleged harassment, but the Court found no direct link to instigation.
Judgment Highlights:
- A direct causal link and criminal intent (mens rea) are essential for establishing abetment.
- The ruling prevents misuse of the law in sensitive cases.
This judgment sets a crucial precedent for interpreting abetment laws.
5. SC Advocates for POSH Act Compliance in Political Parties
A PIL urged the Supreme Court to extend the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013, to political parties.
Court’s Directions:
The Court disposed of the PIL, directing the petitioner to approach the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Implications:
- Promoting a safer workplace for women in politics could boost their participation.
- Aligning India with global standards, as seen in Sweden and Norway.
6. Relief for Coconut Oil Manufacturers
The Supreme Court resolved a 15-year taxation dispute by ruling that small coconut oil bottles marketed as edible oil should be taxed as food products, not hair oil, provided they comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Tax Implications:
- Edible oil taxed at 5% under GST.
- Hair oil taxed at 18%.
This decision offers relief to manufacturers and prevents potential price hikes for consumers. However, if the oil is explicitly marketed for hair use, it will be taxed as hair oil. The judgment underscores the importance of product intent and labeling in tax classification.
7. Interim Bail for Allu Arjun in Stampede Case
The Telangana High Court granted interim bail to actor Allu Arjun in a case concerning a stampede at a promotional event for his film Pushpa 2 in Hyderabad. It led to a woman’s death and left her child critically injured.
Court’s Observations:
- Highlighted the lack of prima facie evidence linking the actor to the incident.
- Emphasized the actor’s right to liberty and due process.
This case highlights the balance courts must maintain between public accountability and protecting individual freedoms.
8. SC’s View on Alimony: Misuse of Maintenance Claims
In Rinku Baheti v. Sandesh Sharda (2024), the Supreme Court ruled that alimony ensures a basic standard of living for the wife but is not a tool for wealth equalization.
Key Takeaways:
- Maintenance claims must reflect the standard of living during marriage.
- A husband’s post-divorce financial growth cannot justify higher alimony demands.
This judgment discourages misuse of maintenance laws and promotes fairness in matrimonial disputes.
9. CLAT Answer Key Controversy
In Anam Khan v. Consortium of National Law Universities (2024), the Bombay High Court addressed petitions alleging errors in the CLAT 2025 answer key, impacting rankings and admissions.
Developments:
- Directed the Consortium of National Law Universities to revise results.
- Highlighted concerns over the ₹1,000 objection fee.
This case raises important questions about fairness and transparency in competitive exams.
10. Tenancy Rights: Orissa HC’s Landmark Ruling
The Orissa High Court reaffirmed tenants’ rights under Section 106 of the Transfer of Property Act, mandating a 15-day eviction notice.
Significance:
- Ensures fair eviction practices.
- Strengthens procedural compliance in landlord-tenant disputes.
This judgment reinforces the importance of tenant protections.
Conclusion
December 2024 brought pivotal developments, from the Supreme Court’s reinforcement of secularism through the Places of Worship Act to clarifications on dowry laws and election reforms. These updates highlight the dynamic nature of India’s legal landscape.
Staying informed about these changes not only aids exam preparation but also fosters a deeper understanding of evolving legal principles. As these cases progress, they will undoubtedly influence public discourse, governance, and justice in the coming years.