Search cases

Habeas corpus petition against detention of political leaders

Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy challenged the detention of political leaders by Delhi Police during protests against the Chief Election Commissioner before the Supreme Court. While the Supreme Court issued notices to authorities on 11 October 2026 and ordered that future detentions strictly follow due process, the Madhya Pradesh High Court disposed of similar habeas corpus petitions on 13 October 2026 after detainees were returned to their families. Additional petitions regarding protest-related disturbances were scheduled for hearing as of 12 October 2026.

In re: Caste data verification in 2027 Census

A public interest litigation has been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the practice of self-declaration of caste status during the 2027 Census. The petitioners seek a transparent mechanism and a formal Standard Operating Procedure for the verification of caste information to ensure the accuracy of data used for public policy.

Shiv Sena Split Case

The Supreme Court is hearing a dispute over the identity of the Shiv Sena party, examining whether a split in a legislature party equates to a split in the political party and the validity of the Election Commission of India's organisational majority test. The proceedings focus on the implications of legislative defections and internal party democracy under a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, with the final hearing concluding as of 15 September 2026.

RIT Foundation and others vs Union of India — Marital Rape Criminalisation

The Supreme Court is hearing a batch of petitions challenging the constitutionality of the marital rape exception under the Indian Penal Code, following a split verdict from the Delhi High Court. As of 14 September 2026, the Court has directed the Union Government to clarify its position while observing during proceedings that marriage does not extinguish an individual's autonomy.

Public Interest Litigation on Execution by Hanging

A Public Interest Litigation challenged the constitutionality of Section 354(5) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, which mandates execution by hanging. On 13 September 2026, the Supreme Court dismissed the petition and upheld the constitutional validity of the current execution method. The Court declined to refer the matter to a larger bench, effectively closing the case.

Prakash Singh vs Union of India

Prakash Singh vs Union of India is a landmark public interest litigation mandating comprehensive police reforms across India to ensure the independence and accountability of police forces. As reported on 7 September 2026, the case is before the Supreme Court, where the amicus curiae challenged the Odisha government's procedure for appointing the Director General of Police, alleging it violates the established directives on police appointments.

School Manager vs. Father of Students — Caste-based Abuse Case

The Supreme Court quashed SC/ST Act proceedings against a school manager accused of assaulting and hurling caste-based abuses at a parent in a classroom in January 2020. On 20 August 2026, the Court ruled that an incident occurring within a private, closed space without the presence of the public does not meet the statutory requirements for an offence under the SC/ST Act, effectively closing the case.

State v Two Advocates — Quashing of gangster charges based on Executive 'Gang Charts'

In a judgment delivered as reported on 27 August 2026, the Supreme Court quashed proceedings against two advocates under the U.P. Gangsters Act. The Court held the legislation is stillborn for failing to create an independent offence and ruled that prosecuting individuals based solely on administrative gang charts violates constitutional principles.

Rishi Malhotra vs Union of India — Challenge to hanging as a mode of execution

In this public interest litigation, Rishi Malhotra challenged the constitutional validity of execution by hanging under Section 354(5) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, arguing that it is not a dignified form of death. The Supreme Court dismissed the plea on 18 August 2026, declining to refer the earlier judgment in Deena v. Union of India.

Challenge to the Transgender Persons Amendment Act, 2026 — self-identification

The Supreme Court is examining petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Transgender Persons Amendment Act, 2026, on the grounds that it restricts the right to self-identification. As reported on 17 August 2026, the Union Government defended the law before a three-judge bench, arguing that permitting self-perceived identity would make 169 statutory provisions unworkable. The court has directed the Union to further evaluate the impact of the 2026 amendment.

Uddhav Thackeray vs Eknath Shinde

This dispute involves competing claims over the leadership and identity of the Shiv Sena party following a political crisis in Maharashtra. As of 11 August 2026, the Supreme Court is conducting final hearings on petitions challenging the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker’s refusal to disqualify MLAs. The Uddhav Thackeray faction has also challenged the jurisdiction of the Election Commission in these ongoing proceedings.

National Register of Citizens (NRC) verification process

The Supreme Court is overseeing the National Register of Citizens process in Assam, specifically addressing the rights of those excluded and the issuance of identity documents. As reported on 22 July 2026, the Court issued notices to the Union and Assam governments regarding the lack of an appellate mechanism for over 19 lakh excluded individuals. Furthermore, as reported on 10 August 2026, the Court directed these governments to respond to petitions advocating for the issuance of identity cards to individuals included in the NRC.

In re: Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955

In October 2024, a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, which grants citizenship to certain individuals under the Assam Accord. As of 10 August 2026, the Supreme Court has issued notices to the Union Government and the State of Assam regarding petitions that seek the issuance of identity cards to individuals listed in the National Register of Citizens.

State of Punjab vs Davinder Singh — Sub-classification of Scheduled Castes

In August 2024, the Supreme Court of India upheld the power of states to sub-classify Scheduled Castes to promote substantive equality. As of 07 August 2026, the Supreme Court is hearing petitions regarding the extension of the creamy layer principle to SC/ST reservations, with the Union Government arguing that such decisions are matters of parliamentary policy.

Subhash Desai vs Principal Secretary, Governor of Maharashtra and others — Maharashtra Political Crisis

The Supreme Court delivered a unanimous judgment on 11 May 2023 concerning the 2022 Maharashtra political crisis and the split within the Shiv Sena party. While the Court initially refused to interfere with the Shinde government's formation, it subsequently clarified on 5 August 2026 that a legislative majority does not grant lawmakers the authority to defy their political party's directives.

Janhit Abhiyan vs Union of India — EWS quota case

The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, which introduced a 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections in a 3:2 verdict on 7 November 2022. While hearing ongoing challenges to the policy, the Supreme Court observed on 28 July 2026 that the Rs 8 lakh annual income threshold for eligibility appears prima facie reasonable.

State of Uttar Pradesh vs Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and others — Bulldozer Justice case

The Supreme Court of India issued a verdict on 13 November 2024 prohibiting authorities from demolishing properties solely because an individual is accused of a crime and established pan-India guidelines for such actions. In a subsequent development regarding the State of Uttar Pradesh vs Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and others case, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani formally opposed a demolition order issued by the Rampur Development Authority concerning Jauhar University as reported on 18 July 2026.

Indian Young Lawyers Association vs State of Kerala — Sabarimala review case

A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court is hearing a reference arising from the 2018 Sabarimala verdict to examine broader questions of religious freedom, the Essential Religious Practices test, and the maintainability of Public Interest Litigation. As of 12 May 2026, the court has questioned the locus standi of the original petitioners and expanded the scope of the reference to include issues such as Parsi excommunications.

Harish Rana vs State — Passive Euthanasia Case

The Supreme Court of India permitted passive euthanasia for Harish Rana, who had been in a vegetative state for 13 years. This ruling marks the first instance of a court-ordered withdrawal of medical treatment in the country, clarifying guidelines for end-of-life care.

Presidential Reference on Timelines for Bill Assent

The Supreme Court is hearing a Presidential Reference regarding the constitutional timelines for Governors to grant assent to bills passed by state legislatures. The court is examining 14 questions framed by the President of India concerning the role of Governors in the legislative process.