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In re: Criminal liability of advocates practising without qualifying AIBE

The Karnataka High Court ruled on 20 October 2026 that lawyers practicing without passing the AIBE may face criminal prosecution, noting that Bar Council disciplinary proceedings do not preclude private criminal complaints. On 22 October 2026, the court ordered the Karnataka State Bar Council to establish a digital system to identify such practitioners. Subsequently, on 23 October 2026, the court dismissed a petition by advocate M Prasanna Kumar, allowing his trial for alleged offenses under the IPC and Advocates Act to proceed.

Karnataka High Court — Criminal Proceedings Cannot Be Used in Partition Dispute

The Karnataka High Court ruled on 15 October 2026 that the existence of a pending partition suit does not automatically invalidate subsequent criminal allegations, requiring each case to be assessed on its merits. This development clarifies the court's stance following previous 2025 and 2026 rulings that quashed criminal proceedings when it determined that criminal law was being weaponized in civil property disputes. The matter is currently active following the October 2026 ruling.

State of Karnataka v Prathik Parasrampuria — Election black money case

In a judgment delivered on 18 August 2026, the Supreme Court established nationwide guidelines to curb the influence of black money in elections, following proceedings regarding the 2014 Bellary Lok Sabha bye-election. The Court mandated that the withdrawal of election-related cases requires High Court approval, imposed a one-year deadline for investigations, and directed the Election Commission of India and governments to submit compliance reports by 18 November 2026.