SERVICE LAW ROUNDUP: Landmark Rulings and Legislative Updates from August 2025
Catch up with the important Service Law cases across various High Courts and the Supreme Court as well as the legislative updates.
Supreme Court
SCBA expresses concern on lack of women Judges in higher judiciary; Requests CJI, Collegium to consider more women for upcoming judicial appointments
“Across the country there are about 1100 sanctioned posts of High Court Judges, out of which nearly 670 are occupied by men and only 103 by women.”
Supreme Court directs Registrar General of all High Courts to place matters before Chief Justice if judgment not delivered within three months
“This Court is repeatedly confronted with similar matters wherein proceedings are kept pending in the High Court for more than three months, in some cases for more than six months or years wherein judgments are not delivered after hearing the matter.”
Supreme Court constitutes SIT led by Justice Jasti Chelameswar to probe Reliance Foundation’s ‘Vantara’ Wildlife Centre in Gujarat
“The SIT shall be assisted fully by the Central Zoo Authority, the CITES Management Authority, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the State of Gujarat, including its Forest and Police Departments. All private persons and entities, including Vantara, shall also extend full co-operation.”
Balancing Fairness and Efficiency: Contours of Writ Jurisdiction in the Arbitration Landscape
by Arush Khanna* and Akarsh Pandey**
Supreme Court remands BJP MLA Tankadhar Tripathy’s election case to Orissa HC; Directs scrutiny of defects in Form 25 affidavit
This matter pertains to the degree of ‘substantial compliance’ with the prescribed Form 25 affidavit, as encapsulated in the proviso to Section 83(1)(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 read with Rule 94-A of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.
Know Thy Judge | Justice Sanjay Karol’s inspirational journey from India’s first heritage village to the Supreme Court
Hailing from Garli, India’s first heritage village, Justice Sanjay Karol served his parent High Court of Himachal Pradesh as Acting Chief Justice and High Courts of Tripura and Patna as Chief Justice before his elevation as a Supreme Court Judge on 06-02-2023.
Mere non-disclosure of assets/income, unless substantial, will not invalidate election results: Supreme Court
“The will of the people, expressed through the election result, should be respected, unless it has been corrupted by fraudulent practices, in which case, the court should intervene without hesitation.”
Supreme Court| No interim injunction to Pernod Ricard for mark ‘Blenders Pride’ against ‘London Pride’ in a trade mark infringement case
The products in the present case are premium and ultra-premium whiskies, targeted at a discerning consumer base, that are likely to exercise greater care in their purchase decisions. The distinct trade dress and packaging reduce any likelihood of confusion.
Justice for Home Buyers as Supreme Court grants Builder 6-Month interim bail to settle claims; Merges 81 FIRs
“We hope that the petitioner is able to make the most of this indulgence granted by us, keeping in mind only the interest of the home buyers.”
Read why Supreme Court set aside Delhi HC’s order granting bail to Wrestler Sushil Kumar in Sagar Dhankhar murder case
“The grant of bail constitutes a discretionary judicial remedy that necessitates a delicate and context-sensitive balancing of competing legal and societal interests.”
Promoter Liability and Deemed Sanction under RERA | SC upholds Allahabad HC Ruling declaring L&T as sole promoter
“Insofar as the interpretation of Section 2(zk) and Section 5(2) of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. made by the High Court in the impugned Judgment is concerned; it is a matter on which we do not express any opinion, and it is left open in an appropriate case to be considered afresh.”
Supreme Court upholds jail official’s conviction for facilitating undertrial prisoner’s escape attempt
“When public functionaries betray the institutional trust, the consequences are profound and far-reaching and in a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law, custodial officers must be held to the highest standards of integrity.”
Supreme Court issues notice to NMC over delay in compulsory rotating internship for foreign medical graduates
The Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship is a mandated practical training program for medical graduates in India. It is a part of their medical education, intended to provide hands-on clinical experience in a hospital setting across various departments. The internship is essential for obtaining a medical degree and gaining the necessary skills to practice medicine professionally.
Lok Sabha Speaker constitutes 3-Member Inquiry Committee to Examine Allegations Against Justice Yashwant Varma
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla formed a 3 Member Inquiry Committee after MPs’ proposal to examine March 2025 fire incident linked to recovery of unexplained burnt cash at Justice Yashwant Varma’s residence.
Supreme Court issues notice to Union in PIL on rights of persons with neurodivergent conditions
The Public Interest Litigation calls for clear, time-bound judicial directions to ensure India’s disability rights framework aligns with both its legal obligations and moral responsibilities.
Supreme Court Steps In: EDMC and PWD directed to respond to allegations of Manual Scavenging
“It is made clear that if the satisfactory reply is not received on the next date, we will have no option but to direct the registration of an FIR against such officer(s) who are exposing the. workers to the risk of their lives.”
Supreme Court partly expunges its order restraining Allahabad HC Judge from hearing criminal matters
“We reiterate that whatever was said in our order was to ensure that the dignity and authority of the judiciary as a whole is maintained high in the minds of the people of this country, as that will go a long way in reinforcing the faith that is reposed in us.”
SC flags regulatory failure in power sector; Directs States to clear DISCOMs dues within 4 years
“Regulatory failure’ occurs due to ineffective functioning of the Regulatory Commissions, excessive governmental interference, or ‘regulatory capture’.”
Supreme Court clarifies bail granting procedure, rules out undertakings as basis for regular or anticipatory bail
“No High Court or Trial Court shall pass any order granting regular bail or anticipatory bail based on an undertaking by the accused or their family members to deposit a particular amount. All such pleas shall be decided strictly on their own merits, in accordance with law.”