The Supreme Court of India has delivered several landmark judgments in recent years that have significantly influenced the legal landscape. While not all of these judgments originated from Public Interest Litigations (PILs), many have had profound public interest implications. Here are some notable decisions from 2023 and 2024:
- Recognition of Same-Sex Marriages (2023): In the case of Supriyo v. Union of India, the Supreme Court addressed petitions seeking legal recognition of same-sex marriages. The Court ruled that the legalization of same-sex marriage falls within the purview of Parliament and not the judiciary. However, it acknowledged the discrimination faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and emphasized the need for legislative action to address their rights.
- Demolition of Illegal Properties (2024): The Supreme Court criticized the practice of demolishing properties of suspected criminals without due process, a practice that disproportionately affected minority communities. The Court issued guidelines mandating prior notice and proper documentation before any demolition, reinforcing the importance of the rule of law and protection against arbitrary state actions.
- Ban on Islamic Schools Overturned (2024): In a significant decision, the Supreme Court overturned a previous ban on Islamic schools (madrasas) in Uttar Pradesh. The Court highlighted the state’s obligation to provide adequate education to children and allowed approximately 25,000 madrasas to continue operating, impacting millions of students and teachers.
- Withdrawal of Remission Granted to Bilkis Bano Convicts (2024): The Supreme Court quashed the Gujarat government’s order to release 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano case, emphasizing the need for a fair and just legal process. This judgment underscored the judiciary’s role in upholding justice in sensitive cases.
These judgments reflect the Supreme Court’s engagement with issues of significant public interest, addressing fundamental rights, due process, and social justice.
