Legal Bites September 2024: Monthly Legal Updates

Welcome to the Legal Bites Monthly Legal Updates for September 2024! This edition provides a comprehensive overview of the latest judgments, regulations, and key legal developments in India. Stay informed and up-to-date with the most significant legal changes of the month.

September 2024: Key Legal, National, and International Highlights |

1. SC grants bail to V. Senthil Balaji in a money laundering case
   (September 26, 2024) – Senthil Balaji, former Tamil Nadu Minister, was granted bail in connection with the cash-for-jobs scam under stringent conditions.
2. SC issues notice in Beant Singh assassination case (September 27, 2024) – The Supreme Court issued a notice on a petition regarding the transfer of Jagtar Singh Hawara from Tihar jail to Punjab.
   
3. Bar Council of India Mandates Reforms (September 25, 2024) – The Bar Council of India (BCI) has introduced a series of mandatory reforms aimed at enhancing the integrity, compliance, and transparency of all legal education centers in India.
4. SC orders gender reservations in Delhi High Court Bar Association's Executive Committee (September 26, 2024) – Posts were reserved for women to promote gender equality in bar bodies.
5. Child pornography material possession deemed punishable under POCSO Act (September 23, 2024) – SC overturned a previous HC judgment to hold digital possession of child exploitative material as an offence.
6. SC upholds Karnataka HC judge reprimand
   (September 21, 2024) – The SC criticized a Karnataka judge over controversial remarks involving Pakistan.
7. ED files FIR in Religare scam case (September 9, 2024) – Enforcement Directorate registered an FIR against Rashmi Saluja in a false allegation case involving the Burman family of Dabur.
8. SC slams NCPCR for petition misuse (September 24, 2024) – The Supreme Court of India admonished the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) for attempting to involve the court in furthering its agenda. The criticism came during a hearing on a plea filed by the NCPCR, which sought an SIT investigation.
9. Advocates (Amendment) Act, 2023 implemented (September 30, 2024) – New regulations for advocates and legal practitioners were enforced across India.
   
10. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal granted bail in liquor Policy case (September 12, 2024) – Terms included stringent conditions amidst the excise policy controversy.
    
11. Supreme Court raps Bengal over 'tardy' progress on security at hospitals (September 30, 2024) – The Supreme Court has criticized the West Bengal government for its slow progress in improving security measures at hospitals.
12. CJI lays the foundation for Rajiv K Luthra Memorial (September 22, 2024) – Chief Justice Chandrachud inaugurated the memorial at NLSIU Bengaluru.
    
13. SC stays NCLAT’s ruling on Byju’s insolvency case (September 25, 2024) – The Supreme Court expressed concerns over the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT)'s decision to pause insolvency proceedings against the edtech company Byju's.
14. RBI updates the Foreign Exchange Compounding Rules
    (September 12, 2024) – New amendments simplify compliance for businesses involved in foreign exchange transactions.
    
15. International Day of Democracy observed (September 15, 2024) – Marking the importance of democratic governance. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007.
16. World Environmental Health Day (September 26, 2024) – Emphasized the legal implications of environmental protection in India.
17. SC grants anticipatory bail to Malayalam actor Siddique (September 30, 2024) – In a rape case, bail was granted under strict conditions.
    
18. SC stays Madras HC direction ordering closure of YouTube (September 6, 2024) – The Supreme Court stayed the condition set by the Madras High Court, which required a YouTuber to shut down his channel as a condition for granting bail.
19. India signs Bilateral Investment Treaty with Uzbekistan
    (September 27, 2024) – Promotes green energy investment and bilateral relations.
20. NALSA launches 40-hour mediation training (September 18, 2024) – The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) introduced an online mediation training platform aimed at enhancing the skills of legal professionals in alternative dispute resolution​.
    
21. Supreme Court of India stays demolition in Sonapur case (September 30, 2024) – The SC ordered a halt on bulldozer action in the Sonapur demolition drive, citing inadequate legal process​.
    
22. CCI warns companies against leaking information (September 12, 2024) – The Competition Commission of India (CCI) issued a warning to firms involved in high-profile investigations, tightening protocols on unauthorized disclosures​.
23. Google loses EU legal battle, fined €2.4bn for market dominance (September 10, 2024) – A seven-year legal dispute ends with the European Union upholding the massive fine against Google​.
24. One Nation, One Election Proposal – The Union Cabinet cleared the proposal to introduce a bill on simultaneous elections, which is expected to be tabled in the winter session of Parliament. (18th September 2024)
25. Arvind Kejriwal's Resignation – Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal resigned, with Atishi taking over the role. (17th September 2024)
26. Teachers’ Day Celebrations – National Teachers’ Awards were conferred on 82 teachers by President Droupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. (5th September 2024)
27. Ayushman Bharat Scheme Expanded – The government expanded health coverage to senior citizens (70+), benefiting 6 crore senior citizens under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. (11th September 2024)
28. Jannik Sinner Wins US Open 2024 – Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner claimed his second Grand Slam title by defeating Taylor Fritz. (11th September 2024)
29. French Prime Minister Appointed – French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Michel Barnier as the new Prime Minister of France. (5th September 2024)
30. India-Singapore Bilateral Talks – Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Singapore for bilateral discussions with his counterpart Lawrence Wong. (5th September 2024)
31. Ayushman Bharat Expands to Cover Senior Citizens – The Union government expanded the Ayushman Bharat scheme, providing ₹5 lakh health insurance cover to senior citizens aged 70+. (11th September 2024)
32. Venus Orbiter Mission Approved – The Indian government approved preparatory steps for the Venus Orbiter Mission, aiming to study Venus' atmosphere and surface conditions. (18th September 2024)
33. Vistara-Air India merger - The merger between Vistara and Air India is nearing completion, with Vistara scheduled to cease operations on November 11.
34. Finance Secretary Appointment – Tuhin Kanta Pandey was designated as the new Finance Secretary of India. (7th September 2024)
35. Neeraj Chopra Wins Silver – Neeraj Chopra finished second in the javelin event at the Brussels Diamond League Final with a throw of 87.86 meters. (15th September 2024)
36. National e-Governance Award for AI Chatbot – Nagaland’s Wokha District Administration received the prestigious National Award for e-Governance for its SAATHI AI-based chatbot. (4th September 2024)
37. India Wins Asian Champions Trophy – India clinched their fifth Asian Champions Trophy hockey title with a 1-0 victory over China. (17th September 2024)
38. India’s Paralympic Success – India ended the 2024 Paralympics with a record 29 medals, including 7 golds, marking the country's best-ever performance. (10th September 2024)
39. Chandrayaan-4 Preparations Begin – The government approved further steps toward a manned mission to the moon, expanding the Chandrayaan-4 mission. (18th September 2024)
40. GST on Cancer Drugs Reduced – The GST Council slashed the GST rate on cancer drugs from 12% to 5%. (9th September 2024)
    
41. Goa Maritime Symposium – India hosted the Goa Maritime Symposium, focusing on regional maritime cooperation and security. (24th September 2024)
42. Sitaram Yechury Passes Away – Veteran CPM leader Sitaram Yechury passed away at the age of 72, due to complications from pneumonia. (12th September 2024)
43. Onam Celebrations in Kerala – The traditional harvest festival of Onam was celebrated with grandeur across Kerala. (15th September 2024)
44. International Literacy Day – India marked International Literacy Day with nationwide educational campaigns. (8th September 2024)
45. Ownership of the Suit Property: The Supreme Court in the case Sri Siddaraja Manicka Prabhu Temple v. The Idol of Arulmighu Kamakala Kameshwarar Temple, 2024 upheld the findings of the Madras High Court, confirming that the Appellant was merely a trustee of the property and not the absolute owner. The appeal was dismissed, maintaining that the suit property remained trust property.
46. Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023 on Merger Control:
    The Government of India officially notified several provisions of the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023 concerning merger control, along with related rules. (9th September 2024)

47. Supreme Court of India Launches ‘Landmark Judgment Summaries’ Web Page - The Supreme Court of India has introduced a new web page on its official site dedicated to providing concise summaries of significant judgments. (27th September 2024)

48. Government Intervention in Private Companies: Union Ministry Condemns Incident - While it's uncommon for authorities to intervene in private companies, they have the jurisdiction to do so under the country's labour laws, which apply to private firms as well. (28th September, 2024)