The year 2024 has been transformative for the Indian judiciary, marked by several groundbreaking rulings from the Supreme Court (SC) which reshaped the country’s legal and policy frameworks. From the unprecedented quashing of controversial policies to significant rulings on individual rights and social justice, these decisions have sparked passionate debates and discussions across the nation.
One of the most momentous rulings came on January 8, when the Supreme Court quashed the Gujarat government’s premature remission of 11 convicts involved in the heinous Bilkis Bano gang rape case. Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan underscored the unlawfulness of the remission order, stating it violated the rule of law and represented serious procedural lapses. This ruling was seen as reinforcing the judicial system's commitment to victim rights and accountability, with Justice Nagarathna emphasizing, “liberty under Article 21 must be exercised only in accordance with law.”
February brought another landmark judgment as the Supreme Court struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme, which had enabled anonymous donations to political parties. A five-judge Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, declared the scheme unconstitutional, stating it infringed the fundamental right to information under Article 19(1)(a). The judgment asserted the necessity of transparency in political funding to uphold the integrity of democracy.
Perhaps one of the most significant shifts occurred on March 4 when the Supreme Court overturned its 1998 judgment concerning legislative immunity for bribery under Articles 105(2) and 194(2). This seven-judge bench ruled parliamentary privileges cannot shield corrupt acts, thereby clarifying legislative immunity applies only to actions intrinsic to legislative functions. This decisive stance against corruption was hailed as monumental, enhancing trust and accountability within public governance.
On March 7, continuing its defense of free speech, the Supreme Court quashed criminal charges against Professor Javed Ahmed Hajam, predominantly implicatived for expressing his dissent on social media concerning state actions. The court reaffirmed the notion of dissent as foundational to democracy, reiteratively echoing, “If every criticism or protest is to be held as an offence, democracy will not survive.” This ruling underscored the judiciary’s role as the vigilant protector of individual freedoms.
May heralded another substantial ruling where the Supreme Court declared the arrest and remand of NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha illegal. Acknowledging procedural missteps during his arrest, the court emphasized the importance of adherence to legal protocols, setting significant precedents for future cases of preventive detention. This ruling underscored the need for proportionality and transparency when states exercise their powers against individuals.
On July 11, the court delivered justice posthumously to Rahim Ali, quashing his wrongful classification as a foreigner. The bench ruled authorities cannot make unsubstantiated claims without credible evidence, reinforcing principles of due process and dignity. This case underscored the impact of systemic issues within Assam’s citizenship processes and the need for fair legal evaluations.
Throughout the year, the Supreme Court tackled complex social issues, including invasive bail conditions—deemed unconstitutional under privacy rights—and the significance of timely trials for detained individuals, as seen with the release of Manish Sisodia, demonstrating judicial activism focused on personal liberties.
Further focusing on marginalized communities and reservations, the Supreme Court permitted sub-classification within Scheduled Castes, intending to provide more nuanced quotas for historically underrepresented groups. This progressive step, though controversial, highlighted the necessity to address inequities remaining within affirmative action frameworks.
On August 20, the Supreme Court reinforced its commitment to child protection laws by upholding strict regulations under the POCSO Act. By overturning the Calcutta High Court's ruling, it stressed the importance of barring exceptions for consensual relationships involving minors, thereby emphasizing safeguarding the rights of the most vulnerable.
Consistently advocating for equality, the Supreme Court delivered judgments addressing caste-based segregation practices within prisons. The ruling deemed such practices as discriminatory and counterproductive to rehabilitation, championing principles of justice and inclusivity.
Ending the year on November 13, the Supreme Court condemned the infamous practice termed ‘bulldozer justice,’ which saw punitive demolitions carried out without due process. The court reiterated the essence of judicial oversight and the right to housing under Article 21, delineatively stating, “the executive cannot act as both accuser and judge.” This reaffirmation marked a pivotal moment for civil liberties amid growing concerns of executive overreach.
Throughout 2024, the Supreme Court has showcased its fundamental role as the custodian of the Constitution and the protector of individual rights. From protecting political candidates and dissenters to ensuring the accountability of state actions and reinforcing judicial processes, these landmark judgments collectively articulate the Court’s unwavering commitment to uphold democracy and justice. They serve as key reminders of the judiciary's role not only as arbiters of legal disputes but as active participants shaping society’s moral and ethical boundaries.
