The Supreme Court of India has had a monumental impact on the legal and societal frameworks of the nation throughout 2024, steering decisions on key issues from major criminal cases to banking regulations.
Beginning the year on a decisive note, the apex court made headlines by overturning the early release of 11 convicts involved in the Bilkis Bano case. The Gujarat government had previously granted remission to these individuals, who were convicted of raping Bano and murdering seven members of her family during the 2002 Gujarat riots. Labelling the government's decision as unjust, the Supreme Court reinforced the importance of justice and accountability.
Perhaps one of the most significant decisions came with regard to Article 370, which once endowed Jammu and Kashmir with special status. The court dismissed multiple petitions seeking its reinstatement, thereby upholding the central government's controversial decision to revoke this status back on August 5, 2019. The court's judgment clarified the legal and constitutional framework surrounding the controversial amendment, dismissing challenges to the government’s authority.
Another pivotal ruling emerged as the Supreme Court declared the Election Commission's electoral bond scheme unconstitutional. This controversial scheme, originally introduced to facilitate political party funding, was condemned by the court as promoting systemic corruption, with the bench led by former Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud highlighting the necessity for transparency and integrity in political financing.
The court continued its judicial activism by addressing the issues of caste and social equity, announcing support for sub-reservation within the Scheduled Castes category. The judgement allows states to identify specific backward sub-castes needing additional support and to allocate separate quotas accordingly, strengthening social justice measures across the nation.
Women’s rights were also reinforced this year through various rulings. The Supreme Court delivered significant judgments now bolstering rights concerning marital disputes, striving to eliminate discrimination and promote gender equality. Coupled with commitments to environmental accountability, these decisions spotlighted the judiciary's role as both arbiter and advocate for social justice.
One of the more controversial moves involved the court's decision on child pornography. Overturning the Madras High Court’s ruling, which deemed the viewing of child porn as non-offensive, the Supreme Court mandated the reclassification of such material under Child Sexually Abusive and Exploitative Material (CSEAM). This ruling emphasizes the gravity of possession and viewing of child pornography as criminal acts demanding stringent legal repercussions.
Directly influencing the judicial perspective on rights and legality, the Supreme Court also rejected what has been coined 'bulldozer justice.' The court ruled against demolitions and punitive measures without due process, thereby establishing clear guidelines for handling illegal constructions and ensuring protections against arbitrary state action.
Meanwhile, the court's ruling on banking practices has stirred professional debates. It granted banks the right to charge interest rates exceeding 30 percent on credit cards, thereby overturning the 2008 verdict by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) which declared such practices as exploitative. The Justices stated the NCDRC had overstepped its jurisdiction and intruded upon the Reserve Bank of India's authority. Emphasizing the need for clarity, the court ruled, "The credit card holders are duly educated and made aware of their privileges and obligations, including timely payment and levying of penalty on delay." This ruling challenged the notion of excessive interest rates as unfair practices within the banking sector, asserting the importance of informed consent and the parties' mutual agreement within credit contracts.
Through these decisions, the Supreme Court has placed itself at the forefront of change, reflecting its role as both protector of individual rights and influencer of public policy. Each ruling has significant societal ramifications, shaping perceptions and practices within India’s legal, financial, and social sectors.
Looking toward the future, as discussions surrounding these rulings evolve, they will likely continue to influence the political and social climate. The actions of the Supreme Court serve not only as legal precedents but also as moral benchmarks for the nation, emphasizing the importance of justice, individual rights, and ethical governance.
The role of the Supreme Court extends beyond mere legal adjudication; it encompasses the responsibility of shaping the very fabric of society. Each decision reverberates through the echelons of legal thought and public discourse, underscoring the constant interplay between law, morality, and societal values.
