Legal Bites August 2025: Monthly Legal Updates

Posted on By Legal 60

Welcome to the Legal Bites Monthly Legal Updates for August 2025. This edition brings you a comprehensive roundup of significant judgments, legislative developments, and policy initiatives that shaped the legal and socio-political landscape this month. From landmark rulings of the Supreme Court and High Courts clarifying family law, constitutional protections, consumer rights, and criminal justice, to key government decisions and international developments impacting India, we cover it all in a concise, reader-friendly format.

Stay informed and up-to-date with the most significant legal changes of the month.

August 2025: Key Legal, National, and International Highlights

  1. Nitin Gadkari Receives 43rd Lokmanya Tilak National Award: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari was honoured with the 43rd Lokmanya Tilak National Award in Pune, where he stressed achieving Surajya through good governance and youth-driven progress. (August 1, 2025)
  2. Free Speech No Shield for Derogatory Religious Posts: In P. Paramasivan v. Inspector of Police (2025), the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court set aside a Magistrate’s acceptance of an “undetected” police report on a Facebook post depicting Lord Krishna in a derogatory manner. The Court held that such reports are interim, not final, and objections raised by the complainant were wrongly ignored. Criticising the police for a superficial investigation, the Court directed further probe. Importantly, it ruled that freedom of expression cannot justify vulgar depictions of deities intended to wound religious sentiments, as such acts threaten communal harmony and fall outside Article 19(1)(a). (August 4, 2025)
  3. Self-Sufficient Wife Not Entitled to Maintenance: In Yashwani Verma v. Virender Verma (2025), the Delhi High Court ruled that a wife with adequate income and family support cannot claim maintenance under Section 24 HMA, especially when the husband is financially distressed. (August 4, 2025)
  4. Taking Photos Alone, Not Stalking under BNS: In Krishan Kumar Kasana v. State of H.P. (2025), the Himachal Pradesh High Court held that merely taking photographs of a woman, without repeated pursuit or intent to foster interaction, does not constitute stalking under Section 78 BNS. The Court clarified that stalking requires persistent following, contact, or monitoring of online activities, not isolated acts. It granted anticipatory bail, stressing that privacy concerns may arise, but such conduct falls outside the statutory definition of stalking. (August 6, 2025)
  5. Convenience Fees on Online Movie Tickets Taxable: In FICCI Multiplex Association v. State of Maharashtra (2025), the Bombay High Court upheld a 2014 amendment to the Maharashtra Entertainments Duty Act, 1923. It ruled that convenience fees above ₹10 per ticket on online bookings (e.g., BookMyShow) form part of the “payment for admission” and attract entertainment duty. The Court held the levy valid under State powers (Entry 62, List II), rejecting claims of arbitrariness or colourable legislation. The petitions were dismissed, confirming that digital booking charges are inseparable from admission to entertainment and taxable accordingly. (August 6, 2025)
  6. Assam Launches Nijut Moina Aasoni 2.0 to Boost Girls’ Higher Education: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Aasoni 2.0 scheme, offering monthly financial aid to over four lakh girls pursuing higher education—₹10,000 for higher secondary, ₹12,500 for graduation, and ₹25,000 for postgraduation annually—to reduce dropouts and promote gender equality in education. (August 6, 2025)
  7. Isolated Defaults Do Not Constitute Wilful Default: In Punjab National Bank v. Nita Puri & Ors. (2025), the Delhi High Court held that isolated incidents of default cannot justify branding a borrower as a “wilful defaulter” under RBI’s Master Circular. The Court clarified that such categorisation requires proof of intentional, deliberate misuse of borrowed funds and must consider the borrower’s overall track record, not stray events. It criticised banks for relying mechanically on forensic audit reports without verifying whether investments came from borrowed funds. (August 8, 2025)
  8. Adverse Possession Cannot Be Raised First Time in Appeal: In Kishundeo Rout v. Govind Rao (2025), the Supreme Court ruled that adverse possession cannot be claimed for the first time in appeal without proper pleadings and evidence. Since it is a fact-intensive claim, it must be pleaded at trial; otherwise, courts cannot entertain it. This ensures fairness, procedural discipline, and protection of property rights. (August 8, 2025)
  9. India Nominates Sarnath for UNESCO World Heritage Status: India has nominated Sarnath for the 2025–26 UNESCO World Heritage cycle, with UP Tourism and ASI finalising preparations ahead of the review in September. (August 9, 2025)
  10. Rishabh Yadav Wins Historic Bronze at World Games 2025: Rishabh Yadav clinched India’s first individual medal at the World Games by securing a bronze in men’s compound archery, defeating Abhishek Verma 149–147 in Chengdu. Despite early exits in women’s and mixed events, India’s 17-member contingent continues to compete across five sports, aiming to add to the nation’s tally of five previous medals. (August 10, 2025)
  11. Marriage No Bar to Family Pension for Disabled Dependents: In Iftikhar Ali v. Union of India (2025), the Allahabad High Court ruled that marriage alone cannot disqualify a disabled son or daughter from family pension. Interpreting amended Rule 54 of the CCS (Pension) Rules and corresponding Railway Pension Rules, the Court held that disabled dependents form a special category, and circulars like the 2010 Railway Board order cannot override statutory protections. (August 12, 2025)
  12. No Retrospective Promotion After Retirement: In Nek Singh Dogra v. State of H.P. (2025), the Himachal Pradesh High Court held that while an employee has a fundamental right to be considered for promotion under Articles 14 and 16, there is no vested or fundamental right to actual promotion. The Court ruled that promotions take effect only prospectively, from the date they are granted and duties assumed, not from the date of vacancy or empanelment. (August 12, 2025)
  13. Parole Cannot Be Denied for Not Seeking Bail: In Eshwaramma v. State of Karnataka (2025), the Karnataka High Court held that parole is distinct from bail or suspension of sentence and cannot be refused merely because a convict has not applied for those remedies. The Court emphasised parole’s humanitarian purpose, allowing temporary release for exigencies like illness, and directed the convict’s release on 60 days’ parole to care for his ailing mother. (August 14, 2025)
  14. Disabled Employee Entitled to Same-Place Posting: In Anirban Pal v. Punjab National Bank (2025), the Calcutta High Court held that a disabled employee with 70% disability has a right to be accommodated at the same place even after promotion, subject to vacancies. The Court restored Pal’s promotion, ruling that circumstances compelled his reversion, and that the bank’s transfer policy framed under the Disabilities Act had statutory force. It emphasised legitimate expectation, empathy, and international obligations (UNCRPD), affirming that promotion cannot become a penalty for employees with disabilities. (August 14, 2025)
  15. Union Minister Launches AI-Powered ‘SabhaSaar’ for Panchayats: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched SabhaSaar, an AI-based tool to automatically generate structured minutes from Gram Sabha meetings in 13 Indian languages, aiming to boost efficiency, transparency, and participatory democracy in local governance. (August 14, 2025)
  16. Refusal to Live in Abusive Home No Excuse for Violence: Indian criminal justice system has steadily evolved to protect women from domestic abuse, marital coercion, and patriarchal control. In Sushant Raj v. State (NCT of Delhi) (2025), the Delhi High Court reaffirmed that a wife’s refusal to return to a violent matrimonial home cannot be treated as “provocation” for a husband’s violent conduct. (August 18, 2025)
  17. Women Can Be Prosecuted for Penetrative Sexual Assault under POCSO: In Smt. Archana Patil v. State of Karnataka (2025), the Karnataka High Court held that the POCSO Act is gender-neutral and its provisions on penetrative sexual assault (Sections 4 and 6) apply equally to women. The Court rejected the argument that only men can be prosecuted, noting that Section 3 begins with “a person” and Section 8 IPC clarifies that “he” includes both male and female. (August 18, 2025)
  18. Taunts on Unemployment Amount to Mental Cruelty: In Anil Kumar Sonmani v. Smt. Shradha Tiwari (2025), the Chhattisgarh High Court dissolved a marriage on grounds of mental cruelty and desertion. It held that persistent taunts by a wife about her husband’s unemployment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, inflicted humiliation amounting to cruelty under Section 13(1)(i-a) HMA. Since the wife also left the matrimonial home and declared intent to sever ties, the Court found desertion proved and granted divorce. (August 18, 2025)
  19. Salary Cannot Be Denied for Custody Period if Employee Acquitted: In Harbajan Singh v. Superintendent of Police, Ajmer (2025), the Rajasthan High Court held that a government employee cannot be denied salary for the period spent in judicial custody if later acquitted of all charges. The Court ruled that custody is involuntary and punishing an innocent employee financially would be arbitrary and contrary to Rule 54 of the Rajasthan Service Rules, 1951. (August 18, 2025)
  20. Mere Delay Without Wilful Disobedience Is Not Contempt, Rules Supreme Court: In A.K. Jayaprakash (Dead) through LRs v. S.S. Mallikarjuna Rao & Anr. (2025), the Supreme Court held that delay in complying with judicial orders does not amount to contempt unless accompanied by wilful, deliberate disobedience. While recognising that non-compliance causes hardship, the Court clarified that contempt law hinges on mens rea and cannot be invoked for administrative lapses, though compensation may be granted to affected parties. (August 19, 2025)
  21. Civil Courts Have Jurisdiction Once Land Declared Non-Agricultural: In Mahesh Chand v. Brijesh Kumar (2025), the Supreme Court held that land leased for a petrol pump could not be treated as agricultural, and once a Section 143 UPZALR Act declaration was made during litigation, civil courts had jurisdiction. Tenants were estopped from disputing land use, and non-registration under Section 145 could not defeat a valid declaration. The Court set aside the High Court’s order and remitted the case for decision within six months. (August 19, 2025)
  22. Aadhaar Not Proof of Age in POCSO Cases: In Rishi Kumar v. State of Himachal Pradesh (2025), the Court held that Aadhaar cannot be treated as conclusive proof of age and thus cannot defeat charges under the POCSO Act. Minority must be established through birth or school records, and once proved, consent or mistaken belief of age is irrelevant due to POCSO’s strict liability framework. (August 19, 2025)
  23. Right to Education Cannot Be Curtailed by Rigid Age Norms: In Aarav Singh v. Union of India (2025), the Madhya Pradesh High Court held that strict age criteria under the NEP, 2020 and CBSE bye-laws cannot override the Right to Education under Article 21-A. The Court directed provisional admission of a 11-year-old meritorious student to Class IX, observing that exceptional talent cannot be suppressed merely due to age. (August 19, 2025)
  24. Delay Without Wilful Disobedience is not Contempt: In A.K. Jayaprakash (Dead) through LRs v. S.S. Mallikarjuna Rao & Anr. (2025), the Supreme Court held that mere delay in complying with a judicial order does not amount to civil contempt unless there is wilful and deliberate disobedience. The Court emphasised that contempt under Section 2(b) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 requires mens rea, and administrative hurdles or logistical difficulties cannot be equated with intentional defiance. (August 19, 2025)
  25. Varanasi Gets India’s First Portable Solar Panels on Railway Tracks: Banaras Locomotive Works, Varanasi has commissioned India’s first removable solar panel system between railway tracks, a 70m setup generating 15KWp, marking a major step in Indian Railways’ green energy drive toward net-zero emissions. (August 19, 2025)
  26. SC Reiterates Bar on Review of Criminal Judgments under Section 362 CrPC: In Vikram Bakshi & Ors. v. R.P. Khosla & Anr. (2025), the Supreme Court held that criminal courts cannot review or recall their judgments once pronounced, except to correct clerical or arithmetical errors or in rare cases of fraud, lack of jurisdiction, or procedural mistake. The ruling struck down the Delhi High Court’s recall order in perjury proceedings, reaffirming that Section 362 CrPC (now Section 403 BNSS) must be applied strictly to uphold finality in criminal justice. (August 20, 2025)
  27. Father-in-Law’s Duty to Maintain Widowed Daughter-in-Law: In Geeta Sharma v. Kanchana Rai & Ors. (2025), the Delhi High Court held that under Section 19 of the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956, a father-in-law’s obligation to maintain a widowed daughter-in-law is statutory but conditional, tied to his coparcenary property or estate. The Court clarified that this liability extends even after the father-in-law’s death, enforceable against his estate, ensuring widows are not left destitute. The ruling transforms a traditional moral duty into a modern legal safeguard for vulnerable widows. (August 20, 2025)
  28. Judicial Review in Departmental Inquiries: In State Bank of India & Others v. Ramadhar Sao (2025), the Supreme Court held that High Courts cannot act as appellate forums to reappreciate evidence in departmental inquiries. A Class IV SBI employee was found guilty of acting as a conduit in loan irregularities and accepting bribes. While the Disciplinary Authority dismissed him, the Appellate Authority showed leniency by reducing the penalty to removal with superannuation benefits. (August 20, 2025)
  29. Obstruction of Public Servants Extends Beyond Physical Acts: In Devendra Kumar v. State (NCT of Delhi) (2025), the Supreme Court clarified that “obstruction” under Section 186 IPC / Section 221 BNS is not confined to physical force. The case involved a police officer humiliating and detaining a process server, preventing him from serving summons. The Court held that threats, intimidation, humiliation, or passive resistance also amount to obstruction if they hinder a public servant’s lawful duties. (August 20, 2025)
  30. James Webb Telescope Discovers 29th Moon of Uranus: NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has identified a new 10-km-wide moon of Uranus, named S/2025 U1, orbiting 56,000 km from the planet, raising its known satellites to 29. (August 21, 2025)
  31. India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-5 Ballistic Missile: India test-fired the Agni-5 nuclear-capable ballistic missile under the Strategic Forces Command, showcasing its over 5,000 km range, three-stage solid-fuel engine, and DRDO’s advanced missile technology. (August 21, 2025)
  32. SC Restores Enforceability of Consumer Forum Orders: In Palm Groves Cooperative Housing Society Ltd. v. Magar Girme and Gaikwad Associates (2025), the Supreme Court settled the long-standing confusion over Section 25 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. It held that the term “interim order” in Section 25(1), inserted by the 2002 Amendment, must be read as “any order”, ensuring that both interim and final consumer forum orders are enforceable. (August 22, 2025)
  33. Pleadings Must Precede Additional Evidence: In Iqbal Ahmed v. Abdul Shukoor (2025), the Supreme Court held that appellate courts must examine pleadings before permitting additional evidence under Order XLI Rule 27 CPC. It ruled that evidence without supporting pleadings is irrelevant and cannot be relied upon, even if it consists of public documents. (August 22, 2025)
  34. Yatra” is Generic, Not Exclusive Trademark: In Yatra Online Ltd. v. Mach Conferences & Events Ltd. (2025), the Delhi High Court held that “Yatra” is a generic Hindi word for “journey” and cannot be monopolised as a trademark for travel services. The Court ruled that the plaintiff failed to prove secondary meaning or well-known mark status, and disclaimers in its registrations barred exclusivity over “Yatra.” (August 22, 2025)
  35. SC Modifies Stray Dog Directions: Balance Between Safety and ABC Rules: In In Re: “City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price” (2025), the Supreme Court modified its earlier order mandating permanent sheltering of strays. It directed that sterilised, vaccinated, and dewormed dogs must be released back to their localities under the ABC Rules, 2023, while rabid or aggressive dogs must remain in shelters. Feeding strays in public places has been prohibited, with designated feeding zones to be set up by municipal bodies. (August 22, 2025)
  36. Vernacular Statutes Not Authoritative in High Courts: In Dr. Vinodkumar Jacob v. Vice Chancellor, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (2025), it was clarified that statutes published only in Malayalam remain valid but cannot be treated as authoritative in High Courts without an official English translation under Article 348(3). The ruling reinforces that while regional languages ensure accessibility, English remains the binding language for authoritative legal texts and judicial proceedings. (August 25, 2025)
  37. Unsigned Arbitration Agreements Enforceable if Parties Act on Them: In Glencore International AG v. Shree Ganesh Metals & Anr. (2025), the Supreme Court held that an arbitration agreement remains valid even without signatures if parties’ conduct—such as accepting supplies, issuing bank guarantees, and corresponding via email—shows clear consent. The Court emphasised that Section 7 of the Arbitration Act requires only a written record, not signatures, and that commercial efficacy demands substance over form in upholding arbitration commitments. (August 25, 2025)
  38. Refusal to Testify Invites Adverse Inference: In Chowdamma v. Venkatappa (2025), the Supreme Court held that when a party possessing exclusive knowledge of material facts refuses to step into the witness box, courts may draw an adverse inference under Section 114(g) of the Evidence Act, 1872 / Section 119(g) of the BSA, 2023. (August 25, 2025)
  39. SC Fixes Three-Month Limit for Reserved Judgments: In Ravindra Pratap Shahi v. State of U.P. (2025), the Supreme Court condemned the inordinate delay of over three years in pronouncing a reserved judgment by the Allahabad High Court. Reaffirming Anil Rai v. State of Bihar (2001), the Court held that judgments must be delivered within three months of being reserved, failing which the matter must be placed before the Chief Justice and, if necessary, reassigned to another Bench. (August 25, 2025)
  40. SC Clarifies Suits Against Proprietors under Order XXX Rule 10 CPC: In Dogiparthi Venkata Satish v. Pilla Durga Prasad (2025), the Supreme Court held that a proprietorship has no separate juristic personality, and suits may be filed either in the trade name or directly against the proprietor. Order XXX Rule 10 CPC is enabling, not restrictive, and once the proprietor is impleaded, the concern’s interests are fully represented. (August 26, 2025)
  41. Stray Blow During Quarrel Not “Child Abuse”: In Santosh Sahadev Khajnekar v. State of Goa (2025), it was held that a stray or unintentional blow to a child during a quarrel cannot be treated as “child abuse” under the Goa Children’s Act, 2003. Abuse requires deliberate harm, cruelty, or maltreatment, not incidental acts. While minor convictions for hurt and assault were upheld, the appellant was released on probation, ensuring child protection laws are not misapplied to trivial disputes. (August 26, 2025)
  42. Bombay HC Clarifies Deduction on Interest Income under Section 80IA: In Gateway Terminals India Pvt. Ltd. v. DCIT (2025), the Bombay High Court held that interest on fixed deposits mandated by contractual and judicial obligations, as well as interest on TDS refunds, qualifies as profits “derived from” an eligible business under Section 80IA. The ruling distinguishes incidental business-linked income from independent investment income, expanding relief for infrastructure developers operating under BOT/PPP frameworks. (August 26, 2025)
  43. Acquittal for Lack of Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt: In Putai v. State of Uttar Pradesh (2025), the Supreme Court overturned the conviction and death sentence of the accused in a child rape and murder case, holding that the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Contradictions in witness testimony, doubtful recoveries, and unreliable DNA evidence meant the circumstantial chain was incomplete. The Court reaffirmed that suspicion, however strong, cannot replace proof, and acquitted the accused by extending the benefit of doubt. (August 26, 2025)
  44. Section 193(9) BNSS Does Not Dilute Default Bail Right: In Yash Mishra v. State of NCT of Delhi & Ors. (2025), it was held that Section 193(9) BNSS, allowing further investigation post-charge-sheet, operates independently of Section 187(3) which governs default bail. The Court ruled that adequate safeguards exist, misuse cannot be presumed, and the right to default bail under Article 21 remains unaffected. (August 26, 2025)
  45. NHAI Launches Project Aarohan for Toll Plaza Employees’ Children: NHAI has launched Project Aarohan to provide scholarships supporting the education of toll plaza employees’ children, covering 500 students from Class 11 to graduation with ₹12,000 annually, and 50 postgraduate aspirants with ₹50,000 each. (August 26, 2025)
  46. Non-Registration of a Hindu Marriage does not invalidate it: In Sunil Dubey v. Minakshi (2025), the Allahabad High Court ruled that non-registration of a Hindu marriage does not affect its validity. The Court held that ceremonies under Section 7 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 ensure validity, while registration under Section 8 is only evidentiary. (August 26, 2025)
  47. Trump Doubles Tariffs on India, Straining Ties: U.S. President Donald Trump has doubled tariffs on Indian imports to as high as 50%, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, a move that threatens exporters, jobs, and growth in key sectors like textiles, jewellery, and chemicals. The decision follows failed trade talks, sending Indian markets tumbling and sparking fears of strained ties, though experts believe it could also push New Delhi toward deeper economic reforms. (August 27, 2025)
  48. SC on Abuse of Prosecution Despite Settlement Commission Findings: In Vijay Krishnaswami @ Krishnaswami Vijayakumar v. DDIT (Investigation) (2025), the Supreme Court held that continuing prosecution under Section 276C(1) despite the Settlement Commission’s finding of full disclosure and immunity from penalty amounted to abuse of process. The Court emphasised the binding effect of CBDT circulars and Settlement Commission orders, quashed the prosecution, and imposed costs on the Revenue for disregarding its own guidelines. (August 28, 2025)
  49. Government Cannot Cancel Statutory Recruitment Midway: In Partha Das & Ors. v. State of Tripura & Ors. (2025), the Supreme Court held that recruitment carried out under the Tripura State Rifles Act, 1983 and Rules of 1984 could not be cancelled midway through executive instructions like the New Recruitment Policy. The Court ruled that executive orders cannot override statutory rules, the “rules of the game” cannot be changed once the process begins, and candidates have a legitimate expectation of fairness, even if no indefeasible right to appointment exists. (August 28, 2025)
  50. Past Misconduct Need Not Always Be Disclosed in Show-Cause Notices: In State of Punjab v. Ex. Constable Satpal Singh (2025), the Supreme Court held that dismissal based on a proven grave act of misconduct—such as unauthorised absence in disciplined forces—remains valid even if past misconduct was not mentioned in the show-cause notice. Past record can be referred to for reinforcement, but only when dismissal is based on cumulative misconduct must it be explicitly disclosed in advance. (August 29, 2025)

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