SC to deliver judgment on Aadhaar, Ayodhya, adultery, next week
In the next week, the Supreme Court is likely to deliver judgment on important cases like Aadhaar, Ayodhya dispute and adultery. Apart from these, it may also take up the case regarding the entry of women in Sabarimala Temple and female genital mutilation in the Dawoodi Bohra community. The verdicts will affect social morality, politics, and right to privacy in the country. Here's more.
Before CJI Misra demits office, verdict likely to be announced
The next week, starting September 24 is crucial for the apex court as Chief Justice Dipak Misra, who heads both the constitution bench and the three-judge bench, will retire soon. He retires on October 2, a National Holiday as it is Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary. In all probability, the verdicts will be pronounced next week. CJI Misra will be succeeded by Justice Ranjan Gogoi.
For 38 days, Supreme Court heard arguments in Aadhaar case
Notably, the Aadhaar case was the second longest case heard by the court. The hearing started in January and went on for 38 days. The bench heard 27 petitions which challenged the constitutional validity of Aadhaar, more so after the apex court had declared 'Right to privacy' a fundamental right in 2017. The Centre argued Aadhaar ensured benefits reached poor and prevented funds' siphoning.
During hearing, SC wonders why should adultery be a crime
The constitution bench also heard petitions challenging the Section 497 of the IPC which makes adultery punishable only for men. NRI Joseph Shine, who challenged it, said the law was unjust, unfair and violated fundamental rights. During one of the hearings, the bench noted there are civil liabilities and consequences of adultery but wondered why should adultery be a crime after all.
SC to decide on 1994 judgment pertaining to Ayodhya case
The SC might also give ruling whether to refer plea made by Muslim parties about the 1994 judgment to a regular bench or a five-judge constitution bench. The 1994 verdict stated that praying in the mosque wasn't an integral part of Islam. Petitioners feel this verdict can compromise their position in the long-standing Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute of Ayodhya.
SC to deliver verdicts on topics important for women
In the Ayyappan Sabarimala temple case, the CJI noted there was no private temple and a third-party can't control women's entry. About the female genital mutilation of the Dawoodi Bohra community, the SC observed it was discriminatory and violated the right to life and liberty of women. The apex court is also expected to deliver judgment in these two cases.
