Important Judgements of the Supreme Court of India in 2023

 The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial body in India. It is a court of record and has the power to interpret the Constitution of India. The Supreme Court also has the power to review and set aside the decisions of lower courts.

Here are some of the recent important decisions of the Supreme Court of India:

The Supreme Court of India has delivered several landmark judgments in 2023, with far-reaching implications for various aspects of Indian society and law. Here are some of the most notable decisions:

Madhyamam Broadcasting Limited v. Union of India: In this landmark judgment, the Supreme Court upheld the proportionality test as the standard for assessing the reasonableness of limitations on both substantive and procedural rights. This ruling has significant implications for the balance between government regulation and individual freedoms.

 Navjot Singh Sidhu v. State of Punjab: In this case, the Supreme Court upheld the conviction of former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu for the culpable homicide of Patiala city resident Gurnam Singh in 1987. The Court's decision highlights the seriousness of road rage incidents and the need for strict accountability.

 Teesta Setalvad v. State of Gujarat (July 19, 2023): The Supreme Court granted bail to activist Teesta Setalvad, who was accused of fabricating evidence in the 2002 Gujarat riots. The Court's decision raised concerns about the use of pre-trial detention and the treatment of activists.

 Delhi Government v. Union of India (May 11, 2023):In a significant development, the Supreme Court upheld the powers of Delhi's elected government over the administration of the capital territory. However, this decision was subsequently challenged by the Union government through an ordinance. The ongoing tussle between the Delhi government and the Union government over administrative control has drawn significant attention.

 Beant Singh assassination case: The Supreme Court refused to commute the death penalty of Balwant Singh Rajoana, convicted for the assassination of Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh in 1995. The Court left the decision of commuting the sentence to the discretion of the government.

 Kerala Story movie ban: The Supreme Court issued a notice to the West Bengal government in a case challenging the ban on the Malayalam film "The Kerala Story" in the state. The Court's intervention highlights the importance of freedom of expression and the need to balance it with public concerns.

 UP schools fees refund/adjustment: The Supreme Court stayed an Allahabad High Court order directing Uttar Pradesh schools to refund or adjust 15% of fees paid during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Court's decision reflects the ongoing debate over school fees and the impact of the pandemic on education.

 In the case of Navtej Johar v. Union of India, the Supreme Court struck down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized consensual homosexual sex. This was a landmark decision that was hailed by LGBTQ+ rights activists in India.

 Urban Improvement Trust, Bikaner Vs. Gordhan Dass (D) through LRS (November 10, 2023): This case dealt with the issue of whether the government could acquire land for a public purpose without paying compensation to the landowners. The Court held that the government could only acquire land for a public purpose if it was necessary to do so, and that landowners were entitled to fair compensation.

 In the case of Joseph Shine v. Union of India, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the Sabarimala temple's practice of banning women of reproductive age from entering the temple. This decision was criticized by many, who argued that it was discriminatory and violated women's fundamental rights.

 In the case of Ayodhya land dispute, the Supreme Court ruled that the disputed land in Ayodhya should be handed over to a trust for the construction of a Hindu temple. This decision was welcomed by Hindus across India, but it was also criticized by Muslims, who claimed that the land belonged to them.

 In the case of Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, the Supreme Court held that the fundamental right to property is not absolute and can be restricted by the government. This decision has been used to justify a number of land acquisition cases in India. 

Unstamped Arbitration Agreement Not Legally Valid: In this case, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court held that an unstamped arbitration agreement is not legally valid. This decision has significant implications for commercial disputes in India.

 Wholesale Quotas Frustrate Purpose of Reservation: In this case, the Supreme Court held that wholesale quotas for reservations in educational institutions are unconstitutional and violate the right to equality. The Court directed the Madhya Pradesh government to review its 75% domicile quota for B.Ed colleges.

 These are just a few of the many important decisions that the Supreme Court of India has made in recent years. The Court's decisions have a significant impact on the lives of Indians and have helped to shape the country's legal landscape.