Year 2024: New definition of judiciary
2024 proved to be a year for the Indian Supreme Court, which gave many historic judgments from constitutional, social, and legal perspectives. These decisions not only strengthened the power of the judiciary but also gave a new direction to Indian democracy. Chief Justice D.Y. Under Chandrachud’s leadership the court dealt with many controversial topics, considering transparency, individual liberty, property rights, and other complex issues.
Let us discuss these important decisions of 2024 and their effects in detail.
1. Electoral bond scheme declared unconstitutional
In February 2024, the Supreme Court declared the electoral bond scheme unconstitutional. The Court made it clear that funding political parties through anonymous donors violates the principles of transparency.
- Key Decisions:
The court said that this is a violation of the right to information under Article 19(1)(A) of the Constitution.
- Effect:
Transparency in political financing increased and the public got the right to know the financial sources of political parties.
2. Ban on disputes at religious places
The Supreme Court barred it from giving judgment on disputes related to religious places in December 2024.
- Important Initiatives:
In Gyanvapi, Mathura and other cases, the court said that disputes over religious places can harm communal harmony in the society.
- Long Term Effect:
This decision proved helpful in reducing communal tension and giving the right direction to legal matters.
3. Pardon of convicts in Bilkis Bano case cancelled.
In the Bilkis Bano case, the Supreme Court considered the remission given to the culprits unfair.
- Court’s stance:
The court said that remission of sentence in serious crimes is against the basic principles of justice.
- Result:
This decision showed the determination of the judiciary in cases related to sexual crimes.
4. Stopping bulldozer action
In 2024, the court banned anti-encroachment bulldozer actions without prior notice.
- Highlights of the decision:
Destruction of properties without legal process is a violation of human rights.
- Importance:
This decision made it mandatory to follow constitutional procedures in administrative work.
5. Appointment of Justice Sanjiv Khanna
Justice Sanjiv Khanna took over as Chief Justice in 2024 and introduced several reforms.
- Major Improvements:
- To simplify the process of listing of cases.
- To implement expeditious measures for disposal of pending cases.
- Effect:
This improved the efficiency of the judiciary.
6. Activism in matters of personal freedom
The Supreme Court paid special attention to the protection of personal liberty.
- Verdict:
- Arrest should be made as a last resort.
- Bail petitions should be disposed of expeditiously.
- Result:
Protection of civil rights was strengthened.
7. Disputes over places of worship
The Supreme Court adopted a harmonious approach on disputes like Gyanvapi and Mathura.
- Decision:
The court said that while taking decisions in such cases, social and communal aspects should be kept in mind.
- Effect:
The sensitivity of the judiciary was exposed in religious disputes.
8. Organization of special Lok Adalats
To speed up the judicial system, special Lok Adalats were formed.
- Objective:
To make justice accessible and fast for all sections.
- Result:
Amicable resolution of disputes was ensured.
9. Decision on NEET eligibility
Supreme Court allows open school students to participate in NEET exam.
- Impact of the decision:
The doors of medical education opened for open schooling students.
10. Promotion Criteria in Judicial Service
Judicial service promotion norms of Punjab and Haryana High Court were retained.
- Key Decisions:
Requiring minimum 50% marks in interview is appropriate for the quality of judging.
- Importance:
This decision ensures transparency and quality in judicial services.
11. Extension of property rights
The Supreme Court said that non-Indian citizens also come under the ambit of property rights.
- Effect:
The scope of property rights increased, which encouraged foreign investment.
12. Reconsideration of stay orders
Overturning the 2018 decision, the court removed the rule of automatic expiry of stay orders.
- Importance:
This made the use of judicial discretion more effective.
13. Mineral and mine taxation rights
States were given the right to impose taxes on minerals and mines.
- Result:
The revenue power of the states increased.
14. Sub-classification into reserved categories
States were allowed sub-classification into Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
- Important Initiatives:
This decision is important for social equality and inclusivity.
15. Climate change and fundamental rights
In the judgment on conservation of Great Indian Bustard, the Court declared the right to fight climate change as a fundamental right.
- Effect:
Environmental protection got constitutional recognition.
