Supreme Court to hear Maggi ban, entry tax cases today
In other news, the Supreme Court will deliver its verdict in two constitution bench cases
New Delhi: Mint brings you your daily dose of legal issues to watch out for. Here’s what’s likely to make news in courts today.
Constitution bench judgements
The apex court will deliver its verdict in two constitution bench cases.
One relates to whether the Supreme Court has the power to transfer cases from the jurisdiction of Jammu and Kashmir high court to any other court in India. The oft-debated Article 370 of the Constitution that grants special, autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir will be interpreted by the court in this case.
The second case relates to whether sentences awarded by courts would run concurrently or consecutively with life sentences.
Nine-judge bench hearing on entry tax
A nine-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court will begin its hearing on Tuesday to decide the constitutional validity of entry tax. Read more.
Maggi ban case
The court will hear the case surrounding Nestle India’s Maggi controversy. The apex court in April had been handed over reports by the Central Food Technological Research Institute which certified that Maggi was safe for consumption. Read more.
Essar phone tapping case
The Delhi high court is likely to pass an order on a plea seeking a court-monitored inquiry into the alleged tapping, interception and recording by Essar Group of phone calls of politicians, government officials and corporate houses between 2001 and 2006.
After two judges recused themselves from hearing the case, it was finally heard by a bench headed by chief justice of Delhi high court G. Rohini, who reserved the orders on 11 July after being informed of an inquiry having been initiated by the Delhi police. Read more.
The public interest litigation has been brought by Suren Uppal, a practicing lawyer, who argued that the alleged phone tapping violated the right to privacy and personal dignity that are fundamental rights under the Constitution.
The petitioner’s case rests on a number of recorded conversations between politicians, higher government officials and key members of corporate houses such as Reliance Industries Ltd.
Fixing of excess baggage rates by airlines
The court will hear a challenge brought by the Federation of Indian Airlines, a lobby group for India’s airline industry, to the change in tariff by the Centre for excess baggage to ₹ 100, in excess of 15kg which is allowed by most airlines.
On 13 July, the Centre told the court that the Director General of Civil Aviation has statutory powers to regulate the prices airlines charge for excess baggage.
At present, all domestic airlines allow free checked-in baggage of up to 15kg with the exception of Air India which allows 22kg. The court will continue to hear the Centre’s arguments today. Read more.
Ban on politically motivated advertisements by AAP
The court will hear Congress leader Ajay Maken’s plea, seeking a ban on political advertisements by the Delhi government, including all mentions of chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Over the last few hearings, it had ordered the Central government to list the steps it has taken to set up a body to ensure compliance with the Government Advertisement (Content Regulation) Guidelines in order to check misuse of public funds for politically motivated advertisements. Read more.
Through the petition, Maken also sought direction to restrain the state government from publicising the name of Arvind Kejriwal in any of its current or future advertisements, which are allegedly in violation of the Advertisement Guidelines, 2014. Read more.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!