Legal Bites July 2025: Monthly Legal Updates

Welcome to Legal Bites Monthly Legal Updates – July 2025 Edition! July brought key judicial rulings, bold policy reforms, and notable global shifts. From courts expanding rights in maintenance and property cases to states launching schemes on health, digital empowerment, and disaster management, the month was rich in legal and governance milestones. Globally, Russia recognised the Taliban and China began building the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra.

Whether you’re a student, lawyer, or informed reader, this concise roundup highlights the month’s major legal and policy developments. Scroll down to stay updated!

July 2025: Key Legal, National, and International Highlights

1. Ad-Interim Maintenance Can Be Granted Without Formal Plea: In Manoj Kumar v. Sangeeta (2025), the Delhi High Court held that courts may grant ad-interim maintenance under Section 125 CrPC (now Section 144 BNSS) even without a formal application, as long as material on record shows financial hardship and the other party’s income. The ruling reinforces judicial discretion and promotes timely relief to ensure economic support during ongoing proceedings. (July 1, 2025)
2. Andhra Pradesh Launches ‘Digi-Lakshmi’ Scheme to Empower Urban Poor Women: Andhra Pradesh government has launched the ‘Digi-Lakshmi’ scheme to digitally empower urban poor women by setting up 9,034 Common Service Centres (CSCs) across all Urban Local Bodies. Managed by Self-Help Group (SHG) women, these centres will offer 250 public services under the ‘One Family, One Entrepreneur’ vision. Eligible women will receive training, support, and loans up to ₹2.5 lakh through MEPMA to establish the kiosks. (July 1, 2025)
3. C-FLOOD Launches as India’s New Village-Level Flood Forecasting Platform: The Jal Shakti Ministry has launched C-FLOOD, a web-based platform offering 48-hour advance flood forecasts down to the village level. Using 2D hydrodynamic modelling and supercomputing, it currently covers the Mahanadi, Godavari, and Tapi basins. (July 2, 2025)
4. Pragmatic Approach Needed in Gold Return Cases Involving Brides: In Prasad & Anr. v. Greeshma (2025), the Kerala High Court held that women seeking the return of gold ornaments in domestic disputes should not be expected to provide strict documentary proof. Acknowledging the informal and trust-based nature of such matrimonial transactions, the Court ruled that claims should be evaluated based on the preponderance of probabilities, not the rigid standard of criminal proof, to prevent injustice. (July 2, 2025)
5. India Ranks 3rd in Global Unicorn Index 2025: India secured the third spot in the Global Unicorn Index 2025 with 64 unicorns, following the US and China. The ranking reflects India’s growing startup ecosystem and innovation-driven growth. (July 3, 2025)
6. Russia Becomes First Country to Recognise Taliban Government: Russia officially recognised the Taliban government of Afghanistan, becoming the first country to do so since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. This recognition followed the removal of the Taliban’s designation as a terrorist group in Russia earlier that year. (July 3, 2025)
7. Magistrate Can Take Cognizance Despite Police Report: In Bidyabharati Panda v. State of Odisha & Ors. (2025), the Orissa High Court reaffirmed that a Magistrate can take cognizance of an offence even after accepting a final police report, if prima facie material supports more serious charges. The case involved the suspicious death of a government officer, with the Court emphasising that procedural closure cannot override the pursuit of justice when fresh evidence or legal grounds exist. (July 3, 2025)
8. A wife cannot enforce EMI payments on a flat she never lived in: In Srinwati Mukherji v. State of Maharashtra & Ors. (2025), the Bombay High Court held that a husband cannot be compelled under the Domestic Violence Act to pay EMIs for a flat still under construction and never inhabited by the wife. The Court clarified that such a property does not qualify as a “shared household” under Section 2(s) of the DV Act, and relief under the Act must be based on an actual residence, not future intent or co-ownership alone. (July 4, 2025)
9. Animesh Kujur Breaks Records as India’s Fastest Sprinter in 100m and 200m: Animesh Kujur, a 22-year-old sprinter from Chhattisgarh, has emerged as India’s fastest man by clocking 10.18 seconds in the 100m sprint at a meet in Greece, setting a new national record. He also broke the 200m national record with a time of 20.32 seconds, earning bronze at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships. (July 5, 2025)
10. Haryana Plans Asia’s Largest Jungle Safari in Aravallis: Haryana has unveiled plans to develop Asia’s largest jungle safari in the Aravalli Hills, aiming to boost wildlife conservation, eco-tourism, and local employment. The project is set to become a model for sustainable and nature-based development in the region. (July 6, 2025)
11. New Hope in Malaria Fight with Breakthrough Drugs and Strategies: The approval of Coartem Baby delivers a crucial, appropriately dosed treatment for a previously overlooked group—newborns—and strengthens the range of available antimalarial therapies. (July 7, 2025)
12. V.S. Ravi Launches Book on Shakespeare in Hyderabad: Retired IPS officer and columnist V.S. Ravi launched his book Confessions of a Shakespeare Addict in Hyderabad. The event, moderated by former IPS officer B. Krishna Rao, was attended by scholars, ex-bureaucrats, and literature lovers, celebrating Ravi’s deep admiration for Shakespeare. (July 7, 2025)
13. Japan Coast Guard Ship Docks in Chennai to Boost Indo-Pacific Ties: JCG Ship Itsukushima, led by Captain Naoki Mizoguchi, arrived at Chennai Port for a week-long visit under its Global Ocean Voyage Training. The port call features bilateral meetings, cultural exchanges, and a joint sea drill named ‘Jaa Mata’ with the Indian Coast Guard. (July 7, 2025)
14. Kerala HC Upholds Daughters’ Equal HUF Rights Despite State Law: In N.P. Rajani & Ors. v. Radha Nambidi Parambath & Ors. (2025), the Kerala High Court ruled that daughters are entitled to equal rights in Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) property if their father died after 20.12.2004, despite Kerala’s earlier abolition of joint Hindu families. The Court held that the 2005 amendment to the Hindu Succession Act overrides the conflicting provisions of Kerala’s 1976 Act, reaffirming gender equality in property rights. (July 7, 2025)
15. Courts Can’t Order Retrospective Tariff Corrections: In Aarti Drugs Ltd. v. Union of India (2025), the Bombay High Court held that courts cannot direct retrospective corrections in legislative instruments, including customs tariff notifications. The Court emphasised that such corrections fall within the exclusive domain of the Legislature and Executive, not the judiciary, reaffirming the separation of powers under the Constitution. (July 7, 2025)
16. Government Unveils ₹5,000 Cr Plan to Boost Waterways and Maritime Sector: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced a ₹5,000 crore initiative to strengthen India’s maritime sector. Over the past 11 years, major ports have nearly doubled capacity, cruise tourism has grown, and 50,000 youth from the Northeast will be trained for maritime careers. (July 8, 2025)
17. Abusive Messages Alone Not Enough to Prove Stalking: In Abhishek Mishra v. State of Karnataka & Anr. (2025), Karnataka High Court ruled that abusive messages do not constitute stalking under Section 354D IPC unless they involve persistent, unwanted contact. The Court quashed proceedings related to stalking, stating that allowing the trial to proceed on that charge would amount to an abuse of process, though other disputed facts were left to be addressed at trial. (July 8, 2025)
18. Rajasthan HC Upholds ₹66.38L Compensation in Fatal Road Accident Case: In United India Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Munni & Ors. (2025), the Rajasthan High Court upheld the ₹66.38 lakh compensation awarded by the MACT, Dholpur, to the family of a government employee killed in a road accident. The Court rejected the insurer’s objections regarding vehicle identification, dependency ratio, and use of the split multiplier, affirming the Tribunal’s findings. (July 8, 2025)
19. Bulgaria to Join Eurozone as 21st Member: Bulgaria is set to become the 21st member of the Eurozone, adopting the euro as its official currency. The move marks a significant step in the country’s economic integration with the European Union and is expected to enhance financial stability and investor confidence. (July 8, 2025)
20. Women’s Caste Rights Independent of Husband’s Income: In Muthulaxmi B.N. v. State of Karnataka & Ors. (2025), the Karnataka High Court ruled that a woman’s right to a caste certificate cannot be denied based on her husband’s income, affirming her independent identity for social justice benefits. The Court imposed exemplary costs personally on members of the District Caste Verification Committee for ignoring settled law, which led to the petitioner’s wrongful unemployment for 12 months. (July 8, 2025)
21. Punjab Launches ₹10 Lakh Universal Health Scheme: Punjab government has announced the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, offering ₹10 lakh annual cashless health cover to all 65 lakh families in the state, starting October 2, 2025. The scheme covers treatment at government and private hospitals and will issue digital Sehat Cards for access. Punjab is the first state in India to launch such universal health coverage. (July 9, 2025)
22. IPL 2025 Valuation Soars, RCB Tops Franchise List: IPL’s business value jumped 13% in 2025 to $18.5 billion (₹1.6 lakh crore), while its brand value rose 14% to $4 billion (₹33,000 crore), according to Houlihan Lokey. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerged as the most valuable franchise this year. (July 9, 2025)
23. Stamp Released to Honour Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s 125th Birth Anniversary: Department of Posts released a commemorative postage stamp marking the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee at an event held in Delhi’s Siri Fort Auditorium. Organised by the Ministry of Culture, the ceremony featured cultural performances and an exhibition on Mookerjee’s life and legacy. (July 9, 2025)
24. Uttarakhand Launches ‘Operation Kalanemi’ Against Fake Saints: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed police to launch ‘Operation Kalanemi’ to crack down on fake saints accused of cheating the public and tarnishing the image of Sanatana Dharma. Named after a demon from Hindu mythology who disguised himself as a saint, the operation aims to curb exploitation, especially of women, and uphold religious and social harmony. (July 10, 2025)
25. India Women Clinch Historic T20I Series Win Against England: India Women created history by securing their first-ever T20I series win against England, taking an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series with a six-wicket victory in the fourth T20I in Manchester. (July 10, 2025)
26. Assam Approves ‘Gajah Mitra’ Scheme to Address Human–Elephant Conflict: Assam Cabinet has approved the ‘Gajah Mitra’ scheme to reduce rising human–elephant conflicts by developing sustainable habitats in 80 high-risk areas, including planting bamboo and Napier grass. The initiative also includes deploying rapid response teams to help villagers divert elephant herds using non-harmful methods. (July 11, 2025)
27. Kerala HC Grants Parole to Life Convict on Humanitarian Grounds for Marriage: In Sathy v. State of Kerala & Ors. (2025), Kerala High Court granted 15-day parole to a life convict to attend his own wedding, recognising the humanitarian aspect of the situation. The Court compassionately noted that the parole was being granted not for the convict’s sake alone, but in consideration of the woman who chose to marry him despite his imprisonment. (July 11, 2025)
28. Taunting Over Complexion Not Cruelty Unless It Causes Grave Harm: In Sadashiv Parbati Rupnawar v. State of Maharashtra (2025), the Bombay High Court ruled that taunting a wife over her skin tone does not amount to cruelty under Section 498-A IPC (now Section 84 BNS) unless it results in grave harm or drives her to suicide. The Court clarified that mere remarks on complexion, without serious mental or physical impact, do not meet the threshold for cruelty under the law. (July 11, 2025)
29. Mumbai’s Carnac Bridge Renamed Sindoor to Honour Operation Sindoor: Mumbai’s Carnac Bridge has been renamed Sindoor, symbolising the success of Operation Sindoor. The Maharashtra government stated the change aims to erase the dark colonial legacy of Governor Carnac, who was associated with atrocities against Indians, and instead celebrate a new chapter in India’s history. (July 11, 2025)
30. Sachin Tendulkar’s Portrait Unveiled at Lord’s MCC Museum: A striking portrait of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, painted by Stuart Pearson Wright, was unveiled at the MCC Museum at Lord’s on July 10, 2025, ahead of the India-England third Test. Based on a photograph taken 18 years ago, the portrait features a larger-than-life image of Tendulkar’s head and shoulders with an abstract background symbolising his timeless legacy. It will later be relocated to the Pavilion. (July 11, 2025)
31. Gujarat HC Grants Bail in Repeated Rape Case, Cites Prior Relationship and Incarceration: In Chandubhai Vashrambhai Sardhara (Patel) v. State of Gujarat & Anr. (2025), the Gujarat High Court granted bail to an accused in a Section 376(2)(n) IPC and SC/ST Act case, noting the prior relationship between the parties and the significant time already spent in custody. The Court emphasised that the complainant knew the accused and had been in a relationship with him, making consent a relevant factor, while also highlighting the prolonged incarceration since 2023. (July 11, 2025)
32. SC Clarifies Applicability of Order VII Rules 10 and 11 CPC in Commercial Cases: In Aase Ram v. Amit Kumar (2025), the Supreme Court clarified the distinction between returning a plaint under Order VII Rule 10 and rejecting it under Rule 11 CPC, especially in cases involving jurisdictional objections before Commercial Courts. The judgment aims to resolve long-standing confusion in the interpretation of these provisions under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. (July 14, 2025)
33. SC Urges Timely Payouts in Motor Accident Claims to Reduce Interest Burden: In the Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Niru @ Niharika & Ors. (2025), the Supreme Court emphasised the need for timely disbursement of compensation in motor accident cases. The Court observed that delays deprive claimants of critical support for future prospects and livelihood. It suggested that provisional payments based on rough calculations at the time of accident intimation could reduce the insurer’s interest liability and better serve victims’ needs. (July 14, 2025)
34. Rape Case Can Be Quashed Only in Rare, Exceptional Circumstances: In Madhukar & Ors. v. State of Maharashtra (2025), the Supreme Court held that rape cases under Section 376 IPC (now Section 64 BNS) may be quashed only in exceptional situations—where continuing proceedings would be futile, unjust, or an abuse of process. While reaffirming the gravity of sexual offences, the Court clarified that High Courts retain inherent powers under Section 482 CrPC, but must exercise them sparingly in such sensitive matters. (July 14, 2025)
35. Civil Suit Doesn’t Bar Criminal Prosecution: In Kathyayini v. Sidharth P.S. Reddy & Ors. (2025), the Supreme Court held that the pendency of a civil suit does not bar criminal prosecution if a prima facie criminal offence is made out. The Court clarified that parallel civil proceedings cannot justify quashing criminal cases when criminal liability is evident, affirming that a criminal trial may be necessary to ensure justice. (July 14, 2025)
36. Cabinet Clears PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: The Union Cabinet has approved the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana to boost agricultural infrastructure and support farmers. The scheme aims to improve storage, processing, and market access, aligning to increase farmers’ income and promote sustainable agriculture. (July 16, 2025)
37. India Seeks U.S. Approval for Javelin Missile Co-Production under ‘Make in India’: India has formally submitted a request to the United States for co-production of the advanced Javelin anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), aligning with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. (July 17, 2025)
38. Indore Declared Cleanest City for 8th Consecutive Year: Indore has once again been crowned India’s cleanest city, securing the top spot for the 8th consecutive year in the Swachh Survekshan rankings. The city’s consistent performance highlights its effective waste management, public participation, and commitment to cleanliness under the Swachh Bharat Mission. (July 17, 2025)
39. Tribal Women Cannot Be Denied Inheritance Based on Custom: In Ram Charan & Ors. v. Sukhram & Ors. (2025), the Supreme Court ruled that tribal women cannot be denied equal inheritance rights solely based on customary practices. The Court emphasised that gender equality must prevail over tradition, marking a major step toward securing constitutional rights for women in Scheduled Tribes. (July 17, 2025)
40. Excluding Heirs Without Reason in Will Raises Suspicion: In Gurdial Singh (Dead) Through LRs v. Jagir Kaur & Anr. (2025), the Supreme Court held that an unexplained exclusion of legal heirs—especially a spouse—in a Will is a suspicious circumstance. The Court emphasised that such omissions must be assessed alongside all surrounding facts to determine if the Will reflects the free will of the testator or was influenced by others, casting doubt on its validity. (July 17, 2025)
41. India’s Deepika Wins Poligras Magic Skill Award for Stunning Goal: Indian hockey star Deepika became the first Indian to win the Poligras Magic Skill Award for her spectacular solo goal against the Netherlands in the FIH Pro League. The award, determined by global fan votes, celebrated her creative play and marked a proud moment for Indian women’s hockey. (July 17, 2025)
42. Neglecting Elderly Parents Violates Article 21, Says Allahabad HC: In a landmark judgment, the Allahabad High Court in Ram Dular Gupta v. State of U.P. & Ors. (2025) held that abandonment or cruelty towards elderly parents amounts to a violation of their fundamental right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court emphasised that neglecting ageing parents raises both moral and constitutional concerns, reinforcing the legal duty of care owed by children. (July 18, 2025)
43. Supreme Court on Disclosure of Criminal Antecedents in Bail Pleas: In Kaushal Singh v. State of Rajasthan (2025), the Supreme Court quashed adverse remarks made by the Rajasthan High Court against a judicial officer for granting bail, stressing that such strictures violate natural justice when passed without hearing the judge. The Court warned that such remarks harm reputation, undermine judicial authority, and may embolden litigants, urging higher courts to exercise restraint and fairness when reviewing decisions of subordinate judiciary. (July 18, 2025)
44. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns: Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned from his position as the Vice President of India. (July 21, 2025)
45. Registration Alone Doesn’t Prove Will’s Genuineness: In Metpalli Lasum Bai (Since Dead) & Ors. v. Metapalli Muthaiah (2025), the Supreme Court held that a registered Will cannot be presumed genuine solely based on registration. The Court reaffirmed that proof of proper execution and attestation, as required under the Indian Succession Act, 1925 and Evidence Act, 1872 (now Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023), remains essential. (July 21, 2025)
46. China Starts Building World’s Largest Dam on Brahmaputra: China has begun construction of the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Tsangpo) near the India-Arunachal Pradesh border. Located at a deep gorge where the river makes a U-turn, the dam could surpass the scale of the Three Gorges Dam. The Brahmaputra flows through the Tibetan Plateau, forming the world’s deepest canyon. (July 21, 2025)
47. Doctrine of Merger Not Absolute, Exceptions Apply in Cases of Fraud: In Vishnu Vardhan v. State of U.P. (2025), the Supreme Court ruled that the doctrine of merger is not absolute and does not apply where there is fraud or suppression of material facts. While the doctrine ensures finality and judicial consistency, the Court stressed that its application must be subject to exceptions, especially in cases involving deceptive conduct or omission of crucial information. (July 23, 2025)
48. Doctor Not Immune from Criminal Liability in Foetal Death, Rules Allahabad HC: In Dr. Ashok Kumar Rai v. State of U.P. & Anr. (2025), the Allahabad High Court held that a doctor can face criminal liability if a foetus dies due to negligence during prolonged labour. The Court emphasised that while medical professionals deserve protection, professional discretion cannot shield acts of gross negligence, especially when it results in loss of life. (July 24, 2025)
49. Bombay High Court Rules Consent Under Illegal Surrogacy Pact Is Invalid: In Amit Rama Zende v. State of Maharashtra & Anr. (2025), Bombay High Court held that a woman’s alleged consent for sexual relations under a paid live-in arrangement—essentially a surrogacy agreement—is not valid consent under Indian law. The bench ruled that such an agreement is against public policy, illegal in nature, and thus cannot vitiate rape charges, disallowing the quashing of the FIR. (July 28, 2025)
50. Supreme Court Clarifies Negligence for Failing to Signal on Highway: The Supreme Court in S. Mohammed Hakkim v. National Insurance Co. Ltd. (2025) held that failing to signal before stopping on a highway can amount to actionable negligence, providing crucial clarity on driver responsibility under traffic laws. (July 29, 2025)