Legal Bites April 2025: Monthly Legal Updates

Welcome to the Legal Bites Monthly Legal Updates for April 2025! This edition offers a comprehensive overview of April 2025’s most impactful legal, national, and global events, highlighting developments that shaped public policy, judicial interpretation, and international relations. Stay informed and up-to-date with the most significant legal changes of the month.

April 2025: Key Legal, National, and International Highlights

1. RBI Marks 90th Foundation Day with Unveiling of ₹90 Commemorative Coin: The Reserve Bank of India celebrated its 90th Foundation Day at NCPA, Mumbai. A ₹90 silver commemorative coin was unveiled, highlighting RBI’s contributions to economic stability and digital innovation. The event emphasized the central bank’s role in shaping a developed India by 2047. (April 1, 2025)
2. Applicability of Res Judicata to Quasi-Judicial Authorities in India: The Supreme Court’s decision in M/S Faime Makers Pvt. Ltd. (2025) is a landmark judgment for regulatory and administrative law in India. It unequivocally holds that quasi-judicial authorities are bound by the principles of res judicata and cannot re-adjudicate matters already settled without statutory authorization. (April 1, 2025)
3. Assam Launches Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan: Assam launched the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan to support nearly 30 lakh women from SHGs through phased financial aid up to ₹50,000. The scheme promotes self-employment and includes eligibility criteria like school enrollment of girl children and sapling maintenance. (April 1, 2025)
4. Indian Hockey Legend Vandana Katariya Announced Retirement: Indian hockey star Vandana Katariya announced her retirement from international hockey on April 1, 2025. With 320 caps and 158 goals, she retires as India’s most-capped female player, remembered for her historic Olympic hat-trick and multiple international titles. She will continue playing in domestic leagues. (April 1, 2025)
5. Courtroom Turns Hostile as Convict Hurls Chilling Threats at Judge: The incident in M/S Vintage Credit and Leasing Pvt. Ltd. v. Raj Singh (2025), is not an isolated outrage. It is part of a disturbing pattern—a loud, growing chorus of courtroom contempt where convicts erupt with threats, violence, and filth. They no longer wait for the system to hear them; they try to overpower it. With each insult hurled, each object thrown, and each judge intimidated, the pillars of our democracy tremble ever so slightly. (April 2, 2025)
6. Parliament Passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 to Reform Waqf Property Management: Indian Parliament passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aiming to bring transparency and inclusivity in waqf property administration. Key changes include renaming the Act to the UWMEED Act, mandating Muslim women’s representation on waqf boards, allowing appeals to High Courts, and expanding board membership to include diverse sects and communities. (April 3, 2025)
7. Hungary Becomes First European Nation to Withdraw from ICC: Hungary has become the first European country to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), announcing the move during Israeli PM Netanyahu’s visit in April 2025. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticized the ICC as a “political court” and claimed its rulings won’t affect Hungary. The withdrawal will take effect one year after formal notification to the UN. (April 3, 2025)
8. Microsoft Partners with Maharashtra to Set Up Three AI Centres: Microsoft has signed an MoU with the Maharashtra government to establish three AI Centres of Excellence in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. The centres will focus on geospatial analytics, forensic research, and AI-based governance. The initiative aims to boost digital governance and enhance public services through AI-driven solutions. (April 3, 2025)
9. Karnataka HC Urges Legislative Action on Uniform Civil Code: In Samiulla Khan & Ors. v. Sirajuddin Macci (2025), the Karnataka High Court addressed a family dispute over the estate of Shahnaz Begum. Her siblings claimed a share in her property, while her husband claimed exclusive ownership. The Court, applying principles of Mahomedan Law, modified the share distribution and underscored the need for a Uniform Civil Code to ensure equal inheritance rights across communities. (April 4, 2025)
10. Mother-in-Law an Aggrieved Person Under the Domestic Violence Act: The landmark decision of the Allahabad High Court in Smt. Garima & 5 Ors. v. State of U.P. (2025) rightly affirms that a mother-in-law can file a complaint under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, against her daughter-in-law, provided she is an “aggrieved person” who has lived in a domestic relationship in a shared household. This judgment broadens the protective umbrella of the DV Act, reflecting a more inclusive and realistic understanding of domestic abuse. (April 4, 2025)
11. China Imposes 34% Tariff on U.S. Goods Amid Escalating Trade Tensions: China imposed a 34% reciprocal tariff on all U.S. imports, following a similar move by the U.S. earlier that week. The measure, coupled with export controls on rare earths and import bans on select U.S. goods, has sparked global market volatility and raised fears of a prolonged trade war. (April 4, 2025)
12.  Amalsad Chikoo from Gujarat Gets GI Tag: The Amalsad Chikoo, a sweet and long-lasting variety of sapodilla from Gujarat’s Navsari district, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Cultivated across nearly 90 villages, it is known for its unique taste and contributes significantly to India’s chikoo exports. The GI tag is expected to boost its market value and international reach. (April 5, 2025)
13. PM Modi Conferred with Sri Lanka’s Highest Civilian Honour: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana, the island nation’s highest civilian honour for foreign leaders. Presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo, the award recognises Modi’s efforts in strengthening India-Sri Lanka ties. He is the first Indian leader to receive this honour. (April 5, 2025)
14. Hitesh Gulia Becomes First Indian Boxer to Win Gold at World Boxing Cup: Hitesh Gulia made history as the first Indian boxer to win a gold medal at the World Boxing Cup 2025, held in Brazil. Competing in the 70 kg category, Gulia was declared the winner after his English opponent withdrew due to injury. India secured a total of six medals at the event, including one gold, one silver, and four bronze. (April 6, 2025)
15. Haryana Declares Two Harappan Sites as Protected Monuments: The Haryana government has declared two Harappan-era sites—Mitathal and Tighrana in Bhiwani district—as protected monuments under the 1964 State Act. Dating back over 4,400 years, these sites provide key insights into the Indus Valley Civilization. The move aims to safeguard the locations from encroachment, with plans for fencing and preservation measures. (April 7, 2025)
16. Meta Launches Three Advanced Models Under Llama 4 AI Suite: Meta has unveiled three cutting-edge models—Llama 4 Scout, Llama 4 Maverick, and the upcoming Llama 4 Behemoth—as part of its Llama 4 AI suite. Scout and Maverick, now available as open-weight models, are optimized for tasks like summarization, chat, and code generation. (April 7, 2025)
17. 2025 Archery World Cup Stage 1 Kicks Off in Florida: The first stage of the 2025 Hyundai Archery World Cup was held from April 8 to 13 in Auburndale, Florida, marking the start of the 19th season. Germany’s Florian Unruh and Great Britain’s Penny Healey won gold in the individual recurve events. China dominated team recurve events, while Mexico secured gold in the recurve mixed team. In compound categories, Denmark’s Mathias Fullerton topped the men’s individual event. (April 7, 2025)
18. Singapore Sets Precedent in Copy-Paste Arbitration Case: The Singapore Court of Appeal issued a decisive ruling in DJP and others v. DJO [2025] SGCA(I) 2, reaffirming Singapore’s commitment to fair and impartial arbitration. The case has captured international attention due to the court’s decision to set aside an arbitral award that incorporated more than 200 paragraphs copied from earlier, unrelated arbitrations. (April 8, 2025)
19. RBI Cuts Repo Rate by 25 Basis Points to 6% Amid Growth Concerns: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6%, marking the second consecutive cut this year. This decision aims to stimulate economic growth amid global uncertainties and subdued inflation. (April 9, 2025)
20. India and Slovakia Sign Two MoUs During President Murmu’s Visit: During President Droupadi Murmu’s historic visit to Slovakia, the two nations signed MoUs to boost cooperation in MSME development and diplomatic training. This marks the first presidential visit from India to Slovakia in 29 years, with Slovakia also affirming support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. (April 9, 2025)
21. 9th Global Technology Summit Opens in New Delhi: The 9th Global Technology Summit, co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs and Carnegie India, was inaugurated on April 10, 2025, in New Delhi. Held under the theme “Sambhavna” (Possibilities), the event features 150+ global experts discussing AI, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and tech governance. (April 10, 2025)
22. Japan Builds World’s First 3D-Printed Railway Station in Just 6 Hours: In a global first, Japan has constructed the Hatsushima railway station using 3D-printed components in under six hours. Built by Serendix, the new structure replaced an old wooden station overnight, showcasing a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. (April 11, 2025)
23. Justice Arun Palli Appointed Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh High Court: Justice Arun Palli has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. Notified by the Centre on April 12, 2025, following the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation, he was sworn in on April 16, succeeding Justice Tashi Rabstan. (April 12, 2025)
24. Madhya Pradesh Declares Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Wildlife Sanctuary: Ahead of Ambedkar Jayanti 2025, the Madhya Pradesh government declared a new wildlife sanctuary named Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Wildlife Sanctuary in Sagar district. Spanning 258.64 sq. km, it is the state’s 25th sanctuary and aims to conserve biodiversity while serving as a vital corridor between Panna and Madhav Tiger Reserves. (April 12, 2025)
25. Mauritius Becomes First Country to Sign ISA Country Partnership Framework: Mauritius has become the first country to sign the International Solar Alliance’s (ISA) Country Partnership Framework (CPF), marking a major step toward advancing solar energy adoption. The three-year agreement focuses on solar technology deployment, regulatory support, capacity building, and clean energy projects aligned with Mauritius’s national goals. (April 13, 2025)
26. Rongali Bihu 2025 Celebrations Begin in Assam: Assam welcomed the New Year with the start of Rongali Bihu on April 14, 2025. Marking the arrival of spring and the agricultural season, the week-long festival features traditional rituals, Bihu dances, songs, and festive delicacies, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the state. (April 14, 2025)
27. Telangana Implements SC Sub-Categorisation: Telangana became the first state in India to implement sub-categorisation of Scheduled Caste reservations. As per the newly notified Telangana SC (Rationalisation of Reservations) Act, 2025, the existing 15% SC quota is now divided into three groups based on levels of socio-economic and educational backwardness. (April 14, 2025)
28. Punjab Clinches 15th Hockey India Senior Men’s Title: Punjab secured their fifth national championship title by defeating Hockey Madhya Pradesh 4–1 in the final of the 15th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2025, held in Jhansi. After trailing 0–1, Punjab staged a comeback with goals from Jugraj Singh (2), Jaskaran Singh, and Maninder Singh. This win avenged their earlier group-stage loss to Madhya Pradesh and capped a strong knockout run, including victories over Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. (April 15, 2025)
29. Section 84 BNS Strikes the Right Balance Between Protection and Fairness: The Hon’ble Supreme Court judgment in Janshruti (People’s Voice) v. Union of India & Ors. (2025) brings renewed focus to the delicate balance the law seeks to achieve—between protecting vulnerable women from domestic cruelty and ensuring fairness and due process for the accused. (April 15, 2025)
30. Zero Tolerance against Trafficking from Healthcare Institutions: The Supreme Court of India, in a landmark judgment in Pinki v. State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors. (2025), brought national attention to an organised interstate child-trafficking racket that revealed systemic failures in law enforcement, hospital administration, and child protection mechanisms. Immediate suspension of hospital licences upon any confirmed incident of newborn trafficking must be made mandatory through legislative reform. (April 15, 2025)
31. India Becomes World’s 4th Largest Automobile Producer: NITI Aayog: According to NITI Aayog’s latest report, India has emerged as the fourth-largest automobile producer globally, following China, the USA, and Japan. The automotive sector contributes 7.1% to India’s GDP and nearly half of its manufacturing GDP. In 2023–24, the country produced over 28 million vehicles. NITI Aayog projects the auto component industry to reach USD 145 billion by 2030, with exports expected to triple. (April 16, 2025)
32. Jurisdiction Lies Where the Cause of Action Arises: Delhi High Court’s decision in M/s Kohinoor Seed Fields India Pvt. Ltd. v. M/s Veda Seed Sciences Pvt. Ltd. (2025) is a significant precedent in curbing the misuse of jurisdictional provisions in IP disputes. By holding that a company cannot file a suit at the place of its principal office if the cause of action arose elsewhere, and especially when it has an operational office in that place, the Court has reinforced principles of fairness, judicial economy, and access to justice. (April 16, 2025)
33. Framed Charges Hold Legal Weight, Cannot Be Undone Lightly: The Supreme Court in Directorate of Revenue Intelligence v. Raj Kumar Arora & Ors. (2025) has categorically laid down that Section 216 CrPC/Section 239 BNSS cannot be used as a tool to delete or discharge charges once framed. The trial court’s role is to conduct a fair trial based on charges that reflect a prima facie case, not to second-guess its earlier decisions or respond to tactics of delay. (April 17, 2025)
34. India’s First Train with Onboard ATM Launched: Indian Railways has launched the country’s first train with an onboard ATM on the Mumbai–Manmad Panchavati Express. Installed in collaboration with Bank of Maharashtra, the ATM aims to offer convenient cash withdrawal services to passengers during their journey. (April 17, 2025)
35. Pope Francis Passes Away at 88: Pope Francis died at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest at his Vatican residence. Pope Francis significantly shaped the Catholic Church’s stance on climate change, interfaith dialogue, and poverty. (April 21, 2025)
36. Doctrine of Blending: The Doctrine of Blending remains a vital aspect of Hindu joint family law, offering flexibility in familial property arrangements. However, it is not a doctrine to be invoked lightly. The 2025 judgment in Angadi Chandranna v. Shankar & Ors. (2025) serves as a crucial precedent by reaffirming the strict conditions under which blending may be presumed. (April 22, 2025)
37. Bombay High Court Upholds Legality of Talaq-e-Ahsan: Bombay High Court in Tanveer Ahmed & Ors. v. State of Maharashtra (2025) clarifies the legal standing of Talaq-e-Ahsan in India, affirming that it remains a valid and lawful form of divorce. While Talaq-e-Biddat stands outlawed, the judgment ensures that traditional and scripturally sanctioned practices like Talaq-e-Ahsan retain their validity. (April 23, 2025)
38. India Unveils 5-Point Plan in Response to Pahalgam Terror Attack: Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, India announced a five-point strategy: suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of borders and visa revocations for Pakistani nationals, diplomatic downgrades, intensified security operations in Jammu and Kashmir, and granting full operational freedom to the armed forces. (April 24, 2025)
39. Bengaluru Airport Becomes First in Asia to Earn Level 5 Carbon Accreditation: Kempegowda International Airport has become the first in Asia to receive Level 5 Carbon Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI). This top-tier recognition highlights the airport’s 95.6% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, marking a major step toward net-zero sustainability. (April 24, 2025)
40. Copyright Protection of Classical Music Compositions: The Delhi High Court’s judgment in Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar v. A.R. Rahman & Ors (2025) outlines key copyright rules that artists must understand when drawing inspiration from India’s vast musical heritage. Ultimately, the Court ruled in favour of Ustad Dagar, awarding ₹2 crore in damages and recognising the copyright and moral rights in the “Shiva Stuti” composition. (April 25, 2025)
41. Rohit Sharma Becomes Second Indian to Score 12,000 T20 Runs: Rohit Sharma has become the second Indian cricketer to cross 12,000 runs in T20 cricket, reaching the milestone during an IPL 2025 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He joins Virat Kohli in this elite list, with his tally now including 8 centuries and 80 fifties in 456 matches. (April 25, 2025)
42. Sarvam AI Selected to Build India’s First Indigenous AI Model: Bengaluru-based startup Sarvam AI has been chosen under the IndiaAI Mission to develop the country’s first homegrown large language model, Sarvam 2B, supporting 10 Indian languages. The model is trained on 4 trillion tokens and aims to promote inclusive AI development. Sarvam has also launched Shuka 1.0, India’s first open-source audio language model. The startup will receive access to 4,000 GPUs to build these sovereign AI tools. (April 27, 2025)
43. Child Custody Not to Be Decided Solely on Religious Grounds: The Bombay High Court’s recent ruling in Sahil Raju Gilani v. State of Maharashtra & Anr. (2025) reasserts that religious personal laws cannot dictate custody decisions when weighed against a child’s best interests. The Court emphasised that the welfare of the child must be the paramount consideration, rising above religious prescriptions or personal law mandates. (April 28, 2025)
44. Honour Killing: The Supreme Court of India, in K.P. Tamilmaran v. State By Deputy Superintendent of Police (2025), delivered a landmark judgment on honour killings and clarified the evidentiary value of hostile and related witnesses. The case arose from the brutal murder of a young inter-caste couple, Murugesan and Kannagi, in Tamil Nadu in 2003. (April 28, 2025)
45. Delhi Government Launches ₹10 Lakh Health Cover for Seniors Under Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana: Delhi government has introduced the Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana, offering senior citizens aged 70 and above free annual health coverage of up to ₹10 lakh. The scheme combines ₹5 lakh from Ayushman Bharat (AB PM-JAY) with an additional ₹5 lakh from the Delhi government. (April 28, 2025)
46. Amazon Launches First Project Kuiper Satellites to Compete with Starlink: Amazon launched 27 satellites for its Project Kuiper from Cape Canaveral, marking its entry into the satellite internet space. Aimed at providing global high-speed internet, especially in underserved areas, the project plans to deploy over 3,200 satellites in low Earth orbit, with full services expected by the end of 2025. (April 28, 2025)
47. President Droupadi Murmu Appoints Justice B.R. Gavai as Next CJI: Following the recommendation of the outgoing Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, with effect from May 14, 2025. (April 29, 2025)
48. Punjab Set to Deploy Anti-Drone Systems Along Indo-Pak Border: Punjab has completed testing of anti-drone systems, with installations set to begin soon along the Indo-Pak border. The move aims to curb cross-border smuggling of drugs, weapons, and explosives via drones. Trial runs were recently conducted in select border villages. (April 29, 2025)
49. Supreme Court on Workplace Injury Compensation: In the matter of Kamal Dev Prasad v. Mahesh Forge (2025), the Supreme Court of India adjudicated a crucial issue regarding the quantification of compensation for a workplace injury under the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923 (formerly Workmen’s Compensation Act). (April 29, 2025)
50. India Sends Buddha Relics from Sarnath to Vietnam: In a historic move, India has sent sacred Buddha relics from Sarnath to Vietnam for public display during UN Vesak Day 2025 celebrations. The relics will be venerated at multiple sites across Vietnam between May 2 and May 21. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Culture and International Buddhist Confederation, aims to deepen spiritual and cultural ties between the two nations. (April 30, 2025)