Legal Bites October 2025: Monthly Legal Updates

Welcome to the Legal Bites Monthly Legal Updates for October 2025! October 2025 brought major legal, national, and international developments — from PM Modi unveiling a ₹100 Bharat Mata coin and Uruguay legalising euthanasia to key Supreme Court and High Court rulings shaping rights, governance, and accountability. Landmark moves like NITI Aayog’s ‘We Rise’ initiative, the Philippines’ first coral cryobank, and Manipur’s football triumph further marked the month as one of progress and reform across law, policy, and society.

October 2025: Key Legal, National, and International Highlights

1. PM Modi Unveils ₹100 Coin Featuring Bharat Mata to Mark RSS Centenary: Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a commemorative ₹100 coin and a special postal stamp to celebrate the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Notably, the coin features, for the first time, an image of Bharat Mata (Mother India) — portrayed in Varad Mudra, accompanied by a lion and bowing swayamsevaks, symbolising strength, service, and devotion to the nation. (October 1, 2025)
2. Gift Deed Cannot Defeat Right to Dignity: In Raviprakash R. Sodhani & Anr. v. Ram Swaroop Sodhani & Ors. (2025), Bombay High Court held that a senior citizen who gifts property to family members cannot be deprived of maintenance and care merely because the gift deed lacks an explicit condition. Justice N.J. Jamadar ruled that such an obligation is implicit under Section 23 of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, and neglect or refusal to maintain the donor renders the transfer void. (October 3, 2025)
3. Technology Tackles Human-Elephant Conflict: Madhya Pradesh forest authorities have deployed the Gaj Rakshak App in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve to monitor elephants in real time and reduce human-elephant conflict. The app, launched by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on World Tiger Day, enables tracking of elephant herd movements, sends alerts to nearby villages, works offline in remote areas and is being expanded to other tiger reserves in the state. (October 4, 2025)
4. Citizens’ Right to Enter Public Offices Not Absolute: In Kishor Jairam Chakole v. Western Coalfields Ltd. & Ors. (2025), Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench) clarified that citizens cannot claim an unfettered right to enter public offices at will. While access to government institutions for legitimate purposes is protected under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(d), it is subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order, discipline, and security. (October 6, 2025)
5. Tax Applicable on Materials Used in Printing Lottery Tickets: In M/s. Aristo Printers Pvt. Ltd. v. Commissioner of Trade Tax, Lucknow (2025), the Supreme Court held that materials such as ink and chemicals used in the printing of lottery tickets are taxable under Section 3F(1)(b) of the U.P. Trade Tax Act, 1948. The Court ruled that printing constitutes a works contract, as the property in the materials used gets transferred to the purchaser through the printed tickets. Hence, tax liability arises on the value of such goods involved in the execution of the printing work. (October 7, 2025)
6. Supreme Court Acquits Man Accused of Matricide in Circumstantial Evidence Case: In Nilesh Baburao Gitte v. State of Maharashtra (2025), the Supreme Court set aside the conviction of a man accused of killing his mother, holding that the prosecution failed to establish a complete chain of circumstantial evidence and that suicide could not be ruled out. (October 7, 2025)
7. India–UK Conduct Naval Exercise KONKAN 2025: India and the United Kingdom held Exercise KONKAN 2025 off the western coast of India from October 5 to 12, 2025. For the first time, both nations deployed their aircraft carriers — INS Vikrant and HMS Prince of Wales — showcasing advanced maritime cooperation. (October 5, 2025)
8. Insurer Not Absolved by Driver’s Fake Licence Unless Owner Knew of It: The Supreme Court in Hind Samachar Ltd. v. National Insurance Co. Ltd. & Ors. (2025) held that an insurer cannot escape liability merely because the driver had a fake licence unless it is proved that the vehicle owner knew of it or failed to verify it. The Court ruled that without evidence of the owner’s knowledge or negligence, there is no willful breach of the insurance policy. (October 8, 2025)
9. Delhi HC Narrows Tenant’s Objections in Bonafide-Need Evictions: Delhi High Court in H.S. Banka v. Mohan Lal (2025) held that under Section 14(1)(e) of the Delhi Rent Control Act, 1958 a landlord need not disclose the precise nature of the business he proposes when seeking eviction on bona-fide requirement grounds. The Court reaffirmed that the landlord is the best judge of his needs, and once a genuine requirement is established, a tenant cannot dictate how the landlord uses the property. (October 8, 2025)
10. Repeated Accusations of Infidelity Without Proof Constitute Mental Cruelty: In Ms Anupama Sharma v. Shri Sanjay Sharma (2025), the Delhi High Court held that making repeated and baseless allegations of infidelity against a spouse amounts to mental cruelty under Section 13(1)(ia) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The Court observed that such unfounded accusations tarnish a person’s dignity and reputation, causing deep psychological distress and making cohabitation intolerable, thus justifying the grant of divorce. (October 8, 2025)
11. Adultery with Parental Neglect Can Cost Mother Child Custody: In Karuna Nath v. Dipender Nath (2025), the Delhi High Court held that while adultery alone cannot deprive a mother of child custody, when it is accompanied by parental neglect or abdication of care, the court may justifiably deny custody to protect the child’s welfare. The Bench reiterated that the child’s best interests are paramount under custody law, and moral lapses, when coupled with proven irresponsibility, can tilt the balance against the erring parent. (October 8, 2025)
12. Residential Basement Can Be Used as a Law Office: In B.K. Sood v. North Delhi Municipal Corporation (2005), the Delhi High Court held that a lawyer may operate an office from the basement of his residential premises in New Delhi without it constituting a “commercial activity” under the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) Act, 1994. (October 8, 2025)
13. Free Speech Doesn’t Include Right to Insult on Social Media: In the case of Ajaz Khan v. State (NCT of Delhi) (2025), the Delhi High Court held that while the right to free speech under Article 19 of the Constitution is fundamental, it does not include the licence to insult, humiliate or degrade another person via social media — because when speech “crosses the line into insult, humiliation or incitement, it collides with the right to dignity” under Article 21. (October 9, 2025)
14. No Dismissal on Charge Not Mentioned in Show-Cause Notice: In Ravi Oraon v. State of Jharkhand & Ors. (2025), the Supreme Court held that an employee cannot be dismissed based on a charge not included in the show-cause notice. The Court found that the petitioner’s dismissal for alleged insufficient marks was unlawful because the ground of excluding vocational subject marks—used to reduce his percentage below the qualifying limit—was never cited in the notice. (October 9, 2025)
15. Philippines Launches Southeast Asia’s First Coral Cryobank: The Philippines has established Southeast Asia’s first coral-larvae cryobank at the UP Marine Science Institute’s Bolinao Marine Laboratory to preserve coral species through ultra-low temperature freezing. The project aims to safeguard coral biodiversity in the Coral Triangle and support reef restoration amid growing threats from climate change and ocean degradation. (October 9, 2025)
16. Surrogacy Age Limit Won’t Affect Couples Who Preserved Embryos Earlier: In a landmark decision in Vijaya Kumari S. & Another v. Union of India (2025), the Supreme Court of India held that the upper-age limits prescribed under Section 4(iii)(c)(I) of the Surrogacy Act—which require the female intending parent to be up to 50 and the male up to 55 years of age—do not apply to couples who had already reached the stage of embryo-creation and freezing before the Act came into force on 25 January 2022. (October 9, 2025)
17. Res Judicata Not Applicable to Execution Proceedings: Orissa High Court, in a recent ruling in Santosh Patra v. State of Odisha & Ors. (2025), held that the doctrine of res judicata under Section 11 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC) does not apply to execution proceedings under Order 21 CPC. (October 9, 2025)
18. Delhi HC Upholds Landlords’ Bona Fide Need, Orders Eviction: In Ms. Farheen Israil & Anr. v. Ghulam Rasool Wani & Ors. (2025), Delhi High Court quashed the Rent Controller’s order granting leave to defend and directed the eviction of the tenants from property No. 745, Farash Khana, Delhi. Justice Saurabh Banerjee held that only the original tenant could seek leave to defend, not unauthorised occupants, and found the landlords’ ownership and personal need—supported by medical evidence—genuine. (October 9, 2025)
19. Orissa High Court Holds Railways Strictly Liable for Passenger’s Fall from Train: In Santosh Ku. Sahoo v. Union of India (2025), the Orissa High Court reaffirmed that once a passenger—holding a valid ticket—is injured or dies because of a fall from a moving train, the Indian Railways is strictly liable under Section 124A of the Railways Act, 1989, without requiring proof of negligence. (October 10, 2025)
20. Later Divorce Petition Must Be Transferred To Court of First Filing: In Suprabha Nitesh Patil @ Suprabha Anant Khot v. Nitesh Gajanan Patil (2025), Bombay High Court clarified that when both spouses file petitions under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, in different courts, the later-filed petition must be transferred to the court where the first one was instituted, in accordance with Section 21-A of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. (October 10, 2025)
21. Chargesheet Without Prior Approval Held Void Ab Initio: In Union of India v. S.K. Jasra (2025), the Delhi High Court held that a chargesheet issued without prior approval of the competent disciplinary authority under Rule 14(3) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 is void ab initio and incapable of later validation. The Court reaffirmed the Supreme Court’s rulings in B.V. Gopinath and Sunny Abraham, clarifying that approval for initiation of proceedings is distinct from approval of the chargesheet itself. (October 10, 2025)
22. Indian Army Launches Indigenous ‘SAKSHAM’ Anti-Drone Grid: Indian Army has begun the procurement and deployment of the indigenous counter-drone grid system ‘SAKSHAM’ (Situational Awareness for Kinetic Soft & Hard Kill Assets Management), developed in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), to monitor, detect, track and neutralise hostile drones in real time. (October 11, 2025)
23. Issue Conflict Alone Not a Ground for Disqualification of Arbitrator: In Steel Authority of India Ltd. v. British Marine PLC (2025), the Delhi High Court ruled that an arbitrator’s prior opinion on a similar legal issue does not automatically prove bias. Justice Jyoti Singh held that an “issue conflict” — where an arbitrator earlier decided a related matter — cannot by itself disqualify them under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. The Court clarified that Entry 24 of the Fifth Schedule is only a guide, not a rule of automatic ineligibility. (October 13, 2025)
24. Section 130 BNSS Cannot Be Invoked for Private Disputes: In M.V. Nithamol v. State of Kerala (2025), the Kerala High Court held that Section 130 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 cannot be invoked in purely private disputes like cheating or breach of trust, as such cases do not threaten public peace or tranquillity. Justice V.G. Arun quashed the SDM’s preventive proceedings, finding that the Executive Magistrate failed to record any material showing potential disturbance to public order. (October 13, 2025)
25. Jharkhand HC Orders ₹60,000 Monthly Alimony After Husband’s Remarriage: In Manoj Kumar v. Sushma Dey ( 2025), the Jharkhand High Court (Division Bench of Justices Sujit Narayan Prasad & Rajesh Kumar) granted a decree of divorce and directed the husband—who had remarried during the pendency of divorce proceedings—to pay a monthly alimony of ₹ 60,000 (₹ 35,000 to the wife + ₹ 25,000 for the minor son) with a 5% increase every two years. (October 14, 2025)
26. Himachal Pradesh High Court Reaffirms Limits on Government’s Power under Industrial Disputes Act: In Auckland House School & Ors. v. State of Himachal Pradesh & Ors. (2025), the Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled that the Government cannot refer a non-existent or un-conciliated issue to the Labour Court under Section 10 of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The Court quashed a corrigendum that added new issues—termination of employees not part of the original demand—holding that such references are void ab initio, though workers may still seek redress under Section 2A for individual disputes. (October 14, 2025)
27. Madras HC Condemns 12-Year Delay in Serving Summons, Orders e-Summon Reform: In Ramasamy v. State of Tamil Nadu & Ors. (2025), the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, per Justice B. Pugalendhi, exposed a 12-year delay in serving summons in a 2013 criminal case—calling it a “shocking lapse” reflecting systemic failure of both the police and judiciary. The Court found that repeated directions to “issue fresh summons” were mechanically made without verification or escalation. (October 14, 2025)
28. Pollution Concerns Take Priority Over Profit and Tradition: In M.C. Mehta v. Union of India & Ors. (2025), the Supreme Court reiterated that environmental protection must prevail over profit, convenience, or tradition. Emphasising citizens’ fundamental right to clean air and a healthy environment under Article 21 of the Constitution, the Court directed that commercial and cultural activities cannot compromise ecological balance. (October 15, 2025)
29. Test Identification Parade Not a Sine Qua Non in All Cases: In State of Kerala v. Anil Kumar @ Kolusu Binu (2025), the Kerala High Court upheld the conviction of two men for rape, murder, and robbery, clarifying that a Test Identification Parade (TIP) is not indispensable if the witness’s in-court identification is credible. The Court held that TIPs merely corroborate dock identification, and their absence does not vitiate otherwise trustworthy evidence, especially when the witness already knew the accused or had ample opportunity for observation. (October 15, 2025)
30. Rejection of Plaint Must Rest Solely on Plaint Averments: In Karam Singh v. Amarjit Singh & Ors. (2025), the Supreme Court reaffirmed that a plaint can be rejected under Order VII Rule 11 of the CPC only on the basis of the statements contained within the plaint itself. The Court clarified that at this preliminary stage, the judge must not evaluate the defence, external materials, or disputed facts. (October 15, 2025)
31. SC Protects Genuine Planters from Wrongful Forest Vesting: In M. Jameela v. State of Kerala & Anr. (2025), the Supreme Court held that a 37.5-acre coffee and cardamom plantation in Wayanad was not “vested forest” under the Kerala Private Forests (Vesting and Assignment) Act, 1971, reaffirming that genuine cultivators cannot be penalised in the name of forest conservation. The Court, setting aside contrary findings of the Kerala High Court and Forest Tribunal, ruled that the land had been lawfully cultivated before May 1971, supported by official registration certificates, tax records, and expert reports. (October 15, 2025)
32. Woman’s Right to Reside in Matrimonial Home Despite Ownership Issues: In Khushwant Kaur v. Gagandeep Sidhu (2025), the Delhi High Court held that a daughter-in-law’s statutory right to reside in her husband’s home under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 persists even when the property belongs solely to her in-laws, and even if she and her husband have ceased co-habiting. (October 16, 2025)
33. Uruguay Legalises Euthanasia: Uruguay has become the first Latin American country to legalise euthanasia, allowing terminally ill patients to choose assisted death under strict medical and ethical safeguards. The law ensures voluntary and informed consent, marking a major step toward recognising the right to die with dignity. (October 16, 2025)
34. Government Launches LIMBS Dashboard to Track Court Cases: The Ministry of Law and Justice has launched a Live Cases Dashboard under the Legal Information Management and Briefing System (LIMBS) to monitor government litigation in real time. The dashboard displays pending and upcoming cases across courts, covering 53 ministries and over 7.2 lakh cases, aiming to improve transparency, coordination, and efficiency in handling legal matters. (October 16, 2025)
35. Permanent Establishment Not a Prerequisite for Taxation of Non-Resident Companies: In Pride Foramer S.A. v. Commissioner of Income Tax & Anr. (2025), the Supreme Court held that a temporary lull in business activity does not amount to cessation of business. The Court found that the non-resident company continued to carry on business in India between contracts through activities like tendering and correspondence with Indian entities. (October 17, 2025)
36. Adoption Rights Uniform Under the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015: In K. Heerajohn v. District Registrar, Madurai District & Anr. (2025), the Madras High Court ruled that adoption rights under the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (“JJ Act”) are uniform, secular, and not confined by personal law. The Bench clarified that any citizen—regardless of religion—may adopt by following the JJ Act and the Adoption Regulations, 2022, and once adoption is valid, the adopted child has the same legal status as a biological child. (October 17, 2025)
37. Acceptance of Lesser Sum Discharges Entire Debt under Section 63 ICA: In M/s B S Enviro N Infracon Pvt. Ltd. v. Vij Contracts Pvt. Ltd. (2025), the Delhi High Court held that once a creditor voluntarily accepts a lesser amount in full satisfaction of a debt, they cannot later claim the balance under Section 63 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872. The Court found that the parties had executed a written settlement and the appellant encashed the cheques without protest, amounting to accord and satisfaction. (October 17, 2025)
38. India Ranks 102nd in Global Hunger Index 2025: India has been ranked 102nd out of 123 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2025, with a score of 25.8, placing it in the “serious” category. (October 17, 2025)
39. Right to Correct Aadhaar Details is a Fundamental Right: In P. Pushpam v. The Director, UIDAI & Anr. (2025), the Madras High Court held that every Aadhaar holder has a fundamental right to seek correction of personal details, recognising it as an extension of the rights to equality and dignity under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. (October 17, 2025)
40. Railways Liable for Death Due to Overcrowding by Ticketless Travellers:  In Vijay Singh Gour & Ors. v. Union of India (2025), the Madhya Pradesh High Court held the Railways liable for the death of a bona fide passenger who fell from an overcrowded train filled with ticketless travellers. The Court ruled that failure to prevent such overcrowding amounts to contributory negligence, affirming compensation of ₹8 lakh to the victim’s family. (October 17, 2025)
41. Execution Plea Need Not Be Signed by Decree-Holder Personally: In Smt. Santosh Jain & Ors. v. Kewal Kishore & Anr. (2025), the Allahabad High Court held that an execution application under Order XXI Rules 10 and 11(2) CPC is valid even if signed by a Power of Attorney holder or a person acquainted with the case facts, provided the court is satisfied of such familiarity. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal reaffirmed that procedural technicalities cannot defeat substantive justice and directed expeditious completion of the long-pending execution proceedings. (October 17, 2025)
42. NITI Aayog and DP World Launch ‘We Rise’ Initiative to Empower Women Entrepreneurs: NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), in collaboration with DP World, launched the ‘We Rise – Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises’ initiative. Under WEP’s Award to Reward (ATR) programme, this initiative aims to help 100 high-potential women-led MSMEs expand globally through mentorship, trade facilitation, and strategic partnerships. (17 October 2025)
43. Allahabad High Court Protects Inter-Faith Couple’s Right to Life & Liberty: In Tehseem & Another v. State of Uttar Pradesh & Others (2025), the Allahabad High Court upheld the fundamental right of consenting adult couples to live together regardless of religious differences. The Bench found that the police’s detention of the couple—without any legal order and under social pressure—violated their rights under Article 21 of the Constitution. It ordered their immediate release, safe escort to their destination of choice, and a departmental inquiry against the officers responsible. (October 18, 2025)
44. Manipur Wins 30th Senior Women’s National Football Championship: Manipur clinched the 30th Senior Women’s National Football Championship (Rajmata Jijabai Trophy) by defeating West Bengal 1–0 in the final held at Narainpur, Chhattisgarh. The winning goal was scored by Lynda Kom Serto in extra time. With this victory, Manipur secured its 23rd title, reaffirming its dominance in Indian women’s football. (October 18, 2025)
45. Dishonour of Pure Security Cheques Not Offence Under NI Act: In Sri Sai Sapthagiri Sponge Pvt. Ltd. v. State (GNCT of Delhi) & M/s Magnifico Minerals Pvt. Ltd. (2025), the Delhi High Court held that cheques issued solely as security, and not against an existing debt or liability, cannot attract prosecution under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. (October 27, 2025)
46. Refusal to Marry Does Not Amount to Abetment of Suicide: In Yadwinder Singh @ Sunny v. State of Punjab & Anr. (2025), the Supreme Court held that a person’s refusal to marry cannot, by itself, be treated as “instigation” or abetment to suicide under Section 306 IPC. The Court ruled that mere emotional distress or disappointment in love, without a direct act of provocation or criminal intent, does not attract penal liability, reaffirming that moral wrongs cannot be equated with criminal offences. (October 27, 2025)
47. Preference Shareholders Not “Financial Creditors” under IBC: In EPC Constructions India Ltd. v. Matix Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd., the Supreme Court held that preference shareholders are not “financial creditors” under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. It ruled that preference shares constitute share capital, not debt, and their redemption is contingent upon profits or fresh share issuance under Section 55 of the Companies Act, 2013—thus barring preference shareholders from invoking Section 7 IBC to recover their investments. (October 28, 2025)
48. Mere Recovery of Bribe Money Insufficient Without Proof of Demand and Acceptance: In P. Somaraju v. State of Andhra Pradesh (2025), the Supreme Court reaffirmed that mere recovery of tainted money cannot justify conviction under the Prevention of Corruption Act unless both “demand” and “acceptance” of illegal gratification are proven beyond reasonable doubt. Setting aside the High Court’s conviction and restoring the trial court’s acquittal, the Court emphasised that suspicion, however strong, cannot replace substantive proof in corruption cases. (October 28, 2025)
49. Supreme Court Applies “Pay and Recover” Rule for Route Permit Violation: In K. Nagendra v. The New India Insurance Co. Ltd. (2025), the Supreme Court held that even when a vehicle operates beyond the area permitted under its route permit, the insurer cannot avoid liability to third-party victims. The Court ruled that the insurance company must first pay the compensation and then recover the amount from the vehicle owner, upholding the humanitarian balance between protecting accident victims and ensuring contractual fairness. (October 29, 2025)
50. Second Marriage Cannot Be Registered Without First Wife’s Notice: In Muhammad Shareef C & Anr. v. State of Kerala & Anr. (2025), the Kerala High Court ruled that a Muslim man’s second marriage cannot be registered under the Kerala Registration of Marriages (Common) Rules, 2008 without giving notice and a hearing to his first wife. Justice P. V. Kunhikrishnan held that while Muslim law may permit polygamy in limited cases, civil registration is a secular act bound by constitutional principles of equality and natural justice—ensuring that no woman becomes an unseen victim of procedural silence. (October 30, 2025)

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