Legal Recap: SC Refuses Plea Against The Kerala Story, Sisodia Moves Delhi HC

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Recap: SC Refuses Plea Against The Kerala Story, Sisodia Moves Delhi HC

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

While the top court refused to entertain Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind's petition challenging the release of the controversial film The Kerala Story, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia moved the Delhi High Court seeking interim bail in the Delhi Excise Policy case.

Here are the top legal highlights from our courts on Wednesday, 3 May:

Manish Sisodia Moves Delhi HC For Interim Bail In CBI Case

Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia moved the Delhi High Court and has asked for interim bail in the Delhi Excise Policy case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court had denied bail to the AAP leader on 28 April in the money laundering case registered against him by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). He was arrested on 26 February by the CBI. 

Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma asked the CBI to file the status report in the case by Thursday so that this new plea can be heard along with Sisodia's regular bail plea, slated for the the same day.

SC Refuses To Entertain Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Plea Against The Kerala Story

The Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea filed by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind challenging the release of the controversial film The Kerala Story, expected to be out in theatres on 5 May.

The court however, granted the petitioner liberty to approach the High Court. The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind had moved the Supreme Court on Tuesday seeking a stay on the movie's release, stating it may cause "hatred and enmity between different sections of society."

On Tuesday, the top court also refused to entertain a plea by advocate Nizam Pasha, who sought a stay on the release of The Kerala Story.

Though Pasha argued the movie was the "worst kind of hate speech," the court said that if he wanted to challenge the movie, "you should challenge the certification and through appropriate forum."

Delhi Court Summons BBC Over PM Modi Documentary

A Delhi Court issued summons to the BBC in connection with a defamation suit filed by BJP leader Binay Kumar Singh over the broadcaster's documentary titled 'India: The Modi Question'.

The suit claimed that the BBC documentary has defamed organisations like the RSS, VHP and the BJP.

Besides this, Additional District Judge (ADJ) Ruchika Singla issued summons to Wikimedia Foundation (which funds Wikipedia) and the US based digital library called Internet Archive.

Marriage Equality Hearing: 'Govt Positive, Will Set Up Panel,' SG Tells SC

The Centre has agreed to set up a panel headed by the Cabinet Secretary to explore administrative steps for addressing 'concerns' of same-sex couples, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said before the Supreme Court on Wednesday, 3 May.

"The government is positive. What we have decided is that this would need coordination between more than one ministry. So, a committee headed by no less than the Cabinet Secretary will be constituted," Mehta told the apex court.

A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court of India, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, continued hearing the petitions seeking marriage equality in the country on Wednesday.

Top Court Refuses To Commute Death Sentence of Ex-Punjab CM Murder Convict

Meanwhile, the top court refused to commute the death penalty handed down to Balwant Singh Rajaona, convicted for assassinating former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.

The court instead asked the the Central government's competent authority to deal with Rajoana's mercy petition.

ICYMI: SC Restrains Assam Police From Arresting Lawyer Under UAPA

Yesterday (Tuesday, 2 May) the top court restrained the Assam Police from arresting an advocate facing charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA).

The case against the lawyer had been registered for allegedly posting a message on a social media platform in support of the Taliban during the 2021 Afghanistan crisis.

The Bench ordered that the petitioner, Taher Ahmed Barbhuiya, not be arrested till the next date of hearing.