Give compensation to rape victims, SC orders POCSO, sessions courts

The Supreme Court has directed the sessions and POCSO courts to pass directions under the law for compensation to victims of rape and sexual assault in appropriate cases.

A Bench led by Justice BV Nagarathna asked the Centre and the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to respond to a petition alleging the state’s continuing denial of rightful compensation to rape victims due to administrative apathy and systemic neglect by authorities.

Sets up panel to probe into stalled housing project

The top court on Friday set up a one-man committee headed by former Allahabad High Court judge Pankaj Naqvi for conducting a comprehensive inquiry and suggesting a practical roadmap for completing a stalled housing project at Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh. The court’s verdict, directing an independent inquiry into a long-pending housing dispute, involved the Golf Course Sahkari Awas Samiti (formerly JP Greens Employees Sahkari Awas Samiti) and the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA). The dispute affected hundreds of homebuyers who awaited possession of their flats for almost two decades.

‘Examine blockchain tech for property registration’

Highlighting systemic deficiencies in colonial-era property laws, the Supreme Court on Friday batted for a nationwide reform by asking the Law Commission to prepare an extensive report and examine using the blockchain technology for restructuring property registration process.

A Bench of Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Joymalya Bagchi struck down Bihar’s 2019 amendment empowering registering authorities to refuse registration of sale or gift deeds without proof of mutation or ‘jamabandi’ allotment.

Notice to Shami on his estranged wife’s plea

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to cricketer Mohammad Shami on Friday on a plea filed by his estranged wife, seeking enhancement of the interim maintenance granted to her and their minor daughter.

A Bench led by Justice Manoj Misra sought Shami’s response on his wife’s plea challenging two orders passed on July 1 and August 25 by the Calcutta High Court that enhanced the interim maintenance payable by him to Rs 1.5 lakh per month for his spouse and Rs 2.5 lakh per month for their daughter.

Plea against demolition of Ujjain mosque dismissed

The Supreme Court on Friday upheld the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s order for demolition of the 200-year-old Takiya Masjid in Ujjain.

A Bench led by Justice Vikram Nath dismissed a plea for reconstruction of the mosque, noting the petitioners were free to pursue remedies available under law.