From Talaq-e-Hasan to Delhi Pollution: Eight Key Cases Likely to Shape Supreme Court’s Agenda in the New Year

As India steps into the New Year, the Supreme Court is set to take up a series of high-stakes cases that could have far-reaching social, constitutional and political consequences. From challenges to electoral reforms and environmental crises to sensitive questions of personal law and criminal justice, at least eight major issues are expected to dominate the court’s docket in the months ahead.

Legal experts say the coming year could witness decisive rulings that may finally settle long-running controversies affecting governance, civil rights and social reform.

Delhi-NCR Pollution: Monthly Monitoring by Court

With air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region continuing to remain at alarming levels despite multiple interventions, the Supreme Court has made it clear that the matter will not be allowed to drift. The court has decided to hold monthly hearings on the pollution crisis to ensure accountability and timely implementation of corrective measures. Continuous judicial monitoring is expected throughout the year.

SIR Case: Challenge to Electoral Process

Petitions challenging the validity of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls have been filed in several states. The Supreme Court has already fixed hearings on pleas from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal, where the exercise has been questioned on constitutional and procedural grounds. A detailed hearing on the role and powers of the Election Commission is expected in the New Year.

Acid Attack Cases: Call for Tougher Conditions

The Supreme Court will also continue hearing matters related to acid attacks. During a hearing on December 11, the court observed that acid attackers pose a grave threat not only to victims but also to society and the rule of law. The bench indicated that stricter conditions and deterrent measures may be required, signalling a possible tightening of legal norms.

Talaq-e-Hasan Under Judicial Lens

The controversial Muslim practice of Talaq-e-Hasan, under which a man can divorce his wife by pronouncing “talaq” once a month over three months, is also before the court. The Supreme Court has previously questioned how such a practice can survive in a modern and civilised society. A substantive hearing in the New Year could lead to a landmark ruling on personal law reforms.

Nikah Halala and Polygamy: Constitution Bench to Decide

Challenges to the constitutional validity of Nikah Halala and polygamy are likely to be heard by a five-judge Constitution Bench. The petitions argue that these practices violate fundamental rights, including equality and dignity. The matter was recently mentioned before a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, paving the way for an authoritative constitutional verdict.

Freebies in Elections: Limits of Populism

The apex court has agreed to hear petitions seeking a ban or regulation on the distribution of freebies during elections, arguing that such promises distort the electoral process and burden public finances. The case may also examine the Election Commission’s role in framing guidelines to curb what petitioners term “competitive populism.”

Unnao Rape Case: CBI vs Delhi High Court Order

One of the most closely watched cases will be the CBI’s challenge to the Delhi High Court’s decision to suspend the life sentence of former MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case. The Supreme Court’s ruling could have significant implications for bail jurisprudence in cases involving serious crimes and powerful convicts.

Delhi Riots: Bail Pleas Await Verdict

The Supreme Court is also expected to rule on bail pleas of accused persons in cases linked to the Delhi riots, a matter that continues to evoke strong political and legal debate.

A Year of Crucial Verdicts

Together, these cases underline the Supreme Court’s central role in addressing some of the most pressing and polarising issues facing the country. Whether it is environmental survival, electoral integrity, women’s rights or criminal accountability, the New Year promises to be a defining one for India’s highest court—and for the direction of Indian law and society.