As the New Year begins, the Supreme Court of India is set to hear several critical cases that carry far-reaching social, environmental, and legal implications. Among the high-profile matters scheduled for the upcoming year are petitions on Delhi-NCR pollution, polygamy, Nikah Halala, Talaq-e-Hasan, acid attacks, SIR-related election challenges, and the Unnao rape case. Additionally, decisions on bail applications in the Delhi riots case are also expected.
Delhi-NCR Pollution
The capital region continues to struggle with severe air pollution despite multiple measures taken over the past years. The Supreme Court has directed that it will monitor the matter with monthly hearings to ensure concrete steps are implemented. Continuous scrutiny and judicial oversight are planned for the upcoming year to address this persistent public health crisis.
SIR Case
Petitions challenging the validity of the Election Commission’s decisions regarding SIR have been filed in multiple states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal. The Supreme Court has scheduled detailed hearings on these petitions, signaling a thorough examination of the legal and constitutional issues involved.
Acid Attack Cases
The Supreme Court will hear cases involving acid attacks next year. During previous hearings, the Court emphasised that perpetrators of such crimes pose a serious threat not only to individuals but also to societal order and the rule of law. The Court suggested the imposition of stringent conditions and penalties on offenders to deter future attacks.
Talaq-e-Hasan
The practice of Talaq-e-Hasan, where a Muslim man can divorce his wife by pronouncing ‘talaq’ once a month over three months, remains under judicial review. In earlier hearings, the Court questioned how such a practice could be justified in a modern and civilized society, underlining the need for legal clarity on personal laws and gender justice.
Nikah Halala and Polygamy
The Supreme Court will constitute a five-judge constitutional bench to hear petitions challenging the validity of Nikah Halala and polygamy. These cases raise fundamental questions about personal laws, gender equality, and constitutional rights, making the upcoming hearings particularly significant.
Free Gifts in Elections
The Court has agreed to hear petitions seeking a ban on the distribution of free gifts and incentives during elections. These practices, often used to influence voters, have raised concerns about electoral integrity and fair competition. The Court is expected to provide guidance to the Election Commission on enforcing stricter regulations in this regard.
Unnao Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has moved the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court’s order granting bail to convicted former legislator Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case. The High Court had suspended Sengar’s life imprisonment sentence on December 23, prompting the CBI to appeal to the Supreme Court for intervention.
With these seven key matters on its docket, the Supreme Court is set to shape the legal, social, and political landscape in India in 2026, making the upcoming sessions crucial for the country’s justice system and governance.
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