Supreme Court's Verdict on Circumstantial Evidence In the intricate tapestry of evidence law, where shadows of doubt can unravel convictions, the Supreme Court of India recently delivered a landmark ruling that reaffirms the sanctity of procedural rigor. On October 6, 2025, in Nazim and Ors. v. The State of Uttarakhand (Criminal Appeal No. 715 of 2018), a bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and S.C. Sharma acquitted three appellants in a grisly child murder case, spotlighting the frailties of circumstantial evidence , the "last seen" theory, the absence of Test Identification Parades (TIP), and the pivotal role of scientific evidence . This decision, authored by Justice S.C. Sharma, serves as a clarion call for courts to tread cautiously, ensuring that suspicion never masquerades as proof. As India grapples with evolving forensic capabilities and witness vulnerabilities, this judgment underscores the enduring principles governing convictions built on inference rat...

The recent Supreme Court proceedings on Delhi’s stray dog issue highlight a delicate balance between humanity towards animals and the constitutional duty to protect human life and safety. Context of the Supreme Court case The Supreme Court is hearing a suo motu matter titled “In Re: ‘City Hounded By Strays, Kids Pay Price’” (SMW(C) No. 5/2025), triggered by disturbing reports of dog bites and rabies in Delhi, especially affecting children. The Court has already recorded that recurring incidents of dog bites in schools, hospitals, railway stations and sports complexes indicate serious administrative lapses and systemic failure in securing citizens’ right to safety under Article 21. The LiveLaw report and court exchange During the latest hearing, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal challenged the rules framed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) as “very very inhuman”, arguing they run contrary to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.[1] The bench (Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sand...

Dear Friends, In the wake of the recent floods, countless families are in urgent need of relief and support. The New Delhi District Legal Services Authority (DLSA)—a statutory body under the Legal Services Authorities Act—is organizing a donation drive this festival season to help those affected. How You Can Help:   - Please contribute new and unused items such as clothes, shoes, dry ration, hygiene products, bedsheets, blankets, and packaged food items (biscuits, tea, sugar, etc.), strictly as per DLSA guidelines.  - Contributions may be delivered at our office:    107-B, Vikrant Enclave, Mayapuri, New Delhi - 110064 Please Note:   From our office, all collected contributions will be delivered to the Office of New Delhi DLSA, Room No. 302, 3rd Floor, Patiala House Courts Complex, New Delhi, up to 19th September 2025. Let’s join hands to make a meaningful impact on the lives of flood victims and others in distress. Your generosity and support can bring hope and...

Supreme Court to Decide: Should Practical Experience Be Mandatory for Judicial Service Entry? By Ganesh Mishra, Advocate, Supreme Court & Delhi High Court   Founder, Mishra & Associates   Contact: +91 9136273395 | advocateganeshmishra@gmail.com   www.advocateganeshmishra.in   107B, First Floor, Vikrant Enclave, Mayapuri, New Delhi – 110064 The Supreme Court of India is set to deliver a significant judgment on whether a minimum period of legal practice should be mandatory for entry into the judicial service at the Civil Judge (Junior Division) level. This comes after years of debate: while a practice requirement was removed in 2002 to attract fresh legal talent, many High Courts and members of the Bar now argue that practical experience is essential for judicial effectiveness. Supporters of reinstating the practice requirement believe that real courtroom exposure is crucial for developing the skills and maturity needed on the be...