Law Pulse captures important legal movements across courts, regulators and policy corridors. It is designed for readers who want clear legal awareness without technical overload.
- Supreme Court Reaffirms Personal Liberty as the Rule, Arrest as the Exception
The Supreme Court has reiterated that arrest should not be treated as a routine step in criminal proceedings. Investigating agencies must justify custodial action and record clear reasons before curtailing personal liberty.
Why this matters:
This strengthens constitutional protections under Article 21 and reinforces procedural discipline in criminal investigations.
- High Courts Tighten Scrutiny of Preventive Detention Orders
High Courts across jurisdictions have reminded authorities that preventive detention powers must be exercised sparingly and strictly within constitutional limits.
Why this matters:
Preventive detention directly impacts fundamental rights. Judicial oversight ensures proportionality and accountability.
- Delhi High Court Allows Waiver of One-Year Separation in Mutual Consent Divorce
The Delhi High Court has held that the one-year separation period prescribed under Section 13B(1) of the Hindu Marriage Act for filing the first motion of divorce by mutual consent is not mandatory and may be waived by the court in appropriate cases.
The Court observed that where a marriage has irretrievably broken down and parties have settled all issues relating to maintenance, custody and assets, insisting on a mandatory waiting period would only prolong hardship.
Why this matters:
This judgment brings practical relief to couples seeking amicable separation and reinforces the principle that procedural timelines should not obstruct substantive justice.
- Labour Departments Push Towards Centralised Digital Registers
State labour authorities are increasingly moving employer records, wage registers and statutory filings to centralised digital platforms, reducing reliance on manual documentation.
Why this matters:
Employers must ensure consistency across payroll, attendance and statutory disclosures. Digital systems reduce discretion and increase traceability.
- RBI Reiterates Compliance Obligations for Digital Lending Platforms
The Reserve Bank of India has issued further directions reminding digital lenders and their service providers to maintain transparency in loan terms, recovery practices and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Why this matters:
Borrowers receive stronger protection, while fintech platforms must reassess compliance frameworks and partner arrangements.
- Consumer Commissions Reject Technical Defences in Genuine Claims
Consumer forums have continued to hold sellers and service providers accountable for defective goods and deficient services, rejecting technical grounds used to deny legitimate claims.
Why this matters:
The Consumer Protection Act is being interpreted in favour of substantive consumer rights, increasing accountability across sectors.
- Courts Flag Excessive Bail Conditions
High Courts have cautioned against imposing bail conditions that are impractical or disproportionately harsh, particularly for economically weaker accused persons.
Why this matters:
This reinforces the principle that bail is meant to ensure presence during trial, not act as indirect punishment.
- Increased Scrutiny of Data Handling Practices
Regulatory attention is growing on how organisations collect, store and share personal data, especially where consent and access controls are weak.
Why this matters:
Data governance is now a legal and reputational issue. Informal data practices increase regulatory exposure.
- Rail Passengers Must Pay Charges for Excess Luggage Beyond Free Allowance
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has clarified that passengers carrying luggage beyond prescribed free allowance limits are required to pay additional charges as per railway rules.
As per existing norms, trunks, suitcases and boxes within specified size and weight limits are permitted. Items exceeding these limits must be booked separately.
Why this matters:
This clarification reduces confusion during travel and highlights the importance of awareness of baggage rules to avoid inconvenience.
- Tax Authorities Focus on Consistency Across Filings
Tax departments are increasingly cross-verifying information submitted across GST, income tax and other statutory disclosures to identify mismatches.
Why this matters:
Even unintentional inconsistencies can trigger notices. Businesses must ensure alignment across all filings.
- Professional Accountability Under Greater Scrutiny
Courts and regulators have reiterated expectations of diligence and ethical conduct from professionals, including consultants and advisors.
Why this matters:
Professional responsibility is now closely linked to governance and compliance standards.