Bhubaneswar, December 29: The year 2024 has been a pivotal one for the Supreme Court of India, with nearly 1,000 judgments delivered. Among them, 10 landmark Judgments have stood out, leaving an indelible impact on the nation's political, economic, and social fabric.
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1. Striking Down Electoral Bonds Scheme
In a historic move ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Court quashed the 2018 Electoral Bonds Scheme, ensuring transparency in political funding. The judgment emphasized voters' right to know the sources of party finances, ordering the disclosure of transactions by the Election Commission and State Bank of India.
2. Curbing Illegal Bulldozer Demolitions
A ruling against arbitrary demolitions protected fundamental rights, especially of marginalized groups. The Court mandated prior notice, hearings, and accountability for officials violating protocols, addressing years of executive overreach.
3. Revoking Remission for Bilkis Bano Case Convicts
The Court annulled the Gujarat government's decision to release 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano case, citing procedural violations and emphasizing the rule of law in remission applications.
4. Bail for Arvind Kejriwal in PMLA Case
In a notable shift, the Court relaxed stringent bail conditions under the PMLA, granting bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. This decision reiterated the principle of "bail is the rule, jail is the exception."
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5. Sub-Classification of SC/ST Categories
Upholding the states' right to sub-classify Scheduled Castes and Tribes, the Court ensured substantive equality among marginalized communities, allowing tailored affirmative action measures.
6. Strengthening Federalism in Legislative Powers
Two nine-judge benches reinforced state autonomy in regulating mines, minerals, and industrial alcohol, balancing the Union-State power dynamics critical for India’s federal structure.
7. Criminalizing Possession of Child Pornography
The Court expanded the POCSO Act's scope to penalize the possession of child sexual abuse material, setting stringent guidelines for social media platforms to curb online exploitation.
8. Validating Section 6A of the Citizenship Act
In a significant judgment, the Court upheld Section 6A, securing citizenship rights for refugees in Assam under the Assam Accord while addressing concerns about preserving Assamese identity.
9. Private Property and Wealth Redistribution
Clarifying the status of private property, the Court held that only specific types could be considered "material resources of the community" under Article 39(b), ensuring a balance between economic democracy and wealth redistribution.
Also Read: Recap 2024: Lasting impact of key events on Odisha in 2024
10. Minority Status of AMU
Revisiting a decades-old precedent, the Court laid down criteria for determining minority status under Article 30, paving the way for institutions like Aligarh Muslim University to reserve seats for minority students.
These judgments underscore the Supreme Court’s pivotal role in upholding democracy, equality, and the rule of law in 2024, reaffirming its commitment to justice and constitutional values.
