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The Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline for Assessment Year 2025-26 is fast approaching on 15 September 2025 . While millions of taxpayers—salaried employees, professionals, freelancers, and businesses—are hurrying to file on time, many remain unaware of the serious consequences of missing the deadline. From late fees and interest charges to even loss of tax benefits and prosecution in extreme cases , the implications are significant. Late Fee Under Section 234F The Income Tax Act, 1961 , prescribes a penalty for delayed filing under Section 234F , based on the taxpayer’s income: If total income exceeds ₹5 lakh , the penalty is ₹5,000 . If total income is below ₹5 lakh , the penalty is ₹1,000 . No penalty applies if the income is below the taxable threshold . However, even those exempt from penalty may still face compliance issues if filing is required for reasons such as foreign income or certain financial transactions . Interest on Unpaid Tax Liability If you...

Introduction The Delhi High Court has issued a significant ruling safeguarding the personality and publicity rights of actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan , restraining multiple entities from using her name, image, and voice without prior consent. The judgment reinforces the legal protections available to celebrities against unauthorized commercial exploitation of their identity. Background of the Case Aishwarya Rai Bachchan filed a petition before the Delhi High Court, alleging that several individuals and organizations were illegally using her name, voice, and videos for commercial purposes. The unauthorized usage also included morphed images created using artificial intelligence , some of which were circulated in a pornographic context , thereby causing severe reputational and personal harm. She argued that such actions infringed upon her publicity rights, privacy, and dignity , and sought judicial intervention. The Court’s Observations Justice Tejas Karia delivered a 16-page or...

Supreme Court’s Landmark Observation On Wednesday, the Supreme Court upheld a Delhi High Court order directing the registration of criminal cases against former Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar and officer Vinay Kumar Pandey . The apex court emphasized that “those who investigate should also be investigated to ensure the common man’s faith in the system is kept alive.” A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B Varale dismissed the appeals filed by both officers, confirming the Delhi HC’s earlier decisions of 2006 and 2019. Allegations Against the Officers The case dates back to the late 1990s and early 2000s when Neeraj Kumar was deputed to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as its joint director. Pandey, later an Assistant Commissioner of Police, was serving as a CBI inspector at the time. Complainant Sheesh Ram Saini alleged he was coerced into signing documents in a corruption case involving former ED deputy director Ashok Agarwal. Complainant Vij...

Clear Distinction Between Rape and Consensual Sex The Supreme Court on Wednesday emphasised the need for courts to carefully differentiate between rape and consensual sex , particularly in cases where allegations arise from a promise of marriage . The court held that if an accused never intended to marry and entered into a relationship with mala fide motives, such conduct could amount to cheating or deception .

The Indian government has permitted manufacturers, packaging firms, and importers to revise the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of unsold stock to reflect the recently announced GST reforms. The revision will be allowed until 31 December 2025 or till stocks last—whichever is earlier. Transparency in Price Revision Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi , clarified that the revised prices must reflect only GST changes . Importantly, the old MRP must remain visible on the packaging. Any increase or decrease in price should directly correspond to GST rate revisions, ensuring that companies do not exploit the reform to arbitrarily increase prices. This safeguard, Joshi stated, is aimed at transparency and protecting consumer interests . Guidelines for Implementation According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs notice: The new MRP can be stamped, stuck, or printed on the packaging. Overwriting is not allowed ; the original MRP must re...

Supreme Court Acquits Woman Convicted of Abetment to Suicide The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday delivered a significant ruling that routine neighbourhood quarrels cannot be equated with abetment to suicide. The Court acquitted a Karnataka woman, Geeta, who had previously been convicted under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for allegedly driving her neighbour to suicide. Case Background The case dates back to August 12, 2008 , when a 25-year-old woman from Vijaypur set herself ablaze by pouring kerosene and later succumbed to her injuries. In her dying declaration, she named five neighbours , alleging harassment and constant quarrels over scolding their children. While the trial court acquitted four of the accused, it convicted Geeta under Section 306 IPC, sentencing her to five years in prison. Since the victim belonged to a Scheduled Caste, Geeta was also convicted under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act , leading to a life sentence. High Court Proceeding...

Background of the Case The Supreme Court of India on Monday raised serious concerns regarding provisions of the National Highways Act, 1956 (NHAI Act) that govern compensation for land acquisition. The Court described the provisions as “bad,” particularly because they deny landowners judicial recourse and instead place adjudicatory powers in the hands of bureaucrats rather than judicial officers.

Compensation for Prolonged Detention The Supreme Court of India has ordered the state of Madhya Pradesh to pay ₹25 lakh compensation to a man who remained in prison for over four years and seven months beyond his lawful sentence . The ruling was delivered by a bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan .

Introduction Television actor Ashish Kapoor , best known for his roles in several popular Hindi serials, has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody after being arrested from Pune last week. He is accused in a gangrape case involving a 24-year-old woman. The investigation remains ongoing, with crucial evidence including the complainant’s missing phone yet to be recovered. The Case Background According to the complaint, the woman – a professional based in Gurugram – attended a house party in Delhi’s Civil Lines on August 10, 2025 . She alleged that Kapoor, along with his friend, forced her into a washroom where she was raped. The incident was reportedly filmed on her own phone , which was later snatched from her. The complainant further alleged that she was assaulted by a woman at the party and threatened with the leaked video . An FIR was registered on August 11, 2025 , under charges of gangrape and assault, with Kapoor named as the primary perpetrator . Arrest After Three We...

India and the European Union (EU) are preparing for a decisive round of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) , with the 13th round of talks set to begin in New Delhi on September 8, 2025 . These discussions come as both sides aim to finalise the deal by the end of this year, amid growing concerns over global trade disruptions triggered by U.S. tariff policies. Strategic Importance of the Talks The FTA has gained renewed urgency as tariff wars led by the U.S. are reshaping global trade flows. According to officials, both India and the EU see the deal as a mechanism to “de-risk” supply chains and provide stability for businesses across critical sectors. To give political momentum to the negotiations, EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic and agriculture commissioner Christophe Hansen are expected to visit New Delhi for discussions with commerce minister Piyush Goyal . Progress Achieved So Far The two sides have already closed 11 out of 23 chapters of the agreement, in...

Chargesheet Filed in Sohra Court The Meghalaya Police has filed a 790-page chargesheet in the sensational murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi , who was brutally killed during his honeymoon trip to Sohra in May 2025. The chargesheet, submitted before the Sohra court, names five principal accused and lays bare a conspiracy that investigators have described as “cold-blooded and meticulously planned.” The accused include: Sonam Raghuvanshi (wife of the victim) Raj Kushwaha (alleged lover of Sonam) Three hired assailants – Vishal Singh Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi All have been charged under Sections 103(1), 238(a), and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 . How the Murder Was Planned According to the SIT, Sonam Raghuvanshi (Accused No. 1) continued her relationship with Raj Kushwaha even after marrying Raja on May 11, 2025 , in Indore. Within days of the wedding, the duo allegedly conspired to eliminate Raja under the guise of a honeymoon tr...

Background of the Case The Supreme Court of India, in Anoop Maheshwari v. Oriental Insurance Company Ltd. & Ors. (Civil Appeal Nos. 12098-12099 of 2024, decided on 4th September 2025), dealt with a compensation dispute arising from a motor accident in 2007. The claimant, a young graduate, lost his leg due to a rashly driven truck. While the Tribunal and the High Court awarded compensation under different heads, the claimant sought enhancement before the Supreme Court.

Bomb Threat Amid Ganesh Visarjan Festivities Mumbai Police announced a high alert on Friday after receiving a chilling threat from an organization called Lashkar-e-Jihadi . The caller claimed that 34 “human bombs” carrying 400 kg of RDX had been planted across the city in 34 vehicles to cause blasts capable of “shaking the entire city.” The timing of the threat coincided with the Ganesh Visarjan processions on the eve of Anant Chaturdashi , when lakhs of devotees gather across Mumbai for the immersion of idols, heightening public safety concerns. Details of the Threat Call The threat call was received on the traffic police helpline , where the caller further claimed that the planned explosions would kill one crore people . Following the message, police across Maharashtra intensified security checks and monitoring in sensitive locations. Recent Pattern of Hoax Threats in Mumbai This latest development follows a series of bomb threat hoaxes in Mumbai over the past few months...

Background of Rampal and Satlok Ashram Controversy Rampal, head of the Satlok Ashram , has been in custody since November 2014 after being arrested in a criminal contempt case by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. His arrest followed large-scale violence during an operation to bring him before the court. The 2014 incident led to six deaths and injuries to 110 police personnel and 70 civilians , sparking widespread controversy. Following this, five criminal cases were registered against him. High Court’s Suspension of Sentence On September 2, 2025 , the Punjab and Haryana High Court suspended Rampal’s life sentence in a 2014 case involving the deaths of four women and one child at his ashram. This comes just days after another suspension on August 28, 2025 , in a separate case concerning the death of one woman during the same operation. The bench of Justice Gurvinder Singh Gill and Justice Deepinder Singh Nalwa noted that Rampal, now 74 years old , had already spent 10 yea...

Introduction The arrest of Saurabh Tripathi , a 36-year-old impostor who posed as an IAS officer, has shocked officials, businessmen, and even his former classmates. For years, he lived a double life , infiltrated high-security government zones, and conned people across multiple states, exploiting systemic loopholes and the blind trust in bureaucratic authority. Arrest and Seizure of Luxury Assets Tripathi was caught during a routine vehicle checking drive in Lucknow , where police discovered: Six luxury vehicles including Range Rover , Mercedes Benz C 220 , and Toyota Fortuner . Forged government passes and ID cards . Evidence of his fabricated designation as a “Cabinet Special Secretary.” Police confirmed that he lived in upscale apartments in Lucknow and Noida , further strengthening the illusion of power and influence. Tactics of Deception Authorities revealed that Tripathi used confidence and theatrics to gain entry into closed-door government meetings and eve...

The Delhi High Court has ruled that a husband’s increased income and the rising cost of living are valid factors to enhance the maintenance payable to his separated wife, even if he is retired and drawing a pension. Background of the Case The case involved a 60-year-old woman who challenged a family court’s order that had refused to increase her monthly maintenance. The couple married in April 1990 but separated just two years later, after the woman alleged dowry demands and harassment . In 2012 , a family court directed the husband to pay ₹10,000 per month in maintenance. In 2018 , the woman sought an enhancement, citing her husband’s promotion from Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) to Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) , which increased his salary before retirement. Plea of the Wife The woman argued that: The maintenance was originally fixed based on her husband’s ₹28,000 monthly salary in 2012, but by the time of her petition, his salary had risen to ₹40,000 . He...

Convict Seeks Urgent Medical Treatment in Jail A convict in the 1993 Bombay serial bomb blasts case , Nasir Abdul Kadar Kewal alias Nasir Dhakla , has approached the Bombay High Court seeking urgent medical treatment. Kewal, who is serving a life sentence at Nashik Central Prison , filed a writ petition on August 20 through Advocate Farhana Shah, alleging negligence on the part of prison authorities and requesting court intervention. In his plea, Kewal highlighted his medical history, including ischaemic heart disease and hypertension , which had led to multiple hospital admissions at Sir J.J. Hospital in April 2025 . Following his discharge on April 23, doctors recommended strict medication compliance and regular follow-up visits. However, Kewal alleged that his repeated requests to be taken for check-ups were denied due to the “unavailability of escort staff.” The petition argues that adequate medical treatment is a constitutional right , even for convicted prisoners, and the denia...

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has approved the most comprehensive restructuring of India’s GST system since its inception in 2017 , cutting taxes on over 90% of goods. The reforms, announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman after the 56th GST Council meeting , simplify the GST structure into two principal slabs— 5% and 18% , with a special 40% tax rate for luxury and sin goods. The new rates will take effect from September 22, 2025 . Largest Tax Reform Since 2017 The GST overhaul aims to boost domestic consumption at a time when India’s exports are facing global headwinds, especially due to increased tariffs from the United States. Key highlights: Reduction from four slabs (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) to two slabs (5% and 18%) A special 40% rate for high-end goods and sin products Net revenue implication : ₹48,000 crore based on FY24 consumption data Objective: To stimulate demand, ease compliance, and simplify GST for businesses Centre’s Push for...

The Government of India has introduced a long-awaited compensation plan for road accident victims, proposing ₹2 lakh for fatalities and ₹1 lakh for grievous injuries . The draft scheme, formulated under Section 164A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 2019 , is now pending review by the Supreme Court of India . Background: A Delayed Implementation The proposal comes over three years after Parliament passed amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act in 2019 to ensure interim financial relief for victims of road accidents. Although the law was formally notified on April 1, 2022 , the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) had failed to frame a detailed implementation mechanism. The delay prompted advocate Kishan Chand Jain to approach the Supreme Court. In April 2025, a bench led by Justice JB Pardiwala granted the Centre four months to finalise the compensation scheme—a deadline that lapsed on August 28, 2025 . The draft scheme was filed with the apex court a day later, on August 2...

The Supreme Court of India is currently deliberating a significant constitutional question: whether it can prescribe fixed timelines for Governors and the President to act on state bills, despite the Constitution’s explicit language requiring them to act only “as soon as possible.” Background: The Presidential Reference under Article 143 The issue stems from an April 8 ruling by a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court that imposed deadlines — three months for the President to decide on bills and one month for governors to act on re-enacted bills. The judgment sparked intense debate, leading to a Presidential Reference under Article 143 . The reference, sent by President Droupadi Murmu in May, places 14 questions before the Court, including whether judicially crafting procedural rules where the Constitution is silent amounts to rewriting constitutional provisions . The matter is being heard by a five-judge constitution bench led by Chief Justice Bhushan R. Gavai , with Justic...

Kavitha Accuses Harish Rao and Santosh Rao of Corruption Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha has sparked a major internal storm by directly blaming her cousins — former irrigation minister T. Harish Rao and former MP J. Santosh Rao — for alleged large-scale irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP). Speaking at a press conference in Hyderabad after returning from a 10-day trip to the United States , Kavitha claimed that her father and BRS chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) was being made a scapegoat while others “amassed huge assets” from the project. She accused the two leaders of playing a pivotal role in the project’s execution, saying: “They accumulated huge assets blinding KCR. They are the anacondas of corruption.” Strong Objection to CBI Probe into Kaleshwaram Kavitha condemned Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s decision to hand over the Kaleshwaram case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) , calling it an insult to KC...

The Supreme Court of India on Monday clarified that voters in Bihar can continue to submit applications for inclusion, deletion, and correction of entries in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls even after the formal deadline of September 1, 2025 , though it refused to extend the deadline statutorily. Background: Electoral Roll Revision in Bihar The Election Commission of India (ECI) has undertaken a special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, the first such major update in nearly two decades. The draft rolls published in August 2025 excluded approximately 6.5 million names , sparking political controversy and a wave of legal petitions. The revision is significant ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections , with opposition parties, particularly the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) , alleging mass voter disenfranchisement. Supreme Court’s Directions A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi recorded the ECI’s assurance that appli...