The past week was action-packed for the Indian judiciary, with the Supreme Court delivering significant pronouncements on property law, secularism, and public health. Simultaneously, High Courts across the country made several noteworthy observations.

Here’s a roundup of the essential legal developments you need to know.

⚖️ Supreme Court: Key Highlights

The Supreme Court was at the center of several major legal debates this past week.

Property Law: Title vs. Possession

In a crucial clarification on property law, the Supreme Court ruled that simply proving ownership or title over a property is not enough to win a suit if the plaintiff is not in possession. The bench held that in such cases, the plaintiff must also specifically sue for the recovery of possession. This judgment reinforces the distinction between having a title deed and having actual, physical possession of a property.

Akola Riots: “Secularism Must Be Actively Exercised”

While delivering a split verdict on a review petition concerning the 2023 Akola riots, the Supreme Court bench provided powerful commentary on secularism. The case involved the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) with both Hindu and Muslim officers.
Justice Sanjay Kumar, in his opinion, made a striking observation, stating that “secularism must be actively exercised and cannot remain a mere constitutional ideal.” This remark underscores the judiciary’s view that secularism is a principle that requires active implementation and not just passive acknowledgment.

Maharashtra ‘Private Forests’ Ruling Set Aside

In a major relief for thousands of landowners, the Supreme Court set aside a 2018 Bombay High Court judgment that had permitted the Maharashtra government to classify vast tracts of private land as “private forests.” This classification had effectively barred any development on these plots. The Supreme Court criticized the High Court for not following binding precedent, and this decision now opens up the land for its owners to build upon.

Public Health: Stray Dogs & Air Pollution

The apex court also took up two pressing public health issues:

• Stray Dog Menace: Responding to the alarming rise in dog bite incidents, the SC has ordered all State governments and Union Territories to secure institutional areas. This includes schools, colleges, and hospitals, which must now be properly fenced to restrict the entry of stray dogs.
• Delhi Air Pollution: As air quality in North India plummes, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed seeking to declare the pollution a “national public health emergency.” Taking cognizance, the SC has called for immediate reports from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on the steps being taken to combat the crisis.

ISKCON Temple Case: Mumbai Branch’s Claim Revived

In a dramatic turn, a split verdict on a review petition has revived the legal battle for control of the ISKCON temple in Bengaluru. A judgment in May 2025 had previously favored the Bengaluru branch, but this new split decision re-opens the case for the Mumbai branch, extending the long-standing dispute.

📰 Other Key Legal Developments

Gauhati HC on “Demographic Invasion”

The Gauhati High Court made a strong observation, stating that Assam is facing a “silent and invidious demographic invasion” due to unabated illegal migration. The court described the phenomenon as a form of “external aggression” and upheld the state’s authority to expel declared foreign nationals.

SC Issues Notice on Rajasthan Anti-Conversion Law

The Supreme Court has issued notice on a plea challenging the constitutional validity of the Rajasthan Freedom of Religion Act, 2024. The petition argues that the state’s anti-conversion law is discriminatory and violates fundamental rights.

Allahabad HC on Misuse of SC/ST Act

The Allahabad High Court, in a recent order, noted a “gross misuse” of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. In the specific case, the court ordered two women, who had filed a false case, to refund the compensation they had received under the Act.

• 
  Dying declaration
• 
  Bihar APO Exam Date 2026: Prelims Scheduled for July 15 – Check Official Notification
• 
  UP APO Exam Date 2026 Announced: Check UPPSC Official Calendar & Schedule
• 
  Indian Army JAG 124 Notification 2026: Vacancies, Eligibility, and Apply Online
• 
  Official IBPS 2026-27 Calendar Out: Check SO Law & RRB Scale II Dates