This past week was a landmark for digital rights in India, as the government officially notified the rules for the new data privacy law. Alongside this, the Supreme Court and various High Courts were active, addressing crucial issues of public safety, judicial principles, and criminal law.
Here’s a breakdown of the most important legal stories from the past week.
## ⚖️ The Big Story: India’s Digital Privacy Rules Are Here
The most significant legal development of the week wasn’t a court judgment, but a major government notification. On November 14, 2025, the central government officially notified the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025.
This move fully operationalizes the DPDP Act of 2023, India’s first comprehensive law on data privacy.
What This Means for You:
- Plain-English Consent: Companies must ask for your permission to use your data in simple, clear language.
- Heavy Penalties: Organizations face staggering fines of up to ₹200 crore for data breaches or failing to protect children’s data.
- Data Deletion: Firms are generally required to delete your personal data after three years of inactivity, unless its retention is legally required.
- Data Protection Board: A new, fully digital Data Protection Board of India will be established to handle complaints and enforce the rules.
- Child Safety: The rules mandate “verifiable consent” from a parent before processing any personal data of a child.
## 🏛️ From the Supreme Court
The apex court’s week was marked by actions on public safety and a strong message on judicial decorum.
SC Takes Note of Tragic Phalodi Road Accident
Following a horrific road accident in Phalodi, Rajasthan, that claimed 18-19 lives, the Supreme Court has stepped in.
- The Issue: The accident reportedly involved a collision on a highway where bad road conditions and a lack of proper parking for stationary vehicles were cited as factors.
- The Order: A bench of Justices Maheshwari and Bishnoi has ordered the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Ministry of Highways and Transport to submit a detailed report on the highway’s condition.
- Why It Matters: This is a significant move in the public interest, placing direct accountability on national authorities for ensuring road safety and proper infrastructure to prevent such tragedies.
’Majesty of Law Lies in Forgiving’: SC Closes Contempt Case
In a case concerning the dignity of the judiciary, a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai delivered a powerful message.
- The Case: A contempt case was initiated against a lawyer who had filed a petition with “scandalous remarks” against a sitting judge of the Telangana High Court.
- The Resolution: The lawyer later submitted an apology, which the High Court judge accepted.
- The SC’s Observation: While closing the case, the CJI’s bench noted that the practice of making such allegations against judges is “strongly deprecated.” However, the bench concluded with the observation: “Majesty of law does not lie in punishment but forgiving when apology is made.”
## 📨 Highlights from the High Courts
Delhi HC: ‘Inadvertent’ Cartridge in Baggage Not a Crime
In a major relief for air travelers, the Delhi High Court made a crucial ruling on the Arms Act.
- The Ruling: The court held that the “inadvertent presence” of a single live cartridge in a traveler’s baggage does not amount to “conscious possession.”
- The Impact: This quashes the criminal case against the traveler. The court distinguished between an honest mistake—where a person was unaware of the cartridge’s presence—and a deliberate criminal act of possessing ammunition. This judgment provides a significant clarification that could prevent travelers from facing serious criminal charges for an accidental oversight.
PM Modi’s Degree Case: Delhi HC Hears Plea
A high-profile case returned to the Delhi High Court.
- The Development: A Division Bench heard a matter related to appeals filed concerning the disclosure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s degree details from Delhi University.
- The Order: The court was informed there was a delay in filing the appeals. The bench has allowed Delhi University, represented by the Solicitor General, to file its objections to this delay. The matter has been listed for a future hearing in January.
NIA Requests In-Camera Hearing for Yasin Malik’s Death Penalty Plea
In a major national security case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has approached the Delhi High Court with a specific request.
The Plea: The NIA is seeking the death penalty for convicted terrorist Yasin Malik in a terror funding case.
The Request: This week, the agency requested that the High Court conduct the proceedings “in-camera”—meaning they would be held in private, excluded from the public and media—due to the sensitive nature of the case.
- AIBE 20 (2025) Mock Test Series: Set 2 (100 Questions with Answers)
- AIBE 20 (2025) Full-Length Mock Test: 100 Questions with Answer Key
- CLAT 2026 Admit Card Released: Download Link & Exam Day Instructions
- Weekly Legal News Roundup (Nov 17-23, 2025): Top Supreme Court & High Court Judgments
- Justice Surya Kant Takes Charge: A New Era for the Indian Judiciary
