Supreme Court verdicts, explained simply
Landmark judgments that changed everyday life in India. What happened, what the court decided, and what it means for you.
10% EWS quota for poorer general-category families is valid
Poorer families from communities not covered by SC, ST or OBC reservation, including Brahmins, can get the 10% EWS quota.
Read the verdict →Muslim women can claim maintenance under the general law
Every married woman, whatever her religion, can claim maintenance under the general criminal law.
Supreme Court can end a marriage that has broken down beyond repair
The Supreme Court can grant divorce on “irretrievable breakdown of marriage” using its special powers.
Bail is the rule, jail is the exception
Courts must not keep people in jail without need, and bail applications must be decided quickly.
Clear rules for maintenance cases
Both spouses must disclose their income and assets, and maintenance is payable from the date you apply.
Daughters have an equal right in ancestral property
A daughter is a coparcener by birth in a Hindu joint family, with the same rights as a son.
Consensual relationships between adults are not a crime
Consensual sexual relations between adults in private are no longer a crime.
You can make a living will
The right to die with dignity is part of the right to life, and living wills are valid.
The 6-month wait in mutual divorce can be waived
Family courts can skip the 6-month cooling-off period in a mutual consent divorce in the right case.
Privacy is your fundamental right
Your privacy, your personal data and your personal choices are protected by the Constitution.
Instant triple talaq is not valid
A marriage cannot be ended by saying “talaq” three times in one go.
You cannot be jailed for an “offensive” post under Section 66A
Section 66A of the IT Act, used to arrest people for online posts, was struck down.
No automatic arrest for smaller offences
Police cannot arrest you just because a complaint is filed, if the offence is punishable with up to 7 years.
Police must register your FIR
If your complaint shows a cognizable offence, the police must register an FIR.
A trained person of any caste can be a temple priest
Temple priests are chosen for their training in the rituals, not for the caste they are born into.
Safety from sexual harassment at work
Every employer must protect women from sexual harassment at the workplace.
Reservation limits: the 50% rule and the creamy layer
Reservation should generally stay within 50%, and better-off OBC families (the creamy layer) are left out.
Summaries are general information, not legal advice. Laws change; talk to an advocate before acting.
