Here's the information in a tabular format:

Anniversary (Years) Scheme/Program/P Year of Launch Details

olicy

5 Years (2020-2025) Pradhan Mantri Jan 2018 Health coverage for

Arogya Yojana vulnerable families
(PMJAY)

10 Years Make in India 2014 Promotes

(2015-2025) manufacturing and
innovation

Atal Mission for 2015 Urban renewal to

Rejuvenation and improve infrastructure
Urban
Transformation
(AMRUT)

15 Years National Rural 2010 Focus on rural

(2010-2025) Livelihood Mission poverty reduction
(NRLM)

20 Years MGNREGA 2005 Provides 100 days of

(2005-2025) (Mahatma Gandhi wage employment to
National Rural rural households
Employment
Guarantee Act)

Right to Information 2005 Empowers citizens to

Act (RTI) access government
records

25 Years Sarva Shiksha 2000 Aimed at providing

(2000-2025) Abhiyan (SSA) universal elementary
education

Pradhan Mantri Gram 2000 Connecting rural

Sadak Yojana areas with
(PMGSY) all-weather roads

30 Years National Social 1995 Provides social

(1995-2025) Assistance security to the elderly,
Programme (NSAP) widow, and disabled
 35 Years LPG Reforms 1991 Liberalization,
(1990-2025) (Economic Privatization, and
Liberalization) Globalization policies

40 Years Operation Flood 1970-1985 Transformed India's

(1985-2025) dairy industry

45 Years Integrated Child 1975 Focus on holistic

(1980-2025) Development development of
Services (ICDS) children and mothers

50 Years Food for Work 1975 Provided food

(1975-2025) Programme security during
natural calamities

60 Years The Green 1960s Increased food grain

(1965-2025) Revolution production in India

70 Years Planning Commission 1950 Guided India’s

(1955-2025) of India economic planning
(replaced by NITI
Aayog in 2015)

75 Years Indian Constitution 1950 Adopted on January

(1950-2025) 26, 1950, marking 75
years in 2025

This table provides a clear overview of the government schemes and policies with their
respective anniversaries and a brief description.

Certainly! Below is an expanded version of the table with additional government schemes,
programs, and policies that completed significant anniversaries in 2025.

Anniversary (Years) Scheme/Program/P Year of Launch Details

olicy

5 Years (2020-2025) Pradhan Mantri Jan 2018 Health coverage for

Arogya Yojana vulnerable families
(PMJAY)

Pradhan Mantri Kisan 2018 Direct income

Samman Nidhi support to farmers
(PM-KISAN)
10 Years Make in India 2014 Promotes
(2015-2025) manufacturing and
innovation

Atal Mission for 2015 Urban renewal to

Rejuvenation and improve infrastructure
Urban
Transformation
(AMRUT)

Digital India 2015 Enhances digital

Programme infrastructure and
services

15 Years National Rural 2010 Focus on rural

(2010-2025) Livelihood Mission poverty reduction
(NRLM)

National Skill 2015 Enhances skill

Development Mission training and
(NSDM) development

20 Years MGNREGA 2005 Provides 100 days of

(2005-2025) (Mahatma Gandhi wage employment to
National Rural rural households
Employment
Guarantee Act)

Right to Information 2005 Empowers citizens to

Act (RTI) access government
records

National Rural Health 2005 Strengthening rural

Mission (NRHM) health services

25 Years Sarva Shiksha 2000 Aimed at providing

(2000-2025) Abhiyan (SSA) universal elementary
education

Pradhan Mantri Gram 2000 Connecting rural

Sadak Yojana areas with
(PMGSY) all-weather roads

National Horticulture 2005 Promoting

Mission (NHM) horticulture in rural
areas
30 Years National Social 1995 Provides social
(1995-2025) Assistance security to the elderly,
Programme (NSAP) widow, and disabled

National Mission on 2004 Promotes education

Education through through Information
ICT (NMEICT) and Communication
Technology

35 Years LPG Reforms 1991 Liberalization,

(1990-2025) (Economic Privatization, and
Liberalization) Globalization policies

National Watershed 1990 Promotes water

Development Project conservation and
(NWDP) sustainable farming

40 Years Operation Flood 1970-1985 Transformed India's

(1985-2025) dairy industry

Jawahar Rozgar 1989 Focused on rural

Yojana (JRY) employment and
development

45 Years Integrated Child 1975 Focus on holistic

(1980-2025) Development development of
Services (ICDS) children and mothers

Public Distribution 1970s Ensures food security

System (PDS) for vulnerable
sections

50 Years Food for Work 1975 Provided food

(1975-2025) Programme security during
natural calamities

The Integrated Rural 1978 Aimed at alleviating

Development rural poverty
Programme (IRDP)

60 Years The Green 1960s Increased food grain

(1965-2025) Revolution production in India

National Agricultural 1966 Promoted agricultural

Research Project research for food
(NARP) security
 70 Years Planning Commission 1950 Guided India’s
(1955-2025) of India economic planning
(replaced by NITI
Aayog in 2015)

National Small 1955 Promotes the growth

Industries of small-scale
Corporation (NSIC) industries

75 Years Indian Constitution 1950 Adopted on January

(1950-2025) 26, 1950, marking 75
years in 2025

National Institute of 1956 Focus on rural

Rural Development development and
(NIRD) capacity building

This updated table now includes more schemes, policies, and programs, giving a broader
overview of key government initiatives that completed significant anniversaries in 2025.

Here’s a list of international bodies, conventions, and treaties that completed significant
anniversaries between 2024-2025, and are relevant in current affairs:

Anniversary (Years) International Year of Details

Body/Convention/Tr Formation/Signing
eaty

5 Years (2019-2024) Paris Agreement on 2015 The global accord to

Climate Change combat climate
change and limit
global warming,
signed by 196
countries.

World Health 2020 WHO's leadership in

Organization (WHO) managing the
- COVID-19 COVID-19 pandemic
Response and vaccine
distribution.

10 Years The Addis Ababa 2015 A global framework

(2014-2025) Action Agenda aimed at financing
 (Financing for sustainable
Development) development goals
(SDGs).

Global 2015 Facilitates

Infrastructure investments for
Facility (GIF) infrastructure projects
in developing
countries.

15 Years The Convention on 2008 A treaty banning the

(2009-2024) Cluster Munitions use of cluster bombs,
(CCM) signed by 120
countries.

The Financial 2009 FATF’s global

Action Task Force standards and
(FATF) - Action Plan policies to combat
for AML/CFT money laundering
and terrorist
financing.

20 Years The International 2002 ICC's role in

(2004-2025) Criminal Court (ICC) prosecuting
individuals for
international crimes
like genocide, war
crimes.

The Nagoya 2010 Treaty aimed at

Protocol on Access sharing benefits
and Benefit-sharing arising from the use
of genetic resources.

25 Years The WTO Dispute 1995 Key framework for

(1999-2025) Settlement resolving trade
Mechanism (DSU) disputes between
member countries
under the World
Trade Organization
(WTO).

The International 2001 Promotes

Treaty on Plant conservation and
Genetic Resources sustainable use of
 for Food and plant genetic
Agriculture resources.
(ITPGRFA)

30 Years The World Trade 1995 The WTO’s global

(1994-2024) Organization (WTO) role in managing
trade negotiations,
dispute resolution,
and trade policy.

The Chemical 1993 Treaty prohibiting the

Weapons development,
Convention (CWC) production, and use
of chemical weapons.

35 Years The United Nations 1992 Treaty aiming at

(1989-2024) Framework reducing greenhouse
Convention on gases to combat
Climate Change climate change.
(UNFCCC)

40 Years The United Nations 1982 Provides a legal

(1984-2024) Convention on the framework for the
Law of the Sea management of the
(UNCLOS) world’s oceans and
marine resources.

The Basel 1989 Regulates the

Convention on the international transport
Control of and disposal of
Transboundary hazardous waste.
Movements of
Hazardous Wastes

45 Years The Convention on 1973 Treaty to ensure that

(1979-2024) International Trade international trade in
in Endangered wild animals and
Species (CITES) plants does not
threaten their
survival.

50 Years The United Nations 1972 UNEP’s global

(1974-2024) Environment leadership in
Programme (UNEP) coordinating
 environmental
protection efforts.

The Convention on 1965 Treaty promoting

the Elimination of racial equality and
All Forms of Racial elimination of
Discrimination discrimination based
(CERD) on race.

60 Years The International 1957 IAEA’s role in

(1964-2024) Atomic Energy promoting peaceful
Agency (IAEA) use of nuclear energy
while preventing its
military use.

The General 1947 Precursor to WTO,

Agreement on GATT played a
Tariffs and Trade significant role in the
(GATT) global trade
landscape until the
creation of the WTO.

70 Years The European 1950 Treaty established to

(1954-2024) Convention on protect human rights
Human Rights and fundamental
(ECHR) freedoms across
Europe.

The North Atlantic 1949 A military alliance

Treaty Organization formed to counter
(NATO) Soviet expansion,
significant in current
geopolitics.

75 Years The Universal 1948 Groundbreaking

(1949-2024) Declaration of document for
Human Rights establishing
(UDHR) international human
rights standards.

The United Nations 1945 The UN’s role in

(UN) international
peacekeeping,
development, and
human rights.
These international bodies, conventions, and treaties play crucial roles in contemporary global
affairs, with many of them still being actively discussed or implemented in current international
relations. Their anniversaries in 2024-2025 are significant milestones in global cooperation,
governance, and policy-making.

Here is the information in a tabular format:

Anniversary Year(s) of Institution/Departm Details

Duration Completion ent

5 Years 2019-2024 Pradhan Mantri Jan Launched in 2018,

Arogya Yojana completes 5 years in
(PMJAY) 2024

National Established in 2019,

Anti-profiteering completes 5 years in
Authority (NAA) 2024

10 Years 2014-2024 NITI Aayog Formed in 2015,

marks 10 years in
2025

Rural Electrification Celebrates 10 years

Corporation (REC) of rural electrification

15 Years 2009-2024 Right to Education Marks 15 years of

(RTE) Act, 2009 RTE Act
implementation

National Skill Completing 15 years

Development of skilling initiatives
Corporation (NSDC)

20 Years 2004-2024 National Biodiversity Established in 2004,

Authority (NBA) celebrates 20 years

National Disaster Formed in 2004,

Management marks 20 years of
Authority (NDMA) disaster management

25 Years 1999-2024 IIT Delhi - Incubation Celebrates 25 years

Centre of fostering
innovation
 Securities and Celebrates 25 years
Exchange Board of of market regulation
India (SEBI)

30 Years 1994-2024 National Human Celebrates 30 years

Rights Commission of human rights
(NHRC) protection

Bureau of Energy Marks 30 years of

Efficiency (BEE) energy efficiency
measures

35 Years 1989-2024 National Highways Celebrates 35 years

Authority of India of highway
(NHAI) development

40 Years 1984-2024 Reserve Bank of 40 years of banking

India (RBI) - Bank supervision reforms
Supervision

45 Years 1979-2024 Ministry of Marks 45 years of

Environment, Forest, environmental
and Climate Change protection

50 Years 1974-2024 Oil and Natural Gas Celebrates 50 years

Corporation (ONGC) of oil & gas
exploration

60 Years 1964-2024 Indian Space Marks 60 years of

Research space exploration
Organisation (ISRO)

70 Years 1954-2024 Planning Commission Marks 70 years of

(now NITI Aayog) India's planning
history

75 Years 1949-2024 Indian Railways Celebrates 75 years

of revolutionizing
transportation

This table summarizes the statutory bodies and departments that are completing significant
anniversaries in 2024-2025. Let me know if you'd like more details!
Here is a table listing some notable Supreme Court judgements in India that completed
significant anniversaries in 2024-2025:

Anniversary Year(s) of Case Name / Details

Duration Completion Judgment

5 Years 2019-2024 Supreme Court's Delivered in 2019,

verdict on Triple declaring Triple Talaq
Talaq unconstitutional,
completing 5 years in
2024.

K.S. Puttaswamy Delivered in 2017,

(Right to Privacy declaring right to
Case) privacy a
fundamental right,
celebrated 5 years in
2022.

10 Years 2014-2024 Nirbhaya Case The final judgment on

(Convicts' Execution) the Nirbhaya case in
2014, execution
completed in 2020.
Celebrating 10 years
of the case in 2024.

Justice K.S. A significant

Radhakrishnan vs judgment in the
UOI (NCM 2014) context of SC/ST
rights, marking 10
years in 2024.

15 Years 2009-2024 D.K. Basu v. State of Landmark 1997

West Bengal judgment on
custodial violence
and human rights
protections, marked
15 years in 2024.

Indian Young Delivered in 2018,

Lawyers Association this decision will be 5
v. State of Kerala years old in 2024.
(Sabarimala Case)
20 Years 2004-2024 T.N. Godavarman Landmark ruling on
Thirumulpad v. Union forest conservation,
of India celebrated 20 years
in 2024.

Vishaka v. State of This judgment on

Rajasthan (Sexual sexual harassment at
Harassment) the workplace will
mark 20 years in
2024.

25 Years 1999-2024 Mohd. Arif v. The Celebrating 25 years

Union of India (Death of death penalty
Penalty) debate.

Indra Sawhney v. Landmark ruling on

Union of India reservation and
(Mandal Commission affirmative action,
Case) completing 25 years.

30 Years 1994-2024 Minerva Mills v. Strengthened the

Union of India (Basic "Basic Structure
Structure Doctrine) Doctrine," marking 30
years.

State of Rajasthan v. Significant

Union of India (Rajput 30-year-old judgment
Land Issue) on the constitutional
interpretation.

35 Years 1989-2024 Maneka Gandhi v. Landmark ruling on

Union of India (Right Article 21 of the
to Life & Personal Constitution.
Liberty)

40 Years 1984-2024 Bodhisattwa Gautam Judgment on sexual

v. Subhra harassment and
Chakraborty protection of women.

45 Years 1979-2024 Shah Bano Case Landmark judgment

(1985) on maintenance
rights of divorced
Muslim women,
celebrating 45 years.
 50 Years 1974-2024 K.M. Nanavati v. Famous 1974 case
State of Maharashtra involving the murder
trial of a Navy officer.

60 Years 1964-2024 Golaknath v. State of Landmark ruling on

Punjab the "basic structure"
doctrine.

70 Years 1954-2024 Kesavananda Bharati Landmark 1973

v. State of Kerala decision establishing
the "Basic Structure
Doctrine" of the
Constitution, marking
70 years in 2024.

75 Years 1949-2024 State of Rajasthan v. Landmark 1949

Union of India decision that shaped
Indian Constitutional
law.

This table provides key Supreme Court judgments that mark anniversaries in 2024-25. Let me
know if you would like to explore more cases or their implications!

Summary: Supreme Court’s Top 10 Judgements of 2024

The Supreme Court Observer reviewed the most impactful judgments of 2024, selecting 10
cases with significant political, economic, and social consequences.

1.​ Bilkis Bano Case – The Court quashed Gujarat’s remission of 11 convicts, criticizing the
state’s actions and affirming judicial oversight over remission orders.
2.​ Electoral Bonds Scheme – The Court struck down the scheme for anonymous political
donations, ensuring transparency in election funding.
3.​ Bail for Arvind Kejriwal – The ruling relaxed stringent bail norms under the PMLA,
emphasizing the principle of "bail as the rule, jail as the exception."
4.​ Reservation Sub-Classification – The Court allowed states to create sub-categories
within SC/ST reservations to ensure substantive equality.
5.​ State Taxation Powers – Two judgments upheld states’ authority over mines, minerals,
and industrial alcohol, reinforcing federalism.
6.​ Child Pornography Criminalization – Possessing child sexual abuse material
(CSEAM) was made a punishable offense, strengthening child protection laws.
7.​ Assam Accord & Citizenship – The Court upheld Section 6A of the Citizenship Act,
maintaining the 1971 cut-off for granting citizenship to immigrants in Assam.
 8.​ Private Property & Public Resource – The Court ruled that not all private property
qualifies as a “material resource of the community,” protecting property rights.
9.​ AMU’s Minority Status – The Court overruled a previous judgment, recognizing that
institutions established by minorities could retain minority status.
10.​Illegal Bulldozer Demolitions – The Court laid out guidelines to curb arbitrary
demolitions, protecting fundamental rights and ensuring due process.

These rulings addressed major legal and constitutional issues, shaping governance, individual
rights, and the balance of power between the state and the Union.

The Government of India Act, 1935, had allowed a Federal Court—it

stood above the Presidency High Courts of sweaty Bombay, Calcutta
and Madras but below the Privy Council of cool and distant London.

The Government of India Act, 1935, had allowed a Federal Court—it

stood above the Presidency High Courts of sweaty Bombay, Calcutta
and Madras but below the Privy Council of cool and distant London.

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Home > Analysis > Supreme Court Review 2024: Constitution Bench decisions
 Analysis

Supreme Court Review 2024: Constitution

Bench decisions
Advay Vora | 26th Dec 2024

SCO lists the 12 Constitution Bench judgements that were

pronounced this year by the five, seven and nine-judge
benches

2024 was a busy year for Constitution Bench decisions. The

Court delivered as many as 12 five-, seven- and nine-judge bench
cases. Though in 2023 the Court had heard and cleared 18 such
cases, 2024 still stands out as a remarkable year for constitution
Bench activity, particularly compared to the four decisions in 2022
and three in 2021.
The 12 Constitution Bench decisions this year covered a diverse
range of topics. All led by former Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud,
the judgements dealt with free and fair elections, states powers to
make laws and impose taxes, affirmative action and more.

This article compiles all the Constitution Bench cases of 2024 and
highlights the key parts of the Court’s decisions.

1. Constitutionality of the Electoral Bonds Scheme |

Five-judge bench

Association for Democratic Reforms v Union of India |

Judgement: 15 February 2024

In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court struck down the

Union’s 2018 Electoral Bonds Scheme that facilitated donor
anonymity in funding of political parties. Significantly, the bench
held that the donor’s right to privacy could not come at the cost of
the voter’s right to information.
The Court found the practice of “unlimited corporate funding” to
cause a quid pro quo arrangement between the donor and the
political party if they come into power. Donor identity, the Court
held, was crucial for the voter to make informed decisions.

2. Automatic Vacation of Stay Orders | Five-judge bench

High Court Bar Association Allahabad v The State of Uttar

Pradesh | Judgement: 29 February 2024

In Asian Resurfacing of Road Agency v Central Bureau of

Investigation (2018), a Division Bench had held that a stay order
automatically lapses within six months unless extended by a
subsequent order.

Appellants argued that the decision in Asian Resurfacing

amounted to “judicial legislation,” and disadvantaged litigants.
The Union government contended that setting timelines for stay
orders should be a legislative, not a judicial prerogative.
A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court unanimously held that
stay orders should not lapse automatically and that vacating such
orders should involve judicial discretion.

3. Legislative immunity for accepting bribes for speech or

vote in the House | 7-judge bench

Sita Soren v Union of India | Judgement: 4 March 2024

A seven-judge bench overruled a 25-year-old decision in P.V.

Narasimha Rao v State (1998). A five-judge bench had granted
legislators immunity from criminal prosecution for bribery tied to
their speeches or votes in Parliament or assembly.

This year, the Court held that bribery undermines democracy and
observed that Narasimha Rao was a “paradoxical outcome” which
protected legislators who acted on bribes while prosecuting those
who abstained.
4. States power to tax mines and minerals | 9-judge bench

Mineral Area Development Authority v Steel Authority of India |

Judgement: 25 July 2024

The Supreme Court, in an 8:1 decision, ruled that “royalty” under

the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957,
is not a tax. They also held that states can levy taxes on mines
and minerals under Entries 49 and 50 of the State List. This
decision overrules India Cements v State of Tamil Nadu (1989),
which classified royalty as a tax.

The majority held that royalty is a payment from miners to

landowners and does not have the characteristics of a tax. Justice
B.V. Nagarathna dissented, stating that royalty is akin to a tax as
it is compulsory. She warned that the ruling could create an
uneven tax regime benefiting mineral-rich states. A few days later,
the judges also decided that the judgement applied
retrospectively and directed mining companies to settle unpaid
taxes in instalments over 12 years starting in 2026.
5. Validity of Sub-Classification Within Reserved Categories
| 7-judge bench

State of Punjab v Davinder Singh | Judgement: 1 August 2024

In a 6:1 majority, the Supreme Court upheld the states’ power to

create sub-classifications within the Scheduled Caste and
Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) categories. The judgement held that the
different castes included under the SC/ST List were not
homogenous since they faced varying degrees of discrimination.
They also held that sub-classification does not amount to altering
the Presidential List since no castes or tribes are added or
removed from the List.

Justice Trivedi dissented, holding that sub-classification violates

Article 14 as it unfairly treated other castes and tribes in the
Presidential List by giving a preference to one over the other. She
further held that states lacked the legislative competence to
create sub-classifications.
6. Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 | 5-judge bench

In re: Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 | Judgement: 17

October 2024

In a 4:1 majority, a Constitution Bench upheld Section 6A of the

Citizenship Act, 1955. The provision grants citizenship to migrants
who entered Assam from Bangladesh before March 1971. The
Court ruled that the provision applied only to pre-1971 migrants,
and ordered Supreme Court-supervised hearings to identify and
deport post-1971 migrants.

Even as the bench acknowledged the weak implementation of

Section 6A, it rejected the petitioner’s argument that the provision
altered Assam’s culture and demographics. The Court reasoned
that the Constitution promotes fraternity and not cultural
exclusivity.
In dissent, Justice Pardiwala held that Section 6A was invalid due
to “temporal unreasonableness”. This means that the provision
acquired unconstitutionality due to the passage of time as delays
in deporting migrants had enabled sustained migration into
Assam.

7. States’ power to regulate industrial alcohol | 9-judge

bench

State of Uttar Pradesh v Lalta Prasad Vaish | Judgement: 23

October 2024

A nine-judge bench, in an 8:1 majority, held that state

governments have the authority to regulate industrial alcohol
under Entry 8 of the State List. The majority overturned
Synthetics & Chemicals Ltd v State of Uttar Pradesh (1989),
which had limited “intoxicating liquor” to potable alcohol. The
bench ruled that “intoxicating liquor” is a broader term that
includes both potable and industrial alcohol.
In her dissent, Justice Nagarathna maintained that “intoxicating
liquor” should exclude industrial alcohol due to its importance in
India’s chemical industry. This, she said, should remain under
Union jurisdiction.

8. Nature of Private Property | 9-judge bench

Property Owners Association v State of Maharashtra |

Judgement: 5 November 2024

The Supreme Court, in an 8:1 majority, held that not all privately
owned property qualifies as a “material resource of the
community” under Article 39(b) of the Constitution, a directive
principle of state policy.

The bench also had to decide if Article 31C, as it existed after the
Court’s decision in Kesavananada Bharati v State of Kerala
continued to exist in the Constitution or if the provision was
effaced from the Constitution after the decision in Minerva Mills v
Union of India. The judges unanimously held that the provision
remains in the Constitution, noting that striking down an
amendment which expanded the scope of the Article, did not
delete the provision in its entirety.

Justice Dhulia dissented, stating that all private property was a

material resource of the community.

9. Validity of ‘Light Motor Vehicle’ Licence to Drive

‘Transport Vehicle’ | 5-judge bench

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance v Rambha Devi | Judgement: 6

November 2024

A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court held that a Light Motor

Vehicle (LMV) licence permits the holder to drive transport
vehicles weighing under 7500 KGs without requiring a separate
licence under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
However, the Court clarified that a separate licence is mandatory
for vehicles such as e-rickshaws, e-cars and those carrying
hazardous goods. A separate licence would only be required if
the transport vehicle is in the medium and heavy class (more than
7500 KGs).

Lastly, the bench directed the Union government to propose

amendments to the Act to address the inconsistencies which
caused confusion between transport vehicles and LMVs.

10. Altering rules for appointment to public posts | 5-judge

bench

Tej Prakash Pathak v Rajasthan High Court | Judgement: 7

November 2024

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously that public sector

employers cannot modify recruitment rules after the process has
commenced. The judgment arose from a challenge by candidates
applying for translator positions at the Rajasthan High Court,
where a 75% written examination cut-off was introduced
post-exam and interview.

The Court clarified that while employers have discretion to frame

rules to identify suitable candidates, benchmarks for evaluation
must be established before the recruitment process begins. The
recruiting authority must adhere to established rules, regulations,
and constitutional principles.

11. Aligarh Muslim University’s minority status | 7-judge

bench

Aligarh Muslim University Through its Registrar Faizan Mustafa v

Naresh Agarwal | Judgement: 8 November 2024

In a 4:3 majority, the bench overruled Azeez Basha v Union of

India (1967) which held that Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) did
not have minority status under Article 30, as it was established
through Union legislation.

Notably, the Court for the first time in 75 years also laid down
parameters to determine a minority institution. The majority, in the
present case, held that an institution can be considered a minority
institution if it is “established” by members of a minority
community, with the “administration” of the institution being a
consequence of its establishment.

A regular bench will use these parameters to study the minority

status of AMU.

12. Appointment of arbitrators by ineligible persons |

5-judge bench

Central Organisation For Railway Electrification v

ECL-SPIC-SMO-MCML (JV) | Judgement: 8 November 2024
The Supreme Court held that arbitration clauses which provided
for unilateral appointments to the arbitral tribunal were invalid.
Unilateral appointments, the bench also held that the principle of
equal treatment applied from the time of selecting the panel of
arbitrators.

The majority led by former CJI Chandrachud noted that unilateral

appointments violated Article 14 of the Constitution. to

In their separate, partial dissent, Justices Hrishikesh Roy and P.S.

Narasimha noted that the equality amongst parties was enshrined
under the Arbitration Act itself and cautioned against applying
principles of constitutional law to private matters of arbitration.

Category A plants, located within 10 kilometers of NCR, were

required to meet the norms by 31 December 2024. However,
Singh stated that these plants failed to comply. Category B
includes plants within 10 kilometers of critically polluted areas,
and Category C comprises plants outside these zones. Both have
a compliance deadline of 31 December 2026.

Article 142 empowers the Court with discretionary powers to pass

any order in the interest of ‘complete justice’.
Colour-coded stickers, also known as third registration marks,
help identify the type of fuel utilised by the vehicle. They are
self-destructive, chromium-based hologram stickers and are
attached to vehicle windshields. Orange stickers indicate diesel
vehicles, light blue stickers indicate petrol and Compressed
Natural Gas, and green stickers indicate Bharat Standard VI
emission norms. Colour coding helps effectively implement
policies such as the Graded Response Action Plan by allowing
easier segregation of vehicles based on their fuel type.

Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, in M.K. Ranjitsinh v Union of

India, ruled that the Constitution confers the right against the
adverse effects of climate change. This right, the bench held,
flows from Articles 48A (a Directive Principle of State Policy which
states that the State should endeavour to protect and improve the
environment), 51A(g) (a fundamental duty on citizens to protect
and improve the natural environment), 21 and 14. In M.C. Mehta
(1986), the Court had recognised the right to live in a healthy
environment as part of Article 21.
test release of Dhara Mustard Hybrid 11 (DMH-11). On 24 July
2024, in Gene Campaign v Union of India, the Court delivered a
split verdict on whether the GEAC’s decision was legal and
constitutional.
On 12 November, in Union of India v Rajiv Suri, a bench of CJI
Sanjiv Khanna and Justice P.V. Sanjay Kumar ruled that State
Environment Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAA) mandated
under Section 3(3) of the EPA have to be established in all states
where they have not been constituted within six weeks.
the Supreme Court found that the Union’s powers under List I of
the Seventh Schedule cannot be used to take away the powers
that List II has vested in the states. Thus, state governments had
the power to regulate industrial alcohol.

) Private property as a material resource | Property Owners

Association v State of Maharashtra | Nine-judge bench
In a Constitution Bench matter that was one of the
longest-pending in the Supreme Court, the nine-judge bench had
to grapple with two significant questions:

Whether Article 31C continued to exist in the Constitution after

the decision in Minerva Mills v Union of India (1980)
Whether privately owned property was a “material resource of the
community” under Article 39(b) of the Constitution.
On 5 November 2024, a nine-judge bench unanimously held that
Article 31C continued to exist in the Constitution. This provision
protects laws that advance Directive Principles enshrined under
Article 39(b) and (c) against fundamental rights challenges. This
means that any law enacted to give effect to the wealth
redistribution principles under 39(b) and (c) cannot be challenged
on the ground that they violate fundamental rights.

In an 8:1 majority, the judges also held that not all privately
owned property was a “material resource of the community” under
Article 39(b). The majority led by CJI Chandrachud reasoned that
private property could be a material resource if it fulfilled certain
criteria like availability, nationalisation, acquisition etc. If the Court
held that all private property was a material resource of the
community, CJI Chandrachud said, it would contradict the
Constitution’s ideal of “economic democracy”.