public interest litigation

The Uttarakhand High Court has directed the state government to decide on the removal of a village head accused of being underage at the time of election. A public interest litigation claimed the gram pradhan did not meet the minimum age requirement.

The Orissa High Court has questioned the Centre on strict adherence to safety advisories for handling hazardous ammonium nitrate cargo at ports, especially Paradip. A PIL highlighted concerns over public safety and port infrastructure, prompting the court to seek clarification on the implementation of a 2025 advisory mandating mid-sea anchorage for ships with large ammonium nitrate loads.

The Orissa High Court is demanding answers from the Centre regarding strict adherence to safety advisories for ships carrying ammonium nitrate, especially at Paradip Port. The court emphasized the explosive nature of the chemical and potential risks to public safety. A PIL highlighted concerns over handling large quantities of this substance at Indian ports.

The Bar Council of India has requested detailed information from the West Bengal Bar Council regarding Mamata Banerjee's legal enrollment and practice status. This follows her appearance in lawyer's robes at the Calcutta High Court to argue a public interest litigation. The BCI seeks to verify her active status as an advocate, given her previous tenure as Chief Minister.

The Allahabad High Court has upheld the legal provisions granting pensions and other benefits to former MLAs and MLCs. The court ruled that such provisions fall within the legislative domain and are not unconstitutional, as they recognize public service rendered. The petition challenging these benefits was dismissed.

Former Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee appeared as counsel at the Calcutta High Court, presenting evidence of post-poll violence. She alleged that children and women were not spared and submitted a list of alleged murder victims, urging the court to protect the people of Bengal. The Trinamool Congress lauded her commitment to truth and justice.

The Karnataka High Court has stepped in to prevent a planned transport strike by KSRTC employees that was scheduled for May 20. This interim order was prompted by a public interest litigation from two residents of Bengaluru, who raised alarms over potential chaos in the public transport system.