2023 has been a landmark year in India’s legal history, as the Supreme Court has delivered landmark judgments that have reverberated across the country. From the validation of the demonetization to the upholding of the Article 370 repeal in J&K, the Supreme Court has had a significant impact on the country’s legal history.
Some of the important Supreme Court rulings this year are below
Demonetization Endorsement:
In a landmark ruling in January, a five-judge bench upheld the constitutionality of the 2016 demonetization, dismissing pleas challenging the Modi government’s move to demonetize currency notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 denominations. Justice BV Nagarathna dissented, emphasizing that demonetization should have been executed through legislation, not a gazette notification.
Jallikattu Triumph:
May witnessed the Supreme Court affirming Tamil Nadu’s law allowing the traditional bull-taming sport ‘Jallikattu,’ citing its integral role in the state’s cultural heritage. The judiciary acknowledged the legislature’s authority on the matter.
Relief for Rahul Gandhi:
On August 4, the Supreme Court granted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi a reprieve by staying his conviction in the ‘Modi Surname’ criminal defamation case. The decision overturned lower courts’ rulings, preventing Gandhi’s disqualification from the Lok Sabha.
Same-Sex Marriage Verdict:
In October, the Supreme Court bench declined legal recognition to same-sex marriages, asserting that legislative changes were within the purview of Parliament. The court underscored that there was no fundamental right to marry.
Article 370 Upheld:
December 11 marked a historic judgment as the Supreme Court upheld the 2019 presidential orders, revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370. The court deemed the special status a “temporary provision” and mandated elections by September 30, 2024, urging the swift restoration of statehood.
These verdicts not only resolved long standing disputes but also laid the groundwork for future legal discourse, establishing standards for generations to come.
Continued Struggle and Unresolved Issues:
Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, elections for the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly remain elusive, drawing criticism from opposition parties. Regional players like the National Conference and PDP vow to persist in their fight for the restoration of special status.
While the BJP celebrated the Article 370 verdict, some opposition leaders expressed disappointment, emphasizing the need for acknowledgment of historical wrongs. The year also saw positive developments, such as the hosting of a key G20 tourism meeting in Srinagar, fostering development in the region.
However, as the legal and social aspects come into play, the views change, and the country faces the consequences of these landmark judgments. Even though the Supreme Court’s verdicts are unanimous, they continue to generate debate and discussion, reflecting the intricacy of the legal system in India.