Supreme Court 2024: From Madarsa Education Act to Electoral Bonds, Landmark Verdicts by the Apex Court in 2024

Supreme Court 2024: The Supreme Court of India made history in 2024 with several landmark rulings that touched on diverse issues, including electoral reforms, social justice, and legal accountability. These decisions not only redefined existing laws but also addressed significant constitutional questions. Here's a detailed look at the cases that shaped India’s legal landscape in 2024.

Electoral Bonds: A Milestone for Electoral Transparency

In February 2024, the Supreme Court delivered a powerful verdict by striking down the controversial electoral bonds scheme. The five-judge Constitution Bench, headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud (now retired), held that denying voters the right to know the source of political funding was undemocratic.

The Court directed the State Bank of India (SBI) to immediately cease the issuance of electoral bonds and mandated the Election Commission to disclose contributions received by political parties since April 2019 on its website. This unanimous ruling emphasized that political funding transparency is crucial for free and fair elections.

In a related matter, a three-judge Bench later declined a PIL requesting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged scams involving electoral bonds, citing insufficient grounds for judicial intervention.

Supreme Court's Ruling on Quotas and Minority Rights

1. Sub-Classification within SC/ST Quotas

The Supreme Court made a significant decision regarding affirmative action in August 2024. A seven-judge Constitution Bench ruled that the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) for quota benefits was permissible.

This judgment overturned a 2004 ruling and introduced the "creamy layer" principle within SC/ST reservations. However, the Court stated that the government cannot reserve 100% of seats for one sub-group at the expense of others in the same category. This nuanced approach ensures equitable distribution of benefits.

2. Madarsa Education Act

In another major ruling, the Court set aside an Allahabad High Court judgment that invalidated the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004. While recognizing the constitutional rights of religious minorities to manage their educational institutions, the Bench held parts of the Act unconstitutional for conflicting with the UGC Act.

This verdict struck a balance between the right to religious education and the principles of secularism under the Constitution.

Supreme Court's Ruling on Accountability and Legal Reforms

1. MPs and MLAs Prosecution for Bribery

One of the most significant rulings of 2024 came when a seven-judge Bench overturned the 1998 P.V. Narasimha Rao vs. CBI judgment. The Court ruled that lawmakers cannot claim immunity under Articles 105 and 194 for accepting bribes to vote or make speeches in legislatures.

This decision reinforced the principle that elected representatives must be held accountable for their actions and cannot hide behind legislative privileges to escape criminal prosecution.

2. Recruitment Rules and Fair Practices

The Court reaffirmed that recruitment rules cannot be changed mid-process unless explicitly stated in the recruitment advertisement. This ruling ensured transparency and fairness in public employment procedures.

Apex Court's Ruling on Social Justice and Human Rights

1. Caste-Based Division of Prison Labor

The Supreme Court struck down the practice of assigning "lower caste" inmates to cleaning and scavenging duties in prisons. It ordered the deletion of caste references from prison records and manuals, reinforcing the right to equality and dignity for all prisoners.

2. Child Marriage Act Enforcement

The Court issued several directives for the effective implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. These included appointing Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) at the district level to ensure that children’s rights and agency are protected.

Other Landmark Decisions

1. Citizenship Act and NRC

The Court upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, which was enacted to implement the Assam Accord. This provision formed the basis of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam in 2019.

2. Interpretation of Article 39(b)

A seven-judge Bench provided clarity on Article 39(b) of the Constitution, ruling that not all privately-owned resources qualify as "material resources of the community." This judgment struck a balance between individual property rights and the state’s obligation to redistribute resources for the common good.

3. Adani-Hindenburg Controversy

The Supreme Court declined to form an SIT or expert group to investigate the Adani-Hindenburg controversy. The Bench stated that SEBI’s ongoing investigation was sufficient and rejected claims that reports from third parties like OCCRP and Hindenburg Research constituted conclusive evidence.

4. LMV License and Endorsements

The Court reiterated that Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) license holders do not need separate endorsements to drive LMVs weighing under 7,500 kg, simplifying regulations for drivers.

5. Arbitrator Appointments in Public-Private Contracts

In a ruling that strengthened fairness in arbitration, the Court declared that the unilateral appointment of arbitrators by government entities violates Article 14. It emphasised that public contracts must follow fair procedures.