Throughout 2025, the Supreme Court of India delivered several far-reaching judgments. These rulings reaffirmed constitutional principles and strengthened individual rights. They also addressed systemic challenges across governance, justice delivery and social welfare.
PG Medical Admissions: Domicile-Based Reservation Held Unconstitutional
Beginning with education, the apex court held that residence- or domicile-based reservation in postgraduate medical courses under state quotas is unconstitutional.
Observing that such quotas undermine equality and national citizenship, a three-judge Bench ruled that merit cannot be diluted at the PG level. However, it allowed a limited residence-based preference in MBBS admissions.
Reinforcing this view, the court further upheld the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s decision striking down Chandigarh’s GMCH PG reservation policy.
Sanitation in Courts Declared a Fundamental Right
Turning to sanitation, the court declared that access to separate and hygienic toilets in courts is a fundamental facet of Article 21.
Holding sanitation to be intrinsic to dignity and access to justice, it directed all courts and tribunals to provide separate facilities for men, women, persons with disabilities and transgender persons.
Directing High Courts and governments to act, it, however, mandated audits, monitoring committees and dedicated funding.
Ad Hoc Judges Allowed to Tackle Judicial Backlog
Addressing judicial pendency, the Supreme Court relaxed conditions for appointing ad hoc judges under Article 224A.
Allowing High Courts to appoint ad hoc judges up to 10 per cent of their sanctioned strength, the court highlighted the urgent need to reduce case backlogs. At the same time, it stressed that regular judicial appointments must continue simultaneously.
Maintenance Rights Extended to Void Hindu Marriages
The apex court clarified family law and ruled that spouses in void Hindu marriages can claim interim maintenance and permanent alimony.
The court stated that the Hindu Marriage Act makes no distinction between divorce and nullity. It strongly criticised misogynistic language used against women and reaffirmed dignity under Article 21.
Safeguards Laid Down to Protect Legal Profession
Safeguarding the independence of the legal profession, the court restricted investigating agencies from summoning advocates representing accused persons.
The court held that investigating agencies may issue such summonses only in exceptional circumstances. It also laid down strict safeguards to protect attorney-client privilege and enable judicial scrutiny.
In-Service Judicial Officers Eligible for Direct Recruitment
Revisiting judicial recruitment, a Constitution Bench ruled that in-service judicial officers with seven years of combined experience at the Bar and on the Bench are eligible for direct recruitment as district judges. In doing so, the court expanded eligibility norms while seeking greater uniformity in judicial appointments.
Directing uniform rules, the court reaffirmed the 50:25:25 recruitment quota and applied the ruling prospectively.
Beggars’ Homes Must Function as Welfare Institutions
Emphasising human dignity, the Supreme Court ruled that beggars’ homes must function as welfare institutions rather than quasi-penal centres.
Issuing comprehensive guidelines, it further mandated healthcare, nutrition audits, skill training, legal awareness and accountability for custodial deaths.
Uniform Policy Directed for Stray Dog Management
Balancing compassion and safety, the court ordered that stray dogs be sterilised, vaccinated and returned to their original territories, except in cases of rabies or aggression.
Seeking a uniform national policy, it also stressed designated feeding zones and civic cooperation.
RG Kar Case Supervision Transferred to Calcutta High Court
In a significant move, the apex court transferred continued supervision of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case to the Calcutta High Court. It also directed the CBI to share regular status reports with the victim’s family.
FIR Against Congress MP Quashed to Protect Free Expression
Protecting free expression, the Supreme Court, in a clear affirmation of constitutional values, quashed the FIR against Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi.
In doing so, it held that mere disagreement with an individual’s views cannot justify criminal prosecution and further reaffirmed the essential role of artistic and literary freedom in a democratic society.
Constitution Bench Rejects ‘Deemed Assent’ to Bills
Resolving a constitutional reference, a Constitution Bench rejected the concept of ‘deemed assent’ to Bills. The ruling, however, clarified limits on judicial intervention and reinforced the separation of powers.
A Defining Year for Constitutional Jurisprudence
Concluding the year, the court dismissed challenges to gender-specific laws and ordered human rights probes. It also issued nationwide road safety directions and clarified norms on senior advocate designations.
The court, however, firmly rebuked scandalous attacks on the judiciary, cementing 2025 as a defining year for Indian constitutional jurisprudence.
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