SC lists crucial hearings on Pollution, Sahara dues & Hooda plea

A plea concerning the severe deterioration of air quality in Delhi-NCR due to stubble burning has been listed before the Supreme Court, where the issue has been repeatedly flagged with urgency. The worsening pollution levels have been acknowledged by the Bench, and state governments particularly Punjab and Haryana have been directed to submit updated reports on the enforcement of anti-burning measures. The court has expressed concern over the lack of deterrence, and it has been indicated that existing penal provisions under state laws may need to be invoked more strictly. The functioning of pollution-monitoring authorities has been reviewed, and alternative strategies to blanket construction bans have been suggested to prevent livelihood disruptions. Fresh compliance reports are awaited, and the matter has been scheduled for its upcoming hearing as part of the court’s pollution docket.

Sahara group pending salaries case:

Pleas filed by employees of various Sahara Group companies seeking release of long-pending salaries have been listed for hearing before the Supreme Court, where the grievances of thousands of workers have been highlighted. The petitions have drawn the court’s attention to extended non-payment and the financial distress faced by the employees. An evaluation of Sahara’s properties and financial assets has been ordered, and responses have been sought from the Centre, regulatory bodies, and other concerned authorities. The court has directed that a detailed appraisal be undertaken to determine how employee dues can be cleared and whether the liquidation or sale of identified assets may be permitted to meet outstanding liabilities. Reports filed by the amicus curiae and government agencies are expected to be examined during the upcoming hearing, where further directions are anticipated.

Pan-India digital arrest scam suo motu case:

A suo motu case concerning the alarming nationwide rise in “digital arrest” scams has been fixed for further hearing by the Supreme Court after it was revealed that victims across several states were coerced through forged court documents and impersonation of law-enforcement and judicial authorities. A case involving the extortion of a senior citizen had prompted the court to intervene, and the forging of Supreme Court orders had been described as a grave attack on the dignity of the institution. Detailed information from all States and Union Territories has been sought regarding registered FIRs, pending investigations, and preventive measures. The possibility of transferring the investigation to the CBI has been indicated due to the interstate spread and organised nature of the scams. Additional status reports are expected to be placed before the court during the next hearing.

Bhupinder singh hooda manesar land-deal case:

A plea filed by former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda challenging the order refusing postponement of the trial proceedings in the Manesar land-deal case has also been scheduled for hearing. The trial court’s decision to continue with the prosecution had earlier been upheld by the High Court, which held that proceedings against Hooda could move forward independently even if some co-accused had interim protections from appellate courts. The case involves allegations concerning land acquisitions and the use of official influence, and the Supreme Court has been requested to re-examine whether the trial should be deferred until related appeals are resolved. Relevant records, including orders passed by the lower court and the High Court, are expected to be placed before the Bench, which will determine whether the trial may continue or needs to be paused.

Jojari river pollution case (Rajasthan):

A plea relating to the contamination of the Jojari River in Rajasthan has been taken up by the Supreme Court, where alarming details about unchecked industrial discharge have been noted with concern. Effluents released by textile and tile units have been reported to have polluted the river to the extent that water has become hazardous for human consumption, livestock, and agriculture across several affected villages. Earlier directions of the National Green Tribunal have been reviewed, and the lack of effective implementation of waste-treatment measures has been criticised. Clarifications have been sought from the Rajasthan government regarding pending appeals, compliance with environmental norms, and the functioning of common effluent treatment plants. Additional status reports have been directed to be filed, and the matter has been listed for its next hearing, during which further remedial measures may be ordered.