Supreme Decisions: From Anti-Conversion Delay to Legal Independence

The Supreme Court of India delivered significant judgments on Wednesday, June 25, addressing crucial cases impacting legal and civil rights. Firstly, it reprimanded Uttar Pradesh jail authorities for stalling the release of a man who was granted bail on April 29 in a case related to the state's anti-conversion law. The court directed the state to compensate the detainee with Rs 5 lakh, highlighting administrative failures.

In another ruling, the court took a strong stance on the sanctity of legal practice, declaring that the autonomy of the legal profession would be undermined if police or investigative agencies could directly summon lawyers advising clients. This, the SC noted, poses a 'direct threat' to the independence of justice administration.

Additionally, the Supreme Court granted a three-month furlough to Sukhdev Yadav, also known as Pehalwan, who is incarcerated in connection with the 2002 Nitish Katara murder case. Yadav's temporary release reflects the court's deliberation on prisoner rights and justice delivery.

(With inputs from agencies.)