The Supreme Court on monday stayed the Delhi High Court’s order that had suspended the life sentence of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case involving a minor. A three-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices JK Maheshwari and Augustine George Masih, also issued notice to Sengar regarding the CBI’s appeal against the High Court’s decision. The court emphasized that Sengar remains in jail for a separate case and directed that he should not be released while the matter is under review.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, argued that under the POCSO Act, a "public servant" is someone in a dominant position over a child, and misuse of such a position constitutes an aggravated offence. He contended that Sengar, as a powerful MLA at the time, clearly abused his authority. Sengar’s lawyers countered that an MLA cannot be considered a public servant under the Act for aggravated offences.

The bench expressed concern that the Delhi High Court’s interpretation could wrongly exclude lawmakers from the definition of "public servant," potentially granting them immunity. The High Court had suspended Sengar’s sentence on December 23, noting that a prima facie case for aggravated penetrative sexual assault under the POCSO Act was not established.

The CBI challenged this, arguing that as a sitting MLA, Sengar held a constitutional position of trust and authority, and his actions fell under the aggravated offence provisions of the POCSO Act, which mandates a minimum of 20 years to life imprisonment. Sengar was convicted in 2019 by a Delhi trial court for offences under the IPC and POCSO, and the survivor was a minor who was allegedly kidnapped, raped, and trafficked by him in June 2017.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Jailed accused Sukesh Chandrasekhar has filed an application before Prashant Sharma, Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) at Patiala House Courts, offering ₹217 crore to the complainant, Aditi Singh, in the ₹200-crore extortion case. Filed through his lawyer Anant Malik, the application states that the offer is made "without prejudice" to Chandrasekhar’s rights and does not imply an admission of guilt. The matter is scheduled for consideration on January 3, 2026.

The plea seeks the court’s permission for both parties to explore a settlement related to an FIR registered by the Special Cell, Lodhi Colony, New Delhi. Chandrasekhar, currently in judicial custody, has requested the court to notify the complainant and record that the settlement proposal is genuine and subject to her consent.

Background: Delhi Police have accused Chandrasekhar of allegedly duping the wives of former Ranbaxy promoters Shivinder Singh and Malvinder Singh of ₹200 crore. Multiple investigations against him are ongoing nationwide. He and his associate, A Paulose, were arrested in connection with the extortion case and are also facing proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, with investigations by the Enforcement Directorate.

The police have additionally invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the accused, alleging that Chandrasekhar, Paulose, and others used hawala channels and shell companies to launder and layer the proceeds of crime. The court has not yet ruled on the settlement application.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday outlined his vision for a “multi-door courthouse,” where courts serve as comprehensive centres for dispute resolution rather than merely venues for trials. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Bar Council of India’s National Conference and Symposium on Mediation in South Goa, he emphasized the need for a greater number of trained mediators at all levels, from district courts to the Supreme Court.

CJI Kant highlighted that mediation, which can help reduce judicial backlogs, is not a sign of legal weakness but represents the law’s highest evolution. “As we look to the future, I envision courts transforming into multi-door courthouses, offering mediation, arbitration, and litigation, depending on the nature of the grievance,” he said. He also acknowledged that certain disputes will still require traditional litigation, but the judicial system should always be prepared to provide fair trials.

Describing mediation as empowering for litigants, the CJI explained that while litigation often examines a failed relationship, mediation acts as a remedy that preserves ongoing connections. He stressed that effective mediation requires understanding the local language, dialect, cultural expressions, and idioms of the parties involved.

Noting the shortage of mediators, he said India currently has 39,000 trained mediators, but over 2,50,000 are needed to implement mediation effectively across all judicial levels. Training mediators, he added, requires attention to temperament, compassion, commitment, and dedication, not just technical skills.

CJI Kant also highlighted the “Mediation for Nation” campaign launched in July, aimed at reducing judicial pendency by resolving disputes including matrimonial, commercial, and motor accident cases. He called its initial results highly encouraging and expressed confidence that expanding mediation at all levels would lead to significant achievements. Reiterating the value of mediation, he said it represents a shift from a culture of adjudication to one of participation, fostering harmony.

The event was attended by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Supreme Court judges including Justices J.K. Maheshwari, P.S. Narasimha, Ahsanuddin Amanullah, N. Kotiswar Singh, Ujjal Bhuyan, Prashant Kumar Mishra, Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Justice S. Chandrasekhar, BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, and Goa Advocate General Devidas Pangam. It was held at the India International University of Legal Education and Research in South Goa. The CJI participated in a “Mediation Awareness” walk near Kala Academy in Panaji, noting that mediation is increasingly recognized as a cost-effective, win-win solution for dispute resolution.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

Jaisalmer is witnessing a surge in festive tourism this Christmas Eve, with hotels and desert tent resorts reporting near-full occupancy as both domestic and international travellers flock to the city. Capitalizing on the strong demand, hospitality establishments across the Golden City have gone all out with elaborate decorations, special menus, and entertainment programmes to mark the celebrations.

Hotels and resorts are adorned with colorful lights and Christmas-themed décor, including beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Culinary offerings have been tailored to global tastes, with chefs preparing a wide range of Chinese, Continental, Italian, Rajasthani, and other international cuisines. Guests can look forward to gala dinners, DJ nights, live orchestras, and folk performances as part of the evening’s festivities.

Several resorts in the Sam sand dunes are also hosting exclusive Christmas Eve parties, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. With a significant influx of foreign tourists, the city is buzzing with festive energy, and tourism stakeholders anticipate enthusiastic participation in in-house celebrations this year.

Rishabh Singh, General Manager of a three-star hotel in Jaisalmer, shared that the city’s tourism businesses have made elaborate preparations for Christmas Eve. “Various events have been planned, and arrangements are nearly complete. Guests can enjoy folk and Bollywood music and dance late into the night. The hotel has been decorated with attractive lights and Christmas trees,” he said.

Pratap, head chef at another three-star hotel, highlighted the special culinary preparations for the occasion. “Magnificent Christmas trees have been set up, and the lounge has been decorated specially for the celebrations. Our menu features an extensive selection of international and local dishes, along with special chocolates and elaborate Christmas cakes,” he said. With hotels fully booked and festivities in full swing, Jaisalmer’s tourism sector is enjoying a vibrant Christmas season, reaffirming the city’s reputation as a premier winter destination for travellers from around the world.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Karate standout Marissa Hafezan clinched Singapore's first gold in the sport at the SEA Games in 32 years. She defeated Vietnam's Nguyen Thi Dieu Ly 5-3 in the women's kumite under-55kg final to secure the historic victory. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman sit down with Marissa to learn more about her remarkable achievement. They also get an update on Team Singapore’s overall performance at the midpoint of the Games, featuring insights from Marissa Hafezan, SEA Games gold medallist and Singapore karate exponent, and Phil Goh, independent sports journalist.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Australia is introducing a first-of-its-kind law that blocks minors from using social media without a parent’s approval. Andrea Heng and Susan Ng discuss the debate with Professor Tama Leaver from Curtin University’s Internet Studies program: is this a vital measure to safeguard young people’s mental health, or an impractical policy that limits digital freedom?

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

In December 2019, a fishing boat set out from an Alaskan port with an experienced crew, unaware that an icy storm was gathering. The events that followed underscore why deep-sea fishing is considered one of the most dangerous professions in the world. This account is by Rose George, read by Rosalie Craig, and is adapted from Every Last Fish: What Fish Do for Us, and What We Do to Them, published by Granta.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Just over 50% of voters acknowledge that climate change is real and driven by human activity, according to the latest Guardian Essential poll. Interestingly, a similar proportion held the same view more than 15 years ago. Essential Media’s executive director, Peter Lewis, and political reporter Josh Butler examine the disconnect between climate science and the politics of climate action in Australia. They also discuss why self-aware AI, rather than climate change, is seen as the biggest existential threat, and how strong public backing for gambling reform highlights the gap between Prime Minister Albanese’s current policies and the public’s appetite for change.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.