Legal Bites November 2025: Monthly Legal Updates

Welcome to Legal Bites’ November 2025 highlights, where we bring you a concise roundup of the month’s most significant legal, national, and international developments shaping law, policy, and public discourse in India and beyond. From landmark Supreme Court and High Court judgments clarifying constitutional principles, criminal justice, family law, labour rights, and arbitration, to major developments in governance, defence, diplomacy, climate action, culture, sports, and global affairs, November 2025 reflected the law’s deep and evolving engagement with society.

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November 2025: Key Legal, National, and International Highlights

1. Courts Must Follow Law, Not Public Outcry — Madras HC Restores Hospital Licence in Kidney-Racket Case: In M/s Cethar Hospital v. Principal Secretary to Government & Ors., the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court quashed the cancellation of the transplant licence of Cethar Hospital, observing that authorities had violated the procedure mandated under Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994 (THOTA)—no show-cause notice or hearing was given before punitive action.
   (November 3, 2025)
2. Mother Entitled to Maintenance from Children Despite Husband’s Support: In Farookh v. Kayyakkutty @ Kadeeja, the Kerala High Court held that a mother may claim maintenance from her children even if her husband is alive and providing support. The Court ruled that the obligation of children under BNSS to maintain their mother is independent and continues where her needs are unmet, or support is inadequate.
   (November 4, 2025)
3. Primacy of State Transport Schemes: In U.P. State Road Transport Corporation v. Kashmiri Lal Batra & Ors., the Supreme Court held that where an inter-State route overlaps a portion of an intra-State route notified under an approved State transport scheme, private operators cannot be permitted to ply thereon under an Inter-State Reciprocal Transport Agreement (IS-RT Agreement).
   (November 4, 2025)
4. Courts Must Not Conduct “Mini-Trials” While Quashing FIRs, Clarifies Supreme Court: The Supreme Court of India has ruled in Muskan v. Ishaan Khan & Ors. that while considering petitions under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (formerly under Section 482 of the CrPC / now Section 528 BNSS), courts must not probe the truth or reliability of the allegations in the FIR — doing so would amount to an impermissible “mini-trial.” Instead, a court may quash an FIR only in exceptional circumstances, such as when continuing proceedings would amount to a clear abuse of process or a miscarriage of justice.
   (November 6, 2025)
5. Decree Passed in Name of Deceased Litigant Is a Nullity: In Vikram Bhalchandra Ghongade v. State of Maharashtra & Ors., the Supreme Court held that any decree passed in favour of parties who had died before the hearing — without bringing their legal heirs on record as required under Order XXII CPC — is a nullity in law and has no legal effect or enforceability. The Court explained that the saving provision in Order XXII Rule 6 CPC doesn’t apply where death occurred before the hearing.
   (November 6, 2025)
6. Coparcener’s Release Deed Immediately Severes Rights in Joint Family Property: In P. Anjanappa (D) v. A.P. Nanjundappa, the Supreme Court held that a registered release deed by a coparcener results in instant relinquishment of rights in joint family property. Even an unregistered family settlement may indicate severance of status if supported by conduct, meaning a coparcener loses all claim from the moment the release is executed.
   (November 6, 2025)
7. Once Voluntary Retirement Takes Effect by Default, the Employer Cannot Insist on Technical Resignation: In Rajesh Kumar v. Union of India & Ors., the Delhi High Court held that when an employee’s request for voluntary retirement (VR) becomes effective by default — because the employer neither rejects it within the statutory period nor communicates any objection — the employer cannot later force the employee to submit a “technical resignation.”
   (November 7, 2025)
8. Retirement Benefits Can Be Attached for Child Maintenance: Kerala High Court: In Rifa Fathima v. Salim, the Kerala High Court held that a father’s retirement benefits may be attached to secure maintenance and education expenses of a minor child. The Court clarified that statutory exemptions under Section 60(1)(g) CPC cannot override a parent’s legal duty to maintain their children, and child welfare must take precedence over technical protections.
   (November 7, 2025)
9. Supreme Court Sounds Alarm on Stray Dog Crisis – Calls for Humane Yet Firm Action: In In Re: City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price, the Supreme Court ordered nationwide measures to address the rising stray-dog crisis, requiring States and municipal bodies to sterilise, vaccinate, and relocate dogs to shelters while clearing them from sensitive public spaces such as schools, hospitals, and transport hubs. The Court emphasised that public safety must be protected without compromising animal welfare, reiterating that control measures must remain humane and compliant with the law.
   (November 7, 2025)
10. China Launches Third Aircraft Carrier ‘Fujian’: China has launched its third aircraft carrier, Fujian, marking a major step in strengthening its naval capabilities. Named after the coastal province of Fujian, the carrier is China’s first domestically built aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapult launch systems, similar to those used by the US Navy. (November 7, 2025)
11. DNA Test Cannot Be Ordered Without a Clear Link to the Crime: In R. Rajendran v. Kamar Nisha & Ors., the Supreme Court of India held that ordering a DNA test is unjustified when the alleged offence has no clear connection to the question of paternity. The Court stressed that forcing a DNA test under such circumstances violates the individual’s right to privacy and bodily autonomy protected under Article 21 of the Constitution.
    (November 10, 2025)
12. Supreme Court Reaffirms ‘Pay-and-Recover’ Rule: Insurer Must First Pay Victim: In Akula Narayana v. The Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd., the Supreme Court held that insurers must first pay compensation to motor-accident victims and may later recover the amount from the vehicle owner if there was a policy breach. The ruling reinforces the humanitarian objective of ensuring timely relief to victims.
    (November 10, 2025)
13. Samrat Rana Wins Gold in Men’s 10m Air Pistol: Indian shooter Samrat Rana clinched the men’s 10m air pistol gold at the ISSF World Championships in Cairo, becoming the first Indian to win an individual air pistol world title. He scored 243.7 in the final, narrowly defeating China’s Hu Kai by 0.4 points, while Varun Tomar secured bronze to complete a double podium for India. (November 10, 2025)
14. David Szalay Wins 2025 Booker Prize for Novel Flesh: Hungarian-British author David Szalay won the 2025 Booker Prize for his novel Flesh, a powerful work exploring masculinity, desire, and emotional vulnerability in contemporary society. (November 10, 2025)
15. Disciplinary Proceedings Alone Cannot Bar International Travel: In Dr. Ashok Kumar Behera v. State of Odisha & Ors., the Court held that pending disciplinary proceedings alone cannot justify denying an employee permission to travel abroad or withholding a No Objection Certificate. It reiterated that administrative circulars cannot override fundamental rights, and travel restrictions require lawful, justified grounds — not mere pendency of inquiry.
    (November 11, 2025)
16. Ethiopia to Host COP32 Climate Summit in 2027: Ethiopia has been selected to host the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32) in 2027, marking a major diplomatic milestone for Africa. The decision reflects growing international recognition of Africa’s role in global climate action and Ethiopia’s commitment to climate resilience, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
    (November 11, 2025)
17. Delhi HC Allows Bedridden 81-Year-Old to Serve Sentence from Home: In Kailash Wati v. State of Delhi, the Delhi High Court permitted an 81-year-old incapacitated convict to serve her sentence under home confinement instead of returning to jail, recognising her medical condition and dignity. The Court also directed the Delhi Government to frame a policy for similarly incapacitated prisoners who are unable to surrender after parole.
    (November 12, 2025)
18. Once Signed and Pronounced, a Criminal Judgment Becomes Unalterable: In Pintu Girdharilal Yadav v. State of Maharashtra, the Bombay High Court clarified that once a criminal judgment is signed and pronounced, it attains finality and cannot be reopened for alteration or review. Only clerical or accidental errors may be corrected thereafter, but the substance of the judgment — including conviction or sentence — cannot be revisited.
    (November 12, 2025)
19. Consent Remains Valid Even if Marriage Fails to Follow: In Mahinder Soni v. Government of NCT of Delhi, the Delhi High Court held that consensual sexual relations between two adults remain legally valid even if the anticipated marriage does not materialise. The Court overturned the earlier conviction of the man under rape charges, concluding that the consent given was free and continued, and that a later breakdown of the relationship does not automatically transform that consent into rape.
    (November 12, 2025)
20. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Pays Two-Day State Visit to Bhutan, Strengthens Strategic Partnership: Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a two-day State Visit to Bhutan from 11–12 November 2025 at the invitation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, reaffirming the close India–Bhutan partnership. During the visit, he joined celebrations marking the 70th Birth Anniversary of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and participated in the Global Peace Prayer Festival in Thimphu, highlighting the strong cultural, spiritual, and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
    (November 12, 2025)
21. Commercial Software Buyers Are Not ‘Consumers’: In M/s Poly Medicure Ltd. v. M/s Brillio Technologies Pvt. Ltd., the Supreme Court of India held that a company buying specialised software for its business operations cannot be treated as a “consumer” under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, because such a purchase is for a “commercial purpose.” The Court found that the software licence was acquired not for personal use, but to automate and streamline export-import and logistics operations — directly linked to profit generation.
    (November 13, 2025)
22. Shared-Household Claim Does Not Survive After Divorce: In Sangeeta v. Hitesh Kumar, the Delhi High Court held that a divorced wife cannot continue to claim a right of residence in a property solely owned by her former husband as a “shared household” under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 once the marital relationship has been dissolved. The Court ruled that the right to reside under Section 17 of the DV Act depends on the existence of a living “domestic relationship,” which ends on divorce — after which the former spouse’s entitlement to remain in the house ceases.
    (November 13, 2025)
23. Botswana Gifts Eight Cheetahs to India Under Project Cheetah: Botswana has gifted eight cheetahs to India under Project Cheetah, marking a new milestone in bilateral cooperation on wildlife conservation. The President of India and Botswana’s leadership witnessed the symbolic handover at Mokolodi Nature Reserve, reinforcing a partnership focused on ecological restoration, biodiversity protection, and a shared commitment to conservation.
    (November 13, 2025)
24. Karnataka Introduces Paid Menstrual Leave Policy: Karnataka government has approved a paid menstrual leave policy granting women employees one paid day off per month (totaling up to 12 days a year) for menstrual health and well-being. The entitlement applies to women aged 18–52 working in government offices, private companies, factories, and other registered establishments without needing a medical certificate.
    (November 13, 2025)
25. Conviction Upheld in Domestic Homicide: In Didar Singh & Anr. v. State (Govt. of NCT of Delhi), the Delhi High Court affirmed the murder conviction of a husband and son under Section 302/34 IPC for burning and killing the wife/mother, Gian Kaur. The Court held that two consistent dying declarations — one recorded by a treating doctor and another by police — along with strong circumstantial evidence (such as absence of burn accident indicators, cleaning of the crime scene, and failure by the accused to accompany the victim) ruled out accident or suicide, leaving only homicide as plausible. (November 14, 2025)
26. Death “In the Course of” vs. “Arising Out of” Employment: In M/s Arjun Travels v. Jamuna Devi Brijlal Yadav & Ors., the Bombay High Court held that compensation is payable only when death is both in the course of employment and arising out of employment. Since the driver died of natural causes while on duty — without any work-related risk or accident triggering the death — the Court denied compensation, emphasising that mere presence at workplace is not enough without a causal connection to employment. (November 14, 2025)
27. Caring for Parents Not Conditional on Property Rights: In The Bandra Holy Family Hospital Society & Anr. v. State of Maharashtra & Ors., the Bombay High Court clarified that the duty of children to care for and maintain their parents under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 is a legal obligation that does not depend on ownership or expectation of property. Caring for parents is a statutory duty, and not a favour linked to inheritance, possession or transfer of assets. (November 17, 2025)
28. Test Identification Parade Loses Value If Witness Had Prior Opportunity to See the Accused: In Raj Kumar @ Bheema v. State of NCT of Delhi, the Supreme Court held that identification-parade evidence significantly loses its reliability if the witness had a prior opportunity to see the accused — such as during the crime or soon after. The Court cautioned that undue reliance on such identification without corroborative evidence can lead to wrongful convictions. (November 17, 2025)
29. Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death by Tribunal: A special tribunal in Bangladesh has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia for crimes against humanity, linked to the violent crackdown on student-led protests in 2024. The verdict was delivered by the International Crimes Tribunal, which held her responsible for ordering and enabling killings during the unrest. (November 17, 2025)
30. India–UK Joint Military Exercise ‘AJEYA WARRIOR-25’ Begins in Rajasthan: India–UK Joint Military Exercise “AJEYA WARRIOR-25” commenced at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. The 14-day exercise involves 240 troops from the Indian and British Armies and focuses on counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban environments under a UN mandate, aimed at enhancing interoperability, tactical proficiency, and bilateral defence cooperation. (November 17, 2025)
31. 3-Year Practice Rule Not Applicable to Judicial Officers Appointed Before May 2025: In All India Judges Association v. Union of India & Ors., the Supreme Court clarified that the requirement of a minimum three-year Bar practice for entry into judicial service will not apply to officers appointed before 20 May 2025. Those already in service remain eligible for judicial posts in other States even without prior Bar practice, as applying the rule retrospectively would be unfair. (November 18, 2025)
32. Mother’s Primacy in Childcare Upheld: Delhi High Court Rejects Father’s Unilateral Custody Move: Delhi High Court in Gautam Mehra v. Sonia Mehra, reaffirmed that neither parent can, by unilateral action, disrupt a child’s emotional security or displace the primacy of maternal care. The Court emphasised that child welfare overrides parental claims, recognised the foundational role of the mother in emotional development, dismissed any advantage gained through unilateral relocation, and noted that the wishes of mature children must be given due regard. (November 18, 2025)
33. Statutory Benefits Cannot Be Claimed After Settlement: In Government of Tamil Nadu v. P.R. Jaganathan & Ors. (2025), the Supreme Court held that once landowners voluntarily enter into a negotiated compensation agreement under Tamil Nadu Acquisition of Land for Industrial Purposes Act, 1997, they cannot later invoke statutory benefits — such as interest under the Act’s Section 12 — to claim additional amounts over and above the agreed compensation. (November 19, 2025)
34. India Opens First Gen Z-Themed Post Office at IIT Delhi: India Post has inaugurated its first Gen Z-themed post office at the IIT Delhi campus as part of a major modernisation drive to make postal services more youth-centric. The revamped facility features modern aesthetics, Wi-Fi zones, creative artwork by students, QR-based parcel booking, and digital service touchpoints designed to appeal to Gen Z users. (November 19, 2025)
35. Russia Offers India Su-57 Technology Transfer: Russia has offered full technology transfer of its fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter aircraft to India, assuring that there would be no restrictions on equipment or technical requirements. Speaking at the Dubai Air Show 2025, senior Russian defence officials said the proposal includes licensed production in India, phased localisation, and transfer of advanced technologies such as engines, AESA radar, AI systems, stealth features, and modern air weapons. (November 19, 2025)
36. Divorce Granted on Ground of Mental Cruelty: In Gaurav Dixit v. Priyanka Sharma, the Delhi High Court dissolved the marriage under Section 13(1)(ia) of the Hindu Marriage Act, holding that repeated abusive conduct, humiliation, threats, and denial of cohabitation by the wife amounted to mental cruelty. The Court set aside the Family Court’s refusal and granted divorce, noting that the relationship had irretrievably broken down. (November 20, 2025)
37. India and Israel Sign ToR to Begin Free Trade Agreement Negotiations: India and Israel have signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to formally initiate negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral economic ties. The ToR was signed in Tel Aviv by India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Israel’s Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat. (November 21, 2025)
38. Investigation Dragging On for Years Without Progress May Be Quashed: In Robert Lalchungnunga Chongthu v. State of Bihar, the Supreme Court held that when a criminal investigation continues for years without any fresh material or reasonable justification, such prolonged inaction violates the accused’s right to a fair and speedy trial under Article 21, and warrants quashing of the proceedings. (November 20, 2025)
39. India Implements Major Labour Reforms With Four New Labour Codes: India has implemented sweeping labour law reforms through the introduction of four new Labour Codes, consolidating 29 central labour laws to simplify compliance and improve ease of doing business. The reforms cover wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety, aiming to protect workers’ rights while promoting flexibility for employers. (November 21, 2025)
40. No Special Quota for Promotee Judges in District Judge Cadre: In All India Judges Association v. Union of India, the Supreme Court held that once officers enter the District Judge cadre, no separate quota or preference can be given based on their mode of entry. Seniority and promotion must follow a uniform roster, treating direct recruits and promotees alike. (November 22, 2025)
41. India Wins T20 Blind Women’s World Cup: India created history by winning the first-ever Blind Women’s T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, defeating Nepal by seven wickets in the final. Played at the P Sara Oval in Colombo, India restricted Nepal to 114/5 and comfortably chased down the target, reaching the total with three wickets lost in just 12.1 overs to clinch the title. (November 23, 2025)
42. Letter of Intent Alone Does Not Create Enforceable Contractual Rights: In State of Himachal Pradesh & Anr. v. OASYS Cybernetics Pvt. Ltd., the Supreme Court held that a Letter of Intent (LoI) does not by itself grant contractual rights unless all pre-conditions are fulfilled and a final contract or Letter of Acceptance is executed. The Court clarified that an LoI reflects only an intention to enter into a contract and cannot be enforced as a concluded agreement merely because one party has acted upon it. (November 24, 2025)
43. Bail Cannot Be Challenged by Outsiders in Unconnected Case: In Nikhil Kumar v. State of U.P. & Another, the Allahabad High Court held that the right to seek cancellation of bail is restricted to parties directly connected with the case — such as the accused, complainant, or victim — and not to outsiders with no locus standi. The Court dismissed the petition filed by a third party in an unrelated matter and imposed ₹25,000 as costs, reiterating that bail proceedings cannot be interfered with by individuals who have no direct involvement in the criminal case. (November 24, 2025)
44. Assignment of a Specific-Performance Decree Does Not Require Registration: In Rajeswari & Ors. v. Shanmugam & Anr., the Supreme Court of India held that assigning a decree for specific performance of a sale agreement — in favour of another person — does not require registration under the Registration Act, 1908. The Court reasoned that a decree for specific performance does not itself create or confer any right, title or interest in immovable property, but merely gives the decree-holder a right to enforce the contract. Since no proprietary interest arises until a sale deed is executed and registered, such an assignment falls outside the mandatory registration requirement under Section 17(1)(e). (November 24, 2025)
45. Justice Surya Kant Sworn in as 53rd Chief Justice of India: Justice Surya Kant has taken oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, succeeding Justice B.R. Gavai. His tenure is expected to prioritise judicial reforms, clearance of case backlogs, and expansion of legal aid. Known for key rulings on constitutional issues, including Article 370 and civil liberties, his elevation marks an important phase in the Supreme Court’s institutional development. (November 24, 2025)
46. No Constitutional Basis for “Deemed Assent”: In In re: Assent, Withholding or Reservation of Bills by the Governor and the President of India, the Supreme Court held that timelines for granting or withholding assent to Bills cannot be judicially imposed, and the concept of “deemed assent” has no foundation in the Constitution. (November 24, 2025)
47. Earning Wife Still Entitled to Maintenance if Income is Insufficient: In Rajeevan M. v. Jeesha P. & Others, the Kerala High Court held that a woman who earns an income may still be granted maintenance if her earnings are not sufficient to sustain a dignified standard of living. The Court set aside the Family Court’s refusal and directed the husband to pay ₹8,000 monthly to the wife and ₹6,000 each to the children, reaffirming that mere employment does not bar a wife’s claim to maintenance when her income falls short of meeting basic needs. (November 25, 2025)
48. Supreme Court Halts Deer Translocation, Emphasises Ecology Over Administrative Ease: In New Delhi Nature Society v. Director Horticulture, DDA & Ors., the Supreme Court paused further shifting of deer from A.N. Jha Deer Park, Hauz Khas, noting welfare concerns, poor monitoring and lack of scientific assessment. The Court stressed that wildlife decisions must be based on ecology, not administrative ease, and directed authorities to conduct a detailed study before any further relocation. (November 26, 2025)

49. India’s Cultural Renaissance Gathers Momentum: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is witnessing a cultural renaissance as he unveiled a 77-foot-tall bronze statue of Lord Ram in Goa during the 550th anniversary celebrations of Shree Samsthan Gokarn Jeevottam Mutt. (November 28, 2025)

50. Court’s Order Appointing Arbitrator Cannot Be Reviewed: In Hindustan Construction Company Ltd. v. Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Ltd., the Supreme Court held that once an arbitrator is appointed under Section 11 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, the order cannot be reviewed or recalled. Any objections must instead be raised before the arbitral tribunal itself, reinforcing minimal judicial interference in arbitration proceedings. (November 28, 2025)

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