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SC decries sex with minor bride as a “discriminatory, capricious and punishable act”

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Apex court verdict is only on the issue of sex between husband and wife who is aged between 15 and 18 years, not on larger issue of marital rape

In a landmark order, a Supreme Court bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta has decided that a husband’s having sex with his wife who is aged between 15 and 18 years is a punishable offence under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) – as amended by the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013. The bench directed that the police can arrest and prosecute the husband if the wife complains.

This is the verdict that the Bench delivered on Wednesday (October 11), but the top court also made it clear that it has not dealt with the issue of marital rape. That issue is being heard at the Delhi High Court, so the apex court has not moved into that realm. In case of marital rape, age ceases to be an issue. This is a specific area within the wider issue of marital rape.

In giving its verdict, the apex court clearly stated that Exception 2 to Section 375 of the IPC (law on rape) was “discriminatory, capricious and arbitrary under Article 14” (which provides for equality before the law and equal protection… and prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth, or any of them) of the Indian Constitution as well as under the POCSO Act.

The Bench also observed in its judgment that the states and the Centre must make some guidelines related to this. The case came up through a writ petition filed by an NGO Independent Thought, questioning the constitutionality of a provision permitting a man to have physical relationship with his wife if she is aged between 15 and 18 years.

The Bench also expressed its concern over the practice of child marriage, observing that social justice laws are not being implemented with the spirit with which they have been enacted. It said the government has to take action to stop the mass child marriages that take place on the occasion of Akshay Tritiya and other such religious occasions.

Explaining the reading down of Exception 2 of the section, the Bench said: “The exception in rape law under the IPC is contrary to other statutes, violates bodily integrity of girl child.”

The Supreme Court had completed its hearing on the issue on September 6 and had reserved its judgment.

While the Supreme Court Bench clarified that it had not dealt with marital rape, the NGO’s contention in its writ was that this act of the husband, without the consent of the bride, needs to also be termed marital rape.

In fact, it was clear in the argument of advocate Rana Mukerjee, for the Union of India, that the age of consent was important. He had said: “The Law Commission’s 77th report makes a provision for the girl to report any sexual offence, directly to highest police authorities. From the 13th Law Commission report pertaining to consent to have sexual intercourse, a committee was formed which raised the age of consent from 16 to 18years.”

“A committee formed under Justice Verma relied on this reference and recommended a compulsory age of 18 years to have sexual intercourse,” the counsel had said. However, Mukerjee had virtually contradicted himself in placing before the court the position of the government, when he had said: “Consideration of rape in marriages would weaken traditional family values in India, and that marriage presumes consent.”

Then, as a backup thought, he had said that 15 to 18 years is a qualified age to have sexual intercourse. Even, Muslim Law recognises 15 years as the age of puberty.

This assumption that marriage presumes consent has not gone down well with the court. Not only does it run in the face of age of consent (18), it also presumes that even if the bride refuses to have sex the law will assume that she has consented.

All of that has been struck down by the court on Wednesday.

-India Legal Bureau

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Amit Shah praises Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, says Nation above post

Amit Shah hailed Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as Union Education Minister, saying BJP places the nation and students above any position while highlighting the government’s commitment to examination reforms.

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July 26, 2026

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Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday praised Dharmendra Pradhan’s decision to step down as Union Education Minister, saying the move reflected the Bharatiya Janata Party’s commitment to placing the nation and students above any political position.

In a post on X, Shah said that for BJP workers, the country, its youth and students are more important than any office. He described Pradhan’s resignation as an example of the party’s guiding principle of prioritising national interest over personal ambition.

Shah highlights government’s focus on exam reforms

Amit Shah said the Narendra Modi-led government respects the sentiments of students and remains committed to strengthening the examination system following concerns over alleged paper leaks.

He said the Centre has introduced strict measures to ensure severe punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks and expressed confidence that these steps would deliver justice to students who cleared the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

Praises Pradhan’s work as Education Minister

Recalling Dharmendra Pradhan’s tenure, Shah highlighted several initiatives undertaken during his time in the Education Ministry. He credited Pradhan with helping implement the National Education Policy (NEP), expanding PM SHRI schools, promoting digital education, strengthening skill development and improving coordination between industry and academic institutions.

Shah also said Pradhan worked towards making examinations more inclusive and student-centric, adding that his tenure reflected his commitment to the vision of a developed India.

Resignation follows NEET controversy

Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation comes amid nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and growing demands for accountability.

The resignation has triggered political reactions across party lines. While opposition parties have described the development as a result of sustained student protests, BJP leaders have projected it as an example of accountability and commitment to national interest.

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Assam flood death toll rises to 66, over 6.5 lakh people still affected

Assam’s flood situation improved slightly on Saturday, but more than 6.54 lakh people remain affected in six districts. Four fresh deaths have pushed the state’s flood toll to 66.

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July 26, 2026

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Assam floods

The flood situation in Assam showed marginal improvement on Saturday, though the disaster continued to impact more than 6.54 lakh people across six districts. Four more deaths were reported during the day, taking the total number of fatalities in this year’s floods to 66.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), three of the latest deaths were reported from Sivasagar district, while one person lost their life in Charaideo.

The number of affected people declined from over 7.05 lakh across nine districts on Friday to 6,54,800 across six districts on Saturday, indicating a gradual improvement in the overall situation.

Sivasagar remains the worst-hit district

Among the affected districts, Sivasagar continues to be the worst hit, with nearly 2.9 lakh people impacted by the floods. Charaideo follows with around 1.9 lakh affected residents, while more than 1.3 lakh people remain affected in Jorhat.

The other districts still facing flood-related challenges are Dibrugarh, Golaghat and Nagaon.

Relief operations continue across affected areas

The ASDMA said the state administration is operating 274 relief camps and aid distribution centres across the affected districts. Around 18,902 displaced people are currently taking shelter at these facilities.

The latest daily bulletin also stated that floodwaters have inundated 810 villages across the state, while 34,970.8 hectares of agricultural land have suffered damage.

Rivers flowing above danger level

The floods have also damaged embankments, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure in several areas.

Authorities said the Dikhou River in Sivasagar and the Dhansiri River at Numaligarh are flowing above the danger level, and officials continue to closely monitor the situation.

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UP Government forms new SIT led by 3 IPS officers to probe Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft

The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a new SIT led by three IPS officers to investigate the alleged Ram Temple donation theft case in Ayodhya following Supreme Court directions.

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1 day ago

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July 26, 2026

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Ram Mandir

The Uttar Pradesh government has reconstituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by IG Kiran S, with DIG Somen Verma and SSP Dr Gaurav Grover as members, to investigate the alleged theft of donations meant for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. 

The move comes after directions from the Supreme Court, which sought a reconstituted investigation team to ensure an independent and comprehensive probe into the allegations.

The newly formed SIT is expected to continue the investigation and submit a status report before the Supreme Court on July 27.

Senior IPS officers to lead the probe

According to the state government, the investigation will now be supervised by senior IPS officers.  The revamped SIT has been tasked with examining all aspects of the alleged embezzlement of temple donations and carrying the investigation forward.

The Supreme Court had observed that criminal investigations and technical examination of theft-related cases are more effectively handled by experienced police officers, leading to the reconstitution of the SIT under senior IPS leadership.

Probe to continue under court supervision

The case relates to the alleged embezzlement of offerings (chadhava) donated by devotees at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.

The Supreme Court is monitoring the investigation and will review the SIT’s status report at the next hearing.

Authorities are expected to continue examining evidence collected during the earlier stages of the investigation as the newly constituted SIT proceeds with the case.

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