The Supreme Court has stayed key observations made by the Allahabad High Court in a child abuse case, criticising its lack of sensitivity and legal reasoning. The stay comes after widespread outrage over the high court’s ruling that acts such as grabbing a child’s breasts and pulling the string of her pyjamas did not amount to an attempt to rape.

A bench comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih took suo motu cognisance of the matter, stating that it was deeply “pained” by parts of the ruling, which they said reflected an “inhuman approach” and deviated from established legal standards.

“We are pained to state that it shows a total lack of sensitivity on the part of the author of the judgment,” the court observed. “It was not even at the spur of the moment and was delivered four months after reserving the same. Thus, there was application of mind.” The Supreme Court stayed the observations in paragraphs 21, 24, and 26 of the high court verdict.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta supported the court’s remarks, noting that “some judgments contain reasons for staying them.” Justice Gavai added, “It is a serious matter. Total insensitiveness on part of the judge. This was at the stage of issuing summons. We are sorry to use such harsh words against the judge.”

The judgment in question was passed on March 17 by Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra of the Allahabad High Court, while hearing a petition challenging a lower court order summoning two accused under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code.

The court noted that the allegations against the accused included grabbing the minor girl’s breasts and attempting to remove her lower garment. However, the high court ruled these acts were insufficient to infer an intent to commit rape, drawing sharp criticism.

The top court took up the matter following an appeal by the victim’s mother, and after the issue was flagged by a group called ‘We the Women of India’.

Senior YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader and former minister Kodali Nani has been admitted to AIG Hospital in Hyderabad following health complications. The 52-year-old politician was rushed to the hospital by family members due to a sudden deterioration in his health, reportedly linked to gastric issues.

Doctors treating Kodali Nani have stated that his condition is currently stable and he is under continuous medical care. However, preliminary evaluations have also pointed to a possible heart-related concern, prompting additional medical investigations.

Kodali Nani has been staying in Hyderabad over the past few weeks. His sudden hospitalization has stirred concern among his supporters and political colleagues. Several YSRCP leaders have reportedly reached out to his family and medical team to check on his condition.

As of now, further updates on his health are awaited while medical professionals continue close monitoring.

In a rare and bold display of public dissent, thousands of Palestinians took to the streets of northern Gaza on Tuesday, staging what is being described as the largest anti-Hamas protest since the outbreak of the war in October 2023. The demonstrations unfolded in Beit Lahia, where crowds were seen chanting slogans such as “For god’s sake, Hamas out,” “Hamas terrorists,” and “We want an end to the war.”

The scale of the protest, captured in video footage verified by a journalist present in the area, highlights a growing frustration among civilians as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. The death toll has now crossed 50,000, according to Gaza’s health ministry, with the enclave devastated by sustained military action and blockade.

A circulating social media message also called for nine separate protests across Gaza on Wednesday, encouraging citizens to make their voices heard. The message urged, “Let them hear your voice, let them know that Gaza is not silent, and that there is a people who will not accept to be eradicated.” The origin of the message has not been independently verified.

Since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007 following a civil conflict with the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority, the group has faced sporadic internal criticism. However, public demonstrations of this magnitude are rare, especially amid an active conflict.

The protest comes at a time when northern Gaza is virtually cut off. Following the collapse of ceasefire talks earlier this month, Israel announced it was suspending all humanitarian aid to the enclave. UNRWA reported that no food, water, medicine, or fuel had entered Gaza in three weeks, warning of an impending acute hunger crisis.

Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of diverting humanitarian aid to serve its military operations—allegations the group denies.

With infrastructure in ruins and the population relying almost entirely on international assistance, the protests underline growing public anger over both the war and Hamas’ governance during this crisis.