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Delhi High Court

Delhi High Court Dismisses Plea Challenging CAT 2024 Results

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday (January 7) dismissed a petition challenging the results of the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024, a key entrance exam for top management institutes. Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju rejected the plea filed by candidate Aditya Kumar Mallick, who raised objections over an incorrect answer to Question No. 18 in the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section, claiming it impacted his exam outcome. Mallick, aggrieved by the issue, sought the annulment of the results declared in December 2024, along with the appointment of an expert committee to verify the correct answer to the disputed question. Despite his objection to the provisional answer key released on December 3, the final answer key remained unchanged, prompting Mallick to challenge the results. In his petition, Mallick cited support from experts and faculty members at various CAT coaching centers, asserting that his objection was valid. He also criticized IIM Calcutta for hastily announcing the results on December 19, despite the candidate’s expectation that they would be released in the second week of January. Mallick argued that the premature declaration of results hindered his opportunity for legal recourse. The Delhi High Court, however, found no reason to interfere with the exam results, stating that there was insufficient justification to overturn the decision. IIM Calcutta, which conducted the exam on November 24, 2024, was represented by Senior Advocate Arvind Nayar. The petitioner’s legal team included Advocates Praveen Kumar Singh, Sanal Nambiar, Ishita Goel, and Chetna Singh. With the court’s dismissal of the plea, the CAT 2024 results stand upheld, allowing the admission process for top management institutes to proceed as scheduled. Source: livelaw Photo Credit: livelaw

Delhi High Court Criticizes Poor Conditions in North-East District Government Schools, Calls for Urgent Action

The Delhi High Court has issued scathing criticisms of the deplorable conditions observed in government schools within the city’s north-east district. Highlighting issues such as broken desks, classroom shortages, and a lack of essential materials like books, the court has emphasized the urgent need for accountability among education officials and swift measures to rectify the situation. In response to a damning report presented by lawyer Ashok Agarwal, who documented the discrepancies firsthand, the court expressed dismay at the state of affairs and demanded immediate action. Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, leading the bench, admonished education department officials, urging them to take proactive steps beyond mere announcements in newspapers. The bench highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting overcrowded classrooms with up to 144 children per room and schools being run from tin buildings. Such conditions, the court argued, not only impede learning but also endanger the well-being of students, particularly in extreme temperatures. Emphasizing the fundamental importance of education and its impact on young lives, the bench underscored the need for officials to prioritize ground-level inspections and interventions. It pointed out the lack of senior functionaries’ children attending these schools as symptomatic of systemic neglect and called for urgent corrective action. Acknowledging the NGO Social Jurist’s public interest litigation, represented by Agarwal, the court emphasized the violation of students’ fundamental right to education. It directed the education secretary to file a detailed affidavit, outlining steps to address the reported deficiencies and assigning responsibility to negligent officials. Furthermore, the court ordered the relocation of students from schools housed in inadequate tin buildings and mandated the provision of essential resources, including desks, books, and writing materials, to all students without delay. With the matter scheduled for further hearing on April 23, the court’s firm stance reflects its commitment to ensuring quality education for all, holding officials accountable, and safeguarding the constitutional rights of students.  

 Relief for Government Employees: 7th Pay Commission Arrears Set to Be Cleared, High Court Directs Action

In a significant development, former and current government employees are set to receive relief regarding their pending 7th Pay Commission arrears. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has assured the Delhi High Court of its commitment to expedite the clearance of these arrears, providing a ray of hope for affected individuals. During the court proceedings, representatives from the MCD affirmed their dedication to resolving the issue of outstanding arrears related to the 7th Pay Commission recommendations. It was revealed that an amount of approximately Rs. 738 crore, referred to as “basic tax assignment,” is anticipated from the Delhi government, which will facilitate the prompt disbursement of arrears to the employees. Furthermore, the MCD has pledged to address the retirement benefits of former employees within a timeframe of 12 weeks. Additionally, the corporation has undertaken to ensure timely payment of salaries and pensions for both current and former employees in the future. The High Court bench, chaired by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, emphasized the importance of fulfilling these commitments. It directed the Delhi government to release the Rs. 738 crore 7th CPC arrears within a stringent timeframe of just 10 working days. Failure to adhere to these commitments could lead to contempt proceedings against the MCD Commissioner, as emphasized by the court. To monitor progress closely, the case has been scheduled for compliance review on July 23, 2024. While the Delhi government has assured the court that necessary paperwork is underway for the payment process, it has requested an extension until April 25 to complete the formalities. The case underscores the Delhi High Court’s proactive stance in addressing delayed salary and pension payments under the 7th Pay Commission, as well as outstanding arrears. The court’s intervention reflects its commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of government employees affected by these delays.

Delhi High Court Upholds Ban on Bloomberg’s Defamatory Article Against ZEE Entertainment

Bloomberg India’s legal woes deepen as the Delhi High Court delivers a blow by dismissing its appeal against ZEE Entertainment Enterprises. Upholding the Sessions Court’s order from March 1, 2024, the High Court reaffirmed the injunction restraining Bloomberg from disseminating the allegedly defamatory article dated February 21, 2024, targeting ZEE Entertainment. Justice Shalinder Kaur, in her ruling, emphasized the existence of prima facie evidence supporting the necessity of an interim injunction, citing potential irreparable harm if the defamatory content remained unchecked. The court’s decision to dismiss Bloomberg’s appeal underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need to protect ZEE Entertainment’s reputation from further harm. Furthermore, the High Court directed Bloomberg to adhere to the directives of the additional District Judge within three days, underscoring the urgency of compliance with the legal proceedings. ZEE Entertainment had filed a lawsuit in the Delhi Sessions Court, alleging that Bloomberg’s article contained false and misleading information aimed at tarnishing the company’s image. The Sessions Court had previously issued an interim ex-parte order on March 1, 2024, instructing Bloomberg to remove the contentious article from its platform within a week and refrain from publishing it on any medium, online or offline. ZEE Entertainment argued that the article’s inaccuracies regarding corporate governance and business operations had led to a significant decline in its share price, causing substantial losses for investors. With the Delhi High Court’s dismissal of Bloomberg’s appeal, the legal battle between the media giant and ZEE Entertainment intensifies, highlighting the importance of upholding journalistic integrity and corporate reputation in the digital age.