Year Ender 2025: From controlling stray dogs to ‘Nithari’ incident, those decisions of SC which changed the direction of law

Supreme Court Major Decisions in 2025: In the year 2025, the Indian Supreme Court (SC) and High Court gave many such decisions, which will have a long-term impact on law, society and policy. The courts played an important role in ensuring justice and clarifying the rules in individual cases. These included issues like economic crimes, crimes against women and children, protection of stray animals, environment, reservations and road safety. Let’s take a look at some important decisions of 2025

Deadline for approval of bills for President and Governor

The Supreme Court made it clear that the courts cannot set a time limit for the President or the Governor to take action on any bill. Under Articles 200 and 201 of the Constitution, the President and the Governor have the power to decide on the bill at their discretion. The court said that if the deadline is fixed, it will be a violation of the separation of powers. However, the court can review the case to prevent unnecessary and indefinite delay.

Last accused of Nithari case acquitted

On 11 November 2025, the Supreme Court acquitted Surendra Koli, the last accused in the Nithari serial killing. Earlier, Allahabad High Court had acquitted him in 12 out of 13 cases. The Supreme Court found that the conviction in the remaining cases was based only on a statement and the recovery of a knife, not on forensic evidence or a proper chain of custody. The verdict ends a nearly 20-year-long trial and raises questions about the credibility of evidence in high-profile cases.

Order to remove stray dogs

The Supreme Court directed all states and union territories to remove stray dogs from public places like schools, hospitals, bus stands, sports complexes. Dogs should be kept in a shelter after vaccination and sterilization, and should not be released back to the same place. The court said that such animals are a threat to public safety and can violate the right to life of citizens.

use of green crackers

The Supreme Court allowed limited sale and use of green firecrackers in NCR from 18 to 21 October 2025. Only PESO licensed, NEERI-certified firecrackers were allowed. There was a ban on online sales or imports from outside NCR. The court described it as a temporary and trial based measure, so that the environment and public health can be protected while celebrating the festival.

Also read: Year Ender 2025: What Indians viewed and shared the most on Instagram in 2025

Ban on Waqf (Amendment) Act

SC partially banned some sensitive provisions of the Waqf Amendment Act. Section 3(r) required proof of practicing Islam for five years, and Section 3C allowed government officials to treat land as waqf. The court said that till then no land or property will be taken over from Waqf. Rest of the provisions will remain applicable. This decision reflects the caution and constitutional approach of the court.

Cashless treatment for road accident victims

The Supreme Court ordered the Center to implement a cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims. Every person will get immediate treatment and cover up to Rs 1.5 lakh. The court said that this would make emergency care possible during the “golden hour” and the right to life would be protected under Article 21.

Punishment upheld in honor killing case

On 28 April 2025, the Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s sentence in the Murugesan-Kannagi honor killing case of Tamil Nadu. It was a case of caste-motivated murder. The court described the crime as “cruel and despicable” and ordered compensation to be paid to the surviving family members.

Reserve-Category and General Posts

The Supreme Court said that reserved category candidates cannot automatically move to general category posts unless the rules clearly allow it. This decision clarifies the rights of reservation and general category in recruitment.

Settlement in bank fraud case

The Supreme Court agreed to drop the case against Sterling Biotech Ltd promoters Sandesara brothers after they paid Rs 5,100 crore. This will eliminate cases of bank fraud. The court insisted on returning the public money.

Also read: Year Ender: From Dacoit Rahman of ‘Dhurandhar’ to Chako of ‘Baaghi 4’, these 10 villains showed fear this year.

Notice on Anti-Conversion Law

The Supreme Court issued notice to the Center and the state government on a petition challenging the Rajasthan Anti-Conversion Act, 2025. The petition said that the law violates the right to freedom of religion and expression. The court linked it with the pending cases of other states.