This week in Indian law: The Supreme Court adjourned the constitutionally significant hearing on whether the Lokpal can exercise jurisdiction over High Court judges, appointing an amicus curiae. SEBI extended the RPT disclosure compliance deadline. Lok Sabha passed the Appropriation Bill. 5 significant legal developments this week across constitutional law, regulatory updates, and legislative policy.
Top story
SC Adjourns Hearing on Lokpal's Claim of Jurisdiction Over HC Judges
Category: constitutional-rights | Date: 18 March 2025 | Source: Supreme Court of India
The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing on the constitutionally significant question of whether the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 confers jurisdiction on the Lokpal to investigate complaints against High Court judges. The Court appointed an amicus curiae to assist in examining the complex interplay between the Lokpal Act, the constitutional provisions governing judicial accountability (Articles 124 and 217-218), and the established mechanism of in-house inquiry for judicial conduct.
Why it matters: If the Lokpal is held to have jurisdiction over HC judges, it would create a parallel accountability mechanism alongside the existing in-house inquiry process and impeachment proceedings. The outcome will fundamentally affect the architecture of judicial accountability in India.
Read more: Veritect analysis
Regulatory updates
SEBI Extends Deadline for Related Party Transaction Disclosure Norms
Regulator: SEBI | Date: 21 March 2025
SEBI issued a circular extending the compliance deadline for the enhanced related party transaction disclosure standards under LODR Regulations. The extension provides listed companies additional time to implement the more granular RPT disclosure requirements, which include detailed categorisation of transactions, enhanced board approval processes, and improved shareholder approval mechanisms.
Key point: Listed companies should use the extended timeline to upgrade their RPT monitoring systems and ensure compliance infrastructure is in place before the revised deadline.
Legislative and policy developments
Lok Sabha Passes Appropriation Bill on 21 March
Lok Sabha passed the Appropriation Bill, 2025 on 21 March, authorising the government to draw funds from the Consolidated Fund of India for expenditure during FY 2025-26. The Finance Bill, which gives effect to the Budget's tax proposals, is expected to be taken up for passage in the final days of March.
Also this week
- Finance Bill preparation — The government prepared for Finance Bill passage, with the Finance Minister expected to move the Bill in Lok Sabha by 25 March.
- Income-Tax Bill Select Committee — The Committee continued its work, with the report expected before the Budget session concludes.
By the numbers
- 21 March — Date the Appropriation Bill was passed in Lok Sabha
- 2013 — Year the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act was enacted, now facing its first jurisdictional test regarding judges
- 3 — Categories of developments this week: constitutional, regulatory, and legislative
Looking ahead
- 24-25 March: Finance Bill passage expected in Lok Sabha
- 25-28 March: SC expected to deliver significant criminal law and free speech judgments
- 31 March: Financial year end — regulatory and compliance deadlines
This is the Veritect Weekly Legal Roundup for Week 12 of 2025. For daily updates, visit our legal news page. Subscribe to receive this roundup every Monday morning.
Veritect provides this content for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.