This week in Indian law: A Supreme Court bench split on the critical question of whether prior sanction under the Prevention of Corruption Act applies retrospectively, referring the matter to a larger bench. The Court also expanded maintenance rights to widowed daughters-in-law under Section 125 CrPC and directed priority disposal of long-stayed criminal trials. The RBI notified comprehensive new export-import regulations under FEMA. Five significant legal developments this week across criminal law, constitutional rights, family law, and regulatory updates.
Top story
SC Split on Section 17A Prevention of Corruption Act
Category: Constitutional Rights | Date: 10 January 2026 | Source: sci.gov.in
A two-judge Supreme Court bench delivered a split verdict on whether prior sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 is required before investigating public servants for corruption offences committed prior to the 2018 amendment that introduced Section 17A. One judge held that the sanction requirement applies only prospectively to offences committed after the amendment, while the other held it applies to all pending investigations regardless of when the offence occurred. The matter has been referred to a larger bench for authoritative resolution.
Why it matters: This split creates significant uncertainty for investigating agencies pursuing corruption cases against public servants for pre-2018 conduct. Until the larger bench resolves the question, both the CBI and state anti-corruption agencies face procedural ambiguity on whether to seek prior sanction in older cases, potentially delaying dozens of ongoing investigations.
Read more: Veritect analysis
Court judgments
SC Holds Widow Daughter-in-Law Entitled to Maintenance
Court: Supreme Court of India | Date: 9 January 2026
The Supreme Court held that a widowed daughter-in-law is entitled to claim maintenance under Section 125 CrPC from her husband's family. The Court reasoned that the death of a husband does not extinguish the right to maintenance, and that the legislative purpose of Section 125 is to prevent destitution of dependants, including widows who remain part of the marital family.
Key point: A widow's right to maintenance from the marital family survives her husband's death under Section 125 CrPC, preventing a gap that left many women without statutory protection.
sci.gov.in · Veritect analysis
SC Directs Priority Disposal of Stayed Crime Trials
Court: Supreme Court of India | Date: 8 January 2026
The Supreme Court issued directions to subordinate courts across the country to prioritise disposal of criminal trials that have remained stayed for extended periods. The Court observed that indefinite stays of criminal proceedings defeat the interests of justice and deprive both the accused and the complainant of closure.
Key point: Trial courts must actively identify and prioritise long-stayed criminal cases, with district judges required to monitor compliance quarterly.
sci.gov.in · Veritect analysis
Regulatory updates
RBI Notifies FEMA Export-Import Regulations 2026
Regulator: RBI | Date: 12 January 2026 | Source: rbi.org.in
The Reserve Bank of India notified comprehensive new Export-Import Regulations under FEMA, replacing the earlier framework governing cross-border trade finance. The new regulations update documentation requirements, timelines for export realisation, and procedures for write-offs, while also incorporating provisions for digital trade facilitation and e-invoicing integration.
Why it matters: Exporters, importers, and authorised dealer banks must update their compliance frameworks to align with the new regulations. The updated export realisation timelines and write-off procedures are particularly relevant for businesses facing payment delays from overseas buyers.
rbi.org.in · Veritect analysis
Also this week
- Chhattisgarh HC denies custody to father living with second wife — The High Court prioritised child welfare over parental rights, holding that the stability of the child's current arrangement with the mother outweighed the father's custody claim. Veritect analysis
Looking ahead
- Larger bench reference: The Section 17A Prevention of Corruption Act question will be assigned to a three-judge bench in the coming weeks, with significant implications for pending corruption investigations across the country
- RBI: Further operational circulars expected to supplement the FEMA Export-Import Regulations 2026 with detailed bank-level compliance guidance
- Supreme Court: Multiple constitution bench matters expected to be listed as the Court settles into the new term after winter recess
This is the Veritect Weekly Legal Roundup for Week 2 of 2026. 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.