The Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu cognizance of the Allahabad High Court’s controversial ruling, which held that acts such as grabbing a girl’s breasts and breaking the string of her pyjama do not constitute an attempt to rape. The High Court had downgraded the charges from attempted rape to aggravated sexual assault under the POCSO Act. This decision has sparked widespread criticism, raising concerns about the judicial interpretation of sexual violence laws. The Supreme Court’s intervention seeks to re-evaluate the ruling to ensure legal consistency and justice for survivors. (PC: Sushil Kumar Verma/ The Hindu)  

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath criticized comedian Kunal Kamra, stating that freedom of expression should not justify personal attacks. Speaking on a podcast, he warned against using speech to deepen divisions in the country. Kamra had earlier called Maharashtra Deputy CM a “gaddar” (traitor). Adityanath also accused Congress of using George Soros’ funds to influence elections and criticized Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar over remarks on constitutional changes for Muslim reservations. The remarks have intensified political debates. (PC: HindustanTimes, X/KunalKamra)

Kannada actor Ranya Rao has confessed to using illegal hawala channels to buy gold, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) told a court. She was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru airport with 14.2 kg of undeclared gold worth ₹12.56 crore. Later, officials seized more cash and jewellery from her home, bringing the total to ₹17.29 crore. The case is linked to a gold smuggling syndicate. The CBI has filed an FIR under anti-corruption and smuggling laws. Authorities are investigating a possible connection between smugglers and public officials. The probe is still ongoing. (PC: Hindustan Times)

BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut spoke about the controversy surrounding comedian Kunal Kamra. She said the action against him was legal, unlike the demolition of her office in 2020. “That was illegal; this is legal,” she stated. Kamra’s parody of Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde led to vandalism at a Mumbai studio. Ranaut criticised Kamra, saying, “Insulting someone for their humble beginnings is wrong.” She also recalled her past conflict with Shiv Sena. “They laughed at my pain,” she wrote on X. The debate continues, with the Opposition supporting Kamra and others calling for accountability. (PC: News18)

A Supreme Court-appointed three-member committee has initiated an inquiry into the alleged cash discovery at Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma's residence. Following a fire on March 14 at Justice Varma's official bungalow in Lutyens' Delhi, firefighters reportedly found semi-burnt sacks containing Indian currency notes. The committee, comprising Justice Sheel Nagu, Justice GS Sandhawalia, and Justice Anu Sivaraman, visited the residence to inspect the premises. Justice Varma has denied the allegations, claiming a conspiracy to malign him. The Supreme Court collegium has repatriated him to the Allahabad High Court, and his judicial duties have been withdrawn pending the inquiry.(PC: Leaflet)

Comedian Kunal Kamra released a satirical song mocking Shiv Sena workers for vandalizing Mumbai’s Habitat comedy club, where he had criticized Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. The video, featuring the song Hum Honge Kangal, juxtaposes footage of Sena workers destroying property at the venue. The attack followed Kamra’s jibe calling Shinde a "traitor" over the 2022 party split. Hours after the incident, Mumbai Police summoned Kamra for questioning, but he requested a week’s extension. The controversy has sparked debates over freedom of speech in India.(PC: X/KunalKamra)

The BMC has demolished an illegal part of Mumbai’s Habitat Studio after stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra mocked Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde in a video. The action followed protests by Shiv Sena workers, who vandalised the venue. The BMC cited rule violations, including an unauthorised shed and improper use of the basement. After the attack, Habitat Studio announced its shutdown, saying it was unfairly targeted. The studio clarified that it does not control performers’ content. Police have been deployed for security. The future of the venue remains uncertain as officials review further action. (PC: Hindustan Times)

A 23-year-old woman sustained injuries after jumping from a moving MMTS train in Hyderabad to escape an alleged rape attempt. The incident occurred on March 22 when she was alone in the ladies' coach traveling from Secunderabad to Medchal. After two female passengers deboarded at Alwal station, a man approached her, demanding sexual favors. Upon her refusal, he attempted to assault her, prompting her to jump from the train. Passersby assisted her to Gandhi Hospital, where she is receiving treatment for injuries to her head, chin, right hand, and waist. Authorities have registered a case and are actively searching for the suspect. (PC: The Tribune)

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal accused the BJP-led Mahayuti government of turning the state into a "Taliban-like regime" following vandalism at Mumbai’s Habitat comedy studio. The attack came after comedian Kunal Kamra’s ‘traitor’ jibe at Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde. Sapkal questioned why ruling party supporters took the law into their own hands when Kamra did not name Shinde. He also noted that the studio has hosted various cultural events, including one honoring BJP minister Ashish Shelar. Kamra has refused to apologize for his remarks. The controversy has intensified political tensions in Maharashtra.

Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) launched a demolition drive at The Habitat studio after comedian Kunal Kamra's video mocking Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde went viral. Officials claim the studio was in an encroached area. Kamra faces an FIR for alleged defamation, while Shiv Sena functionary Rahul Kanal and 11 others were arrested for vandalizing the venue. CM Devendra Fadnavis condemned Kamra’s remarks, stating satire must not be used to insult individuals. "Freedom has limits," Fadnavis said, demanding an apology. Kamra has not yet responded to the controversy. (PC: Hindustan Times)