Overview

• The Supreme Court stayed the Allahabad High Court's March 17 ruling that downgraded charges in a sexual assault case involving a minor.
• Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra's judgment was criticized for its insensitivity and described as violating legal standards by the Supreme Court.
• The apex court initiated suo motu proceedings after receiving a letter from senior advocate Shobha Gupta urging intervention in the case.
• The Supreme Court directed the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court to take appropriate action against Justice Mishra and sought responses from the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government.
• The case has reignited demands for judicial reforms, including mandatory gender sensitization training for judges, to ensure sensitivity in handling sexual violence cases.