Supreme Court clarifies bigamy liability, upholds strict NDPS bail norms, and highlights voter participation as a pillar of strong democracy.

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (25 APRIL 2026)

RELATIVES NOT LIABLE FOR BIGAMY WITHOUT ACTIVE ROLE

Case Name:Sivaraman Nair & Ors. v. State of Kerala

The Supreme Court of India held that mere knowledge of a second marriage is not enough to prosecute relatives for bigamy. It clarified that criminal liability arises only when there is active participation, facilitation, or encouragement, preventing misuse of law against family members without direct involvement in the offence.

Legal Provisions:

• Section 494, Indian Penal Code (Bigamy)
• Criminal Liability Principles
• Doctrine of Active Participation
• Protection Against Misuse of Law
• Burden of Proof in Criminal Cases

Source: Supreme Court of India

SPEEDY TRIAL DOES NOT OVERRIDE STRICT NDPS BAIL CONDITIONS

Case Name:Supreme Court on Section 37 NDPS Act

The Supreme Court of India ruled that the right to a speedy trial cannot dilute the stringent bail conditions under Section 37 of the NDPS Act. It emphasised that statutory restrictions prevail, particularly in serious drug offences, maintaining a strict approach towards narcotics-related crimes despite delays in trial proceedings.

Legal Provisions:

• Section 37, NDPS Act, 1985
• Article 21 - Right to speedy trial
• Bail Jurisprudence in Special Laws
• Public Interest vs Individual Liberty
• Stringent Criminal Law Framework