Snap Inc., the parent organization of popular social media application Snapchat, has been hit with a major lawsuit in the US state of Missouri. The legal complaint alleges that the platform's architectural design directly facilitated the grooming and subsequent rape of a 12-year-old minor.

The lawsuit underscores how Snapchat's core user-discovery tools, specifically the "Quick Add" and "Snap Map" features, were exploited by the perpetrator, identified as 25-year-old Gabriel Joel Valentin-Rios, to track down, contact, and manipulate the young girl, referred to in court documents as JF.

App Algorithm Suggested Minor Profiles to Perpetrator

According to the filed complaint, Snapchat’s "Quick Add" algorithmic recommendation engine systematically suggested the young victim's profile—alongside those of several other local underage girls—to Valentin-Rios.

The lawsuit aggressively critiques Snap’s user interface, pointing out that the app effectively framed the adult predator as an approachable, friendly connection. Legal representatives of the victim's family stated that Snapchat fundamentally failed in its duty of care by not issuing explicit warnings to minors regarding the potential danger of connecting with complete strangers via proximity features.

Thousands of Lawsuits Plaguing Big Tech Architecture

The Missouri action is not an isolated legal battle. Silicon Valley conglomerates are currently facing unprecedented legal pushback across Western courts regarding child safety, mental wellness, and addictive product designs.

Pending Litigation Map (US State Courts):

├── California Jurisdictions: 3,300+ active multi-district lawsuits

└── Core Tech Entities Named: Meta (Instagram/FB), ByteDance (TikTok), Google (YouTube), Snap Inc.

The litigation reveals internal anxieties within Snap's executive circles. Documents referenced in court indicate that Snap officials previously intercepted a guide circulating on the dark web that explicitly detailed blueprints on how online predators could weaponize Snapchat's built-in geolocation features to stalk juvenile targets.

Furthermore, a comprehensive independent survey executed by the child safety advocacy group The Heat Initiative revealed that nearly half of all underage Snapchat users surveyed admitted to encountering unsafe content or predatory messaging on the platform within the past year alone.

High Stakes for India, Snapchat’s Largest Global Market

The outcome of these structural lawsuits holds massive implications for India, which currently stands as Snapchat’s single largest market by user volume.

The platform boasts a near-monopoly on young demographics globally, reaching over 90% of individuals aged between 13 and 24 across more than 25 countries. According to market intelligence logs published by Yahoo Finance, India alone accounts for over 25 crore monthly active users (MAUs).

Snapchat Global User Distribution 2026:

┌───────────────────────────┬─────────────┐

│ Region                    │ User Share  │

├───────────────────────────┼─────────────┤

│ India                     │ 36% (25 Cr) │

│ Rest of the World         │ 64%         │

└───────────────────────────┴─────────────┘

This massive base represents approximately 36% of the firm's total global footprint, with the user graph continuing to climb sharply across tier-2 and tier-3 Indian cities.

Matters are further complicated for global social media applications operating within the subcontinent due to strict domestic compliance frameworks. Indian regulatory bodies have already enforced rigid mandates under revised telecom and IT rules, completely banning companies from transferring sensitive user communication logs and personal data outside geographic borders.

With the Indian government prioritizing hyper-local data storage and zero-tolerance policies on child sexual abuse material (CSAM), legal shifts in US courts are expected to trigger intense scrutiny on Snap's operations within the country.

In a significant ruling on matrimonial financial dependency, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has rejected a Bhopal-based woman's petition seeking interim maintenance from her husband. The court observed that maintenance provisions are fundamentally designed to support a spouse in actual financial distress, rather than penalizing an estranged partner.

Invoking William Shakespeare’s classic play The Merchant of Venice, a single-judge bench of Justice Vivek Jain remarked that the woman's financial demand appeared to be an attempt to extract "a pound of flesh" from the husband, which the court could not permit under the law.

The High Court passed the order while upholding an earlier ruling by a Bhopal Family Court, which had flatly dismissed the woman's plea for interim alimony and litigation expenses during the pendency of their divorce proceedings.

Income of ₹1.25 Lakh Per Month Deemed Sufficient

The couple married on November 4, 2022, but separated within a year in 2023. Following their estrangement, the husband moved the Family Court seeking a divorce, prompting the wife to file an application for interim financial assistance.

On February 18, 2026, the Family Court ruled that the woman was not entitled to maintenance while the divorce suite was contested. Challenging this decision in the High Court, the woman argued that her financial situation had deteriorated. She disclosed that while she previously earned an annual package of nearly ₹20 lakh—compared to her husband’s declared income of over ₹30 lakh—her current yearly earnings had dropped to approximately ₹14 lakh, making her eligible for spousal support.

However, upon evaluating her salary slips and employment records, the High Court noted that her current monthly take-home income sits comfortably at around ₹1.25 lakh, translating to roughly ₹14.81 lakh per annum.

No Children, Minor Income Disparity

Dismissing the plea, the bench underlined that the woman’s salary is objectively sufficient to maintain a standard of living comparable to her matrimonial life. The court highlighted key factual parameters dictating its stance:

• No Dependents: The couple does not have any children from their brief marriage, eliminating any additional childcare costs.

• Comparable Financial Standing: The income disparity between the husband and wife is not massive or disproportionate enough to trigger an economic dependency argument.

The High Court reiterated that the statutory goal of maintenance is to prevent destitution and offer a safety net to an economically weaker partner. It clarified that the law cannot be leveraged to provide an unfair financial advantage to a spouse who is already highly skilled, gainfully employed, and completely self-reliant.

Concluding that the Family Court’s initial assessment was legally sound, Justice Jain’s bench dismissed the revision petition, confirming that independent income of this bracket invalidates claims of financial vulnerability.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Wednesday vacated the interim stay on an arrest warrant issued against Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and Member of Parliament Abhishek Banerjee, paving the way for the execution of the warrant issued by the Bhopal MP-MLA Court.

The case stems from an alleged defamatory remark made by Banerjee during an election rally in Kolkata in November 2020. According to the complaint, Banerjee referred to BJP leader Akash Vijayvargiya as a “goon” while addressing a public gathering. Claiming that the statement damaged his reputation, Vijayvargiya filed a defamation complaint before the MP-MLA Court in Bhopal in 2021.

Following the filing of the complaint, judicial proceedings began in the lower court. During the course of the trial, the court directed Banerjee to appear before it. However, after repeated instances of non-appearance, the MP-MLA Court issued an arrest warrant against the TMC leader.

Banerjee subsequently approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court challenging the warrant. In his petition, he argued that he is an elected Member of Parliament and posed no risk of absconding. He also contended that the trial court had not adequately considered his application seeking exemption from personal appearance.

Taking these submissions into account, the High Court had earlier granted interim protection and stayed the execution of the arrest warrant. However, during the latest hearing, the court noted that despite being provided sufficient opportunity, there was no effective representation on behalf of the petitioner.

As a result, the High Court withdrew the interim relief and lifted the stay order. With this development, the arrest warrant issued by the Bhopal MP-MLA Court has become enforceable once again.

Defamation Case Background

The dispute traces back to a political speech delivered during an election campaign in West Bengal. Akash Vijayvargiya, BJP leader and son of senior BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, alleged that Banerjee’s remarks were defamatory and harmed his public image.

The complaint was filed under relevant provisions dealing with defamation, and the matter has been under judicial consideration for several years.

Legal Implications

Legal experts believe the High Court’s decision does not amount to a finding on the merits of the defamation allegations. Instead, it relates to procedural compliance and Banerjee’s failure to effectively pursue his challenge against the warrant.

With the stay now removed, authorities may proceed in accordance with the directions of the trial court. Banerjee retains the option of seeking further legal remedies before a higher judicial forum.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has declined to grant relief to former Chief Minister and Patan MLA Bhupesh Baghel in an election dispute case, clearing the way for a detailed hearing on a petition challenging his 2023 Assembly election victory. The court rejected Baghel's application seeking dismissal of the election petition and ruled that the matter warrants consideration on its merits.

The petition, filed by Durg MP Vijay Baghel, alleges that Bhupesh Baghel violated provisions of election law during the 2023 Chhattisgarh Assembly elections. The petitioner has sought to have Baghel's election declared void on the grounds of alleged violations during the campaign period.

With the High Court refusing to dismiss the case at the preliminary stage, regular hearings on the merits of the petition are scheduled to begin on June 23.

Allegations of Model Code Violation

According to the petition, Bhupesh Baghel allegedly participated in a rally and roadshow in the Patan constituency during the silence period immediately before polling, when election campaigning is prohibited under the Representation of the People Act.

The petitioner claims that election slogans were raised and votes were solicited during the event, constituting a violation of Section 126 of the Act. The allegations are reportedly supported by video recordings and other electronic material submitted before the court.

The petition argues that these actions amounted to a breach of election regulations and therefore justify a challenge to the validity of the election result.

Court Finds Petition Maintainable

During the proceedings, Bhupesh Baghel's legal team argued that the petition lacked sufficient particulars and should be dismissed without a trial. The defense contended that the allegations were vague and unsupported by conclusive evidence.

Counsel for Baghel also raised questions regarding the admissibility of electronic evidence, arguing that the petition did not include the required certification under Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act for digital records.

The defense further maintained that the petitioner had failed to establish the identity of individuals involved in the alleged roadshow or provide clear proof linking the events directly to Baghel's consent and participation.

However, the High Court observed that the facts presented in the petition were sufficient to allow the case to proceed. The court held that issues relating to the authenticity and evidentiary value of documents and electronic records would be examined during the trial stage.

Previous Legal Efforts

This is not the first attempt by Bhupesh Baghel to challenge the maintainability of the election petition. Earlier applications seeking dismissal of the case had also failed before the High Court.

Subsequently, Baghel approached the Supreme Court, which permitted him to file a fresh application before the High Court on the issue of maintainability. Acting on that liberty, he filed the latest plea, which has now been rejected.

The High Court clarified that the former Chief Minister remains free to challenge the authenticity of evidence and electronic records during the course of the trial.

Political and Legal Significance

The case carries political significance as it involves one of Chhattisgarh's most prominent political leaders. Legal experts note that election petitions are governed by a high evidentiary threshold, and courts typically require detailed examination of facts before arriving at a final conclusion.

The court's latest order does not determine the truth of the allegations but only confirms that the petition contains sufficient grounds for a full hearing.

In a significant decision related to government recruitment transparency, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has dismissed petitions filed by two women candidates accused of submitting fake Class 12 marksheets in the Anganwadi worker recruitment process in Tikamgarh district. The court observed that once the educational certificates submitted by the applicants were found to be forged, there was no justification for granting them an additional opportunity for hearing.

The matter came before the vacation bench of Justice Vishal Mishra, which heard separate petitions filed by Mamta Yadav and Neetu Rajput. Both women had challenged the action taken by the Women and Child Development Department, which declared them ineligible for recruitment and directed the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against them.

According to court records, the recruitment process began following an advertisement issued by the Women and Child Development Department on June 20, 2025. The petitioners had applied for Anganwadi worker posts and submitted their Class 12 educational documents as part of the eligibility requirements.

Their names reportedly appeared at the top of the provisional merit list released on August 18, 2025, placing them among the strongest contenders for selection. However, the recruitment process took a dramatic turn after complaints were lodged before the District Selection Committee alleging that the candidates had submitted forged marksheets.

Document Verification Exposed Fraud

Following the complaint, the District Level Grievance Redressal Committee initiated a verification process. The educational institution concerned was asked to authenticate the marksheets submitted by the applicants.

According to official records, the institution informed authorities on January 8, 2026, that both marksheets were fake. Based on this verification report, the District Programme Officer issued an order on May 26, 2026, declaring both candidates ineligible for recruitment.

The order also directed officials to lodge an FIR within seven days, citing the use of forged documents during a government recruitment process.

Court Finds No Merit in Pleas

During the hearing, the petitioners argued against their exclusion from the recruitment process and challenged the direction for criminal proceedings. However, the state government opposed the petitions and presented verification records confirming that the educational documents were not genuine.

Government Advocate Kamal Singh Baghel represented the state and submitted relevant documents before the court.

After reviewing the records, the High Court held that once the marksheets had been officially verified as fake, there was no legal basis for granting further relief. The bench observed that extending additional hearing opportunities in such circumstances would serve no useful purpose and would only consume valuable judicial time.

Impact on Recruitment Process

The ruling reinforces the importance of strict document verification in public recruitment exercises. Recruitment experts say such decisions help maintain fairness and transparency while discouraging candidates from attempting to secure government jobs through forged certificates.

Officials involved in recruitment processes have increasingly relied on direct verification from educational institutions to identify discrepancies and prevent fraudulent appointments.

A social media influencer popularly referred to as the “Viral Girl” has approached the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court claiming that her original birth certificate was illegally altered to portray her as a minor after her marriage. The petition, filed jointly with her husband on Wednesday, alleges manipulation of government records and seeks restoration of the original birth details along with an independent investigation into the matter. The case has triggered fresh attention due to allegations involving forged records, a POCSO case, social media controversy and claims of communal targeting linked to the marriage.

Petition Filed In High Court

According to the petition submitted before the Indore High Court, the woman claimed that her original birth certificate was removed from the government portal without notice or legal procedure. The petition alleges that a new birth record carrying a different date of birth was uploaded to falsely project her as a minor. The couple argued that the alleged changes were made to bring their marriage under criminal scrutiny. They have demanded restoration of the original birth certificate and an independent inquiry into the alleged tampering of official government records.

Couple Married In Kerala

As per details mentioned in the petition, the woman met her husband during a film shoot in Kerala. Their friendship later developed into a relationship, following which the couple reportedly got married in March 2026. The woman, a resident of Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone district, had earlier gained widespread attention on social media after viral videos and photographs circulated online. According to the petitioners, the marriage was legal and took place with mutual consent.

Controversy After Marriage

The matter became controversial after objections were reportedly raised regarding the woman’s age at the time of marriage.

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes had questioned the validity of the marriage, alleging that the woman was 16 years old during the wedding and that forged documents were used. Following the allegations, Khargone police registered a case against the husband under provisions of the POCSO Act. However, according to legal representatives of the couple, the Kerala High Court on April 20, 2026, stayed the arrest of the husband in the case.

Allegations Of Social Campaign

The petition further alleged that the woman’s father and some other individuals carried out a defamatory campaign against her husband on social media platforms.

According to the plea, the marriage was deliberately linked with sensitive terms such as “love jihad” to create communal tension and influence public opinion.

The petitioners argued that the matter relates to a personal marital decision but was being presented misleadingly on digital platforms and social media channels.

Lawyer Alleges Record Tampering

Advocate BL Nagar, representing the woman, claimed that the official records were manipulated in an attempt to oppose the marriage. He alleged that the original birth certificate was removed from the government system and replaced with altered details to legally portray the woman as underage.

The lawyer maintained that the woman was an adult at the time of marriage and had married voluntarily in Kerala. He further argued that the POCSO case against the husband was registered on the basis of allegedly fabricated documents and pointed out that the Kerala High Court had already granted interim relief against arrest.

Demand For Independent Probe

The petition has sought directions for restoration of the original birth records and a court-monitored or independent investigation into those allegedly responsible for removing or modifying official documents. Legal sources indicated that the matter could come up for hearing before the Indore bench in the coming days. The case has attracted significant public attention due to its combination of legal, social and digital controversy elements, making it one of the major public interest stories in recent Madhya Pradesh news developments.

FIR Against Film Director

Separately, the woman had registered an FIR on April 29, 2026, in Kerala against film director Sanoj Mishra and three others under provisions related to the POCSO Act. According to the complaint, the alleged incidents took place during the shooting of the film “The Diary of Manipur” when she was reportedly a minor.

The complainant accused the director of misconduct and exploitation under the pretext of offering acting opportunities. A Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader and advocate identified as Anil Vilayil was also named among the accused in the case. The complainant alleged that defamatory content targeting her was circulated on social media.

Director Rejects Allegations

Film director Sanoj Mishra has denied all allegations and described the accusations as part of a planned conspiracy. He claimed he was being targeted for speaking on issues linked to “love jihad” and alleged that the actress had been influenced and taken to Kerala before the marriage. Mishra further alleged that forged documents were used in the marriage and claimed false cases were being filed against him after he raised objections in the matter.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has imposed an interim stay on the recruitment process for AYUSH medical officers, including Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Unani doctors, in the state. The order was passed by the Jabalpur bench of the High Court while hearing petitions challenging the denial of reservation benefits to contractual doctors who have completed five years of continuous service.

The matter has emerged as a major India News Update related to government recruitment and reservation policy in Madhya Pradesh. The decision is expected to affect the ongoing recruitment process conducted through the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC).

The division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf issued notices to the state government and the MPPSC seeking their response in the matter. During the hearing, the state government requested additional time to file its reply before the court. Representing the state, the Additional Advocate General sought two days’ time to submit the response, which was accepted by the bench. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for June 23, 2026.

The High Court, while passing the interim order, stayed all further proceedings related to the recruitment advertisements issued on December 31, 2025. This means the appointment process for AYUSH medical officers will remain suspended until further directions from the court. According to the petitions filed before the court, contractual AYUSH doctors who completed five years of continuous service were not being granted the benefit of 50 percent reservation in the regular recruitment process.

The petitioners argued that the state government itself had issued a notification on March 11, 2025, providing reservation benefits to contractual medical officers working in Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Unani departments after completion of five years of service, provided they were working on equivalent posts. However, despite the notification, the recruitment advertisements issued by MPPSC allegedly failed to extend the reservation benefit to eligible contractual doctors.

Senior advocate Naman Nagarath, appearing on behalf of the petitioners, argued before the court that all contractual AYUSH doctors were already performing duties on the same posts for which recruitment had been announced. He submitted that the only difference between contractual and regular officers was related to salary structure and service conditions. Denying reservation benefits solely on the basis of different pay scales was unjustified and contrary to the government notification, he argued.

During the hearing, the petitioners’ counsel also referred to an earlier contempt case in which the state government had reportedly acknowledged that the AYUSH department approached the National Health Commission seeking parity in salary structure for contractual doctors. The petitioners claimed this itself established that contractual doctors were functioning on equivalent posts and therefore deserved reservation benefits under the notified policy.

The court’s interim order has brought temporary relief to thousands of contractual AYUSH doctors working across Madhya Pradesh. Many of these doctors have been demanding implementation of reservation benefits in regular appointments for several years. Medical associations and contractual employees’ groups welcomed the High Court’s intervention and said the decision has provided hope to doctors serving in remote and rural areas under contractual arrangements.

Several AYUSH doctors stated that despite years of service in government health facilities, they were not receiving the same opportunities and benefits available to regular employees. They argued that the reservation policy announced by the state government should be implemented uniformly during recruitment. The recruitment process had been initiated to fill vacant posts in Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Unani departments across the state. Officials said the appointments were aimed at strengthening healthcare services, especially in rural and semi-urban regions where AYUSH services remain in high demand.

Legal experts believe the outcome of the case could have wider implications for future government recruitment policies involving contractual employees in Madhya Pradesh. The dispute has also raised broader questions regarding service parity and reservation eligibility for long-serving contractual workers. Observers noted that the High Court’s order reflects the judiciary’s focus on ensuring that recruitment rules and government notifications are implemented fairly and consistently.

The state government is now expected to present its detailed stand regarding the recruitment policy and reservation provisions during the next hearing. The court’s final decision may determine how reservation benefits are extended to contractual AYUSH doctors in future recruitment drives.

----------

The Chhattisgarh High Court has rejected the bail application of businessman Anwar Dhebar in connection with the alleged manpower supply scam linked to irregularities in overtime payments at the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL).

The court observed that economic offences cannot be treated as ordinary crimes because they affect the country’s financial system and weaken public trust in governance. The development has become a major India News Update due to the political and financial implications associated with the case. While dismissing the plea, the High Court stated that large-scale economic crimes are often part of carefully planned conspiracies aimed at misusing public money and causing damage to the economic structure of the country.

According to the prosecution, the case is related to alleged corruption and irregularities in overtime payments made to employees through manpower supply agencies associated with CSMCL. Investigating agencies claimed that private manpower agencies supplying employees to the corporation were allegedly forced to pay commissions before their bills were cleared. The alleged illegal payments were reportedly linked to officials and influential individuals connected to the system.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) registered a case of fraud and corruption after evidence collected during investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) indicated irregular financial transactions. Officials alleged that Anwar Dhebar used political influence to interfere in the functioning and financial decisions of CSMCL. Investigators claimed he played a key role in controlling payments linked to manpower supply contracts.

According to the investigation report presented before the court, the commission amount initially collected from agencies was allegedly fixed at a specific percentage. However, investigators claimed that later the demanded amount increased significantly on Dhebar’s instructions. The probe reportedly revealed that some agencies were allegedly asked to pay nearly one-third or even more of the total bill amount as commission before receiving payments. Investigating agencies also alleged that additional illegal collections were sought in the name of elections and political expenditure.

The court was informed that some former officials of the corporation and private individuals allegedly acted as intermediaries in collecting money from agencies and transferring it further. The Enforcement Directorate had earlier conducted a trap operation on November 29, 2023, during which employees linked to Eagle Hunter Solutions agency were allegedly caught while delivering Rs 28.80 lakh in cash as bribe money. Officials stated that evidence recovered during that operation later formed the basis for further investigation against Anwar Dhebar. He was subsequently arrested on February 23, 2026.

During the bail hearing, Dhebar’s legal team argued that the case was politically motivated and claimed that he was being targeted due to political rivalry. The defence also alleged misuse of the legal process by registering multiple FIRs related to the same matter. His lawyers argued before the court that repeated cases were being filed to prevent him from securing release from jail. They also referred to the matter as “evergreening of custody” while seeking bail.

The state government strongly opposed the bail plea during the hearing and argued that the allegations involved large-scale corruption connected to public funds and misuse of official systems. After hearing both sides, the High Court observed that relief cannot be granted merely because an accused person is influential or because illegal money was not recovered directly from him.

The court stated that cases involving alleged misuse of public funds and corruption within government systems require careful judicial scrutiny. It further observed that such crimes damage not only the economy but also public confidence in administrative institutions. The High Court reportedly described Anwar Dhebar as the alleged main conspirator and primary beneficiary in the case. According to the court’s observations, the investigation had produced sufficient prima facie material against him at the current stage. Legal experts said the order reflects the judiciary’s increasingly strict approach towards economic offences and corruption-related cases involving public money.

The manpower supply scam case has attracted significant public and political attention in Chhattisgarh because of its alleged links to government departments, contract systems and financial irregularities. Observers believe the rejection of the bail plea may intensify scrutiny of similar manpower and outsourcing arrangements within public sector organisations.

The case continues to be monitored closely as investigating agencies pursue further evidence and examine the role of other accused persons allegedly connected to the network. The High Court’s remarks on economic offences have also sparked wider debate regarding corruption in government-linked contracts and the need for stronger accountability mechanisms.

--------

Mamata Banerjee appears in Calcutta HC in lawyer’s robe; argues TMC post-poll violence case

Former CM represents party before Chief Justice Sujoy Paul’s bench; highlights attacks on workers following 2026 Assembly results.

In a move that caught the legal fraternity and political observers by surprise, Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson Mamata Banerjee arrived at the Calcutta High Court on Thursday afternoon dressed in a lawyer’s black gown. The former Chief Minister appeared before a Division Bench led by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Parthasarathi Sen to personally argue a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding alleged widespread violence against her party workers following the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

Unexpected appearance in courtroom

The sight of the TMC supremo in formal legal attire created a stir within the court premises. While Banerjee holds an LL.B. degree from Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri Law College, her appearance as an arguing counsel is rare. Accompanied by senior advocate and party colleague Kalyan Banerjee, she walked into the Chief Justice's courtroom around noon.

The move is being seen as a high-stakes political statement following the recent election results, where the BJP secured a significant victory in the state.

Allegations of systemic violence

The PIL, filed by advocate Shirshanya Bandyopadhyay, alleges that TMC supporters and local leaders have been subjected to systematic attacks across several districts. During the proceedings, Banerjee informed the bench that the situation on the ground was one of "extreme distress."

"Our offices are being vandalized, and workers are being forced to flee their homes in many areas," she submitted before the court. She further alleged that women and children have not been spared in the unrest and claimed that at least 10 party workers had lost their lives in various incidents since the results were declared.

Chaos outside court premises

The legal drama was not limited to the courtroom. As Banerjee was exiting the High Court building following the hearing, she was met with "thief" slogans from a section of lawyers present on the premises. The situation briefly turned chaotic as TMC legal cell members and security personnel struggled to escort her to her vehicle.

Kalyan Banerjee later addressed the media, condemning the heckling. "The court is a place for legal arguments, not for public branding or political slogans. If a former Chief Minister can face such conduct inside the temple of justice, one can only imagine the plight of ordinary workers in remote villages," he said.

Context of the PIL

The petition highlights specific incidents in South 24 Parganas, Howrah, and parts of North Bengal. It seeks the court’s intervention to provide immediate protection to displaced workers and a directive to the state police to act against "hooliganism" that is allegedly occurring in plain sight.

The TMC has also linked this unrest to the "Special Intensive Revision" (SIR) of electoral rolls, an issue they previously challenged in the Supreme Court. The party maintains that the deletion of over 90 lakh names from the voter list had a direct bearing on the election outcome.

Judicial observation and next steps

Chief Justice Sujoy Paul’s bench took note of the submissions and the gravity of the allegations. While the court did not pass an immediate interim order, it has asked the state administration to file a status report on the law and order situation by early next week.

The matter is expected to be heard again on Tuesday. For now, the images of Mamata Banerjee in a lawyer’s robe have dominated the political discourse in Bengal, signaling that the TMC is prepared to take its fight from the streets to the highest corridors of the judiciary.

Raigarh Man Arrested for Alleged Rape After Backing Out of Marriage Promise

A 27-year-old youth from Raigarh was sent to judicial custody for allegedly raping a woman for two years under the pretext of marriage in Delhi.

 In a significant crackdown on crimes against women, the Raigarh police have arrested a man for allegedly duping a woman into a long-term live-in relationship under the false promise of marriage. The accused, identified as 27-year-old Akbar Ali, reportedly abandoned the victim in Delhi earlier this year after cohabiting with her for nearly two years.

The matter came to light on Friday when the victim, a resident of Bilaspur, approached the local Women's Police Station (Mahila Thana) to file a formal complaint. Following the report, the police acted swiftly to apprehend Ali from the Bajinpali Fatahmuda area under the Jute Mill police station limits.

Relationship started over phone

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the victim and the accused first came into contact via mobile phone back in 2017. Over the years, their acquaintance grew into a relationship. The victim alleged that Ali consistently assured her of marriage, gaining her trust over several years of conversation.

Forced stay in Delhi

The timeline of the assault traces back to August 2022, when the accused allegedly summoned the woman to Raigarh. Sources familiar with the matter said the first instance of physical assault took place at a friend’s residence in the city. Subsequently, in 2023, Ali persuaded the woman to move to Delhi with him.

The couple lived in a rented accommodation in the national capital for approximately two years. The victim stated that during this period, she was repeatedly subjected to sexual exploitation as the accused continued to use the promise of a future wedding as a tool for coercion.

Abandonment and legal action

The situation took a drastic turn in February 2026 when Ali abruptly refused to marry the woman. Leaving her alone in Delhi, he returned to his hometown in Chhattisgarh. Despite the victim’s repeated attempts to contact him and resolve the matter, Ali reportedly remained evasive and eventually issued a final refusal, prompting her to seek legal recourse in Raigarh.

Invoking the Atrocities Act

Taking note of the victim's background, the Raigarh police have tightened the legal noose around the accused. Besides charges of rape under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, authorities have added Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to the case.

"The accused was produced before a local court and has been sent on judicial remand to jail," a police official confirmed late Friday evening.

Message from the SSP

Raigarh Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shashi Mohan Singh emphasized that the department maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding crimes against women. Speaking on the arrest, the SSP urged women to come forward without fear. "Safety and dignity of women are our top priorities. We will ensure sensitive and strict action against anyone found playing with the honor of women," Singh stated.

The local administration is currently looking into whether there are any prior complaints against the accused as the investigation continues.

A senior district-level Congress functionary in Chhattisgarh has been arrested in connection with a rape case registered at a women’s police station in Kabirdham district. The development, which comes just 12 days before his scheduled wedding, has drawn significant public and political attention across the state. The Congress leader rape case arrest has become a key talking point in the ongoing India News Update cycle, with details emerging from police and official sources.

According to police officials, the accused was apprehended from Raipur after a complaint was filed by a woman who claimed to have been in a long-term relationship with him. The FIR was registered following her statement, after which legal action was initiated under relevant sections of the law.

Arrest From Raipur

Police teams detained the accused leader from Raipur, where he was reportedly distributing wedding invitations ahead of his scheduled ceremony on May 7. Following the arrest, he was transported to Kabirdham for further legal proceedings. Authorities confirmed that the action was taken after a formal complaint was lodged by the woman at the local women’s police station.

Relationship Allegations Raised

In her complaint, the woman alleged that she had been in a relationship with the accused for nearly a decade. She claimed that the Congress leader allegedly established physical relations with her on the assurance of marriage. However, she further stated that he later refused to marry her and was instead preparing to wed another woman.

Police sources indicated that the complaint formed the basis of the FIR, leading to the Congress leader rape case arrest under applicable provisions of law.

Political Background Profile

The accused is known to be active in local political circles in Kabirdham district. He currently holds a position within a farmer-related wing of the Congress organisation at the district level. As per reports, he had previously been associated with another regional political outfit and had also contested elections in the past before rejoining the Congress party.

Wedding Preparations Ongoing

The arrest came at a time when preparations for his wedding were underway. According to sources, invitation distribution had already begun and several social gatherings had taken place in connection with the upcoming ceremony.

The sudden Congress leader rape case arrest has now disrupted these arrangements, shifting attention from the personal milestone to the legal proceedings currently underway.

Police Investigation Update

Kabirdham police officials confirmed that the complaint was received recently and an FIR was registered without delay. Superintendent-level officers stated that the accused was taken into custody from Raipur after initial verification of allegations.

The woman’s statement has been recorded, and further investigation is underway to examine electronic evidence, communication records, and witness accounts. Authorities have maintained that the case will be handled strictly as per legal procedure.

Court Proceedings Begin

Following his arrest, the accused was produced before the local court. Police have sought further custody for detailed investigation. Judicial authorities are now expected to review the submissions made by law enforcement agencies before deciding the next course of action.

Officials reiterated that due process is being followed and no conclusion has been drawn at this stage beyond the arrest and registration of the case.

Next Steps in Case

The investigation is expected to continue with statements from both parties and supporting witnesses. Police have indicated that additional evidence will be examined in the coming days.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has upheld the acquittal of a man accused of rape and cheating, ruling that no offence of deception is made out when a woman knowingly enters into a relationship with a married man. In a significant ruling, the court observed that if a woman is aware that her partner is already married, she cannot later allege that physical relations were established on the false promise of marriage.

Justice Sanjay S. Agrawal passed the order while dismissing the woman’s appeal against a lower court judgment that had acquitted the accused, Mahesh Ganjir. The Chhattisgarh High Court said the essential element of fraud was absent in the case, as the complainant was fully aware of the man’s marital status.

What The Case Was

The case arose from a complaint filed by a woman from Dongargarh in Chhattisgarh, who claimed that she had married Mahesh Ganjir on May 8, 2008. She told the court that a written marriage agreement was also executed on January 21, 2009, and that the two lived together as husband and wife after that.

The woman alleged that the accused had physical relations with her during the course of the relationship and later expelled her from his house after she refused to give him more money. She also claimed to have spent Rs 85,000 on travel and related expenses during their time together.

Based on these claims, she accused Ganjir of rape and cheating and challenged the trial court’s acquittal before the High Court.

Contradictions In Record

The Chhattisgarh High Court noted several contradictions in the woman’s claims and found material inconsistencies in her earlier statements. According to court records, her earlier legal notices and police complaint did not mention a fixed marriage date. Instead, they stated that the accused had physical relations with her between May and September 2008 on the assurance of marriage.

The court also relied on another notice issued by the complainant, which indicated that she was fully aware that Mahesh Ganjir was already married. Records showed that she even knew the name of his first wife.

This, the court said, weakened her claim that she had been deceived into believing she was entering a legally valid marriage.

Court’s Legal Reasoning

While examining the matter, the Chhattisgarh High Court referred to Section 493 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with cohabitation caused by a man deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage.

The court said the core requirement under the provision is deception. It held that where both parties are aware that no valid legal marriage exists, the question of fraud does not arise.

Justice Agrawal noted that the accused’s first wife was alive at the time of the alleged marriage, making any subsequent marriage legally void under Sections 5 and 11 of the Hindu Marriage Act. Since the complainant knew this fact, the court held that she could not later claim she had been misled into believing she was the accused’s legally wedded wife.

Woman Argued Case

The woman argued her own case before the High Court after challenging the trial court verdict. After hearing her submissions and reviewing the trial record, the court found no legal ground to interfere with the acquittal.

The High Court then dismissed the appeal and affirmed the lower court’s order in favour of the accused.

Legal Significance Explained

The ruling is significant in cases involving allegations of rape on the promise of marriage, especially where prior knowledge of an existing marriage is established. Legal experts say the judgment reinforces the principle that consent obtained in a relationship cannot automatically be treated as consent obtained by fraud unless clear deception is proved.

The Chhattisgarh High Court ruling is likely to be cited in similar cases involving disputes over consent, marital status and allegations of inducement, according to officials tracking recent India News Update and Government Updates in criminal law.