DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (05 APRIL 2025)

Supreme Court refuses to entertain PIL seeking ban on social media access for kids under 13.

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (05 APRIL 2025)

SUPREME COURT REJECTS PIL TO BAN SOCIAL MEDIA FOR CHILDREN UNDER 13

Case Name: Zep Foundation vs. Union of India [Diary No. – 8128/2025]

The Supreme Court refused to entertain a PIL seeking a ban on social media access for children under 13, stating such matters fall within the government’s policy domain. The Court allowed the petitioner, Zep Foundation, to approach the Central government, citing mental health concerns and risks of early digital exposure.

Legal Provision 

• Article 21 of Constitution of India:  Right to life includes protection of mental health and dignity of children.
• Information Technology Act, 2000: Framework governing online safety, intermediaries, and digital access.
• Judicial Policy Limitation: Courts refrain from directing policy; such decisions rest with the legislature/executive.
• Child Protection Principles: UNCRC and Indian child welfare frameworks emphasize safe digital spaces.
• Digital Literacy and Regulatory Recommendations: Plea sought enforcement of parental controls, age verification, biometric checks, and nationwide awareness. 

Source: Supreme Court of India

BOMBAY HIGH COURT STAYS ₹2,500 CRORE GST DEMAND AGAINST COCA-COLA

Case Name: Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd. vs Union of India

The Bombay High Court stayed a ₹2,500 crore GST demand against Hindustan Coca-Cola, holding the tax authorities’ reasoning as prima facie flawed. The dispute centered on distributor discounting mechanisms and valuation methods under GST provisions. Interim relief was granted, halting any coercive action pending final adjudication.

Legal Provision 

• Section 15(1) of CGST Act: Value of supply should be based on transaction value.
• Section 15(3)(a) of CGST Act: Discounts agreed before or at supply time are deductible if linked to invoices.
• Section 74 of CGST Act governs tax evasion and provides limitation for show-cause notices.
• Show-Cause Notice Rules: Procedural framework for tax demands and adjudication timelines.
  
• Judicial Interpretation: Court found prima facie merit in Coca-Cola’s contention on discount valuation and procedural lapse. 

Source:  BOMBAY HIGH COURT 

JUSTICE AS OKA: MAJORITY OF HATE SPEECHES IN INDIA TARGET RELIGIOUS MINORITIES AND OPPRESSED CLASSES

Issue: Justice AS Oka’s Address at Columbia Law School on Hate Speech and Free Expression

Supreme Court Justice AS Oka emphasized that most hate speeches in India target religious minorities and oppressed groups, often politically motivated to disturb social harmony. He advocated balancing penal actions with constitutional freedoms, stressing education and fraternity as effective tools against hate while protecting the right to dissent and satire.

Legal Provision 

• Indian Penal Code (IPC):
  1. Section 153A: Promoting enmity between groups.
  2. Section 295A: Deliberate acts to outrage religious feelings.
• Representation of the People Act, 1951:
  1. Section 123(3): Prohibits promotion of hatred in elections.
• Constitution of India:
  1. Article 19(1)(a): Right to freedom of speech and expression.
  2. Article 21: Right to live with dignity.
  3. Preamble: Emphasizes fraternity, unity, and integrity.
• Judicial Interpretation:
  1. Hate speech cannot be defined solely on subjective perceptions.
  2. Free speech must be judged by a courageous standard, not a fragile one. 

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