Apex Court grants interim relief, suspending operation of paragraphs 27 to 33 of the impugned judgment until final hearing on merits
The Supreme Court of India on 23 September 2026 granted interim relief in two criminal special leave petitions filed by Medha Roopam, staying the operation of the impugned judgment, particularly paragraphs 27 to 33, until the matter is heard on merits.
A Bench comprising Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh heard the matter and allowed permission to file the special leave petition in the diary matter. The Court also issued notice to the respondents and granted them two weeks’ time to file replies.
In the diary matter, counsel appearing for respondent No. 1 accepted notice on her behalf. The Court further directed service of notice upon respondent Nos. 2 to 6, with the petitioner required to serve respondent Nos. 2 and 3 through their respective standing counsels in addition to normal service.
After hearing senior counsel for both sides, including arguments on the question of interim relief, the Court held that the operation of the impugned judgment should remain stayed, especially the portions contained in paragraphs 27 to 33, until the petitions are finally considered on merits. The matter has been listed for further hearing on 7 October 2026.
In the connected Special Leave Petition (Criminal) No. 18010 of 2026, the Court passed a similar order. Notice was issued, respondent No. 1 accepted notice through counsel, and respondent No. 2 was also directed to be served through standing counsel. The respondents were granted two weeks to file replies, and the Court again ordered that the impugned judgment, particularly paragraphs 27 to 33, shall remain stayed until the matter is heard on merits.
The interim stay indicates that the Supreme Court found it appropriate to suspend the effect of the challenged findings for the time being, without expressing any final opinion on the merits of the case.
Bottom Line:
Supreme Court granted interim stay of operation of impugned judgment, particularly paragraphs 27 to 33, till the matter is heard on merits, after issuing notice and granting time to respondents to file reply.
Statutory provision(s): Article 136 of the Constitution of India
Medha Roopam v. Akriti Chaudhary, (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2984309
