Court Judgment on Anaithu Vivasaykalin Kanimavala vs Secretary Government India

The National Green Tribunal (Southern Zone, Chennai) issued a judgment on March 27, 2026, in Original Application No. 77 of 2023 and Appeal No. 80 of 2022. The case involves environmental impact assessment and concerns parties including government bodies and environmental organizations.

Public Notice: Railbelt Reliability Council ERO Standards

The Alaska Regulatory Commission has issued a public notice regarding the Railbelt Reliability Council's ERO Standards. This notice informs the public about the adoption of these standards, which are intended to enhance reliability within the Railbelt energy system.

CourtWatch Report Highlights Issues in Magistrates' Courts

The Bar Council has published a CourtWatch London project report highlighting issues in magistrates' courts, noting 2,300 hearings observed and 500 instances where defendants were unrepresented. The report suggests that proposed legislative changes and reduced legal aid could exacerbate these problems, potentially leading to miscarriages of justice.

Study Recommends Judicial Training and Appraisals for Improved Defendant Treatment

Transform Justice recommends compulsory training and appraisals for judges and magistrates to improve the treatment and experience of defendants in London magistrates' courts. The report, based on observations from the CourtWatch London project, highlights inconsistencies in judicial conduct and calls for better support for defendants' participation in hearings.

Crown Court Backlog Hits Record 80,203 Cases

The Ministry of Justice has reported a record backlog of 80,203 cases in the Crown court as of December. This figure highlights the ongoing strain on the justice system and is being used by the government to justify proposed reforms, including restrictions on jury trials, which are opposed by the criminal bar.

Court Case: Alternative Service of Divorce Petition and Financial Applications

The High Court of Justice (Family Division) set aside an order for alternative service of a divorce petition by email in the US, allowing the respondent to apply out of time. The court also ordered interim spousal maintenance and rent payments, totaling £166.1k per annum plus £100k for rent.

Financial Remedies Guide Restates Property Particulars Filing Obligation

The Financial Remedies Guide of March 2026 restates the obligation for parties in financial remedy cases below High Court Judge level to file property particulars at least 14 days before the First Appointment. This clarification addresses the ongoing issue of parties failing to provide adequate evidence regarding housing needs.

Sentencing Act 2026: Reforms to Suspended Sentence Orders

The Sentencing Act 2026 introduces significant reforms to suspended sentence orders in the UK, effective March 22, 2026. A key change establishes a presumption in favour of suspending custodial sentences of 12 months or less for offenders aged 18 and over, requiring courts to justify any decision not to suspend. The Act also expands the potential for suspending sentences up to three years and introduces new punitive conditions such as driving prohibitions and income reduction orders.

Limitation Act 1980 and Kay v Martineau Johnson Case Analysis

This article discusses the application of Section 14A of the Limitation Act 1980, as illustrated by the recent case of Kay v Martineau Johnson [2026] EWCA Civ 224. It highlights that while the law is largely settled, the application of the 'starting date' for limitation periods remains contestable.

Orgreave Inquiry Begins into Policing During Miners' Strike

The UK Government has formally launched an inquiry into the policing of the Orgreave coking plant during the 1984-85 miners' strike. The inquiry, chaired by the bishop of Sheffield, aims for full information disclosure and will deliver a report by spring 2028.