From marital disputes to mental health and road safety, landmark rulings shape a more humane legal framework

New Delhi | Arun Sharma

As India steps into 2026, the year gone by stands out as a defining phase for constitutional jurisprudence. 2025 proved to be a landmark year for the Supreme Court, with the apex court delivering more than 100 significant judgments—many of which carried far-reaching implications for social reform, individual rights and governance.


Whether addressing the misuse of matrimonial laws, recognising mental health as a fundamental right, or redefining the State’s responsibility towards public safety, the Supreme Court in 2025 reaffirmed its role as a guardian of constitutional values. Among the many rulings, five decisions sparked the widest national debate and are expected to have lasting impact.


No Arrest for Two Months in Section 498A Cases
In a major relief in matrimonial disputes, the Supreme Court imposed a two-month bar on arrests under IPC Section 498A, aimed at curbing misuse of the cruelty law. The court upheld the guidelines framed by the Allahabad High Court, a move widely seen as balancing protection for women with safeguards against false implication under dowry-related provisions.


Safe and Motorable Roads Declared a Fundamental Right
In a progressive interpretation of Article 21, the Supreme Court ruled that the right to safe, well-maintained and motorable roads forms an integral part of the right to life. The court underlined that the State cannot abdicate its responsibility by merely outsourcing road construction and maintenance to private agencies, stressing direct accountability of government authorities.


Muslim Personal Law: Marriage of 16-Year-Old Upheld
The apex court upheld a 2022 Punjab and Haryana High Court ruling stating that a 16-year-old Muslim girl can legally marry a Muslim man under Muslim Personal Law. Dismissing a plea filed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, the court also validated the protection granted to the couple against threats, reigniting debate on personal laws and child protection norms.


SC/ST Act: Anticipatory Bail Allowed with Safeguards
Clarifying the scope of anticipatory bail under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the Supreme Court held that such relief may be granted only if no prima facie offence is made out. The court ruled that where allegations appear manifestly baseless, courts are empowered to exercise discretion under Section 438 of the CrPC.


Mental Health Recognised as an Essential Part of Right to Life
Expressing concern over rising student suicides, the Supreme Court declared that mental health is an inseparable component of the right to life under Article 21. A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued 15 binding guidelines to safeguard students’ psychological well-being.


Among the key directions was a mandate that educational institutions with more than 100 students must appoint trained counsellors, psychologists or social workers—a ruling hailed as a watershed moment for student welfare across the country.


A More Humane Constitutional Vision
According to senior advocate Anurag Jain, the Supreme Court’s 2025 judgments reflect a conscious shift towards human-centric constitutional interpretation. “These rulings show the court’s resolve to harmonise legal strictness with social realities,” he said, adding that the decisions will continue to guide India’s justice system in the years ahead.


Collectively, the 2025 verdicts underline the Supreme Court’s commitment to evolving constitutional morality—placing dignity, fairness and accountability at the heart of Indian democracy.