By initiating corrective action on important judicial rulings, the Supreme Court has reinstated justice in two diverse cases with underlying common themes of State, society, and public scrutiny. Firstly, its decision to keep in abeyance earlier judgment on the definition of the Aravalli hills is timely and prevents an ecological disaster in vast areas of northern India. The other action was in response to the Delhi High Court’s order suspending the prison sentence of Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a former BJP MLA from UP, in the Unnao rape case, and granting him bail. In a country where politicians often enjoy unbridled impunity from prosecution, it is rare for any lawmaker to pay for his crimes. It has taken national outrage after the victim attempted to immolate herself in 2018 and multiple charges, the conspiracy to kill the victim’s father in custody for one, for Sengar to be arrested, charged and finally convicted. Justice prevails when its miscarriage is prevented, too. Both judgments are remarkable because they are in line with public sensitivities on the issues involved. In cases such as Sengar’s, it fosters public confidence in the judiciary.
