Article 32

The Mizo Chief Council Mizoram v Union of India Supreme Court judgment clarifies Article 32 delay and laches principles while rejecting historical property rights claims for lack of proof.

The Supreme Court ruled that there is no fundamental right to access a specific private app like WhatsApp, distinguishing it from the right to internet access. The Court suggested using the indigenous app, Arattai, framing the issue as a contractual, not constitutional, dispute.

In a landmark order, the SC allowed death row convict Vasanta Sampat Dupare to reopen sentencing, citing non-compliance with Manoj v. State of MP (2022) safeguards. By invoking Article 32 as a corrective tool, the Court has carved a narrow but powerful remedy for capital cases. Defence lawyers gain a new pathway to challenge final death sentences where procedural safeguards are breached.

Supreme Court emphasises procedural discipline in rejecting a writ petition under Article 32, reinforcing judicial propriety.