India legal updates: Rajpal Yadav relief and NEET-UG case arguments

In the NEET-UG paper leak investigation, defense counsel for Prahalad Kulkarni argued before the Rouse Avenue Court that Kulkarni is not a public servant as alleged by the CBI. The defense contended that Kulkarni’s position with the National Testing Agency (NTA) was not officially notified as required by law to qualify for public servant status. The counsel further disputed allegations regarding the exchange of money and the leaking of examination papers.

Separately, the Supreme Court granted conditional relief to actor Rajpal Yadav and his wife in a long-running cheque-bounce case involving Murli Projects Pvt Ltd. The court exempted them from immediate surrender on the condition that they deposit Rs 5 crore with the court registry. The case stems from a dispute over financing for the film ‘Ata Pata Laapata’. The Supreme Court has issued a notice and will hear the matter again on September 15.

Additionally, the Supreme Court declined a request for an expedited hearing in a defamation case involving Rahul Gandhi. The case relates to a 2022 statement regarding the India-China border situation. The court advised the complainant to follow standard procedures by filing an application for an early hearing, noting that all parties are treated equally before the court.