US Supreme Court accepts dispute over discovery of DOGE records
United States
The Supreme Court agreed to review discovery orders in a watchdog lawsuit seeking DOGE records. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington argues that DOGE falls under the Freedom of Information Act. The administration contends that requiring internal records before resolving the law’s applicability intrudes on presidential advice and separation of powers. The case concerns the scope of evidence gathering; accepting review does not decide whether DOGE must ultimately disclose the requested records.
Madras High Court quashes Ponmudi money-laundering proceedings after predicate-offence acquittal
India — Tamil Nadu
The Madras High Court quashed money-laundering proceedings against former minister K Ponmudi and other accused after their acquittal in the underlying red-sand quarrying case. The court applied the Supreme Court’s Vijay Madanlal Choudhary precedent, concluding that the Enforcement Directorate proceedings could not continue once the predicate offence ended in acquittal. Reports also identify his son Gautham Sigamani among those obtaining relief. The ruling concerns this prosecution and should not be read as resolving unrelated proceedings.
US judge preserves White House access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico during litigation
United States
District Judge Timothy Kelly extended protection for CNN, MS NOW and Politico journalists’ White House access while their lawsuit proceeds. The Associated Press reports that the outlets are likely to succeed on free-speech and due-process claims and would otherwise face irreparable harm. The ruling continues protection against the administration’s credential ban; it is not a final judgment on all claims. Reporting differs on the injunction’s label, so this briefing describes its interim effect rather than treating it as a final merits resolution.
Brazil announces proposed tax-debt forgiveness for micro-entrepreneurs
Brazil
Brazil announced plans to submit legislation forgiving approximately 12.6 billion reais in government debt owed by micro-entrepreneurs, potentially benefiting 3.6 million people. A separate programme would purchase private-sector debt at discounts. The proposed tax relief still requires congressional approval; the announcement does not itself establish that the debts have legally been extinguished. The initiative arrives ahead of the presidential runoff and could affect small businesses’ tax standing and access to finance.
European human-rights court finds violations over exclusion of BBC journalist from Scottish hearing
United Kingdom — Scotland; European Court of Human Rights
The European Court of Human Rights ruled for Steven Duff and BBC Scotland over a journalist’s exclusion from an Aberdeen Sheriff Court hearing in 2018. In Duff and BBC Scotland v United Kingdom, the court found violations involving press freedom and an effective remedy. It awarded the applicants jointly 25,000 euros in costs and expenses. The ruling reinforces the importance of open justice and scrutiny of decisions closing hearings to journalists.
