Bombay HC Upholds Eviction Under AAI Act Section 28-B, Grants 4-Week Deadline to Air India Employees from Kalina Colony

SC Directs Removal of Unauthorised Structures on National Highways Within 60 Days After 34 Deaths

Following 34 road deaths in two accidents in Rajasthan and Telangana, the Supreme Court has directed all states to remove unauthorised structures within the Right of Way on National Highways within 60 days. Maharashtra has issued an ultimatum to its urban bodies to comply, as the SC warns of summoning Chief Secretaries of defaulting states.

AP Pedestrian Safety Policy 2026: SC Recognises Right to Walk, 36,526 Pedestrian Deaths in 2024, Section 198A Fine

The Supreme Court recognized the right to walk on footpaths as a fundamental right. Andhra Pradesh became the first state to notify a pedestrian safety policy, mandating audits, removal of encroachments, and a Rs 1 lakh fine under Section 198A MV Act for infrastructure failure causing death. With 1 in 5 road deaths being pedestrians (36,526 in 2024), this policy is a landmark for urban governance and social justice.

Supreme Court Rules NCSC Cannot Issue Binding Directions Under Article 338

The Supreme Court clarified that the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has only recommendatory and advisory powers under Article 338, not adjudicatory powers. It cannot issue binding orders in service disputes. This ruling sets boundaries for constitutional commissions under Articles 338, 338A, and 338B.

SC Orders Sealing of 16,726 Illegal Structures in Meerut, Forms Judicial Commission Led by Justice Dhulia

The Supreme Court has taken a stern stance against illegal constructions in Meerut, ordering the sealing of over 16,000 properties and demolition of unauthorised structures. A judicial commission headed by former SC judge Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia will investigate the role of the Meerut Development Authority and possible collusion. This case highlights the court's proactive role in urban governance and personal accountability of officials for loss of life.

Judicial Infrastructure Committee Submits Interim Report; Law Ministry Gets ₹4,509 Cr in Budget 2026-27

The Judicial Infrastructure Advisory Committee, chaired by Supreme Court judge Justice Aravind Kumar, has submitted its interim report to the CJI. The committee's blueprint aims to modernize courts and address infrastructural deficiencies, especially concerning amid reduced budget allocation for the Law Ministry (₹4,509.06 crore in 2026-27). Students must focus on this for exam relevance to judicial reforms, e-Courts, and budget allocation.

Madras HC: No Sanction Needed Under BNSS Section 218 for Disproportionate Assets Cases

The Madras High Court has ruled that no prior sanction is required under Section 197 CrPC or Section 218 BNSS to prosecute public servants for disproportionate assets, because such an offence has no nexus with official duty. The ruling, which refused to discharge former DMK Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam and his family, clarifies a key examiner-relevant dimension of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

SC Stays HC Order Declaring NSEI as 'Public Authority' Under RTI Act Section 2(h)

The Supreme Court has stayed a Delhi High Court order that declared the National Stock Exchange of India (NSEI) a 'public authority' under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act. This means citizens cannot currently enforce their right to information from NSEI. The case challenges whether a stock exchange, though controlled by the government, should be treated as a public authority.

Bombay HC Rules Community Health Volunteers Entitled to Minimum Wage Under 1948 Act

The Bombay High Court has ruled that community health volunteers working for the BMC are entitled to minimum wages under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, rejecting the argument that their honorarium exempts them. This judgment strengthens labour rights for contractual and volunteer workers, an important topic for UPSC labour jurisprudence and social security.