SC Affirms Reproductive Autonomy as Fundamental Right, Urges Revisit of MTP Act 1971 to Remove Gestational Limits for Minor Rape Survivors

SC Quashes All NEET Protest FIRs Under CJI Surya Kant; Raises Selective Justice Issue on Right to Peaceful Protest

The Supreme Court quashed all FIRs against NEET student protesters, affirming the constitutional right to peaceful protest. However, the editorial raises concerns about selective justice, noting that cases against factory workers, CAA protesters, and farmers remain pending, potentially criminalizing dissent based on the protester's identity.

Govt to SC: Only Parliament Can Extend Creamy Layer to SC/ST; Cites Article 341, E V Chinnaiah Case

The government has told the Supreme Court that extending the creamy layer principle to SC/ST is a policy decision for Parliament alone. This reaffirms that reservation for SC/ST is based on historical social criteria, not just economic status, and the creamy layer concept currently applies only to OBCs.

SC: Right to Walk on Demarcated Footpaths is Fundamental Right under Article 19(1)(d) & Article 21

The Supreme Court declared the right to walk on demarcated footpaths as a fundamental right under Articles 19(1)(d) and 21, prioritizing pedestrians over motorized vehicles. It has now directed all states and UTs to respond on implementation, making it a high-yield topic for Prelims (constitutional articles, dates) and Mains (urban governance, fundamental rights).

2026 Amendment Penalises Disruption of Vande Mataram Singing (Up to 3 Years Jail); Bijoe Emmanuel Case Protects Silent Dissent

The 2026 amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act gives Vande Mataram the same criminal protection as the national anthem, but it does not compel singing. The Supreme Court's Bijoe Emmanuel ruling protects the right to remain silent if participation conflicts with conscience. This has implications for freedom of religion (Articles 25-26) and freedom of speech (Article 19(1)(a)).

SC Rules BCI Cannot Discipline Law Students; Landmark Judgment Limits Regulatory Overreach

The Supreme Court ruled that the Bar Council of India (BCI) has no power to take disciplinary action against law students, clarifying the limits of BCI's regulatory authority under the Advocates Act, 1961. This landmark judgment draws a boundary in the six-decade-long conflict between the BCI and law students over issues ranging from attendance mandates to the All India Bar Examination.

FCRA Amendment Bill 2026: Foreign Funding Limits, NGO Data, and Domestic Philanthropy Gaps

The government's proposed FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 tightens foreign funding rules, vesting assets in a designated authority upon cancellation. With 22,496 NGO registrations already cancelled, the article analyzes whether Indian domestic philanthropy (₹1.43 lakh crore) can fill the gap, making it a critical governance and polity topic for exams.

Rajya Sabha Passes Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill 2026, Raising Judge Strength to 38

The Rajya Sabha has cleared the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, raising the apex court's sanctioned strength from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India. The Bill replaces a May ordinance, but Opposition MPs questioned the ordinance route and highlighted the persistent diversity deficit in judicial appointments. This is a high-yield Polity topic for Prelims and Mains, with concrete data on SC/ST/OBC/minority/women representation and judiciary infrastructure.

SC Releases New Gender Sensitivity Handbook, Replaces 2023 Version; Recommends Survivor-Centric Language & Trauma-Informed Court Practices

The Supreme Court has released a new report titled 'Judgments and Gender' replacing its 2023 handbook on combating gender stereotypes. The report, drafted by an expert committee headed by former SC judge Justice Aniruddha Bose, provides practical guidelines for judges to use survivor-centric language, avoid morality-laden expressions, and adopt trauma-informed courtroom practices. This is crucial for UPSC as it reflects judicial reforms in gender sensitivity and victim protection.