AP High Court Restores Consequential Seniority for SC/ST Promotions; 85th Amendment Cited

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.

BCI Orders Physical Inspection of All Law Colleges within 6 Weeks, Bans Weekend/Shift Classes After AP HC Verdict

The Bar Council of India has issued a circular (Aug 4, 2026) mandating all universities to physically inspect affiliated law colleges within six weeks and ban weekend/evening/shift-based programmes. This follows an Andhra Pradesh High Court judgment emphasizing universities' continuing duty to ensure compliance with minimum legal education standards. For exam aspirants, this is a key regulatory update linking BCI powers, legal education rules, and judicial oversight.

BCI Orders Nationwide Inspection of Law Colleges, Bans Shift-Based Programmes in 6 Weeks

The Bar Council of India has directed all universities to physically inspect affiliated law colleges within six weeks and submit compliance reports. This follows Supreme Court concerns and a High Court judgment reaffirming universities' duty to ensure compliance. The BCI targets shift-based programmes and inadequate facilities, aiming to curb sub-standard legal education.

AP High Court Declares Three-Capitals Petitions Infructuous; Amaravati Now Sole Capital Under AP Reorganisation (Amendment) Act 2026

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has deemed all petitions against the proposed three-capitals model as infructuous after Parliament amended the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, making Amaravati the sole capital by law. This ends a long-standing political and legal battle, with implications for state governance and federal structure.

FCRA Amendment Bill 2026: Govt to Drop Retrospective Clause, Likely Introduced August 12

The Centre has assured to drop the retrospective clause from the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, after concerns from Christian organisations. Mizoram CM Lalduhoma met Home Minister Amit Shah, who confirmed the clause will be removed, and the Bill is likely to be taken up in Lok Sabha on August 12.

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.

Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Delhi-NCR Sexual Assaults, Cites Article 21 and Nirbhaya Parallel

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of recent sexual assault cases in Delhi-NCR, flagging lax patrolling and administrative failures that make public spaces 'zones of high risk'. The court invoked Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) and drew a painful parallel to the 2012 Nirbhaya case, demanding accountability and a measurable response from authorities. This has major implications for law enforcement accountability, women's safety, and judicial oversight.

Calcutta HC Rules Electricity Essential for Dignified Life, Restores Power in Disputed Property

Calcutta High Court held that electricity is essential for 'meaningful civilized living' under Article 21. It restored power to occupants of a disputed property but clarified that restoration does not create any right to stay or equity in their favour.