CIC Rules BCCI Not a 'Public Authority' Under RTI Act Section 2(h); Private Body Under TN Societies 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.

Patna HC Rules Religious Freedom Under Article 25 Subject to Public Order and Morality

Patna High Court holds that the right to profess and practise religion under Article 25 is not absolute and can be restricted for public order, morality, and health. This reiterates the essential religious practices doctrine and clarifies that constitutional protection does not extend to every mode of exercise. A plea for 300 devotees in a religious procession in Siwan, Bihar, was dismissed citing past law-and-order incidents.

Allahabad HC Rules CCTV Footage Exempt Under RTI Section 8(1)(g), Cannot Be Provided Directly

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that CCTV footage cannot be directly provided to an applicant under the RTI Act as it is exempt under Section 8(1)(g). However, a court or commission can direct preservation and production of such footage after a complaint is filed. This clarifies the scope of RTI exemptions and the procedure for accessing sensitive information.

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.

Parliamentary Panel Demands Meta Apology Over PM Video Removal, Threatens Revocation of Safe Harbour Under IT Act Section 79

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and IT, chaired by Nishikant Dubey, has demanded Meta apologize for erroneously blocking PM Modi's video, or face revocation of safe harbour under Section 79 of the IT Act. Similar action is threatened against Google India for financial frauds. This highlights the government's push to enforce intermediary accountability and the conditional nature of safe harbour immunity.

TN Withdraws RTI Exemption for Law and Order Dept Under Section 24(4); 2,000+ Citizens Seek CJI Intervention on SIR

Tamil Nadu government withdrew its controversial order exempting the Public (Law and Order) Department from the RTI Act after widespread backlash. Separately, over 2,000 citizens have written to the Chief Justice of India to stay the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and initiate suo motu proceedings against the Election Commission's conduct.

Allahabad HC: Public Employment is Public Trust; Unlawful Appointments Under Articles 14 & 16 Cannot Be Protected

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that public employment is a public trust, and appointments secured through deceit, misrepresentation, or abuse of judicial process cannot be protected. The court upheld the termination of a teacher whose appointment was found unlawful, and ordered recovery of salary and benefits received under interim court protection, reinforcing the constitutional mandate of equality under Articles 14 and 16.

Calcutta HC Cancels OBC-A and OBC-B Certificates Issued Under 2025 TMC Rules

The Calcutta High Court has cancelled all OBC certificates issued under the OBC-A and OBC-B categories created by the previous TMC government in 2025. This landmark ruling affects thousands of certificate holders who will now be treated as general category candidates, directly impacting reservation policies and state-level classification powers.