MP High Court Rules Bhojshala Complex a Saraswati Temple, Sets Aside 2003 ASI Order on Worship Rights Under Article 25

Madhya Pradesh High Court Quashes Non-Speaking Order, Restores 50% Pension to Govt Employee

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has quashed a punishment order withholding 50% pension of a government employee, holding that the disciplinary authority must pass a reasoned (speaking) order and consider the employee's defence. This reinforces the principle of natural justice and the requirement of speaking orders in disciplinary proceedings, a key concept for administrative law.

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.

Chhattisgarh HC Rules Shariyat Court Cannot Legally Dissolve Marriage; Triple Talaq Order Set Aside

Chhattisgarh High Court held that a Shariyat Court's declaration of triple talaq (Talaq-e-Hasan) has no legal authority. The judgment reinforces the supremacy of constitutional law over religious decrees, a crucial topic for UPSC mains on secularism and Uniform Civil Code.

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 Directs TN on Fishing Vessel Transit Rules Under Marine Fishing Regulation Rules, 2020

The Supreme Court has directed Tamil Nadu to create a 'specified channel' for fishing vessels transiting to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) under the Marine Fishing Regulation Rules, 2020. This judgment upholds both State and Central laws governing purse seine fishing, emphasizing co-operative federalism and addressing the conflict between territorial waters regulation and EEZ access.

Supreme Court Directs States to Revisit Raising Judicial Officers' Retirement Age to 61 in 2 Weeks

The Supreme Court has held that States cannot use financial burden as a valid ground to oppose enhancing the retirement age of judicial officers. It has directed all States/UTs to decide within two weeks, in consultation with High Courts, on allowing district judges to serve up to 61 years while a petition for uniform 62 years remains pending.

Chhattisgarh HC Rules Religious Institutions Cannot Function as Courts; Quashes Shariya Court Triple Talaq Order

The Chhattisgarh High Court has ruled that no religious institution can assume the authority of a court established by law, striking down a Shariya court's triple talaq order. This reinforces the constitutional supremacy of the legal system over personal religious practices, a critical issue for UPSC Polity and Social Justice.

SC Upholds Clinical Establishments Rules 2012: Price Range Fixing Under Article 47

The Union Health Ministry defended the constitutional validity of the 2012 Clinical Establishments Rules before the Supreme Court, arguing that price regulation of healthcare services is essential to fulfill the mandate of Article 47 (DPSP). This is a key case for understanding the balance between fundamental rights (Article 19(1)(g)) and reasonable restrictions in the interest of public health.