Census 2027 to Include Caste Enumeration for First Time Since 1931, SC Dismisses Petition Against It

Ladakh to Lead Independent India's First Caste Enumeration in Census 2027

Ladakh will pilot the first-ever caste enumeration in Independent India during the second phase of Census 2027 starting August 17. This open-ended caste data collection on 40 parameters could reshape reservation policies and social justice debates. Critical for understanding how census data informs governance and affirmative action.

Madras HC Rules Child Can Claim Reservation Through Mother, Rejects Patrilineal Caste Tracing

The Madras High Court has ruled that a child can claim Scheduled Caste (SC), Most Backward Class (MBC), or Other Backward Class (OBC) reservation benefits through their mother's nativity if the child is born and brought up in that community, rejecting the 'patriarchal society' argument. This landmark judgment links the core of reservation to social disadvantage, not lineage, and has direct implications for the interpretation of equality under Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Constitution.

UCC: Uttarakhand Enforces Since Jan 2025, 3 State Bills Await Assent, Target 21 NDA States by 2029

The UCC debate is back with Uttarakhand implementing it in Jan 2025 and three other NDA states passing bills. Home Minister Amit Shah targets all 21 NDA-ruled states by 2029. The issue directly tests constitutional principles – Directive Principles vs Fundamental Rights – and is a hot topic for UPSC prelims and mains.

SC Proposes Exempting Current Class 6 from Three-Language Policy; Centre Seeks More Time

The Supreme Court has proposed exempting the current Class 6 batch from the mandatory three-language policy, suggesting implementation from January 1, 2027. The Centre has sought more time to decide, while the court has asked for details on teacher availability and infrastructure.

SC's 76-Year Journey: Reforms at Magistracy Level Needed for Judicial Overhaul

A former Delhi High Court judge critiques the Indian judiciary's performance over 76 years, highlighting issues like eviction of poor without rehabilitation, failure to curb extra-legal punishments, and delay in upholding progressive judgments. The article argues that meaningful judicial reform must begin at the magisterial level, focusing on mentoring, mental health support, and performance evaluation reforms.

SC Seeks Replies on NRC ID Cards: 3.11 Crore Await Documents, 19 Lakh Excluded

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre and Assam government to respond to pleas seeking issuance of identity cards to 3.11 crore people included in the National Register of Citizens (NRC) 2019, while another 19 lakh excluded persons await the appeal process. This case is critical for exam aspirants as it tests knowledge of the Citizenship Act, NRC process, and Assam Accord provisions.

SC Proposes Special Courts for CBI & NIA Cases on Manipur Ethnic Violence; 891 Witnesses Yet to Testify

The Supreme Court has proposed setting up exclusive Special Courts to hear cases related to the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence investigated by the CBI and NIA, highlighting the slow pace of trials. With 891 out of 904 witnesses yet to be examined and serious charges including sexual violence, this move aims to expedite justice. For exam aspirants, this links to judicial administration, Article 14 (speedy trial), and the role of special courts under the NIA Act.

RGI Adopts Open-Ended Caste Query for Census 2027, Raising Caste Data Concerns

RGI has chosen an open-ended caste question for Census 2027, which critics say will make the caste census unclassifiable and delay publication. For aspirants, this is a live example of how procedural choices affect social-justice data, and a direct link to the 2011 SECC failure and state-level alternatives.