SC Declares Right to Trauma Care Under Article 21; Issues 9 Binding Directions

Health Ministry Backs Same-Sex Partners' Medical Decision Rights Under Mental Healthcare Act, 2017

The Union Health Ministry has told the Delhi High Court that excluding same-sex partners from making medical decisions for each other solely based on sexual orientation is unethical. This marks a significant administrative shift, though the government maintains that 'spouse' under Indian marriage laws only applies to heterosexual couples, creating a nuanced legal landscape for exam aspirants.

SC Issues Notice to Centre on Plea to Ban Polygamy Under Section 82 BNS Uniformly

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of polygamy among Muslims, arguing it violates gender equality and is a primary driver of female destitution. The plea seeks uniform application of Section 82 BNS (bigamy law) and compulsory registration of Muslim marriages. This case could reignite the Uniform Civil Code debate and has implications for personal law reforms.

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 Uniform Policy for Demolition & Rehabilitation of Unauthorised Homes Under Article 21

The Supreme Court has ruled that the state's power to demolish unauthorised constructions must be balanced with the duty to rehabilitate affected families, invoking Article 21 (right to dignity, shelter, livelihood). The court directed the Union and State governments to consider formulating a uniform demolition and rehabilitation policy.

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.

Uttarakhand Seals 20 Madrasas Under New Minority Education Act; USAME Replaces Madrasa Board

Uttarakhand has sealed 20 unrecognised madrasas under a new regulatory framework that replaced its statutory Madrasa Board with the Uttarakhand State Authority for Minority Education (USAME). The move, backed by a 2024 Supreme Court ruling upholding state regulation of minority institutions while protecting Article 30 rights, signals a shift toward standardised education in minority-run schools. Aspirants must connect this to Article 21A, RTE Act, and the ongoing debate between minority autonomy and state regulation.

SC 9-Judge Bench Rules BWSSB Triple Test Not Binding for IRC 2020 Section 2(p)

The Supreme Court's 9-judge bench has held that the landmark 1978 'Triple Test' for defining 'industry' under the ID Act will not be a binding precedent for interpreting the identical provision in the new Industrial Relations Code, 2020. This could weaken worker protections just as more workers move to the private sector post-liberalisation.

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).