Punjab & Haryana HC Allows Minor Rape Survivor to Continue 31-Week Pregnancy, Permits Adoption Post Delivery

Punjab & Haryana HC Directs Regularisation from 2003 Under Article 14 Equality Clause

The Punjab and Haryana High Court reinforced the principle that administrative inaction cannot strip a worker of accrued rights under a valid regularisation policy. The court ordered the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board to regularise a daily-wage employee from 2003, applying Article 14's equality mandate. This judgment is crucial for understanding labour jurisprudence, the concept of 'model employer', and the enforceability of government policies.

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.

Agniveer Scheme: Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Job Reservation Policy for First Batch Returning in December 2026

The first batch of Agniveers recruited under the June 2022 scheme will return home in December 2026. While Haryana has a detailed reservation policy ready, Punjab and Himachal are yet to finalise their implementation plans, raising concerns about employment for these short-service soldiers.

Haryana Notifies ₹7.5 Lakh Compensation Policy for Custodial Deaths with Salary Recovery Clause

Haryana has notified a policy providing ₹7.5 lakh compensation for deaths in police custody caused by torture, inhuman treatment, or negligence, with at least 50% to be recovered from the guilty officer's salary. This follows intervention by the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. For exam aspirants, this links to Article 21 (Right to Life), custodial violence jurisprudence, and the role of State Human Rights Commissions.

Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act 2026 Enforced: First FIR Under Sections 3 and 9(2) Involving Minor

Maharashtra's new anti-conversion law (Freedom of Religion Act, 2026) has been enforced with the first FIR registered in Pune against a 22-year-old man for allegedly attempting to convert a minor. The law, effective August 1, 2026, prohibits conversion through coercion, fraud, or allurement and places the burden of proof on the converter, with enhanced penalties for minors, women, SC/ST, and persons of unsound mind.

Allahabad HC Upholds Mandatory Govt Service Bond for Subsidised PG Medical Education

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that doctors who pursue subsidised PG medical education cannot evade the mandatory two-year government service bond, even if there is administrative delay in providing posting. The court held that the bond ensures availability of doctors in government hospitals and protects patients' right to life under Article 21.

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.

ECI Voter Roll Integrity Crisis: Right to Vote vs Software, Form 6 Changes Under Scrutiny

An Indian Express investigation reveals that two Election Commissioners objected to key decisions on electoral rolls, raising constitutional questions about the right to vote being subordinated to software and bureaucratic rules. The article, written by RJD MP in Rajya Sabha, warns against the 'bureaucratisation of citizen’s right to vote' and highlights the 97 Goa voters left out due to software limitations.