Karnataka HC Quashes Assembly Panel's Reinstatement Order for IISc Professor: Separation of Powers Tested

Karnataka HC Refuses to Quash Case Against Firm for Relabeling Expired Food; Calls it 'Assault on Public Health'

The Karnataka High Court has refused to quash a criminal case against Earth Recycler Pvt. Ltd and its representatives for allegedly relabeling expired food products with fresh expiry dates and reselling them. The court termed this a 'calculated assault on public health' and held that such acts attract provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating and public mischief, beyond mere regulatory infractions under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act. This judgment reinforces the legal principle that food safety is not just a regulatory matter but a fundamental consumer health concern, and that criminal liability can be invoked for such deceptive practices.

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.

Karnataka HC Quashes BNS Section 69 Case in 5-Year Consensual Live-In Relationship

The Karnataka High Court has ruled that a five-year consensual live-in relationship cannot sustain a charge of sexual intercourse based on a false promise of marriage under Section 69 of the BNS. The court quashed criminal proceedings, emphasizing that a prolonged consensual relationship negates the element of deceit, a critical ruling for understanding judicial interpretation of consent and criminality in intimate relationships.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Resolution: Freeze Lok Sabha at 543 Seats, Implement 33% Women's Quota from 2029

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has passed a resolution demanding a permanent freeze of Lok Sabha seats at 543 and implementation of 33% women's reservation from 2029, rejecting any linkage to delimitation. This highlights the ongoing north-south divide over representation and the stalled women's quota implementation.

Karnataka HC Quashes KPSC Chairperson Suspension; Governor's Independent Action Invalid Under Article 317(1)

Karnataka High Court reinstates KPSC Chairperson Sahukar, ruling that the Governor's suspension order was invalid because it was passed without the aid and advice of the State Cabinet. This reaffirms the constitutional principle that the Governor is bound by Cabinet advice, even in matters concerning removal of SPSC members under Article 317(1). Important for understanding Governor's discretionary powers and the role of the Supreme Court in such inquiries.

Madras HC Directs TN Chief Secretary to Form Panel on POCSO, Juvenile Justice Gaps

The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to form a committee of Home, Health, and Law Secretaries to address systemic gaps in implementing the POCSO and Juvenile Justice Acts. The court made key suggestions including gender-neutral application of POCSO, avoiding criminalizing consensual adolescent relationships, and establishing protocols for medical termination of pregnancy and child witness deposition rooms. This is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it touches upon child rights, judicial activism, and state governance.

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.

SC Quashes NEET Protest FIRs Under Article 142, Orders Compensation Policy for Suicide Victims

Supreme Court used Article 142 to quash all FIRs registered against NEET protesters across India, while ordering compensation policy for families of students who died by suicide. This judgment underscores the balance between protest rights and criminal liability, and the government's commitment to address exam leak issues.