Allahabad HC Verdict (12 June 1975) in Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narain: Legal Prelude to Emergency

Justice Liberhan Commission: Babri Masjid Demolition Was a Well-Planned Civil Conspiracy

Justice Manmohan Singh Liberhan, head of the one-man Commission of Inquiry into the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition, passed away. His 2009 report concluded the demolition was a meticulously planned civil conspiracy involving RSS, VHP, Bajrang Dal, BJP, and Shiv Sena — a finding he never retracted despite the 2020 CBI court acquittals.

Allahabad HC Dismisses Hijab Petition: Muslim Girls' Enrolment Drops from 18% to 12.9% in Higher Secondary

The Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition seeking permission to wear a headscarf in school, upholding uniform dress code. However, the case highlights a deeper issue: Muslim girls' enrollment in schools drops sharply from 18% at primary level to just 12.9% at higher secondary (UDISE+ 2024-25). The article argues that strict uniform rules, when applied without accommodation, may become a barrier to education for Muslim girls, referencing the Supreme Court's split verdict in the hijab case and the Sachar Committee's findings on cultural hostility.

SC Strength Increased to 38 Judges: Will It Reduce Pendency and Free Up Constitution Benches?

Parliament has passed a bill increasing Supreme Court judge strength from 34 to 38, aimed at enabling regular Constitution Benches and reducing case backlog (92,101 cases pending as of Jan 1, 2026). However, past Law Commission reports question if more judges alone can solve pendency, and the real impact depends on filling vacancies and judicial management.

Article 249 Extended to J&K via 1954 Order Amendment Amid Suspended Assembly

This 1986 event shows how the Centre used Article 249 to legislate for J&K during President's Rule, highlighting the constitutional mechanism for central intervention in state subjects. Essential for understanding J&K's pre-370 abrogation dynamics and the application of Article 249 in national interest.

President Murmu Assents to Anti-Paper Leak Bill: 5-10 Years Jail, ₹50 Lakh Fine, Fast-Track Courts

President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing stricter punishments (5-10 years jail, fines up to ₹50 lakh for individuals, ₹10 crore for organized crime) and mandatory fast-track courts for trials within 3 months. This comes after NEET 2026 paper leak protests.

Centre Tells SC Creamy Layer Cannot Apply to SC/ST Quotas, Cites Historical Disadvantage

The Centre has opposed extending the creamy layer principle to SC/ST reservations, arguing that historical discrimination based on untouchability cannot be equated with economic backwardness. The affidavit also asserts that any change in reservation policy is Parliament's domain, not the courts. This is critical for understanding the distinction between SC/ST and OBC reservation criteria.

Communal Award 1932: Gandhi Fast vs Ambedkar on Separate Electorates, Poona Pact Outcome

In 1932, the British Communal Award granted separate electorates to Depressed Classes, pitting Gandhi (who saw it as a threat to Hindu unity) against Ambedkar (who saw it as essential for political representation). Gandhi's fast-unto-death forced the Poona Pact, which replaced separate electorates with increased reserved seats — a system India retains today. This is a landmark event in India's constitutional history and a frequent UPSC/MPSC exam topic.

SC Quashes All NEET Protest FIRs Under CJI Surya Kant; Raises Selective Justice Issue on Right to Peaceful Protest

The Supreme Court quashed all FIRs against NEET student protesters, affirming the constitutional right to peaceful protest. However, the editorial raises concerns about selective justice, noting that cases against factory workers, CAA protesters, and farmers remain pending, potentially criminalizing dissent based on the protester's identity.