SC Awards ₹12 Lakh Compensation to Woman Denied Peon Job by IOC on Gender Grounds

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.

Karnataka HC Orders Interim Compensation Scheme for Mob Lynching Victims; Directs Compliance in 3 Months

Karnataka High Court has declared mob lynching a 'grave threat' to rule of law and directed the state to formulate an interim compensation scheme for victims within three months. The court also reiterated the stringent provisions of BNS Section 103(2) and the need for fast-track trials, making this a critical update for UPSC and state PSC exams focusing on criminal law reforms and human rights.

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.

SC Replaces 2023 Gender Stereotype Handbook with 2026 Report on Compassionate Court Practices for Trial Judges

The Supreme Court has released a new report replacing its 2023 gender stereotype handbook, shifting focus from language to courtroom trauma. It mandates trial judges to develop an 'Emotional Quotient', control aggressive cross-examinations, and prevent secondary traumatisation of sexual assault survivors, following the Allahabad HC's controversial 'preparation vs attempt' ruling.

Supreme Court Invokes Article 142 to Quash FIRs Against NEET-UG 2026 Protesters

The Supreme Court used its extraordinary power under Article 142 to quash FIRs against NEET-UG 2026 protesters, raising questions about the scope of 'complete justice' and judicial overreach. For aspirants: understand Article 142's expansive power and its constitutional limits.

SC Orders Fresh SIT Probe into 2012 Karnataka Rape-Murder, Sets 3-Month Deadline for Investigation

The Supreme Court has ordered a fresh SIT investigation into the 2012 rape-murder of a 17-year-old girl in Karnataka, severely criticizing the earlier probe as 'shocking the conscience'. The Court set aside the Karnataka High Court's dismissal of the victim's family plea for reinvestigation after the accused was acquitted in 2023. This landmark judgment reinforces judicial accountability for investigative failures and the right of victims to a fair probe.

SC OBC Creamy-Layer Verdict: Centre Seeks 2 Years for Prospective Implementation

The Supreme Court, in its March 2026 verdict, changed OBC creamy-layer criteria beyond just parental income. Now the Centre seeks 2 years to implement this prospectively, arguing retrospective application would cause administrative chaos in recruitments and admissions. This directly impacts reservation policy and civil services exams since 2012.

Govt to SC: Only Parliament Can Extend Creamy Layer to SC/ST; Cites Article 341, E V Chinnaiah Case

The government has told the Supreme Court that extending the creamy layer principle to SC/ST is a policy decision for Parliament alone. This reaffirms that reservation for SC/ST is based on historical social criteria, not just economic status, and the creamy layer concept currently applies only to OBCs.