Supreme Court Directs RBI, States, CBI on Digital Arrest Scams: SOP, Kill Switch, ₹18 Cr Restored

SC Mandates SOPs to Curb Digital Arrests, Orders Time-Bound Refunds via I4C-RBI Portal

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre, States, RBI, and telecom authorities to implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to combat 'digital arrest' scams. The order mandates time-bound grievance redressal, zero FIR registration, and money restoration mechanisms. The I4C report shows a 86% reduction in complaints from 2024 to June 2026.

Supreme Court Seeks Centre's Response on CAPF Act 2026 Challenged for Violating Articles 14, 16, 21

The Supreme Court has questioned the constitutional validity of the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026, which mandates IPS officer deputation to senior CAPF posts, potentially overriding a 2025 SC judgment. This case tests the separation of powers and the rights of CAPF cadre officers under Articles 14, 16, and 21.

NTA Gets CISF Security Cover After NEET Paper Leak; CBI Chargesheet Reveals Lapses

Following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak that triggered nationwide protests and the resignation of the Union Education Minister, the NTA is shifting to a new office with CISF security cover. The CBI chargesheet highlights systemic lapses, including lack of frisking and CCTV monitoring, which allowed the leak. A high-powered task force under Nandan Nilekani has been set up to recommend exam reforms.

Supreme Court Quashes NSA Detention in Sambhal Violence Case, ₹10 Lakh Cost on U.P.

The Supreme Court has held that the NSA detention of Sambhal violence accused Mulla Afroz was an 'illegal exercise' of power, imposing ₹10 lakh costs on the U.P. government. The ruling underscores that preventive detention under NSA cannot be based solely on custodial confessions and that detaining authorities must consider all relevant material — a core judicial review theme for Polity.

Centre Overhauls NTA with CISF, AI Monitoring & HLCE Reforms After NEET-UG Leak

The Centre is overhauling NTA after the NEET-UG paper leak by implementing HLCE recommendations, deploying CISF, adding AI monitoring, and restructuring leadership. This impacts exam integrity for millions of aspirants and introduces key bodies like K Radhakrishnan Committee and Nandan Nilekani Task Force – high relevance for governance and education policy.

7 Years After Article 370 Revocation: J&K Still Awaits Statehood, Per Capita Income Ratio Falls to 76.6%

Seven years after the revocation of Article 370 and the loss of statehood, Jammu and Kashmir continues to face economic decline, high unemployment, and heavy-handed security measures. Despite Supreme Court advice to restore statehood, no timeline has been set. The article highlights the need for accountable governance through an elected administration, as the current Lt Governor-led rule lacks democratic accountability.

I4C Blocks 3,718 Mobile Apps Under IT Act; ₹11,158 Crore Saved via CFCFRMS

The Centre has blocked 3,718 mobile apps, including fraudulent loan apps, via the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the IT Act. Over ₹11,158 crore has been saved through the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS). This is crucial for understanding government action against cyber financial fraud and the role of I4C.

Supreme Court Dismisses 2017 PIL to Abolish Hanging Execution; Centre May Review Alternatives

The Supreme Court dismissed a 2017 PIL seeking to replace hanging with less painful methods like lethal injection, but allowed the Centre to form an expert body to review execution methods. The judgment references the Law Commission's 187th Report and emphasizes preserving dignity while minimizing pain.