Karnataka HC Quashes LOC Under Article 21, Section 498A; Stresses Proportionality Test for Right to Livelihood

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.

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.

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.

SC: Right to Walk on Demarcated Footpaths is Fundamental Right under Article 19(1)(d) & Article 21

The Supreme Court declared the right to walk on demarcated footpaths as a fundamental right under Articles 19(1)(d) and 21, prioritizing pedestrians over motorized vehicles. It has now directed all states and UTs to respond on implementation, making it a high-yield topic for Prelims (constitutional articles, dates) and Mains (urban governance, fundamental rights).

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.

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.

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.

Delhi HC Releases 2 Life Convicts Citing Chekhov; SRB Rejection 'Arbitrary' Under Article 21

The Delhi High Court ordered the release of two life-term convicts, holding that prolonged imprisonment 'kills slowly' and that Sentence Review Boards cannot reject early release pleas based on stereotyped reasoning. The judgment reinforces Article 21 rights and sets important guidelines for evaluating post-conviction conduct.