Rajasthan HC Clarifies Criminal Contempt Under Section 2(c) of Contempt of Courts Act, 1971; Distinguishes Fair Criticism from Institutional Attack

Rajasthan HC: Govt Employee Resigning to Contest Polls Cannot Seek Reinstatement Under CCS Rules 2021

The Rajasthan High Court ruled that a government employee who voluntarily resigns to contest assembly elections cannot claim reinstatement after losing the election, as contesting polls does not constitute a 'material change in circumstances' under Rule 26(5) of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021. The judgment upholds the mandatory principle of political neutrality for civil servants under the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964.

Rajasthan HC: Judicial Infrastructure Constitutional Duty, Not Govt Favour; Cites Article 21

The Rajasthan High Court has ruled that providing adequate judicial infrastructure is a constitutional duty of the state, not a favour. The court rejected financial constraints as an excuse, linking infrastructure to Article 21 (right to life and liberty), and ordered restoration of its Jodhpur building's Central Dome, which IIT Bombay found to be in imminent danger of collapse.

SC Judge Sandeep Mehta Seeks Transfer of Rajasthan HC Acting CJ, Alleges CJI Ignored Clear Evidence of Favouritism

Supreme Court Judge Justice Sandeep Mehta has written three letters to the CJI in August 2026, seeking immediate transfer of Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, citing clear evidence of favouritism, maladministration, and retributive actions against judges. This rare internal judiciary conflict raises critical questions about judicial independence, collegium functioning, and accountability mechanisms within the higher judiciary.

Madras HC: No Sanction Needed Under BNSS Section 218 for Disproportionate Assets Cases

The Madras High Court has ruled that no prior sanction is required under Section 197 CrPC or Section 218 BNSS to prosecute public servants for disproportionate assets, because such an offence has no nexus with official duty. The ruling, which refused to discharge former DMK Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam and his family, clarifies a key examiner-relevant dimension of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Calcutta HC Orders 5 Fast-Track Courts for NEET Paper Leak Cases Under 2024 Act

The Calcutta High Court has ordered five dedicated fast-track courts—three in Kolkata and two in Port Blair—to exclusively try NEET paper leak cases under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, with a strict deadline to conclude trial within three months from filing of charge-sheet. This move aims to expedite justice in one of India's biggest education scandals and follows nationwide protests and the resignation of the Union Education Minister.

SC Stays HC Order Declaring NSEI as 'Public Authority' Under RTI Act Section 2(h)

The Supreme Court has stayed a Delhi High Court order that declared the National Stock Exchange of India (NSEI) a 'public authority' under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act. This means citizens cannot currently enforce their right to information from NSEI. The case challenges whether a stock exchange, though controlled by the government, should be treated as a public authority.

Parliamentary Panel Demands Meta Apology Over PM Video Removal, Threatens Revocation of Safe Harbour Under IT Act Section 79

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and IT, chaired by Nishikant Dubey, has demanded Meta apologize for erroneously blocking PM Modi's video, or face revocation of safe harbour under Section 79 of the IT Act. Similar action is threatened against Google India for financial frauds. This highlights the government's push to enforce intermediary accountability and the conditional nature of safe harbour immunity.

TN Withdraws RTI Exemption for Law and Order Dept Under Section 24(4); 2,000+ Citizens Seek CJI Intervention on SIR

Tamil Nadu government withdrew its controversial order exempting the Public (Law and Order) Department from the RTI Act after widespread backlash. Separately, over 2,000 citizens have written to the Chief Justice of India to stay the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and initiate suo motu proceedings against the Election Commission's conduct.