B.R. Ambedkar as Labour Member (1942-46) Pioneered 8-Hour Workday, Maternity Benefits & Welfare Funds, Anchored in Articles 39 & 43

Article 44 (UCC) Debate: Constituent Assembly Arguments, Ambedkar’s Voluntary Adoption Vision

This article reconstructs the Constituent Assembly debate on November 23, 1948, over what became Article 44 (Uniform Civil Code). It captures arguments from both sides — those fearing state tyranny and religious interference, and those pressing for national unity and women's rights. Dr. Ambedkar’s response, including his suggestion that a future Parliament could make the Code voluntary, is a key takeaway for aspirants.

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.

Himachal HC Holds Surrogate Mothers Entitled to 180 Days Maternity Leave Under CCS Rules

Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled that commissioning mothers via surrogacy cannot be denied maternity leave, even if the state has not adopted the Centre's 2024 rules. The court reaffirmed that motherhood cannot be distinguished by the method of birth, setting a binding precedent for the state.

Allahabad HC: Public Employment is Public Trust; Unlawful Appointments Under Articles 14 & 16 Cannot Be Protected

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that public employment is a public trust, and appointments secured through deceit, misrepresentation, or abuse of judicial process cannot be protected. The court upheld the termination of a teacher whose appointment was found unlawful, and ordered recovery of salary and benefits received under interim court protection, reinforcing the constitutional mandate of equality under Articles 14 and 16.

Delhi HC Rules Maternity Leave Cannot Reduce Role/Prospects; Centre to Frame Rules in 6 Months

The Delhi High Court ruled that a woman returning from maternity leave is entitled to resume her previous position without loss of role or career prospects. The court directed the Centre to frame rules within six months on workplace accommodation, lactation support, and grievance redressal. This judgment reinforces the protection under Section 12 of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.

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.

Allahabad HC Upholds Mandatory Govt Service Bond for Subsidised PG Medical Education

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that doctors who pursue subsidised PG medical education cannot evade the mandatory two-year government service bond, even if there is administrative delay in providing posting. The court held that the bond ensures availability of doctors in government hospitals and protects patients' right to life under Article 21.

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.