SC Dismisses Doctor's Plea, Upholds PCPNDT Act Enforcement Amidst Skewed Child Sex Ratio of 919 (2011 Census)

SC Dismisses Plea to Abolish Hanging; PM CARES Fund Donations Jump 592% to ₹480 Crore in 2024-25

Today's news highlights key developments for exam aspirants: the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of execution by hanging but left the door open for a government review; the PM CARES Fund disclosed a massive 592% jump in donations to ₹480 crore but spent only 0.1% of it; and the SC sought a government response on a standardized probe for paper leak cases. These stories cover constitutional law, transparency in public charities, and governance reforms.

Supreme Court Rules NCSC Cannot Issue Binding Directions Under Article 338

The Supreme Court clarified that the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has only recommendatory and advisory powers under Article 338, not adjudicatory powers. It cannot issue binding orders in service disputes. This ruling sets boundaries for constitutional commissions under Articles 338, 338A, and 338B.

SC Upholds NCTE's Power for TEI Performance Reports; 450 B.Ed Colleges Show-Caused

Supreme Court upheld NCTE's power to require annual Performance Appraisal Reports from Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs), overturning a 2023 Delhi HC ruling. Amid quality concerns, West Bengal issued show-cause notices to 450 B.Ed colleges. This ruling strengthens regulatory oversight crucial for NEP 2020's teacher education reforms.

SC Upholds Clinical Establishments Rules 2012: Price Range Fixing Under Article 47

The Union Health Ministry defended the constitutional validity of the 2012 Clinical Establishments Rules before the Supreme Court, arguing that price regulation of healthcare services is essential to fulfill the mandate of Article 47 (DPSP). This is a key case for understanding the balance between fundamental rights (Article 19(1)(g)) and reasonable restrictions in the interest of public health.

SC Upholds NCTE Notice: TEIs Must File Annual Appraisal Reports Under RTE Act

The Supreme Court has upheld the authority of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) to require all Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) to file annual Performance Appraisal Reports. This judgment reinforces the regulatory power of NCTE, links the RTE Act's academic authority provisions, and expands the concept of 'duty-bearers' to include TEIs and NCTE itself. For exam aspirants, this is a key case in education governance, statutory interpretation, and fundamental rights.

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.

Rajya Sabha Passes Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill 2026, Raising Judge Strength to 38

The Rajya Sabha has cleared the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, raising the apex court's sanctioned strength from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India. The Bill replaces a May ordinance, but Opposition MPs questioned the ordinance route and highlighted the persistent diversity deficit in judicial appointments. This is a high-yield Polity topic for Prelims and Mains, with concrete data on SC/ST/OBC/minority/women representation and judiciary infrastructure.

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.