Bombay HC Designates 2 Fast-Track Courts for Paper Leak Cases Under Public Examinations Act 2024

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.

Bombay HC Rules Community Health Volunteers Entitled to Minimum Wage Under 1948 Act

The Bombay High Court has ruled that community health volunteers working for the BMC are entitled to minimum wages under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, rejecting the argument that their honorarium exempts them. This judgment strengthens labour rights for contractual and volunteer workers, an important topic for UPSC labour jurisprudence and social security.

Bombay HC Directs Maharashtra to Regularise Over 450 Contractual Medical Staff, Flags Ad-Hocism in Public Employment

The Bombay High Court has directed Maharashtra to end long-term contractual hiring, specifically ordering the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation to regularise over 450 medical officers and paramedical staff who served 8–11 years on contract. The Court flagged 'ad-hocism' in public employment and linked it to the state's unemployment crisis, making this a landmark ruling for contractual workers' rights in government services.

Bombay HC Orders Reimbursement to 4 NEET Toppers Denied Govt Seats Due to EWS, Maratha Quotas

The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to reimburse fees of four medical students who were denied government college seats despite higher NEET scores, due to the application of EWS and Maratha quotas. The court criticized the 'non-transparent' implementation of the state's reimbursement scheme and upheld the primacy of merit. This judgment is significant for understanding the judicial scrutiny of reservation policies and the principle of merit in public admissions.

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.

President Murmu Assents to Anti-Paper Leak Bill: 5-10 Years Jail, ₹50 Lakh Fine, Fast-Track Courts

President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing stricter punishments (5-10 years jail, fines up to ₹50 lakh for individuals, ₹10 crore for organized crime) and mandatory fast-track courts for trials within 3 months. This comes after NEET 2026 paper leak protests.

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.

SC Collegium Elevation Threatens Maratha Quota Case; 10% SEBC Reservation at Risk

The Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation to transfer Bombay HC Acting Chief Justice Ravindra V Ghuge to Calcutta HC may force a fresh hearing of the challenge to Maharashtra’s 2024 Maratha reservation law after 20 sittings. This is the second time a bench change has stalled the politically sensitive case, putting the 10% SEBC quota for the Maratha community in legal limbo.