Supreme Court Upholds PCPNDT Act, Dismisses Doctor's Plea; Rules Illegal Search Evidence Admissible

Supreme Court Rules 1978 'Industry' Definition Not Binding on Industrial Relations Code, 2020

The Supreme Court's nine-judge Constitution Bench ruled that the 1978 landmark precedent defining 'industry' will not automatically apply to the new Industrial Relations Code, 2020. This severs the worker-friendly expansive interpretation, creating a clean slate for future labour disputes under the new code.

Supreme Court Invokes Article 142 to Quash FIRs Against NEET-UG 2026 Protesters

The Supreme Court used its extraordinary power under Article 142 to quash FIRs against NEET-UG 2026 protesters, raising questions about the scope of 'complete justice' and judicial overreach. For aspirants: understand Article 142's expansive power and its constitutional limits.

Supreme Court Expands to 38 Judges: Diversity Deficit Exposed as Women Only 4.15%

Parliament passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, adding 4 judges to the apex court (strength now 38). However, the article underscores a glaring lack of diversity: women constitute only 4.15% of all SC judges ever appointed, and caste representation in High Courts remains abysmally low. For exam aspirants, this links directly to the collegium system, judicial appointments, social justice, and pendency crisis.

Kerala HC Upholds 4% Disability Quota in Promotions, Sets Aside Contempt Interim Order

Kerala High Court has upheld the 4% disability quota in promotions, confirming the Kerala Administrative Tribunal's 2022 order in favour of an employee with 40% benchmark disability. It, however, set aside the tribunal's 2024 interim contempt order, ruling that positive directions cannot be issued in contempt proceedings. The judgment reinforces Supreme Court precedents in Siddaraju and Leesamma Joseph.

Allahabad HC Dismisses Hijab Petition: Muslim Girls' Enrolment Drops from 18% to 12.9% in Higher Secondary

The Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition seeking permission to wear a headscarf in school, upholding uniform dress code. However, the case highlights a deeper issue: Muslim girls' enrollment in schools drops sharply from 18% at primary level to just 12.9% at higher secondary (UDISE+ 2024-25). The article argues that strict uniform rules, when applied without accommodation, may become a barrier to education for Muslim girls, referencing the Supreme Court's split verdict in the hijab case and the Sachar Committee's findings on cultural hostility.

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.

Bombay HC Upholds SC Order: Scheduled Caste Status Only for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists

The Bombay High Court rejected a Muslim man's plea to be declared a Scheduled Caste, upholding the 1950 Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order which restricts SC status to Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists. The Court ruled it is bound by existing Supreme Court precedent under Article 141, even while a constitutional challenge is pending in the apex court. This decision reinforces the legal position that religious conversion can lead to loss of SC status.

SC 9-Judge Bench Rules BWSSB Triple Test Not Binding for IRC 2020 Section 2(p)

The Supreme Court's 9-judge bench has held that the landmark 1978 'Triple Test' for defining 'industry' under the ID Act will not be a binding precedent for interpreting the identical provision in the new Industrial Relations Code, 2020. This could weaken worker protections just as more workers move to the private sector post-liberalisation.