Justice Yashwant Varma Resigns from Allahabad HC Under Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 Amid Impeachment Probe

Judges (Inquiry) Act 1968 Invoked: Panel Finds Unexplained Cash at Justice Varma’s Residence, Report Tabled in Parliament

A three-member parliamentary inquiry committee under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 has found that former Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma failed to explain the source of cash bundles discovered in his official residence after a fire. This is a rare invocation of the judicial removal mechanism, making it crucial for understanding the process of judicial accountability and the role of Parliament in the impeachment of judges.

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 Revises Interim Stay, Preserves Allahabad HC Quashing of NSA Detention Under Article 21

The Supreme Court revised its September 23 interim order, restricting the stay to only certain strictures and costs against the Noida DM, thereby preserving the Allahabad High Court's landmark quashing of a DU student's NSA detention. The case also raises serious questions about the SC's roster system and 'out-of-turn' listing, making it a critical study point for judicial review, preventive detention safeguards, and constitutional procedures.

SC Collegium Elevates 4 Judges as Chief Justices: Justice V. Kameswar Rao to Patna HC

The Supreme Court Collegium, led by CJI Surya Kant, has recommended the elevation of four High Court judges as Chief Justices of different high courts and the transfer of two judges. This highlights the Collegium's role in judicial appointments and transfers, a key topic for UPSC Polity and Governance.

SC Quashes All NEET Protest FIRs Under CJI Surya Kant; Raises Selective Justice Issue on Right to Peaceful Protest

The Supreme Court quashed all FIRs against NEET student protesters, affirming the constitutional right to peaceful protest. However, the editorial raises concerns about selective justice, noting that cases against factory workers, CAA protesters, and farmers remain pending, potentially criminalizing dissent based on the protester's identity.

SC Replaces 2023 Gender Stereotype Handbook with 2026 Report on Compassionate Court Practices for Trial Judges

The Supreme Court has released a new report replacing its 2023 gender stereotype handbook, shifting focus from language to courtroom trauma. It mandates trial judges to develop an 'Emotional Quotient', control aggressive cross-examinations, and prevent secondary traumatisation of sexual assault survivors, following the Allahabad HC's controversial 'preparation vs attempt' ruling.

SC Sends Notice to Centre on Plea to Deny Perks to Judges Who Resign to Avoid Removal

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response to a petition arguing that constitutional functionaries (including judges) who resign to avoid a transparent removal process should be denied retirement perks. This issue gains traction after Allahabad HC Judge Justice Yashwant Varma resigned amid a cash scandal and removal proceedings.

SC (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill 2026 Passed as Money Bill; Strength to Rise from 34 to 38

The Rajya Sabha has passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 as a Money Bill, increasing the sanctioned strength of judges from 34 to 38. This route is constitutionally contentious and is pending adjudication before a 7-judge Supreme Court bench, making this a critical Polity topic for Prelims and Mains.