SC Upholds HC: Kodagu Homestay Owner's Arrest Illegal, Rs 5 Lakh Compensation Despite US Embassy Pressure

Karnataka Parks & BMLTA Amendments Shield Tunnel Road Project; 5% Park Land Use Allowed

The Karnataka government has passed two controversial bills amending the Parks (Preservation) Act and the BMLTA Act, which critics allege are designed to shield the Chief Minister's pet Tunnel Road project from three pending PILs in court. The amendments allow the state to use 5% of protected park land for public infrastructure and grant retrospective approval to projects initiated between 2022-2026, potentially bypassing legal scrutiny.

Karnataka High Court Quashes Housing Board Land Acquisition in Bannerghatta ESZ, Upholds Elephant Corridor Protection

The Karnataka High Court quashed land acquisition for a housing project in the Bannerghatta National Park Eco-Sensitive Zone, ruling that elephant corridors are essential habitat, not mere passages, and cannot be displaced for development. This judgment reinforces the legal protection of wildlife corridors and eco-sensitive zones in land acquisition cases, a crucial topic for environment and governance.

SC Rules Cinema Halls Private Property, Upholds Food Pricing Freedom in Multiplexes

The Supreme Court's 2023 ruling in KC Cinema vs JK holds multiplexes as private property, allowing owners to set food prices and ban outside food. Despite public outcry over exorbitant prices (popcorn ₹340-₹570), the Legal Metrology Department can only check MRP compliance, not fix prices.

KPSC Scam: Chairman Sahukar’s 7-Year Tenure, Irregular Appointments & Political Shield Exposed

This investigation into the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) reveals how Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar, appointed in 2019 despite red flags, ran the commission for seven years with alleged irregularities including leaked papers, patronage appointments, and political shielding by both BJP and Congress governments. The case exposes systemic weaknesses in PSC appointments and the lack of accountability for constitutional body heads.

Patna HC Mandates Hearing, Fixed Timelines for Remission; 30-Day Appeal, 14-Yr Custody Rule

The Patna High Court has laid down directions to make remission and premature release transparent and time-bound. Key reforms include a hearing before remission withdrawal, fixed deadlines for reports (15/30/15 days), a 30-day appeal mechanism, and a dedicated portal for tracking life convicts. This affects the Bihar Prison Manual, 2012 and sets a precedent for prison reforms.

Karnataka HC Upholds 1.27 Acre Land Acquisition for DRDO's CAIR Project as National Security Imperative

Karnataka HC upheld acquisition of 1.27 acres for DRDO's CAIR project, overriding procedural lapses due to national security. This judgment harmonizes private property rights with constitutional duty to protect the nation.

AP High Court Declares Three-Capitals Petitions Infructuous; Amaravati Now Sole Capital Under AP Reorganisation (Amendment) Act 2026

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has deemed all petitions against the proposed three-capitals model as infructuous after Parliament amended the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, making Amaravati the sole capital by law. This ends a long-standing political and legal battle, with implications for state governance and federal structure.

Tamil Nadu Issues Advance Medical Directives Guidelines 2026 for Passive Euthanasia

Tamil Nadu has issued the Tamil Nadu Advance Medical Directive Guidelines, 2026 to operationalise passive euthanasia and strengthen patient autonomy at the end of life. The guidelines follow Supreme Court directions in Common Cause and Harish Rana vs Union of India, requiring States to establish medical boards and custodians for Advance Medical Directives. This is a landmark state-level health governance step with direct UPSC and State PSC relevance.