Kerala HC Clarifies Article 22(1): Arrest Illegal Without Written Grounds, Must be Given 2 Hours Before Remand

Maharashtra Panel Recommends BNS Amendment for Defamatory Social Media Posts; Shreya Singhal Precedent

A Maharashtra government panel has recommended amending the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to specifically criminalize defamatory social media posts, reviving the spirit of the now-struck-down Section 66A of the IT Act. This raises critical constitutional questions about balancing free speech (Article 19(1)(a)) with the right to reputation (Article 21), especially after the Supreme Court struck down Section 66A in Shreya Singhal vs Union of India (2015) for vagueness and overbreadth. For exam aspirants, understanding the legal framework of defamation, the concept of reasonable restrictions, and the proportionality standard is crucial.

SC Strengthens Article 22 Safeguards: Violation Invalidates Arrest, Re-Arrest Requires Judicial Approval

The Supreme Court has declared any violation of Article 22(1) or 22(2) as rendering an arrest unconstitutional. This landmark ruling mandates that re-arrest of such an accused requires prior judicial approval, reinforcing fundamental rights against arbitrary detention. For UPSC aspirants, this is a critical update on constitutional safeguards and judicial interpretation of Article 22.

SC Clarifies States Can Withdraw Cases Against Paper Leak Protesters; Grave Offenders Excluded

Supreme Court clarified that states can withdraw cases against students who protested peacefully against paper leaks, but this relief does not extend to those with criminal antecedents (grave and heinous offences). This balances the right to protest with public order concerns.

Seven Years After Article 370 Abrogation: J&K Statehood Delay Undermines Integration Gains

Seven years after the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir remains a Union Territory. While security gains and reduced separatism are notable, the delay in restoring statehood threatens to undermine the integration achievements. The article argues that withholding statehood now demoralises the electorate and breaches the Supreme Court's assurance of temporary UT status.

Supreme Court Clarifies July 31 Order: Media Can Report Proceedings But Cannot Use Audio-Video Clips

The Supreme Court clarified that news outlets can report court proceedings but cannot use audio or video clips in their reports. This balances open justice with preventing misuse of selective clips. Key for understanding judicial transparency and media regulation.

TN Complains to SC on Kerala's Stalling of Mullaperiyar Dam Strengthening (142 ft Water Level)

Tamil Nadu has approached the Supreme Court alleging Kerala's obstructionist attitude in implementing the 2014 SC order allowing TN to raise Mullaperiyar dam water level to 142 feet. The delay in strengthening works (baby dam, earth dam, grouting) raises safety concerns. This inter-state water dispute has implications for federal relations and dam safety protocols.

SC Directs Uniform Policy for Demolition & Rehabilitation of Unauthorised Homes Under Article 21

The Supreme Court has ruled that the state's power to demolish unauthorised constructions must be balanced with the duty to rehabilitate affected families, invoking Article 21 (right to dignity, shelter, livelihood). The court directed the Union and State governments to consider formulating a uniform demolition and rehabilitation policy.

SC in Vihaan Kumar Reinforces Arrest Safeguards: Informing Grounds Mandatory Under Article 22(1), BNSS 2023

SC in Vihaan Kumar v. State of Haryana (2025) held that every arrested person must be directly and meaningfully informed of the grounds of arrest, and failure violates Article 22(1) and Section 50 CrPC (Section 47 BNSS). The verdict also links an unconstitutional arrest to illegal subsequent remand and reiterates Article 21 dignity. For exams, remember the case, the CrPC-to-BNSS section mapping, and the Arnesh Kumar arrest guidelines.