Union Cabinet Approves J&K High Court Bench in Ladakh to Enhance Access to Justice

Lok Sabha Passes Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026; State Renamed 'Keralam' via Article 3

The Lok Sabha has passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to change the state's name from 'Kerala' to 'Keralam' in the Constitution. The Bill follows two unanimous state assembly resolutions and must now be passed by Rajya Sabha and receive President's assent. This is a key example of Article 3 procedure for state name change.

TN Govt Makes English Version of Union-State Relations Committee Report Public: Key Federalism Document

Tamil Nadu has made public the English version of the High-Level Committee on Union-State Relations report, highlighting federalism issues. This is a key document for UPSC polity mains, especially on Centre-State relations, and contains specific dates, members, and government orders that are exam-relevant.

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.

Supreme Court Directs States to Revisit Raising Judicial Officers' Retirement Age to 61 in 2 Weeks

The Supreme Court has held that States cannot use financial burden as a valid ground to oppose enhancing the retirement age of judicial officers. It has directed all States/UTs to decide within two weeks, in consultation with High Courts, on allowing district judges to serve up to 61 years while a petition for uniform 62 years remains pending.

Madhya Pradesh High Court Quashes Non-Speaking Order, Restores 50% Pension to Govt Employee

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has quashed a punishment order withholding 50% pension of a government employee, holding that the disciplinary authority must pass a reasoned (speaking) order and consider the employee's defence. This reinforces the principle of natural justice and the requirement of speaking orders in disciplinary proceedings, a key concept for administrative law.

Delhi Cabinet Approves Private Universities Bill, MPD-2047 Allows FAR 180 & Residential Schools

Delhi government has approved a draft Private Universities Bill and notified MPD-2047, allowing residential schools, removing height restrictions on educational buildings, and increasing FAR to 180. These changes aim to optimize land use and expand education infrastructure in land-constrained Delhi. Students should note key data points like FAR limits, floor calculations, and Narela education hub expansion for prelims.

Himachal Pradesh High Court Strikes Down State Role in Agri V-C Picks, Mandates UGC 2018 Norms

The HP High Court struck down the 2025 amendments that gave the state government a decisive role in appointing V-Cs of agricultural universities, declaring them ultra vires the Constitution and UGC Act, 1956. Fresh selection must now follow Clause 7.3 of UGC Regulations, 2018. This is a high-yield example for federalism, judicial review, and university governance.

J&K High Court Quashes PSA Detention Over Bovine Transport: Holds Procedural Lapses Violate Constitutional Guarantee

Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court quashed preventive detention under Public Safety Act for bovine transport, citing lack of subjective satisfaction on public order impact and non-communication of the right to make representation to the detaining authority. The ruling reinforces that procedural safeguards in preventive detention are mandatory and must be strictly complied with.