Madhya Pradesh UCC Bill to be Tabled in July 2026 Monsoon Session; Tribal Exemption Pressure Mounts

Andhra Pradesh: CM Naidu Announces 34% BC Reservation in Local Body Polls, Direct Mayoral Elections

Andhra Pradesh government has increased BC reservation in local body polls from 20% to 34% in rural areas and 33.33% in urban areas, fulfilling a 2024 election promise. It also introduces direct elections for mayors. This is a significant state-level policy on political representation for Backward Classes, relevant for Polity and Social Justice.

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.

J&K Assembly Passes Resolution for Statehood Restoration; Omar Abdullah Questions Centre’s Delay Citing SC Order

The J&K Assembly passed a resolution seeking restoration of full statehood, moved by CM Omar Abdullah on September 25, 2026. Omar questioned the Centre's delay, referencing a Supreme Court direction to restore statehood 'at the earliest' after UT elections. The BJP walked out, calling the resolution controversial, and also moved a motion to remove the Speaker. This news highlights the ongoing tension between UT governance and the demand for statehood in Jammu and Kashmir.

Dalits Account for SC Population 32% in Punjab – Remittances Drive Social & Political Assertion Ahead of 2027 Assembly Polls

Punjab’s Dalits (SC population ≈32%, highest among Indian states) are leveraging foreign remittances (especially from Dubai, UK, US, Canada) to build mega-religious complexes like the Shiromani Shri Guru Ravidass Mandir, marking a shift from historical marginalisation. With the 2027 Assembly polls approaching, all major parties (Congress, BJP, AAP, SAD) are aggressively wooing this one-third voter base, making this a key social/political force in Punjab.

Himachal HC Holds Surrogate Mothers Entitled to 180 Days Maternity Leave Under CCS Rules

Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled that commissioning mothers via surrogacy cannot be denied maternity leave, even if the state has not adopted the Centre's 2024 rules. The court reaffirmed that motherhood cannot be distinguished by the method of birth, setting a binding precedent for the state.

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.

Bombay HC Rules Community Health Volunteers Entitled to Minimum Wage Under 1948 Act

The Bombay High Court has ruled that community health volunteers working for the BMC are entitled to minimum wages under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, rejecting the argument that their honorarium exempts them. This judgment strengthens labour rights for contractual and volunteer workers, an important topic for UPSC labour jurisprudence and social security.

Karnataka HC: Any Individual Caring for Family is a Homemaker, Gender-Neutral Term

The Karnataka High Court has delivered a landmark ruling defining 'homemaker' as a gender-neutral term covering anyone, including working professionals, who cares for family. This judgment, arising from a motor accident compensation case, has significant implications for how courts value unpaid domestic work and calculate compensation for homemakers.