Madras HC Upholds Eviction for Madurai Airport Expansion, Invokes 'Salus Populi' Maxim Under Tamil Nadu Land Act, 1997

Madras HC Upholds Speaker's Decision to Drop Disqualification of 21 AIADMK MLAs Under Tenth Schedule

Madras High Court dismissed a PIL challenging the Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker's decision to drop disqualification proceedings against 21 AIADMK MLAs who had defied the party whip and voted for the TVK government. The Court ruled that a political party can condone its members' voting against the whip within 15 days, even if the initial complaint sought disqualification under both paragraphs of the Tenth Schedule.

Madras HC: No Sanction Needed Under BNSS Section 218 for Disproportionate Assets Cases

The Madras High Court has ruled that no prior sanction is required under Section 197 CrPC or Section 218 BNSS to prosecute public servants for disproportionate assets, because such an offence has no nexus with official duty. The ruling, which refused to discharge former DMK Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam and his family, clarifies a key examiner-relevant dimension of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

SC Directs Removal of Unauthorised Structures on National Highways Within 60 Days After 34 Deaths

Following 34 road deaths in two accidents in Rajasthan and Telangana, the Supreme Court has directed all states to remove unauthorised structures within the Right of Way on National Highways within 60 days. Maharashtra has issued an ultimatum to its urban bodies to comply, as the SC warns of summoning Chief Secretaries of defaulting states.

DDA Approves Master Plan for Delhi-2047, Aligns with Viksit Bharat Vision

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has approved the Master Plan for Delhi-2047, extending the horizon from 2041 to 2047 to align with the national 'Viksit Bharat@2047' vision. This plan, sent to MoHUA for final approval, will shape Delhi's housing, mobility, and environmental management for the next two decades and introduces key reforms like eased building bye-laws and a land pooling policy.

CAG Report Flags 89% of 512 Non-Suburban Railway Stations Deficient in Minimum Essential Amenities

CAG audit reveals that over 89% of 512 surveyed non-suburban railway stations lack Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA) like drinking water, fans, and toilets. Even premier stations such as New Delhi, Howrah, and CSMT are deficient, exposing systemic gaps in maintenance and monitoring despite Railway Board norms since 1952.

Madras HC Directs TN Chief Secretary to Form Panel on POCSO, Juvenile Justice Gaps

The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to form a committee of Home, Health, and Law Secretaries to address systemic gaps in implementing the POCSO and Juvenile Justice Acts. The court made key suggestions including gender-neutral application of POCSO, avoiding criminalizing consensual adolescent relationships, and establishing protocols for medical termination of pregnancy and child witness deposition rooms. This is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it touches upon child rights, judicial activism, and state governance.

Madras High Court: Physical Features Cannot Determine Scheduled Caste Status

The Madras High Court has ruled that physical appearance, skin colour, height, and language cannot be used to determine Scheduled Caste status, setting aside a denial based on such 'look tests'. This judgment reinforces the legal principle that caste status is determined by birth, conversion, and community acceptance, not by subjective physical characteristics. It is a significant affirmation of constitutional safeguards against discrimination.

Article 371 Sui-Generis Model for Ladakh: 95% Local Job Reservation, 5 New Districts, 13 km Zojila Tunnel

Ladakh’s political future hinges on constructive dialogue over agitation. The Centre has offered a sui-generis constitutional model under Article 371 with legislative, executive and financial powers, alongside 95% local job reservation, five new districts, and massive infrastructure investments. Key for aspirants: understand the Article 371 framework, devolution mechanisms, and border area development.