SC Bars Reopening Pre-2018 NHAI Land Acquisition Cases for Interest, Citing ₹32,000 Cr Burden and Article 14

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.

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.

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.

SC Proposes Special Courts for CBI & NIA Cases on Manipur Ethnic Violence; 891 Witnesses Yet to Testify

The Supreme Court has proposed setting up exclusive Special Courts to hear cases related to the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence investigated by the CBI and NIA, highlighting the slow pace of trials. With 891 out of 904 witnesses yet to be examined and serious charges including sexual violence, this move aims to expedite justice. For exam aspirants, this links to judicial administration, Article 14 (speedy trial), and the role of special courts under the NIA Act.

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.

SC Orders Sealing of 16,726 Illegal Structures in Meerut, Forms Judicial Commission Led by Justice Dhulia

The Supreme Court has taken a stern stance against illegal constructions in Meerut, ordering the sealing of over 16,000 properties and demolition of unauthorised structures. A judicial commission headed by former SC judge Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia will investigate the role of the Meerut Development Authority and possible collusion. This case highlights the court's proactive role in urban governance and personal accountability of officials for loss of life.