Rajya Sabha Passes Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 For Unified Legal Framework

Rajya Sabha Passes Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill 2026, Raising Judge Strength to 38

The Rajya Sabha has cleared the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, raising the apex court's sanctioned strength from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India. The Bill replaces a May ordinance, but Opposition MPs questioned the ordinance route and highlighted the persistent diversity deficit in judicial appointments. This is a high-yield Polity topic for Prelims and Mains, with concrete data on SC/ST/OBC/minority/women representation and judiciary infrastructure.

SC Mandates SOPs to Curb Digital Arrests, Orders Time-Bound Refunds via I4C-RBI Portal

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre, States, RBI, and telecom authorities to implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to combat 'digital arrest' scams. The order mandates time-bound grievance redressal, zero FIR registration, and money restoration mechanisms. The I4C report shows a 86% reduction in complaints from 2024 to June 2026.

Supreme Court Seeks Centre's Response on CAPF Act 2026 Challenged for Violating Articles 14, 16, 21

The Supreme Court has questioned the constitutional validity of the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026, which mandates IPS officer deputation to senior CAPF posts, potentially overriding a 2025 SC judgment. This case tests the separation of powers and the rights of CAPF cadre officers under Articles 14, 16, and 21.

7 Years After Article 370 Revocation: J&K Still Awaits Statehood, Per Capita Income Ratio Falls to 76.6%

Seven years after the revocation of Article 370 and the loss of statehood, Jammu and Kashmir continues to face economic decline, high unemployment, and heavy-handed security measures. Despite Supreme Court advice to restore statehood, no timeline has been set. The article highlights the need for accountable governance through an elected administration, as the current Lt Governor-led rule lacks democratic accountability.

Supreme Court Directs RBI, States, CBI on Digital Arrest Scams: SOP, Kill Switch, ₹18 Cr Restored

The Supreme Court issued interim directions to combat digital arrest scams, including RBI SOP for banks, operationalization of grievance redressal and money restoration modules, and examination of a 'kill switch' for calls. The court noted a decline in reported fraud but stressed continued vigilance. This is crucial for understanding judicial activism in cybercrime and institutional coordination.

Lok Sabha Passes Tribunals Reforms Bill 2026; India's Russian Oil Imports Hit All-Time High of 48%

Today's top news covers the Lok Sabha's passage of the Tribunals Reforms Bill 2026 without debate, India's all-time high Russian oil imports at 48% in June 2026, multiple Supreme Court orders on Cauvery, Manipur, and Abhishek Banerjee, and a police lathi-charge on student protesters in Jharkhand. Key for Prelims: data points, bill names, SC orders.

Lok Sabha Passes Tribunal Reforms Bill 2026: NTC Creation but Autonomy Concerns Remain

Parliament has passed the Tribunal Reforms Bill 2026, which creates a National Tribunals Commission (NTC) to oversee tribunals, following a Supreme Court directive. However, the Bill retains significant executive control over the NTC's appointments and finances, raising concerns about its independence and compliance with the Court's judgment.

Karnataka HC Upholds 1.27 Acre Land Acquisition for DRDO's CAIR Project as National Security Imperative

Karnataka HC upheld acquisition of 1.27 acres for DRDO's CAIR project, overriding procedural lapses due to national security. This judgment harmonizes private property rights with constitutional duty to protect the nation.