SC Balances Article 21 Travel Right With Victim's Speedy Trial Under Article 21 in 2026 Judgment

SC Landmark Prajwala Judgment: Victim Protection Plan Under Article 142 for Sex Trafficking Victims

The Supreme Court in Prajwala vs Union of India (May 2026) delivered a historic judgment that places sex-trafficked persons at the centre of criminal justice. It declares rehabilitation a right, introduces a Victim Protection Plan under Articles 32 and 142, and mandates a threshold inquiry within a week to distinguish voluntary sex workers from coerced victims.

Telangana HC Disqualifies MLA Under Tenth Schedule for Contesting Lok Sabha on Congress Ticket

Telangana High Court set aside the Assembly Speaker's order rejecting disqualification petitions and declared BRS-turned-Congress MLA Danam Nagender disqualified from April 23, 2024. The case reinforces the Tenth Schedule's anti-defection law: contesting a Lok Sabha election on another party ticket without resigning from the original party amounts to voluntarily giving up membership. This verdict is crucial for UPSC Polity as it clarifies the Speaker's role and limits of judicial review.

SC: Right to Walk on Demarcated Footpaths is Fundamental Right under Article 19(1)(d) & Article 21

The Supreme Court declared the right to walk on demarcated footpaths as a fundamental right under Articles 19(1)(d) and 21, prioritizing pedestrians over motorized vehicles. It has now directed all states and UTs to respond on implementation, making it a high-yield topic for Prelims (constitutional articles, dates) and Mains (urban governance, fundamental rights).

SC Revises Interim Stay, Preserves Allahabad HC Quashing of NSA Detention Under Article 21

The Supreme Court revised its September 23 interim order, restricting the stay to only certain strictures and costs against the Noida DM, thereby preserving the Allahabad High Court's landmark quashing of a DU student's NSA detention. The case also raises serious questions about the SC's roster system and 'out-of-turn' listing, making it a critical study point for judicial review, preventive detention safeguards, and constitutional procedures.

Patna HC Rules Religious Freedom Under Article 25 Subject to Public Order and Morality

Patna High Court holds that the right to profess and practise religion under Article 25 is not absolute and can be restricted for public order, morality, and health. This reiterates the essential religious practices doctrine and clarifies that constitutional protection does not extend to every mode of exercise. A plea for 300 devotees in a religious procession in Siwan, Bihar, was dismissed citing past law-and-order incidents.

SC Quashes NEET Protest FIRs Under Article 142, Orders Compensation Policy for Suicide Victims

Supreme Court used Article 142 to quash all FIRs registered against NEET protesters across India, while ordering compensation policy for families of students who died by suicide. This judgment underscores the balance between protest rights and criminal liability, and the government's commitment to address exam leak issues.

EC Decision-Making Under Scrutiny: Article 324, CEC Act 2023, Dissent Notes Explained

The Election Commission's internal dissent has come under the spotlight after two Election Commissioners recorded objections 14 times in 10 months. This raises critical questions about the functioning of a constitutional body, the balance between unanimity and majority decision-making, and the protection of dissenting voices — a core area for UPSC and State PSC exams.

Supreme Court Rules NCSC Cannot Issue Binding Directions Under Article 338

The Supreme Court clarified that the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has only recommendatory and advisory powers under Article 338, not adjudicatory powers. It cannot issue binding orders in service disputes. This ruling sets boundaries for constitutional commissions under Articles 338, 338A, and 338B.