Punjab & Haryana HC Enhances MACT Compensation to ₹27.1 Lakh for Minor, Sets Precedent on Disability & 'Loss of Dignity'

Punjab & Haryana HC Directs Regularisation from 2003 Under Article 14 Equality Clause

The Punjab and Haryana High Court reinforced the principle that administrative inaction cannot strip a worker of accrued rights under a valid regularisation policy. The court ordered the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board to regularise a daily-wage employee from 2003, applying Article 14's equality mandate. This judgment is crucial for understanding labour jurisprudence, the concept of 'model employer', and the enforceability of government policies.

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.

Govt to SC: Only Parliament Can Extend Creamy Layer to SC/ST; Cites Article 341, E V Chinnaiah Case

The government has told the Supreme Court that extending the creamy layer principle to SC/ST is a policy decision for Parliament alone. This reaffirms that reservation for SC/ST is based on historical social criteria, not just economic status, and the creamy layer concept currently applies only to OBCs.

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 Releases New Gender Sensitivity Handbook, Replaces 2023 Version; Recommends Survivor-Centric Language & Trauma-Informed Court Practices

The Supreme Court has released a new report titled 'Judgments and Gender' replacing its 2023 handbook on combating gender stereotypes. The report, drafted by an expert committee headed by former SC judge Justice Aniruddha Bose, provides practical guidelines for judges to use survivor-centric language, avoid morality-laden expressions, and adopt trauma-informed courtroom practices. This is crucial for UPSC as it reflects judicial reforms in gender sensitivity and victim protection.

Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Delhi-NCR Sexual Assaults, Cites Article 21 and Nirbhaya Parallel

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of recent sexual assault cases in Delhi-NCR, flagging lax patrolling and administrative failures that make public spaces 'zones of high risk'. The court invoked Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) and drew a painful parallel to the 2012 Nirbhaya case, demanding accountability and a measurable response from authorities. This has major implications for law enforcement accountability, women's safety, and judicial oversight.

SC Flags CBSE Three-Language Policy for Class 9 from July 2026, Cites Student Pressure & Teacher Shortage

The Supreme Court has raised concerns over the CBSE's three-language policy for Class 9 students, emphasizing the need to avoid burdening children. The Court questioned the implementation timeline, teacher availability, and the starting class, suggesting an expert committee to address issues. The policy aligns with NEP 2020.

SC Dismisses Plea to Abolish Hanging; PM CARES Fund Donations Jump 592% to ₹480 Crore in 2024-25

Today's news highlights key developments for exam aspirants: the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of execution by hanging but left the door open for a government review; the PM CARES Fund disclosed a massive 592% jump in donations to ₹480 crore but spent only 0.1% of it; and the SC sought a government response on a standardized probe for paper leak cases. These stories cover constitutional law, transparency in public charities, and governance reforms.