Court Convicts 9 Police Personnel in Sattankulam Custodial Deaths Case; CBI Filed Chargesheet in 2020

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.

Haryana Notifies ₹7.5 Lakh Compensation Policy for Custodial Deaths with Salary Recovery Clause

Haryana has notified a policy providing ₹7.5 lakh compensation for deaths in police custody caused by torture, inhuman treatment, or negligence, with at least 50% to be recovered from the guilty officer's salary. This follows intervention by the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. For exam aspirants, this links to Article 21 (Right to Life), custodial violence jurisprudence, and the role of State Human Rights Commissions.

Jharkhand HC Directs State to Fill JSHRC Vacancies in 3 Months Citing Custodial Deaths

The Jharkhand High Court has ordered the state government to fill all vacancies in the Jharkhand State Human Rights Commission (JSHRC) within three months, noting that the commission has been non-functional since 2022. The court held that prolonged vacancies violate the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 and Supreme Court directions, and made the Chief Secretary personally responsible for compliance.

Supreme Court Rules Police Cannot Independently Investigate Sex Determination Cases Under PC&PNDT Act

The Supreme Court has ruled that police cannot independently investigate offences under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994. Only the Appropriate Authority, a specialised body under the Act, can investigate. Police may assist but cannot take over the investigation, and any separate criminal offences (IPC/BNS) can be investigated independently. This clarifies a long-standing legal confusion and is crucial for understanding the enforcement mechanism of this social legislation.

CBI Chargesheet Reveals NEET Paper Leak: Expert Took Classes, No Frisking at NTA

The CBI chargesheet in the NEET-UG paper leak case reveals systemic security lapses at NTA, including no frisking for experts and inadequate CCTV monitoring. The case exposes vulnerabilities in high-stakes exam integrity, a critical issue for governance and education reforms.

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.