Supreme Court: Call Records Alone Not Cogent Proof, Clears Woman in 2007 Murder Case

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.

Bombay HC Overrules Trial Court in Tarun Tejpal Case: Victim's Past Sexual History Inadmissible

The Bombay High Court's ruling in the Tarun Tejpal case highlights persistent judicial bias against rape survivors, with courts focusing on victim's character instead of accused's conduct. Legal experts emphasize that the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2013 defines consent as positive agreement, yet patriarchal notions still influence rulings. For UPSC, this connects to judicial reforms, gender justice, and landmark cases like Mathura and Vishaka.

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.

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 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.

Bombay HC Orders Reimbursement to 4 NEET Toppers Denied Govt Seats Due to EWS, Maratha Quotas

The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to reimburse fees of four medical students who were denied government college seats despite higher NEET scores, due to the application of EWS and Maratha quotas. The court criticized the 'non-transparent' implementation of the state's reimbursement scheme and upheld the primacy of merit. This judgment is significant for understanding the judicial scrutiny of reservation policies and the principle of merit in public admissions.

Maharashtra Govt Hints at Kunbi Caste Certificates for Maratha Quota; Sept 12 Deadline

Maharashtra government signals willingness to discuss Maratha community's demand for Kunbi caste certificates, a key to OBC reservation. Activist Manoj Jarange has set a September 12 deadline for acceptance, threatening Mumbai protests. The Kunbi linkage is crucial as it provides a legal path to quota under existing OBC framework, avoiding Supreme Court's 50% ceiling issues.

Supreme Court Directs FSSAI to Set Timeline for FoPL Phase-II High Fat-Sugar-Salt Warning Labels

The Supreme Court has asked FSSAI to provide a scientifically justified and clearly defined timeline for the second phase of Front-of-Package Labelling (FoPL) that warns about high fat, sugar, or salt in packaged foods. The court warned that without a deadline, implementation could be indefinitely postponed and also flagged gaps in label design and school-level nutritional literacy. The next hearing is scheduled for September 10.