Rajasthan HC Quashes ₹1,000 RTI Fee for Answer Sheets, Upholds RTI Rules 2012 Cap of ₹10 as 'Arbitrary' Violation

Rajasthan HC: Govt Employee Resigning to Contest Polls Cannot Seek Reinstatement Under CCS Rules 2021

The Rajasthan High Court ruled that a government employee who voluntarily resigns to contest assembly elections cannot claim reinstatement after losing the election, as contesting polls does not constitute a 'material change in circumstances' under Rule 26(5) of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021. The judgment upholds the mandatory principle of political neutrality for civil servants under the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964.

Rajasthan HC: Judicial Infrastructure Constitutional Duty, Not Govt Favour; Cites Article 21

The Rajasthan High Court has ruled that providing adequate judicial infrastructure is a constitutional duty of the state, not a favour. The court rejected financial constraints as an excuse, linking infrastructure to Article 21 (right to life and liberty), and ordered restoration of its Jodhpur building's Central Dome, which IIT Bombay found to be in imminent danger of collapse.

SC Judge Sandeep Mehta Seeks Transfer of Rajasthan HC Acting CJ, Alleges CJI Ignored Clear Evidence of Favouritism

Supreme Court Judge Justice Sandeep Mehta has written three letters to the CJI in August 2026, seeking immediate transfer of Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, citing clear evidence of favouritism, maladministration, and retributive actions against judges. This rare internal judiciary conflict raises critical questions about judicial independence, collegium functioning, and accountability mechanisms within the higher judiciary.

Gujarat HC Quashes Demolition Order of Waqf Qabarstan, Upholds Statutory Right of Appeal

The Gujarat High Court quashed a demolition order against a century-old Muslim burial ground (Qabarstan) in Bhavnagar, ruling that the revenue authority violated the Waqf committee's statutory right to appeal under the Land Revenue Code by issuing a removal notice before the 90-day appeal window had even begun. This case is a critical reminder of procedural due process in property and religious rights matters.

SC Collegium Divided on Acting Chief Justice's Power to Appoint HC Judges - 2026 Case

The Supreme Court Collegium faces a recurring question: can Acting Chief Justices of High Courts recommend names for judicial appointments? The controversy over Rajasthan HC's Acting CJ Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma's recommendations has revived the debate, with the Collegium divided on whether to accept such names or insist on a permanent Chief Justice. This has implications for the independence and efficiency of judicial appointments.

CIC Directs CBSE to Charge RTI Fees for Answer Scripts, Upholds Section 22 Override

CIC has ruled that CBSE must charge photocopying fees strictly as per RTI Rules, 2012, and recommended amending its May 2025 circular that barred revaluation for students who obtained answer sheets under RTI. The decision reinforces the overriding effect of Section 22 of the RTI Act over institutional rules.

Chhattisgarh HC Rules Religious Institutions Cannot Function as Courts; Quashes Shariya Court Triple Talaq Order

The Chhattisgarh High Court has ruled that no religious institution can assume the authority of a court established by law, striking down a Shariya court's triple talaq order. This reinforces the constitutional supremacy of the legal system over personal religious practices, a critical issue for UPSC Polity and Social Justice.

SC Rules Cinema Halls Private Property, Upholds Food Pricing Freedom in Multiplexes

The Supreme Court's 2023 ruling in KC Cinema vs JK holds multiplexes as private property, allowing owners to set food prices and ban outside food. Despite public outcry over exorbitant prices (popcorn ₹340-₹570), the Legal Metrology Department can only check MRP compliance, not fix prices.