Supreme Court Upholds Acquittal in 19-Year-Old Murder Case, Cites Broken Chain of Evidence

SC Upholds Hanging as Constitutional Mode of Execution, Cites Deena vs UOI (1983) & BNSS Section 393(5)

The Supreme Court has upheld hanging as a constitutional mode of execution, dismissing a PIL that challenged its validity under Article 21. The Court relied on the 1983 precedent in Deena vs UOI and Parliament's retention of hanging in the BNSS. This reaffirms the state's obligation to execute death sentences with dignity.

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.

Supreme Court Strikes Down Maharashtra’s Methanol Denaturing Rules as Unconstitutional: Violates Articles 14 & 19(1)(g)

Supreme Court struck down Maharashtra's Rules 18A & 18B of the Poisons Rules mandating colourant/bitterant in methanol, holding them disproportionate and violative of Articles 14 and 19(1)(g). The court also issued detailed guidelines to prevent hooch tragedies. This judgment is critical for understanding proportionality test and state regulation of industrial poisons.

Jharkhand HC: Right to Protest Cannot Extend to Obstructing Courts, Directs Security for Judicial Officers

The Jharkhand High Court has ruled that the fundamental right to protest under Article 19 does not permit obstruction of court proceedings, assault on judicial officers, or vandalism of court premises. This ruling, arising from a 2022 mob attack at Latehar Civil Court, reinforces judicial independence as a basic feature of the Constitution and mandates enhanced security for judicial officers across the state. For exam aspirants, this is a key case linking fundamental rights, reasonable restrictions, and the doctrine of basic structure.

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.

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.

SC Awards ₹12 Lakh Compensation to Woman Denied Peon Job by IOC on Gender Grounds

The Supreme Court has ruled that excluding a woman candidate from a PSU job solely because she is a woman violates fundamental rights. This landmark judgment reinforces the constitutional guarantee of gender equality and non-discrimination in public employment, awarding ₹12 lakh compensation after 37 years of legal battle.

Supreme Court Invokes Article 142 to Quash FIRs Against NEET-UG 2026 Protesters

The Supreme Court used its extraordinary power under Article 142 to quash FIRs against NEET-UG 2026 protesters, raising questions about the scope of 'complete justice' and judicial overreach. For aspirants: understand Article 142's expansive power and its constitutional limits.