SC Permits Passive Euthanasia in Harish Rana Case, Clarifies Article 21 Right to Die with Dignity (Common Cause vs UoI, 2018)

SC Strength Increased to 38 Judges: Will It Reduce Pendency and Free Up Constitution Benches?

Parliament has passed a bill increasing Supreme Court judge strength from 34 to 38, aimed at enabling regular Constitution Benches and reducing case backlog (92,101 cases pending as of Jan 1, 2026). However, past Law Commission reports question if more judges alone can solve pendency, and the real impact depends on filling vacancies and judicial management.

Supreme Court Expands to 38 Judges: Diversity Deficit Exposed as Women Only 4.15%

Parliament passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, adding 4 judges to the apex court (strength now 38). However, the article underscores a glaring lack of diversity: women constitute only 4.15% of all SC judges ever appointed, and caste representation in High Courts remains abysmally low. For exam aspirants, this links directly to the collegium system, judicial appointments, social justice, and pendency crisis.

SC Clarifies States Can Withdraw Cases Against Paper Leak Protesters; Grave Offenders Excluded

Supreme Court clarified that states can withdraw cases against students who protested peacefully against paper leaks, but this relief does not extend to those with criminal antecedents (grave and heinous offences). This balances the right to protest with public order concerns.

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.

Seven Years After Article 370 Abrogation: J&K Statehood Delay Undermines Integration Gains

Seven years after the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir remains a Union Territory. While security gains and reduced separatism are notable, the delay in restoring statehood threatens to undermine the integration achievements. The article argues that withholding statehood now demoralises the electorate and breaches the Supreme Court's assurance of temporary UT status.

Supreme Court Clarifies July 31 Order: Media Can Report Proceedings But Cannot Use Audio-Video Clips

The Supreme Court clarified that news outlets can report court proceedings but cannot use audio or video clips in their reports. This balances open justice with preventing misuse of selective clips. Key for understanding judicial transparency and media regulation.

Article 249 Extended to J&K via 1954 Order Amendment Amid Suspended Assembly

This 1986 event shows how the Centre used Article 249 to legislate for J&K during President's Rule, highlighting the constitutional mechanism for central intervention in state subjects. Essential for understanding J&K's pre-370 abrogation dynamics and the application of Article 249 in national interest.

Right to Vote: Statutory vs Fundamental Right Debate After EC Rift & Goa Voter Exclusion

An unprecedented rift within the Election Commission, exposed by an Indian Express investigation, has reignited the debate on whether the 'right to vote' should be elevated from a statutory right (under the RPA, 1951) to a Fundamental Right under the Constitution. This is critical for UPSC as it touches upon basic structure doctrine, Article 326, and judicial interpretations from landmark cases like Kuldip Nayar and Anoop Baranwal.