SC Permits Passive Euthanasia for 13-Year Vegetative State, Waives 30-Day Reconsideration, Directs AIIMS Palliative Care

Health Ministry Backs Same-Sex Partners' Medical Decision Rights Under Mental Healthcare Act, 2017

The Union Health Ministry has told the Delhi High Court that excluding same-sex partners from making medical decisions for each other solely based on sexual orientation is unethical. This marks a significant administrative shift, though the government maintains that 'spouse' under Indian marriage laws only applies to heterosexual couples, creating a nuanced legal landscape for exam aspirants.

Supreme Court Directs States to Revisit Raising Judicial Officers' Retirement Age to 61 in 2 Weeks

The Supreme Court has held that States cannot use financial burden as a valid ground to oppose enhancing the retirement age of judicial officers. It has directed all States/UTs to decide within two weeks, in consultation with High Courts, on allowing district judges to serve up to 61 years while a petition for uniform 62 years remains pending.

Delhi HC Directs Formulation of SOP for Arresting Transgender Persons; NHRC Advisory 2.0 Referred

The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre and Delhi Police to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the arrest, detention, search, and interrogation of transgender persons, citing a critical legal vacuum. The court relied on the NHRC's 'Advisory for Ensuring the Welfare of Transgender Persons, 2.0' issued in May 2026, and highlighted a specific incident of rights violation. This is a key development for Polity & Social Justice syllabus, focusing on fundamental rights (Article 21), the Transgender Persons Act, and the role of NHRC.

SC Directs Govt on NEET-UG 2027 CBT Mode; Nilekani Task Force Report by Sept-End

The Supreme Court has directed the NTA to expedite the shift to computer-based NEET-UG by 2027, as the Nilekani Task Force is expected to submit its report by September-end 2026. The move comes after the 2026 question paper leaks that affected 23 lakh students, prompting the court to monitor reforms and demand permanent staffing at NTA.

SC Directs Uniform Policy for Demolition & Rehabilitation of Unauthorised Homes Under Article 21

The Supreme Court has ruled that the state's power to demolish unauthorised constructions must be balanced with the duty to rehabilitate affected families, invoking Article 21 (right to dignity, shelter, livelihood). The court directed the Union and State governments to consider formulating a uniform demolition and rehabilitation policy.

UCC: Uttarakhand Enforces Since Jan 2025, 3 State Bills Await Assent, Target 21 NDA States by 2029

The UCC debate is back with Uttarakhand implementing it in Jan 2025 and three other NDA states passing bills. Home Minister Amit Shah targets all 21 NDA-ruled states by 2029. The issue directly tests constitutional principles – Directive Principles vs Fundamental Rights – and is a hot topic for UPSC prelims and mains.

Justice Liberhan Commission: Babri Masjid Demolition Was a Well-Planned Civil Conspiracy

Justice Manmohan Singh Liberhan, head of the one-man Commission of Inquiry into the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition, passed away. His 2009 report concluded the demolition was a meticulously planned civil conspiracy involving RSS, VHP, Bajrang Dal, BJP, and Shiv Sena — a finding he never retracted despite the 2020 CBI court acquittals.

SC Proposes Exempting Current Class 6 from Three-Language Policy; Centre Seeks More Time

The Supreme Court has proposed exempting the current Class 6 batch from the mandatory three-language policy, suggesting implementation from January 1, 2027. The Centre has sought more time to decide, while the court has asked for details on teacher availability and infrastructure.