SC Orders ₹5 Cr Permanent Alimony Under Article 142 Citing Irretrievable Breakdown of Marriage

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.

SC Quashes NEET Protest FIRs Under Article 142, Orders Compensation Policy for Suicide Victims

Supreme Court used Article 142 to quash all FIRs registered against NEET protesters across India, while ordering compensation policy for families of students who died by suicide. This judgment underscores the balance between protest rights and criminal liability, and the government's commitment to address exam leak issues.

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.

Patna HC Rules Religious Freedom Under Article 25 Subject to Public Order and Morality

Patna High Court holds that the right to profess and practise religion under Article 25 is not absolute and can be restricted for public order, morality, and health. This reiterates the essential religious practices doctrine and clarifies that constitutional protection does not extend to every mode of exercise. A plea for 300 devotees in a religious procession in Siwan, Bihar, was dismissed citing past law-and-order incidents.

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 Recognises Student Mental Health Under Article 21 in Sukdeb Saha (2025); NEET Paper Leak Tests Institutional Responsibility

The Supreme Court has expanded the right to life (Article 21) to include student mental health, holding institutions responsible for student suicides under Sukdeb Saha v. State of Andhra Pradesh (2025). The NEET paper leak of 2026 becomes the first major test of this new constitutional principle, forcing the state to move beyond individual controversies toward structural reform in examinations and recruitment.

SC Upholds Clinical Establishments Rules 2012: Price Range Fixing Under Article 47

The Union Health Ministry defended the constitutional validity of the 2012 Clinical Establishments Rules before the Supreme Court, arguing that price regulation of healthcare services is essential to fulfill the mandate of Article 47 (DPSP). This is a key case for understanding the balance between fundamental rights (Article 19(1)(g)) and reasonable restrictions in the interest of public health.

SC: Right to Walk on Demarcated Footpaths is Fundamental Right under Article 19(1)(d) & Article 21

The Supreme Court declared the right to walk on demarcated footpaths as a fundamental right under Articles 19(1)(d) and 21, prioritizing pedestrians over motorized vehicles. It has now directed all states and UTs to respond on implementation, making it a high-yield topic for Prelims (constitutional articles, dates) and Mains (urban governance, fundamental rights).