SC Asks if PMLA Adjudicating Authority Can Confirm Attachments Without Judicial Member; Only 60 of 8,851 ED Cases Went to Trial

CVC Report: 7,229 CBI Corruption Cases Pending Trial, 409 Over 20 Years

The CVC's annual report reveals a massive backlog of corruption cases investigated by the CBI, with over 7,200 pending trials and 14,083 appeals/revisions pending in higher courts. This highlights systemic delays in the criminal justice system and raises governance concerns that are highly relevant for civil services and judiciary exams.

Madras HC: No Sanction Needed Under BNSS Section 218 for Disproportionate Assets Cases

The Madras High Court has ruled that no prior sanction is required under Section 197 CrPC or Section 218 BNSS to prosecute public servants for disproportionate assets, because such an offence has no nexus with official duty. The ruling, which refused to discharge former DMK Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam and his family, clarifies a key examiner-relevant dimension of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

SC Stays HC Order Declaring NSEI as 'Public Authority' Under RTI Act Section 2(h)

The Supreme Court has stayed a Delhi High Court order that declared the National Stock Exchange of India (NSEI) a 'public authority' under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act. This means citizens cannot currently enforce their right to information from NSEI. The case challenges whether a stock exchange, though controlled by the government, should be treated as a public authority.

SC Retains 3-Year Practice Rule for Judicial Entry, Allows Transition Window Till March 2027

The Supreme Court upheld the mandatory three-year practice requirement for judicial service entry but created a two-year transition window (May 20, 2025 to March 31, 2027) allowing fresh law graduates to apply. Selected candidates must undergo one year of training at State Judicial Academies plus one year of law clerkship before regular appointment, effectively substituting the practice period with structured training.

SC Judge Flags Frivolous Criminal Cases, 4.27 Cr Pending, Calls for Amnesty

Supreme Court Judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has sharply criticized the filing of frivolous criminal cases, including those over food choices, poems, and social media posts. He proposed a one-time amnesty for non-serious cases to reduce the massive 4.27 crore pending criminal caseload, highlighting systemic issues in criminal justice and policing.

Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 Passed in Lok Sabha Without Debate; SC Issues Notice on Polygamy Ban

Lok Sabha passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 without debate amid opposition protests over police crackdown. Simultaneously, the Supreme Court issued notice on a plea to ban polygamy, sentenced Tahir Hussain to life imprisonment for murder of an IB officer, and stayed arrest of former TN minister Senthilbalaji. Multiple other judicial and state-level developments occurred.

SC Orders Sealing of 16,726 Illegal Structures in Meerut, Forms Judicial Commission Led by Justice Dhulia

The Supreme Court has taken a stern stance against illegal constructions in Meerut, ordering the sealing of over 16,000 properties and demolition of unauthorised structures. A judicial commission headed by former SC judge Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia will investigate the role of the Meerut Development Authority and possible collusion. This case highlights the court's proactive role in urban governance and personal accountability of officials for loss of life.

SC Replaces 2023 Gender Stereotype Handbook with 2026 Report on Compassionate Court Practices for Trial Judges

The Supreme Court has released a new report replacing its 2023 gender stereotype handbook, shifting focus from language to courtroom trauma. It mandates trial judges to develop an 'Emotional Quotient', control aggressive cross-examinations, and prevent secondary traumatisation of sexual assault survivors, following the Allahabad HC's controversial 'preparation vs attempt' ruling.