SC Reduces Mandatory Legal Practice to 1 Year for Entry-Level Judicial Exams (May 2025–Mar 2027)

SC's 76-Year Journey: Reforms at Magistracy Level Needed for Judicial Overhaul

A former Delhi High Court judge critiques the Indian judiciary's performance over 76 years, highlighting issues like eviction of poor without rehabilitation, failure to curb extra-legal punishments, and delay in upholding progressive judgments. The article argues that meaningful judicial reform must begin at the magisterial level, focusing on mentoring, mental health support, and performance evaluation reforms.

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.

TN Complains to SC on Kerala's Stalling of Mullaperiyar Dam Strengthening (142 ft Water Level)

Tamil Nadu has approached the Supreme Court alleging Kerala's obstructionist attitude in implementing the 2014 SC order allowing TN to raise Mullaperiyar dam water level to 142 feet. The delay in strengthening works (baby dam, earth dam, grouting) raises safety concerns. This inter-state water dispute has implications for federal relations and dam safety protocols.

Advocates Act 1961 and Bar Council of India: Statutory Powers, Enrolment Process and Legal Education Standards

The BCI came under scrutiny after it briefly directed state bar councils to stop enrolling NALSAR University's 2026 batch, then withdrew the order. Since UPSC has asked about BCI before, aspirants must know its statutory origin under the Advocates Act 1961, its functions, and why enrolment is actually done by State Bar Councils.

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.

Centre Reduces NEET-SS Qualifying Percentile to 30% for Special Stray Vacancy Round; 40 Seats Returned to TN

The Centre agreed in the Supreme Court to lower the NEET-SS qualifying percentile from 50% to 30% for a special stray vacancy round, aiming to fill 1,857 vacant super-speciality seats. Additionally, 40 vacant in-service seats originally diverted to the All-India Quota will be returned to Tamil Nadu for its own counselling, a significant win for the state's in-service reservation policy.

SC Strengthens Article 22 Safeguards: Violation Invalidates Arrest, Re-Arrest Requires Judicial Approval

The Supreme Court has declared any violation of Article 22(1) or 22(2) as rendering an arrest unconstitutional. This landmark ruling mandates that re-arrest of such an accused requires prior judicial approval, reinforcing fundamental rights against arbitrary detention. For UPSC aspirants, this is a critical update on constitutional safeguards and judicial interpretation of Article 22.

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.