SC Directs States & UTs To Submit Prison Data By May 18, 2026 Amid Overcrowding Concerns

Madras HC Directs TN Chief Secretary to Form Panel on POCSO, Juvenile Justice Gaps

The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to form a committee of Home, Health, and Law Secretaries to address systemic gaps in implementing the POCSO and Juvenile Justice Acts. The court made key suggestions including gender-neutral application of POCSO, avoiding criminalizing consensual adolescent relationships, and establishing protocols for medical termination of pregnancy and child witness deposition rooms. This is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it touches upon child rights, judicial activism, and state governance.

SC Directs Centre on NTA Reform: Radhakrishnan & Nilekani Committee Recommendations

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to file an affidavit on implementing recommendations of the K Radhakrishnan and Nandan Nilekani committees to reform the NTA, aiming to make it a vibrant, foolproof institution like the UPSC. The court stressed institutionalisation with proper infrastructure, manpower, and technology to prevent exam leaks and ensure integrity.

SC Directs UGC to Reconsider 2026 Equity Regulations; 2012 Norms to Stay

The Centre informed the Supreme Court that the UGC's 2026 equity regulations (aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination on campuses) are under reconsideration. The SC had earlier stayed these regulations, calling them 'prima facie vague' and potentially divisive, and reinstated the 2012 regulations. This is crucial for understanding the intersection of judicial review, social justice policy, and higher education governance.

Supreme Court Directs FSSAI to Set Timeline for FoPL Phase-II High Fat-Sugar-Salt Warning Labels

The Supreme Court has asked FSSAI to provide a scientifically justified and clearly defined timeline for the second phase of Front-of-Package Labelling (FoPL) that warns about high fat, sugar, or salt in packaged foods. The court warned that without a deadline, implementation could be indefinitely postponed and also flagged gaps in label design and school-level nutritional literacy. The next hearing is scheduled for September 10.

SC Directs TN to Identify Land for Navodaya Schools in 3 Months Amid Language Policy Row

The Supreme Court orally observed that Tamil Nadu must drop its 'anti-Hindi mindset' and comply with the Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme. The state argues language choice is a fundamental right and its two-language policy law prevents the three-language formula. The court gave three months to identify land and scheduled next hearing on December 14, 2026.

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.

Rajya Sabha Passes Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill 2026, Raising Judge Strength to 38

The Rajya Sabha has cleared the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, raising the apex court's sanctioned strength from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India. The Bill replaces a May ordinance, but Opposition MPs questioned the ordinance route and highlighted the persistent diversity deficit in judicial appointments. This is a high-yield Polity topic for Prelims and Mains, with concrete data on SC/ST/OBC/minority/women representation and judiciary infrastructure.

SC Releases New Gender Sensitivity Handbook, Replaces 2023 Version; Recommends Survivor-Centric Language & Trauma-Informed Court Practices

The Supreme Court has released a new report titled 'Judgments and Gender' replacing its 2023 handbook on combating gender stereotypes. The report, drafted by an expert committee headed by former SC judge Justice Aniruddha Bose, provides practical guidelines for judges to use survivor-centric language, avoid morality-laden expressions, and adopt trauma-informed courtroom practices. This is crucial for UPSC as it reflects judicial reforms in gender sensitivity and victim protection.