SC Affirms Wife's Right to Husband's Hotel Records Under Section 14 Family Courts Act

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.

SC Seeks Centre Reply on PIL: Minors' Online Accounts Without Valid Contracts Under Section 11 Indian Contract Act

A PIL filed by Just Rights for Children Alliance has challenged the practice of allowing minors to independently sign up for digital platforms without verified parental consent. The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Centre, highlighting the legal gap between Section 11 of the Indian Contract Act (barring minors from contracts) and existing IT/DPDP rules.

Delhi HC Holds Doctor Must Verify Minor's Age, Report Termination Under POCSO

Delhi HC rules that a medical practitioner cannot rely solely on a patient's oral age claim for abortion; must verify age through documentary evidence and report minor's pregnancy under POCSO. This reinforces medico-legal responsibilities and is crucial for exam questions on MTP Act, POCSO Act, and judicial interpretation.

SC Proposes Special Courts for CBI & NIA Cases on Manipur Ethnic Violence; 891 Witnesses Yet to Testify

The Supreme Court has proposed setting up exclusive Special Courts to hear cases related to the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence investigated by the CBI and NIA, highlighting the slow pace of trials. With 891 out of 904 witnesses yet to be examined and serious charges including sexual violence, this move aims to expedite justice. For exam aspirants, this links to judicial administration, Article 14 (speedy trial), and the role of special courts under the NIA Act.

Delhi HC Overturns Acquittal in 2013 Harassment Case, Upholds IPC Section 354A, POCSO Charge Dropped

Delhi High Court overturned a 2014 acquittal in a 2013 sexual harassment case, convicting the accused under IPC Section 354A while dismissing POCSO charges due to age proof deficiencies. The court delivered strong observations against victim-blaming based on clothing and character, and cautioned judicial officers against humiliating cross-examination.

Delhi HC Releases 2 Life Convicts Citing Chekhov; SRB Rejection 'Arbitrary' Under Article 21

The Delhi High Court ordered the release of two life-term convicts, holding that prolonged imprisonment 'kills slowly' and that Sentence Review Boards cannot reject early release pleas based on stereotyped reasoning. The judgment reinforces Article 21 rights and sets important guidelines for evaluating post-conviction conduct.

Karnataka HC Upholds Rs 15 Lakh Alimony: Able-Bodied Husband Must Maintain Wife Even Without Income

Karnataka High Court affirmed Rs 15 lakh permanent alimony, ruling that an able-bodied husband cannot escape maintenance by claiming no income. The court emphasized strict adherence to Rajnesh vs Neha guidelines requiring both parties to disclose assets and liabilities before determining alimony.

Uttarakhand Seals 20 Madrasas Under New Minority Education Act; USAME Replaces Madrasa Board

Uttarakhand has sealed 20 unrecognised madrasas under a new regulatory framework that replaced its statutory Madrasa Board with the Uttarakhand State Authority for Minority Education (USAME). The move, backed by a 2024 Supreme Court ruling upholding state regulation of minority institutions while protecting Article 30 rights, signals a shift toward standardised education in minority-run schools. Aspirants must connect this to Article 21A, RTE Act, and the ongoing debate between minority autonomy and state regulation.