TN Govt Directs Institutions to Implement 16% Preferential Quota for Arunthathiyars Under 2009 Act as per HC Judgment

SC to Decide on Tamil Nadu’s Power to Grant Reservation to Muslim Converts from Backward Classes

The Supreme Court will soon pronounce judgment on whether Tamil Nadu can provide reservation benefits to individuals who convert to Islam from backward classes, most backward classes, denotified communities, and Scheduled Castes. This case challenges the constitutional validity of a 2024 Government Order that aims to preserve affirmative action despite religious conversion, and has implications for secularism and equality under Articles 15(4) and 16(4).

Himachal HC Holds Surrogate Mothers Entitled to 180 Days Maternity Leave Under CCS Rules

Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled that commissioning mothers via surrogacy cannot be denied maternity leave, even if the state has not adopted the Centre's 2024 rules. The court reaffirmed that motherhood cannot be distinguished by the method of birth, setting a binding precedent for the state.

Kerala HC Upholds 4% Disability Quota in Promotions, Sets Aside Contempt Interim Order

Kerala High Court has upheld the 4% disability quota in promotions, confirming the Kerala Administrative Tribunal's 2022 order in favour of an employee with 40% benchmark disability. It, however, set aside the tribunal's 2024 interim contempt order, ruling that positive directions cannot be issued in contempt proceedings. The judgment reinforces Supreme Court precedents in Siddaraju and Leesamma Joseph.

Bombay HC Rules Community Health Volunteers Entitled to Minimum Wage Under 1948 Act

The Bombay High Court has ruled that community health volunteers working for the BMC are entitled to minimum wages under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, rejecting the argument that their honorarium exempts them. This judgment strengthens labour rights for contractual and volunteer workers, an important topic for UPSC labour jurisprudence and social security.

Maharashtra Govt Hints at Kunbi Caste Certificates for Maratha Quota; Sept 12 Deadline

Maharashtra government signals willingness to discuss Maratha community's demand for Kunbi caste certificates, a key to OBC reservation. Activist Manoj Jarange has set a September 12 deadline for acceptance, threatening Mumbai protests. The Kunbi linkage is crucial as it provides a legal path to quota under existing OBC framework, avoiding Supreme Court's 50% ceiling issues.

Patna High Court Orders Family Pension for Second Wife Under Rule 23(2) of Bihar Conduct Rules

The Patna High Court has directed reconsideration of a second wife's family pension claim, emphasizing that long-standing marital relationship and six children cannot be ignored. The court faulted authorities for overlooking a 1982 permission application, applying Rule 23(2) of Bihar Government Service Conduct Rules, 1976. This judgment highlights the balance between service conduct rules and social reality.

Uttarakhand Waqf Board Proposes Revised Nikahnama Aligned with UCC; Interfaith Marriages under Special Marriage Act

Over 1.5 years after Uttarakhand implemented the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the State Waqf Board has proposed a revised nikahnama to bring Muslim marriage registrations in line with the new law. The proposal bans conversions solely for marriage and mandates interfaith couples to register under the Special Marriage Act, marking a significant step in UCC implementation.

Jharkhand HC Directs State to Fill JSHRC Vacancies in 3 Months Citing Custodial Deaths

The Jharkhand High Court has ordered the state government to fill all vacancies in the Jharkhand State Human Rights Commission (JSHRC) within three months, noting that the commission has been non-functional since 2022. The court held that prolonged vacancies violate the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 and Supreme Court directions, and made the Chief Secretary personally responsible for compliance.