Telangana HC: First Pregnancy Twins Cannot Deny Maternity Leave for Second Delivery Under Article 21

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.

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.

SC Upholds Telangana MLA Danam Nagender Disqualification Under Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule)

Supreme Court upheld the disqualification of Telangana MLA Danam Nagender for defecting from BRS to Congress. The court rejected the 'ghar wapsi' argument, reinforcing that voluntarily giving up party membership under the Tenth Schedule cannot be condoned by claiming regret. This judgment reaffirms judicial review over Speaker's decisions in anti-defection cases.

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.

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.

Telangana HC Disqualifies MLA Under Tenth Schedule for Contesting Lok Sabha on Congress Ticket

Telangana High Court set aside the Assembly Speaker's order rejecting disqualification petitions and declared BRS-turned-Congress MLA Danam Nagender disqualified from April 23, 2024. The case reinforces the Tenth Schedule's anti-defection law: contesting a Lok Sabha election on another party ticket without resigning from the original party amounts to voluntarily giving up membership. This verdict is crucial for UPSC Polity as it clarifies the Speaker's role and limits of judicial review.

Telangana's Khairatabad Seat Vacant After Danam Nagender Disqualified Under Anti-Defection Law

The Telangana Legislative Assembly has officially notified the disqualification of BRS MLA Danam Nagender from the Khairatabad constituency after the Supreme Court upheld the High Court order under anti-defection law. The seat is now vacant, and the Election Commission will announce a by-election schedule.

SC & HCs Affirm Women's Bodily Autonomy: Menstrual Leave, Choice of Partner, Homemaker Value

In five recent rulings, the Supreme Court and various High Courts have strongly affirmed women's bodily autonomy, dignity, and personal liberty. Key judgments include upholding the right to choose a partner, recognizing the invaluable contribution of homemakers, and directing consideration of paid menstrual leave for women conductors. These rulings signal a progressive judicial shift that places women's agency over traditional social norms.