Office of the Speaker: Article 94, 96 & Supreme Court's 2025-26 Rulings on Anti-Defection Powers and Removal Procedures

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.

Lok Sabha Passes Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026; State Renamed 'Keralam' via Article 3

The Lok Sabha has passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to change the state's name from 'Kerala' to 'Keralam' in the Constitution. The Bill follows two unanimous state assembly resolutions and must now be passed by Rajya Sabha and receive President's assent. This is a key example of Article 3 procedure for state name change.

President Murmu Assents to Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026; State Renamed Keralam via Article 3

President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, renaming the state as Keralam. The bill amends the First Schedule of the Constitution under Article 3, following a resolution by the Kerala Assembly in 2024. This is a key example of the constitutional process for state name changes.

Supreme Court Uses Article 142 to Quash CJP Protest FIRs; 2,873 Individuals Excluded

The Supreme Court invoked Article 142 to quash thousands of FIRs filed during CJP protests, except for 2,873 individuals with serious criminal antecedents. This controversial use of 'complete justice' powers bypasses the statutory quashing procedure under BNSS, reigniting debate on judicial overreach. For aspirants, this is a critical case study on Article 142's scope and limitations.

Parliament Passes Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill 2026; JMFC for Delays Over 2 Years

Rajya Sabha passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by voice vote, making a Judicial Magistrate (First Class) order mandatory for birth and death registrations delayed beyond two years. This reform targets misuse like ghost voters and unauthorised registration of children born elsewhere. Aspirants must remember the two-year threshold and the shift from executive to judicial authorisation.

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.

Supreme Court Clarifies July 31 Order: Media Can Report Proceedings But Cannot Use Audio-Video Clips

The Supreme Court clarified that news outlets can report court proceedings but cannot use audio or video clips in their reports. This balances open justice with preventing misuse of selective clips. Key for understanding judicial transparency and media regulation.

FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 Sent to 31-Member JPC; Report Due by Winter Session 2026

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, has been referred to a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) amid strong opposition protests. The bill proposes tighter government oversight over foreign funding of NGOs and a designated authority to manage assets of defunct organisations. The government denies it targets minorities, while the JPC must submit its report by the first week of the 2026 Winter Session.