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SC Urges West Bengal Speaker to Decide Disqualification Petitions by Oct 8 Under Tenth Schedule

The Supreme Court has directed the West Bengal Assembly Speaker to decide disqualification petitions against 10 rebel MLAs by October 8, reinforcing the 'reasonable time' principle from the Keisham Meghachandra Singh judgment. This case highlights the tension between Speaker-led adjudication under the Tenth Schedule and the EC's interim orders, a recurring theme in anti-defection law.

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.

Seven Years After Article 370 Abrogation: J&K Statehood Delay Undermines Integration Gains

Seven years after the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir remains a Union Territory. While security gains and reduced separatism are notable, the delay in restoring statehood threatens to undermine the integration achievements. The article argues that withholding statehood now demoralises the electorate and breaches the Supreme Court's assurance of temporary UT status.

EC Data: 22.21 Lakh West Bengal Excluded Voters Filed SIR Appeals in SC

The Election Commission revealed in the Supreme Court that over 22.21 lakh voters excluded during West Bengal's electoral roll revision have appealed their removal. This case is crucial for understanding the EC's powers, electoral roll accuracy, and the judicial oversight of election processes—key topics for UPSC Polity and State PSC exams.

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.

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.

Karnataka HC Quashes KPSC Chairperson Suspension; Governor's Independent Action Invalid Under Article 317(1)

Karnataka High Court reinstates KPSC Chairperson Sahukar, ruling that the Governor's suspension order was invalid because it was passed without the aid and advice of the State Cabinet. This reaffirms the constitutional principle that the Governor is bound by Cabinet advice, even in matters concerning removal of SPSC members under Article 317(1). Important for understanding Governor's discretionary powers and the role of the Supreme Court in such inquiries.

Maharashtra Panel Recommends BNS Amendment for Social Media Defamation After 11 Years of 66A

A Maharashtra government committee has recommended amending the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to specifically criminalize defamatory social media posts, 11 years after the Supreme Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act. The move aims to tackle online defamation while incorporating safeguards against misuse, but faces legal scrutiny over potential conflict with free speech rights under Article 19(1)(a).