The Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging the selection of Muslim writer Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara festival. The Court emphasized that the Preamble enshrines secularism, liberty of thought, and equality as cardinal ideals. It reiterated that the State of Karnataka is secular and maintains no religion of its own. The bench noted that while the inaugural pooja is a religious activity, the "ribbon-cutting" is a secular state event. The judgment referenced landmark cases to affirm that secularism is a basic feature of the Constitution, preventing the State from discriminating between religions.
- The Supreme Court ruled that the State cannot distinguish between religions for public events like the Mysuru Dasara.
- Secularism was reaffirmed as a 'basic feature' of the Indian Constitution, as established in the Kesavananda Bharati and S.R. Bommai cases.
- The Court distinguished between secular state activities (like inauguration) and specific religious rituals performed before a deity.
India's recent condemnation of an Israeli strike in Doha as a 'violation of sovereignty' marks a notable shift from its previously muted responses to Israeli military actions. Analysts suggest this reflects India's deepening strategic ties with Qatar, a crucial supplier of natural gas and home to a large Indian diaspora. While India has maintained a balanced relationship with both Israel and Arab nations, this strong stance underscores a commitment to principles of territorial integrity. The move also highlights the growing importance of the Gulf region in India's energy security and its evolving role as a principled actor in West Asian geopolitics.
- India described the Israeli strike in Doha as a 'violation of sovereignty,' a stronger term than its usual 'concern.'
- Qatar is a vital partner for India due to its role as a major supplier of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
- The shift in rhetoric indicates that India's West Asia policy is becoming more nuanced, balancing strategic interests with international law.
The Supreme Court of India has highlighted the need for stricter action against farmers practicing stubble burning, a major contributor to winter air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). While the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was established as a statutory body to coordinate efforts across states like Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, it has faced criticism for failing to exercise its powers independently of political pressure. The article argues that a 'carrot and stick' approach, involving better incentives for farmers and transparent enforcement of existing laws, is more effective than simply threatening imprisonment. Cooperation between the Centre and States remains crucial for a long-term solution.
- Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana significantly worsens air quality in Delhi during October and November.
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a central statutory body empowered to address air pollution across state borders.
- Meteorological conditions, such as the receding southwest monsoon, trap toxic particulate matter near the ground.
The Supreme Court has established a three-month timeline for Governors to take a final decision on Bills passed by State legislatures. This intervention addresses the issue of 'stuck legislative business' where Governors sit on Bills for years without exercising options under Article 200. The article discusses the scope of 'discretion' under Article 163, clarifying that Governors must generally act on the advice of the Council of Ministers. It highlights that Article 355 imposes a duty on the Union to ensure State governments function in accordance with the Constitution, justifying judicial intervention when constitutional duties are neglected.
- Article 200 provides four options to the Governor: assent, withhold assent, return for reconsideration, or reserve for the President.
- The Court ruled that Governors cannot act independently of the Council of Ministers in legislative matters.
- The 3-month timeline aims to prevent the halting of the legislative machinery in states.
The Supreme Court stayed several controversial provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which aimed to regulate Muslim religious endowments. The Court halted the requirement that only Muslims practicing for five years can create a waqf and suspended the District Collectors' power to adjudicate property disputes. However, it upheld the removal of 'waqf-by-user' recognition and the capping of non-Muslim members on Waqf Boards. The government argues these amendments ensure transparency and curb corruption, while critics view them as an arbitrary interference in religious autonomy protected under the Constitution.
- The Court stayed Section 3C which authorized District Collectors to decide if a property is waqf.
- Provisions capping non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council at four were upheld as valid.
- The removal of 'waqf-by-user' recognition was upheld, but existing registered properties remain protected.
The Supreme Court is hearing petitions challenging the validity of 'Freedom of Religion' Acts enacted by ten Indian states. These laws, often called anti-conversion laws, aim to prevent conversions through allurement, fraud, or force. Petitioners argue that these laws are 'virtually anti-conversion' and have a 'chilling effect' on the fundamental right to profess and propagate religion under Article 25. The Court is questioning the definition of 'deceitful' conversion and whether these laws interfere with personal liberty and the right to choose a life partner in inter-faith marriages.
- Ten Indian states have enacted stringent anti-conversion laws, which are being challenged for violating constitutional rights.
- Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion, subject to public order.
- Critics argue that the burden of proof in these laws often lies on the convert, which may be unconstitutional.
Observed on September 17, World Patient Safety Day highlights the global challenge where one in ten patients experiences harm during hospitalisation. In India, the National Patient Safety Implementation Framework (2018-25) provides a roadmap for embedding safety into clinical programs. Key initiatives include the Pharmacovigilance Program of India and accreditation by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH). The article emphasizes the need for 'Patient Advisory Councils' to bring patient voices into decision-making and calls for a culture of safety across the entire healthcare ecosystem to prevent avoidable harm.
- World Patient Safety Day is observed annually on September 17 to promote global health safety and reduce patient harm.
- India's National Patient Safety Implementation Framework (2018-25) aims to integrate safety protocols into all levels of the health system.
- Less than 5% of hospitals in India have currently earned full NABH accreditation, highlighting a significant gap in safety standards.
The Supreme Court is hearing a Presidential Reference to clarify the constitutional position of Governors regarding the timeline for granting assent to Bills passed by State Assemblies. This follows a significant judgment on April 8, 2025. The Bench emphasized that the Constitution's silence on specific timelines in Articles 200 and 201 does not grant Governors 'unlimited discretion' to withhold Bills indefinitely. The proceedings highlight the tension between democratic principles and the Governor's role as a check on legislation. The Court aims to maintain the balance between federal cooperation and State autonomy.
- Articles 200 and 201 of the Indian Constitution deal with the Governor's power to grant or withhold assent to Bills.
- The Supreme Court clarified that Governors cannot sit on Bills indefinitely, as it paralyzes democratic governance and renders legislatures defunct.
- The proceedings involve a Presidential Reference under Article 143, which provides the Court's advisory opinion to the Centre.
In the case of Kiran vs Rajkumar Jivaraj Jain, the Supreme Court quashed a Bombay High Court order that had granted anticipatory bail to an accused in a caste-based crime. The Bench reaffirmed that Section 18 of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, creates a specific bar against anticipatory bail for such offences. The court cautioned against conducting 'mini-trials' at the bail stage and emphasized that the bar is constitutionally valid to protect vulnerable communities from intimidation and ensure effective prosecution.
- Section 18 of the SC/ST Act explicitly prohibits the grant of anticipatory bail for offences under the Act.
- The SC ruled that courts must only examine if a 'prima facie' case exists based on the FIR, without deep evidentiary analysis at the bail stage.
- The judgment highlights that electoral retaliation against SC/ST voters is a serious offence that undermines social justice.
The Supreme Court clarified that Aadhaar is part of the "right-to-vote statute" and can be used by voters for identity verification. This came during a plea challenging the use of Aadhaar for special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. The court noted that Section 23(4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, permits Election Commission officials to use Aadhaar to authenticate entries. While the petitioner argued Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship or residence, the court maintained its validity as a document for voter verification alongside other prescribed documents.
- Aadhaar is recognized as a valid document for voter verification under the Representation of the People Act.
- Section 23(4) of the RP Act, 1950, allows EC officials to use Aadhaar for authenticating electoral roll entries.
- The court rejected the argument that Aadhaar is inferior to other identity documents for electoral purposes.
The Supreme Court has stayed key portions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, finding them "prima facie arbitrary." Specifically, the court stayed Section 3C, which allowed a Waqf to lose its character if a government official raised a doubt about its ownership. The court emphasized the principle of separation of powers, stating that determining property title belongs to the judiciary, not the executive. However, it refused to freeze the entire law, upholding the requirement for mandatory registration of Waqfs and the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards, while limiting their numbers to ensure community representation.
- The Supreme Court stayed Section 3C of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which allowed unilateral alteration of property status by government officials.
- The court ruled that determining property title is a judicial function, and executive interference breaches the separation of powers.
- The requirement for mandatory registration of Waqfs was upheld, noting that unregistered Waqfs cannot claim legal protection.
The Ministry of Education has issued letters of intent to twelve top foreign universities to establish physical campuses in India, following UGC regulations introduced in 2023. This initiative is a core component of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to make Indian higher education globally competitive while remaining locally rooted. A U.K. university has already commenced operations in Gurugram. These campuses provide Indian students with access to international-quality education at a lower cost and foster research collaborations with Indian institutions in fields like AI and renewable energy. The move seeks to transform India into a global education hub.
- The UGC 2023 regulations provide foreign universities with operational autonomy and regulatory clarity to set up in India.
- The initiative aims to reduce the 'brain drain' and financial burden on families sending students abroad.
- Foreign campuses are expected to encourage healthy competition and raise the standards of domestic Indian institutions.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, passed during the monsoon session, has drawn criticism for its potential impact on India's digital economy. The Bill outlaws online real-money games, a move that critics argue violates the fundamental right to practice a profession under Article 19(1)(g). Furthermore, as 'betting and gambling' are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule, the Union's unilateral ban is seen as an encroachment on federalism. The industry was expected to generate ₹17,000 crore in GST revenue and employ 1.5 lakh people by 2025. Experts suggest that strict regulation and licensing would be more effective than total prohibition.
- The Bill bans real-money online gaming, potentially pushing the industry into the unregulated underground economy.
- Judicial precedents have consistently distinguished between 'games of skill' and 'games of chance,' protecting the former.
- The lack of consultation with State governments on a State subject raises significant constitutional propriety issues.
The expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to include all citizens aged 70 and above faces implementation delays in Tamil Nadu. While the Centre expanded the scheme to provide free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year regardless of socio-economic status, the State and Union governments differ on beneficiary definitions and funding ratios. Tamil Nadu uses an annual income of ₹1.2 lakh for poverty determination, while the Centre relies on 2011 SECC data. Currently, the State's CMCHIS covers 1.48 crore families, but the Centre only shares the premium for 86.5 lakh families under the integrated scheme.
- The expanded AB PM-JAY provides ₹5 lakh annual coverage for all seniors aged 70+, irrespective of income.
- The standard funding ratio between the Centre and States is 60:40, rising to 90:10 for Himalayan and North-eastern states.
- Tamil Nadu seeks Central contribution for a larger pool of beneficiaries based on state-defined poverty lines.
The pendency of cases in the Supreme Court of India has reached a record high of 88,417, despite the court functioning with its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges. Data from the National Judicial Data Grid shows that in August 2024, the filing of fresh cases (7,080) significantly surpassed the disposal rate (5,667), resulting in a disposal rate of 80.04%. The backlog includes 69,553 civil cases and 18,864 criminal matters. Efforts to reduce the case log, such as having more Benches work during the long summer recess, have not yet stemmed the rising tide of litigation.
- The Supreme Court is currently operating at its maximum sanctioned judicial strength of 34 judges.
- The gap between case institution and disposal remains the primary driver of the increasing backlog.
- A significant portion of the pendency consists of civil cases, which account for nearly 70,000 of the total.
The Supreme Court is set to deliver a verdict on petitions seeking a stay on the implementation of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Petitioners argue that the Act facilitates a 'creeping acquisition' of Muslim properties and encroaches upon the minority community's right to freedom of religion. They specifically highlight concerns that the Act would invalidate 'unregistered waqf-by-users,' many of which lack formal deeds. The government defends the legislation as a necessary measure to counter rampant encroachment on public and private properties and to bring transparency to Waqf administration.
- The Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 was cleared by Parliament in early April 2025.
- Petitioners claim the law violates the right to freedom of religion and targets minority properties.
- A key issue is the status of 'waqf-by-users' which lack formal documentation.
In September 2025, Nepal experienced a massive youth-led uprising triggered by a government ban on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The protests, driven by Gen Z activists without traditional political affiliations, led to the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. An interim government has been formed under former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki. The movement challenged the established political 'musical chairs' between major parties and demanded new leadership. However, the dissolution of Parliament has sparked a constitutional crisis, with questions raised regarding the legality of the move under Article 76(7) of Nepal's Constitution.
- The 2025 uprising was largely coordinated through social media platforms like Instagram and Discord.
- Protesters demanded an end to the political dominance of the CPN-UML, Nepali Congress, and Maoist-Centre.
- Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was appointed as interim Prime Minister to conduct elections by March 2026.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has notified the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, along with new Rules and Orders. This legislation replaces several colonial-era laws, including the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920. A significant change is granting Foreigners Tribunals (FTs) in Assam the powers of a first-class judicial magistrate, allowing them to issue arrest warrants. The rules also mandate the recording of biometric information for all foreigners and require educational institutions to report the academic performance and conduct of foreign students to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
- Foreigners Tribunals in Assam now hold the powers of a first-class judicial magistrate.
- The new law replaces the Passport Act of 1920 and the Registration of Foreigners Act of 1939.
- Educational institutes must provide semester-wise reports on foreign students' academic performance and conduct.
The Kerala Cabinet has approved the draft Kerala Forest Amendment Bill, 2025, which seeks to amend the Kerala Forest Act, 1961. This legislation empowers the Chief Wildlife Warden to order the immediate killing of wild animals that attack or injure individuals within residential areas. Notably, this is the first time an Indian state has introduced such an amendment. The bill aims to bypass time-consuming procedures in the existing Central Act, removing the requirement for Union government permission to declare animals in Schedule II as vermin in specific conflict scenarios. It also includes provisions to promote sandalwood cultivation on private land.
- The Chief Wildlife Warden is now empowered to order the killing of animals attacking humans in residential zones without prior Union government approval.
- The bill amends the Kerala Forest Act of 1961 to streamline response times in human-wildlife conflicts.
- It specifically targets animals listed in Schedule II that pose an immediate threat to life.
The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to ensure 'upward mobility' for meritorious candidates with disabilities. The court ruled that if a candidate with a disability scores higher than the cut-off for the unreserved category, they should be moved to the unreserved list, leaving the reserved seat vacant for another person with a disability. The bench stated that denying this mobility defeats the purpose of reservation under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and constitutes 'hostile discrimination.' This principle applies to both initial recruitment and promotions, ensuring that reservation serves its objective of opening windows for mainstream participation.
- Meritorious candidates with disabilities who qualify on their own merit must be counted against unreserved seats.
- This practice ensures that more people with disabilities can benefit from reservation quotas.
- The court emphasized that the law must view disability as a lens to reveal institutional frameworks rather than a deficit.
Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan has been sworn in as the 15th Vice-President of India. The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the presence of several dignitaries. Radhakrishnan also assumes the role of Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Following the ceremony, he held a meeting with floor leaders of various political parties to discuss House proceedings, though some opposition parties stayed away citing short notice. He succeeded Jagdeep Dhankhar, who resigned in July for health reasons. Radhakrishnan emphasized that a strong Opposition is an essential element of a functioning parliamentary democracy.
- C.P. Radhakrishnan is the 15th Vice-President of India.
- The Vice-President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- The President of India administers the oath of office to the Vice-President.
The Union government informed the Supreme Court that it will hold a high-level meeting with state officials and law enforcement agencies to establish exclusive courts for trying offences under special statutes like the NIA and UAPA Acts. This move aims to address the overwhelming pendency in regular courts, which delays trials for serious national security offences. Currently, out of 52 designated courts, only three are exclusively dedicated to NIA cases. A Supreme Court bench emphasized that proceedings under special statutes cannot be delayed due to general court backlogs, as swift justice is essential for maintaining national security and the rule of law.
- The government plans to create exclusive courts to expedite trials for NIA and UAPA cases.
- High pendency in regular courts is currently hindering the swift disposal of national security-related trials.
- Only a small fraction of currently designated courts are exclusively handling NIA cases.
Despite the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, tribal women in India continue to face significant gender injustice regarding ancestral property rights. Most tribal communities follow customary laws that exclude daughters from inheritance, a practice the Supreme Court recently scrutinized in Ram Charan and Ors. vs Sukhram and Ors. (2025). While the Hindu Succession Act was amended in 2005 to grant equal rights to daughters, Section 2(2) specifically excludes Scheduled Tribes. The article advocates for the codification of tribal laws or a separate act to ensure gender parity and protect tribal women from land alienation, ensuring their fundamental right to equality is upheld.
- Tribal women are often denied inheritance rights under customary laws, unlike women covered by the Hindu Succession Act.
- The Supreme Court has emphasized that excluding daughters from ancestral property negates the fundamental right to equality.
- Only 16.7% of ST women possess land compared to 83.3% of ST men, according to the 2015-16 Agriculture Census.
The article discusses how the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, significantly narrows the scope of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. By amending Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, the DPDP Act broadens the definition of 'personal information,' making it easier for Public Information Officers (PIOs) to deny requests. Critics argue this transforms the RTI into a 'Right to Deny Information,' undermining transparency and accountability. The amendment removes the 'larger public interest' test for personal information, potentially shielding corrupt officials and ghost employees from public scrutiny, thereby threatening the fundamental right to information guaranteed under the Constitution.
- The DPDP Act amends Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, removing the provision that allowed disclosure if it served a larger public interest.
- The new definition of 'personal information' is extremely broad, potentially covering almost any data related to an individual.
- This shift threatens the fundamental right to information guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.