The Supreme Court has ordered the transfer of contempt petitions alleging continued instances of 'bulldozer justice' by states to respective High Courts. A three-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, reasoned that High Courts are better equipped to conduct the necessary in-depth factual inquiries for such cases. The Court reiterated its November 2024 judgment, which declared illegal demolitions without due process as an 'arbitrary use of power' and a 'lawless state of affairs,' emphasizing the state's inability to engage in retributive action. Interim protections granted by the Supreme Court in these cases will continue.
- The Supreme Court transferred contempt petitions regarding 'bulldozer justice' to State High Courts.
- The decision was based on the High Courts' suitability for conducting detailed factual inquiries into disputed facts.
- The Court reaffirmed its November 2024 judgment, which deemed illegal demolitions without due process an 'arbitrary use of power'.
Supreme Court Justice B.V. Nagarathna orally appealed to the government to introduce the third language (R3) in Class 6 and conclude it by Class 9, rather than starting in Class 9. She argued that starting a third language in Class 9 would be too stressful for children, given the pressure of Board exams beginning as early as Class 8. The judge's remarks came during petitions concerning the introduction of Navodaya schools in Tamil Nadu, which follow a three-language formula, conflicting with the State's two-language policy. Tamil Nadu's government indicated it was in talks regarding the Navodaya scheme.
- Justice B.V. Nagarathna recommended introducing the third language from Class 6 to Class 9, instead of starting it in Class 9.
- The rationale is to reduce academic stress on students, especially with Board exams approaching.
- The discussion arose during petitions challenging the introduction of Navodaya schools in Tamil Nadu.
Kerala Higher Education Minister Roji M. John has appealed to all MPs from the State to oppose the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025. He argues that the Bill centralises control over higher education, weakens the constitutional role of States, and threatens institutional autonomy. Mr. John contended that Clause 49 of the proposed law would allow it to override inconsistent State enactments, thereby departing from cooperative federalism. He also raised concerns about the Bill's governance structure, particularly the limited rotational representation for States in the apex body that would replace UGC, AICTE, and NCTE.
- Kerala Higher Education Minister Roji M. John urged MPs to oppose the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025.
- The Bill is criticized for centralizing control over higher education and weakening the constitutional role of States.
- Clause 49 of the Bill is seen as undermining cooperative federalism by allowing the proposed law to override State enactments.
The Supreme Court has closed 13 petitions challenging the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu. A Bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant noted that further adjudication was not required, citing the apex court's judgment in the Bihar SIR case, which upheld the Election Commission's power to conduct such exercises. Petitioners, including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, had argued that the SIR was a 'de novo citizenship verification process' that risked disenfranchising lakhs of voters and eroded the federal structure by unilaterally imposing the exercise without consulting state governments.
- The Supreme Court closed petitions challenging Tamil Nadu's electoral roll revision, referencing its Bihar SIR judgment.
- The Bihar SIR judgment upheld the Election Commission's power to conduct intensive electoral roll revisions.
- Petitioners argued the revision risked disenfranchising voters and undermined federalism by not consulting the State government.
The government has listed five new Bills for the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, including the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which aims to make intentional insult or disruption during the singing of Vande Mataram a punishable offense. Also on the agenda is the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill and the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan Bill, 2025. Other new Bills include amendments to Births and Deaths, Income Tax, Supreme Court (Number of Judges), and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Acts. Notably, the 130th and 131st Constitutional Amendment Bills are not on the circulated legislative agenda.
- The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeks to criminalize intentional insult or disruption during the National Song.
- The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill and Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan Bill, 2025, are also part of the legislative agenda.
- Other Bills include amendments to Births and Deaths, Income Tax, Supreme Court (Number of Judges), and MSME Development.
An analysis by LibTech India indicates a marginal dip in registered (2.5%) and active (2.43%) workers in rural job schemes following the transition from MGNREGS to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G) on July 1, 2026. The Rural Development Ministry, however, disputed these findings, attributing changes to continuous verification and stating that no complaints of employment denial due to e-KYC or face authentication issues have been received. The analysis highlights that states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana accounted for a significant portion of the decline, raising concerns about the impact of digital compliance measures on worker numbers.
- A marginal dip in registered and active rural job scheme workers was observed after the program transition.
- The transition occurred from MGNREGS to Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G).
- The Rural Development Ministry disputes the findings, citing continuous verification of records.
The Joint Committee of Parliament has deferred its final meeting on the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025, to July 20, following objections from the Andhra Pradesh government, an ally of the BJP. The Bill proposes to replace existing bodies like UGC, AICTE, and NCTE with a single apex body, the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA). Andhra Pradesh raised concerns that the Bill could undermine State legislative competence in higher education and objected to Clause 11, which allows the Regulatory Council to bypass State universities, potentially leading to 'constitutional friction'.
- The parliamentary panel deferred its meeting on the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025.
- Andhra Pradesh government raised objections regarding the Bill's provisions.
- The Bill proposes to replace UGC, AICTE, and NCTE with a single apex body, VBSA.
The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition INDIA bloc are strategizing for the Monsoon Session regarding the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill. This Bill proposes to increase Lok Sabha seats to 850 and initiate a delimitation process. The NDA is actively working to secure a two-thirds majority, with recent alignments from 20 Trinamool Congress and six Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MPs boosting its numbers to 329. However, the Congress criticizes the use of 'defection route' for securing votes, while some NCP (SP) leaders show conditional openness to the Bill, provided the implementation formula is in writing.
- The NDA is pushing for the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill to increase Lok Sabha seats to 850.
- The ruling alliance is actively seeking a two-thirds majority for the Bill's passage.
- Recent alignments from Trinamool and Shiv Sena MPs have boosted NDA's strength in the Lok Sabha.
The editorial criticizes the Union government for indefinitely delaying the restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), despite a solemn assurance to the Supreme Court and repeated pledges from the Prime Minister and Home Minister. It argues that retaining Union Territory status undermines the elected government and that security concerns are an insufficient justification for the delay. The article emphasizes that empowering elected leaders is crucial for addressing local grievances and preventing alienation, urging the BJP not to prioritize political expediency over fulfilling its promise to the people of J&K.
- The Union government has indefinitely deferred the restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
- The delay contradicts solemn assurances made to the Supreme Court and pledges by top leaders.
- Retaining Union Territory status subordinates the elected government to an unelected Lieutenant Governor.
The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) has deferred its decision on water release to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, opting to wait until July 28 to reassess the situation. The meeting in New Delhi addressed a dry situation due to a weak monsoon in Karnataka's Cauvery catchment area. Karnataka argued it could not release the required quantum of water due to shortages and minimal inflow into reservoirs. Tamil Nadu, however, insisted on immediate water release as stipulated by the Supreme Court and the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal to support its farmers.
- The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee deferred its decision on water release to July 28.
- Karnataka cited weak monsoon and water shortages as reasons for not releasing water.
- Tamil Nadu demanded immediate water release as per Supreme Court and Tribunal directives.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to discuss a coordinated strategy to combat inter-State drug smuggling. Kerala sought Tamil Nadu's cooperation in establishing a mechanism among southern States to crack down on drug peddlers and narcotics. Chennithala briefed Vijay on Kerala's anti-narcotics drive, 'Operation Toofan,' which has led to over 6,000 arrests and 5,500 registered cases in 43 days. Both States agreed to share information and intelligence to curb cross-border drug trafficking.
- Kerala sought Tamil Nadu's cooperation to establish a coordinated mechanism against drug smuggling.
- The initiative aims to combat drug peddlers and narcotics across southern States.
- Kerala's 'Operation Toofan' anti-narcotics drive has resulted in significant arrests and case registrations.
The Kerala High Court has ordered the Kerala State Waqf Board to halt all major functions, including capital expenditure and policy decisions, without court permission. The court also mandated a stop to its judicial functions. This directive was issued because the board was not constituted in accordance with the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 2025, which requires the inclusion of two non-Muslim and one Shia member. The State government has indicated its readiness to reconstitute the board in compliance with the Act.
- Kerala High Court halted major functions of the Kerala State Waqf Board.
- The board's constitution was found to be non-compliant with the UMEED Act, 2025.
- The UMEED Act mandates the inclusion of two non-Muslim and one Shia member on the board.
The Election Commission (EC) has extended the deadline for the special intensive revision (SIR) of Delhi's electoral roll to August 8. This extension, a 10-day increase from the original July 29 deadline, was necessitated by the slow pace of digitisation of enumeration forms. While house-to-house verification began on June 30, only 14.35% of the forms for Delhi's 1.45 crore electors have been digitized. The draft roll will now be released on August 17, with the final roll published on October 19.
- The Election Commission extended the deadline for Delhi's electoral roll revision to August 8.
- The extension is due to slow digitisation of enumeration forms for the special intensive revision.
- House-to-house verification, which started on June 30, is now prolonged by 10 days.
The Delhi Cabinet has approved the Delhi (Right of Citizen to Time Bound and Ease of Delivery of Service) Bill, 2026, which aims to replace the 2011 Act. The proposed legislation introduces a fine of ₹250 per day, up to a maximum of ₹5,000, on officials for unjustified delays in service delivery. This penalty will be imposed only after the official has been given a full opportunity to explain. The Bill is intended to enhance accountability, transparency, and efficiency in public services, covering over 500 notified services.
- The Delhi Cabinet approved a new Bill to replace the 2011 Act on time-bound service delivery.
- The Bill proposes a daily fine of ₹250, up to ₹5,000, for officials delaying services without valid justification.
- The penalty will only be imposed after the concerned official is given a full opportunity to present an explanation.
The Union government has informed the Supreme Court that it has amended the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) of 2016 to include victims of acid ingestion. The new definition of 'acid attack victim' now covers individuals with internal injuries caused by the ingestion of acid or similar corrosive substances. This amendment has retrospective effect, allowing past victims to claim benefits under the 2016 Act. The move follows the Supreme Court's intervention, which had urged the Centre to expand the definition, noting that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) already penalizes both acid-throwing and administration.
- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) of 2016 has been amended to include victims of acid ingestion.
- The new definition of 'acid attack victim' covers internal injuries from ingesting corrosive substances.
- The amendment has retrospective effect, allowing past victims to claim benefits under the Act.
The Supreme Court questioned the CBSE's classification of English as a 'non-native language' within its three-language scheme, which mandates Class 9 students to study at least two 'native to India' languages. A Bench led by CJI Surya Kant asked if English, spoken for over 300 years and used for official communication in several states, could be considered an indigenous Indian language. Petitioners highlighted a severe human resource crunch and lack of books for implementing the scheme for 22 Scheduled languages. CBSE, in an affidavit, acknowledged resource challenges but suggested flexible staffing, including retired teachers and virtual teaching.
- The Supreme Court questioned CBSE's classification of English as a 'non-native language' in its three-language scheme.
- The three-language scheme requires Class 9 students to study at least two 'native to India' languages.
- Petitioners raised concerns about a human resource crunch and lack of teaching materials for 22 Scheduled languages.
The Supreme Court has refrained from restoring the status quo ante at the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex, citing a desire to avoid 'tension' in the 'very sensitive' issue. Instead, the court suggested that the Madhya Pradesh government identify an open space nearby for the Muslim community to offer Friday namaz as an ad hoc measure until the case is finally decided. The Bench also prohibited the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from making any structural alterations to the disputed structure without its prior permission. This follows a Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling that declared the complex a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.
- The Supreme Court declined to restore status quo ante at the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex to prevent tension.
- The court suggested a temporary prayer space for Muslims near the disputed site for Friday namaz.
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is prohibited from making structural alterations without the Supreme Court's permission.
Trial in absentia refers to a criminal trial conducted in the absence of the accused. Under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), it is permitted if a 'proclaimed offender' has absconded to evade trial and there is no immediate prospect of arrest. This provision allows the court to proceed with inquiry, trial, and judgment as if the accused were present. The BNSS introduces procedural safeguards, including issuance of consecutive warrants, public notices, and appointment of a defence lawyer, to ensure a fair trial, a significant departure from the more limited provisions of the previous CrPC.
- Trial in absentia is a criminal trial conducted in the absence of the accused.
- Section 356 of the BNSS allows for trial in absentia for 'proclaimed offenders' in cases of serious offences.
- The BNSS provision is a significant expansion compared to the limited scope under the previous CrPC.
The Karnataka High Court has adjourned the hearing until July 15 on a petition filed by Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar, challenging his suspension as chairperson of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). Governor had suspended Mr. Sahukar following allegations that his daughter secured a reserved government job using a fake income certificate. Justice Suraj Govindaraj adjourned the hearing to ascertain the legal interpretation of the Governor's power under Article 317(2) of the Constitution to suspend a SPSC chairperson or member during an inquiry.
- The Karnataka High Court deferred the hearing on the suspension of the KPSC chairperson.
- Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar challenged the Governor's suspension order.
- The suspension followed allegations that his daughter obtained a government job with a fake income certificate.
Haryana has extended its special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by 10 days until July 24, following a request from the State Chief Electoral Officer. The extension was granted because over 1.5% of voters had not submitted their enumeration forms by the original July 14 deadline. Gurugram district recorded the highest number of pending submissions, with 8.3% of its registered voters yet to submit forms. The CEO noted that 'uncollectable' forms, indicating deceased, absent, or shifted voters, stood at over 33 lakh statewide.
- Haryana's special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has been extended by 10 days until July 24.
- The extension was necessary as over 1.5% of voters had not submitted their enumeration forms by the original deadline.
- Gurugram district has the highest percentage of pending submissions, at 8.3% of registered voters.
The West Bengal government and the State Backward Classes Commission have withdrawn their separate pleas from the Supreme Court challenging a Calcutta High Court judgment that struck down the inclusion of 77 castes, including 75 Muslim communities, from the State's Other Backward Class (OBC) list. The previous Trinamool Congress government had filed these pleas. The newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party government has since discontinued religion-based categorisation schemes and regularised 66 communities, restoring their eligibility for 7% reservation.
- The West Bengal government withdrew its plea in the Supreme Court against a Calcutta High Court verdict on OBC status.
- The High Court had struck down the inclusion of 77 castes, including 75 Muslim communities, from the State's OBC list.
- The Supreme Court clarified that its order would not prevent other aggrieved parties from pursuing an appeal.
The Supreme Court is considering framing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure continuous judicial accessibility for urgent cases affecting life and liberty, such as illegal detentions, imminent demolitions, and custodial violence. The petition, filed by advocate Maheravish Rein, highlighted that courts cannot afford to close when fundamental rights are at stake. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant suggested a response time of within an hour for urgent mentions. Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta proposed that the SOP be prepared on the administrative side of the Supreme Court.
- The Supreme Court is considering an SOP for urgent cases involving life and liberty to ensure continuous judicial accessibility.
- The petitioner highlighted that the absence of such a mechanism leads to irreversible consequences, especially with late-night arrests and demolitions.
- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant suggested a response time of within an hour for urgent mentions.
The article delves into the legal records surrounding the disappearance and death of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated alleged extra-judicial killings and disappearances in Punjab during the 1980s-90s. Khalra's work exposed the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies, linking them to police actions. His own abduction and murder, for which several police officers were convicted, became a landmark case. The 'Satluj row' refers to the ongoing legal and political debate surrounding these events, with demands for accountability and justice for victims' families, highlighting the complexities of human rights violations and the struggle for justice in India.
- Jaswant Singh Khalra was a human rights activist who investigated extra-judicial killings in Punjab.
- His work exposed the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies, allegedly by police.
- Khalra himself was abducted and murdered, leading to the conviction of several police officers.
India's Civil Registration System (CRS) has seen significant improvement, with a substantial increase in birth and death registrations, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. This progress is crucial for accurate demographic data, policy formulation, and service delivery. However, gaps remain, particularly in death registration and among specific social groups. The article highlights the benefits of a robust CRS, including better health planning, social security, and electoral rolls, while also pointing out challenges like incomplete coverage in some areas and the need for digital integration and public awareness campaigns to ensure universal and timely registration.
- India's Civil Registration System (CRS) has significantly improved, leading to higher birth and death registrations.
- Improved CRS data is vital for accurate demographic statistics, policy formulation, and service delivery.
- Gaps persist, particularly in death registration and among certain social groups and regions.