West Bengal police arrested five more suspects in connection with mob violence following the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas, bringing the total arrests to 35. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is investigating the case, and a forensic team visited the encounter site. Civil rights organizations, including Amra Ek Sachetan Prayas and APDR, have demanded an investigation into the police 'encounter' killing of one of the prime accused, Prabhas Mondal, citing Supreme Court directives and NHRC guidelines on encounter deaths.
- Five additional arrests were made in the Baruipur mob violence case, increasing the total to 35.
- The Criminal Investigation Department is actively investigating the rape-murder case and the subsequent mob violence.
- Civil rights organizations are demanding an investigation into the police encounter that resulted in the death of a prime accused.
The Madras High Court on Friday restrained the Election Commission (EC) from notifying byelections to five Tamil Nadu Assembly constituencies (Tiruchi East, Perundurai, Ambasamudram, Viralimalai, and Karur) until July 31. This interim order was issued in response to a PIL petition arguing that holding byelections before pending election petitions, challenging the victories of the resigned MLAs, could create an anomalous situation where constituencies might be represented by two individuals. The court granted respondents time until July 31 to file counter-affidavits, emphasizing the purity of the democratic process.
- The Madras High Court has temporarily halted byelections in five T.N. Assembly constituencies.
- The decision stems from a PIL arguing that byelections should not precede the disposal of pending election petitions.
- The court highlighted the potential for an anomalous situation if both the original election challenge and a byelection result were valid.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court challenging the functioning of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) and its Standing Committee. The petitioners, a group of retired forest and wildlife officials and conservationists, allege that these bodies have become a 'clearing house,' routinely diverting protected areas for non-conservation projects like roads, mining, and industry. They claim that the Standing Committee approved over 97% of proposals between 2014 and 2026, often considering more than 100 proposals in a single day. The PIL seeks binding guidelines for decision-making by the NBWL, which is the apex statutory authority for wildlife under the 1972 Act.
- A PIL challenges the NBWL and its Standing Committee for allegedly acting as a 'clearing house' for diverting protected areas.
- Petitioners claim over 97% of proposals for diverting protected land were approved between 2014 and 2026.
- The NBWL, meant to meet annually, convened in 2025 after a 13-year gap, making the Standing Committee the de facto operational arm.
Several NDA-ruled states, including Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Meghalaya, along with central and state universities, have raised concerns over the centralizing provisions of the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025. The Bill proposes to replace existing regulatory bodies like UGC, AICTE, and NCTE with a single apex body, the VBSA. Objections include limited state representation, potential for arbitrary interventions, and the subordination of the regulator to the executive. Critics warn that clauses empowering the Centre to issue binding policy directions and supersede the VBSA could turn an independent regulator into an arm of the government, leading to 'excessive centralisation' and 'constitutional friction.'
- The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025, proposes to centralize higher education regulation by replacing UGC, AICTE, and NCTE with a single apex body.
- NDA-ruled states and various universities have objected to provisions that increase central government powers and limit state autonomy.
- Concerns include limited state representation in the regulatory council and the potential for arbitrary interventions by the Centre.
The Supreme Court expressed strong disapproval of the 'slackness' of civic authorities in taking effective action against unauthorized constructions in Delhi and its neighboring regions. Linking this inaction to recent fatal fire incidents in Delhi's Malviya Nagar and Lucknow, the Bench emphasized that such negligence would not be tolerated. The court noted media reports indicating that a high percentage of buildings in Gurugram failed fire safety norms and directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Gurugram's civic body to submit detailed reports on actions taken.
- The Supreme Court criticized civic authorities for inaction against unauthorized constructions.
- The court linked recent fatal fire incidents in Delhi and Lucknow to this negligence.
- It directed the MCD and Gurugram's civic body to submit detailed action reports.
The Supreme Court indicated it might refer to a larger Bench the question of whether grounds of arrest must be furnished in writing to an accused. This consideration arose during the Meghalaya government's appeal against bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, accused of murder. The State argued that written grounds were provided, with only a 'typographical error' in the arrest memo. However, the accused's counsel contended that the furnished document was a mere pro forma, not a meaningful fulfillment of the constitutional mandate, highlighting conflicting coordinate Bench judgments on the matter.
- The Supreme Court is considering referring the issue of furnishing written grounds of arrest to a larger Bench.
- This arises from conflicting judgments by coordinate Benches on the mandatory nature of written arrest grounds.
- The Meghalaya government claimed compliance, citing a 'typographical error' in the arrest memo.
A Bengaluru same-sex couple has challenged the constitutional validity of Section 56(2)(x) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, in the Karnataka High Court. They argue that the provision, which exempts gifts between 'spouses' from tax, discriminates against same-sex couples because the literal interpretation of 'spouse' excludes them. This, they contend, violates Articles 14, 15, 19(1)(a), and 21 of the Constitution by taxing an 'expression of love and affection' solely based on sex, denying them benefits available to heterosexual couples. The court is examining whether 'spouse' can be judicially enlarged.
- A Bengaluru same-sex couple challenged Section 56(2)(x) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, regarding tax exemption on gifts.
- They argue that the provision's definition of 'spouse' discriminates against same-sex couples, violating constitutional rights.
- The couple contends that taxing gifts between same-sex partners is a violation of Articles 14, 15, 19(1)(a), and 21.
The article details the escalating international scrutiny on Lawrence Bishnoi's alleged crime network, culminating in US indictments. Canadian law enforcement, particularly the RCMP, played a pivotal role, identifying the Bishnoi gang's involvement in extortion, targeted killings, and narcotics trafficking. The gang was publicly identified in 2024 and designated a terrorist entity by Canada in September 2025. This tightening net, involving cross-border investigations and collaboration with US and European agencies, highlights the growing international effort to dismantle transnational criminal organizations.
- International scrutiny on Lawrence Bishnoi's crime network intensified over two years, leading to US indictments.
- Canadian law enforcement, including the RCMP, played a crucial role in investigating the gang's activities.
- The Bishnoi gang was involved in extortion, targeted killings, and narcotics trafficking across continents.
The US has charged gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar with ordering the assassination of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This development follows a US-led 'Operation Hardball' against three criminal gangs involved in transnational crimes, which led to 37 charges and 24 arrests across the US, Canada, and Europe. Canadian police stated there is "no evidence" of any official Indian government involvement in Nijjar's killing, removing a major irritant in bilateral ties with India. The operation signals deepening international cooperation against Indian-origin gang networks involved in targeted killings, extortion, and narcotics trafficking.
- The US has charged gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar for ordering the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
- Canada has stated there is no evidence linking the Indian government to Nijjar's killing, easing bilateral tensions.
- A US-led 'Operation Hardball' targeted three Indian crime syndicates involved in transnational crimes.
The Supreme Court asserted that the independence of lawyers is as crucial as judicial independence for preserving the rule of law and democracy. A Bench led by Justice P.S. Narasimha stated that self-regulation is a defining feature of the legal profession, insulating advocates from external pressures. While acknowledging mounting pendency as a major challenge, the court questioned why the Bar is seldom held responsible for reducing delays. It called for a "paradigm shift" towards collaborative efforts between the Bench and Bar to tackle pendency and proposed establishing a full-time "National Legal Academy" for continuous legal education for advocates.
- The Supreme Court highlighted the critical importance of the Bar's independence for upholding the rule of law and democracy.
- Self-regulation is identified as a key feature of the legal profession, protecting advocates from external influences.
- The court called for a collaborative approach between the Bench and Bar to address mounting case pendency.
The debate surrounding WhatsApp's optional "username" feature highlights concerns over informational privacy and cyber risks. WhatsApp claims the feature, which prevents phone numbers from being accessed, enhances user privacy. However, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is apprehensive, fearing it could increase online fraud, phishing, and identity spoofing, especially if usernames resemble genuine entities. While critics argue against government intervention without statutory basis, MeitY contends its concerns align with protecting national security and public welfare. The Supreme Court's 2017 judgment on informational privacy under Article 21 emphasizes balancing liberty and security in the digital age.
- WhatsApp's new optional "username" feature aims to enhance user privacy by concealing phone numbers.
- The Indian government expresses concerns that this feature could facilitate cybercrimes like online fraud and identity spoofing.
- The debate involves balancing user privacy with national security and public welfare in the digital domain.
The Allahabad High Court ruled that the minimum age of marriage prescribed under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, applies uniformly to all citizens, irrespective of religion. The court stated that the Muslim personal law principle recognizing puberty as the age of marriage cannot override Central law provisions. This judgment was made while hearing a petition to quash an FIR related to the alleged marriage of a 16-year-old girl. The Bench emphasized that permitting marriage below 18 years would be inconsistent with the POCSO Act, 2012, which criminalises sexual relations with a child.
- The Allahabad High Court affirmed that the minimum marriage age under PCMA, 2006, applies universally, irrespective of religion.
- The ruling states that Muslim personal law, which considers puberty as the age of marriage, cannot supersede Central legislation.
- The court's decision was made in the context of a case involving the alleged marriage of a 16-year-old girl.
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the E20 petrol roll-out, claiming "silent compulsion" and seeking full disclosure on its chemical composition, safeguards, and compatibility consequences for legacy vehicles. Petitioner Narendra Kumar Goswami argued that the right to know a product's composition is a constitutional requirement, not just a consumer slogan. He highlighted that ethanol is hygroscopic, affects fuel-system materials, and has lower energy density, impacting fuel efficiency and vehicle health. The plea seeks an independent expert committee to examine "real-world E20 compatibility" and asserts that a welfare policy cannot be implemented by keeping citizens in the dark about what they are buying.
- A Supreme Court petition challenges the E20 petrol roll-out, citing "silent compulsion" and demanding full disclosure of its composition and compatibility.
- The petitioner argues that citizens have a constitutional right to know the effects of products, especially those mandated by the state.
- Concerns were raised about ethanol's hygroscopic nature, its impact on fuel systems, and its lower energy density affecting vehicle performance.
The Gujarat High Court upheld the death sentences for 38 members of the banned Indian Mujahideen and life imprisonment for 11 others in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case. This verdict comes nearly four years after a special court convicted 49 people. The court also directed the State government to provide ₹10 lakh compensation to the next of kin of those killed and ₹5 lakh to those grievously injured, to be disbursed before March 30, 2027. The 2008 blasts involved 21 serial explosions across Ahmedabad, killing 56 and injuring over 200, notably targeting hospitals, a first in India.
- The Gujarat High Court confirmed death sentences for 38 convicts and life imprisonment for 11 in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case.
- The convicts were members of the banned Indian Mujahideen.
- The court mandated compensation for victims: ₹10 lakh for fatalities and ₹5 lakh for grievous injuries.
The Centre plans to refer the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film 'Satluj' to an Inter-Departmental Committee under the IT Rules 2021 for detailed examination. This decision comes two days after streaming platform ZEE5 was directed to remove the film due to "security concerns." The movie, which depicts the life of activist Jaswant Singh Khalra during the turbulent 1990s in Punjab, had been stuck with censors for over three years before its uncut release on ZEE5 on July 3, and subsequent removal on July 5.
- The film 'Satluj', starring Diljit Dosanjh, is being referred to an Inter-Departmental Committee under IT Rules 2021.
- The referral follows ZEE5's removal of the film due to "security concerns" after its release.
- The film is based on the life of activist Jaswant Singh Khalra during the 1990s Punjab terrorism era.
This article examines whether Bar Associations can collectively refuse to represent an accused, prompted by the Faizabad Bar Association's resolution in the Ayodhya Ram Temple embezzlement case. The Supreme Court has consistently ruled that such resolutions are illegal, unconstitutional, and unethical, affirming every accused's right to a fair trial and legal representation. Key judgments, like A.S. Mohammed Rafi v. State of Tamil Nadu (2010), declared such resolutions null and void. The Constitution (Article 22(1), Article 14, Article 21, Article 39A) and Bar Council of India Rules uphold the right to defense, emphasizing that special circumstances for refusal apply to individual advocates, not associations.
- The Supreme Court has consistently held that Bar Association resolutions refusing to represent an accused are illegal, unconstitutional, and against professional ethics.
- Every accused person has a fundamental right to a fair trial and legal representation, guaranteed by the Constitution.
- Article 22(1) ensures the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of choice.
This editorial argues that while the Supreme Court has consistently held voting as a statutory right, its evolving jurisprudence, which has constitutionalized various facets of the electoral process, makes this position incongruous. The Court has recognized the right to know about candidates, freedom of voting, secrecy of ballot, and the right to reject candidates as fundamental rights under Article 19(1)(a). Given that democracy is part of the Constitution's basic structure and free and fair elections are indispensable, the editorial contends that the core right to vote itself should be recognized as a fundamental right, flowing directly from Article 326.
- The Supreme Court has historically treated the right to vote as a statutory right, not a fundamental one.
- However, the Court has constitutionalized various aspects of voting, such as the right to know about candidates, freedom of choice, and secrecy of the ballot, under Article 19(1)(a).
- The editorial highlights the paradox where the right to reject candidates is constitutionally protected, but the right to choose one remains statutory.
Congress MLA Arif Masood plans to challenge Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's decision to reconstitute the State Waqf Board with the inclusion of two non-Muslim (Hindu) members. This new 10-member board, formed under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, is the first in the country to do so. Masood argues the matter related to various provisions of the new Act is pending before the Supreme Court, which had stayed the operation of certain contentious provisions in September last year. The BJP-led government, however, asserts it's the first state to implement the amended Waqf Act.
- Congress MLA Arif Masood will move the Supreme Court against Madhya Pradesh's reconstitution of the State Waqf Board.
- The new 10-member board includes two non-Muslim (Hindu) members, a first in the country under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
- The MLA argues that the matter related to contentious provisions of the new Act is sub judice in the Supreme Court.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against Hafiz Saeed, chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and its proxy The Resistance Front (TRF), in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, 2025. This attack resulted in the deaths of twenty-six civilians. The chargesheet details Pakistan's conspiracy, Saeed's role, and supporting evidence. LeT and TRF have been charged as legal entities for their role in planning and executing the attack, with the NIA continuing its probe into Pakistan's sponsorship of terrorism on Indian soil.
- The NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet against Hafiz Saeed, LeT chief, and The Resistance Front (TRF) for the Pahalgam terror attack.
- The attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, led to the deaths of twenty-six civilians.
- The chargesheet outlines Pakistan's conspiracy, Saeed's involvement, and supporting evidence gathered through scientific investigation.
Odisha's Election Commission has published its draft electoral roll after a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, revealing that over 20 lakh names were deleted. The deletions include deceased, absent, or shifted electors, and those enrolled in multiple places. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) criticized the EC for inconsistencies in voter figures, claiming a discrepancy between the initially stated number and the final draft. The CEO clarified that no name can be deleted without notice and a speaking order, and special camps will be held to enroll young voters and receive claims/objections.
- Odisha's Election Commission published its draft electoral roll after a Special Intensive Revision (SIR), with over 20 lakh names deleted.
- Deletions were primarily due to electors being deceased, absent, shifted, or enrolled in multiple places.
- The BJD criticized the EC for inconsistencies in the total number of voters reported at different stages of the SIR process.
India's Asiatic lion conservation is a success story, with numbers increasing significantly, but the species remains vulnerable due to its confinement to a single population in Gujarat's Gir forest. Scientific consensus, supported by the Wildlife Institute of India and a 2013 Supreme Court judgment, mandates establishing a second, geographically separate population to mitigate risks from epidemics, natural disasters, or prey decline. Despite the Kuno National Park being prepared for translocation, Gujarat has resisted the move, creating a policy impasse. This delay risks turning a global conservation triumph into an ecological vulnerability.
- The Asiatic lion population, despite its growth, remains vulnerable due to being confined to a single habitat in Gujarat's Gir forest.
- Scientific bodies and the Supreme Court have advocated for establishing a second, geographically separate population for resilience.
- Gujarat has resisted the translocation of lions to Kuno National Park, creating a policy impasse.
The Indian government has issued a notice to Meta, the parent company of Instagram, directing it to disable advertisements promoting child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSEAM). This action follows a BBC report highlighting such ads on Instagram. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has given Meta seven days to respond, threatening further action if compliance is not met. The government emphasizes its zero-tolerance policy towards CSEAM, citing IT Act 2000 provisions and IT Rules 2021 that mandate intermediaries to remove such content within 24 hours.
- The Indian government has directed Meta to disable ads promoting child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSEAM) on Instagram.
- The action was prompted by a BBC report that exposed the presence of such advertisements on the platform.
- Meta has been given seven days to respond to the notice, with a warning of further action if compliance is not met.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has asked Meta to halt the rollout of WhatsApp's username feature, citing concerns about increased online fraud, phishing, and impersonation. MeitY argues that hiding phone numbers and using usernames could facilitate identity spoofing of individuals, public authorities, and financial institutions. WhatsApp, which is rolling out the optional feature with safeguards like PINs and country-of-origin display, maintains it has reserved usernames for prominent personalities. The government asserts its right to intervene under the IT Act, 2000, and IT Rules, 2021, classifying WhatsApp as a "significant social media intermediary."
- The Indian government has asked WhatsApp to stop rolling out its username feature due to concerns about potential increases in online fraud, phishing, and impersonation.
- MeitY believes the feature could enable identity spoofing of individuals and institutions by allowing usernames to resemble genuine entities.
- WhatsApp states the feature is optional, includes safeguards like PINs, and has reserved usernames for prominent personalities.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has demanded that Telegram take proactive measures to detect and remove pirated content, giving the platform 15 days to respond. This move escalates ongoing issues between the government and Telegram, which has been accused of delayed action against piracy. The I&B Ministry's notice emphasizes a shift from piecemeal takedowns to platform accountability, requiring Telegram to observe due diligence under the IT Act and IT Rules, 2021. Telegram had previously complied with an order to remove over 3,100 URLs in March 2026.
- The I&B Ministry has directed Telegram to proactively detect and remove pirated content from its platform.
- Telegram has been given 15 days to respond to the notice, marking an escalation in government scrutiny.
- The government aims for platform accountability, moving beyond individual takedown requests.