The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced "Vishwas 2026," a one-time dispute resolution scheme effective from June 29. This initiative aims to facilitate the amicable settlement of disputes related to damages or penalties levied on employers under Section 14B of the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and Section 128 of the Code on Social Security, 2020. The scheme promotes voluntary compliance, reduces litigation, and ensures speedy resolution of long-pending cases through a transparent, fully digital, and time-bound process, while safeguarding employees' interests.
- EPFO has launched "Vishwas 2026," a one-time dispute resolution scheme.
- The scheme aims to settle disputes regarding damages or penalties levied on employers.
- It promotes voluntary compliance and reduces litigation in provident fund cases.
The Registrar General of India (RGI) has mandated stringent checks for digitised birth and death certificates to combat fraudulent issuance. This directive follows a surge in demand for digital copies, particularly due to their use in electoral roll revisions, and reports of fake or unauthorized certificates. The RGI noted compromised registrar credentials and unauthorized sharing of OTPs. Measures include mandatory verification of online applications against original registers, uploading supporting documents, and compulsory e-signatures by district registrars. States are urged to review digitisation status and securely preserve original records to maintain the integrity of the Civil Registration System.
- The Registrar General of India (RGI) has ordered strict scrutiny of digitised birth and death records.
- The move aims to prevent fraudulent issuance of certificates amidst a surge in demand.
- Concerns include compromised registrar credentials and unauthorized sharing of OTPs.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee reviewing the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill has deferred the adoption of its draft report. The Bill proposes the automatic removal of a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister after 30 consecutive days in judicial custody for serious offenses. Despite voting on two recommendations, the panel decided more consultations were needed due to the Bill's far-reaching impact. Opposition members, including AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi and NCP(SP) MP Supriya Sule, had submitted dissent notes, arguing that automatic removal based on a 30-day incarceration period is arbitrary, weaponizes the criminal justice system for political vendetta, and disregards the constitutional status of elected representatives.
- The Joint Parliamentary Committee deferred the adoption of its report on the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill.
- The Bill proposes automatic removal of PMs, CMs, or Ministers after 30 days in judicial custody for serious offenses.
- The panel decided more consultations are necessary due to the Bill's significant implications.
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested five more individuals in connection with an alleged terror module linked to the banned Pakistan-based outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), bringing the total number of accused to 13. The newly arrested individuals, mostly from Patan district, were allegedly staying at Jamia Abul Hasan Madrasa since 2023. During this period, they reportedly underwent training in assembling Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), learned bomb detonation techniques, and circulated extremist literature. The court has remanded them to eight days in police custody for further investigation.
- Gujarat ATS arrested five more individuals in a terror module case, increasing the total accused to 13.
- The module is linked to the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
- The arrested individuals allegedly received training in assembling IEDs and bomb detonation techniques.
The article argues against Parliament proceeding with the inquiry committee report on Justice Yashwant Varma after his resignation, likening it to the historical "Cadaver Synod." It emphasizes that a tribunal cannot justly judge someone no longer holding office. Justice Varma resigned with immediate effect on April 9, severing his constitutional link as a judge. Precedents from Justice P.D. Dinakaran and Justice Soumitra Sen's resignations show that impeachment proceedings end when a judge leaves office. The author contends that continuing the process would degrade Parliament and set a dangerous precedent, potentially allowing future Parliaments to posthumously arraign judges. Accountability for any criminal offense should be pursued through the criminal justice system, not parliamentary removal.
- Parliament should not proceed with the impeachment report against Justice Yashwant Varma after his resignation.
- The act of judging a former officeholder is likened to the historical "Cadaver Synod," which was deemed unjust and degrading.
- Justice Varma's resignation on April 9 immediately severed his constitutional link as a judge.
Kerala is facing a severe challenge with rising narcotic drug abuse, particularly synthetic drugs, and sophisticated cartel networks using digital technologies. Following a surge in NDPS cases to 36,314 in 2025, the UDF government launched "Operation Toofan" in June. This initiative aims for integrated enforcement, public engagement, victim rehabilitation, and effective prosecution. It involves collaboration between State police, southern States' police forces, central agencies, and State departments like education, health, and excise. The campaign also focuses on strengthening national intelligence-sharing under the NCORD framework and upskilling anti-narcotics personnel to counter innovative cartel methods.
- Kerala is experiencing a significant increase in narcotic drug abuse, especially synthetic drugs.
- "Operation Toofan" has been launched to combat drug cartels and streamline enforcement.
- The initiative involves multi-agency collaboration, public engagement, and victim rehabilitation.
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and States on a petition advocating for the recognition of intersex persons as a distinct and identifiable class. The petition, filed by advocate Shamshravish Rein, seeks a directive for the Union government to establish separate statutory guidelines within six months. These guidelines would provide distinct recognition, protection, and affirmative support for individuals born with congenital variations in sex characteristics (DSD). The plea highlights the traumatic challenges faced by intersex children, including forced medical interventions, social abandonment, and exclusion from various societal structures due to a strictly binary understanding of sex.
- The Supreme Court is considering a petition for distinct recognition of intersex persons.
- The petition seeks statutory guidelines for protection and affirmative support for individuals with Differences of Sex Development (DSD).
- Intersex individuals face unique challenges, including forced medical interventions and social exclusion.
The Supreme Court stated that Special Intensive Revision (SIR) data is solely for elections and cannot be used for other purposes, especially not to determine citizenship or deny welfare benefits. This came after a Congress leader's petition alleged that the West Bengal government was using SIR data to remove names from schemes like food security, women's welfare, and Backward Caste certifications. The court issued notice to the Election Commission and the West Bengal government, highlighting that deletion from electoral rolls has severe civil consequences beyond voting rights. The slow pace of appeal hearings for excluded individuals was also a key concern.
- The Supreme Court clarified that SIR data is exclusively for election-related tasks and not for determining citizenship or denying welfare benefits.
- A petition alleged that the West Bengal government used SIR data to remove names from various welfare schemes.
- Deletion from electoral rolls can lead to serious civil consequences for individuals.
The Supreme Court has directed all States and Union Territories to formulate and notify a uniform policy within three months for the premature release of aged and terminally ill prisoners. This policy aims to provide a humane and time-bound mechanism for remission or early release on compassionate grounds, and to help reduce prison overcrowding. The Court mandated that the policy, framed in consultation with State Legal Services Authorities, must clearly define 'terminal illness' and establish eligibility criteria and procedural frameworks. It also directed the constitution of independent medical boards and called for technical assistance from the Union government and NIC for implementation.
- The Supreme Court mandated a uniform policy for premature release of aged and terminally ill prisoners across all States and UTs.
- The policy aims to provide a humane, time-bound mechanism for remission and address prison overcrowding.
- It must include clear eligibility criteria and a uniform definition of 'terminal illness', drawing from UNODC guidelines.
The Supreme Court has consistently affirmed the state's paternalistic duty to preserve the life of individuals on indefinite fasts, while respecting their right to dissent. This principle was reiterated amidst activist Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing fast, with the Delhi High Court emphasizing the preciousness of human life. Past Supreme Court judgments, such as in the case of Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal and the Ramlila Maidan Incident involving Baba Ramdev, have highlighted the state's responsibility to provide medical aid and engage with protesters, recognizing hunger strikes as a constitutionally accepted form of protest that is neither unconstitutional nor barred by law.
- The Supreme Court upholds the state's duty to preserve the life of individuals on indefinite fasts.
- This duty coexists with respecting the protester's right to dissent.
- The Delhi High Court recently underscored the preciousness of human life in the context of Sonam Wangchuk's fast.
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.
A special investigation team (SIT) visited the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) office on Thursday as part of an ongoing inquiry into the alleged misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. The visit is part of the broader investigation to uncover facts related to the reported theft.
- A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing alleged gold misappropriation from Sabarimala Ayyappa temple.
- The SIT visited the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) office as part of its inquiry.
- The investigation aims to uncover facts related to the reported theft.
The Kerala High Court has directed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to establish a comprehensive, systematic, and preferably digitised inventory management system for all consumable and non-consumable assets at Sabarimala Sannidhanam and allied establishments. A Division Bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and K.V. Jayakumar also instructed the Chief Engineer and Executive Engineer of the Sabarimala Development Project to ensure strict compliance with all statutory requirements, financial rules, and procedural safeguards governing public procurement before finalizing purchases. This directive came while considering approval for a contract to supply cots for Sannidhanam staff, which had raised audit objections.
- The Kerala High Court mandated a digitised inventory management system for Sabarimala assets.
- The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) must ensure strict compliance with public procurement rules.
- The directive arose from audit queries regarding a contract to supply cots for Sannidhanam staff.
In a significant effort to combat child marriage, five such alliances were prevented in Rajasthan's Sikar district on a single day through court-issued injunction orders. This success resulted from coordinated action by the police and voluntary groups like Gayatri Seva Sansthan and Just Rights for Children (JRC). The interventions included cases where boys aged nine and 12 were to be married under the 'Aata-Saata' custom, and a girl below 18 was to marry a 42-year-old widower. The court injunctions, issued under Section 13(1) of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, empower authorities to proactively prevent such marriages.
- Court-issued injunctions were successfully used to prevent five child marriages in Sikar, Rajasthan.
- The interventions were a result of coordinated efforts by police and voluntary groups like Gayatri Seva Sansthan and Just Rights for Children (JRC).
- Cases included marriages under the 'Aata-Saata' custom and a minor girl marrying an older widower.
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.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued 'Guidance on Regulatory Expectations for Data Governance' for banks and other Regulated Entities (REs). This comprehensive framework aims to strengthen data quality, accountability, risk management, and security across the banking system, ensuring compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023. Recognizing data as a critical asset in an increasingly digitalized financial sector, the RBI mandates REs to establish a Data Governance Framework (DGF) proportionate to their size and complexity, covering all aspects of data management and requiring annual reviews.
- RBI issued new data governance guidance for banks and other Regulated Entities (REs).
- The framework aims to enhance data quality, accountability, risk management, and security.
- It ensures compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023.
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 article argues that the ongoing impasse over Iran's nuclear program exposes the fundamental hypocrisy of the global non-proliferation order. It highlights that recognized nuclear powers and Israel face no comparable ultimatum to disarm, while Iran, despite pursuing enrichment within a legal framework and complying with the JCPOA, was punished by unilateral U.S. withdrawal and sanctions. The author questions the coherence and justice of a system that allows some states to retain nuclear weapons while denying others, tracing this contradiction back to the 1945 Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, and calls for a direct confrontation of this unequal framework.
- The global non-proliferation order is characterized by hypocrisy, treating nuclear 'haves' and 'have-nots' unequally.
- Iran, despite JCPOA compliance, was punished by U.S. withdrawal and sanctions, unlike other nuclear states.
- The framework's legitimacy is undermined by the historical precedent of nuclear weapons use in 1945.
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.
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 resolution of the Gyanvapi dispute is expected to be a lengthy process after both Hindu and Muslim sides in Varanasi declined mediation, opting instead for court resolution. This decision came during a mediation panel hearing, part of a Supreme Court initiative to seek an amicable settlement ahead of a special Lok Adalat. With mediation rejected, the case will now proceed through formal court hearings, which are anticipated to involve extensive procedural requirements and potential delays. The Hindu side claims the mosque was built over a demolished temple, while the Muslim side asserts it is a valid Waqf property.
- Both Hindu and Muslim parties in the Gyanvapi dispute rejected mediation for resolution.
- The decision means the dispute will now proceed through standard, time-consuming court litigation.
- The Supreme Court had initiated a mediation process for an amicable settlement.
Highly sensitive files of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) were reportedly accessed by a ransomware group from a contractor's server, causing 'absolute commotion' within the plant. The leaked data, dating from 2016 to 2025, includes engineering blueprints and lists of vendors. While the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) stated the information pertains to 'conventional balance of plant common service facilities' and not nuclear safety systems, the plant's contractor, Reliance Group, admitted a 'partial breach' originating from a server hosted by third-party provider Yotta.
- Sensitive KKNPP files were leaked by a ransomware group from a contractor's server.
- The leak has caused 'absolute commotion' within the nuclear plant due to security threats.
- NPCIL claims the leaked data relates to common service facilities, not nuclear safety systems.