Supreme Court Justice B.V. Nagarathna stated that a Bar Council losing its members' respect is detrimental to the legal profession. Speaking at National Law University Delhi, she urged Bar Councils to introspect on their role in upholding ethics and competence. Her remarks gained resonance following the BCI's aborted attempt to restrict professional enrolment for NALSAR University students, which the CJI called 'unwarranted interference.' Justice Nagarathna stressed the importance of legal professionals safeguarding their autonomy and adapting to changing realities.
- Bar Councils must uphold professional ethics, morality, and competence to earn and maintain the respect of their members.
- The NALSAR University of Law controversy highlighted concerns about the Bar Council of India's (BCI) overreach and interference.
- The legal profession is a liberal pursuit where disagreements should lead to civilised implications.
The issue concerning the OBC creamy layer exclusion, specifically the income/wealth test and equivalence of posts, remains unresolved, stuck between the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (DoPT) and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. A Supreme Court judgment had directed the government to exclude salaries from the income test for certain OBC candidates and create supernumerary posts. However, implementation has been difficult, with the government arguing against retrospective application. The House panel chief, Ganesh Singh, criticized the inter-ministerial blame game and lack of policy formulation by the Social Justice Ministry.
- The OBC creamy layer income test and equivalence of posts issue is stalled between two key ministries.
- A Supreme Court judgment directed the exclusion of salaries from the income test for certain OBC candidates.
- The government has faced difficulties in implementing the court's directions, particularly regarding retrospective application.
The Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process has resulted in significant voter deletions, with nearly 22% in Telangana and 19.5% in Karnataka. These 'unkind cuts' are particularly steep in capital cities, raising concerns about disenfranchisement. The article criticizes the ECI's opacity, noting its failure to publish elector-to-population ratios and gender-wise breakdowns of deletions, making verification arduous. It highlights that the process, which places the onus on electors, leads to such large-scale cuts, questioning the ECI's role as a guardian of universal adult franchise.
- The ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has led to substantial voter deletions in Telangana (22%) and Karnataka (19.5%).
- Concerns are raised about disenfranchisement, especially with over half of electors deleted in some Bengaluru constituencies.
- The ECI is criticized for its opacity, failing to publish mandatory elector-to-population ratios and gender-wise deletion breakdowns.
The Meghalaya Assembly adopted a resolution opposing uranium mining and the establishment of any uranium ore-processing facility in the State. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma stated the government is aligned with communities protesting for decades in areas like Domiasiat and Wahkaji. The resolution references a 2019 Supreme Court order recognizing private and community landowners' rights over land and minerals, reinforcing the Sixth Schedule's protection of community ownership. This legislative shield supports a long-standing public movement against radioactive mineral exploration, with the decision to be communicated to the Centre.
- The Meghalaya Assembly passed a resolution against uranium mining and processing facilities in the state.
- The resolution upholds community and private landowners' rights over land and minerals, referencing a 2019 Supreme Court order and the Sixth Schedule.
- Local communities in areas like Domiasiat and Wahkaji have been protesting against uranium exploration since the 1990s.
Meta has agreed to a $17 billion settlement with 47 U.S. states to end a landmark trial over teen social media addiction, also pledging to add child-safety measures to its Facebook and Instagram platforms. The lawsuit accused Meta of contributing to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing addicting features and collecting data on children under 13 without parental consent. While Meta stated it is "building on our longstanding efforts to empower parents and support teens," critics argue its safety features are merely "window dressing."
- Meta settled with 47 U.S. states for $17 billion over a trial concerning teen social media addiction.
- The settlement includes adding child-safety measures to Facebook and Instagram.
- Meta was accused of contributing to youth mental health crises through addicting features and collecting data on minors without consent.
The Lok Sabha Secretariat issued notices to 20 MPs who had switched from the Trinamool Congress to the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI). This action follows a complaint by Trinamool general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, who urged the Speaker to disqualify the legislators. The Supreme Court agreed to hear Mr. Banerjee's plea for an expeditious decision on the disqualification petitions. Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra alleged a cover-up regarding the timing of the notices, questioning why they were issued only after the Supreme Court hearing.
- Lok Sabha Secretariat issued notices to 20 MPs who defected from Trinamool Congress to NCPI.
- The action follows a disqualification petition filed by Trinamool general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
- The Supreme Court agreed to hear the plea for an expeditious decision on the petitions.
Three books trace the evolution of India's cyber fraud industry, from local call scams in Jamtara and Mewat to global pig-butchering operations in Southeast Asia. The analyses highlight how factors like cheap mobile data, poverty, greed, rapid digitization, and weak law enforcement have fueled this industry. Scammers constantly adapt their techniques, from tricking people into revealing passcodes to using ingenious math-based exploits for ATM PINs. The books also explore the broader economic and legal conditions that permit such large-scale fraud, emphasizing the need for stronger data privacy laws and better enforcement to dismantle the ecosystem.
- India's cyber fraud industry has evolved from local call scams to global operations, fueled by cheap data and weak law enforcement.
- Scammers continuously adapt their techniques, exploiting new methods to defraud victims.
- The books explore the socio-economic conditions and lack of stringent data privacy laws that enable large-scale fraud.
The Kerala High Court ruled that detention for fact-finding or investigation does not always constitute unlawful arrest, provided it's based on reasonable suspicion or credible information. The court clarified that the mandatory 24-hour production before a Magistrate begins only after formal arrest is recorded. It issued guidelines to ensure constitutional rights are protected during such detentions, including issuing notice before investigation detention, recording precise times of initial detention and formal arrest, and informing the arrestee's family of the grounds for arrest immediately upon detention.
- Kerala High Court clarified that detention for fact-finding or investigation is not always unlawful arrest if based on reasonable suspicion.
- The 24-hour rule for production before a Magistrate applies only after formal arrest is recorded.
- Guidelines were issued to protect constitutional rights during pre-arrest detentions.
The Meghalaya Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution opposing uranium mining and the establishment of any uranium ore-processing facility in the State. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma moved the resolution, aligning with community concerns about the "hazardous" project. The move follows concerns raised by the Khasi Students' Union and others, especially after a Union Minister's statement on examining uranium mining status. The resolution aims to provide a legislative shield, referencing a Supreme Court order recognizing landowners' rights over land and minerals.
- Meghalaya Assembly passed a resolution opposing uranium mining and processing facilities in the State.
- The resolution aligns with community concerns and protests against the "hazardous" project.
- It seeks to provide a legislative shield, referencing a Supreme Court order on landowners' rights over minerals.
The Gauhati High Court has directed the Assam and Nagaland governments and other authorities to submit detailed affidavits by November 3 regarding eastern Assam's devastating floods. The petition, filed by Congress leader Debabrata Saikia, links the floods to alleged illegal and unscientific sand and stone mining in the Dikhow riverbed, activities in Nagaland catchment areas, and water release from upstream dams. Saikia alleged that prolonged administrative inaction, despite earlier warnings and court directions, aggravated the July flood, which claimed over 80 lives.
- Gauhati High Court has sought detailed affidavits from Assam and Nagaland governments on eastern Assam's devastating floods.
- The petition links the floods to alleged illegal mining in the Dikhow riverbed and activities in Nagaland catchment areas.
- Congress leader Debabrata Saikia highlighted administrative inaction despite previous court directions against illegal mining.
Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta wrote three letters to CJI Surya Kant, questioning why Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice (ACJ) Sanjeev Prakash Sharma was not transferred despite "clear evidence" of "favouritism" and "corrupt practices." Justice Mehta described the scenario in Rajasthan HC as "grim and disturbing," alleging a lack of leadership and conduct unbecoming of a leader. The CJI acknowledged the concerns, stating the matter is being examined at the appropriate level and a decision will be made after considering all material, including ACJ Sharma's response.
- Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta raised concerns about the conduct of Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice (ACJ) Sanjeev Prakash Sharma.
- Allegations include "favouritism," "corrupt practices," and a total lack of leadership qualities by the ACJ.
- The CJI has acknowledged the letters and stated that the matter is under examination through established institutional mechanisms.
The article highlights the ongoing debate on transparency in judicial appointments, advocating for greater openness in the collegium system to strengthen public confidence and ensure merit. It criticizes the collegium, a judicial creation, for its opacity, lack of eligibility matrix, and unknown assessment methodology. Concerns about nepotism, dubbed 'Uncle Judges,' are prevalent, with a significant percentage of judges having familial links. The article argues that constitutional values of equality and equal opportunity, applied to other public appointments, should also extend to the highest constitutional offices, proposing a transparent framework with advance vacancies, open applications, and reasoned recommendations to enhance public trust.
- The collegium system for judicial appointments lacks transparency, with no clear vacancy notifications, eligibility matrix, or assessment methodology.
- Concerns about nepotism, or 'Uncle Judges,' are significant, with a notable percentage of judges having familial links to former judges.
- The Supreme Court's own record on disclosure has regressed, with reasons for elevation no longer published since November 28, 2024.
The Allahabad High Court ruled that wearing a headscarf is not an 'essential religious practice' in Islam, dismissing a Muslim student's petition to wear hijab with her school uniform. The court stated that the dispute primarily concerned compliance with institutional dress code rather than freedom of faith. It highlighted that previous wearing of a scarf does not create an enforceable right to compel the school to change its uniform policy. The judgment relied on precedents from the Bombay and Karnataka High Courts, reinforcing that conformity to institutional discipline is essential and reasonable, and not every religious practice automatically receives constitutional protection.
- The Allahabad High Court held that wearing a headscarf is not an essential religious practice for Muslim women in Islam.
- The court emphasized that the case was about compliance with institutional dress code, not an infringement of religious freedom.
- Previous wearing of a headscarf does not establish an enforceable right to alter school uniform policy.
A nine-member Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court ruled that the 1978 Bangalore Water Supply judgment's expansive interpretation of 'industry' will not automatically apply to the Industrial Relations Code (IRC), 2020. This decision aims to establish a new, clearer framework for labour law disputes, moving away from the worker-friendly precedent set in 1978 by Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer. The new ruling emphasizes interpreting 'industry' based on IRC's specific text and statutory context, ensuring labour rights are protected as fundamental rights. It also highlights the broader societal impact of unemployment on households and stresses the importance of judicial vigilance in protecting workers' dignity and security.
- The Supreme Court's nine-member Constitution Bench ruled that the 1978 BWSSB judgment's definition of 'industry' will not automatically apply to the IRC 2020.
- This decision aims to establish a new, clearer framework for labour law disputes under the IRC, moving away from the expansive 1978 interpretation.
- The 1978 ruling, known for its 'triple test,' had significantly broadened the definition of 'industry' to include various activities like hospitals and educational institutions.
The Supreme Court revisited its 1978 Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board vs A. Rajappa (BWSSB) judgment, clarifying that its 'Triple Test' is not a definitive guide for interpreting 'industry' under the Industrial Relations Code (IRC), 2020. The court emphasized that the IRC's definition of 'industry' must be interpreted based on its actual text and be worker-oriented, upholding social justice and fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21. This ruling aims to prevent the dilution of labour protections, acknowledge power imbalances between employers and workers, and safeguard against exploitation and unfair labour practices, thereby protecting the Constitution's basic structure.
- The Supreme Court's judgment clarifies that the 1978 BWSSB 'Triple Test' is not a definitive guide for interpreting 'industry' under the new IRC 2020.
- Interpretation of 'industry' under IRC 2020 must be worker-oriented, considering the actual text of provisions and preserving social justice.
- The judgment protects labour rights as fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21 of the Constitution.
The 2026 amendment to the 1971 Act grants Vande Mataram similar criminal-law protection to the national anthem, penalizing disrespect or disruption. However, it does not make singing compulsory or prescribe all six stanzas, upholding the constitutional right to freedom of conscience. The Supreme Court's Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala (1986) judgment affirmed that compelling an individual to sing against their sincere objection violates Article 25(1)(a). This legal framework ensures that while national symbols are respected, citizens cannot be coerced into participation, maintaining a balance between national unity and individual expressive rights.
- The 2026 amendment protects Vande Mataram from disruption, granting it similar legal status to the national anthem.
- The law does not compel individuals to sing Vande Mataram or specify the number of stanzas to be sung.
- Freedom of conscience, protected under Article 25, allows individuals to remain silent if participation conflicts with their beliefs.
India has released its first guidelines for planned re-entry of spacecraft, marking a significant step towards sustainable space activities. Driven by the increasing number of satellites in low-earth orbit and the growth of private space companies, these rules aim to manage risks associated with re-entries, such as deviations and fragmentation. The guidelines emphasize accountability, acceptable risk thresholds (below 1 in 10,000), and comprehensive pre-mission assessments. They are guided by international principles like the UN Committee for the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and the Space Liability Convention, reflecting India's responsible approach to ensuring safer space operations and protecting the environment.
- India has issued its first guidelines for planned re-entry of spacecraft to ensure sustainable space activities.
- The guidelines address risks like spacecraft deviation and fragmentation, requiring quantitative studies and acceptable risk thresholds.
- IN-SPACe authorization is mandatory for any Indian entity planning a re-entry.
The increasing ability of AI chatbots to mimic human emotions and form relationships raises significant ethical concerns. While some users develop emotional over-reliance, these interactions lack genuine connection, potentially causing harm. The article argues that AI should not pretend to be human, emphasizing the need for transparency about its artificial nature. Responsible AI development requires addressing these issues to prevent emotional manipulation and ensure users understand they are interacting with a machine. Clear guidelines and ethical frameworks are crucial to navigate the complexities of human-AI interaction and protect vulnerable individuals from potential psychological consequences.
- AI chatbots' ability to mimic human emotions and form relationships raises significant ethical concerns.
- Emotional over-reliance on AI chatbots can lead to a lack of genuine human connection and potential psychological harm.
- Transparency about an AI's artificial nature is crucial to prevent emotional manipulation and ensure responsible interaction.
The Patna High Court, in the Surendra Prasad vs State of Bihar case (February 2025), criticized the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) for failing to curb noise pollution from DJ trolleys and loudspeakers. The court directed authorities to implement routine, proactive enforcement, including mandatory registration of sound-system operators and event halls, and strict adherence to the 10 p.m. cut-off. It highlighted that episodic, complaint-based enforcement is inadequate and that citizens have a right under Article 21 to be protected from unlawful noise, underscoring the need for consistent enforcement.
- Patna High Court acknowledged DJ trolleys and loudspeakers as major sources of noise pollution and criticized BSPCB for inaction.
- The court directed authorities to pursue routine, proactive enforcement instead of relying on complaints.
- Mandatory registration of DJs, sound-system operators, and event halls with subdivisional authorities was ordered.
The Supreme Court praised the repealed Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as a 'salutary scheme,' not a freebie or exploitation. This observation came during a petition hearing regarding delayed wages under MGNREGA. The court clarified that the 'right to work' is not a fundamental right under Article 21 but a democratic aspiration under Part IV (DPSP). The new law, Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, shifts from a demand-driven to a centrally controlled model, increases workdays, and raises the funding burden on States from 90:10 to 60:40.
- The Supreme Court lauded MGNREGA as a 'salutary scheme' and not a 'freebie' or 'exploitation'.
- The court clarified that the 'right to work' is not a fundamental right under Article 21, but a democratic aspiration under Part IV (DPSP).
- The new law, VB-G RAM G Act, shifts MGNREGA from a demand-driven, rights-based framework to a centrally controlled model.
The Supreme Court's verdict in the Vanashakti case, concerning the construction of a road through the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, is hailed as balanced and pragmatic. The court allowed the road construction but imposed stringent conditions, including a detailed environmental impact assessment, compensatory afforestation, and the establishment of a monitoring committee. This judgment reflects a growing judicial trend of balancing developmental needs with environmental protection, moving beyond a purely prohibitory approach. It emphasizes the need for a robust framework for environmental clearances, transparency, and accountability, particularly for projects impacting ecologically sensitive areas, and calls for a new environmental jurisprudence that integrates sustainable development principles.
- The Supreme Court's Vanashakti verdict balances developmental needs with environmental protection.
- The court allowed road construction through Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary but imposed strict environmental conditions.
- The judgment signals a shift towards a more pragmatic environmental jurisprudence, integrating sustainable development.
West Bengal is facing a severe governance crisis marked by widespread allegations of corruption, political violence, and a breakdown of law and order, particularly evident in the Sandeshkhali incident. The article highlights the ruling Trinamool Congress's (TMC) alleged involvement in land grabbing, sexual assault, and the suppression of dissent, leading to a loss of public trust. Despite the BJP's attempts to capitalize on the situation, the TMC's strong rural base and welfare schemes have historically sustained its power. The editorial calls for urgent intervention from the Central government and judiciary to restore constitutional order and protect citizens' rights, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in the state's administration.
- West Bengal is experiencing a significant governance crisis characterized by corruption, political violence, and law and order issues.
- The Sandeshkhali incident has brought to light serious allegations against the ruling TMC, including land grabbing and sexual assault.
- Despite the BJP's efforts to challenge the TMC, the latter's strong rural support and welfare programs have been key to its electoral success.
The article discusses how blasphemy laws, often vague and open to misuse, are increasingly being used to curtail free speech and hinder social reform, particularly in India. It highlights how these laws, originally intended to maintain public order, are now weaponized by various groups to suppress dissent, silence critics, and prevent discussions on religious practices, even those that may be discriminatory. The author argues that such laws create a chilling effect, leading to self-censorship and preventing necessary introspection and reform within religious communities. The piece calls for a re-evaluation of these laws to protect freedom of expression and foster a more open society conducive to social progress.
- Blasphemy laws are being misused to suppress free speech and impede social reform in India.
- The vague nature of these laws makes them susceptible to weaponization by groups seeking to silence critics or prevent discussions on religious practices.
- Such laws create a chilling effect, leading to self-censorship and hindering necessary introspection and reform within religious communities.
Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, who died while serving a life sentence, was a central figure in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The Justice GT Nanavati Commission of Inquiry, set up in 2000, found "credible material" against Kumar, concluding he was "probably involved" in instigating violence. The report detailed witness testimonies alleging Kumar incited mobs to kill Sikhs and loot properties. Crucially, the commission also indicted the state machinery, noting that police investigations were inadequate, complaints were not registered, and influential political figures received backing. This systemic failure contributed to the collapse of cases and highlighted the organized nature of the attacks, which were not merely "stray" incidents.
- The Justice GT Nanavati Commission of Inquiry found credible evidence of former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar's involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
- Witness testimonies detailed Kumar's alleged role in inciting mobs and directing violence against Sikhs.
- The commission also heavily criticized the state machinery, including the police, for inadequate investigations and failure to register complaints.