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.
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 faces an alarming road safety crisis, with a high number of accidents and fatalities annually. The article argues that while the government has introduced measures like the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, and various initiatives, a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach is still needed. It emphasizes the importance of parliamentary intervention to create a robust legal framework, improve road infrastructure, enhance enforcement, and promote public awareness. The current fragmented governance structure and lack of accountability contribute to the problem, necessitating a unified and proactive strategy to reduce road accidents and save lives.
- India has an alarming road safety crisis with a high number of accidents and fatalities.
- A comprehensive, multi-pronged approach involving legal, infrastructure, enforcement, and awareness measures is needed.
- Parliamentary intervention is crucial to establish a robust legal framework for road safety.
The article discusses the debate surrounding the District Development Councils (DDCs) in Jammu and Kashmir, formed in 2021. While supporters view them as a step towards grassroots democracy, critics argue they have impeded democratic decentralisation. DDCs were established via executive order, bypassing the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments' framework for elected rural and urban bodies. Critics contend that DDCs function as a parallel administrative authority, blurring lines of power and creating an imbalance in representation, thus centralising bureaucratic control rather than empowering local self-governance. The article calls for restoring the DPC model for genuine decentralisation.
- DDCs in J&K were established by executive order, bypassing the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments.
- Supporters view DDCs as promoting grassroots democracy, while critics argue they centralise control and impede decentralisation.
- DDCs function as parallel administrative authorities, potentially weakening existing local bodies and blurring lines of power.
The article discusses the significant backlog of cases in Indian courts, with five crore people awaiting justice, exacerbated by long court vacations. It highlights that the Supreme Court and High Courts have substantial breaks, leading to delays in justice delivery. Despite calls for reducing vacations and increasing working days, the judiciary has resisted, citing the need for judges' rest and time for judgment writing. This situation disproportionately affects undertrials and those seeking timely resolution, undermining public trust in the justice system. The article suggests that a balance between judges' well-being and public interest is crucial for judicial reforms.
- Five crore people are awaiting justice in Indian courts, contributing to a significant backlog of cases.
- Long court vacations in the Supreme Court and High Courts exacerbate delays in justice delivery.
- The judiciary has resisted calls to reduce vacations, citing the need for judges' rest and time for judgment writing.
The film 'Satluj' (originally 'Punjab '95'), based on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, was removed from ZEE5 two days after its premiere, reportedly on government orders. The film depicts Khalra's work documenting alleged extrajudicial killings and illegal cremations in Punjab during the 1980s-90s. The removal, following years of delays and 127 cuts demanded by the CBFC for a theatrical release, raises concerns about post-publication executive control under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000. Legal experts highlight that blocking orders must follow prescribed procedures and safeguards, including reasoned written orders and opportunities for the publisher to be heard, and that confidentiality provisions in the Blocking Rules undermine transparency and legal challenge.
- The film 'Satluj', depicting the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, was removed from ZEE5 reportedly on government orders.
- The film addresses alleged extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in Punjab during the 1980s-90s.
- The removal raises concerns about government's use of Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, for post-publication censorship on OTT platforms.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) has indicted Lawrence Bishnoi and his associates for transnational organized crime, including allegations of ordering the assassination of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in 2023. Bishnoi's group, headquartered in India but operating globally, is accused of targeted killings, extortion, drug trafficking, and creating a climate of fear among the Indian diaspora. The DoJ also indicted two other Punjab-linked syndicates led by Jagtar Singh alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Ravinder Singh Dhanda. The investigation, aided by Sukhraj Singh Kang, a senior lieutenant, has led to multiple arrests and drug seizures. The NIA's 2022 charge sheet also mirrored these allegations, noting Bishnoi's operation from prison and comparing his rise to Dawood Ibrahim.
- The U.S. DoJ has indicted Lawrence Bishnoi's organized crime group for transnational activities, including the alleged assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
- Bishnoi's network is accused of targeted killings, extortion, drug trafficking, and creating fear among the Indian diaspora across multiple countries.
- Two other Punjab-linked transnational crime syndicates, led by Jagtar Singh alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Ravinder Singh Dhanda, were also indicted.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant clarified that Artificial Intelligence (AI) should only assist in procedural convenience, not in actual judging, emphasizing its role as an assistant, not a judge. His caution follows recent instances where a Tribunal relied on AI-hallucinated verdicts, leading the apex court to advocate 'zero-tolerance' for blind reliance on machine intelligence. CJI Kant stated that AI could triage disputes, organize evidence, or draft translations, but it must not weigh parties' equities or make decisions. He warned that such sloppiness would be catastrophic for the judicial process, stressing that no algorithm has earned the ability or authority to decide.
- CJI Surya Kant stated that AI's role in justice administration is strictly limited to assistance and procedural convenience, not judicial decision-making.
- He warned against blind reliance on AI, citing a recent case where a Tribunal used AI-hallucinated verdicts.
- AI can be used for tasks like dispute triage, evidence organization, and drafting translations.
The West Bengal government has constituted a high-level committee, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, to review a draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for the State. The notification, issued on July 10, states that the committee was formed due to the "wide ramifications and voluminous nature" of the proposed legislation. The State government has already formulated a Draft Bill titled "The Uniform Civil Code, West Bengal, 2026," aiming to establish a legal framework for all citizens, irrespective of religion, faith, or community, concerning personal civil matters like marriage, divorce, and succession.
- West Bengal has formed a committee to review a draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for the state.
- The committee is headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai.
- The proposed UCC aims to create a uniform legal framework for personal civil matters for all citizens in the state, regardless of religion.
The European Union has warned Meta to modify the "addictive design" of its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, or face substantial fines. Brussels accused Meta of failing to mitigate risks posed to users, especially children and vulnerable adults, due to features like endless scroll, highly personalized feeds, and automatic video playback. The EU's preliminary view suggests Meta needs to implement design changes such as disabling addictive features by default, implementing screen time breaks, and adapting its recommender system to be less engagement-oriented. Meta disagreed with the findings but committed to engaging constructively; non-compliance could lead to fines up to 6% of its total worldwide annual turnover.
- The EU has issued a warning to Meta regarding the "addictive design" of Facebook and Instagram.
- Meta is accused of failing to protect users, particularly children, from harmful design features like endless scroll and autoplay videos.
- The EU recommends design changes, including disabling addictive features by default and implementing screen time breaks.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) met Home Minister Amit Shah to express concerns over the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, and its associated Rules. The CBCI specifically objected to the term "proselytisation" in the Rules, arguing it has no relevance to FCRA activities and could be misused to misinterpret charitable and humanitarian services as religious conversion. They also opposed the Bill's provision allowing a "designated authority" to take over, manage, or dispose of NGO assets created from foreign funds, especially its retrospective application and the lack of a judicial finality before such actions.
- The CBCI raised objections to specific provisions of the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, and its Rules.
- They opposed the inclusion of "proselytisation" in the Rules, fearing misinterpretation of charitable activities as religious conversion.
- Concerns were also raised about the Bill's provision allowing a "designated authority" to seize NGO assets without judicial finality.
A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill recommended replacing "removal" with "suspension" for Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, or Ministers held in judicial custody for over 30 consecutive days. This change aims to address concerns that "removal" carried an unwarranted stigma and was not linked to a judicial finding of guilt. The panel also suggested defining "serious criminal offences" as those punishable with five years or more imprisonment, establishing fast-track courts for such cases, and creating a separate schedule of offences. Concerns were raised about the potential misuse of the mechanism against non-BJP-ruled States.
- A JPC recommended 'suspension' instead of 'removal' for high public functionaries jailed for over 30 days.
- The proposed change aims to make the measure reversible and avoid premature stigma without a judicial finding of guilt.
- The panel suggested defining "serious criminal offences" as those punishable by five years or more imprisonment.
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.