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.
India announced that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) will remain in "abeyance" until Pakistan "credibly and irrevocably" ceases its support for cross-border terrorism. This statement by the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, came in response to a recent international conference in Pakistan that called for the treaty's restoration. India had previously put the IWT in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, citing Pakistan's long-standing promotion of cross-border terrorism. India emphasized that "water and blood cannot flow together," intensifying its rhetoric against Pakistan, especially amidst protests in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.
- India has declared that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) will remain in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably stops cross-border terrorism.
- This stance was reiterated following a conference in Pakistan advocating for the treaty's restoration.
- The Cabinet Committee on Security had previously put the IWT in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025.
The article discusses the critical issue of prolonged pre-trial incarceration, particularly under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), highlighting the Supreme Court's inconsistent rulings on bail. It questions the duration of imprisonment without trial, citing cases like Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam who have spent nearly six years in jail. The author argues that extended delay in trial triggers the right to personal liberty under Article 21, which statutory restrictions like UAPA cannot override. The article criticizes the judiciary's inconsistency in granting bail, emphasizing that such laws should not be weaponized to entrench process as punishment, undermining the rule of law and fundamental rights.
- Prolonged pre-trial incarceration, especially under UAPA, raises urgent questions about liberty and justice.
- The Supreme Court's inconsistent approach to granting bail, particularly regarding the duration of imprisonment without trial, is a concern.
- An extended delay in trial should trigger an accused's right to personal liberty under Article 21, overriding statutory restrictions like UAPA.
A Kerala-based activist has filed a plea in the Supreme Court, advocating for mechanisms allowing disabled prisoners to self-identify and declare their disabilities. The submission argues that States have an obligation under Section 7 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act to protect disabled persons from violence, abuse, or exploitation in prisons. It recommends standardized, objective assessments by field experts for intellectual disabilities and that prison records identify disabled individuals for reasonable adjustments. The plea highlights the vulnerability of disabled inmates to exploitation by staff and fellow inmates, urging the government to create protective conditions from their entry into prison.
- A plea in the Supreme Court seeks mechanisms for disabled prisoners to self-identify their disabilities.
- States are obligated under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act to protect disabled persons from violence and exploitation in prisons.
- The plea recommends standardized assessments by field experts for intellectual disabilities and recording disabilities in prison records for necessary adjustments.
India's criminal justice system is undergoing a major digital transformation, with all investigations and trials under new criminal laws to be digitally recorded from January 1, 2027. The Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) integrates police, courts, prisons, forensics, and prosecution on a single platform, aiming for end-to-end digital workflow. Data will be stored on the MeghRaj cloud platform. Despite progress, challenges remain, such as only 46% of FIRs being digitally transmitted to courts. The new laws (BNS, BSS, BNSS) require upgraded infrastructure and forensic capabilities, leading to the addition of 25 new forensic laboratories and an increase in the national implementation score.
- India's criminal justice system aims for full digital recording of investigations and trials under new laws by January 1, 2027.
- The Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) integrates all pillars of justice (police, courts, prisons, forensics, prosecution) on a single digital platform.
- Data will be stored on the government's MeghRaj cloud platform, ensuring end-to-end digital workflow.
A UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry report, released June 18, 2026, details alleged "war crimes of wilful killing and the crime against humanity of extermination" by Israeli forces against Palestinian children in Gaza. The report states that children account for 30% of casualties and 26% of injuries in the nearly three-year-long aggression. It highlights systematic harm, including deprivation of access to schools and food, leading to malnutrition. The report also documents hate speech by Israeli political leaders and security forces, stereotyping Palestinians and normalizing violence, including against children. The Commission concludes that the harm inflicted on children was deliberate, intended to destroy the existence of Palestinians in Gaza.
- A UN report accuses Israeli forces of "war crimes of wilful killing" and "extermination" against Palestinian children in Gaza.
- Children constitute a significant portion of casualties (30%) and injuries (26%) in the conflict.
- The report documents systematic deprivation of basic necessities like food and education, leading to malnutrition among children.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued new rules to protect customers from scam transactions, amending its 2017 circular. Effective January 1, 2027, the revised framework expands compensation eligibility to include fraud caused by coercion, stolen credentials, or negligence by a bank/third-party, not just unauthorized transactions. Customers can claim up to ₹25,000 for losses up to ₹50,000, once in a lifetime, with 85% paid by RBI and the rest by banks. The reporting timeline for third-party hacks has been extended to five days. The changes aim to address sophisticated fraud attempts and acknowledge customer vulnerability, though the framework does not explicitly cover scams above ₹50,000.
- RBI has amended rules for scam compensation, expanding customer protection for fraudulent electronic banking transactions (EBTs).
- The new rules cover fraud due to coercion, stolen credentials, or bank/third-party negligence, effective January 1, 2027.
- Customers can claim up to ₹25,000 compensation for losses up to ₹50,000, with 85% paid by RBI and the remainder by banks.