The Union government informed the Supreme Court that a proposal for an umbrella scheme to modernize police forces nationwide has been sent to the Department of Expenditure under the Union Ministry of Finance for in-principle approval. This submission was made during a suo motu proceeding regarding non-functional CCTV cameras at police stations, initiated after a media report from Udaipur, Rajasthan. The scheme aims to cover the modernization of the police force as a whole, not just infrastructure. The court deemed this "significant progress" and requested an affidavit with details within two weeks.
- A proposal for a nationwide police modernisation scheme has been sent to the Finance Ministry for approval.
- The scheme aims to cover the entire police force's modernization, including human resources, not just infrastructure.
- The Supreme Court is monitoring the implementation of CCTV cameras at police stations, a key part of police modernization.
The Supreme Court, hearing a dispute between Shiv Sena factions, clarified that a group of MLAs or MPs cannot override the official directives of their parent political party merely because they hold a majority among elected members. Justice Joymalya Bagchi emphasized that the maturity of a a democracy is measured by the constancy of political parties and their members to their ideology. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued that such "mergers" orchestrated by factions for power undermine the electoral process and public mandate. The court aims to strike a balance between the electorate's decision to vote a party and individual representatives' liberty to express genuine disagreement.
- The Supreme Court ruled that a majority of lawmakers cannot defy their parent political party's directives.
- The court linked democratic maturity to the ideological constancy of political parties and their members.
- The case involves a dispute between Shiv Sena factions, highlighting concerns about manipulation and defection.
The Supreme Court has significantly expanded the scope of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (DV Act), to include women in live-in relationships, recognizing them as "aggrieved persons" entitled to protection. The article explains that this landmark interpretation ensures that women in relationships "in the nature of marriage" receive legal safeguards against domestic abuse, even without formal marriage. This ruling addresses the evolving societal norms and the need to protect vulnerable women who might otherwise be left without legal recourse. It underscores the judiciary's role in adapting laws to contemporary social realities and ensuring gender justice.
- The Supreme Court has expanded the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, to include women in live-in relationships.
- Women in relationships "in the nature of marriage" are now recognized as "aggrieved persons" under the DV Act.
- This interpretation provides legal safeguards against domestic abuse for women not formally married.
The arrest of Udhayanidhi Stalin, a prominent DMK leader and Minister, under the Public Safety Act (PSA) for criticizing the TVK government, is seen as a political misstep that could backfire on the ruling party. The article argues that such actions, intended to silence dissent, often amplify the opposition's message and create a perception of authoritarianism. The use of a stringent law like the PSA for political criticism raises concerns about democratic freedoms and the misuse of state power. This move could galvanize opposition forces and alienate voters, potentially harming the DMK's electoral prospects and undermining its image as a democratic party.
- Udhayanidhi Stalin's arrest under the Public Safety Act for criticizing the government is viewed as a political misstep.
- Such actions risk amplifying opposition messages and creating a perception of authoritarianism.
- The use of stringent laws like the PSA for political criticism raises concerns about democratic freedoms.
Despite new legislation, paper leaks and examination irregularities persist, highlighting the need to redefine "paper leak" beyond just printed papers and ensure institutional accountability. The article argues that breaches can occur at any stage of the examination lifecycle—from question setting to result processing—involving digital data, confidential instructions, or insider access. The CBI's closure reports in recent cases, citing no conventional paper leak, underscore the inadequacy of current definitions and investigation protocols. A comprehensive Public Examination Integrity Framework (PEIF) is proposed, emphasizing end-to-end SOPs, conflict-of-interest management, cybersecurity, and continuous monitoring to prevent breaches and restore public confidence.
- The definition of "paper leak" needs to expand beyond printed papers to include digital data, insider access, and other confidential disclosures.
- Examination breaches can occur at any stage of the lifecycle, from question development to result processing.
- Current investigation protocols are inadequate, as evidenced by CBI closure reports despite widespread irregularities.
The article reflects on the Prime Minister's call for forgiveness and a fresh start, arguing that this sentiment needs to be genuinely reflected in the actions of the police and judiciary. It highlights the persistent issues of custodial violence, arbitrary arrests, and delayed justice, which undermine public trust in the legal system. The piece suggests that true forgiveness and reconciliation require systemic reforms, including accountability for law enforcement, adherence to due process, and a focus on rehabilitation over punitive measures. It emphasizes that a mere rhetorical call for forgiveness is insufficient without concrete steps to ensure justice, fairness, and respect for human rights within the criminal justice system.
- The Prime Minister's call for forgiveness must be translated into concrete actions by police and the judiciary.
- Persistent issues like custodial violence, arbitrary arrests, and delayed justice erode public trust in the legal system.
- Systemic reforms are needed, including accountability for law enforcement and adherence to due process.
The article critiques India's film censorship practices, particularly concerning Hollywood films, highlighting a perceived cultural conservatism and double standards. It notes that while Indian cinema has evolved, censorship boards often apply stricter rules to foreign content, especially regarding intimacy and language. The piece argues that this approach, often driven by moral policing, is outdated and inconsistent with global cinematic norms and the viewing habits of a digitally connected audience. It calls for a more mature and nuanced censorship policy that respects artistic freedom and acknowledges the changing social landscape, rather than imposing arbitrary cuts that often lead to ridicule.
- India's film censorship, particularly for Hollywood films, is criticized for cultural conservatism and double standards.
- Stricter rules on intimacy and language are applied to foreign content, often seen as moral policing.
- This outdated approach is inconsistent with global cinematic norms and the viewing habits of a modern audience.
Kerala has decided to remove certain forest areas from Google Maps, particularly those identified as "no-go" zones, to prevent illegal quarrying, encroachment, and other illicit activities. This measure aims to protect ecologically sensitive regions and curb the exploitation of natural resources. The decision comes amidst concerns that publicly accessible mapping data facilitates illegal operations, making it easier for perpetrators to identify vulnerable forest lands. While the move is intended to safeguard biodiversity and enforce environmental regulations, it also raises questions about public access to information and potential implications for legitimate activities in these areas.
- Kerala is removing specific forest areas, especially "no-go" zones, from Google Maps to deter illegal quarrying and encroachment.
- The decision aims to protect ecologically sensitive regions and prevent the exploitation of natural resources.
- Publicly accessible mapping data is believed to facilitate illegal activities by helping perpetrators identify vulnerable forest lands.
The editorial highlights the difficulties faced by pensioners, particularly the elderly, in obtaining life certificates due to bureaucratic hurdles like physical presence and complex documentation. It criticizes the government's failure to implement simpler alternatives like digital life certificates effectively, leading to exclusion from welfare schemes. The article emphasizes that while preventing fraud is important, the process should not penalize genuine beneficiaries. It calls for a more compassionate and efficient system that leverages technology without creating new barriers, ensuring social security benefits reach those who need them most.
- The current process for obtaining life certificates for pensioners is overly bureaucratic and often requires physical presence, causing hardship for the elderly.
- Despite the availability of digital life certificates, their implementation has been inadequate, leading to continued exclusion of eligible beneficiaries.
- The government's focus on preventing fraud should not overshadow the primary goal of ensuring social security benefits reach genuine recipients.
Doxxing victims in India face significant challenges due to the absence of a dedicated law to address the unauthorized publication of personal information online. Victims are forced to navigate a complex and often inadequate patchwork of existing laws, including provisions from the Information Technology Act and the Indian Penal Code. This legal vacuum makes it difficult to seek timely and effective redressal, leading to prolonged suffering and potential re-victimization. The article highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive legal framework that specifically targets doxxing and provides robust protection for victims in the digital age.
- Doxxing victims in India struggle due to the absence of a specific law addressing online publication of personal information.
- Victims must rely on a patchwork of existing laws, which are often inadequate for digital crimes.
- The legal vacuum makes it challenging for victims to seek timely and effective redressal.
The article discusses the Supreme Court's landmark judgment recognizing sex work as a profession, granting sex workers rights and dignity. It explores the implications for their protection under law and access to social welfare schemes. However, it also highlights the challenges in implementation due to existing laws like the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA) and deep-rooted societal stigma. The piece emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that includes legal reforms, rehabilitation programs, and a shift in public perception to ensure sex workers' rights are fully realized.
- The Supreme Court has recognized sex work as a profession, entitling sex workers to dignity and equal protection under law.
- The judgment aims to provide sex workers with access to social welfare schemes and protection from exploitation.
- Challenges remain in implementing the judgment due to existing laws and pervasive societal stigma.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, passed by Parliament and assented by the President, aims to curb exam malpractices through time-bound investigations and speedy trials. It mandates investigations to be completed within 60 days and trials within three months in designated fast-track courts. Penalties for general offenses are increased to 5-10 years imprisonment and up to ₹50 lakh fine, with higher penalties for organized crime networks. The Bill also restricts court adjournments and transfers existing cases to new fast-track courts, addressing procedural delays and systemic pendency.
- The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, aims to curb exam malpractices.
- It mandates investigations within 60 days and trials within three months in fast-track courts.
- Penalties for general offenses are 5-10 years imprisonment and up to ₹50 lakh fine.
The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) issued a circular clarifying that qualified and registered practitioners of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa are legally recognized medical practitioners and cannot be termed "quacks." The clarification was issued due to reports of ISM practitioners being targeted and harassed. NCISM emphasized the distinction between qualified ISM practitioners and unqualified individuals falsely claiming to practice medicine. It also clarified that legal recognition as an ISM practitioner does not automatically grant authority to practice modern (allopathic) medicine, which depends on state laws and court rulings.
- NCISM clarified that qualified and registered ISM practitioners are legally recognized and not "quacks."
- The clarification was prompted by reports of harassment against ISM practitioners.
- It distinguishes between legitimate ISM practitioners and unqualified individuals.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has penalized Zee Entertainment Ltd. and its promoters, Subhash Chandra and Punit Goenka, with a ₹1.5 crore fine and a one-year ban from the stock market. The action was taken for corporate misgovernance, specifically for diverting company assets to benefit promoter-linked entities. SEBI's quasi-judicial authority, N. Murugan, found that ZEEL's Hyderabad property was pledged to borrow ₹726 crore from IHFL without board or audit panel approval, a transaction that Mr. Goenka failed to disclose or prevent despite his knowledge.
- SEBI penalized Zee Entertainment Ltd. and its promoters for corporate misgovernance.
- A fine of ₹1.5 crore was imposed, along with a one-year ban from the stock market.
- The misgovernance involved diverting company assets to benefit promoter-linked entities.
More than 3,000 Group A officers from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), including gallantry awardees and women officers, have moved the Supreme Court to challenge the Central Armed Police Force (General Administration) Act, 2026. They argue the Act makes it harder for CAPF cadre officers to be promoted to leadership positions by reserving a high percentage of senior posts for IPS officers on deputation. The petitioners seek to declare Sections 3 and 4 of the Act as "ultra vires" and demand implementation of a May 2025 Supreme Court ruling that favored CAPF cadre promotions.
- Over 3,000 CAPF Group A officers have challenged the CAPF (General Administration) Act, 2026, in the Supreme Court.
- The Act is criticized for reserving a high percentage of leadership posts for IPS officers on deputation.
- Petitioners argue this hinders promotion opportunities for CAPF cadre officers.
President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, making it law. This amended legislation empowers states to establish fast-track courts for speedy trials and enhances punishment for those involved in public examination question paper leaks. Investigations must now be completed within two months, and trials within three months of chargesheet filing. The law mandates jail terms of five to ten years and fines up to ₹50 lakh for offenders, aiming to curb exam malpractices and ensure fair selections.
- The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, has received Presidential assent.
- The law mandates fast-track courts for speedy trials of paper leak cases.
- Investigations must be completed within two months, and trials within three months.
Supreme Court judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan stated that the Collegium's lack of transparency in judicial appointments creates loopholes, potentially allowing individuals with unconstitutional views into the judiciary. He cited a former Allahabad High Court judge's derogatory remarks about a minority community as an example. Justice Bhuyan noted that recent Collegium statements often lack reasons for elevation recommendations, a departure from past practice. He emphasized that transparency in judicial appointments is crucial for public trust and accountability, while also addressing concerns about misuse of livestreamed court proceedings.
- Justice Ujjal Bhuyan criticized the Collegium's lack of transparency in judicial appointments.
- He warned that this opacity could lead to unsuitable appointments in the judiciary.
- Recent Collegium recommendations often lack explicit reasons for elevations, unlike previous practices.
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has petitioned the Supreme Court to compel Karnataka to release Tamil Nadu's allotted share of Cauvery water. The application seeks to enforce the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directives for a daily flow of 3,500 cusecs at Biligundlu. DMK also requested Karnataka to compensate for an accumulated backlog of 9.46 TMC, proposing a release of 7,000 cusecs daily for 15 days. The party highlighted the severe impact on 14.913 lakh acres of agricultural land and millions of farmers in Tamil Nadu's delta districts due to non-release of water.
- DMK filed an application in the Supreme Court against Karnataka over the Cauvery water dispute.
- The plea seeks enforcement of CWRC and CWMA directives for water release to Tamil Nadu.
- DMK requested Karnataka to make good an accumulated backlog of 9.46 TMC.
An Amnesty International report, 'Made in India: The Supply of Weapons and Ammunition to Israel', suggests India risks complicity in "crimes against humanity" and "war crimes" in Gaza. The report uses trade data to show India became a significant supplier of military equipment to Israel between October 2023 and November 2025, with over 2,500 shipments, including small arms, ammunition, and components for artillery shells. It highlights that both private manufacturers (like PLR Systems, Indo-MIM) and government entities (like Munitions India) supplied weapons, indicating India's failure to regulate arms exports to Israel.
- Amnesty International report alleges India risks complicity in Israel's war crimes in Gaza due to arms supplies.
- India became a significant military supplier to Israel between October 2023 and November 2025.
- Over 2,500 shipments of small arms, ammunition, and components were sent from India to Israel.
The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to the Centre, seeking its response on a petition to declare polygamy among Muslims as unconstitutional. The petition also seeks legislative steps to abolish the practice for all citizens, irrespective of religion. Filed by activist Zakia Soman and others, the petition argues that polygamy is a "primary driver of female destitution" and calls for the uniform application of Section 82 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which punishes bigamy, by removing exemptions under Muslim Personal Law.
- Supreme Court issued notice to the Centre on a petition challenging polygamy among Muslims as unconstitutional.
- The petition seeks legislative action to abolish polygamy for all citizens, regardless of religion.
- Activists argue polygamy is a "primary driver of female destitution."
The Supreme Court on Friday directed the External Affairs Ministry to appoint a nodal officer and facilitate DNA testing of the mortal remains of Indian nationals killed in the Russia-Ukraine war. This will enable families to claim bodies and conduct last rites. The court was hearing a petition from families alleging illegal overseas recruitment, trafficking, and exploitation, where youth were lured with high-paying jobs, had passports seized, and were pushed into the war zone. The Ministry of External Affairs reported that 24 Indians continue to serve with the Russian Army, 139 have been released, and 51 have died.
- The Supreme Court directed the External Affairs Ministry to appoint a nodal officer for DNA testing of Indians killed in the Russia-Ukraine war.
- The directive aims to help families claim the mortal remains of their loved ones.
- The petition highlighted illegal recruitment, trafficking, and exploitation of Indian youth into the war zone.
The Supreme Court announced its intention to establish a protocol for online users to access livestreamed judicial proceedings solely through court archives. This move aims to prevent the "misuse" or "commercial exploitation" of court content. The decision follows a July 24 interim order that barred the circulation of livestreamed proceedings on social media, citing concerns about judges, advocates, and litigants being vulnerable to trolling and reputational harm. Activists argued that the ban reversed the 'principle of open justice' and advocated for defining terms of reuse rather than outright restriction. The CJI invited suggestions for framing the protocol.
- The Supreme Court plans to create a protocol for accessing livestreamed court proceedings exclusively through official archives.
- The initiative aims to prevent the misuse and commercial exploitation of judicial content.
- A previous interim order on July 24 had banned circulation on social media due to concerns about trolling and reputational harm.
The editorial discusses the increasing instances of police brutality and lack of accountability in India, citing recent events like the crackdown on student protesters at Jantar Mantar and the alleged torture of a woman in custody in Delhi. It highlights that while police are meant to uphold the law, they often act with impunity, especially against vulnerable groups. The Supreme Court's directives for police reforms, such as the Prakash Singh judgment (2006) and the D.K. Basu guidelines (1997), have largely been ignored. The editorial calls for urgent police reforms, including independent complaints authorities and adherence to human rights.
- Police brutality and lack of accountability are persistent issues in India, exemplified by recent crackdowns on protesters.
- The police often act with impunity, particularly against marginalized communities.
- Supreme Court directives for police reforms, including the Prakash Singh judgment and D.K. Basu guidelines, have not been effectively implemented.
Environmental activist Pranab Doley, who supported protests against a luxury hotel project near Kaziranga National Park, has been detained under the National Security Act (NSA) by the Assam government. This occurred just a day after he was granted bail by a local court, which had noted that criminal law should not suppress local anxieties about ecological preservation. The NSA order cites 13 police cases against Doley since 2017, alleging his activities were "prejudicial to public order and security of the State," involving foreign funding, foreign trips, road blockades, and damage to public property.
- Environmental activist Pranab Doley was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) by the Assam government.
- Doley was supporting protests against a luxury hotel project near Kaziranga National Park.
- His detention came a day after a local court granted him bail, acknowledging concerns about ecological preservation.