The Union government introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha, proposing stricter penalties for examination paper leaks, including up to 10 years in jail and a ₹50 lakh fine. This move came amidst uproar from Opposition members demanding a discussion on police action against protesting students. Speaker Om Birla brokered a truce, with a debate scheduled for Tuesday. The Opposition plans to widen its offensive by raising issues like the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement and ethanol-blended fuel, aiming to challenge the government and gain political ground, especially with the Cockroach Janta Party spearheading Gen-Z protests.
- The Union government introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in Lok Sabha.
- The Bill proposes stricter penalties for paper leaks, including up to 10 years in jail and a ₹50 lakh fine.
- The introduction was met with Opposition protests demanding a discussion on police action against student protesters.
The Supreme Court indicated it would seek suggestions from a high-powered task force, headed by former UIDAI chairman Nandan Nilekani, on transitioning the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG) to a computer-based test (CBT). This development follows the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination due to a paper leak. The Centre informed the Bench that a high-powered task force was constituted to address the matter. The top court directed the Centre to file an affidavit outlining its roadmap for implementing reforms and a cybersecurity framework, emphasizing the need for comprehensive changes to ensure examination integrity.
- The Supreme Court will seek guidance from a task force on transitioning NEET-UG to a computer-based test (CBT).
- This move follows the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 due to a paper leak.
- A high-powered task force, led by Nandan Nilekani, has been constituted by the Union government to address the examination issues.
The Supreme Court has renewed focus on the unresolved CBSE On-Screen Marking (OSM) controversy, which affected nearly 18 lakh Class XII students. Despite the widespread impact, the response was less robust than to NEET irregularities. The OSM process faced issues like portal glitches, payment failures, and blurred scans, denying many students equal opportunity to verify evaluations. The court highlighted concerns about the integrity of the evaluation system. A proposed "seven-day framework" could restore transparency by providing universal access to evaluated answer scripts, allowing verification of completeness and authenticity, and enabling re-evaluation of genuine grievances, thereby strengthening public trust and accountability.
- The CBSE On-Screen Marking (OSM) controversy affected nearly 18 lakh Class XII students, raising concerns about evaluation integrity.
- Many students were denied equal opportunity to verify their evaluations due to procedural and technical flaws in the OSM review process.
- The Supreme Court emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the evaluation system.
Kerala has nominated Ashutosh Dash, a former Chief Engineer and Special Secretary to the Odisha government's Water Resources department, as its nominee to the Independent Panel of Experts (IPOE) on the Mullaperiyar dam. This nomination follows Kerala's protests over the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA)'s "unilateral" decision to remove its previous nominee, T.K. Sivarajan, from the panel. The NDSA had requested Kerala to nominate a new expert on June 25. The IPOE, created under the Dam Safety Act, 2021, comprises five members for a comprehensive dam safety evaluation of the Mullaperiyar dam.
- Kerala nominated Ashutosh Dash as its expert on the Independent Panel of Experts (IPOE) for the Mullaperiyar dam.
- The nomination came after Kerala protested the removal of its previous nominee, T.K. Sivarajan, by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA).
- The IPOE was established under the Dam Safety Act, 2021, to conduct a comprehensive dam safety evaluation.
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court struck down Tamil Nadu government orders granting jobs to family members of Karur stampede victims. A Division Bench of Justices C.V. Karthikeyan and R. Sakthivel allowed public interest litigation petitions challenging the Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay-led government's decision. The court ruled that these appointments violated Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution, which ensure equality. It stated that while the government termed it a humane gesture, it overlooked existing waitlists for compassionate grounds and that executive power must remain within constitutional confines to prevent chaos.
- The Madras High Court struck down government orders granting jobs to kin of Karur stampede victims, citing violations of constitutional principles.
- The court emphasized that appointments on compassionate grounds must adhere to specific guidelines and not bypass existing waitlists.
- It ruled that the government's executive power, under Article 162, must operate within the confines of the Constitution to ensure fairness.
The Supreme Court indicated it might frame uniform guidelines for police conduct during large-scale demonstrations, emphasizing the constitutional right to peaceful protest. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stressed that discipline is integral to democracy and that police excesses should be independently examined. The court acknowledged injuries to both protesters and police personnel and highlighted the need for "self-imposed discipline" from both citizens and law enforcement. Senior advocate Vikas Singh urged the court to frame uniform guidelines due to widespread allegations of police excesses across the country, making a standard operating protocol necessary.
- The Supreme Court is considering framing uniform guidelines for police conduct during mass demonstrations to protect the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant emphasized that police excesses must be independently examined and that discipline is crucial for democratic processes.
- The court acknowledged concerns over injuries sustained by both protesters and police personnel, stressing the need for self-imposed discipline from all parties.
India's legal publishing system is fragmented and relies heavily on PDFs, making it challenging for citizens, lawyers, and courts to access, track, and understand laws and amendments. The article advocates for adopting open legal publishing standards, such as Akoma Ntoso, used globally, to improve accessibility, transparency, and democratic participation. By converting laws into structured markup languages, the system would allow for easier searching, tracking of amendments, and better engagement with legal documents, moving beyond the limitations of image-based PDF formats.
- India's current legal publishing system is inefficient, relying on fragmented PDF documents.
- This fragmentation hinders access, tracking, and understanding of laws and amendments.
- Adopting open legal publishing standards like Akoma Ntoso would enhance accessibility and transparency.
Across Assam, government-issued records are failing citizenship tests before Foreigners Tribunals and the Gauhati High Court, leading to individuals being declared non-citizens. Issues such as spelling variations, age mismatches, and shifting residences in documents are causing significant challenges. The article highlights cases where individuals, despite possessing multiple official documents, struggle to prove their Indian citizenship, often due to minor discrepancies or the inability to establish family linkages, leading to prolonged legal battles and even detention.
- Citizenship tests in Assam are challenging due to discrepancies in government-issued records.
- Foreigners Tribunals and the Gauhati High Court are scrutinizing documents for minor variations.
- Spelling variations, age mismatches, and residential shifts contribute to identity erosion.
Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar has summoned AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and four former party MLAs to appear before him on July 30 for disqualification proceedings. This action is based on a petition filed by Mr. Palaniswami himself, after 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs voted in favor of the Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government during a vote of confidence. The Speaker is seeking clarifications following earlier appearances by the four former MLAs.
- Disqualification proceedings initiated against Edappadi K. Palaniswami and four former AIADMK MLAs.
- The proceedings are under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
- The petition was filed by Mr. Palaniswami after MLAs voted against the party line in a confidence vote.
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has set strict timelines for insurers to submit documents related to complaints before the Insurance Ombudsmen. Insurers must submit the self-contained note (SCN) and all supporting documents within seven days of receiving a notice from the Ombudsman. Any additional information requested must be furnished within three days. IRDAI has warned that non-compliance will result in the Ombudsman proceeding with the matter ex parte, based on available information, without further delay. This directive aims to address inordinate delays by insurers and ensure that Ombudsmen can finalise findings and pass awards within the stipulated three months.
- IRDAI has imposed strict timelines for insurers to submit documents for complaints to Insurance Ombudsmen.
- Insurers must submit the self-contained note (SCN) and all supporting documents within seven days of receiving a notice.
- Failure to comply with these timelines will lead to ex-parte orders by the Ombudsmen.
The Union government has circulated the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which will be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday. This Bill aims to significantly strengthen the existing anti-cheating law by increasing penalties, introducing mandatory two-month investigation deadlines, and establishing designated Special Fast Track Courts. It proposes steep financial penalties up to ₹10 crore for organised crime networks and increased imprisonment sentences for individuals and institutions. The Bill also mandates the constitution of dedicated Special Task Forces (STF) for investigations and sets strict timelines for trials and appeals to ensure speedy justice and restore confidence in public examination systems.
- The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, will be introduced in Parliament to strengthen anti-cheating laws.
- The Bill proposes increased penalties, mandatory two-month investigation deadlines, and the establishment of Special Fast Track Courts.
- Financial penalties for organised crime networks could reach up to ₹10 crore, with increased imprisonment terms for offenders.
Special Judge Anu Grover Baliga has taken charge of a newly designated fast-track court at the Rouse Avenue District Court complex in Delhi. This court is specifically set up to handle criminal cases related to paper leaks and other unfair means in public examinations. The move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement on July 23 to establish such courts for swift resolution of these cases. The trial of 13 accused in the NEET-UG 2026 examination paper leak case is expected to be transferred to this new court. The initiative aims to safeguard student interests and ensure accountability for those who compromise the future of youth.
- A new fast-track court has been established at the Rouse Avenue District Court complex in Delhi to exclusively handle paper leak cases.
- Special Judge Anu Grover Baliga has taken charge of this designated court.
- The establishment of these courts aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement on July 23 to ensure swift justice in paper leak cases.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ruled that Zomato's platform fee, delivery charges, and restaurant commissions do not constitute an abuse of dominance or anti-competitive practices. The ruling came in response to a complaint alleging that Zomato charged inflated prices for food on its delivery platform compared to direct restaurant purchases. The CCI clarified that these charges are for legitimate and differentiated services provided by the online food delivery platform. It also noted that the business models of direct restaurant sales and online food delivery services are distinct, justifying the price variations.
- The CCI has found that Zomato's platform fee, delivery charges, and restaurant commissions are not an abuse of dominance.
- The ruling states these charges are for legitimate and differentiated services offered by the platform.
- The complaint alleged inflated prices on Zomato compared to direct purchases from restaurants.
The Supreme Court prohibited the extraction, editing, dissemination, reposting, uploading, and monetization of audio and video recordings of judicial proceedings on social media and other digital platforms without prior permission. This interim order was issued in response to a PIL alleging that misuse of livestreamed court proceedings was "trivializing" the administration of justice and undermining its sanctity. While livestreaming aims for transparency, the court noted the absence of adequate safeguards led to courtroom exchanges being taken out of context for "sensationalism" and "commercial gain." The embargo, however, does not extend to news reporting.
- The Supreme Court has banned unauthorized extraction, editing, and monetization of court video recordings on social media.
- The decision aims to prevent the "trivializing" of justice and maintain the sanctity of judicial proceedings.
- The court noted that livestreamed content was being taken out of context for sensationalism and commercial gain.
The Delhi High Court refused to grant an interim injunction to news agency Asian News International (ANI) in its copyright infringement suit against OpenAI. The court ruled that ANI failed to establish a prima facie case of copyright infringement, stating that OpenAI's use of ANI's literary works for training Large Language Models (LLMs) was covered by the fair dealing exception under Section 52(1)(a) of the Copyright Act. The court also noted that ANI had not shown any loss of subscribers or business and had offered OpenAI a license for its content, indicating quantifiable damages if successful. An injunction, the court added, would cause irreparable prejudice to OpenAI and the public, hindering AI development.
- The Delhi High Court denied an interim injunction request by ANI against OpenAI for alleged copyright infringement.
- The court found that OpenAI's use of ANI's content for training LLMs falls under the fair dealing exception of the Copyright Act.
- ANI failed to demonstrate a prima facie case of copyright infringement or any direct financial loss.
The Home Ministry introduced the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha, aiming to extend punishment for disrespect to the National Song, Vande Mataram, alongside the National Flag, Constitution, and National Anthem. The Bill was tabled amid disruptions from Left MPs who argued against its legislative competence and constitutionality, asserting that Parliament cannot rewrite constitutional settlements. Despite objections, the Bill was introduced after a voice vote, with the government emphasizing equal status for the National Song and Anthem as declared by Rajendra Prasad in 1950.
- The Home Ministry introduced a Bill to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
- The Bill seeks to extend punishment for disrespect to the National Song, Vande Mataram.
- Opposition MPs raised objections regarding the Bill's legislative competence and constitutionality.
The Union Law Ministry reported that 2.45 lakh cases are pending in the country's Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including exclusive POCSO courts, as of December 31, 2025. This data was revealed a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for establishing fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials in paper leak cases. The FTSCs, established for expeditious disposal of rape and POCSO cases, registered 1,43,936 new cases in 2025 but disposed of only 66,500, highlighting a significant backlog and raising concerns about their effectiveness in achieving speedy justice.
- Over 2.45 lakh cases are pending in Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) across India.
- FTSCs, including exclusive POCSO courts, were established for the expeditious disposal of rape and POCSO cases.
- The data reveals a significant backlog, with new registrations far exceeding disposals in 2025.
The Karnataka High Court, observing increasing litigation concerning senior citizens' rights, directed the State to explore creating a comprehensive policy or legislative framework for "senior citizens in need of care and protection." The court suggested modeling this framework on the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. This directive came while hearing a petition related to a 74-year-old woman abandoned by her children, whom the court ordered to be admitted to a government hospital for care at state expense, highlighting various forms of neglect and exploitation faced by the elderly.
- The Karnataka High Court has urged the State to develop a comprehensive care mechanism for senior citizens.
- The proposed framework should be similar to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
- The court noted a rise in litigation concerning neglect, abuse, and deprivation of rights for the elderly.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced that his government would table a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the upcoming Winter Session of the Assembly. A five-member committee, headed by Supreme Court Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Prakash Desai, held its first meeting to draft the Bill. The committee is tasked with examining existing legal frameworks, making recommendations on issues like marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, and adoption, and seeking suggestions from citizens and stakeholders. This follows Madhya Pradesh's recent passage of a UCC Bill with similar provisions, excluding tribal communities.
- Chhattisgarh plans to introduce a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the upcoming Winter Session of its Assembly.
- A five-member committee, led by Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Prakash Desai, has commenced drafting the UCC Bill.
- The committee's mandate includes reviewing existing laws and recommending changes on personal law matters like marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
The Supreme Court proposed establishing special courts for day-to-day trials in cases arising from the 2023 Manipur violence, aiming to expedite justice due to "inordinate delay." The court noted that the prevailing law and order situation, displacement of witnesses, internet suspension, and restrictions on investigating officers have hampered probes. It directed the CBI and SIT to expedite pending investigations and file chargesheets, asking the State government to provide full cooperation and collate case details to determine the required strength of these special courts.
- The Supreme Court has proposed setting up special courts for day-to-day trials of cases related to the 2023 Manipur violence.
- The court highlighted that the law and order situation, witness displacement, and internet suspension have caused significant delays in investigations.
- CBI and SIT have been directed to expedite pending probes and file remaining chargesheets.
The Delhi High Court questioned the Election Commission's (EC) assertion that teachers are compensated and voluntarily deployed for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Hearing a PIL challenging the large-scale deployment of government school teachers as Booth-Level Officers (BLOs), the court highlighted the adverse impact on students' education and the stress on teachers, citing a recent death. The Bench suggested that if participation is voluntary, the EC should state it, questioning if Article 324 grants the EC unlimited power.
- The Delhi High Court is examining a PIL against the extensive deployment of government school teachers for electoral roll revision duties.
- The court questioned the EC's claim that teachers' participation in election duties is voluntary and adequately compensated.
- Concerns were raised about the negative impact on students' education due to teachers being withdrawn from classes.
The Supreme Court indicated it would closely monitor the proposed overhaul of the NEET-UG examination and directed the Union government to file a detailed response. The court questioned the feasibility of shifting to a computer-based test (CBT) and the safeguards for data protection, noting that current ad hoc measures like deploying the Air Force are temporary fixes. The Bench emphasized the need for institutionalization to prevent future paper leaks and ensure data security, especially with a CBT transition. The government assured the court that the issue is being addressed at the highest executive levels.
- The Supreme Court will closely monitor the government's proposed overhaul of the NEET-UG examination system.
- The court has asked for a detailed response on the feasibility of a computer-based test (CBT) and the data security safeguards.
- Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe highlighted that ad hoc measures are not sustainable long-term solutions.
The Supreme Court agreed to hear petitions alleging police excesses during a July 20 crackdown on student protesters by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). This came after the Chief Justice clarified no prior petition was filed, criticizing "reckless" reports. CJP plans a website to document "police brutality." Meanwhile, the Centre sacked 47 National Testing Agency (NTA) officials and introduced amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, to combat paper leaks with tougher penalties and fast-track courts. The NTA is also undergoing a major overhaul, including senior-level recruitment.
- The Supreme Court will hear petitions concerning alleged police brutality against student protesters during a CJP march on July 20.
- The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is launching a website to archive evidence of police excesses for legal proceedings.
- The Central government has terminated 47 NTA officials and is strengthening the anti-paper leak law with stricter penalties and fast-track courts.
Following the shooting death of a policeman on Amarnath Yatra duty, security forces in Anantnag, south Kashmir, demolished the houses of two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, Adil Ahmad Thoker and Haroon Rashid Ganai. The operation, launched around 3 a.m., involved using explosives to demolish a three-storey building and a single-storey structure after occupants were asked to vacate. Local residents reported damage to a mosque and a vehicle. While the J&K Lieutenant-Governor chaired a security review meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized the mass arrests and demolitions, stating they would not restore peace and go against Supreme Court directions.
- Security forces demolished the houses of two LeT terrorists in Anantnag following a policeman's killing.
- The demolition operation involved using explosives after occupants were evacuated.
- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized the mass arrests and demolitions, stating they are counterproductive for peace.