1. 3,500 AIBE Fee Upheld: Supreme Court Dismisses Plea
The Supreme Court dismissed a petition questioning the ?3,500 fee charged by the Bar Council of India for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE). The Court observed that the amount is a one-time fee, justified given the infrastructural and administrative costs involved in conducting the nationwide test. It found no arbitrariness in the BCI’s decision and clarified that the fee structure reasonably balances candidates’ concerns with institutional requirements.
2. SC to Reconsider Hira Singh Ruling on NDPS Drug Quantity Calculation
The Supreme Court has agreed to revisit its 2020 Hira Singh ruling, which held that the weight of a narcotic mixture, including neutral substances, should determine whether it falls under “small” or “commercial” quantity under the NDPS Act. A plea before the Court challenged this approach, arguing that classification should be based only on the pure drug content, not the total mixture weight. The Court has sought the Union government’s response, signalling a possible shift in how narcotics offences are assessed and punished.
3. Supreme Court: TET Mandatory for Teachers, Minority Institution Question Referred to Larger Bench
The Supreme Court has ruled that the Teachers Eligibility Test is a compulsory qualification for teachers to continue in service or seek promotion. Addressing concerns raised by minority-run institutions, the Court noted that the issue of whether States can mandate TET for such institutions and its impact on their rights under the Constitution requires deeper consideration. This question has now been referred to a larger Bench, while the requirement remains binding for all other teachers.
4. Supreme Court: Children Not to Be Treated as ‘Non-Earning’ in Motor Accident Compensation
The Supreme Court has ruled that children injured in motor accidents cannot be treated as ‘non-earning individuals’ while assessing compensation. It criticised the Gujarat High Court and the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal for ignoring principles already settled in Kajal v. Jagdish Chand (2020). The Court clarified that even though children may not have a present income, their future potential and earning capacity must be factored in, ensuring compensation awards are just, fair, and not undervalued.
5. Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Response on Protection of Himalayan States Amid Disasters
The Supreme Court has sought the Centre’s response on a plea for urgent measures to safeguard the Himalayan States affected by landslides and floods, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. The Bench flagged reports of large numbers of wooden logs in flooded areas of Himachal Pradesh, pointing to widespread illegal tree felling. The Court observed that unchecked deforestation and unplanned development were worsening ecological fragility and demanded concrete steps to mitigate environmental damage and protect vulnerable populations.
6. Custodial Deaths: Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Non-Functional CCTVs in Police Stations
The Supreme Court has initiated a suo motu public interest litigation following a report highlighting 11 custodial deaths in the past 7–8 months. The case is based on a Dainik Bhaskar report that exposed the absence of functional CCTV cameras in police stations, despite earlier directions from the Court mandating their installation. Observing that such lapses compromise accountability and protection of fundamental rights, the Court stressed the urgent need for strict compliance to curb custodial violence and safeguard human dignity.
7. CJI BR Gavai: Dignity Inseparable from Privacy, Bodily Autonomy and Life Choices
Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, delivering the LM Singhvi Memorial Lecture, emphasised that human dignity cannot exist without privacy and autonomy. He underlined that dignity is preserved only when individuals enjoy control over their bodies, personal decisions, and life choices. Stressing the constitutional significance of privacy, CJI Gavai said it forms the foundation of liberty and self-respect in a democratic society, and any encroachment on these values erodes the essence of human dignity.
8. Supreme Court Closes Inquiry Against MP RERA Chief After HC Drops Probe
The Supreme Court has closed proceedings relating to the removal inquiry against the chairperson of the Madhya Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). The Court noted that since the Madhya Pradesh High Court itself had withdrawn the inquiry due to procedural lapses, there was no ground to reopen it. Refusing to revive the proceedings, the Court effectively brought the matter to an end, ensuring that no further inquiry would continue against the RERA chairperson.
9. Supreme Court Seeks Centre's Reply on PIL Alleging Irregularities in SSC Exams
The Supreme Court has sought the Central government’s response to a PIL raising concerns over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the Staff Selection Commission exams. The petitioner highlighted that issues arose after the SSC decided to shift its technical partner from TCS to Eduquity, leading to large-scale disruptions and complaints. The Court directed the Centre to clarify its stance and take steps to ensure transparent and fair examination processes for candidates.
10. 2008 Ahmedabad Blasts: Supreme Court Rejects Death Row Convicts’ Plea for VC Hearing in Gujarat HC
The Supreme Court has refused a plea by death row convicts in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts case seeking to conduct hearings in the Gujarat High Court via video conferencing. The Court observed that permitting such virtual hearings could pose serious security risks to judges and witnesses. However, it directed the High Court to ensure that the defence counsel’s arguments proceed without disruption, safeguarding the convicts’ right to a fair hearing while balancing security considerations.
