1. Private Hospitals Criticised for Commercial Approach: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court criticised the growing commercialisation of private healthcare, observing that some corporate hospitals appear to function more like profit-driven industries than service providers. The Court noted that patients and taxpayers ultimately bear the burden when hospitals charge very high markups on medicines reimbursed under government health schemes. The observations highlighted concerns about rising healthcare costs and the need to ensure that private medical institutions do not place excessive financial burdens on ordinary citizens. The Court stressed that healthcare should remain focused on providing necessary medical services rather than being driven mainly by commercial interests.
2. Supreme Court Orders Steps to Improve Women’s Safety in Delhi-NCR
The Supreme Court issued several directions to improve the safety of women and children in public spaces across Delhi-NCR. The directions included identifying vulnerable areas, increasing CCTV coverage, improving street lighting and strengthening police patrols. The Court expressed concern over the progress made in ensuring women’s safety since the Nirbhaya case and stressed the need for better preventive measures. The directions were issued while hearing a suo motu case concerning recent incidents of sexual violence in the region. The Court’s focus was on improving safety infrastructure and police presence in areas considered vulnerable to crimes against women.
3. Supreme Court Asks Centre to Consider Rules for Minors’ Social Media Accounts
The Supreme Court asked the Central government to consider whether it should frame statutory rules to regulate social media accounts operated by minors. The Court examined whether social media platforms comply with Indian laws on contracts entered into by children. It asked the government to consider issuing directions requiring platforms to structure their services in accordance with Indian law. The matter raises concerns about the legal position of minors on social media and the responsibilities of online platforms. The Court’s direction seeks greater clarity on how existing legal protections for minors can apply to their use of digital platforms.
4. Supreme Court Extends Three-Language Policy Exemption to Class 6 Students
The Supreme Court directed the Central Board of Secondary Education to extend the exemption from the three-language formula, already available to students in higher classes, to Class 6 students. The Court did not accept the Central government’s stand against extending the exemption. The direction provides similar treatment to Class 6 students who were otherwise required to follow the three-language policy. The issue had earlier come before the Court after concerns were raised about applying the policy to students who had already entered Class 6. The decision ensures that these students receive the same exemption available to students of Classes 7, 8 and 9.
5. Supreme Court Suggests Balanced Approach to Firecracker Use During Diwali
The Supreme Court suggested a balanced approach to firecracker use during Diwali. The Court indicated that a complete ban may affect religious sentiments, while allowing firecrackers throughout the day could seriously affect people, animals, and the environment. Instead, the Court considered fixing specific timings during which permitted firecrackers could be used. The discussion reflects the need to balance religious practices with concerns about pollution, public health, and the environment. The Court is expected to lay down further directions regarding the timing and use of permissible firecrackers.
6. Supreme Court Pulls Up NCPCR Over RTE Quota Implementation
The Supreme Court criticised the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights for its approach towards implementing the 25% reservation for children from weaker and disadvantaged sections in private unaided schools under the Right to Education Act. The Court stressed that the child rights body must take active steps to ensure that the statutory requirement is properly implemented. It directed the NCPCR Chairperson and Director to remain present at the next hearing. The Court’s intervention focuses on making the reservation provided under Section 12 of the RTE Act effective for eligible children rather than allowing administrative inaction to prevent them from receiving the benefit.
7. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan Criticises Disenfranchisement of Citizens
Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan observed that a process which results in millions of Indian citizens losing their voting rights is inherently arbitrary and goes against the constitutional order. He stressed the importance of protecting citizens' right to participate in the democratic process. The observation came while addressing issues of disenfranchisement and the constitutional validity of a process affecting voters. Justice Bhuyan emphasised that arguments cannot justify a system that takes away the voting rights of many citizens. His remarks highlighted the importance of voting rights in maintaining constitutional democracy.
8. Supreme Court Stays Karnataka High Court SIT Order in KPSC Cases
The Supreme Court stayed a Karnataka High Court order directing the formation of a Special Investigation Team to conduct a fresh investigation into alleged irregularities in two Karnataka Public Service Commission recruitment cases. The High Court had ordered an SIT headed by senior IPS officer Alok Kumar. The Supreme Court has now put that direction on hold while it considers the matter further. The State has also been allowed to suggest alternative names for the SIT. The case concerns allegations of irregularities in the recruitment process and how the investigation into those allegations should be conducted.
9. Supreme Court Seeks West Bengal’s Response on OBC Certificates
The Supreme Court sought a response from the West Bengal government to a challenge against the invalidation of OBC certificates issued by the State during 2025-26. The challenge concerns a Calcutta High Court ruling that declared certain OBC certificates issued under State notifications invalid. The Supreme Court has sought the State’s position before considering the matter further. The dispute relates to the validity of OBC certificates and their effect on reservation benefits. The case is significant for individuals who obtained such certificates and may be affected by the earlier ruling.
10. Supreme Court Raises Concern Over Indians’ Data Being Traded on Dark Web
The Supreme Court observed that it is common knowledge that personal data of Indians is being traded on the dark web. The Court made the observation while hearing a petition concerning alleged vulnerabilities in the data systems of Star Health and Allied Insurance Company. The case has raised broader concerns about personal data protection and cybersecurity in India. The Court’s remarks highlight the risks citizens face when sensitive data is leaked or accessed without authorisation. The matter also raises questions about companies' and institutions' responsibility to protect personal data from cyber threats and misuse.
