Central Government Removes Kerala Representative from Mullaperyar Dam Safety Committee New Delhi: The central government has unilaterally removed Kerala's designated expert from the expert committee formed to conduct a comprehensive safety inspection of the Mullaperyar dam. The committee, established in January 2026 as per Supreme Court directives, was initially set to include T.K. Shivaran, a former chief engineer of the Central Water Commission. However, the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) replaced him with Prof. M.L. Sharma, head of the International Center of Excellence for Dams at IIT Roorkee, citing personal reasons preventing Shivaran's availability. The Supreme Court's 2022 order mandated a safety review of the century-old dam, prompting the formation of the committee in November 2025. Kerala had recommended Shivaran for the role, and his name was included in the January 6 directive. The committee was tasked with inspecting the dam and surrounding areas, submitting a report within four months. However, no progress has been made, with the central government allegedly acting under pressure from Tamil Nadu. Kerala's state government claims it was unaware of the replacement, with officials stating the decision was made without consultation. The committee's chairperson, former CMC director B Lalraj Joshi, remains unchanged. The delay in the inspection has raised concerns in Kerala, where safety fears persist despite the national policy requiring safety checks every 10 years. The dispute highlights tensions between states and the central government over dam management. Tamil Nadu's intervention is seen as a key factor in the replacement, though officials have not confirmed this.#kerala #central_government #supreme_court #mullaperyar_dam #national_dam_safety_authority

Supreme Court Directs NEET-UG 2026 Re-Exam Matters to Justice P.S. Narasimha Bench The Supreme Court on Friday declined to urgently hear petitions challenging the re-conduct of the NEET-UG 2026 examination, stating that all related issues would be addressed by the Bench led by Justice P.S. Narasimha. The court’s decision came as part of a broader review of concerns raised by students, including anxiety over rumors, logistical challenges, and the validity of the re-examination process. The re-exam, scheduled for June 21, was necessitated by the cancellation of the original NEET-UG 2026 examination on May 3, which was halted due to allegations of paper leaks, examination irregularities, and compromised integrity. A petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution argued that the five-week gap between the cancellation and the re-exam was insufficient for candidates to prepare adequately, particularly given the high-stakes nature of the exam. The petition, supported by 1,672 candidates, highlighted widespread anxiety, mental trauma, and logistical hurdles such as mismatched examination centers and difficulties in downloading admit cards. The Supreme Court, however, reiterated that all matters concerning the re-exam would be heard by the Justice P.S. Narasimha Bench, dismissing urgent listing requests. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana initially considered the plea, but the CJI emphasized that the Bench led by Justice Narasimha would handle the case. The court also noted that similar petitions were already pending and would be addressed collectively. The petitioners contended that the re-exam’s timing violated constitutional principles under Articles 14 (equality) and 21 (right to life and personal liberty).#supreme_court #national_testing_agency #neet_Ug_2026 #justice_p_s_narasimha #rjd_mp_sudhakar_singh
Digvijay Singh Writes to PM Modi to Roll Back CBSE’s Three-Language Policy Congress MP and chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Digvijay Singh, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 5, warning that the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) mandate for third-language instruction in Class IX starting July 1 would cause significant disruption. Singh highlighted the abrupt nature of the policy rollout mid-session, likening it to the chaos caused by the on-screen marking (OSM) system implemented by CBSE in 2023, which affected millions of students. He forwarded a signed representation from a group of concerned parents to the PM, urging a reversal of the policy for current Class IX students. The parents’ letter, signed by CA Chandni Gupta, Pavan Puri, Sarah Paul, and Puja Puri, criticized the sudden enforcement of the Three-Language Policy, calling it “untenable.” They argued that the policy’s abrupt implementation without adequate preparation—such as textbooks, trained teachers, or transition time—would harm students. The parents noted that thousands of students had already studied foreign languages like French, Spanish, German, and Japanese since Class 6, and the new requirement would force them to abandon these subjects in favor of native Indian languages, despite the lack of available resources. The contradiction in CBSE’s approach is evident in its own records. In December 2025, the board’s governing body endorsed a curriculum committee recommendation that schools should continue with the existing Scheme of Studies for languages until NCERT released graded textbooks for regional languages, as outlined in the National Curriculum Framework 2023. However, these textbooks remain unreleased.#supreme_court #prime_minister_modi #cbse #digvijay_singh #national_curriculum_framework_2023
AIADMK Legal Disputes: OPS and JCD Prabhakaran File Petitions to Withdraw Civil Suits Senior AIADMK leader OPS and JCD Prabhakaran have filed petitions in the Supreme Court to withdraw civil suits challenging the party’s expulsion of members and the validity of its 2022 General Council meeting held on July 11. The legal battle centers on decisions made during that meeting, which included the removal of several senior leaders and the restructuring of party roles. The 2022 General Council meeting, held on July 11, was marked by significant internal conflict. The meeting approved resolutions that led to the expulsion of leaders including OPS, Manoj Pandian, and Vaitthyalingam, while also reorganizing the party’s leadership structure. These decisions were contested by the affected individuals, who filed civil suits challenging their validity. The Supreme Court had previously ruled on the legality of the meeting, but the petitioners now seek to withdraw those cases. The petitions filed by OPS and JCD Prabhakaran argue that the civil suits should be dismissed, citing procedural irregularities and the need to resolve disputes internally within the party. The Supreme Court has scheduled hearings for June 3 and June 4 to address the petitions, but the process has been delayed due to procedural issues. The court has also postponed hearings on a separate case involving the use of the party’s symbols and logo by the petitioners. The legal challenges highlight the deepening internal divisions within the AIADMK. The party’s leadership, including General Secretary Edappadi Palanisamy, has issued notices to the petitioners, warning them against interfering in party affairs. Meanwhile, the petitioners have sought to clarify their stance, emphasizing their commitment to resolving disputes through legal channels.#supreme_court #aiadmk #ops #jcd_prabhakaran #general_council_meeting_2022

Brain Drain Afflicts DOJ Unit Defending Trump on Immigration The Justice Department’s Office of Immigration Litigation, a key unit tasked with defending President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, has faced significant attrition over the past year, with roughly a third of its attorneys leaving their posts. This exodus, which includes the departure of mid-level to senior legal professionals, has raised concerns about the unit’s capacity to handle ongoing litigation, particularly as cases related to the administration’s mandatory detention policies approach the Supreme Court. The office, which once employed over 300 attorneys at the start of Trump’s second term, has seen at least 100 depart since January 2025, according to former employees. The attrition has been attributed to a combination of factors, including an overwhelming caseload, leadership changes, and internal tensions. Former attorneys described a growing sense of demoralization, exacerbated by the ousting of several senior figures, including veteran DOJ litigator Erez Reuveni, who was fired in April 2025. Reuveni, a whistleblower, had accused senior DOJ leaders of coordinating to defy court orders in deportation cases, an allegation the department denied. The departures have forced the DOJ to rely on politically appointed counsel from the Civil Division’s front office to handle immigration cases, according to a Bloomberg Law analysis of court records. The Office of Immigration Litigation has played a central role in defending the administration’s immigration policies, including the thousands of habeas cases involving detained migrants and litigation over Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man mistakenly deported to a Salvadoran prison.#justice_department #donald_trump #supreme_court #erez_reuveni #civil_division

Centre Clears Appointment of 5 New Supreme Court Judges; Here Is Who They Are The Central government has approved the appointment of five new judges to the Supreme Court, bringing the total number of filled positions to 37 out of the newly increased sanctioned strength of 38. The appointments were announced following an ordinance that raised the court’s sanctioned strength from 34 to 38, and they come days after the government’s decision to expand the judiciary’s capacity. The new judges include four Chief Justices of High Courts and Senior Advocate V Mohana, marking a significant addition to the apex court’s bench. The recommendations for the appointments were made by the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, and the final approval was granted by the Central government. Union Minister of State (in charge) of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal shared the development on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary. The five new appointees are Justice Sheel Nagu, Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, Justice Arun Palli, and Senior Advocate V Mohana. Justice Sheel Nagu, the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, will join the Supreme Court after serving as the acting Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Born in 1965, Nagu began his legal career in 1987 and has been associated with civil, constitutional, and service-related matters. His tenure at the Madhya Pradesh High Court included notable rulings on environmental issues, privacy, and personal liberty. Nagu was also part of the in-house inquiry committee that investigated the cash-at-residence controversy involving Justice Yashwant Varma. He will retire from the Supreme Court on December 31, 2029.#central_government #supreme_court #chief_justice_of_india #supreme_court_collegium #union_minister_arjun_ram_meghwal

Supreme Court Upholds Electoral Roll Revision as Step Toward Free Elections, Despite Concerns Over Implementation The Supreme Court’s recent ruling on Wednesday affirmed the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) electoral roll revision (SIR) as a “progressive measure toward free and fair elections,” despite the process having already been implemented in Bihar and 12 other states and union territories in phase 2. The decision arrives months after the court initially hesitated to address the constitutional validity of the SIR, focusing instead on administrative matters. The ruling, delivered in the case of Association for Democratic Reforms vs ECI, marks the first time the court has directly tackled the constitutional implications of the SIR, though critics argue it did not fully address the practical flaws in its execution. The SIR process, which involved a systematic review of electoral rolls, resulted in a significant reduction of over 10% in the number of registered voters across most states. This translated to nearly 6.5 crore deletions from the rolls, raising concerns about the accuracy and fairness of the process. Notably, the gender ratio in the rolls of most states declined unexpectedly, a trend not observed in Tamil Nadu. In West Bengal, the SIR’s flaws led to arbitrary deletions and the systematic exclusion of marginalized groups, including minorities and underprivileged communities. Statistical analyses suggested these exclusions may have influenced electoral outcomes in several constituencies, undermining the principle of equitable representation. The court’s intervention in the SIR process was largely supervisory until its recent verdict, which retroactively validated the procedure.#west_bengal #supreme_court #tamil_nadu #election_commission_of_india #association_for_democratic_reforms

Supreme Court Mandates TET Exam for Over 1.5 Lakh Teachers Across India The Supreme Court has ruled that more than 1.5 lakh teachers in Madhya Pradesh must pass the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) to continue their service. The court emphasized that this requirement is essential for ensuring the quality of education and the long-term academic development of children. The decision, announced during a review of petitions, applies not only to Madhya Pradesh but to all states in India, including those that previously granted exemptions to older teachers. The court extended the deadline for passing the TET exam from two years to three years, allowing teachers until August 31, 2028, to comply. This extension aims to balance the need for maintaining educational standards with the practical challenges faced by teachers, particularly those who have been in service for decades. The court clarified that the requirement is not merely a procedural formality but a constitutional obligation to provide quality education to students. The ruling also directed all states to conduct the TET examination at least twice a year to ensure that teachers have sufficient opportunities to meet the criteria. The court acknowledged the potential disruption to the education system caused by the mandate but stressed that the welfare of children must take precedence. It noted that while the policy may affect the careers of many teachers, the long-term benefits for students outweigh the short-term inconveniences. Teacher unions have expressed strong opposition to the decision.#supreme_court #madhya_pradesh #teacher_eligibility_test #tribal_welfare_teachers_association #akhil_bharatiya_akhand_shikshak_sangathan

Supreme Court Orders Reforms After NEET-UG 2026 Cancellation The Supreme Court on Friday intensified its scrutiny of the National Testing Agency (NTA) following the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination due to a paper leak, emphasizing the need for institutional reforms to prevent recurring failures. A bench comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe highlighted the ad-hoc nature of the NTA, urging the agency to adopt a more structured approach akin to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which has not faced similar issues in its exams. The court directed the Union of India to file an affidavit outlining mechanisms to establish "institutional memory of continuity" through specialized personnel, ensuring the NTA is equipped to conduct exams without blemishes in the future. The hearing centered on petitions seeking to disband the NTA, with the court questioning the agency’s accountability and effectiveness. Justice Narasimha stressed that accountability must be tied to specific individuals rather than vague liability, stating, "Unless you identify the specific duty bearers, it will be difficult." He criticized the NTA’s institutional structure, calling it "ad hoc" and noting that such issues are prevalent across the country. The judge also underscored the trauma caused to students, remarking that the cancellation was "traumatic" for those who invested years in preparation. The court’s focus shifted to the Monitoring Committee, chaired by former ISRO chairman Dr. K Radhakrishnan, which was established in 2024 to address the 2024 NEET-UG paper leak. Radhakrishnan informed the bench that the committee had submitted 35 long-term and 60 short-term recommendations, most of which had been implemented.#supreme_court #union_public_service_commission #national_testing_agency #ministry_of_education #dr_k_radhakrishnan

Supreme Court Orders Institutional Reforms to Prevent NEET-UG Exam Leaks The Supreme Court on May 29, 2026, addressed the widespread trauma caused by the leaks of the NEET-UG 2024 and 2026 examination papers, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms to safeguard academic integrity. A bench led by Justice P.S. Narasimha condemned the incidents as a severe blow to students’ years of preparation, noting the emotional and financial investment families had made. The court highlighted the necessity for institutions like the National Testing Agency (NTA) to cultivate institutional memory and accountability to prevent recurrence. The justices criticized the ad-hoc nature of operations within NTA and other bodies, pointing out that frequent transfers of experienced personnel led to a loss of institutional knowledge. Justice Narasimha stressed that institutions must retain their "memories" to learn from past mistakes, rather than relying on individual expertise. The court directed the Ministry of Education to submit an affidavit within six weeks outlining measures to strengthen the NTA’s capacity and ensure accountability. This included retaining specialized staff, preserving institutional expertise, and establishing clear lines of responsibility. The court also underscored the importance of effective accountability, noting that the NTA must adopt practices similar to the Union Public Service Commission, which had never faced such a crisis. Justice Narasimha warned that without identifying specific individuals responsible for failures, systemic issues would persist. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was personally overseeing efforts to secure the NEET-UG system.#supreme_court #central_bureau_of_investigation #national_testing_agency #narendra_moddi #justice_p_s_narasimha

Supreme Court Takes Strict Stance on Noida Real Estate Scam, Demands Responses from Central Govt, ED, and RBI The Supreme Court has taken a firm stand against a massive real estate fraud involving over ₹14,000 crore siphoned from homebuyers in Noida and Yamuna Expressway projects. The court has issued notices to the Central Government, Enforcement Directorate (ED), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and other regulatory bodies, demanding their responses to allegations of systematic financial misconduct by developers. The case, filed by advocate Vandana Sabharwal, highlights a pattern of fraud where builders collected funds from buyers and then declared bankruptcy, leaving thousands of families stranded without their homes or money. The court’s three-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice Suryakant, Justice Joyamalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, has ordered all implicated entities to submit their responses by July 15. The case involves major players such as Jaypee Group subsidiaries JAL and JIL, as well as developers like CRC Homes, Gaurans, Gulshan Homes, Mahagun, and Investors Clinic. The court has also directed the Central Government’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Corporate Affairs Ministry, UP RERA, Noida Authority, and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) to provide detailed accounts. The legal petition alleges that developers followed a calculated strategy: first, they raised substantial funds from buyers, then diverted the money to affiliated companies, and finally declared insolvency to avoid accountability. This left buyers without their properties or refunds, while promoters remained financially secure.#supreme_court #reserve_bank_of_india #enforcement_directorate #jaypee_group #vandana_sabharwal

UAPA Bail Debate Highlights Supreme Court's Struggles With Inconsistent Rulings The recent controversy over bail decisions under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has brought to light deepening concerns about conflicting rulings among different Supreme Court benches and the lack of unified judicial discipline. A two-judge bench led by Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan criticized an earlier order denying bail to Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid, arguing that the January decision violated the principles established in a 2021 three-judge bench ruling. That earlier ruling had held that prolonged incarceration without trial under UAPA justifies bail, emphasizing the need to balance individual rights with national security. Nagarathna warned that smaller benches must adhere to decisions made by larger benches, stressing the importance of consistency in legal interpretations. The debate intensified when a separate bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and P.B. Varale referred the issue of bail in UAPA cases to a larger bench, without addressing the criticisms of the earlier order. This contradiction underscores a broader trend of divergent opinions among coordinate benches on constitutional matters. Legal scholar Dr. Arghya Sengupta, founder of the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, noted that India’s Supreme Court, with 34 judges, operates as “17 Supreme Courts” due to its fragmented structure. He explained that inconsistencies are inevitable given the court’s size and the way cases are assigned to smaller benches, which often sit in combinations of two or three judges. Larger benches, comprising five or more judges, are reserved for major constitutional questions, such as the 1973 Kesavananda Bharati case, which established the “basic structure” doctrine.#supreme_court #uapa #justices_b_v_nagarathna #justices_ujjal_bhuyan #dr_arghya_sengupta

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Announces Stray Dog Removal Plan Following Supreme Court Orders Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on Friday, May 22, 2026, that the state government will comply with Supreme Court directives to remove stray dogs from all high footfall public spaces. The decision follows orders issued by the Supreme Court on May 19, 2026, which mandated the removal of stray dogs to ensure public safety, particularly for children, senior citizens, and families. Mann emphasized that the government has already issued instructions to ensure strict adherence to the court’s directions. The chief minister stated that the move aims to eliminate the threat posed by stray dogs, which have increasingly endangered human lives. He highlighted that incidents of stray dog attacks have caused widespread public concern, prompting the government to take decisive action. Mann reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the issue humanely while prioritizing public safety. This includes the establishment and maintenance of adequate dog shelters to provide care for stray animals, ensuring they are not abandoned or neglected. Mann also outlined the legal framework under which the government will operate. He confirmed that measures such as euthanasia will be implemented in cases involving rabid, incurably ill, or dangerously aggressive dogs that pose a direct threat to human life. These actions will strictly follow the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the ABC Rules, which govern the humane treatment of animals. The chief minister stressed that the government will ensure compliance with these legal standards while addressing the public safety crisis.#supreme_court #punjab_chief_minister_bhagwant_mann #stray_dog_removal_plan #prevention_of_cruelty_to_animals_act #abc_rules

Bengal SSC Seeks Legal Opinion on Revised OBC Reservation Norms for Teacher Recruitment The School Service Commission (SSC) in West Bengal is seeking legal clarification on whether the state government’s decision to reduce the Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation quota from 17% to 7% will apply to teacher recruitment processes. This comes after the backward classes welfare department issued a notification on May 18, stating that the 7% reservation for 66 classes would now apply to "posts and services under the Bengal government." The move has created uncertainty among candidates who had previously benefited from the higher reservation rates. The SSC had been following the 17% reservation framework, which allocated 10% for OBC-A and 7% for OBC-B, covering 140 classes and sub-castes, during the ongoing recruitment of assistant teachers. However, the department’s May 18 notification withdrew all previous approvals for the 17% reservation, effective immediately. This reversal has prompted the SSC to seek legal advice on the applicability of the new norms. The controversy stems from the Trinamool Congress government’s decision to implement the 2010 OBC reservation norms, which reduced the quota to 7%. This change followed the termination of 17,209 teachers in April 2025, as courts invalidated the 2016 recruitment process due to irregularities. The SSC conducted fresh exams in September 2025 to fill the vacancies, with counseling for higher secondary appointments starting in January for 12,514 posts. Additionally, the commission faces the challenge of recruiting 25,314 teachers at the secondary level. The Supreme Court granted the SSC an extension in December 2025, directing the completion of the hiring process by August 31, 2026.#west_bengal #trinamool_congress #supreme_court #school_service_commission #backward_classes_welfare_department
Nagpur Horror: 19-Year-Old Newlywed Woman Subjected to Sexual Abuse, Killed for Dowry A 19-year-old newlywed woman in Nagpur was allegedly strangled to death by her in-laws, who initially claimed her death was due to a heart attack. The truth emerged after her body was exhumed for an autopsy, which revealed signs of strangulation and asphyxia, contradicting the initial narrative. The case has sparked outrage over dowry-related violence and sexual harassment, with critical evidence including recorded calls detailing the victim’s ordeal. Her husband and brother-in-law have been arrested, while her elderly father-in-law remains at large. The victim, who married in January, faced relentless dowry demands from her in-laws. The trauma escalated when her brother-in-law began making sexual advances, which she repeatedly reported to her mother. Voice recordings of her desperate calls to her mother, recovered from her mother’s phone, have become key evidence in the case. These recordings capture her describing the pressure for more dowry and the unwanted advances from her brother-in-law. The in-laws’ attempt to conceal the murder as a natural death unraveled after her parents, who resided in Amravati, retrieved her body from Nagpur. They had initially been told she died of a heart attack but faced a prolonged standoff before obtaining her remains. Her body was buried in Amravati, a Muslim graveyard, as per her family’s wishes. The police, acting on a complaint filed on May 17, exhumed the body and conducted an autopsy at the burial site. The findings led to the registration of a murder case at the Tehsil police station in Nagpur. The accused, residents of Mominpura locality, were remanded in police custody until Friday.#nagpur #supreme_court #victim_family #amravati #mominpura

Mohammed Shami Acquitted in Cheque Bounce Case by Alipore Court, Hasina Jahan Faces Legal Setback The Alipore Court on Wednesday acquitted cricketer Mohammed Shami in a cheque bounce case filed by his wife, Hasina Jahan, over a disputed Rs 1 lakh payment. The case, which had been pending for four years, concluded with the court ruling that the allegations against Shami were not substantiated. The decision came after a prolonged legal battle that had drawn significant public attention, particularly due to the high-profile nature of the case and its implications for Shami’s personal and professional life. The case originated in 2018 when Hasina Jahan alleged that Shami had issued a cheque for Rs 1 lakh to cover household expenses, which bounced after being deposited in a bank. She subsequently filed a case against him, leading to a protracted legal process. During the proceedings, Hasina also filed multiple complaints against Shami and his family members under various legal provisions, further complicating the matter. The court’s acquittal on Wednesday marked a significant victory for Shami, who had consistently maintained his innocence throughout the legal process. In a statement following the verdict, Shami addressed the media, emphasizing that he had always acted responsibly and fulfilled his financial obligations. “I knew the verdict would favor me because I did nothing wrong,” he said. “I paid all the amounts I was required to, and I have always tried to manage every situation to the best of my ability, both on and off the field.” Shami, currently playing for the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League, has faced scrutiny over personal and legal issues in recent years, which have occasionally overshadowed his cricketing career.#supreme_court #lucknow_super_giants #mohammed_shami #hasina_jahan #alipore_court

Mohammed Shami Acquitted in Cheque Fraud Case, Wife Hasina Jahan Disappointed The Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami received significant legal relief on Wednesday as the Alipur Court acquitted him in a 2018 cheque fraud case. The court cleared him of all charges filed by his wife, Hasina Jahan, who had accused him of fraud involving a ₹1 lakh cheque. Shami, who was present in court during the proceedings, stated that he had no wrongdoing and had settled all outstanding financial matters. The case, which had been a subject of public debate for years, originated when Hasina Jahan filed multiple serious charges against Shami and his family in 2018. These included non-judicial offenses, and the matter remained under scrutiny for an extended period. Despite the legal battle, Shami maintained that he had always been transparent about his financial obligations. Hasina Jahan, who currently resides in Kolkata with Shami’s daughter, continues to live in his home but frequently travels between Delhi and Kolkata for her daughter’s education. Shami, meanwhile, resides in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, and is part of the Lucknow Super Giants team in the Indian Premier League. However, he did not participate in the match on Tuesday. The court’s acquittal has not resolved the ongoing maintenance dispute between the couple. Hasina Jahan has filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking an increase in the monthly allowance she receives. According to a Kolkata High Court order, Shami pays ₹2.5 lakh monthly for his daughter’s education and ₹1.5 lakh for Hasina Jahan’s personal needs, totaling ₹4 lakh. She has argued that this amount is insufficient for her financial requirements. Shami, addressing the media after the verdict, emphasized the challenges of balancing personal and professional life.#supreme_court #lucknow_super_giants #mohammed_shami #hasina_jahan #alipur_court

Dog Bite Cases Hit Record High in Nagpur, Cross 4,200 in 4 Months Dog bite incidents in Nagpur have surged to an unprecedented level, with over 4,200 cases reported in the first four months of 2026, marking the highest number since records began in 2022. The data, compiled for the January–April period, reveals a sharp 22.7% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 3,444 cases were recorded. This year’s figures, totaling 4,226 cases, have shattered previous records, with each month in the first quarter of 2026 surpassing the 1,000-case threshold for the first time in history. January alone saw 1,060 cases, followed by 1,041 in February, 1,023 in March, and a record 1,102 in April—surpassing the previous April high of 887 cases in 2022. The spike in incidents has raised urgent concerns about stray dog management in the city. Authorities have faced mounting pressure to address the crisis, particularly as the Supreme Court recently dismissed a plea seeking a stay on its directives to remove stray dogs from public spaces such as hospitals, schools, and colleges. The court emphasized that officials could not remain passive in the face of growing threats to vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly. The apex court also highlighted the poor implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, and warned municipal and state officials of potential contempt proceedings for non-compliance. In a significant directive, the Supreme Court ordered states to establish at least one ABC centre in every district and instructed high courts to monitor the implementation of these measures. However, animal activists have expressed skepticism about the court’s approach, arguing that the issue stems from systemic administrative failures rather than the mere presence of stray animals.#nagpur #stray_dogs #supreme_court #animal_birth_control_abc_rules_2023 #smita_mire

Supreme Court Denies Bail for Actor Darshan in Renukaswamy Murder Case The Supreme Court has denied bail for actor Darshan, who remains incarcerated in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy. The court has ordered that Darshan’s imprisonment continue for at least one more year, while also directing the Karnataka government to complete the investigation of 60 key witnesses within the same timeframe. The ruling follows ongoing legal battles by Darshan’s wife, Vijayalakshmi, who has sought his release through various means. Vijayalakshmi recently shared an emotional post on her Instagram account, featuring a black-and-white photograph of Darshan alongside a broken heart emoji. The post included lyrics from his film Lankesh Patrike, which read: “This is a song that will never be forgotten… silence is the witness… this memory will never end… sorrow is the mark.” The post reflected her anguish over the prolonged separation from her husband, who has been in jail since the murder case was filed. The court’s decision to deny bail was based on the need for the investigation to proceed without interruption. The 60 witnesses, including individuals with knowledge of the crime, are expected to be questioned within the next year. The Karnataka government has been instructed to expedite the process, though the timeline remains uncertain due to the complexity of the case. Darshan and Vijayalakshmi, married on May 19, 2003, have faced public scrutiny as the trial progresses. Their marriage anniversary, which they traditionally celebrate annually, has taken on a bittersweet tone amid the legal proceedings. Vijayalakshmi’s recent social media activity highlights the emotional toll of the situation, as she continues to advocate for her husband’s release.#supreme_court #karnataka_government #darshan #renukaswamy #vijayalakshmi

UP Panchayat Elections Clear Path as CM Yogi Approves OBC Commission The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has cleared a major hurdle for upcoming panchayat elections by approving the formation of a dedicated OBC (Other Backward Classes) commission. This decision, announced during a cabinet meeting chaired by Yogi, aims to resolve long-standing disputes over reservation quotas for OBC candidates in local body elections. The move is expected to expedite the electoral process, which had been delayed due to the absence of a specialized authority to conduct the necessary surveys for reservation allocation. The OBC commission, which was previously established in 2025, had its term extended until October 2026. However, it lacked the legal authority to carry out the required survey to determine the actual population of OBCs in the state. The new commission, now approved by the cabinet, will conduct a rapid survey to assess the socio-economic and demographic status of OBC communities. This data will form the basis for calculating the exact percentage of reserved seats, ensuring compliance with the Supreme Court’s mandate for a "triple test" framework. The court’s guidelines require the inclusion of socio-economic backwardness, educational backwardness, and representation in the workforce to determine eligibility for reservations. The government’s decision to establish the commission aligns with the Supreme Court’s directive that reservations for OBCs must not exceed 27% of total seats. This cap, already in place, ensures that the reservation system remains proportionate to the population of OBCs.#yogi_adityanath #supreme_court #up_unchanged #up_panchayat_elections #obc_commission
