The Manipur High Court ruled that panchayat members cannot remain in office after five years, striking down a 1996 amendment to the Panchayat Raj Act as unconstitutional. The Court restored the original law, ordering fresh elections within six months.
The Supreme Court has directed the Manipur High Court to resolve whether expired gram panchayat members can stay in office when an administrator is appointed. A three-month deadline was set for this decision amid concerns over ongoing violence preventing elections. The legality of these elected positions hinges on amendments to the Manipur Panchayati Raj Act.
The Supreme Court criticized the Madhya Pradesh High Court for dismissing women judges based on performance metrics during their probation, emphasizing the necessity for equitable treatment regardless of gender. The justices voiced concerns over mental health impacts on judges and will revisit the matter on December 12, following ongoing appeals related to terminations.
The Allahabad High Court upheld the premature compulsory retirement of a lower court judge, dismissing his plea against the administrative committee’s recommendation. Despite being exonerated from previous inquiries, the judge faced adverse remarks in his service record, leading to his early retirement. The court clarified that compulsory retirement is not a punishment.