The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court held that women doctors cannot be denied salaries during maternity leave once leave is granted under service rules. The Court ruled maternity benefits are constitutional rights flowing from dignity, equality and reproductive autonomy, not government charity.
The Madras High Court allowed Tamil Nadu to issue compassionate appointment orders to families of the 41 Karur stampede victims but directed that the jobs remain temporary, subject to the outcome of pending proceedings. The Court declined to interfere with the government’s policy decision at this stage.
The Kerala Government has created the post of Senior Standing Counsel for the Supreme Court for the first time, appointing advocate Ramesh Babu. The Congress-led government also appointed four Standing Counsel to strengthen Kerala’s legal representation before the apex court in constitutional and other important matters.
The Election Commission of India informed the Madras High Court that it is reviewing guidelines to strengthen restrictions on the use of children in election campaigns. The exercise follows allegations of minors being involved in political campaigning and electoral influence during the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
The Delhi High Court ordered restoration of the Cockroach Janta Party’s X account after the Centre withdrew its objection. The government stated the account was blocked during NEET examinations to prevent panic among students and parents, but the circumstances no longer existed after the exams concluded.
The Allahabad High Court ruled that the Places of Worship Act, 1991, does not prevent the State from acquiring religious properties for secular public purposes. Dismissing a plea against Varanasi’s Dalmandi redevelopment, the Court upheld the government’s authority to undertake lawful public infrastructure projects.
The Madras High Court will examine four election petitions challenging Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s victory from the Perambur Assembly constituency. While the petitions place his election under judicial scrutiny, Vijay continues to hold office unless the High Court sets aside his election.