The Bombay High Court has ordered police to register an FIR in the custodial death case of Dalit law student Somnath Suryawanshi. His mother alleged illegal arrest, torture, and a cover-up by the police.
Karnataka’s government has passed the Transparency in Public Procurements (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which reserves 4% of government contracts for Muslims. Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot raised constitutional concerns, stating reservations based on religion are prohibited. The bill is criticized by the BJP but defended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as a means to uplift disadvantaged communities.
The Supreme Court took strong exception to a woman, deemed by the State of Tamil Nadu to be a Christian convert, allegedly claiming to practice Hinduism for availing quota in job appointments for scheduled caste (SC) communities. “Would amount to fraud on the Constitution.”: the Bench made it clear that if the purpose of conversion/ reconversion is only to derive the benefit of reservation, the same cannot be allowed since it will defeat the objective of providing quota to the socially backward communities.
“If not for giving representation to Scheduled Castes, I would have been elevated maybe two years later,” : Supreme Court Justice BR Gavai emphasized the role of reservation and affirmative action in elevating marginalized individuals in India’s government. He credited his own advancement to these principles and highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in the judiciary. Justice Gavai also addressed challenges such as media manipulation and emphasized the CJI’s duty to provide equal leadership.
The Kerala High Court granted anticipatory bail to a headmistress accused of cutting a Dalit student’s hair, leading to ridicule. The Court doubted the intent to commit a crime under the SC/ST Act, suggesting excessive disciplinary action. This decision reflects legal discussions on protecting marginalized communities and educators’ responsibilities.