Today (13th September), the Supreme Court will consider advancing the hearing date for West Bengal’s plea against a Calcutta High Court verdict that revoked the OBC status of several castes. The appeal is scheduled for September 30, with concerns that the verdict is affecting admissions for 77 communities.
The West Bengal Government today urgently appealed to the Supreme Court regarding the annulment of OBC status for several castes, particularly Muslim groups, impacting reservations and admissions. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal stressed the need to stay the High Court’s verdict due to its impact on NEET-UG 2024 admissions. The Supreme Court will hear the matter on August 27.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has adjourned hearings on petitions contesting the OBC quota hike, in light of the Supreme Court’s interim stay on these proceedings. The Supreme Court is currently adjudicating nine petitions requesting the transfer of all related cases from the MP High Court. Consequently, the high court hearings have been deferred.
Delhi’s Tis Hazari Court has sent five accused individuals to 14 days of judicial custody in connection with the tragic drowning of three UPSC aspirants in the basement of Rau’s IAS coaching center. The incident occurred due to flooding in the basement after heavy rain, leading to concerns about safety measures in educational institutions.
The Supreme Court today declined to stay the Patna High Court’s ruling that annulled the increase in reservation for Backward Classes, Extremely Backward Classes, and Scheduled Castes and Tribes (SC/STs) in Bihar from 50% to 65% in public employment and educational institutions. The final hearing is scheduled for September, with no interim relief granted.
The ancient text Manusmriti has been introduced into the University of Delhi’s Faculty of Law curriculum, sparking controversy. Despite criticism for endorsing the caste system and gender inequality, faculty members argue for its inclusion for a critical comparative perspective. However, students express concern about potential societal division and discrimination in a modern, democratic society.
Three new criminal laws, aimed at modernizing the justice system, replace colonial-era laws from today. They introduce provisions like Zero FIR, online police complaints, electronic summons, and mandatory crime scene videography. The Ministry of Home Affairs has initiated various measures for effective implementation, including technological upgrades, capacity building, publicity campaigns, inclusion in curriculum, and review meetings.
The Justice K Chandru Committee proposed banning ‘Tilak’ and colored wristbands in Tamil Nadu’s educational institutions to foster a secular and inclusive environment. The committee aims to discourage discrimination and promote unity among students of diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the report suggests measures to combat caste-based discrimination and violence, emphasizing the importance of upholding social justice and inclusion.
Today (6th May): The Calcutta High Court issued guidelines for teachers to maintain professionalism and avoid political involvement. The court emphasized the importance of upholding professional standards, respecting students, demonstrating competence, integrity, and fairness, and complying with institutional policies. The directive came in response to a defamation case and highlighted the detrimental impact of politics in educational institutions.
The Patna High Court directed the Bihar Education Department to avoid coercive action against state universities and officials until further notice amid ongoing disputes. The court ordered a suspension of salary freezes and account holds, emphasizing the need for amicably resolving issues to maintain academic stability and safeguard student interests. The next hearing is scheduled for May 17.
