Sheikh Noorul Hassan, a National People’s Party MLA, has filed a petition against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in the Supreme Court, citing concerns over its impact on Islamic practices and Scheduled Tribes’ rights to donate property as Waqf. The Act has faced opposition for allegedly discriminating against Muslims and compromising their religious freedoms.
Between 2018 and 2022, a total of 540 judges were appointed to various High Courts across India, according to the Law Ministry. Data reveals that 80% of these appointees belonged to upper castes. This highlights a significant caste imbalance in judicial appointments during the period. The figures have sparked discussions on diversity and representation in the judiciary.
Bengaluru: Former Supreme Court judge, Justice Indira Banerjee, emphasized the urgent need for a complete shift in mindset to enable more women to rise to higher positions in the judiciary. She shared her insights during a fireside chat on Saturday with Jayna Kothari, Executive Director of the Centre for Law and Policy Research (CLPR).
Today, On 21st February, The Supreme Court, hearing the Are-Katika community’s plea for nationwide Scheduled Caste (SC) status, referenced the Manipur crisis. It pointed to the Manipur High Court’s March 2023 order directing the inclusion of Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribes list, which triggered widespread riots. The Court’s remark highlighted the sensitivity of caste-based classifications. The matter remains under judicial scrutiny.
The Parliament’s Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has recommended that the government introduce a law to stop tribal lands from being declared as Waqf property. This suggestion was made in its 655-page-long draft report, which was circulated less than 24 hours before the committee’s final meeting.
Today, On 10th January, The Supreme Court dismissed PILs challenging the Women’s Reservation Bill, stating there was no violation of fundamental rights, including Article 14. The petitions questioned the Bill’s constitutional validity and its deferment due to the delimitation clause. The Court clarified that Article 32 jurisdiction cannot be invoked in this case. This decision reaffirms the legislative process for implementing women’s political representation in India.
The Calcutta High Court denied a plea seeking relaxation of recruitment guidelines, stating that the scope for court interference in such matters is very limited. The court emphasized that recruitment rules must be followed as laid down and any changes to these guidelines fall under the purview of the concerned authorities, not the judiciary.
Today, On 28th August,, the Supreme Court intervened to assist PSU employees facing potential termination due to changes in their reserved category status. The Court ruled against the termination notices issued by the banks and undertakings, ensuring protection for employees affected by caste reclassification in Karnataka. This decision sets aside a previous judgment by the Karnataka High Court.
On Friday(23rd August), The Supreme Court of India clarified that not all insults or intimidating comments against SC/ST individuals automatically qualify as offenses under the SC/ST Act. This ruling came while granting anticipatory bail to Shajan Skaria, who faced charges under the Act for allegedly posting a derogatory video targeting a Kerala MLA from a Scheduled Caste community.
The Supreme Court of India today rejected a PIL seeking to declare the caste system unconstitutional. Chief Justice Chandrachud stated that the Constitution acknowledges Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes, dismissing the plea. Additionally, a recent landmark decision revised the framework for SC and ST reservations, allowing states to create sub-classifications within these groups.
