LEGAL NEWS

Supreme Court Clarification on Sedition Proceedings (2026)

• The Supreme Court of India clarified in Kamran v. State of Madhya Pradesh (2026) that sedition proceedings under Section-124A IPC may continue if the accused voluntarily gives consent.

• The ruling partially modified the earlier protection granted in S.G. Vombatkere v. Union of India (2022) which had kept sedition cases in abeyance.

• The Court stated that pending trials, appeals, and bail proceedings related to sedition can move forward only with the explicit consent of the accused.

• The clarification was aimed at preventing prolonged incarceration and procedural delays in cases involving sedition along with offences under laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Arms Act.

• In the Kamran case, the accused reportedly remained in custody for nearly 17 years because appellate proceedings had stalled due to sedition-related charges.

• Kedar Nath Singh v. State of Bihar had earlier upheld sedition law while limiting its application to incitement of violence or public disorder.

• With the enactment of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the term “sedition” was removed, and Section- 152 BNS now deals with acts threatening the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.

• The constitutional validity of Section 124A IPC remains unresolved and is expected to be examined by a proposed seven-judge Constitution Bench.

APPOINTMENTS

Hari Babu Kambhampati Sworn in as Governor of Odisha

• Hari Babu Kambhampati took oath as the 27th Governor of Odisha on 3 January 2025 at Raj Bhavan.

• The oath of office was administered by Chakradhari Sharan Singh.

• Hari Babu Kambhampati succeeded Raghubar Das after his resignation from the post.

• Article 153 of the Constitution provides for the office of Governor as the constitutional head of a state.

• Article 155 states that the Governor of a state is appointed by the President of India.

• The oath of office of the Governor is prescribed under Article 159 of the Constitution of India.

• President Droupadi Murmu appointed Hari Babu Kambhampati as Governor of Odisha on 24 December 2024.

• Before assuming office, he visited the Shree Jagannath Temple, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Jagannath.

NATIONAL NEWS

Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Rules, 2025

• Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) is set to replace Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) from 1 July 2026.

• The Central Government notified draft rules under the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 for rural employment and livelihood administration.

• A proposed National Level Steering Committee will oversee implementation, recommend state-wise fund allocation, and coordinate among ministries.

• The Central Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Council will assist in monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and implementation under the Act.

• The draft rules define administrative expenses to be borne by the Centre, shared with states, or managed entirely by state governments.

• A technology-enabled grievance redressal mechanism with digital public infrastructure and time-bound complaint handling has been proposed.

• Transitional provisions ensure continuation of ongoing works, settlement of liabilities, and transfer of official records during the shift from MGNREGA.

• The framework also protects worker rights and employment guarantees during the transition to the new rural livelihood mission.

Public Accounts Committee (PAC) 2026–27

• The reconstituted Public Accounts Committee held its first meeting for the 2026–27 term under the chairmanship of K. C. Venugopal.

• PAC is one of India’s oldest parliamentary committees and was established in 1921 under the Government of India Act, 1919.

• The committee consists of 22 members, including 15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha.

• Members are elected annually through the system of proportional representation by Single Transferable Vote, and their tenure is one year.

• No sitting minister is permitted to serve as a member of the Public Accounts Committee.

• Since 1967, the Chairperson of PAC has traditionally been chosen from the Opposition to ensure impartial parliamentary oversight.

• The committee examines audit reports submitted by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and reviews government expenditure for efficiency, economy, and propriety.

• PAC recommendations are advisory in nature, and the committee reviews expenditure only after public funds have already been spent.

STATE NEWS

Kerala’s Project Zero Anti-Corruption Initiative

• Kerala launched Project Zero on 26 May 2026 to strengthen transparency and accountability in administration.

• The initiative was launched by Ramesh Chennithala to curb bribery, cyber crimes, and corruption in public services.

• Project Zero encourages citizens to directly report corruption cases to the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau.

• The programme ensures confidentiality and protection for whistleblowers and complainants in corruption-related matters.

• The initiative addresses both physical bribery and digital graft carried out through online systems and electronic transactions.

• Technology-driven investigation and monitoring systems are being introduced to speed up vigilance procedures and case handling.

• Project Zero also aims to modernise the Vigilance Manual used for anti-corruption investigations and disciplinary procedures.

• The programme links anti-corruption measures with transparent governance, administrative oversight, and public participation.

SPORTS

National Sports Governance Rules, 2026

• India notified the National Sports Governance Rules, 2026, on 26 May 2026 under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.

• The rules establish two statutory bodies — the National Sports Board and the National Sports Tribunal.

• The National Sports Board will regulate recognition and monitor governance, ethics, and financial compliance of National Sports Bodies.

• The NSB will consist of a Chairperson and two members appointed by the Central Government through a Search-cum-Selection Committee.

• Members of the National Sports Board will have a tenure of three years with an upper age limit of 65 years.

• The National Sports Tribunal has been created as a specialised body for adjudication of sports-related disputes outside regular civil courts.

• The Tribunal framework includes online filing systems, virtual hearings, and digital submission of notices and documents.

• The Chairperson of the National Sports Tribunal will serve for four years or up to the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.