LEGAL NEWS

Supreme Court Stays UGC Equity Regulations 2026

• The Supreme Court has temporarily halted the enforcement of the UGC Equity Regulations 2026 following legal and public objections.

• These regulations were introduced by the University Grants Commission on 13 January 2026, replacing the earlier 2012 guidelines.

• The new framework proposed Equal Opportunity Centres in all higher education institutions and laid down procedures to handle discrimination complaints.

• A major controversy arose from a provision defining caste discrimination as applicable only to SCs, STs, and OBCs, which triggered strong opposition.

• The notification led to student protests across universities, especially at Delhi University, along with political criticism and resignations from public figures.

• Several petitions were filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity and clarity of the regulations.

• The Court observed that certain provisions appeared vague and could potentially lead to misuse or social imbalance.

• Until further orders, the 2012 UGC equity rules will remain in force, with the next hearing scheduled for 19 March, which may shape future policy on campus equality and inclusion.

Rajasthan Disturbed Areas Bill, 2026: Property Regulation amid Communal Unrest

• The Rajasthan Cabinet has approved the Rajasthan Prohibition of Transfer of Immovable Property and Protection of Tenants Bill, 2026.

• The proposed law targets localities affected by communal tension, riots, mob violence, or prolonged unrest.

• It empowers the State to notify an area as “disturbed” when distress-driven property sales or demographic shifts threaten public order.

• The framework draws inspiration from Gujarat’s Disturbed Areas Act, 1991, with modifications suited to Rajasthan.

• In notified areas, sale, gift, lease, or transfer of property requires prior approval of the competent authority, usually the District Magistrate.

• Any property transaction carried out without permission will be treated as invalid in law.

• The Bill provides legal protection to tenants, allowing eviction only through due process and lawful procedure.

• Strict penalties are prescribed, including imprisonment of three to five years and fines; some offences may be cognisable and non-bailable.

• The disturbed area notification is time-bound, generally for one year, with scope for extension or withdrawal based on ground conditions.

• While supporters view it as a preventive tool against forced sales and displacement, critics warn of excessive executive control over property rights; the Bill is likely to face constitutional challenge after introduction in the Assembly.

Constitutional Debate Over Governors’ Walkouts from Assembly Addresses

• Walkouts by Governors in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala during Assembly sessions have raised concerns about constitutional limits on gubernatorial powers.

• Under Article 176 of the Constitution, the Governor is required to address the State Legislature at the beginning of the first session each year.

• The Governor’s speech represents the policies and agenda of the elected State government, not personal views or opinions.

• Legal experts maintain that Governors must follow the advice of the Council of Ministers and cannot alter or skip parts of the prepared address.

• In Shamsher Singh v. State of Punjab (1974), the Supreme Court ruled that Governors publicly opposing government policy is constitutionally inappropriate.

• The Nabam Rebia judgment (2016) clarified that duties under Articles 175 and 176 are executive in nature and must be exercised only on ministerial advice.

• Constituent Assembly discussions, including views of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, emphasised that Governors are constitutional heads without independent executive authority.

• The ongoing controversy may lead to judicial scrutiny, highlighting tensions between constitutional conventions, federal balance, and the authority of elected governments.

Supreme Court on VIP Darshan at Mahakaleshwar Temple

• The Supreme Court refused to hear a plea against the practice of VIP darshan at Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar temple.

• The Bench held that courts cannot regulate temple entry, timing, or access, as these are administrative matters.

• CJI Surya Kant observed that the judiciary cannot act as a “gatekeeper” for religious spaces.

• The plea challenged preferential access to the garbh-garha granted to VIPs while restricting general devotees.

• The Court clarified that issues of temple management fall outside judicial review unless clear legal violations arise.

• While noting that “before Mahakal, no one is a VIP,” the Bench said such views are not enforceable legal principles.

• The petitioner was advised to approach the competent administrative authority, after which the plea was withdrawn.

• The Court reiterated that it avoids interference in religious practices and administration unless fundamental rights are plainly breached.

RANKING AND INDEX

Global Soft Power Index 2026: United States Leads, India Slips

• The United States topped the Global Soft Power Index 2026, retaining its position as the most influential nation worldwide.

• Its ranking reflects strength in culture, democratic values, diplomacy, higher education, technology, and global engagement.

• China held on to second place and continued to close the gap with the US, indicating its expanding international footprint.

• Japan climbed to third position, overtaking the UK, driven by effective nation branding and global trust.

• Traditional soft power players like Switzerland and Italy showed stability despite global political and economic uncertainty.

• The index assesses countries across areas such as global reputation, governance quality, international relations, business climate, and cultural reach.

• India ranked 32nd with a score of 48.0, reflecting a decline in its overall soft power standing.

• Compared to the previous year, India fell two ranks and lost 1.8 points on the index.

• While India performed relatively well in culture and international outreach, gaps remain in governance perception, media influence, and sustainable development.

• The decline highlights the need for India to strengthen key soft power pillars to improve its global image and influence.

AWARDS

SAIL Earns ‘Great Place to Work’ Certification (2026–27)

• Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has received the Great Place to Work Certification.

• The recognition has been awarded for the third consecutive year, valid from February 2026 to February 2027.

• The certification followed a detailed evaluation conducted by the Great Place to Work Institute of India.

• The Institute is a globally recognised authority on workplace culture and employee well-being.

• Organisations are honoured for providing positive, inclusive and supportive work environments.

• SAIL recorded a notable improvement in its Trust Index score.

• The Trust Index reflects the percentage of employees giving favourable feedback during surveys.

• To qualify, organisations must secure at least 70% positive responses in the Trust Index Survey along with a Culture Audit.

• SAIL continues to stand out as one of India’s largest public sector steel producers.

MISCELLANEOUS

Prakash Purab of Seventh Sikh Guru – Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji

• 31 January marks the Prakash Purab of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji, the seventh Guru of Sikhism.

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah conveyed greetings, recalling the Guru’s message of compassion and service.

• Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji strengthened the Sikh traditions of langar (community kitchen) and sangat (collective worship).

• He is remembered for his gentle, peaceful and empathetic nature, emphasizing kindness towards all living beings.

• The Guru strongly advocated environmental protection, earning recognition as the “Prophet of Nature.”

• He was born on 16 January 1630 at Kiratpur Sahib and assumed Guruship on 3 March 1644.

• He guided the Sikh community for 17 years (1644–1661) with a focus on harmony and moral values.

• His legacy of ecological awareness is honoured through World Sikh Environment Day, observed on 14 March.

SARAS MELA 2026: Celebrating Rural Women Entrepreneurship in Jammu

• A national-level SARAS MELA is being organised by JKRLM at Kala Kendra, Jammu, from 31 January to 9 February.

• The ten-day fair showcases rural talent, culture and enterprise from Jammu & Kashmir and other states.

• It provides a common platform for rural women entrepreneurs, especially Self-Help Group (SHG) members.

• Women get the chance to sell products directly to customers, strengthening income and confidence.

• The mela helps artisans connect with urban buyers and understand branding and market demand.

• Displays include handicrafts, handlooms, local food items and traditional products.

• The event promotes cultural exchange, reflecting India’s rich and diverse rural heritage.

• Each stall represents the skills, identity and traditions of the women artisans.

• The initiative supports self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods by turning rural skills into business opportunities.

• Visitors enjoy an interactive experience, learning about rural craftsmanship and community-based enterprises.