SC to hear key cases on privilege, AI; Parliament passes mining bill, and more
The Supreme Court of India has scheduled hearings on several consequential matters, including the long-pending question of whether legislative privileges can override fundamental rights, and the use of artificial intelligence in public welfare. Meanwhile, Parliament concluded its Monsoon Session with the passage of the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, and political tensions surfaced over a purification ritual in Uttarakhand.
Seven-judge Bench to examine legislative privilege vs free speech
The Supreme Court has announced that a seven-judge Constitution Bench will commence hearings from October 6 on a series of petitions questioning whether legislative privileges can override citizens' fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression. The matter dates back to April 2003, when The Hindu published an editorial criticising then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant passed the order.
Sukhbir Badal attacked in Nanded
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal suffered a hand injury in an attack by two unidentified persons wearing Nihang attire in Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday. One suspect has been detained, and an investigation is underway, according to District Collector Rahul Kardile. Police said preliminary information suggests a kirpan (dagger) was used in the attack.
Kharge condemns 'shuddhikaran' ritual; Nadda expresses regret
On the final day of the Monsoon Session on Thursday, Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the 'shuddhikaran' (purification) ceremony reportedly held at Haldwani's Ramlila Ground after his rally there on August 8. Uttarakhand Congress president Ganesh Godiyal alleged that the Shri Ram Sena, which conducted the ritual, had links to the BJP and that the purification was carried out because Mr. Kharge is a Dalit. He accused the BJP of promoting caste-based divisions. Union Minister J.P. Nadda expressed regret in the Rajya Sabha over the incident.
Parliament passes Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill
Parliament on Thursday passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to restrict states' powers to levy taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands. The Lok Sabha passed the Bill on Wednesday, and the Rajya Sabha approved it on Thursday. The Bill will become law after receiving the President's assent.
SC to take up plea against face-recognition tech on NEET protesters
The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to consider a plea by Rajya Sabha MP A.A. Rahim against the use of facial recognition technology and other mass-surveillance measures against students and individuals who participated in protests over the NEET-UG exam paper leaks. A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant ordered that the petition be tagged with the main NEET-UG protest petitions, which have questioned the police crackdown on students and the use of pellet guns.
SC asks government to consider plea on 'high-risk' AI in public welfare
The Supreme Court has asked the Union Government to consider a petition by advocate N.K. Goswami flagging the lack of a comprehensive statutory regime on the government's use of 'high-risk' artificial intelligence in areas affecting public access to food, health benefits, wages, pensions, scholarships, and welfare subsidies. The Bench suggested the petition be treated as a representation for taking comprehensive action.
Muzaffarnagar riots: Court allows withdrawal of case against 25 leaders
A special MP-MLA court has allowed the prosecution to withdraw the case against 25 BJP leaders and Hindu activists in connection with the Muzaffarnagar riots. The order permits withdrawal of charges, though specific details of the case were not immediately available.
