Daily Bulletin

A Parliamentary Standing Committee has recommended extensive reforms for the National Testing Agency (NTA), including a transition to AI-based Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) to minimise malpractice. In its 382nd report, the committee, headed by Mr. Mukul Wasnik, also proposed introducing reasonable age and attempt limits for exams like NEET-UG, establishing a clear duty of care with financial compensation for affected candidates, and conducting an annual 'Equity Audit' to analyse candidate performance across various demographics. The recommendations follow controversies surrounding recent examinations, with the report noting 356 court cases related to the NEET-UG 2024 exam alone.

The Supreme Court of India questioned the Union government's proposal to cap trade margins at 30% for only non-scheduled cancer drugs, suggesting the benefit should extend to all essential medicines. A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta termed exorbitant mark-ups, some exceeding 1,000%, as "broad daylight dacoity". The court, on October 12, 2026, directed the Centre to explore a wider price control mechanism by October 27.

The Supreme Court has issued directives on protest restrictions in Delhi, ordering authorities to ensure no illegal detentions of peaceful protestors and that Metro, train, and internet services function normally, subject to law and order. Hearing petitions against restrictions imposed amid protests, a bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana emphasised that any measures must be proportionate and not suppress legitimate democratic expression, cautioning against using a "hammer to kill a fly."

The Karnataka SC/ST reservation hike has been struck down by the Karnataka High Court, which declared the enabling law unconstitutional. A Division Bench held that the Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act, 2022, which raised SC reservation from 15% to 17% and ST reservation from 3% to 7%, violated the 50% ceiling on total reservations established in the Indra Sawhney (1992) case. The court rejected the state's argument that the EWS amendment had removed this ceiling.

The Supreme Court has ruled that past service rendered by government employees on an ad hoc basis can be counted for pensionary benefits but not for claiming seniority over direct recruits. A bench of Justice SVN Bhatti and Justice Shree Chandrashekhar held that the seniority of a temporary appointee is determined from the date of their confirmation in service. The judgment arose from a dispute concerning temporary appointments made by the Tamil Nadu government between 1981 and 1983.

The Supreme Court ruled on arbitration seat determination, holding that a 'governing law' clause is relevant when an agreement specifies two different venues. In the case of ARCIS Clean Energy Pvt. Ltd vs. Parshva Innovation, a bench held that if an agreement mentions both Delhi and Goa as venues but confers exclusive jurisdiction to courts in Goa, then Goa will be considered the juridical seat. The decision clarifies that the parties' intent must be determined from a holistic reading of the agreement.

The Delhi Police has de-notified Jantar Mantar as a designated site for protests, following recommendations from a Union Home Ministry committee. On October 12, 2026, an order by Commissioner Anurag Kumar assigned three new alternative venues for demonstrations: Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground in East Delhi. Jantar Mantar had served as the primary protest venue in the capital since 1993.

The CJI has declined a meeting with opposition leaders regarding the ongoing protests against the Chief Election Commissioner. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's office stated that the request from an INDIA bloc delegation, led by Rahul Gandhi, was 'declined with reasons,' noting that the issues are already sub judice before the Supreme Court. The response added that such a meeting would violate the principle of separation of powers.