
Legal Current Affairs 02 February 2026 is an essential resource for aspirants of Judiciary, APO, and APP exams, where the legal landscape is constantly shaped by landmark judgments and policy shifts. Today’s update focuses on the Supreme Court’s transformative declaration of menstrual health as a fundamental right under Article 21 and the critical legal protections established for advocates in the discharge of their professional duties.
In the case of Dr. Jaya Thakur v/s. Government of India, a bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan delivered a historic verdict.
Fundamental Right: The Court declared that the right to menstrual health is part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
School Facilities: The Supreme Court issued directions to ensure all schools provide biodegradable sanitary napkins free of cost to adolescent girls (Classes 6-12).
Infrastructure: Schools must be equipped with functional, hygienic, and gender-segregated toilets.
National Policy Implementation: The Court directed the pan-India implementation of the 'Menstrual Hygiene Policy for School-going Girls'.
Eliminating Stigma: The judgment underscored the role of male teachers and staff in creating an ecosystem where menstruation is not treated as a taboo.
"Menstruation should not be a topic that is only shared in hushed whispers. It is crucial that boys are educated about the biological reality of menstruation." – Supreme Court of India.
In the case of Beri Manoj v/s State of Andhra Pradesh, the Supreme Court quashed a case of criminal intimidation (Section 506 IPC/relevant BNSS provisions) against an advocate.
Capacity of Advocate: The Court held that the mere presence of a lawyer in their professional capacity to give advice or suggestions cannot be construed as intimidation.
Professional Duty: Suggestions made to a client during the course of professional duties do not amount to a criminal threat.
Factual Background: The complainant had initially made no allegations against the advocate in her Section 161 CrPC statement, but later alleged threats in her Section 164 CrPC statement after 7 days. The Court found the case fit for quashing to prevent the abuse of the legal process.
The legal discourse also touched upon whether a patient can demand unproven medical treatments as a matter of right. This update is essential for exams testing the intersection of Medical Jurisprudence and Constitutional Law.
Recent updates highlighted the functions and oversight of the BCI Disciplinary Committee, which ensures the professional conduct of advocates across India.
The following table categorizes the core legal concepts discussed in today’s updates, focusing on the constitutional and statutory provisions frequently tested in Judiciary and APO prelims. These principles highlight the shifting judicial interpretation of "Life and Liberty" and the procedural safeguards provided to legal professionals under the new criminal laws.
|
Summary of Key Legal Principles for Exams |
||
|
Topic |
Relevant Article/Section |
Landmark Case/Update |
|
Right to Menstrual Hygiene |
Article 21 (Right to Life) |
Dr. Jaya Thakur v/s Govt. of India |
|
Criminal Intimidation |
Sec 506 IPC / BNSS |
Beri Manoj v/s State of AP |
|
Right to Education |
Article 21A |
Requirement of hygienic toilets in schools |
|
Right to Equality |
Article 14 |
Addressing gender-based barriers in education |
Explore the Judiciary Coaching 2026 to access essential resources for Judiciary exam preparation, including detailed insights and strategies. Dive into the Judiciary 2026 for structured courses and focused study plans designed to help aspirants excel in their exams.
Ans: The Supreme Court made this declaration in the case of Dr. Jaya Thakur v/s. Government of India (2026).