Daily Legal Current Affairs 30 January 2026 for Judiciary/APO/APP Exams

Legal Current Affairs 30 January 2026 for Judiciary/APO/APP Exams focuses on recent judicial developments from the Supreme Court and High Courts. These updates relate mainly to criminal law, criminal procedure, and evidence law.

The article explains important rulings in a simple and structured manner. Each case highlights legal principles that are frequently tested in preliminary exams, mains answers, and interviews.

Regular study of such legal current affairs helps aspirants understand how courts interpret laws in real cases. It also improves analytical ability and application of legal provisions during exams.

SC Raises 4 Questions on UGC Equity Regulations 2026

Mritunjay Tiwari v. Union of India and Anr. The Supreme Court has questioned the constitutionality of the new UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026.

Court Observation The Bench, including CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, noted that the regulations have "certain ambiguities". They warned that these rules could be misused.

The Four Key Questions

1. Redundant Definition: The UGC defined "Caste-Based Discrimination" specifically for SC, ST, and OBC members. However, the general definition already covers caste. The Court asked why a separate, narrower definition was needed.

2. Exclusion of Groups: The rules mention SC, ST, and OBC but leave out Most Backward Classes (MBC) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBC). This might leave some vulnerable groups without protection.

3. The "Segregation" Issue: Regulation 7(d) mentions "segregation" in hostels and classrooms. The Court feared this might lead to separating students by caste. This would violate the "spirit of fraternity".

4. Omission of Ragging: The Court noted that "ragging" was not included in these new equity regulations despite being a major issue.

Exam Relevance

• Understanding Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution.

• Scope of UGC’s regulatory powers.

• Concept of "spirit of fraternity" in student housing.

₹30 Lakhs Compensation for Manual Sewer Cleaning Deaths

Dr. Balram Singh v. Union of India, 2023 The Supreme Court issued strict directions to stop manual scavenging and increase compensation for victims.

Key Directions

• Death Compensation: Compensation for deaths during sewer cleaning is increased to ₹30 Lakhs.

• Permanent Disability: Compensation is increased to ₹20 Lakhs.

• Other Disabilities: Compensation must be at least ₹10 Lakhs.

• Eradication: The Court directed the Union and State Governments to ensure the complete eradication of manual scavenging.

Exam Relevance

• Implementation of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.

• Right to dignity and grave anguish expressed by the Court.

Bar Association Not Employer Under POSH Act

The Kerala High Court ruled on the applicability of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act). The Court held that a bar association is not an 'employer' under the Act.

• ICC Constitution: The Court found the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) constituted by the Kollam Bar Association to be against the POSH Act's objective and requirement.

• Reasoning: A bar association does not fit the definition of an 'employer' under the Act. Therefore, its ICC is not in accordance with the Act.

• Cited Cases: The ICC counsel referred to Aureliano Fernades v. State of Goa and Women in Cinema Collective and others v. State of Kerala. These cases argued that employer-employee relationship is not strictly necessary. However, the Court did not agree in this context.

Key Findings

• A Bar Association is not considered an 'employer' under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act (POSH).

• This impacts the legal requirement for such associations to form committees under the Act.

Exam Relevance

• Definitions under the POSH Act.

• Scope of "Employer" in legal professional bodies.

Minimum Wages For Domestic Workers

The Supreme Court addressed a Public Interest Litigation (Penn Thozhilalargal Sangam v/s Union of India) seeking minimum wages for domestic workers. The Court urged State Governments to take action.

• SC's Urging: The Supreme Court asked all State Governments to consider notifying minimum wages for domestic workers.

• PIL Objective: The PIL aimed to include domestic workers under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. This Act is now replaced by the Code of Wages, 2019.

• Court's Stance: The Court refrained from issuing a direct order. It respected the principle of non-interference with executive and legislative domains. It expressed hope that governments will evolve a suitable mechanism.

• Forced Labour Aspect: The Court acknowledged that non-payment of minimum/fair wages for domestic work amounts to forced labour. It noted domestic work is often devalued due to stereotypical notions.

Exam Relevance

• State responsibility toward labor welfare.

• Legal developments in minimum wage standards.

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MCQs for Judiciary Exams

The Supreme Court increased the compensation for sewer deaths to what amount?

A. ₹10 Lakhs

B. ₹20 Lakhs

C. ₹30 Lakhs

D. ₹50 Lakhs

Correct Answer: C. ₹30 Lakhs

Under Regulation 3(c) of the UGC 2026 rules, "Caste-based discrimination" is defined only for which groups?

A. General and SC

B. SC, ST, and OBC

C. MBC and EBC

D. All caste groups

Correct Answer: B. SC, ST, and OBC

Which Regulation of the UGC 2026 rules discusses the "segregation" of students?

A. Regulation 3(c)

B. Regulation 7(d)

C. Regulation 10

D. Regulation 1

Correct Answer: B. Regulation 7(d)

In which case did the Supreme Court issue directions regarding manual scavenging compensation?

A. Vineet Jindal v. Union of India

B. Mritunjay Tiwari v. Union of India

C. Dr. Balram Singh v. Union of India

D. Rahul Dewan v. Union of India

Correct Answer: C. Dr. Balram Singh v. Union of India

Why Legal Current Affairs 30 January 2026 Are Important

These updates are essential for Judiciary/APO/APP Exams because they cover:

• Constitutional validity of educational regulations.

• Social justice and compensation laws.

• Definitions of 'employer' under safety laws.

• Labor rights for domestic workers.