Supreme Court

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slammed Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and called him 'arrogant and a 'liar' after meeting him in Delhi over SIR row.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will meet Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar this evening in Delhi over the voter list row.

This special News Today edition covers Pakistan's decision to boycott its T20 World Cup match against India following Bangladesh's withdrawal. The program features analysis by Sunil Gavaskar regarding potential ICC sanctions.

Sunetra Pawar is set to take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Saturday at 5 pm, according to sources. She has accepted the proposal for her elevation and will continue to handle the Excise and Sports ministries.

On this Special Report, Kaushik Dekha examines the intensifying political climate in Assam as the state enters election mode. Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on the Congress, alleging that the party used illegal immigrants as a vote bank to gain power. Shah stated, 'Every infiltrator would be identified and every infiltrator will be sent back,' highlighting the BJP's focus on the infiltration issue. The report also covers the controversy surrounding Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s 'Miya' remarks and his personal allegations against Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi. While the BJP frames the narrative as a struggle for indigenous rights against illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators, the opposition, including the Congress and Samajwadi Party, has condemned the rhetoric as 'poisonous division' and 'hate language' aimed at communal polarisation. The programme explores how the infiltration debate has become the central war cry for the BJP in the upcoming polls.

On this Special Report, host Preeti Choudhry leads a debate on the 'Political Stock Exchange' regarding the controversial 2026 UGC norms. Following a Supreme Court stay on the regulations, Choudhry presents a snap poll conducted by Sea Water exploring public sentiment across different caste and age groups. The data reveals a significant divide, with 80% of upper-caste respondents viewing the reforms as 'anti-upper caste' and 65% of students fearing increased campus casteism. Political analyst Ashutosh questions the data's representative nature, stating, 'This reaction is purely casteist reaction,' while expressing surprise at the speed of the Supreme Court's intervention. The programme features insights from Rajat Sethi, Professor Chandra Bhushan Sharma, and Professor Suraj Yengde, analyzing whether these reforms represent genuine equity or an electoral risk for the government. The discussion highlights the deep-seated caste dynamics in Indian academia and the legal challenges facing the Centre's new educational framework.

This news report covers the intensifying protests at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) following the Supreme Court's decision to stay the new University Grants Commission (UGC) equity regulations. The JNU Students Union (JNUSU) is leading the demonstrations, claiming that 'caste based discrimination at universities have surged in the last few years' despite the legal intervention. The Supreme Court observed that certain provisions of the regulations were ambiguous and 'too sweeping,' potentially reversing decades of progress toward a casteless society. The stay on these new norms implies a temporary return to the 2012 regulations until the government formulates updated guidelines. The programme highlights the friction between student bodies and the judicial ruling, featuring visuals of the protests recorded on the JNU campus. The report also mentions a data analytics segment titled 'Political Stock Exchange' to gauge public sentiment regarding the controversial UGC norms and the subsequent legal stay by the top court.

On this Special Report, an unidentified speaker addresses the controversy surrounding the alleged use of animal fat in Tirupati laddus. The speaker criticises Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for making allegations without confirmation, asking, 'How can Sindhubab Naidu, without confirmation, how can he talk that?' The speaker highlights that Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YCP) leaders approached the Supreme Court seeking an inquiry to uncover the facts. According to the speaker, the Supreme Court-constituted body and subsequent investigations by national laboratories have confirmed that no animal fat was present in the laddus. The transcript focuses on the legal recourse taken by the YCP and the findings of the SIT committee and laboratory tests that reportedly cleared the ghee of adulteration claims involving vegetable or animal fats.

The India Today-CVoter 'Mood of the Nation' poll, a comprehensive survey with a sample size of over 90,000 participants, indicates and highlights the public's perception of economic management, where 54% of respondents prefer Prime Minister Narendra Modi's handling of the economy compared to 36% for former PM Dr Manmohan Singh.

Why did the UGC bring new equity regulations in 2026 — and why did campuses erupt in protest?

On this Special Report, anchor Akshita Nandagopal discusses the Supreme Court's significant decision to stay the University Grants Commission (UGC) 2026 equity regulations. The apex court described the new norms as 'prima facie vague and prone to misuse,' providing major relief to protesting students. During the hearing, the court expressed concerns that the regulations could lead to a societal divide, stating, 'Hope we don't divide campuses like America.' The programme explores the legal and political fallout of this 'judicial bombshell' on the central government, featuring insights from legal correspondent Srishti Ojha and ground reports from Delhi University. While the government faces a January 19 deadline to submit a detailed response, students remain divided; some fear the birth of 'reverse discrimination' while others advocate for clearer safeguards against historical caste-based exclusion. The report also touches upon the upcoming budget with a glimpse of an interview with Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran regarding trade deals and the Indian rupee.

On this Special Report, anchor Akshita Nandagopal discusses the Supreme Court's decision to stay the new University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. The top court raised significant concerns regarding discrimination in higher educational institutions, questioning if the new rules are 'taking us towards a regressive direction' after 75 years of independence. Legal correspondent Srishti Ojha highlights the court's intent to move toward a classless society where unity is visible in educational institutions rather than segregation. The discussion also features insights from Aishwarya Paliwal on the Centre's 'catch-22' situation as it prepares a detailed response for the 19th deadline. The government is reportedly wary of potential rollbacks and is focusing on the implementation strategy of the guidelines. The programme explores the legal and political fallout of the controversy as the Centre and UGC are mandated to respond to the court's observations regarding the potential for institutional isolation.

In this Special Report, India Today Legal Editor Nalini Sharma provides details on the Supreme Court hearing regarding the stray dog menace. The Central government has informed the top court that it is working towards a 'complete elimination of rabies due to dog bites' by 2030 under a National Action Plan. During the proceedings before a bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath, the Additional Solicitor General highlighted that while health is a state subject, the Centre is providing fund allocations and coordinating state action plans. Nalini Sharma notes that the Supreme Court has reserved its order on the matter, giving parties one week to file written submissions. The report emphasises the need for negative population growth of stray dogs, which are currently increasing by 10 to 15% annually. The final judgement is expected to provide specific directions to national, state, and local municipal authorities to tackle the growing problem of stray dog bites across India.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the Supreme Court's interim stay on the new equity guidelines introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The court observed that the intervention was necessary as the 'new guidelines are capable of dividing the society'. While the central government provided assurances against the misuse of these regulations, the bench emphasized that the mere possibility of a provision being prone to misuse warrants judicial scrutiny to ensure laws remain uniform and applicable to all sections of society. The court has issued notices to both the Centre and the UGC, seeking their responses to the petitions. Furthermore, the Supreme Court clarified that while the new guidelines are stayed, the 2012 regulations will continue to be enforced. The matter is scheduled for further hearing in March, where the vision of a 'caste-less society' and the unity of India's higher institutions will remain central to the legal discourse.

On this Special Report, India Today’s Aman Bahadur reports from the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation House where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has successfully retained the mayoral post. Presiding officer Ramneet Singh Bedi declared Sourav Joshi as the new Mayor after he secured 18 votes from councillors. The election marks a significant procedural shift as the reporter notes, 'after 1996, it's for the first time that show of hands has taken place for the voting' for the 36 total votes polled. The results saw the Congress party receiving 7 votes, including that of Member of Parliament Manish Tiwari, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured 11 votes. The report highlights the absence of cross-voting during this session, contrasting with previous controversies that reached the Supreme Court. Following the declaration, celebrations erupted within the MC House as councillors congratulated Sourav Joshi on the BJP's victory in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation.

On this report, the focus is on the Supreme Court of India's significant decision to stay the University Grants Commission's (UGC) new equity guidelines. The bench, including the Chief Justice of India, Justice Suryakant, and Justice Joy Malia Bagchi, observed that the new regulations are 'capable of dividing society' and could have a 'grave impact' on national unity. The court questioned the inclusion of separate clauses for discrimination and expressed concern over whether the country is 'losing the gains towards classless society' made over 75 years. Until further orders, the 2012 guidelines will remain in force. The Centre and the UGC have been asked to respond to petitions filed by various groups, including the savarna classes represented by Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who argue the norms discriminate against the general category. The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on March 19th.

On this news report, the focus is on the Supreme Court of India's scathing observations regarding the 2026 UGC regulations. The top court stayed the new norms, questioning if the country is 'losing gains of 75 years' and moving in a 'regressive direction' by using vague language prone to misuse. Varun Choudhary, President of the Congress youth wing NSUI, stated, 'this is mostly seen that it happens more with SC, ST and OBC' while clarifying that the NSUI stands against all forms of discrimination. The broadcast highlights the court's concern over campus unity and the potential for catastrophic damage if guidelines are not accurately drafted. The 2012 regulations will continue to remain in effect as the court seeks expert opinion for a redraft. The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on 19th March, as stakeholders from the BJP, Congress, and student communities react to the potential for internal rifts and the necessity for robust equity guidelines in higher education.

On this Special Report, legal correspondent Srishti Ojha details the Supreme Court's decision to stay the new University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines concerning caste-based discrimination in higher education. The court observed that the language used in the new norms was 'vague' and potentially 'regressive,' risking a societal divide rather than fostering inclusivity. Srishti Ojha notes the court's concern: 'We have been trying to go towards a more casteless society... But aren't we in a way with these guidelines going into a more regressive direction?' The bench highlighted that the current definition of discrimination excludes non-reserved categories, leaving them without recourse in instances like ragging. The Supreme Court has suggested the Centre form a committee of experts to refine the language and ensure a more equitable approach. Until further clarification, the 2012 UGC guidelines will remain in force to protect students across all Indian educational institutions.

On this Special Report, Legal Editor Nalini Sharma discusses the Supreme Court's significant intervention regarding the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines. The apex court has stayed the 2026 regulations, effectively bringing the 2012-2020 guidelines back into force to ensure no victim is left 'remedialess' regardless of their caste or background. Nalini Sharma notes that the court observed these guidelines have the 'capability of dividing the society' and emphasized the need to move towards a 'caste-less society after 75 years of independence.' The bench has directed parties to avoid political arguments, focusing instead on constitutional equality. The central government and the UGC are expected to submit their responses by the next hearing scheduled for the 19th of March. The programme examines whether the government will defend the current provisions or seek to tweak them to align with the court's observations on non-discrimination and social cohesion.

On this news report, Aishwarya Paliwal provides updates on the Supreme Court's observations regarding the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. The top court raised critical questions, asking, 'Are we losing gains of 75 years? Are we going in the regressive direction?' The bench emphasized that India's unity must be reflected on campuses and noted a lack of experts to clarify the UGC's language. The discussion highlights growing anger and protests among students, with concerns that the new rules might divide the student population or bias against non-reserved categories. Aishwarya Paliwal notes that political parties like the Samajwadi Party and TMC are closely monitoring the situation, while the Education Ministry maintains there is no scope for misuse. The court has suggested forming a committee of legal and academic experts to rework the framework for equity. The next hearing is scheduled for 19th March, as the government mulls over whether to replace or robustly reform the current UGC framework.