Section
Politics, government, public policy, courts, legislation and the justice system.
Reports of internal dissent at the Election Commission, opposition calls for resignation, and a Supreme Court referral on how India's poll body is appointed have converged around CEC Gyanesh Kumar's tenure — though much of what is being alleged remains only partially confirmed.
On August 17, 2026 the Supreme Court directed all States to constitute Special Investigation Teams (SITs) to probe suspected fraudulent motor-accident insurance/compensation claims. The order arose in The Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Tuni Pati (SLP/C No. 5582/2023); the bench included Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Prasanna B. Varale. The Court gave procedural directions for insurers and tribunals and listed the expanded matter for further hearing.
A NOTAM from the Air Traffic Flow Management portal/AAI barred non‑scheduled flights within a 300 km radius of New Delhi on Sept 11–13 (roughly 07:00–23:00 IST), exempting scheduled airlines and authorised state/VVIP or emergency flights. Northern Railway revised services with cancellations and diversions; Delhi Metro will start early on Sept 13 and city police issued traffic advisories.
Punjab Police extradited Amritpal Singh, also known as Amrit Dalam, from Moldova to India in mid‑September 2026. Authorities say custody was taken in Chisinau on 11 September and the police team arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport on 12 September. Moldovan courts authorised the extradition in May and dismissed an appeal in July.
Joshua Wong pleaded guilty on September 2, 2026 to a charge of conspiring to collude with foreign forces under Hong Kong’s national security law. Prosecutors said the charge related to efforts with exiled activist Nathan Law and others in mid-to-late 2020 to seek sanctions or other hostile measures. Wong, already serving a separate national security sentence, appeared at the High Court; sentencing was expected after the plea.
The Supreme Court has directed former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal to surrender to jail authorities within two weeks, declined his plea for exemption and listed his appeal for hearing on September 22, 2026. The Bombay High Court (Goa bench) on August 6, 2026 overturned his 2021 acquittal, convicted him in the 2013 sexual assault case and sentenced him to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment.
On August 25, 2026 the Supreme Court directed former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal to surrender to jail authorities within two weeks and to file a surrender certificate, refused his plea for exemption from surrender and indicated it will list his appeal only after he complies. The order follows a Bombay High Court conviction on August 6, 2026 and a 10-year sentence for an incident dated 2013.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks about the Manusmriti, saying Gandhi insulted India’s traditions and had provoked youth. Yogi spoke in Raebareli on 24 August 2026, suggested Gandhi study Hindu texts to 'understand Manu', and his statements were reported as a reaction to Rahul’s earlier remarks at a Pune student event. Other BJP-aligned figures and Hindu organisations also criticised Rahul.
Three men pleaded guilty at Kingston Crown Court on 21 August 2026 to conspiracy to commit burglary after police foiled an attempt to tunnel into a jewellery shop in Tooting. The Metropolitan Police say two men were found at the scene and a third was arrested later at an airport; investigators say the group may be linked to other jewellery thefts across London.
An internal, unverified story candidate titled "Behind-the-scenes at No 10 as Andy Burnham became PM" asserts that Laura Kuenssberg was given "unprecedented access" to the new prime minister’s first days in power. The item is flagged as candidate_not_verified and missing_attribution and requires editorial verification.
