1.Right to Walk on Footpaths

In Maniyar Iliyaz v. P. Ayyappan (2026), the Supreme Court held that the right to walk safely on well-demarcated footpaths is a fundamental right under Articles 19(1)(d) and Part III. It directed local authorities to maintain footpaths and recognised independent constitutional remedies for violations beyond the Motor Vehicles Act.

Maniyar Iliyaz alias Shaik Riyaz and Another v P Ayyappan and Others 2026 INSC 647.

2.Justice for Human Trafficking Survivors

In Prajwala v. Union of India (2026), the Supreme Court held that rehabilitation of trafficking survivors is part of the right to life with dignity under Article 21. It issued a comprehensive Victim Protection Plan covering rescue to reintegration and recommended legislative reforms to strengthen India’s anti-human trafficking framework.

Prajwala v Union of India and Others 2026 INSC 609.

3.Psychological Evaluation of Child Victims in Custody Disputes

In Sheetal Vasant Thakur v. Chirag Arora (2026), the Supreme Court held that psychological evaluation of children in custody disputes must be necessary, minimally intrusive, neutral, and guided by the child’s welfare. It set aside the High Court’s expert panel, remitted the matter to the Family Court, and issued flexible guidelines for such evaluations.

Sheetal Vasant Thakur v Chirag Arora 2026 INSC 638.

4.Election Petitions and Judicial Review

In Meenakshi Natarajan v. Election Commission of India (2026), the Supreme Court held that Article 329(b) bars judicial interference in the election process, including rejection of nomination papers. Such challenges can only be raised through an election petition after the election is concluded, even if the rejection is alleged to be illegal.

Meenakshi Natarajan v Election Commission of India and Another 2026 INSC 643.

5.Valuation of Homemaker’s Unpaid Work

In Shishu Pal v. Surjeet (2026), the Supreme Court recognised homemakers as “nation builders” and introduced “loss of domestic care” as a separate head of compensation in motor accident claims, valuing it at ₹30,000 per month. The Court also enhanced compensation and issued guidelines for adjudicating such claims.

Shishu Pal alias Shish Ram and Others v Surjeet and Others 2026 INSC 634.

6. EWS Reservation and Fee Concessions

In Harshvardhan Singh v. State of Rajasthan (2026), the Supreme Court declined to grant fee concessions to EWS candidates admitted to private medical colleges, upholding the Rajasthan High Court’s decision. However, it clarified that the larger legal question on entitlement to such concessions remains open for consideration in an appropriate case.

Harshvardhan Singh v State of Rajasthan and Others (SLP (C) No 21751/2026, Supreme Court of India, BV Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi JJ, 24 June 2026).

7.Right to Speedy Investigation

In Sahil Abdulsattar Mansuri v. Safimahamad Fafirbhai Mansuri (2026), the Supreme Court held that the right to speedy investigation is an integral part of Article 21. Criticising a nearly two-decade delay in filing the chargesheet, the Court ruled that the High Court should have intervened to ensure timely completion of the investigation.

Sahil Abdulsattar Mansuri and Others v Safimahamad Fafirbhai Mansuri and Others 2026 INSC 626.