After waiting nearly four years for appointment letters, 1,158 candidates — including 1,091 assistant professors and 67 librarians — have had their recruitments cancelled following a Supreme Court ruling that found the hiring process violated official norms and appeared politically motivated.

On July 14, the Supreme Court struck down the appointments, stating that the recruitment process was not conducted in accordance with the prescribed rules. The selected individuals had recently joined government colleges across Punjab under a recruitment drive held just before the 2022 state assembly elections.

A Legal Battle from Start to End

The selected candidates had formed a group called the ‘1158 Assistant Professors and Librarians Front’ to advocate for their appointments. Their recruitment was challenged by guest teachers in the state, leading to a series of legal developments:

• In 2022, a single-judge bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court struck down the recruitment.
• In 2024, a division bench of the same court upheld the process.
• Following the 2024 ruling, all 1,158 candidates received postings.
• On July 14, 2025, a Supreme Court bench overturned the HC decision and instructed the state to initiate a new selection process based on the 2018 UGC regulations.

The candidates now await clarity on whether the Punjab government will file a review petition in response to the Supreme Court’s decision.

Key Issues Raised by the Supreme Court

Punjab replaced the standard UGC recruitment process — which includes academic evaluations and interviews — with a single multiple-choice written test. The state argued this method was more objective, but the Supreme Court rejected the rationale, stating that it undermined the integrity of the process.

The Court highlighted that the recruitment was conducted just before the 2022 elections and seemed more aligned with political timing than academic necessity. It emphasized that such large-scale hiring should not be carried out in disregard of established procedures.

Procedural Violations

The Court pointed out that Punjab had voluntarily adopted UGC regulations and was therefore required to follow them, including the use of the Public Service Commission (PSC) for appointments. Initially, the recruitment plan involved filling 177 urgent posts for newly established colleges. However, the scope was expanded to include an additional 931 assistant professor and 50 librarian posts, bypassing the PSC, despite those posts already being referred to the Commission.

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s 2022 single-judge verdict and nullified the later division bench ruling from 2024 that had reinstated the recruitment.

Uncertain Future for the Candidates

With their jobs now legally void, the 1,158 affected candidates are left in a state of uncertainty. Many had resigned from previous roles or given up fellowships to join government colleges. While there is speculation that the state government may pursue a review petition, no official statement has been made.

The situation continues to develop, with both the state and the affected candidates weighing their next steps amid growing concern over the impact on livelihoods and the state’s higher education framework.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court relaxed the bail conditions for Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, allowing him to write articles and express opinions, provided they do not pertain to matters currently under judicial consideration.

The court also directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted to investigate the case, to complete its probe within four weeks.

Earlier, on May 21, the apex court had granted interim bail to Mahmudabad, who had been arrested by the Haryana Police on May 18 in connection with two Facebook posts related to Operation Sindoor. At that time, the Court also ordered the formation of an SIT to carry out the investigation.

The arrest followed two separate complaints, one of which was filed by the Haryana State Commission for Women. The controversy arose from Mahmudabad’s social media post, in which he praised the Indian military’s restraint while cautioning against “warmongering and performative patriotism.” The post drew sharp criticism from the Commission, whose chairperson, Renu Bhatia, alleged that the professor had insulted women officers—specifically naming Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh—who had addressed the media following the cross-border operation. Her complaint led to the filing of a First Information Report (FIR).

A second FIR was registered at the Rai police station, based on a complaint filed by Yogesh, a local BJP youth leader and sarpanch of Jatheri village.

Punjab’s Water Resources Minister, Barinder Kumar Goyal, on Monday informed the legislative assembly that water levels in the state’s reservoirs are stable, and there is currently no flood-like situation. He emphasized that the state government has taken comprehensive steps to address any potential emergencies.

The statement came in response to a call attention motion by MLA Rana Inder Pratap Singh, who voiced concerns about a growing flood threat. Speaking during Zero Hour, Singh highlighted that over the past six months, he identified 12 to 15 critical points between Harike and Dhilwan where embankments are dangerously weak and vulnerable to breaches due to rising water levels in the dams’ reservoirs.

Singh informed the House that these weak spots were shared with the concerned deputy commissioners and cabinet minister, along with several follow-up reminders. However, he claimed that no substantial action has been taken, even in areas that require immediate reinforcement.

In reply, Minister Goyal said the Water Resources Department has implemented several measures to ensure flood preparedness. “The government has allocated ₹204.5 crore for flood mitigation efforts. Using funds from SDMF, MGNREGA, and departmental budgets, 599 projects have been initiated,” he noted.

Singh also pointed out an incident from the previous flood season, where a 125-acre embankment near the Goindwal bridge obstructed the natural flow of water, causing pressure to build up at a single point and increasing the risk of a breach. He urged the government to carry out de-silting in the area to avoid recurrence.

Additionally, he raised concerns over illegal mining in embankment zones, particularly in areas where temporary structures have been erected by local residents.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday stressed the importance of strengthening bonds between Punjab and Haryana, referring to Haryana as Punjab’s “younger brother.” He appealed to the Centre, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to prioritize unity between the two states instead of deepening divisions.

While addressing the Punjab Assembly during a debate on the Centre’s decision to deploy CISF personnel at the Bhakra-Nangal dam, Mann criticised the ongoing political friction—especially over the long-standing water-sharing disputes between the two neighbouring states.

“Punjab and Haryana collectively contribute over 70% to India’s national food pool, yet political parties have continued to sow discord, particularly over water rights, despite shared interests,” Mann said. He urged both states to adopt a collaborative approach for regional development and prosperity.

Highlighting the decades-old disagreements regarding river water distribution, Mann called for a fresh assessment of river flows through Punjab—particularly the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—to re-evaluate allocations to Haryana and Rajasthan. “Water distribution reviews should be conducted every 25 years, but none have taken place for decades,” he noted.

Asserting that Punjab lacks surplus water, the CM underscored the emotional and practical importance of water rights for the people of the state. He also pointed to recent developments in the Indus Waters Treaty, suggesting that waters from the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab could be considered to meet Punjab’s future needs. He advocated for constructing new storage dams upstream in Himachal Pradesh to bolster availability.

In a separate statement, Mann stood by popular Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh, who faced criticism for his film Sardarji 3 featuring a Pakistani actress. Responding to backlash linked to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Mann clarified that the film was shot months before the incident and condemned the unjust criticism.

He further decried the constant questioning of Punjabis’ patriotism, stating, “Despite our unmatched contributions to national security and food production, Punjabis continue to be unfairly targeted.”

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa raised concerns over state land use, alleging that 40,000 acres of fertile agricultural land had been handed over to real estate developers, threatening the interests of Punjab’s farmers.

“This performance by the CM won’t mislead the public. The people of Punjab are aware of the truth,” Bajwa said, accusing the government of insincerity toward protecting farmers’ rights.

In response, Mann dismissed the opposition’s remarks as unfounded and criticised them for lacking commitment to Punjab’s core issues.

The Punjab unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held protests across the state on Saturday in response to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s critical comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign visits.

BJP workers and leaders raised slogans against the CM and burned his effigies. Senior BJP leader Tarun Chugh condemned Mann’s remarks, calling them “vile and disgraceful.”

Chugh accused Mann of being “intoxicated by power and arrogance,” claiming that the CM has lost sense of propriety. “He’s attacking a three-time elected Prime Minister with an impeccable public record spanning 25 years — a leader whose global vision is widely acknowledged. Yet Mann chooses to mock him,” Chugh stated.

He further criticized Mann for dragging Union Home Minister Amit Shah into the matter, calling it a sign of desperation. “Amit Shah is the man who dismantled terror networks, broke the back of Naxalism, and strengthened the nation’s internal security. Under his leadership, the BJP has become the largest political party in the world,” Chugh added.

BJP leader Anil Sarin also lashed out at Mann, accusing him of disregarding the dignity and decorum expected of constitutional positions. “The language used by the CM against the Prime Minister, both inside and outside the House, is unacceptable,” Sarin said.

The controversy began on Thursday when CM Mann mocked Modi for celebrating a foreign award from a country with just 10,000 people while ignoring pressing domestic issues. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded by calling Mann’s remarks “irresponsible.”

Despite the MEA’s rebuke, Mann reiterated his stance in the state assembly on Friday, questioning whether he had no right to raise concerns about the Prime Minister’s foreign policy.

Mann had earlier remarked, “Has the Prime Minister gone to Ghana? Will he return today? He’s being felicitated in countries with populations of 10,000, while 140 crore Indians await his attention.”

He also criticized Modi’s perceived lack of engagement with domestic issues during a debate on the CISF deployment at the Bhakra-Nangal project. “Our PM has time to visit countries like ‘Magneshia, Tarveshia, Garveshia’—I don’t even know where these are—but not to address the concerns of 140 crore Indians,” Mann said sarcastically.

Later, while speaking to the media, Mann maintained his stance. “Don’t I have a right to question foreign policy? What has been achieved on these visits? What benefits have they brought us?” he asked.

He also took a jab at Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his remarks.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court scrutinized the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, urging the poll panel to consider recognizing Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, and ration cards as valid documents for voter verification during the ongoing exercise.

The Court agreed to hear a series of petitions that challenge the timing and procedure of the SIR, with the next hearing set for July 28. Meanwhile, the ECI has been given until July 21 to submit its response. No interim relief has been granted at this stage.

A bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi questioned the decision to initiate the revision just months ahead of elections, calling it a move that “strikes at the root of democracy and the power to vote.”

Justice Dhulia remarked, “If the purpose of the SIR is to verify citizenship in Bihar’s electoral rolls, it should have been done earlier—it’s a bit late now,” highlighting concerns over the timing of such a significant revision.

However, the Court rejected the argument made by opposition leaders and civil society groups that the ECI lacked the authority to conduct the SIR. It affirmed that the revision of electoral rolls is a constitutional duty of the Commission and noted that the last major revision in Bihar occurred in 2003.

Defending the exercise, the ECI argued that the SIR is vital for ensuring the accuracy of electoral rolls by enrolling eligible voters and removing ineligible names. It maintained that Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship, reiterating that only Indian citizens have the right to vote as per Article 326 of the Constitution.

Senior advocate Dwivedi, representing the ECI, asked, “If not the Election Commission, then who is responsible for revising electoral rolls?”

He also assured the Court that no voter would be removed without due process and an opportunity to be heard.

The bench further questioned why Aadhaar was excluded from the SIR process, stating that matters related to citizenship fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the ECI.

More than ten petitions have been filed against the ECI’s move, including one from the Association for Democratic Reforms. Other prominent petitioners include RJD MP Manoj Jha, TMC’s Mahua Moitra, Congress leader K.C. Venugopal, NCP (SP)’s Supriya Sule, CPI’s D. Raja, SP’s Harinder Singh Malik, Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Arvind Sawant, JMM’s Sarfraz Ahmed, and CPI (ML)’s Dipankar Bhattacharya.

After evading Indian authorities for more than 25 years, Monika Kapoor—an accused in a high-value import-export fraud case—has been extradited from the United States by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the agency confirmed on Wednesday.

Kapoor, the proprietor of Monika Overseas, was taken into custody by a CBI team from US officials on Tuesday. She is expected to arrive in India aboard an American Airlines flight by Wednesday night.

“This extradition marks a significant milestone in the CBI’s efforts to ensure that fugitives face the law in India, regardless of geographical boundaries,” a CBI spokesperson said. “Monika Kapoor will be produced before the competent court and will now stand trial.”

Kapoor, along with her brothers Rajan Khanna and Rajiv Khanna, allegedly submitted forged documents—such as shipping bills, invoices, and bank certificates—to fraudulently obtain duty-free import licenses for raw materials under the guise of jewelry trade. These licenses were later sold to Deep Exports, an Ahmedabad-based firm, which used them to import duty-free gold, resulting in a ₹1.44 crore (approximately $679,000) loss to the Indian exchequer.

The CBI began investigating the case in 2002 and filed a charge sheet on March 31, 2004, citing criminal conspiracy, cheating, and forgery. While her brothers were convicted in 2017, Kapoor absconded in 1999 and was declared a proclaimed offender in February 2006 for failing to appear during the investigation and trial.

India formally requested Kapoor’s extradition in October 2010. In 2012, the request was approved by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under the bilateral extradition treaty. Kapoor, however, resisted extradition, arguing that returning to India would violate her rights under the UN Convention Against Torture, as implemented by the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (FARRA).

Her appeal to the US Secretary of State was rejected, and a surrender warrant was eventually signed. After years of litigation and multiple appeals in US courts, including administrative challenges, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit finally upheld her extradition in March 2025.

This case marks yet another successful extradition for Indian agencies. On July 4, Nehal Modi, brother of fugitive businessman Nirav Modi, was also arrested in the US following joint efforts by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The CBI has secured the return of over 120 fugitives through extradition or deportation in the last 3–4 years, with the help of Interpol and international cooperation.