#Legislative Competence

Karnataka High Court upholds the constitutional validity of amendments altering civil courts' appellate jurisdiction but restricts their retrospective effect to exclude concluded proceedings. The ruling ensures pending appeals are transferred to District Courts while safeguarding vested rights, setting a precedent for balancing legislative intent with judicial protection of accrued legal entitlements.

The Rajasthan High Court ruled that Entry 42 of the State List confers exclusive legislative power on states to provide pensions to former legislators, overriding challenges based on Article 195. The judgment reinforces state autonomy in determining emoluments for public representatives, setting a precedent for similar constitutional challenges.

The Patna High Court ruled that Bihar's 2021 Head Master Rules, permitting direct recruitment, do not violate Article 14 if the rules are rational and contain adequate safeguards. The judgment affirms legislative discretion to restructure service conditions, impacting teachers' appointment processes across Bihar's secondary schools.

Chhattisgarh High Court rules that imposing excise licensing on molasses used for cattle feed, industrial purposes, or gudakhu exceeds state legislative competence under Entry 8 and 51 of the State List. The judgment reinforces that regulatory powers must align with constitutional boundaries, protecting traders from arbitrary restrictions on non-intoxicant commodities.

Supreme Court holds that UGC Regulations under Entry 66 of List I prevail over state university statutes; appointment of Vice-Chancellor invalid if Search Committee excludes UGC nominee.