The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a notice to the state government on a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the policy governing the appointment of priests in government-controlled temples. The petitioner has alleged that the existing policy effectively restricts appointments to members of the Brahmin community, thereby denying opportunities to candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC).

Hearing the matter on Thursday, a Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Vivek Rusia and Justice Pradeep Mittal directed the state government to file its response within four weeks.

2019 Appointment Policy Under Judicial Review

The PIL has been filed by M.C. Ahirwar, Secretary of AJAKS, Bhopal, challenging the policy issued by the Religious Trusts and Endowments Department on February 4, 2019 for the appointment of priests in temples managed by the state government.

The petitioner has questioned both the policy and appointments made under its provisions, seeking judicial review of the framework governing such recruitments.

Allegation of Caste-Based Exclusion

According to the petition, the present policy allegedly gives preference only to candidates from the Brahmin community, preventing qualified applicants from SC, ST and OBC communities from being considered for priest appointments.

The petitioner contends that such exclusion amounts to discrimination based on caste and violates the constitutional guarantee of equality.

The plea argues that appointments in government-controlled temples should not be restricted to a particular caste if eligible candidates from other communities possess the required qualifications.

Court Issues Notice to State

After hearing preliminary submissions, the High Court issued notices to the State Government and other concerned authorities, directing them to submit their replies within four weeks.

The petition, filed on May 13, 2025, was argued on behalf of the petitioner by Senior Advocate Rameshwar Singh Thakur and Advocate Abhilasha Lodhi.

Government to Clarify Existing Policy

The High Court has sought clarification from the state government regarding the current eligibility criteria and the basis on which priests are appointed in government-controlled temples.

The government's reply is expected to explain whether the existing policy limits appointments to any particular community or whether appointments are made according to prescribed religious qualifications and administrative guidelines.

Important Constitutional Question Before Court

The case is likely to examine a significant constitutional issue concerning appointments in state-managed religious institutions.

The forthcoming proceedings may determine whether priest appointments in government-controlled temples can legally be linked to caste-based eligibility or whether they should be based solely on religious qualifications and other prescribed criteria, consistent with constitutional principles.

The matter is expected to come up for further hearing after the state government files its response.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has expressed serious concern over the growing number of cyber fraud cases in the country, observing that while cybercriminals can siphon off victims' life savings within minutes, law enforcement agencies often take far longer to investigate such crimes.

Hearing a petition related to a ₹6.25 lakh cyber fraud involving an elderly resident of Jabalpur, the court emphasized the need for faster, technology-driven investigations and stronger coordination among police forces, financial institutions, and government agencies.

Justice Vishal Dhagat, who was hearing the matter, remarked that the existing pace of investigation was inadequate to deal with the rapidly evolving nature of cybercrime.

DGPs of Three States Asked to Appear

In a significant move, the High Court directed the Directors General of Police (DGPs) of West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Assam to appear before the court through video conferencing on July 31.

The court also instructed the Superintendent of Police (SP), Jabalpur, to remain personally present during the next hearing.

During the proceedings, the Bench expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of certain officials despite earlier directions, indicating the need for greater accountability in handling cybercrime investigations.

Court Calls for Centralised Cyber Investigation System

The High Court observed that cybercrime investigations often suffer because multiple agencies operate independently without adequate coordination.

To address this challenge, the court directed the Central Government, banks, and investigating agencies to work towards establishing a centralised mechanism for cybercrime investigation.

According to the court, a unified system could significantly improve information sharing, accelerate investigations, and ensure quicker relief for victims of online financial fraud.

Technology and Policing Must Work Together

Justice Dhagat observed that cybercrime has become increasingly sophisticated and cannot be tackled effectively through conventional policing alone.

The court stressed that advanced technological expertise should be integrated with policing systems to improve the detection, investigation, and prosecution of cybercriminals.

The observations reflect growing judicial concern over the increasing complexity of digital financial crimes and the need for law enforcement agencies to strengthen their cyber capabilities.

Assam Police Appreciated

While expressing dissatisfaction with delays in investigation, the High Court also acknowledged an example of effective inter-state coordination.

The court appreciated the Assam Police for arresting the main accused in the case within 11 days and handing over the accused to the Madhya Pradesh Police.

According to the Bench, such prompt cooperation between state police forces demonstrates how coordinated action can significantly improve the fight against cybercrime.

Key Observations Made by the Court

During the hearing, the High Court made several important observations:

• Cybercriminals are capable of causing substantial financial losses within minutes.
• Police and investigating agencies must adopt technology-driven methods to speed up investigations.
• A national-level centralised cybercrime investigation framework should be developed.
• Better coordination among states is essential to ensure the swift arrest of accused persons.
• Victims of cyber fraud should receive timely investigation and relief through an efficient system.

Next Hearing on July 31

The matter has now been listed for July 31, when the DGPs of West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Assam are expected to present their responses before the court through video conferencing. The Jabalpur Superintendent of Police has also been directed to appear in person.

The outcome of the next hearing could influence future measures aimed at strengthening cybercrime investigations and improving coordination among states in tackling online financial fraud.

So far, Madhya Pradesh has recorded an average rainfall of approximately 9.7 inches, compared to the normal seasonal average of about 11.4 inches by mid-July. The delayed onset of the southwest monsoon has been a major factor behind the shortfall. The monsoon entered the state around June 24, later than usual, resulting in a substantial rainfall gap during June. Although rainfall activity intensified during the first half of July, weakening weather systems in recent days have once again slowed precipitation across much of the state.

Rainfall Uneven Across the State

The uneven distribution of rainfall has created contrasting conditions across Madhya Pradesh. While some areas witnessed intense downpours leading to swollen rivers and localized flooding, many districts have experienced only scattered light showers, preventing the overall rainfall deficit from narrowing significantly.

Weather data indicates that 39 districts continue to receive below-normal rainfall. Among the affected districts are Rewa, Satna, Jabalpur, Chhindwara, Sagar, Raisen, Vidisha, Dhar, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Betul, and Shivpuri. The extent of the deficit varies from district to district, but prolonged dry spells could have implications for agriculture and water resources if conditions persist.

Eastern Madhya Pradesh May Receive Better Rainfall

Meteorologists expect relatively stronger rainfall activity over Eastern Madhya Pradesh in the coming days. Districts including Rewa, Mauganj, Maihar, Sidhi, and Singrauli are likely to receive moderate rainfall, with isolated locations witnessing heavier spells under favorable local weather conditions.

Meanwhile, nearly 23 districts, including Indore, Raisen, Dhar, Jhabua, Khandwa, Betul, Narmadapuram, Jabalpur, and Satna, are expected to receive light rainfall. However, experts caution that scattered showers alone will not be sufficient to compensate for the existing seasonal deficit. A stronger weather system capable of bringing widespread rainfall over multiple days is needed to improve the overall situation.

Fresh Weather System Could Revive Monsoon

The India Meteorological Department is closely monitoring a new weather system expected to develop after July 20. If the system strengthens and carries sufficient moisture into central India, rainfall activity could increase significantly across eastern, central, and western Madhya Pradesh.

Meteorologists believe the final ten days of July will be crucial in determining whether the state can reduce its rainfall deficit before entering the peak monsoon phase.

Agriculture Dependent on Upcoming Rainfall

The current rainfall pattern has raised concerns for farmers, particularly in rain-fed agricultural regions. Madhya Pradesh is presently in the middle of the Kharif sowing season, during which crops such as soybean, paddy, maize, and urad require adequate soil moisture for healthy germination and early growth.

Areas that have received sufficient rainfall are witnessing normal agricultural activity, but districts experiencing prolonged dry spells may face challenges if the monsoon does not strengthen soon. The actual impact will vary depending on local rainfall, irrigation facilities, soil moisture levels, and crop type.

Water Resources Also Under Pressure

The rainfall deficit is affecting not only agriculture but also the replenishment of reservoirs, rivers, lakes, and groundwater reserves. Continuous and widespread rainfall is essential for improving storage levels during the monsoon season.

However, with August and September still remaining in the southwest monsoon period, weather experts note that there is still ample opportunity for the seasonal rainfall figures to improve if stronger weather systems become active in the coming weeks.

Weather Advisory

Residents are advised to continue monitoring local weather updates, as weak monsoon conditions do not rule out the possibility of sudden heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and temporary waterlogging. People living near rivers, low-lying areas, and flood-prone locations should remain cautious during periods of intense rainfall.

If the anticipated weather system develops as forecast after July 20, Madhya Pradesh could witness a broader revival of monsoon activity, providing much-needed relief to drought-hit districts and improving conditions for agriculture and water storage.

Madhya Pradesh is witnessing a significant rainfall deficit after nearly a week of subdued monsoon activity, with 35 districts reporting below-normal rainfall and several eastern regions facing dry conditions. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state has received 241.8 mm of rainfall so far this monsoon season, around 11% below the normal average of 270.3 mm.

The rainfall shortfall has been particularly severe across eastern Madhya Pradesh, including the Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol divisions, where precipitation is reported to be 24% below normal. In contrast, western districts such as Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Narmadapuram and the Gwalior-Chambal region have recorded rainfall close to or slightly above seasonal averages.

New Weather Systems May Revive Monsoon

Meteorologists expect monsoon conditions to improve from July 19, with a fresh Western Disturbance forecast to become active over northwest India. Simultaneously, a developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal, supported by an active cyclonic circulation, is expected to strengthen rainfall activity across Madhya Pradesh during the second half of July.

According to IMD, the interaction of these systems could trigger a fresh spell of moderate to heavy rainfall across large parts of the state.

Light Rain Forecast for Several Districts Today

For Thursday, the weather department has forecast light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in several districts, including Indore, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar, Burhanpur, Barwani, Khandwa, Khargone, Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, Bhind, Datia, Jabalpur, Katni, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Rewa, Satna, Sidhi, Singrauli, Mauganj, Maihar, Shahdol, Umaria, Anuppur, Panna, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh and Niwari.

Meanwhile, districts including Morena, Gwalior, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Vidisha, Sagar, Raisen, Bhopal, Sehore, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Dewas, Ujjain, Agar Malwa, Ratlam, Neemuch and Mandsaur are likely to experience warm and humid weather with limited rainfall activity.

Eastern Region Remains a Concern

Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Nayak said that while the overall monsoon situation across Madhya Pradesh remains satisfactory, the persistent rainfall deficit in eastern districts has become a matter of concern for agriculture and water resources.

He noted that the movement and intensity of the upcoming low-pressure system would determine how quickly monsoon activity regains momentum across the state. If weather conditions remain favourable, most regions of Madhya Pradesh could witness a stronger phase of rainfall during the second fortnight of July.

July Crucial for Seasonal Rainfall

July traditionally contributes nearly 40% of Madhya Pradesh's annual monsoon rainfall, making the current slowdown significant. The state's average annual rainfall stands at 37.3 inches, with major cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior generally receiving between 38 and 39 inches during the season.

Among districts, Dewas has emerged as the state's wettest so far, recording rainfall 102% above normal, while Alirajpur has received only around 2.25 inches, marking a 74% rainfall deficit.

Historically, cities such as Jabalpur, Bhopal and Indore receive substantial rainfall during July, and meteorologists believe the upcoming weather systems could help narrow the current deficit if widespread showers materialise in the coming days.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed serious concern over allegations of contaminated drinking water in Jabalpur and criticised the district administration and Municipal Corporation for failing to act despite earlier directions. The tribunal has ordered a joint site inspection by the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) along with district and civic officials, directing them to submit a detailed report within two weeks.

The matter came up before the tribunal after it took cognisance of a media report highlighting drinking water pipelines passing through open drains and residents receiving foul-smelling, contaminated water in parts of the city.

NGT Questions Administrative Inaction

During the hearing, the NGT observed that despite its previous directions, the concerned authorities had not conducted a field inspection. The tribunal noted that the nodal committee informed it that the inspection could not be completed because of a lack of cooperation from the district administration and the Municipal Corporation.

The nodal committee, constituted by the NGT in April 2026, includes Jabalpur Collector Raghavendra Singh, Municipal Commissioner Ram Prakash Ahirwar, and MPPCB Regional Officer K.P. Soni.

Expressing displeasure over the delay, the tribunal directed all concerned agencies to coordinate and complete the inspection without further delay.

Petition Alleges Widespread Water Contamination

According to the petitioners, nearly 80% of Jabalpur's drinking water pipelines pass through drainage channels, increasing the risk of contamination. They further claimed that 47% of the city's water is not fit for drinking, raising serious public health concerns.

These allegations prompted the tribunal to seek a comprehensive report on the condition of the water supply infrastructure and measures being taken to address the issue.

Report Was Not Submitted on Time

The petition was filed in March 2026 by Dr. P.G. Najpande and Rajat Bhargava of the Nagrik Upbhokta Manch. In April, the NGT had directed the Municipal Corporation and district administration to submit a report within one month.

However, the authorities failed to meet the deadline.

During a subsequent hearing on July 10, the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board informed the tribunal that the joint inspection had not taken place due to non-cooperation from the civic body and district administration.

Aging Pipelines Raise Safety Concerns

Appearing for the petitioners, advocate Prabhat Yadav argued that much of Jabalpur's drinking water network comprises 40 to 50-year-old pipelines, many of which are damaged or deteriorating.

He submitted that no detailed project report (DPR) or comprehensive plan has been prepared to replace or repair the ageing infrastructure, despite repeated complaints regarding contaminated water supply.

Tribunal Directs Immediate Action

The bench, comprising Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and expert member Sudhir Kumar, termed the lack of coordination among government departments a serious matter.

The tribunal instructed the NGT Registrar to immediately write to the Jabalpur Collector and Municipal Commissioner, directing them to ensure full cooperation with the Pollution Control Board during the inspection process.

Issue Came to Light After Residents Complained

The matter gained attention after residents of Rajiv Gandhi Ward complained of black-coloured, foul-smelling water flowing from household taps. Locals alleged that leaking drinking water pipelines passing through drains were allowing sewage to mix with potable water, posing a significant health risk.

The NGT's latest intervention is expected to accelerate the investigation and determine the extent of contamination as well as the corrective measures required to safeguard public health.

The recruitment was conducted for 500 posts in the Subedar and Sub-Inspector cadre. However, due to an ongoing court matter related to reservation provisions, appointments against 13 percent of the posts have been kept on hold. As a result, the ESB released the selection list for 87 percent of the advertised vacancies.

According to the final result, 313 male candidates and 123 female candidates have secured selection. Significantly, all posts reserved for women have been filled. Police officials believe the recruitment will strengthen women's representation in the force and improve policing in areas where female officers play a crucial role.

The announcement brings relief to thousands of aspirants who had been waiting for recruitment in the officer cadre of the state police. Madhya Pradesh Police has been facing vacancies in supervisory ranks for several years, and the latest appointments are expected to help address manpower shortages across districts and specialized units.

The recruitment process was carried out in multiple stages. The preliminary examination was conducted in October 2025, followed by the main examination in April 2026. Candidates who qualified the written stages were called for further evaluation under the prescribed selection process.

After the main examination, 1,639 candidates were shortlisted for physical efficiency tests, physical measurement tests, document verification and interviews. These stages were conducted between June 5 and June 11 in Bhopal and Jabalpur.

Officials said the recruitment process was completed in accordance with established rules and procedures. The final merit list was prepared after evaluating candidates' performance across all stages of the selection process.

The recruitment assumes added significance because it comes after a prolonged gap in appointments to the Sub-Inspector and Subedar ranks. Police officers have previously highlighted the need for regular recruitment to maintain operational efficiency and ensure adequate leadership at the field level.

With the results now declared, the next phase will focus on appointments and training. Selected candidates are expected to receive appointment-related instructions shortly. After joining, they will undergo professional training at the Police Academy in Bhopal's Bhauri campus and the Regional Police Training Centre (RAPTC) in Indore.

The training programme will include law and procedure, investigation techniques, physical conditioning, weapons handling, cybercrime awareness and field policing practices. Upon successful completion of training, the newly recruited officers will be posted in various districts and police units across Madhya Pradesh.

Police headquarters officials view the recruitment as an important step toward strengthening the force's leadership structure. The induction of new officers is expected to enhance policing capabilities, improve supervision at the ground level and support law-and-order management across the state.

With hundreds of new officers set to enter service, the recruitment drive marks a significant development for Madhya Pradesh Police and one of the largest officer-level inductions in recent years.

Concerns over drinking water quality have intensified in Madhya Pradesh after residents of Jabalpur reported receiving black, foul-smelling water through household taps on Wednesday morning. The incident comes close on the heels of recent concerns over contaminated water in Indore, raising fresh questions about the safety of urban water supply systems during the monsoon season.

The issue surfaced in Rajiv Gandhi Ward under Jabalpur's North-Central Assembly constituency, where residents claimed that muddy, foul-smelling water continued to flow from taps for nearly 10 to 15 minutes. The incident triggered panic among locals, many of whom alleged that the contamination may have already affected the health of people in the area.

Residents Report Contaminated Water Supply

According to residents, they initially assumed the discoloured water was a temporary result of heavy rainfall. However, when the supply failed to clear even after several minutes, locals inspected nearby pipelines and alleged that the drinking water pipeline passes through a drain.

Residents suspect that leakage in the pipeline may have allowed contaminated drain water to mix with the drinking water supply before reaching households. Videos showing black water flowing from taps were circulated on social media, prompting widespread concern.

Health Concerns Grow

Several residents claimed that dozens of people in the locality have fallen ill over the past few days, although no official confirmation has linked the illnesses directly to the water supply. The discovery of contaminated water has nevertheless heightened fears of water-borne diseases, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season.

Rajiv Gandhi Ward resident Vijay Naidu said he had filled his overhead water tank in the morning before noticing mud and impurities in the water. He said the stored water was now unusable for drinking and raised concerns over the need to clean household storage tanks.

Another resident, Puran Lal Koshtha, alleged that the water supplied to homes was unfit for consumption and urged the municipal corporation to take immediate corrective measures. Bhaskar Pandey also claimed the water appeared as though mud had been mixed into it, warning that contaminated water could increase the risk of infectious diseases during the rainy season.

Questions Over Civic Infrastructure

Local residents have accused the municipal corporation of negligence, alleging that despite collecting taxes from citizens, it has failed to ensure the supply of safe drinking water. They have demanded that elected representatives and civic officials inspect the affected area and identify the source of contamination without delay.

Residents believe the pipeline alignment through or near an open drain requires urgent technical examination to determine whether leakage or structural damage has compromised the water supply network.

Households Face Additional Burden

The contamination has also created practical difficulties for households. Many residents had already filled overhead tanks before discovering the poor water quality and now fear that their storage systems, water coolers and domestic purification units may have been contaminated.

Several families said they would need to empty and disinfect their tanks before using the water supply again, adding to their inconvenience and expense.

Demand for Immediate Corrective Measures

Residents have urged the municipal corporation to inspect the drinking water pipeline, repair any leakage, and restore safe potable water at the earliest. They warned that failure to act promptly could lead to a larger public health crisis if contaminated water continues to be supplied.

As concerns mount, citizens are also calling for regular water quality testing and greater monitoring of civic infrastructure, particularly during the monsoon when the risk of contamination is significantly higher.

Until the issue is resolved, residents have been advised to check the colour and odour of tap water before use, boil or properly filter water intended for drinking, and immediately report any suspected contamination to the concerned civic authorities.

Reservoir left with just 12.5% water; hydropower generation halved; monsoon remains elusive as city records lowest June rainfall in a decade

The delayed monsoon and a severe rainfall deficit in June have begun to take a visible toll on the region's reservoirs, with the Bargi Dam — considered the lifeline of Jabalpur — witnessing a steady decline in water levels. In a first in 15 years, the dam is drying up in June itself. According to dam management officials, the water level is dropping by approximately five centimetres every day.

From 407.85 metres on June 15, the level has now fallen to 407.45 metres — a drop of nearly 40 centimetres. The dam currently holds only 12.59 per cent of its storage capacity, compared to about 22 per cent during the same period last year. Experts warn that even if all 21 gates are opened, water will not flow out due to the critically low level.

"We have never seen such a situation in June before," said Raja Ram Rohit, a water management expert associated with the Bargi Dam project. "The reservoir level has been brought down due to seepage repairs in the dam block. While there is no immediate cause for panic, it is essential that monsoon becomes active in the catchment areas within the next 10 to 12 days," he told reporters.

The impact on hydropower generation has been severe. One of the dam's two power generation units was shut down on June 27, while the second unit, which used to operate for eight to ten hours daily, is now being run for just three hours. Officials said a similar situation had occurred three years ago. In 2025, the water level at this time stood at 409.95 metres, compared with 407.65 metres this year.

Rainfall deficit deepens crisis

Jabalpur has recorded just 42.2 mm of rainfall this June, making it the driest June in a decade. Normal rainfall for the month up to June 30 is around eight inches (approximately 200 mm), but only about 1.5 inches has been recorded so far. Last year, the city had received 141.1 mm by June 27.

The monsoon's northern limit is currently around Mandla, and weather officials expect it to advance further. However, the India Meteorological Department has already flagged a 52 per cent rainfall deficit across Madhya Pradesh, with eastern districts — including Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol and Sagar — recording 65 to 71 per cent less rain than normal.

Narmada flow reduced, rocks emerge at ghats

The declining water level is also affecting the Narmada River, where rocks have begun to emerge at several ghats and reduced flow has led to deteriorating water quality. Water is normally released into the Narmada through the dam's hydropower plant. With one unit shut and the other operating on a limited schedule, the flow into the river has been significantly reduced.

Locals have started visiting the dam to witness the receding waterline. "I came here after hearing about the dam drying up. The water level has dropped drastically. Rocks are visible at many Narmada ghats, and the river water appears much lower and murkier than before," said Akash Koshta, a Jabalpur resident.

Drinking water, irrigation at risk

Bargi Dam supplies drinking water to Jabalpur and several surrounding towns and villages. Its canals irrigate farmland in Jabalpur and Narsinghpur, with future plans to extend water supply to Katni and Satna. Experts warn that if substantial rainfall does not arrive soon, the region could face a drinking water crisis in the coming weeks.

"We are releasing around 10 cusecs of water through the left bank canal for farmers, but this is only a stop-gap arrangement," an official said. The right bank canal had already been closed earlier, and the left bank canal is now operating at reduced capacity.

Meteorologists attribute the rainfall deficit to El Niño effects, which have weakened monsoon activity this year. They remain hopeful that the monsoon will pick up in July, but warn that any further delay could deepen the water crisis across several reservoirs in Madhya Pradesh, affecting power generation, irrigation and drinking water supply.

Scattered rains accompanied by strong winds brought some relief from the scorching heat in parts of Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday, even as the state awaits the official arrival of the monsoon in the next couple of days.

Balaghat recorded the highest rainfall of 1.25 inches, followed by Raisen with 0.75 inches. Other districts that saw rainfall included Dhar, Barwani, Khargone, Narmadapuram, Indore, Chhindwara, Jabalpur, Sagar, Seoni, Tikamgarh, and Rajgarh. In many places, the showers were accompanied by thunderstorms, leading to a noticeable drop in daytime temperatures.

Pachmarhi remained the coolest place in the state with a maximum temperature of 30.2 degrees Celsius. Khargone recorded 30.4, Dhar 31, while several other places stayed below the 36-degree mark. However, heat continued to grip parts of the state, with Datia and Sidhi recording the highest temperature of 41.2 degrees Celsius.

Among major cities, Gwalior sizzled at 41 degrees, Jabalpur recorded 35.4, Indore 33.9, Ujjain 34.8, and Bhopal 32.2 degrees Celsius.

The weather department has forecast further pre-monsoon activity. Thunderstorms with rain are likely in 26 districts, including Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Shahdol, Anuppur, Dindori, Balaghat, Seoni, Pandhurna, Chhindwara, Narsinghpur, Sagar, Vidisha, Raisen, Betul, Bhopal, Sehore, Harda, Dewas, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Indore, Alirajpur, and Jhabua. Meanwhile, heatwave conditions may persist in Jabalpur, Mandla, Damoh, and Umaria.

Officials said the monsoon is expected to enter the state within the next two days. Normally, it arrives around June 15, but this year the wait has been slightly longer. In the past decade, the earliest entry was on June 9 in 2021, while the latest was June 25 in 2018.

Rainfall deficiency remains a concern. According to data, 48 districts have received 52 per cent less rainfall than normal so far this season. Only a few districts, including Bhopal, Ashoknagar, Agar-Malwa, Guna, Mandsaur, Neemuch, and Sheopur, have recorded above-normal rains. On Monday, Dhar received nearly 2 inches, while Bhopal got 0.75 inches.

The showers on Tuesday brought much-needed respite in several areas, though some regions continue to face dry conditions. Farmers and residents in rain-deficient districts are hoping for a timely and widespread monsoon arrival to ease the pressure on water sources and agriculture.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is closely monitoring the progress of the monsoon trough. Meteorologists said conditions are becoming favourable for its advance into Madhya Pradesh shortly.

In the last 24 hours, the mix of rain and gusty winds also led to minor disruptions in some places, though no major damage has been reported so far. Authorities have advised people to remain cautious during thunderstorms.

As the state stands on the threshold of the monsoon season, officials are keeping a close watch on both rainfall distribution and temperature trends. Further updates on monsoon onset and expected rainfall in the coming days are awaited.

The current weather pattern reflects the typical transition phase seen in June, where pre-monsoon activities often bring temporary relief before the full-fledged rainy season sets in. How the monsoon performs this year will be critical for the state's kharif crops and overall water availability.

In a significant ruling on matrimonial financial dependency, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has rejected a Bhopal-based woman's petition seeking interim maintenance from her husband. The court observed that maintenance provisions are fundamentally designed to support a spouse in actual financial distress, rather than penalizing an estranged partner.

Invoking William Shakespeare’s classic play The Merchant of Venice, a single-judge bench of Justice Vivek Jain remarked that the woman's financial demand appeared to be an attempt to extract "a pound of flesh" from the husband, which the court could not permit under the law.

The High Court passed the order while upholding an earlier ruling by a Bhopal Family Court, which had flatly dismissed the woman's plea for interim alimony and litigation expenses during the pendency of their divorce proceedings.

Income of ₹1.25 Lakh Per Month Deemed Sufficient

The couple married on November 4, 2022, but separated within a year in 2023. Following their estrangement, the husband moved the Family Court seeking a divorce, prompting the wife to file an application for interim financial assistance.

On February 18, 2026, the Family Court ruled that the woman was not entitled to maintenance while the divorce suite was contested. Challenging this decision in the High Court, the woman argued that her financial situation had deteriorated. She disclosed that while she previously earned an annual package of nearly ₹20 lakh—compared to her husband’s declared income of over ₹30 lakh—her current yearly earnings had dropped to approximately ₹14 lakh, making her eligible for spousal support.

However, upon evaluating her salary slips and employment records, the High Court noted that her current monthly take-home income sits comfortably at around ₹1.25 lakh, translating to roughly ₹14.81 lakh per annum.

No Children, Minor Income Disparity

Dismissing the plea, the bench underlined that the woman’s salary is objectively sufficient to maintain a standard of living comparable to her matrimonial life. The court highlighted key factual parameters dictating its stance:

• No Dependents: The couple does not have any children from their brief marriage, eliminating any additional childcare costs.

• Comparable Financial Standing: The income disparity between the husband and wife is not massive or disproportionate enough to trigger an economic dependency argument.

The High Court reiterated that the statutory goal of maintenance is to prevent destitution and offer a safety net to an economically weaker partner. It clarified that the law cannot be leveraged to provide an unfair financial advantage to a spouse who is already highly skilled, gainfully employed, and completely self-reliant.

Concluding that the Family Court’s initial assessment was legally sound, Justice Jain’s bench dismissed the revision petition, confirming that independent income of this bracket invalidates claims of financial vulnerability.

Pre-monsoon activity continued across Madhya Pradesh on Monday, bringing rain to several districts including Bhopal, Ujjain, Raisen and Dhar, while weather officials warned of thunderstorms and showers across large parts of the state over the next few days.

A tragic incident was reported from Chhatarpur district, where a 12-year-old girl died after being struck by lightning. The victim, identified as Aarti Ahirwar, was standing under a mango tree near a field along with her cousin sister in Maharajganj village of Badamalhara tehsil when lightning struck the area. While Aarti died in the incident, her cousin sustained burn injuries and was admitted to a district hospital for treatment.

The weather department has forecast strong winds of up to 60 kmph along with rain in districts including Indore, Dewas, Dhar, Sehore, Shajapur, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla and Jabalpur. Similar weather conditions are expected in several tourist and religious destinations, including Bhimbetka, Sanchi, Maheshwar, Omkareshwar, Pachmarhi, Chitrakoot, Bandhavgarh and Amarkantak.

Heavy rainfall activity was recorded in several parts of the state on Sunday and Monday. Raisen received 61 mm of rainfall, equivalent to nearly 2.5 inches, while Bhopal witnessed intense showers during the afternoon. Satna recorded significant rainfall, and showers were also reported from Jabalpur, Khajuraho, Naugaon and Seoni.

The rainfall led to a noticeable drop in daytime temperatures. Among the state's major cities, Bhopal recorded a maximum temperature of 35.3 degrees Celsius, Indore 37.1 degrees, Ujjain 36 degrees and Jabalpur 38 degrees. Datia remained the hottest district with a temperature of 40.6 degrees Celsius, while Pachmarhi was the coolest at 32.2 degrees.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department said the southwest monsoon has advanced into parts of Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand and Bihar as of June 22. The system is expected to progress further over the next 48 hours.

Despite the advancement in neighbouring states, the monsoon is yet to enter Madhya Pradesh and is currently running behind schedule. Normally, the monsoon reaches the state around June 15. This year, however, it has been delayed by nearly a week. Weather experts expect the monsoon to enter Madhya Pradesh after June 25 if favourable conditions persist.

The delay has significantly affected seasonal rainfall figures. The state has recorded 48 per cent less rainfall than normal so far this month. Eastern Madhya Pradesh, including the divisions of Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol and Sagar, has received 69 per cent less rainfall than average. Western divisions, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior and Narmadapuram, are also reporting a rainfall deficit.

The delayed monsoon has become a growing concern for farmers preparing for the kharif season. Sowing of crops such as soybean, urad, moong and tur has been affected due to insufficient soil moisture. Agricultural experts say at least four inches of rainfall is required before large-scale sowing can begin safely.

In some districts, farmers who sowed soybean seeds anticipating an early monsoon are now facing the risk of seed damage due to inadequate rainfall. Experts have advised growers to wait for sustained rainfall before proceeding with sowing operations.

With rain-bearing systems becoming more active and cloud cover increasing over central India, meteorologists remain optimistic that weather conditions could improve over the coming week.

Jabalpur is on high alert Saturday as President Droupadi Murmu arrives for a two-day visit that will see her attend the state-level International Yoga Day celebrations and the 36th convocation of Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya — all while the city's administration simultaneously manages a re-NEET examination for over ten thousand students.

Murmu is scheduled to land at Dumna Airport at 6.10 pm aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft flying in from Kalaikunda airbase in West Bengal. Governor Mangubhai Patel will receive her on arrival, along with Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda, Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar and senior police and administrative officials. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav is also expected to reach Jabalpur separately around 8 pm. The President will stay overnight at Circuit House No. 1.

Security arrangements across the city are extensive. Over 3,000 personnel have been deployed along the entire route from Dumna Airport through to the Circuit House, Garrison Ground and the university campus. Railway Protection Force teams are active at the railway station, with dog squads conducting checks. A 15-kilometre no-fly zone has been declared covering Dumna Airport, Circuit House No. 1, MES Rest House, Garrison Ground, RDVV and the full VVIP route. Drones, UAVs, paragliders, hot air balloons, kites and any other airborne objects are prohibited in the restricted zone. Collector Raghavendra Singh, acting on a report by SP Sampat Upadhyay, has issued orders that violations will attract action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Sunday morning begins early. Murmu will leave the Circuit House at 7.05 am and reach Garrison Ground in Sadar by 7.20 am, where the state-level Yoga Day programme begins at 7.30 am. She will preside as chief guest over the mass yoga session before returning to the Circuit House by 8.35 am.

The RDVV convocation follows at 11.50 am. Students from various faculties will receive degrees and gold medals in a ceremony running until 12.50 pm. However, the event has not been without controversy — hundreds of research scholars and gold medallists who travelled from across the country have alleged that the university administration informed them at the last moment that only 20 selected students would be called on stage to receive honours directly from the President. The researchers have accused the university of bias and discrimination in the selection process.

After the convocation, Murmu will head directly to Dumna Airport and depart for Gwalior at 1.20 pm.

The re-NEET examination adds a significant logistical layer to Sunday's arrangements. Twenty-three examination centres have been set up across the district, with more than 10,000 students expected to appear. The state government has assigned the Collector overall responsibility for examination logistics. In what officials described as a first-of-its-kind arrangement, government buses will ferry students from Pantinaka Chowk to various examination centres until noon. Temporary sheds with coolers, fans, drinking water and snacks are being set up for accompanying family members waiting outside. A helpline number — 7049158826 — has been made available for students or families facing transport-related difficulties.

Murmu had on Friday attended the World Sickle Cell Day programme at Onkareshwar in Khargone district before proceeding to Jabalpur.