Mexico Supreme Court validates science law and indigenous resource allocation

The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) in Mexico has issued several landmark rulings. The Court upheld the constitutionality of the 2023 General Law on Humanities, Sciences, Technologies, and Innovation. This law prioritizes public institutions for research funding and restricts economic support from the National System of Researchers (SNII) for those in private institutions, though researchers may still receive support if they collaborate with public entities on strategic national priorities.

In a separate decision, the SCJN ruled that municipalities must directly allocate at least 10 percent of the Social Infrastructure Contributions Fund (FAIS) to indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities. The Court determined that these are earmarked federal resources and that direct administration by these communities does not violate municipal autonomy, recognizing them as public law subjects with their own legal personality.

Additionally, the Court revoked the dismissal of an injunction regarding land-use changes for a megaproject in Mahahual, Quintana Roo, and validated a temporary 30 percent tariff on certain paper goods.