Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Leh to attend the first international exposition of holy relics of Lord Buddha on Buddha Purnima. This visit, his first since protests over demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion, aims to motivate development in Ladakh. The Centre has announced May 22 for resuming Delhi-Ladakh talks with the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, following earlier roadblocks and the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Meanwhile, five new districts have been created in the region. The holy relics of Tathagata Buddha will be on public display from May 1 to 15 across Leh and Zanskar. Local bodies also expressed strong objections to proposed power sector changes, specifically the formation of a Joint Venture.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Leh to attend the first international exposition of Lord Buddha's holy relics on Buddha Purnima.
- The visit is significant as it is Shah's first since protests erupted over demands for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh.
- Talks between the Centre and Ladakh's representative bodies are set to resume on May 22, following previous disruptions and the arrest of activist Sonam Wangchuk.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) emerged in the 1970s to widen access to justice for marginalized groups by relaxing locus standi rules. However, concerns about its misuse and judicial overreach have led to calls for reconsideration, particularly from the Union government. Anuj Bhuwania argues for PILs to be invoked by directly affected parties or those with clear interest, while Talha Abdul Rahman advocates retaining relaxed locus standi due to persistent structural barriers to justice. Both acknowledge the challenges of complex, polycentric disputes and the risk of judicial overreach. The discussion also covers "ambush PILs" and the need for clearer guidelines on the role of amicus curiae and reforms to strengthen PIL jurisdiction by focusing on challenging laws or executive actions rather than policy choices.
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL) originated in the 1970s to enhance justice access for the marginalized by relaxing traditional locus standi rules.
- Concerns regarding PIL misuse, judicial overreach, and "agenda-driven litigation" have prompted calls for its reconsideration.
- Experts debate whether PILs should be restricted to directly affected parties or continue with relaxed standing rules given ongoing barriers to justice.
The Union Finance Ministry has cautioned that states with revenue deficits and high debt burdens will struggle with fiscal shocks, potentially forcing them to reprioritise expenditure or seek more central funds. A report for April indicates nine out of 18 large states are projected to be in revenue deficit by 2026-27. Revenue deficit occurs when recurring expenditures like salaries, pensions, and subsidies exceed earned revenue. These states are constrained by debt servicing obligations, with some spending over 15% of revenue receipts on interest payments. Punjab has the highest projected ratio at 22.8%. States with both revenue deficits and high liabilities have less fiscal flexibility.
- The Union Finance Ministry has cautioned that states with revenue deficits and high debt burdens are vulnerable to fiscal shocks.
- Nine out of 18 large states are projected to be in revenue deficit by 2026-27, according to the Monthly Economic Review for April.
- A revenue deficit arises when recurring expenditures surpass revenue from taxes and fees.
Fresh petitions before the Supreme Court seek to extend the "creamy layer" principle to SC/ST reservations, based on a misreading of the 2024 Davinder Singh judgment. The article, by Prannv Dhawan and Vignesh Karthik K.R., argues that this revives the debate on whether income can serve as a proxy for caste-based disadvantage. The creamy layer principle, introduced in Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992) for OBCs, initially focused on status, not income. Extending it to SC/STs, as Ambedkar warned, is problematic because economic progress does not erase social burdens. The Davinder Singh judgment authorized sub-classification within SC lists to direct benefits to the most marginalized, which is distinct from creamy layer exclusion.
- New petitions seek to apply the "creamy layer" principle to SC/ST reservations, citing the 2024 Davinder Singh judgment.
- The article argues that using income as a proxy for caste-based disadvantage for SC/STs is constitutionally and sociologically indefensible.
- B.R. Ambedkar had warned against excluding wealthy or educated untouchables, stating that economic progress does not remove social discrimination.
The Rajya Sabha Secretariat has updated its list of members, confirming the merger of seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan accepted their request to switch sides, increasing the BJP's strength in the Upper House to 113. AAP's Rajya Sabha leader Sanjay Singh has filed a petition seeking their disqualification, arguing the move violates the anti-defection law. However, the Chairman's decision to accept the 'merger' was not surprising to opposition leaders, who noted the delay in formal acceptance.
- The Rajya Sabha Chairman accepted the merger of seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
- This merger increases the BJP's strength in the Upper House to 113, while the Congress remains with 29 members.
- AAP has filed a petition seeking the disqualification of these MPs, citing a violation of the anti-defection law.
Draft amendments to India's Information Technology Rules, released in March 2026, are raising concerns about increased executive control over online speech. Rule 3(4) would require platforms to comply with informal government directives, risking broad over-censorship. Amendments to Rule 8 extend state oversight to ordinary users posting news, a move previously challenged in courts. Expanded data retention obligations also raise privacy concerns. Critics argue these changes dilute constitutional safeguards, bypass legislative scrutiny, and could narrow India's digital public sphere, shifting the balance from regulation to overreach.
- Draft amendments to India's Information Technology Rules (March 2026) are criticized for expanding executive power over online speech.
- Rule 3(4) would mandate platforms to comply with informal government directives, potentially leading to broad over-censorship.
- Amendments to Rule 8 extend state oversight to ordinary users who post news and current affairs content, a provision previously challenged in High Courts.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is under scrutiny for removing lakhs of voters from electoral rolls using the term 'logical discrepancy' during its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, particularly in West Bengal and Bihar. Critics argue the ECI is exceeding its constitutional powers by demanding specific documents for citizenship proof, a responsibility of the Union Home Ministry. The article also highlights that conducting intensive revisions close to elections deviates from legal provisions, which mandate summary revisions during such periods, raising concerns about the fairness of elections.
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has been criticized for removing lakhs of voters from electoral rolls using 'logical discrepancy' during its Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
- The ECI is accused of exceeding its jurisdiction by determining citizenship proof, a power vested in the Union Home Ministry.
- The SIR process, particularly its timing close to elections, deviates from legal provisions that mandate summary revisions during election periods.
Seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha members announced their merger with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a move accepted by the Rajya Sabha Chairman. This increases the BJP's strength to 113, giving the National Democratic Alliance a majority. The incident highlights the 'institutionalised defanging' of the anti-defection law (Tenth Schedule), as the merger exception requires two-thirds of the legislative party's concurrence, not just members crossing over. AAP has challenged this in court, arguing a violation of the anti-defection law.
- Seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha members merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), increasing BJP's strength in the Upper House.
- The Rajya Sabha Chairman accepted the merger, leading to the National Democratic Alliance gaining a majority.
- The incident raises concerns about the 'institutionalised defanging' of the anti-defection law, enshrined in the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of India's electoral roll has significantly reduced the number of electors, reversing the previous trend of continuous growth. This exercise, which has covered 13 States and Union Territories, has seen the electorate drop by nearly six crores, with a projected national total of around 90 crore after completion. The reduction is primarily due to the removal of ASDD names (absent, shifted, dead, or duplicate) and non-traceability. While strengthening the accuracy of the roll, the SIR process has shifted the burden of proof to citizens, making it akin to re-earning the franchise for some. The Election Commission aims to ensure inclusivity for all eligible citizens, including youth and migrants, despite the focus on deletions.
- The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has led to a significant reduction in India's electoral roll, reversing its growth trend.
- The primary reason for the reduction is the removal of ASDD (absent, shifted, dead, duplicate) names and non-traceability.
- The SIR process has placed the burden of proof on citizens, making it challenging for some to retain their franchise.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has petitioned Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan to disqualify seven MPs who quit AAP and merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). AAP leader Sanjay Singh stated that the move by the Raghav Chadha-led group violates the anti-defection law (10th Schedule). The party argues that the law requires the 'original party' to merge, which AAP has not done, making a case for disqualification. Six of the seven defecting MPs were from Punjab, and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has also sought their removal through the 'Right to Recall'.
- AAP has petitioned the Rajya Sabha Chairman for the disqualification of seven MPs who defected to BJP.
- The party argues that the defection violates the anti-defection law (10th Schedule).
- The defecting group claims to have the required two-thirds strength to avoid disqualification.
Discussions between the Union Home Ministry and civil society bodies in Ladakh will resume on May 22. The talks will focus on demands for Statehood and inclusion of the Union Territory in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. This announcement by Ladakh Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena ends an impasse and precedes Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Ladakh. The sub-committee on political dialogue aims for a constructive democratic dialogue to meet the aspirations of Ladakh's people, addressing their long-standing demands.
- Talks between the Union Home Ministry and Ladakh civil society bodies will resume on May 22.
- The primary demands are Statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
- The announcement was made by Ladakh Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.
Seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MPs joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), raising questions about disqualification under the anti-defection law (Tenth Schedule). The law disqualifies legislators who voluntarily relinquish party membership or defy party directions. While the 'split' exception was removed in 2003, the 'merger' exception (Paragraph 4) remains. A valid merger requires the original political party to merge with another, and the decision must be backed by at least two-thirds of the legislature party. The Supreme Court endorsed a conjunctive reading for the 'split' exception, but the Bombay High Court adopted a disjunctive reading for 'merger,' allowing a 'deemed' merger if two-thirds of the legislature party agrees, even without national party approval.
- Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs joining BJP brings the anti-defection law into focus regarding potential disqualification.
- The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution aims to curb floor-crossing by elected representatives.
- The 'split' exception (Paragraph 3) was removed by the 91st Constitutional Amendment in 2003.
Ashok Kumar Lahiri, an economist and MLA from West Bengal, has been appointed as the new Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog. He replaces Suman K. Bery, who held the position since May 2022. Lahiri, a former Chief Economic Adviser, joins a re-constituted panel that includes K.V. Raju, M. Srinivas, Abhay Karandikar, Gobardhan Das, and Rajiv Gauba as full-time members. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is the Chairman of NITI Aayog, expressed confidence that Lahiri's efforts will further energize policymaking and foster cooperative federalism, enhancing ease of living in India.
- Ashok Kumar Lahiri has been appointed as the new Vice-Chairperson of NITI Aayog.
- He is an economist and an MLA from West Bengal, previously serving as Chief Economic Adviser.
- Lahiri replaces Suman K. Bery, who held the post since May 2022.
The Supreme Court questioned the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on whether it was arguing for a "breakdown of constitutional machinery" in West Bengal, momentarily pausing the agency's rejoinder against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and State police officers. The ED had alleged violations of the rule of law during a raid related to a coal smuggling case, citing a "well-established pattern" of violations by the Chief Minister and the ruling Trinamool Congress. Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta clarified that the ED was not arguing for Article 356 (President's Rule) but rather asserting the fundamental rights of its officials to equality before the law.
- The Supreme Court questioned the ED's argument regarding a "breakdown of constitutional machinery" in West Bengal.
- The ED's submissions highlighted a "well-established pattern" of rule of law violations by the Chief Minister and State police.
- Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta clarified that the ED was asserting fundamental rights of its officials, not seeking President's Rule.
India's informal urban workforce, comprising about 90% of total employment, faces extreme precariousness due to the transformation of urban production systems. Cities have shifted from industrial hubs to centers of social reproduction, leading to fragmented labor and precarious living conditions. Key challenges include land tenure insecurity, high cost of living, and limited access to formal banking, exacerbated by the privatization of essential services and gentrification, influenced by the Washington Consensus. The article calls for building strong intersectionalities between organized trade unions and informal sector workers to address these systemic vulnerabilities.
- India's informal urban workforce, constituting 90% of total employment, faces extreme precariousness.
- The shift in urban production systems from industrial to social reproduction has led to fragmented labor and precarious living conditions.
- Informal workers suffer from land tenure insecurity, high cost of living, and limited access to formal financial services.
The resignation of Justice Yashwant Varma has reignited the debate on whether a statutory inquiry against a judge should cease upon their resignation. Drawing on past cases like Justices P.D. Dinakaran and Soumitra Sen, the article argues that such inquiries, being statutory procedures for establishing facts and guilt, should continue irrespective of the judge's tenure. It asserts that allowing inquiries to terminate with resignation undermines accountability, enables judges to unilaterally abort proceedings, and prevents formal findings, contrary to constitutional provisions and Supreme Court observations on the investigative stage being judicial in character.
- The resignation of Justice Yashwant Varma raises questions about the continuation of statutory inquiries against judges.
- Past precedents regarding judicial resignations during inquiries have been inconsistent and lack clear resolution.
- The Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, and Supreme Court rulings suggest that the investigative stage of an inquiry is statutory and should not collapse with resignation.
The Supreme Court has directed a high-powered committee, chaired by Justice S. Ravindra Bhat (retd), to expand its mandate and formulate a comprehensive plan for making prisons disabled-friendly across the country. This plan must ensure the provision of appropriate assistive devices, mobility aids, and necessary support equipment for prisoners with disabilities, upholding their fundamental rights to equal treatment and dignified life. The directive follows a petition highlighting inhumane prison conditions, citing the cases of activists G. Saibaba and Stan Swamy, and reinforces the penalization of authorities who abuse disabled prisoners under the RPwD Act.
- The Supreme Court has mandated a high-powered committee to develop a comprehensive plan for disabled-friendly prisons.
- The plan must ensure the provision of appropriate assistive devices and support equipment for prisoners with disabilities.
- The directive emphasizes upholding the fundamental rights of prisoners with disabilities, including the right to equal treatment and dignified life.
Congress General Secretary K. C. Venugopal submitted a privilege notice against Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Lok Sabha Speaker. The notice alleges that PM Modi, in a televised address, made "direct reflections" and "imputed motives" to Opposition MPs for voting against the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026. This Bill sought to link delimitation and expansion of Lok Sabha seats with women's reservation. Venugopal argued that questioning elected representatives' voting behavior constitutes a "gross breach of privilege and contempt of the House," violating parliamentary conventions.
- A privilege notice was filed against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Congress General Secretary K. C. Venugopal.
- The notice alleges that PM Modi imputed motives to Opposition MPs for their vote against the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026.
- The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed to link delimitation and Lok Sabha seat expansion with women's reservation.
The article criticizes the U.S.'s approach to lunar governance, particularly the Artemis Accords, viewing them as a unilateral mechanism to control lunar resources and potentially create exclusion zones. It contrasts this with recent U.S. actions on human rights and international law, which undermine confidence in its global leadership. The author advocates for a multilateral framework, such as the 1979 Moon Agreement, to ensure equitable access and prevent confrontation in space. The piece argues against allowing any single power to unilaterally set rules for a domain that belongs to all humankind.
- The U.S.'s Artemis Accords are viewed critically as a mechanism for unilateral control over lunar resources, potentially creating exclusion zones.
- Recent U.S. actions regarding human rights and international law are cited as undermining confidence in its space governance framework.
- A multilateral approach, exemplified by the 1979 Moon Agreement, is advocated for equitable exploitation of lunar resources.
This article argues that India's compliance with U.S. unilateral sanctions has negatively impacted its economy, energy sourcing, and foreign policy, leading to increased demands from the U.S. It highlights that India's decision to ignore certain sanctions, such as for the Russian S-400 systems, proved beneficial. The author advocates for India to unequivocally denounce U.S. unilateral sanctions to safeguard its strategic autonomy and achieve energy independence. The piece also criticizes the U.S. for its extensive use of sanctions compared to other global powers and international bodies.
- U.S. unilateral sanctions have adversely affected India's economic growth, energy sourcing, and foreign policy objectives.
- India's past compliance with U.S. sanctions has not curbed U.S. demands, instead leading to additional pressures for conformity.
- Ignoring U.S. sanctions, such as for the S-400 air defence systems, has proven beneficial for India without incurring penalties.
This explainer details the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and Delimitation Bill, 2026, which aimed to increase Lok Sabha seats from 550 to 850 and establish a Delimitation Commission. The 131st Amendment sought to empower Parliament to determine the Census for delimitation and delink women's reservation from the next Census, enabling it based on the 2011 Census. The Delimitation Bill proposed allocating Lok Sabha seats based on the latest Census figures. The Opposition opposed these, citing no need to bundle women's reservation with delimitation, lack of explicit pro-rata increase for states, and the sensitive nature requiring detailed discussions. The Bills were defeated/withdrawn, highlighting the challenge of balancing 'one citizen-one vote-one value' with federal concerns.
- The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and Delimitation Bill, 2026, proposed increasing Lok Sabha seats to 850 and establishing a Delimitation Commission.
- The 131st Amendment aimed to delink women's reservation from the next Census, allowing it based on the 2011 Census, and empower Parliament to decide the Census for delimitation.
- The Opposition raised concerns about bundling women's reservation with delimitation, the absence of explicit pro-rata seat increases for states, and the need for detailed parliamentary discussion on such a sensitive issue.
The article discusses the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Delimitation Bill, 2026, aimed at readjusting Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly seats based on the 2011 Census, with a proposed increase to 850 Lok Sabha seats. It highlights the historical context of delimitation, including the freeze until 2026 to encourage population control, and the current challenges of population growth and migration disparities. The author, K.F. Wilfred, argues that while Article 81(2) mandates seat allocation based on population, a broader view should incorporate additional parameters to ensure equitable parliamentary representation for States, especially with a significant increase in seats. The debate raises questions on representation and equity.
- The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, and Delimitation Bill, 2026, proposed readjustment of Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly seats, potentially increasing Lok Sabha seats to 850.
- Delimitation exercises, mandated by Articles 82 and 170(3), were frozen until the first Census after 2026 (based on 2001 amendment) to incentivize population control.
- The current proposal aims to address population density variations and migration using 2011 Census data, which is now 15 years old.
India's ongoing Census self-enumeration portal briefly displayed Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh as "Medog," a town in China. A retired Indian Air Force officer first raised the concern, highlighting the sensitivity of such territorial depictions. The Registrar-General and Census Commissioner of India quickly acknowledged and resolved the issue, stating it was raised with the map services provider. India has consistently rejected China's attempts to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh, reiterating that the state is an integral part of India and that such actions cannot alter the undeniable reality of its territory.
- The Census of India's self-enumeration portal mistakenly showed Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, with a Chinese name, "Medog."
- The error was promptly identified by a retired IAF officer and subsequently resolved by Census officials.
- India maintains a firm stance against China's attempts to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh, asserting the state's integral status.
The issue of 33% women's reservation in Lok Sabha and State legislatures has come full circle, with the government's attempt to operationalize it immediately failing. The Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023 (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) mandated a three-step process involving a fresh Census and delimitation before implementation. The government's 2026 Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which sought immediate implementation based on the 2011 census, failed to pass. The Opposition continues to demand the removal of the Census and delimitation requirement from Article 334A(1) for immediate implementation, highlighting the persistent delay.
- The 33% women's reservation issue remains unresolved due to the failure of the 2026 Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill.
- The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (106th Amendment Act, 2023) requires a fresh Census and delimitation for its operationalization.
- The government's attempt to bypass these steps for immediate implementation using the 2011 census figures failed in the Lok Sabha.