The article argues that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), despite being a private body, benefits significantly from national symbolism, state resources, and regulatory privileges, effectively monopolizing a national sport. It contends that the BCCI's tax exemptions, amounting to thousands of crores, should be considered a form of state grant, justifying its inclusion under the RTI Act. While the Central Information Commission (CIC) recently reversed a ruling to exclude BCCI from RTI, the Supreme Court in 2015-16 affirmed that BCCI performs public duties, especially when adopting Lodha committee recommendations. The Law Commission in 2018 also supported this, citing BCCI's role as a National Sports Federation and its substantial tax exemptions. The article suggests amending Section 2(h) of the RTI Act to include bodies discharging public duties with monopoly power.
- The BCCI, despite being a private entity, benefits from state resources, regulatory privileges, and tax exemptions, making it akin to a state-supported body.
- Tax exemptions granted to the BCCI should be viewed as a form of state grant, warranting greater public scrutiny and transparency.
- The Supreme Court has previously stated that the BCCI performs public duties, especially concerning the Lodha committee recommendations.
The article argues against the Union Home Ministry's stance that Ladakh needs more districts rather than a legislature or Sixth Schedule safeguards, citing its sparse population and strategic sensitivity. The author contends that administrative decentralization through additional districts is insufficient for political agency, as districts cannot legislate on crucial matters like land protection, demographic safeguards, or cultural autonomy. The piece highlights the irony of the government's argument, reminiscent of colonial logic, especially after repeated promises of constitutional safeguards by the BJP. It draws parallels with Northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Sikkim, which received statehood despite similar challenges, emphasizing that integration comes from belonging, not just subsidies or garrisons.
- Ladakh's demand for legislative representation and Sixth Schedule safeguards is being countered by the Home Ministry's offer of more districts.
- Administrative decentralization (more districts) is deemed insufficient for genuine political agency and decision-making on critical local issues.
- The government's argument against a legislature for Ladakh is criticized as paternalistic and reminiscent of colonial logic.
The Supreme Court dismissed a petition to halt the ongoing Census 2027, which includes a caste enumeration, with the Chief Justice of India emphasizing the government's need to identify backward populations for welfare. The Modi government announced caste enumeration in April 2025, a significant policy shift. Historically, independent India avoided caste enumeration to dismantle the caste system, but also used caste identities for positive discrimination, creating a paradox. The article highlights the long delay in the decennial Census (due in 2021) and the challenges of accurate caste enumeration, as seen in the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census. While a caste census can ossify identities, it can also aid in targeted welfare measures if combined with socioeconomic indices, and people should have the option to identify as 'casteless'.
- The Supreme Court upheld the caste census, stating its importance for identifying backward populations and implementing welfare schemes.
- The Modi government reversed its previous stance to include caste enumeration in the Census 2027, the first since 1931.
- India's historical dual approach of seeking a casteless society while using caste for positive discrimination creates a policy paradox.
The Supreme Court clarified that trials and appeals in sedition cases under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code can proceed if the accused has no objection. This comes four years after the top court put a hold on sedition trials pending the government's review of the colonial-era provision. The Bench, comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, issued this clarification while hearing a plea from a man jailed for 17 years on sedition charges. The court emphasized balancing security interests with civil liberties and directed the Madhya Pradesh High Court to hear the petitioner's appeal forthwith.
- The Supreme Court clarified that sedition trials under Section 124A IPC can continue if the accused does not object.
- This ruling follows an interim order from May 2022 that put sedition trials on hold pending government review of the law.
- The court's decision aims to balance state security interests with citizens' civil liberties.
The Supreme Court is set to review the legal principle of allowing shared use of disputed religious sites, following its 2024 order to examine the 'true character' of the Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh. This comes in the context of the Ram Janmabhoomi mobilisation and the Archaeological Survey of India's 2003 survey. The court's 2020 Ayodhya judgment, which allowed shared use of the disputed site, is a key precedent. The article discusses the challenges of applying the "preponderance of probability" and "faith and belief" principles in such cases, and the need for the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, to be enforced strictly, especially concerning Gyanvapi, Shahi Idgah, and the Bijamandal complex.
- The Supreme Court will examine the legal framework for allowing shared use of disputed religious sites, building on the Ayodhya judgment.
- The court's 2024 order to determine the 'true character' of the Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh is a significant development.
- The Ayodhya judgment (2020) allowed shared use, applying principles of "preponderance of probability" and "faith and belief."
The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status of foreigners of Indian origin who voted in recent Tamil Nadu elections is under scrutiny. Official sources indicate that the number of such individuals has increased to over 30. Authorities are analyzing arrival and departure details of these individuals, with some arrested in Chennai and Madurai. Their OCI registration could be cancelled if obtained through fraud or false declaration. The foreigners were booked under charges of cheating and violation of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, with false declarations in OCI forms attracting action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- The OCI status of foreign nationals of Indian origin who voted in recent Tamil Nadu elections is being investigated.
- Authorities are scrutinizing the declarations made in OCI application forms and during Special Intensive Revision.
- Fraudulent acquisition of OCI cards or false declarations could lead to cancellation of registration.
Delhi Police has urged the Supreme Court to refer the issue of UAPA bail restrictions to a larger bench, citing two conflicting judgments. This comes after the Supreme Court's May 18 ruling granting interim bail in a narco-terror case, which voiced "serious reservations" about a January 5 judgment denying bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. The police argue that the presumption of innocence takes a backseat under UAPA's statutory bail bar, and the issue requires consideration by a larger bench to reconcile the conflicting interpretations of Section 43D(5) of the UAPA, especially concerning prolonged incarceration and delay in trial.
- Delhi Police has requested the Supreme Court to constitute a larger bench to review the statutory bail restrictions under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
- The request follows conflicting judgments regarding the interpretation of UAPA's Section 43D(5) concerning bail, particularly in cases of prolonged incarceration.
- The Supreme Court's May 18 ruling, granting interim bail in a narco-terror case, expressed reservations about a January 5 judgment that denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to reduce spending on petroleum products, edible oils, gold, and foreign travel, signaling concern over India's rising import dependence and its impact on foreign exchange reserves and the rupee. India's merchandise trade deficit hit a record $333 billion in 2025-26, driven by increased imports of gold, edible oils, fertilizers, and electronic components. The situation is exacerbated by higher crude oil prices and the government's failure to boost domestic production in key sectors like oilseeds. The RBI is intervening to prevent a rupee free-fall, but declining reserves limit its options, highlighting a critical economic vulnerability.
- Prime Minister Modi's appeal to reduce non-essential spending highlights India's growing concern over its import bill and foreign currency reserves.
- India's merchandise trade deficit reached a record $333 billion in 2025-26, primarily due to increased imports of gold, edible oils, fertilizers, and electronic components.
- The country's heavy dependence on imported crude oil, exacerbated by global price hikes, poses a significant threat to economic stability.
The Supreme Court expressed "serious reservations" about its January judgment refusing bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the Delhi riots conspiracy case, particularly regarding the precluding of their right to seek bail for a year. The court's self-reproach, made while granting bail in a narco-terrorism case, emphasized that an accused cannot be indefinitely incarcerated merely because the state satisfies the low bar to refuse bail under UAPA. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan highlighted that "bail is the rule and jail is the exception" is a constitutional principle flowing from fundamental rights, speedy trial, and freedom from arbitrary arrests. He stressed that Section 43-D(5) of UAPA, which sets a low bar for bail denial, must be "muted" by constitutional courts and remains subordinate to Article 21, protecting personal liberty.
- The Supreme Court expressed serious reservations about its previous judgment denying bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the Delhi riots conspiracy case.
- The court criticized the indefinite incarceration of accused individuals, especially when a timely trial is not possible, and highlighted the need for constitutional courts to "mute" draconian bail provisions.
- Justice Ujjal Bhuyan reiterated that "bail is the rule and jail is the exception" is a fundamental constitutional principle derived from fundamental rights.
The article argues that genuine competition is essential for a healthy democracy, likening 'one-horse races' to a lack of true democratic spirit. It highlights that the absence of rivals undermines the concept of 'rule by the people' and the fairness of the system. The author criticizes Section 53(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which allows for 'unopposed' winners, diminishing the value of a mandate. The example of West Bengal Assembly elections is cited, where accusations of favouritism and issues with electoral rolls (SIR) tainted the outcome, raising questions about the Election Commission of India's neutrality and the integrity of the electoral process.
- Genuine electoral competition is fundamental for a vibrant democracy, allowing citizens to choose alternatives and ensuring fairness.
- The provision for 'unopposed' winners under Section 53(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, undermines the spirit of democratic contestation.
- Lack of competition and perceived partiality of electoral referees can diminish public confidence in election outcomes and the legitimacy of mandates.
President Droupadi Murmu has promulgated an ordinance increasing the Supreme Court's judge strength from 33 to 37 (excluding the Chief Justice of India) to address the growing backlog of over 93,000 cases. This move, which comes after a six-year hiatus since the last amendment in 2019, amends Section 2 of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956. The ordinance will be presented to Parliament and will cease to operate if not approved within six weeks of reassembly or if disapproved. The Constitution originally envisaged a Supreme Court with a CJI and 'not more than seven judges' until Parliament prescribed a larger number.
- An ordinance has been promulgated to increase the Supreme Court's judge strength from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India.
- The primary objective of this increase is to address the significant backlog of over 93,000 cases currently plaguing the Supreme Court.
- The ordinance amends Section 2 of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, and was promulgated by the President under Article 123 of the Constitution.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Indian citizens to adopt austerity measures, including reducing fuel consumption, avoiding gold purchases, and buying Indian-made products, to help the economy and government finances. This push comes amidst a global energy crisis and rising Current Account Deficit (CAD), projected to grow to 2.5% of GDP. The war in West Asia has driven up oil and gold prices, increasing India's import bill and contributing to rupee depreciation. The government has also implemented measures like doubling import tax on gold and silver and restricting silver imports. Critics question the timing of these appeals, coming after state elections.
- PM Modi has called for public austerity measures to address economic challenges, including reducing fuel and gold imports.
- The initiatives aim to mitigate the impact of the global energy crisis and a rising Current Account Deficit (CAD).
- The CAD is projected to increase to 2.5% of GDP this financial year, up from 1.4% in late 2025.
The United Doctors Front has moved the Supreme Court, seeking to transition the National Testing Agency (NTA) from a registered society to a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament. This demand aims to ensure constitutional and parliamentary accountability, following "recurring, systemic, and catastrophic failures" by the NTA, particularly in conducting the NEET-UG exam. The petition argues that NTA's current status as an autonomous society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, creates an "accountability vacuum," shielding it from direct CAG audits and mandatory Parliamentary probes. A statutory shift would ensure direct oversight, financial transparency, and a robust grievance redressal mechanism.
- The United Doctors Front has petitioned the Supreme Court to convert the NTA into a statutory body.
- The move aims to ensure parliamentary and constitutional accountability for the NTA.
- The petition highlights "systemic failures" of the NTA, specifically regarding the NEET-UG exam.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated the study of three languages for Class 9 students starting July 1, with at least two being native Indian languages. This move aligns the CBSE's Scheme of Studies with the National Education Policy, 2020, and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education, 2023. Students opting for a foreign language can do so as a third or additional fourth language. The CBSE clarified that no Board examination will be conducted for the third language at the Class-10 level, with assessments being school-based and internal, and performance reflected in the CBSE certificate.
- CBSE has made the study of three languages compulsory for Class 9 students from July 1.
- At least two of the three languages must be native Indian languages.
- This policy change aligns with the National Education Policy, 2020, and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education, 2023.
Thousands of Kuki-Zo people in Manipur protested, demanding the unconditional release of hostages and justice for three church leaders killed in an ambush. They submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling for the reimposition of President's Rule in the State. The protests coincided with an extended shutdown. Demands include an NIA probe into the killings, permanent security guarantees, special security zones, and expedited political engagement with Kuki-Zomi extremist groups. Civil society groups also expressed concern over continued violence, displacement, and insecurity, linking it to "proxy attacks."
- Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur are protesting against ongoing violence and the killing of church leaders.
- A key demand is the reimposition of President's Rule in Manipur to address the deteriorating law and order situation.
- Protesters also seek the unconditional release of hostages and the establishment of special security zones for civilians.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched an AI-based helpbot named "Abhay" to authenticate CBI notices and protect citizens from digital arrest scams. This system is designed to counter the growing menace of fraudsters who use fake notices to trap victims, initiating sham legal processes and keeping them under surveillance under the guise of "digital arrest," a concept with no legal basis in Indian law. Citizens can access "Abhay" through the CBI's official website at any time to verify the legitimacy of any CBI notice they receive, thereby enhancing public safety and preventing fraud.
- The CBI has launched an AI-based helpbot, "Abhay," to authenticate CBI notices and protect citizens from digital arrest scams.
- "Abhay" aims to combat fraudsters who use fake notices to deceive victims into compliance with sham legal processes.
- Digital arrest scams involve keeping victims under surveillance under the false pretense of a "digital arrest," which has no legal standing in India.
The article discusses the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the need for electoral reforms, particularly concerning transparency and accountability. Following recent State elections, questions have been raised about the ECI's functioning, including the delay in releasing voter turnout data and the discrepancy between initial and final figures. The Supreme Court's call for a return to ballot papers and the subsequent rejection by the ECI highlight ongoing debates. The article emphasizes the need for a robust electoral system, free from political influence, to maintain public trust and ensure democratic integrity, suggesting reforms like a collegium for ECI appointments and addressing issues with EVMs.
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) is under scrutiny for its transparency and operational efficiency, especially regarding voter turnout data.
- Concerns include delays in releasing final voter turnout figures and discrepancies between preliminary and final data.
- The Supreme Court's suggestion for returning to ballot papers, though rejected by the ECI, underscores the debate on electoral integrity.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged a unified global effort to combat the drug menace, emphasizing the need for a common legal framework. Speaking at the R.N. Kao Memorial Lecture, he stressed that the fight against drugs must transcend geopolitical differences and national interests. Shah called for simultaneous action against narco-networks and narco-terror states, advocating for uniform laws on prohibited substances, standardized punishments, extradition of drug kingpins, and intelligence sharing. He warned that without immediate joint efforts, the world would face irreversible harm in 10 years and set a goal for a 'Drug Free India' by 2047.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah advocated for a unified global effort and common legal framework to combat the drug menace.
- He stressed that the fight against drugs should rise above geopolitical differences and individual national interests.
- Shah called for simultaneous action against both narco-networks and narco-terror states.
The Supreme Court questioned the Union government's dominant role in appointing Chief Election Commissioners (CECs) and Election Commissioners (ECs), emphasizing that free and fair elections depend on a truly independent Election Commission. The court highlighted the absence of a neutral person on the Prime Minister-chaired selection committee and the impracticality of a Cabinet Minister defying the PM. Petitioners challenged the 2023 Act, which replaced the Chief Justice of India with a Cabinet Minister on the selection panel, arguing it undermined the independence established by the Anoop Baranwal judgment. The Attorney-General argued against judicial overreach, stating the court cannot dictate laws to Parliament.
- The Supreme Court underscored that free and fair elections necessitate a truly independent Election Commission.
- The court expressed concern over the composition of the selection committee, noting the absence of a neutral member and the influence of the Prime Minister.
- Petitioners challenged the 2023 Act for replacing the Chief Justice of India with a Cabinet Minister on the selection panel, arguing it compromises EC independence.
The Election Commission of India (EC) has announced Phase 3 of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, covering 16 States and 3 Union Territories starting May 30. This phase aims to cover the entire country except Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, which will have their schedules announced later. The exercise focuses on ensuring only eligible voters are included, with over 3.94 lakh booth-level officers and 3.42 lakh booth-level agents deployed. The EC emphasized that no documents will be collected from electors during enumeration, and Aadhaar will be used only as proof of identity, not citizenship.
- Phase 3 of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls will commence on May 30, covering 16 States and 3 Union Territories.
- This phase will extend the SIR exercise to nearly all of India, excluding Himachal Pradesh, J&K, and Ladakh.
- The primary objective of SIR is to ensure the accuracy of electoral rolls by including only eligible voters.
The Indian government's mandate to sing the full version of Vande Mataram at official events has reignited controversy. While celebrated for its literary excellence and role in the freedom struggle, the song, from Bankim Chandra Chatterji's novel Anandamath (1882), has strong communal undertones, glorifying Hinduism and expressing anti-Muslim sentiment. Historical translations and analyses confirm its original context of Sannyasi rebellion against Muslim rule. Critics argue that imposing the full song, which was previously restricted to two stanzas by Congress due to its religious glorification, goes against India's secular and multicultural values, especially given the current political climate.
- The government's mandate to sing the full Vande Mataram at official events has sparked debate due to its communal undertones.
- Bankim Chandra Chatterji's novel Anandamath, from which the song originates, depicted anti-Muslim sentiment and glorified Hindu religion.
- Historical translations, like Nares Chandra Sen-Gupta's Abbey of Bliss (1906), highlighted the novel's religious basis of nationality and morbid dislike of Mussulmans.
The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for major entrance exams like NEET UG and CUET, is facing scrutiny over its "Zero Error" policy due to widespread allegations of paper leaks, irregularities, and technical glitches. Despite NTA's claims of robust security, multiple incidents, including a NEET UG 2024 paper leak and CUET exam cancellations, have raised concerns about its operational integrity. A high-level committee formed in 2024 to review NTA's functioning recommended measures like biometric authentication and CCTV surveillance, but these issues persist. Experts suggest that NTA's rapid expansion without adequate infrastructure and a lack of transparency contribute to these failures, undermining public trust in the examination system.
- The National Testing Agency (NTA) is under scrutiny for alleged paper leaks, irregularities, and technical glitches in major entrance exams.
- Incidents like the NEET UG 2024 paper leak and CUET exam cancellations contradict NTA's "Zero Error" policy.
- A 2024 high-level committee recommended several security measures, but issues continue to plague the NTA.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant announced the launch of two major digital initiatives by the Supreme Court: "One Case One Data" and 'Su Sahay' chatbot. The "One Case One Data" initiative aims to integrate judicial administration across all levels, from taluk courts to the top court, into a unified and comprehensive digital database. This mechanism is designed to create a more interconnected system for judicial data. Additionally, 'Su Sahay', an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered assistance chatbot, has been launched. Integrated with the Supreme Court website, it aims to provide litigants with easier access to justice and court-related services, modernizing and streamlining the judicial system in India.
- The Supreme Court has launched "One Case One Data" to create a unified digital database for judicial administration across all court levels.
- This initiative aims to integrate judicial data from taluk courts to the Supreme Court, enhancing interconnectivity within the system.
- An AI-powered assistance chatbot named 'Su Sahay' has also been launched, integrated with the Supreme Court website.
The Union government has notified that the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G] will replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) from July 1, repealing all existing rules and guidelines. The new scheme, passed without pre-legislative consultations, increases the statutory employment guarantee from 100 to 125 days annually. However, crucial details like objective parameters for deciding normative budgets and the 60:40 Centre-State expenditure ratio (compared to 100% Centre wage bill under MGNREGA) remain unclear. Concerns also exist regarding e-KYC completion for workers and a new blackout period clause, which could reduce workers' bargaining power.
- The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) will replace MGNREGA from July 1.
- The new legislation increases the statutory employment guarantee from 100 to 125 days per financial year.
- A key change is the shift from 100% Central funding for wages under MGNREGA to a 60:40 Centre-State expenditure ratio for most States.