The article discusses the controversy surrounding the Madras High Court Collegium's recommendation of judges. It highlights a specific instance where Justice Nisha Banu, a senior judge, was bypassed for a 'Collegium judge' position in favor of a junior judge, Justice M.S. Ramesh. The State government has sought clarification on the legal authority and procedural consistency of this decision. This situation underscores the ongoing debate over the lack of transparency, nepotism, and the need for reforms in the Collegium system to maintain judicial independence and public trust. The article argues that silence is not an option when structural integrity is at stake.
- The Collegium system for appointing High Court judges is a creation of judicial precedent, not a statute.
- The Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) dictates that the Chief Justice and two senior-most judges should form the Collegium.
- Deviations from established seniority and procedural norms can lead to a constitutional crisis between the judiciary and the state.
The Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, aims to define and penalize hate speech that incites disharmony. However, critics argue it poses a threat to free speech and individual liberty due to vague definitions of concepts like "harmony" and "ill will." The bill's sweeping nature could lead to state misuse and a "slippery slope" where the government determines permissible speech. While hate speech is a real issue, existing laws are deemed sufficient, and the new bill risks being a "totalitarian" tool rather than a solution for social good. The article warns that such laws often reward purveyors of hatred with political power.
- The bill seeks to penalize acts inciting hatred based on religion, race, caste, or gender.
- Critics highlight that terms like 'hate' and 'enmity' are subjective and difficult to define legally.
- There is a risk that the bill will be used by those in power to silence political opponents.
The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) has conditionally agreed to the Union government's proposal to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities in Assam: Adivasis, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, Matak, Moran, and Tai Ahom. BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary stated there is no objection as long as there is no sub-categorization within the existing ST framework. These communities are populous in the five districts administered by the BTC. The move is significant for the political and social landscape of Assam, as these groups have long demanded ST status to secure constitutional protections and benefits.
- The BTC governs five districts in Assam and has a significant say in tribal status issues within its jurisdiction.
- The six communities seeking ST status are major ethnic groups that have been demanding recognition for decades.
- The condition of 'no sub-categorization' aims to protect the interests and reservation quotas of existing ST groups.
The article critiques the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the mandatory Aadhaar-based payment system (ABPS) in MGNREGA. It argues that shifting the responsibility of inclusion from the state to the individual leads to mass disenfranchisement and loss of livelihoods. In MGNREGA, nearly 27 lakh workers were deleted from the database due to administrative pressure to achieve 100% Aadhaar linking, often without proper verification. Similarly, the SIR exercise for electoral rolls requires voters to match names with old records, potentially excluding migrants and the homeless. These 'technocratic adventures' are seen as a violation of constitutional morality and the right to inclusion.
- Section 19 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, defines 'ordinarily resident' for voter enrollment, which is being challenged by new revision methods.
- The shift to Aadhaar-based payments in MGNREGA has led to the deletion of millions of workers' job cards on grounds of being 'unwilling to work'.
- The National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) app for attendance has faced criticism for technical glitches and excluding vulnerable workers.
The debate over the status of 'Vande Mataram' versus 'Jana Gana Mana' resurfaces, tracing back to the Constituent Assembly's decisions. While 'Jana Gana Mana' was adopted as the National Anthem in 1950, 'Vande Mataram' was accorded equal status as the National Song due to its historical role in the freedom struggle. Recent legal petitions sought to treat both on par, but the government and courts have maintained their distinct legal frameworks. The article highlights that while the National Anthem is protected under specific laws like the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, the National Song's status is largely ceremonial and lacks a parallel penal provision.
- Vande Mataram was first sung at the 1896 Congress session by Rabindranath Tagore and became a focal point of the national movement.
- The Constituent Assembly adopted Jana Gana Mana as the Anthem on January 24, 1950, while honoring Vande Mataram's equal status.
- The 42nd Amendment (1976) introduced a fundamental duty under Article 51A to respect the National Anthem and Flag.
The Supreme Court's judgment in the 16th Presidential Reference has sparked debate over the lack of fixed timelines for constitutional authorities like Governors and Speakers. The court showed judicial deference to written constitutional language, refusing to prescribe specific timeframes for duties such as deciding on defection petitions or returning bills. Critics argue this creates a 'constitutional anomaly' where elected members can complete terms without facing consequences for defection. The article emphasizes that constitutional morality, as envisioned by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, requires institutions to act in a manner that upholds the spirit of the Constitution rather than exploiting its silences to block legislative business.
- The judgment addresses the absence of explicit timelines for constitutional functions in the Indian Constitution.
- The lack of a timeframe for the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection) allows members to potentially evade disqualification for years.
- Governors withholding bills indefinitely can effectively nullify validly enacted laws by elected State Assemblies.
A House panel on Social Justice and Empowerment has advised the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to stop sanctioning new Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) until land is secured. Currently, over one-third of sanctioned schools are non-functional, primarily due to land unavailability. Out of 722 sanctioned locations, only 477 are functional, with many operating from rented or temporary government buildings. The committee also criticized the slow progress in establishing Tribal Freedom Fighters' Museums across the country, noting that only three out of ten proposed museums have been inaugurated so far to honor Adivasi contributions.
- The Parliamentary Standing Committee highlighted that land unavailability is the primary reason for the non-functionality of EMRS.
- The panel recommended that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs establish a clear timeline for completing pending school projects.
- The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the slow implementation of the Tribal Freedom Fighters' Museums project.
The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to furnish six years of nationwide data on missing children. A bench led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna expressed concern over the rising number of untraced children and the lack of a dedicated nodal officer in the Home Ministry to coordinate with states. The court ordered the appointment of such an officer within two weeks and mandated that their details be uploaded to the Mission Vatsalya portal. This portal, administered by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, is intended to be a central platform for tracking and securing outcomes for missing children.
- The Supreme Court emphasized the need for effective dissemination of information and coordinated use of the Mission Vatsalya platform.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs was criticized for not having a dedicated officer to oversee missing children cases despite being the central agency.
- The directive came during a hearing of a PIL filed by the NGO Guria Swayam Sevi Sansthan regarding untraced children.
Organized by Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (JSA), the National Convention on Health Rights (December 11-12) aims to address India's major health challenges. The convention highlights that India has one of the lowest financial allocations for public health globally, at just 2% of the Union Budget. Key demands include affirming health care as a fundamental right, regulating private health care to prevent overcharging, and reducing out-of-pocket expenses, which remain high despite insurance schemes. The event also focuses on the rights of health workers and the need for essential medicines to be brought under price control to ensure equitable access.
- The convention advocates for a transition from commercialized health care to a robust, responsive public health system.
- India's per capita public health spending is approximately $25, which is significantly lower than global averages.
- Medicines constitute up to half of a household's medical spending, yet 80% remain outside price control mechanisms.
The Supreme Court clarified that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019, provides enforceable rights to persecuted religious minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, but these rights are contingent upon official verification. An NGO, Aatmadeep, raised concerns about the 'Special Intensive Revision' (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, which risks making refugees stateless due to delays in issuing citizenship certificates. The Court emphasized that while the law exists, a mechanism for implementation must be followed. It has sought responses from the Centre and the Election Commission regarding the status of these applicants and the validity of their acknowledgment receipts.
- The CAA 2019 grants citizenship rights to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians from three neighboring countries.
- The Supreme Court stated that every claim must be enquired into and verified by authorities before citizenship is conferred.
- The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has created a fear of statelessness among those whose claims are pending.
The Department of Posts has proposed the DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address) framework to standardize physical addresses in India. DHRUVA aims to create a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) similar to Aadhaar and UPI. It utilizes DIGIPIN, a 10-digit alphanumeric code based on geo-coordinates, to provide precise locations. This system would allow users to share a 'label' or virtual address with e-commerce and logistics providers instead of full physical details, enhancing privacy and delivery efficiency. Experts suggest a draft law is needed to authorize the data collection required for this framework.
- DHRUVA is designed as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to provide unique virtual addresses for physical locations.
- The system uses DIGIPIN, an open-sourced 10-digit alphanumeric code that divides the country into 12-square-metre blocks.
- It aims to improve logistics for players like India Post, Amazon, and Uber while enhancing user privacy through address tokenization.
Following a petition highlighting the struggles of prisoners like G.N. Saibaba and Stan Swamy, the Supreme Court of India has directed prisons to provide disability-related support. The ruling emphasizes that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 applies to places of detention. Currently, many state prison manuals are outdated, assuming all prisoners are physically able. The Court also addressed intersectional issues, noting that caste-based segregation and the assignment of menial tasks to Dalit and Adivasi prisoners remain problematic. The judgment calls for updated manuals, disability screening at admission, and independent inspections.
- The Supreme Court ruled that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 obligates governments to support disabled inmates.
- Prison manuals must be updated to include clear duties regarding disability-related accommodations and infrastructure.
- The Court noted that caste-based segregation in jails is unconstitutional and will monitor discrimination via suo motu proceedings.
This article explores the conflict between the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) authority over citizenship. While the ECI argues it must verify eligibility for enrollment, critics suggest only the MHA has the legal power to determine citizenship. The discussion touches upon the Citizenship Act of 1955, the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and the National Population Register (NPR). It highlights the administrative burden on individuals to prove citizenship, particularly in Assam, where the NRC process has left many in a state of 'doubtful citizenship.'
- The ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is being legally challenged for potentially overstepping into citizenship determination.
- Under the Citizenship Act of 1955, the power to determine citizenship rests primarily with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
- The National Population Register (NPR) was last updated in 2015 with details of 119 crore residents.
This article critiques the increasing reliance on digital surveillance tools like the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) and Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) in welfare programs. While intended to ensure accountability and prevent leaks in schemes like MGNREGA and the Poshan Tracker, these "tech-fixes" often lead to exclusion. Issues include poor connectivity, technical glitches, and the potential for "fudged" data through irrelevant photographs. The author argues that these tools demotivate sincere workers and fail to address the root causes of poor governance, suggesting that accountability requires more than just digital monitoring.
- The NMMS requires MGNREGA workers to upload geotagged photos twice daily, often leading to technical hurdles.
- Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) is now compulsory for Take Home Rations (THR) under the Poshan Tracker.
- Tech-fixes can lead to 'agnotology'—the culturally cultivated ignorance of systemic failures and exclusion.
A civil society network, Just Rights for Children (JRC), has targeted 38 high-risk districts in Rajasthan to eradicate child marriage through community efforts and legal interventions. This initiative complements the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development's 100-day intensive awareness campaign. While the national average for child marriage is 23.3%, Rajasthan stands at 25.4%, with some districts like Chittorgarh and Bhilwara exceeding 40%. The drive involves mobilizing gram panchayats and religious leaders to pass resolutions against the practice, aiming to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goal of eliminating child marriage by 2030.
- The drive focuses on 38 districts in Rajasthan where child marriage prevalence is significantly high.
- The Union Ministry has launched a 100-day nationwide movement to end child marriage by 2030.
- Gram panchayats and municipal wards are being mobilized to pass formal resolutions against the practice.
The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Centre regarding a plea challenging the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order 2025. The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) argues that this order contradicts the Assam Accord by effectively extending the cut-off date for illegal immigrants from March 24, 1971, to December 31, 2024. The petition claims this violates Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, which was specifically inserted to uphold the Accord's intent of preserving the demography and cultural identity of the Assamese people. The Court's review will focus on the constitutionality of these exemptions.
- The Assam Accord established March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for identifying and deporting foreigners in Assam.
- The 2025 Order is accused of 'indirectly legalising' illegal immigration by allowing certain minorities to stay until late 2024.
- Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, is the legal backbone of the Assam Accord and was recently upheld by a Constitution Bench.
The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs recently responded to parliamentary questions regarding infant deaths due to malnutrition in tribal regions. While the government cited National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data to show overall improvements in stunting and wasting indicators since 1990-91, it failed to provide specific numbers on the total deaths caused by malnutrition over the last five years. The response highlighted that while 13.7 crore children are under age five, only 6.6 crore are registered on the "Poshan Tracker." Data from October 2025 indicates that 52% of examined children still suffer from malnutrition.
- The government relies on NFHS data and the 'Poshan Tracker' to monitor malnutrition but lacks a direct database for malnutrition-related deaths.
- There is a significant gap between the total child population and those enrolled in Anganwadi centres/Poshan Tracker.
- Recent data shows that over half (52%) of the children examined were found to be stunted, wasted, or underweight.
Parliament has approved the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which allows for the levy of excise duty on tobacco and related products. This move comes as the GST compensation cess is set to expire in December. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that this is not an additional tax burden but a continuation of the existing tax structure under a different mechanism. Tobacco products will continue to be taxed at the 40% "demerit" category rate. The Bill ensures that the revenue stream from tobacco remains stable even after the transition away from the compensation cess regime.
- The Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed to maintain tax levels on tobacco after the GST compensation cess ends.
- Tobacco remains in the highest GST slab of 40%, classified as a 'demerit' good.
- The transition ensures that the total tax burden on the consumer remains unchanged while shifting the collection mechanism.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has stated that the release of Central funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme is contingent upon states fulfilling implementation conditions, including those related to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Several non-BJP ruled states, including Tamil Nadu and Kerala, have faced delays in receiving their share. The Minister emphasized that funds depend on the submission of utilization certificates and compliance with scheme norms like the PM-Shri schools. Opposition MPs have termed this 'arm-twisting,' while the Centre maintains it is a non-partisan policy aimed at ensuring uniform educational standards across the country.
- Samagra Shiksha is an overarching program for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class 12.
- The Centre requires states to submit utilization certificates and audit reports to release subsequent fund tranches.
- The PM-Shri (PM Schools for Rising India) scheme is a key point of contention between the Centre and some states.
A recent 2:1 majority judgment by the Supreme Court has reviewed its earlier stance on post facto environmental clearances (ECs). Previously, the court had declared such retrospective clearances illegal, emphasizing that environmental laws require prior approval to prevent irreversible damage. The new judgment suggests that in some situations, retrospective ECs might be permissible to avoid 'public interest' issues like halting completed projects. Critics argue this undermines the 'precautionary principle' and the 'polluter pays' principle, potentially encouraging industries to bypass initial regulations and seek regularisation later through fines, marking a retreat from established environmental jurisprudence.
- The judgment reviews the 2025 CREDAI vs Vanashakti case regarding the legality of post facto environmental clearances.
- The majority view argues that a total ban on retrospective clearances could lead to economic waste for completed projects.
- The dissenting opinion by Justice Ujjal Bhuyan warns that this shifts the goalpost from principle to expediency.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has retracted its directive requiring mobile manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new handsets. The initial order aimed to curb fraudulent connections and help track lost phones but faced significant backlash over privacy and 'bloatware' concerns. The government justified the reversal by citing a recent spike in voluntary downloads, with 6 lakh registrations in a single day, suggesting mandatory installation is no longer necessary. However, other directives regarding SIM security and financial fraud risk indicators for messaging platforms like WhatsApp remain in discussion under the new Telecom Cyber Security Rules.
- The Sanchar Saathi app is designed to help citizens track lost mobile phones and identify fraudulent connections.
- The DoT's initial mandate was criticized for potentially installing software without user consent, raising significant digital privacy issues.
- The government claims the app has already helped disconnect 1.5 crore fraudulent connections and trace 26 lakh lost phones.
The Union government clarified in the Lok Sabha that under Section 8(2) of the Census Act, 1948, respondents are legally bound to answer questions to the best of their knowledge. This includes questions regarding caste, as the upcoming Census 2027 will be the first in Independent India to enumerate caste. The next census will also be India's first digital census. The government is currently finalising the questionnaire. Additionally, the government addressed concerns regarding the overlap of the census timeline with school board exams, noting that primary school teachers are traditionally appointed as enumerators.
- Section 8(2) of the Census Act, 1948, makes it mandatory for citizens to provide information to census officers.
- Census 2027 will be the first digital census and the first to include a caste count since independence.
- The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner is responsible for the census process and finalising the questionnaire.
This analysis highlights the severe environmental degradation in India, specifically focusing on the Aravalli range and rising pollution levels. It criticizes recent legislative changes, such as the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act 2023 and the Draft EIA Notification 2020, for easing clearances for industrial projects at the cost of ecological health. The article notes high levels of uranium contamination in Delhi's groundwater and the weakening of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). It calls for a 'new deal for the environment' involving better coordination between the Centre and States through cooperative federalism and a whole-of-government approach to pollution.
- The Aravalli range is facing desertification and illegal mining due to relaxed government regulations and height limit exemptions.
- Recent amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules are seen as undermining environmental protection.
- Groundwater in Delhi and Punjab shows uranium contamination levels significantly above permissible limits for human consumption.
The Union Government has officially constituted the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) to review the salary structures, retirement benefits, and service conditions of Central government employees and defense personnel. Chaired by retired Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, the commission includes Professor Pulak Ghosh and Pankaj Jain IAS. The commission is mandated to submit its report within 18 months. Key considerations for the 8th CPC include fiscal prudence, developmental expenditure needs, and the impact of non-contributory pension schemes on the exchequer, with the pension bill for 2025-26 estimated at ₹2.76 lakh crore.
- The 8th CPC will examine salary structures for both civilian and defense personnel of the Central government.
- The commission must balance employee compensation with the government's fiscal health and developmental spending needs.
- Entry-level public sector posts often have higher salaries than private counterparts, while top positions lag behind, affecting talent retention.