The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) has deferred its decision on water release to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, opting to wait until July 28 to reassess the situation. The meeting in New Delhi addressed a dry situation due to a weak monsoon in Karnataka's Cauvery catchment area. Karnataka argued it could not release the required quantum of water due to shortages and minimal inflow into reservoirs. Tamil Nadu, however, insisted on immediate water release as stipulated by the Supreme Court and the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal to support its farmers.
- The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee deferred its decision on water release to July 28.
- Karnataka cited weak monsoon and water shortages as reasons for not releasing water.
- Tamil Nadu demanded immediate water release as per Supreme Court and Tribunal directives.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to discuss a coordinated strategy to combat inter-State drug smuggling. Kerala sought Tamil Nadu's cooperation in establishing a mechanism among southern States to crack down on drug peddlers and narcotics. Chennithala briefed Vijay on Kerala's anti-narcotics drive, 'Operation Toofan,' which has led to over 6,000 arrests and 5,500 registered cases in 43 days. Both States agreed to share information and intelligence to curb cross-border drug trafficking.
- Kerala sought Tamil Nadu's cooperation to establish a coordinated mechanism against drug smuggling.
- The initiative aims to combat drug peddlers and narcotics across southern States.
- Kerala's 'Operation Toofan' anti-narcotics drive has resulted in significant arrests and case registrations.
The Kerala High Court has ordered the Kerala State Waqf Board to halt all major functions, including capital expenditure and policy decisions, without court permission. The court also mandated a stop to its judicial functions. This directive was issued because the board was not constituted in accordance with the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 2025, which requires the inclusion of two non-Muslim and one Shia member. The State government has indicated its readiness to reconstitute the board in compliance with the Act.
- Kerala High Court halted major functions of the Kerala State Waqf Board.
- The board's constitution was found to be non-compliant with the UMEED Act, 2025.
- The UMEED Act mandates the inclusion of two non-Muslim and one Shia member on the board.
The Election Commission (EC) has extended the deadline for the special intensive revision (SIR) of Delhi's electoral roll to August 8. This extension, a 10-day increase from the original July 29 deadline, was necessitated by the slow pace of digitisation of enumeration forms. While house-to-house verification began on June 30, only 14.35% of the forms for Delhi's 1.45 crore electors have been digitized. The draft roll will now be released on August 17, with the final roll published on October 19.
- The Election Commission extended the deadline for Delhi's electoral roll revision to August 8.
- The extension is due to slow digitisation of enumeration forms for the special intensive revision.
- House-to-house verification, which started on June 30, is now prolonged by 10 days.
The Delhi Cabinet has approved the Delhi (Right of Citizen to Time Bound and Ease of Delivery of Service) Bill, 2026, which aims to replace the 2011 Act. The proposed legislation introduces a fine of ₹250 per day, up to a maximum of ₹5,000, on officials for unjustified delays in service delivery. This penalty will be imposed only after the official has been given a full opportunity to explain. The Bill is intended to enhance accountability, transparency, and efficiency in public services, covering over 500 notified services.
- The Delhi Cabinet approved a new Bill to replace the 2011 Act on time-bound service delivery.
- The Bill proposes a daily fine of ₹250, up to ₹5,000, for officials delaying services without valid justification.
- The penalty will only be imposed after the concerned official is given a full opportunity to present an explanation.
The Union government has informed the Supreme Court that it has amended the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) of 2016 to include victims of acid ingestion. The new definition of 'acid attack victim' now covers individuals with internal injuries caused by the ingestion of acid or similar corrosive substances. This amendment has retrospective effect, allowing past victims to claim benefits under the 2016 Act. The move follows the Supreme Court's intervention, which had urged the Centre to expand the definition, noting that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) already penalizes both acid-throwing and administration.
- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) of 2016 has been amended to include victims of acid ingestion.
- The new definition of 'acid attack victim' covers internal injuries from ingesting corrosive substances.
- The amendment has retrospective effect, allowing past victims to claim benefits under the Act.
The Supreme Court questioned the CBSE's classification of English as a 'non-native language' within its three-language scheme, which mandates Class 9 students to study at least two 'native to India' languages. A Bench led by CJI Surya Kant asked if English, spoken for over 300 years and used for official communication in several states, could be considered an indigenous Indian language. Petitioners highlighted a severe human resource crunch and lack of books for implementing the scheme for 22 Scheduled languages. CBSE, in an affidavit, acknowledged resource challenges but suggested flexible staffing, including retired teachers and virtual teaching.
- The Supreme Court questioned CBSE's classification of English as a 'non-native language' in its three-language scheme.
- The three-language scheme requires Class 9 students to study at least two 'native to India' languages.
- Petitioners raised concerns about a human resource crunch and lack of teaching materials for 22 Scheduled languages.
The Supreme Court has refrained from restoring the status quo ante at the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex, citing a desire to avoid 'tension' in the 'very sensitive' issue. Instead, the court suggested that the Madhya Pradesh government identify an open space nearby for the Muslim community to offer Friday namaz as an ad hoc measure until the case is finally decided. The Bench also prohibited the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from making any structural alterations to the disputed structure without its prior permission. This follows a Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling that declared the complex a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.
- The Supreme Court declined to restore status quo ante at the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex to prevent tension.
- The court suggested a temporary prayer space for Muslims near the disputed site for Friday namaz.
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is prohibited from making structural alterations without the Supreme Court's permission.
Trial in absentia refers to a criminal trial conducted in the absence of the accused. Under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), it is permitted if a 'proclaimed offender' has absconded to evade trial and there is no immediate prospect of arrest. This provision allows the court to proceed with inquiry, trial, and judgment as if the accused were present. The BNSS introduces procedural safeguards, including issuance of consecutive warrants, public notices, and appointment of a defence lawyer, to ensure a fair trial, a significant departure from the more limited provisions of the previous CrPC.
- Trial in absentia is a criminal trial conducted in the absence of the accused.
- Section 356 of the BNSS allows for trial in absentia for 'proclaimed offenders' in cases of serious offences.
- The BNSS provision is a significant expansion compared to the limited scope under the previous CrPC.
The Karnataka High Court has adjourned the hearing until July 15 on a petition filed by Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar, challenging his suspension as chairperson of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC). Governor had suspended Mr. Sahukar following allegations that his daughter secured a reserved government job using a fake income certificate. Justice Suraj Govindaraj adjourned the hearing to ascertain the legal interpretation of the Governor's power under Article 317(2) of the Constitution to suspend a SPSC chairperson or member during an inquiry.
- The Karnataka High Court deferred the hearing on the suspension of the KPSC chairperson.
- Shivashankarappa S. Sahukar challenged the Governor's suspension order.
- The suspension followed allegations that his daughter obtained a government job with a fake income certificate.
Haryana has extended its special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by 10 days until July 24, following a request from the State Chief Electoral Officer. The extension was granted because over 1.5% of voters had not submitted their enumeration forms by the original July 14 deadline. Gurugram district recorded the highest number of pending submissions, with 8.3% of its registered voters yet to submit forms. The CEO noted that 'uncollectable' forms, indicating deceased, absent, or shifted voters, stood at over 33 lakh statewide.
- Haryana's special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has been extended by 10 days until July 24.
- The extension was necessary as over 1.5% of voters had not submitted their enumeration forms by the original deadline.
- Gurugram district has the highest percentage of pending submissions, at 8.3% of registered voters.
The West Bengal government and the State Backward Classes Commission have withdrawn their separate pleas from the Supreme Court challenging a Calcutta High Court judgment that struck down the inclusion of 77 castes, including 75 Muslim communities, from the State's Other Backward Class (OBC) list. The previous Trinamool Congress government had filed these pleas. The newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party government has since discontinued religion-based categorisation schemes and regularised 66 communities, restoring their eligibility for 7% reservation.
- The West Bengal government withdrew its plea in the Supreme Court against a Calcutta High Court verdict on OBC status.
- The High Court had struck down the inclusion of 77 castes, including 75 Muslim communities, from the State's OBC list.
- The Supreme Court clarified that its order would not prevent other aggrieved parties from pursuing an appeal.
The Supreme Court is considering framing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure continuous judicial accessibility for urgent cases affecting life and liberty, such as illegal detentions, imminent demolitions, and custodial violence. The petition, filed by advocate Maheravish Rein, highlighted that courts cannot afford to close when fundamental rights are at stake. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant suggested a response time of within an hour for urgent mentions. Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta proposed that the SOP be prepared on the administrative side of the Supreme Court.
- The Supreme Court is considering an SOP for urgent cases involving life and liberty to ensure continuous judicial accessibility.
- The petitioner highlighted that the absence of such a mechanism leads to irreversible consequences, especially with late-night arrests and demolitions.
- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant suggested a response time of within an hour for urgent mentions.
The article delves into the legal records surrounding the disappearance and death of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated alleged extra-judicial killings and disappearances in Punjab during the 1980s-90s. Khalra's work exposed the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies, linking them to police actions. His own abduction and murder, for which several police officers were convicted, became a landmark case. The 'Satluj row' refers to the ongoing legal and political debate surrounding these events, with demands for accountability and justice for victims' families, highlighting the complexities of human rights violations and the struggle for justice in India.
- Jaswant Singh Khalra was a human rights activist who investigated extra-judicial killings in Punjab.
- His work exposed the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies, allegedly by police.
- Khalra himself was abducted and murdered, leading to the conviction of several police officers.
India's Civil Registration System (CRS) has seen significant improvement, with a substantial increase in birth and death registrations, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. This progress is crucial for accurate demographic data, policy formulation, and service delivery. However, gaps remain, particularly in death registration and among specific social groups. The article highlights the benefits of a robust CRS, including better health planning, social security, and electoral rolls, while also pointing out challenges like incomplete coverage in some areas and the need for digital integration and public awareness campaigns to ensure universal and timely registration.
- India's Civil Registration System (CRS) has significantly improved, leading to higher birth and death registrations.
- Improved CRS data is vital for accurate demographic statistics, policy formulation, and service delivery.
- Gaps persist, particularly in death registration and among certain social groups and regions.
India faces an alarming road safety crisis, with a high number of accidents and fatalities annually. The article argues that while the government has introduced measures like the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, and various initiatives, a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach is still needed. It emphasizes the importance of parliamentary intervention to create a robust legal framework, improve road infrastructure, enhance enforcement, and promote public awareness. The current fragmented governance structure and lack of accountability contribute to the problem, necessitating a unified and proactive strategy to reduce road accidents and save lives.
- India has an alarming road safety crisis with a high number of accidents and fatalities.
- A comprehensive, multi-pronged approach involving legal, infrastructure, enforcement, and awareness measures is needed.
- Parliamentary intervention is crucial to establish a robust legal framework for road safety.
The article criticizes the recent appointments and dismissals within academic institutions, particularly the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), alleging a disregard for due process and academic integrity. It highlights instances where established norms for appointments, such as advertising vacancies and forming selection committees, were bypassed. The author argues that such actions undermine the autonomy and credibility of academic bodies, transforming them into extensions of political will rather than independent centers of research. This trend, if unchecked, threatens the foundational principles of academic freedom and institutional robustness, essential for a thriving democracy.
- The article criticizes the alleged disregard for due process in recent academic appointments and dismissals.
- It highlights instances of bypassing established norms for advertising vacancies and forming selection committees.
- Such actions are seen as undermining the autonomy and credibility of academic institutions.
Despite progress in gender equality, women globally still face significant wealth inequality, owning a disproportionately small share of global wealth. This disparity is rooted in historical and systemic factors, including lower earnings, limited access to financial resources, and unequal distribution of unpaid care work. The article highlights that wealth inequality is more pronounced than income inequality and impacts women's economic security, autonomy, and ability to invest. Policies must move beyond income-focused interventions to address wealth accumulation barriers, such as promoting financial literacy, property rights, and access to credit, to achieve true gender equality and inclusive growth.
- Gender wealth inequality is a pervasive global issue, with women owning a significantly smaller share of global wealth.
- This inequality is more pronounced than income inequality and is driven by historical and systemic factors.
- Factors contributing to wealth disparity include lower earnings, limited access to financial resources, and disproportionate unpaid care work.
Olympian and World Athletics Vice-President Adille Sumariwalla discusses the recent surge in national records in Indian athletics, attributing it to decentralised camps and increased competition. He expresses confidence in athletes peaking for the Asian Games despite the Commonwealth Games occurring in the same year. Sumariwalla also addresses the doping crisis, particularly among junior athletes, advocating for criminalisation of doping to deter parents and coaches. He criticises the Lodha Committee's view that only former athletes should be administrators, arguing that good administration requires education, vision, and work experience beyond just playing the sport.
- Decentralised training camps and increased competition are contributing to a surge in national athletics records.
- Adille Sumariwalla is confident that Indian athletes will peak for the Asian Games despite the dual event year.
- He advocates for the criminalisation of doping, especially among junior athletes, to deter parents and coaches involved.
Kerala, despite its rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge, is failing to leverage its bio-economy potential due to the decline of its premier biological research institutions. The article highlights that policy support for basic scientific research has eroded, and institutions like the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) are suffering from politicisation, vacancies, and ageing infrastructure. This shift towards projects with immediate outcomes neglects long-term fundamental research, which is crucial for transformative discoveries in biotechnology, medicine, and climate-resilient agriculture. Reversing this trend requires renewed commitment to basic science, merit-based leadership, and stronger partnerships.
- Kerala's premier biological research institutions are declining due to eroded policy support for basic science and politicisation.
- The focus on short-term, visible outcomes neglects long-term fundamental research critical for bio-economy growth.
- Institutions like JNTBGRI face challenges such as vacancies, ageing infrastructure, and loss of technical expertise.
The article discusses the debate surrounding the District Development Councils (DDCs) in Jammu and Kashmir, formed in 2021. While supporters view them as a step towards grassroots democracy, critics argue they have impeded democratic decentralisation. DDCs were established via executive order, bypassing the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments' framework for elected rural and urban bodies. Critics contend that DDCs function as a parallel administrative authority, blurring lines of power and creating an imbalance in representation, thus centralising bureaucratic control rather than empowering local self-governance. The article calls for restoring the DPC model for genuine decentralisation.
- DDCs in J&K were established by executive order, bypassing the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments.
- Supporters view DDCs as promoting grassroots democracy, while critics argue they centralise control and impede decentralisation.
- DDCs function as parallel administrative authorities, potentially weakening existing local bodies and blurring lines of power.
The article discusses the significant backlog of cases in Indian courts, with five crore people awaiting justice, exacerbated by long court vacations. It highlights that the Supreme Court and High Courts have substantial breaks, leading to delays in justice delivery. Despite calls for reducing vacations and increasing working days, the judiciary has resisted, citing the need for judges' rest and time for judgment writing. This situation disproportionately affects undertrials and those seeking timely resolution, undermining public trust in the justice system. The article suggests that a balance between judges' well-being and public interest is crucial for judicial reforms.
- Five crore people are awaiting justice in Indian courts, contributing to a significant backlog of cases.
- Long court vacations in the Supreme Court and High Courts exacerbate delays in justice delivery.
- The judiciary has resisted calls to reduce vacations, citing the need for judges' rest and time for judgment writing.
The film 'Satluj' (originally 'Punjab '95'), based on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, was removed from ZEE5 two days after its premiere, reportedly on government orders. The film depicts Khalra's work documenting alleged extrajudicial killings and illegal cremations in Punjab during the 1980s-90s. The removal, following years of delays and 127 cuts demanded by the CBFC for a theatrical release, raises concerns about post-publication executive control under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000. Legal experts highlight that blocking orders must follow prescribed procedures and safeguards, including reasoned written orders and opportunities for the publisher to be heard, and that confidentiality provisions in the Blocking Rules undermine transparency and legal challenge.
- The film 'Satluj', depicting the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, was removed from ZEE5 reportedly on government orders.
- The film addresses alleged extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in Punjab during the 1980s-90s.
- The removal raises concerns about government's use of Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, for post-publication censorship on OTT platforms.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has again directed States and Central Ministries to strictly comply with its directive that the National Song Vande Mataram be played before the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana at official events. A July 9 letter from Joint Secretary Arvind Khare emphasized that the correct script, text, and diction/pronunciation must be followed. An earlier February 6 instruction advised that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram, lasting around 3.10 minutes, be sung or played. The government is also moving to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, to make insult or obstruction to Vande Mataram a punishable offense, with a Bill expected in the Monsoon Session.
- The MHA has re-emphasized that Vande Mataram must be played before Jana Gana Mana at official events.
- Strict adherence to the correct script, text, and pronunciation of both the National Song and National Anthem is mandated.
- An earlier directive specified that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram should be sung or played.