India has an estimated 4 million to 90 million domestic workers, predominantly women from marginalized communities, who lack adequate legal protections. Despite a Supreme Court directive to enact comprehensive legislation, progress remains slow. The article advocates for a national law that ensures minimum wages, social security, and protection against harassment. While states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have made some strides through welfare boards and specific bills, implementation remains a challenge. The absence of a central framework leaves these workers vulnerable to exploitation by placement agencies and employers, atomizing them into unregulated workspaces.
- Domestic workers are often excluded from standard labor laws, making workplace inspections nearly impossible.
- The International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 189 (2011) aims to protect domestic workers, but India has yet to ratify it.
- Proposed legislation includes mandatory registration, written contracts, and contributions to a welfare fund.
This article critiques India's environmental monitoring systems, specifically Delhi’s Real-Time Air Pollution Network and Lucknow’s National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network. It argues that scientific weaknesses and misleading data 'moderate' hazardous levels, eroding public trust and undermining policy. The lack of independent audits and transparent processes allows agencies to divert focus from accountability. The author emphasizes that sound data is essential for meeting global commitments like the Paris Agreement and WHO standards. Furthermore, noise pollution is highlighted as a constitutional and public health issue rather than just a nuisance.
- Flawed monitoring data compromises the effectiveness of action plans for stubble burning and industrial emissions.
- Misleading Air Quality Index (AQI) reports often delay judicial and policy interventions.
- The Supreme Court recently recognized noise pollution as a constitutional issue under Articles 19 and 21.
The Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) of India’s report on Tamil Nadu’s finances for 2023-24 reveals mixed results. While the state successfully lowered its debt-to-GSDP ratio to 28%, meeting one of its three fiscal targets, other indicators showed decline. The revenue deficit increased by 0.15% of GSDP compared to the previous year, reaching ₹45,121 crore. Additionally, the Fiscal Deficit-to-GSDP ratio stood at 3.32%, which is higher than the 3% target set under the Tamil Nadu State Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act. The debt figure includes Off-Budget Borrowings (OBB).
- Tamil Nadu met the target of bringing the debt-GSDP ratio below 29.1%, achieving 28%.
- The revenue deficit rose to ₹45,121 crore, which is 71.5% higher than Medium Term Fiscal Plan projections.
- The state failed to meet the fiscal deficit target of 3% of GSDP by March 2025.
The Supreme Court has asked the Tamil Nadu government to wait for the outcome of a Presidential Reference regarding the scope of a Governor's authority to reserve state bills for the President's consideration. The case involves Governor R.N. Ravi's decision to reserve two bills—the Kalaignar University Bill and the TN Physical Education and Sports University (Amendment) Bill—after withholding assent. A five-judge Constitution Bench is examining whether Governors have the discretion to reserve bills that have been re-passed by the State Legislature, or if they are bound by the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.
- The Supreme Court is examining the Governor's constitutional remit under Article 200 and Article 201.
- A previous judgment set a three-month deadline for Governors and the President to act on bills sent for assent.
- The court had earlier granted 'deemed assent' to bills delayed by the Governor under Article 142.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the formation of a commission headed by retired Madras High Court judge K.N. Basha. The panel's mandate is to conduct widespread consultations with legal experts, social activists, and political organizations to recommend legislation against caste-based hate crimes and 'honour' killings. This move follows increasing concerns over social violence linked to caste identity in the state. The commission will provide recommendations that the government will consider for enacting a specific law to prevent such crimes and ensure social justice for marginalized communities.
- The commission is led by retired High Court Judge K.N. Basha to address systemic caste violence.
- It aims to address the specific issue of killings in the name of 'honour' and caste-based hate crimes.
- The panel will include legal experts, progressive thinkers, and eminent sociologists for a holistic approach.
The transition to GST and the end of the compensation period have significantly squeezed the fiscal space of Indian States. While GST was intended as a shared tax, States feel a loss of autonomy as the Centre dominates the GST Council. The article notes that actual tax devolution has consistently fallen short of Finance Commission recommendations due to the Centre's increasing reliance on cesses and surcharges, which are not shared with States. To restore fiscal balance, suggestions include restructuring GST slabs, merging the compensation cess with the regular tax, and empowering States to collect a share of personal income tax to reduce dependency.
- The 15th Finance Commission recommended 41% tax devolution, but actual transfers are lower due to non-divisible cesses.
- The end of the GST compensation period in June 2022 has created a major revenue gap for many Indian States.
- Vertical fiscal imbalance persists as the Centre collects the majority of taxes while States handle most developmental spending.
The article addresses revisionist arguments suggesting Sir Benegal Narsing Rau, the Constitutional Adviser, was the 'real architect' of the Indian Constitution. It clarifies that while Rau prepared the initial draft based on global models, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as Chairman of the Drafting Committee, transformed that raw material into a transformative social and legal covenant. Ambedkar's role was crucial in building consensus among sharply divided interests and infusing the document with a vision for social and economic equality. The article argues that diminishing Ambedkar's role erases the Dalit agency and the radical spirit he brought to the foundation of the Indian Republic.
- B.N. Rau prepared the initial draft of the Constitution with 243 articles and 13 schedules in October 1947.
- Ambedkar's task involved defending every clause and building consensus through the turbulence of Partition.
- Ambedkar famously stated that political democracy cannot last without social and economic democracy.
The Union Health Ministry clarified that Kerala will receive an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) only after March 2026, coinciding with the next phase of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). The current phase ends in March 2026. The Centre plans to set up an AIIMS in each state in phases. While the Kerala government has identified sites like Kinalur in Kozhikode, none have been officially approved yet. The disclosure suggests a decision is unlikely during the tenure of the current state government.
- AIIMS setup is part of the phased implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).
- The project is dependent on the Ministry of Finance granting in-principle approval for the next phase.
- The Kerala state government has set aside 150 acres in Kozhikode for the proposed institute.
Indian cities generate nearly two-thirds of the national GDP but control less than 1% of the country's tax revenue. The introduction of GST led to the loss of local taxes like octroi, making municipalities dependent on intergovernmental transfers. The article argues for 'fiscal democracy,' where cities have the right to levy taxes directly, similar to Scandinavian models. It suggests that municipal bonds and a share of GST compensation could restore cooperative federalism and ensure cities are seen as foundations of national prosperity rather than just cost centers.
- Municipalities lack fiscal autonomy and predictable revenue streams, leading to a 'peculiar inversion of democracy.'
- Over-centralization of taxation has weakened local governance and service delivery.
- Reforms should include empowering cities to earmark a portion of GST compensation for municipal borrowing.
Women's representation in India's higher judiciary remains low, with only 14% in High Courts and 3.1% in the Supreme Court. The article attributes this to the 'elitist' Collegium system and suggests an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) as a solution. AIJS, conducted by UPSC under Article 312, would ensure merit-based, transparent recruitment, similar to IAS/IPS. While the lower judiciary has better representation (38%) due to competitive exams, the higher judiciary needs structural reforms to ensure diversity and inclusivity, potentially overseen by the Supreme Court.
- The Collegium system is cited as a primary reason for gender disparity in higher courts.
- Article 312 of the Constitution empowers Parliament to create an All-India Judicial Service.
- Lower courts have higher women representation (38%) because they use competitive entrance exams.
India lacks a comprehensive single law defining refugees, leading to arbitrary actions and reliance on pre-independence laws like the Foreigners Act. While India is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Convention on Refugees, it hosts over 2.11 lakh refugees. The article argues for a consistent, rational, and fair treatment policy that distinguishes between refugees and infiltrators based on objective parameters. It criticizes the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, for religion-based exclusions and highlights the need for a formal policy document to streamline the legal framework for all refugee groups.
- India is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Convention on the Status of Refugees or the 1967 Protocol.
- Current legal treatment of foreign nationals relies on the Foreigners Act 1946 and the Passport Act 1967.
- The absence of a uniform policy leads to disparate treatment for different groups, such as Tibetans versus Sri Lankan Tamils.
The Supreme Court has directed all States and Union Territories to appoint nodal officers to handle cases of missing children. These officers' contact details must be published on the Mission Vatsalya portal, managed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The court observed that despite existing portals like TrackChild and Khoya-Paya, there is a lack of information sharing among stakeholders. The Bench emphasized the need for a coordinated network across districts and states to ensure prompt action on complaints and effective collection of information to trace missing children and investigate perpetrators.
- Nodal officers must be appointed in every State and UT to manage missing children cases.
- The Mission Vatsalya portal serves as the central platform for information sharing and coordination.
- The SC highlighted the failure of authorities to take timely action despite a surge in child abduction and trafficking.
The Supreme Court has extended the stay on the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) probe into money laundering cases involving the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). The court questioned whether the federal structure is being affected by the ED's intervention in cases where local police are already investigating. The Bench, led by CJI B.R. Gavai, highlighted concerns about the ED's conduct and the necessity of sharing information with state authorities under Section 66(2) of the PMLA. The case also touches upon the mandatory nature of providing the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) to the accused, following the Vijay Madanlal Choudhary ruling.
- The Supreme Court is examining if the ED is encroaching upon the state's authority to investigate local offences.
- Section 66(2) of the PMLA requires the ED to share information with state authorities for parallel investigations.
- The court previously ruled in the Vijay Madanlal Choudhary case regarding the status of the ECIR as an internal document.
Despite constitutional protections, caste-based violence against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) remains a critical issue in India. Recent NCRB data shows a rise in crimes against these communities, with over 57,000 cases registered against SCs in 2023. The article highlights systemic failures, including delayed investigations, low conviction rates, and societal bias within the judiciary and police. Over 60% of cases under the Atrocities Act remain pending in courts. A multi-pronged approach involving legal enforcement, political will, and social reform is necessary to dismantle caste hierarchies and ensure justice.
- NCRB 2023 report indicates a 0.4% increase in crimes against SCs and a 28.8% increase against STs.
- The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, faces severe implementation challenges.
- High pendency rates in courts (over 60%) hinder the delivery of justice for victims of caste violence.
Following the announcement of a demographic mission on August 15, 2025, experts argue for a broader scope beyond mere population control. A holistic mission should address the regional distribution of the population, migration patterns, and the challenges of an aging society (longevity). The current discourse often focuses on undocumented immigration, but there is a need to protect the rights of internal migrants and ensure their political representation. Furthermore, as life expectancy increases, the state must rethink social security provisions to support an aging but potentially productive population.
- A demographic mission should focus on human capability, including education, health, and livelihood.
- Internal migration requires policies that protect migrant identity and ensure voting rights at their place of residence.
- Increasing longevity necessitates a redefinition of aging and a rethink of social security for the elderly.
The Supreme Court of India, led by CJI B.R. Gavai, indicated it might revisit its earlier order imposing a ban on firecrackers in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). The court is considering allowing the use of 'green' fireworks certified by NEERI and PESO for the upcoming Deepavali festival. This follows a proposal from the Centre to lift the blanket ban and allow licensed traders to sell eco-friendly variants. The court will review the 2018 Arjun Gopal v. Union of India judgment, which previously prohibited online sales and restricted manufacturing to green crackers with reduced emissions.
- The Supreme Court is examining the possibility of allowing green crackers with reduced emissions and noise levels.
- The Centre has proposed specific time slots (8 PM to 10 PM) for bursting crackers during festivals.
- The 2018 Arjun Gopal judgment had declined a complete firecracker ban but restricted sales to licensed traders.
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for 2023 reveals significant shifts in India's crime landscape. While murder cases saw a 2.8% decrease, there was an alarming 28.8% surge in crimes against Scheduled Tribes (STs), largely attributed to ethnic violence in Manipur. Cybercrime also witnessed a sharp 31.2% increase, driven by greater internet penetration and digital financial transactions. Crimes against children rose by 9.2%, with 96% of offenders known to the victims. Although crimes against women showed a modest 0.4% increase, dowry-related crimes spiked by 14.9%, indicating persistent societal challenges.
- Crimes against Scheduled Tribes increased by 28.8%, with a massive jump in registered cases in Manipur.
- Cybercrime rose by 31.2%, necessitating more sophisticated policing and specialized digital crime cells.
- Murder cases across India decreased by 2.8%, providing some relief to law enforcement agencies.
The Election Commission (EC) has concluded a special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar and plans to expand the process nationwide. Central to this process are various statutory forms under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. Form 6 is used for new voter registration, while Form 6A is for overseas electors. Form 7 handles objections to inclusions, and Form 8 is used for shifting residence or correcting existing entries. The EC emphasizes that clean and accurate electoral rolls are paramount for the conduct of free and fair elections and a healthy democracy.
- Form 6 is the primary application for new voters who have attained 18 years of age.
- Form 8 is versatile, used for shifting within or outside a constituency and for correcting personal details.
- The Representation of the People Act, 1950, provides the legal basis for the preparation and revision of electoral rolls.
The Karnataka State Cabinet has approved the 'Karnataka Menstrual Leave Policy-2025,' which grants one day of paid leave per month to women employees. This landmark decision makes Karnataka the first state in India to cover both the government and private sectors under such a policy. While Bihar and Odisha provide menstrual leave for government employees, and Kerala has implemented it in universities, Karnataka's policy is the most inclusive to date. The move is aimed at supporting women's health and promoting a more gender-sensitive work environment across the state.
- The policy provides one day of paid leave every month for menstruating employees.
- It is applicable to all women working in government offices and private companies in Karnataka.
- The decision follows recommendations to improve workplace participation and health outcomes for women.
The Supreme Court has ruled that the age limits introduced by the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, cannot be applied retrospectively to couples who had already initiated the surrogacy process before the law's enactment. The Act stipulates that an intending woman must be aged 23-50 and the man 26-55. The Court held that applying these limits to couples with previously frozen embryos violates their reproductive autonomy. The ruling emphasizes that the law should not unfairly disqualify those who have already undergone medical procedures based on the legal framework existing at the time of initiation.
- The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, came into force on January 25, 2022.
- Reproductive choice is recognized as a fundamental right that cannot be restricted retrospectively.
- The exemption applies to cases where embryos were created and frozen before the commencement of the Act.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has ordered a joint audit of cough syrup manufacturers across India. This regulatory action follows the identification of three contaminated syrups—Coldrif, Respifresh, and Re-Life—containing diethylene glycol (DEG), which have been linked to child deaths. While these products were marketed domestically and not exported, the WHO has flagged a 'regulatory gap' in screening for DEG and ethylene glycol (EG) in India. The audit aims to identify manufacturers, stop production of unsafe medical products, and tighten domestic quality control standards in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Diethylene glycol (DEG) is a highly toxic contaminant that can cause kidney failure and death.
- The CDSCO is working with State governments to create a comprehensive list of all domestic cough syrup makers.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting Indian authorities in investigating the source of contamination.
A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, led by CJI B.R. Gavai, has ruled that judicial officers who had at least seven years of practice as advocates before joining the subordinate judiciary are eligible for appointment as District Judges. Interpreting Article 233 of the Constitution, the court held that a lawyer does not lose their status as a practitioner simply by joining judicial service. This decision aims to bring young talent into the higher district judiciary. The court also mandated a minimum age of 35 years for both advocates and judicial officers applying for these positions.
- Article 233(2) of the Constitution governs the eligibility for appointment as District Judges.
- The ruling clarifies that combined experience as an advocate and a judicial officer counts toward the seven-year requirement.
- A minimum age limit of 35 years is established to ensure maturity in the upper echelons of the district judiciary.
India is facing a severe mental health crisis, with the 2023 ADSI report recording 1,71,418 suicides. Despite the Mental Healthcare Act 2017 decriminalizing suicide and guaranteeing the right to care, significant gaps remain. The country has only 0.75 psychiatrists per 1,00,000 people, far below the WHO recommendation of 3. Experts call for increasing the mental health budget to 5% of total health expenditure and establishing a cross-ministerial task force. The economic impact of mental health issues in India is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030, necessitating urgent decentralization and community-based interventions.
- Suicide is the leading cause of death among Indian youth aged 15-29 years.
- The treatment gap for mental disorders in India is estimated between 70% and 92%.
- Tele-MANAS and Manodarpan are key government initiatives for digital mental health support and school-based counseling.
The Kerala government has introduced the Wild Life Protection (Kerala Amendment) Bill 2025, seeking to devolve powers from the Union to the State regarding wildlife management. The Bill aims to allow the State to declare Schedule II animals, such as wild boars, as 'vermin' to address severe human-wildlife conflict. It also empowers the Chief Wildlife Warden to order the killing or capture of animals that have injured humans. However, critics argue this move challenges federal structures as Wildlife is on the Concurrent List, and any state law repugnant to the Central Act requires Presidential assent.
- Wildlife is a subject under the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution.
- Section 62 of the Central Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 currently reserves the power to declare 'vermin' for the Union government.
- The amendment seeks to address a 'lived crisis' of human-wildlife conflict in Kerala's agricultural and forest buffer zones.