The Supreme Court, in Re: Right to Privacy of Adolescents (May 2025), revisited its stance on the POCSO Act, prioritizing the voice of a young person. Using Article 142, the Court avoided sentencing in a case involving a 14-year-old and a 25-year-old, acknowledging systemic failures and the trauma caused by the legal process itself. The article argues that the POCSO Act's blanket assumption that all adolescent sexual acts are inherently exploitative needs revision, especially for consensual relationships involving older adolescents. It calls for structural reform beyond case-by-case exceptions, advocating for comprehensive sexuality education, life-skills training, and addressing root causes of underage elopements and power imbalances.
- The Supreme Court, in a landmark judgment, used Article 142 to avoid sentencing in a POCSO case, acknowledging systemic failures and the victim's trauma from the legal process.
- The judgment highlights the urgent need to re-examine the POCSO Act's blanket criminalization of all adolescent relationships, particularly consensual ones.
- Empirical studies indicate that adolescent relationships, especially involving those above 16 years, are common and often consensual, with many victims refusing to testify against the accused.
The Union government approved the transfers and appointments of Chief Justices and judges across several High Courts, following recommendations by the Supreme Court Collegium. Key appointments include Justice K.R. Shriram as Chief Justice of Madras High Court (transferred from Rajasthan) and Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava as Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court (transferred from Madras). New Chief Justices were also appointed for Jharkhand, Tripura, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gauhati, and Patna High Courts. These decisions were made by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, exercising powers conferred by the Constitution.
- The Union government approved transfers and appointments of Chief Justices and judges for various High Courts.
- These decisions were based on recommendations from the Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai.
- Notable transfers include Chief Justice K.R. Shriram to Madras HC and Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava to Rajasthan HC.
The Supreme Court indicated to the Centre that it may not be able to prevent Kerala from withdrawing its petitions against the Governor's delay in clearing crucial Bills. Kerala's counsel argued that an April 8 judgment, which prescribed a three-month deadline for the President and Governors to act on State Bills, has made their pleas infructuous. The Centre, however, opposed the withdrawal, stating that the April 8 judgment is subject to a pending Presidential Reference, which a Constitution Bench should hear to authoritatively settle the law on the apex court's power to impose timelines under Article 142.
- The Supreme Court suggested Kerala is entitled to withdraw its petitions against the Governor for delaying Bills.
- Kerala cited an April 8 judgment setting a three-month deadline for Governors and President to act on State Bills.
- The Centre opposed withdrawal, arguing the April 8 judgment is under Presidential Reference to a Constitution Bench.
The Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development Rashtriya Sarvekshan (PARAKH RS), formerly National Achievement Survey (NAS), revealed significant learning deficits across India. Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Chandigarh are top performers. The survey assessed over 21 million children in Grades 3, 6, and 9 in subjects like language, mathematics, science, and social science. Key findings include low performance in mathematics for Kendriya Vidyalayas in Class 3 and government-aided schools in Class 6. Overall, only 55% of Class 3 students could arrange numbers, 38% of Class 6 students could solve puzzles, and 45% of Class 9 students could explain the Constitution, highlighting widespread conceptual gaps.
- The PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan (formerly NAS) survey identified significant learning deficits across various grades and subjects in Indian schools.
- Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Chandigarh were identified as the top-performing states/UTs in school education.
- Specific deficits include only 55% of Class 3 students being able to arrange numbers up to 99, and only 38% of Class 6 students capable of solving puzzles involving whole numbers.
Andhra Pradesh's ₹81,900 crore Polavaram Banakacherla Link Project, aiming to transfer Godavari water to Rayalaseema, is in limbo due to multiple challenges. Telangana alleges it violates the A.P. State Reorganisation Act, 2014. An expert committee denied clearance, citing the need to examine the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal award and consult the CWC. The project is energy-intensive, requiring 3,377 MW, and has a significant environmental footprint, including a 19.5-km tunnel through the Nallamala forest. Its hybrid annuity funding model places clearance responsibility on contractors, and the assumption of surplus Godavari floodwaters remains unverified, raising legal and financial uncertainties.
- The Polavaram Banakacherla Link Project, costing ₹81,900 crore, aims to transfer Godavari river water to the drought-prone Rayalaseema region in Andhra Pradesh.
- Telangana opposes the project, arguing it violates the A.P. State Reorganisation Act, 2014, and an expert committee denied initial clearance.
- The project is highly energy-intensive, requiring 3,377 MW of power, and poses significant environmental concerns, including cutting through the Nallamala forest.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar by the Election Commission of India (ECI) faces legal challenges, with allegations of disenfranchisement. While Article 326 of the Constitution outlines adult suffrage based on citizenship and age, and the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1950, specifies registration conditions, the SIR is deemed non-compliant. The ECI's chosen qualifying date (July 1, 2025) lacks legal sanction, as per RPA, it should be January 1, 2025. Furthermore, a special intensive revision for an entire state is not permitted, only for a constituency or part. The Supreme Court has clarified that ECI's "reservoir of power" under Article 324 is not unfettered and must conform to existing laws and natural justice, meaning electoral officers cannot summarily reject applications based on document deficiencies.
- The ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar is legally challenged for not conforming to the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1950.
- The qualifying date of July 1, 2025, specified by the ECI for the revision, lacks legal sanction, as the RPA mandates January 1, 2025.
- The ECI's power to order a special intensive revision is limited to a constituency or part thereof, not an entire state.
Bihar's ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, termed 'votebandi', is a complete reconstruction requiring extensive document submission from 50 million voters. This process is compared to demonetisation and Assam's NRC, raising fears of mass disenfranchisement. The ECI demands documents like birth certificates and land records, rejecting common IDs like Aadhaar and voter cards. High out-migration from Bihar further complicates matters for migrants proving residency. Critics warn this could create a permanent category of "second-grade" citizens and fundamentally disrupt India's electoral democracy. The ECI's plan to replicate this template in other states like Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal raises national concerns.
- Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a complete reconstruction of electoral rolls, termed 'votebandi', subjecting 50 million voters to a harsh eligibility test.
- The ECI demands specific documents like birth certificates and land records, while rejecting commonly available IDs such as Aadhaar and existing voter cards.
- The process disproportionately affects migrant workers and marginalized communities, who struggle to provide the required documents or prove 'ordinary residence'.
The Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar is raising significant concerns. While presented as a routine update, it mandates new documentary proof for nearly 60% of the electorate, including birth certificates and land deeds, which are difficult to obtain. Critics argue this process risks disenfranchising millions, particularly the poor, Muslims, and migrant workers, and is akin to a de facto National Register of Citizens (NRC) without legislative backing. The ECI's refusal to accept its own voter ID cards as proof of eligibility further erodes institutional credibility, and the process is being challenged in the Supreme Court for violating fundamental rights.
- The ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar requires new documentary proof for a large portion of the electorate, including birth certificates and land deeds.
- This process is criticized for potentially disenfranchising millions, especially marginalized communities like the poor, Muslims, and migrant workers.
- The ECI's own voter ID cards are not accepted as sufficient proof of eligibility, raising questions about institutional credibility.
The Union Cabinet approved a ₹1-lakh crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) scheme to boost private sector investment in basic research. A special purpose fund within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) will provide low-interest loans, with ANRF expected to source 70% of its budget from private sources. However, the scheme is criticized for its conservatism, as it only funds Technology Readiness Level-4 (TRL-4) projects, neglecting basic research (TRL-1). The article argues that advanced countries developed due to military-industrial complexes supporting risky R&D, and highlights India's brain drain and lack of a skilled manufacturing sector as persistent issues.
- The Union Cabinet approved a ₹1-lakh crore RDI scheme to incentivize private sector investment in basic research.
- The scheme will operate through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which will provide low-interest loans and is expected to get 70% of its budget from private sources.
- A major criticism is the scheme's focus on Technology Readiness Level-4 (TRL-4) projects, which are already halfway developed, rather than supporting fundamental research.
The Bihar Cabinet has made domicile mandatory for women to avail the 35% reservation in State government jobs. This decision, chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, reverses the previous policy where women from outside Bihar could also benefit. Now, only women belonging to Bihar will be eligible for the quota, while others will be treated as general category candidates. The Cabinet also approved the constitution of the "Bihar Youth Commission" to foster self-reliance, skills, and employment among the state's youth, aiming to improve their status and coordinate better education and job opportunities.
- Bihar Cabinet has mandated domicile for women to access the 35% reservation in State government jobs.
- The new policy restricts the reservation benefit exclusively to women belonging to Bihar, treating women from other states as general category candidates.
- The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
The Election Commission of India (EC) has initiated a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral rolls ahead of the Legislative Assembly elections, aiming to address large-scale additions and deletions due to urbanization and migration over the past two decades. This SIR requires every elector to submit an enumeration form, a departure from the previous house-to-house verification. Contentions arise regarding the mammoth task of collecting forms from eight crore voters, the requirement for additional documents beyond Aadhaar for establishing date and place of birth, and the potential exclusion of migrant workers. While proponents argue for accuracy and technology's role, critics highlight the challenges for the underprivileged and migrants, advocating for their inclusion and considering remote voting facilities.
- The Election Commission of India has launched a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral rolls to ensure accuracy amidst rapid urbanization and migration.
- Unlike previous revisions, the current SIR mandates every elector to submit an enumeration form, with additional documents required for those registered after January 2003.
- A key contention is the exclusion of Aadhaar as a standalone proof of date of birth or citizenship, requiring other documents which may pose challenges for the underprivileged.
India's cautious response to the Israel-Iran conflict, including calls for restraint and de-escalation, reflects its strategic autonomy and commitment to national interests. Under PM Modi's leadership, India has provided humanitarian aid, voted for a Gaza ceasefire at the UNGA, and evacuated citizens from conflict zones. The article argues that India's "strategic silence" is a sign of growing stature, allowing it to engage with all sides and assert its interests deliberately, especially in West Asia where it has significant economic and defense ties. India's foreign policy prioritizes its growth story, security, and value system, navigating a complex geopolitical landscape where some nations re-hyphenate India-Pakistan relations or engage with unelected military regimes for strategic access. India advocates for a stable West Asia through arms control and regional cooperation.
- India's diplomatic approach is characterized by strategic autonomy and a measured response to global conflicts like the Israel-Iran tensions.
- The government prioritizes national interests, providing humanitarian aid, advocating for peace, and evacuating citizens from conflict zones.
- India's growing credibility allows it to engage with all parties in volatile regions like West Asia, where it has significant economic and defense ties.
The Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 (National Sports Policy), passed by the Union Cabinet on July 1, 2025, is a significant milestone aimed at transforming sports in India and building a 'Viksit Bharat'. The policy, particularly for football, adopts a five-pillar approach focusing on sports excellence, social development, economic development, people's movement (community sports), and sports in education. India has expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics, indicating its ambition to become a world leader in sports. The policy also addresses the inclusion of Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) talent in national teams, acknowledging the need to strategize within Indian citizenship law and FIFA regulations. Grass-root level development, facilitated by the FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) programme, is making football accessible to children from a young age.
- The Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 (National Sports Policy) aims to transform Indian sports and position India as a global leader, with a focus on football.
- The policy employs a five-pillar approach covering sports excellence, social and economic development, community engagement, and sports in education.
- India's interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics signifies its growing ambition in the international sporting arena.
The Fifth Tamil Nadu Police Commission, led by former Madras High Court Judge C.T. Selvam, has urged stringent disciplinary action against police personnel for abuse of authority, including verbal abuse, non-registration of genuine cases, false implication, and biased investigations. The report emphasizes immediate action on custodial deaths, recommending prompt CB-CID investigation for prima facie violence and strict adherence to Supreme Court guidelines from Arnesh Kumar vs. State of Bihar to reduce avoidable arrests. It also suggests training, counselling, and rehabilitation efforts for police to improve public trust and address issues like alcohol addiction, aiming for a more accessible and friendlier police force.
- The Fifth Tamil Nadu Police Commission recommends stringent disciplinary action against police abuse of authority and wrongful handling of suspects.
- Immediate action, including CB-CID investigation, is advised for all custodial death cases, especially if prima facie violence is evident.
- The report stresses strict implementation of Supreme Court guidelines from Arnesh Kumar vs. State of Bihar to reduce unnecessary arrests.
The Union Cabinet approved the Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme with an outlay of ₹99,446 crore, aiming to create over 3.5 crore jobs. The scheme, implemented by EPFO, offers incentives like first installment payment of ₹15,000 and a savings instrument deposit for new employees. While the RSS-backed Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) welcomed it, other trade unions and industry experts raised concerns about EPFO's role as a custodian of employee savings, potential misuse by employers, and the scheme's effectiveness in addressing economic slowdown or improving workers' purchasing power.
- The ELI scheme aims to create over 3.5 crore jobs with a significant outlay.
- It provides incentives like direct payments and savings deposits for new employees.
- Trade unions express concerns about EPFO's role and potential misuse of funds.
Maharashtra's proposal to make Hindi the third language in primary education (Grade 1 to 5) has ignited a significant debate. The government's move, aimed at aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, faces strong opposition from linguistic groups and political parties, including the MNS, who fear it undermines Marathi's prominence. Supporters argue it promotes national integration, while critics raise concerns about implementation challenges and potential imposition of Hindi.
- Maharashtra government proposes Hindi as the third language in primary education.
- The move is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- The proposal faces strong opposition from linguistic groups and political parties.
The Tribal Affairs Ministry has refuted claims that the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 has led to negative changes in forest cover, as suggested by the State of Forest Report (2022). The Ministry asserts that the FRA is crucial for securing individual and community forest rights, improving forest governance, and promoting sustainable management. It highlights that the Act acknowledges pre-existing rights and empowers local communities, contributing positively to both human well-being and ecological balance.
- The Tribal Affairs Ministry defends the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 against claims of forest damage.
- The Ministry emphasizes FRA's role in securing rights and improving forest management.
- It argues that the Act contributes to both ecological balance and community empowerment.
The Supreme Court has amended its staff recruitment rules to introduce reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in direct staff recruitments. This reform, led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, extends the benefit of reservation beyond non-judicial staff jobs to physically challenged, ex-servicemen, and dependents of freedom fighters. The decision aligns with previous judgments like the Indra Sawhney case and the R.K. Sabharwal case, aiming for equitable distribution of jobs.
- Supreme Court amends staff recruitment rules to include reservation for OBCs, SCs, and STs.
- Reservation now applies to direct staff recruitments, not just non-judicial jobs.
- The reform extends benefits to physically challenged, ex-servicemen, and dependents of freedom fighters.
The Kerala High Court's Division Bench, comprising Justices A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and P.M. Manoj, has requested a report from the State government regarding the utilization of ₹120 crore in Central funds allocated for the rehabilitation of people affected by the Wayanad landslides in 2024. This directive came after amicus curiae Ranjith Thampan suggested the report. The court also granted the Centre two more weeks to decide on waiving loans for landslide-affected people. The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is developing a comprehensive disaster management plan (DMP) for its agencies to mitigate natural disasters.
- Kerala High Court sought a report on the utilization of ₹120 crore Central funds for Wayanad landslide rehabilitation.
- The Centre has been given two more weeks to decide on loan waivers for landslide victims.
- The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is developing a disaster management plan.
The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, has recommended the appointment of 39 individuals as judges across nine High Courts. These recommendations, made on July 1 and 2, follow intensive interactions with candidates from both judicial officers and practising advocates. This development addresses a persistent crisis of judicial vacancies and rising case pendency. As of July 1, High Courts had 371 vacancies against a sanctioned strength of 1,122, with a current working strength of 751 judges. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court also permitted High Courts to appoint retired judges as ad hoc judges under Article 224A to alleviate the backlog.
- The Supreme Court Collegium recommended 39 new judges for nine High Courts.
- The recommendations aim to address the significant judicial vacancies and case pendency.
- High Courts currently face a substantial number of vacancies compared to their sanctioned strength.
The Supreme Court recently reaffirmed the inclusion of "secular" and "socialist" in the Constitution's Preamble, words added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976. This legal reaffirmation comes amidst a "deliberate political strategy" by the RSS-BJP establishment to delegitimize India's modern, plural, democratic republic and usher in a communal, hierarchical order. RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar have called for the removal of these terms, arguing they are alien to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision. The article emphasizes the need to resist these attacks through public awareness, legal challenges, and democratic struggle to defend the Constitution's foundational values.
- The Supreme Court upheld the inclusion of "secular" and "socialist" in the Preamble of the Constitution.
- These terms were added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, during the Emergency.
- The article alleges a "deliberate political strategy" by the RSS-BJP to dismantle the secular and socialist character of the Indian Republic.
The article discusses the need for structural reforms in India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, prompted by the lowest tax collections in some time, with June 2025 collections at ₹1.85 lakh crore, showing the slowest growth rate in four years. It highlights inefficiencies and calls for the inclusion of fuel and alcohol under GST, despite State resistance. The author argues that the Centre should increase States' share in central taxes and stop relying on non-shareable cesses. A key reform suggested is reducing the number of GST rates and, importantly, removing the GST Compensation Cess, which was extended until March 2026 to repay loans but is no longer needed for its original purpose.
- GST collections in June 2025 were the lowest in four months, indicating a dip in economic activity and system inefficiencies.
- Structural reforms are needed, including bringing fuel and alcohol under GST, despite State resistance.
- The Centre should increase States' share in central taxes and reduce reliance on non-shareable cesses.
K.M. Khader Mohideen, a leader of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and former editor of Manisudar, has been selected for the Thagaisal Thamizhar Award by the Tamil Nadu government. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will present the award during the Independence Day celebrations in Chennai. Instituted in 2021, the award honors eminent personalities who have significantly contributed to the welfare of Tamil Nadu and the development of the Tamil community. Mohideen is recognized for his deep understanding of Indian politics and efforts towards communal harmony, having had a long association with former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.
- K.M. Khader Mohideen, IUML leader, is the recipient of the Thagaisal Thamizhar Award.
- The award is presented by the Tamil Nadu government during Independence Day celebrations.
- The Thagaisal Thamizhar Award was instituted in 2021 to honor contributions to Tamil Nadu's welfare.
The article discusses the Supreme Court's clarification on legislative powers in the context of the Nandini Sundar and Ors. versus State of Chhattisgarh case (July 5, 2011). While the SC had ordered Chhattisgarh to cease using Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Maoist activities, the State subsequently enacted the Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Forces Act, 2011. A contempt petition was filed, but the SC rejected it, affirming that a State legislature has plenary powers to pass laws, even to remove the basis of a judgment, as long as the Act is not ultra vires the Constitution. The Court emphasized the doctrine of separation of powers, stating that a law can only be struck down on grounds of legislative competence or constitutional validity, not as an act of contempt.
- The Supreme Court clarified that a State legislature has plenary powers to pass laws, even if they address issues previously subject to judicial orders.
- The Court rejected a contempt petition against Chhattisgarh's Act, emphasizing that a law cannot be deemed contempt unless it violates the Constitution.
- The doctrine of separation of powers dictates that legislatures can pass laws, and courts can only strike them down based on constitutional validity or legislative competence.