The article discusses the proposed GST reforms, which aim to move to a two-tier structure (5% and 18%) and lower the average tax rate. Manoj Mishra estimates an initial revenue hit of ₹60,000-₹1,00,000 crore per year, but expects it to be offset by increased compliance and demand. Pratik Jain notes that the 18% slab, which accounts for 70% of GST revenues, remains unchanged. The core debate revolves around whether States should be compensated for revenue loss, especially since the compensation guarantee for five years ended. States like Maharashtra and Karnataka, being manufacturing and service-heavy, are more affected by rate cuts than agriculture-dependent States.
- Proposed GST reforms aim for a two-tier structure (5% and 18%) and an overall lower average tax rate.
- Initial revenue loss from these cuts is estimated at ₹60,000-₹1,00,000 crore annually, expected to be recouped through increased compliance and demand.
- The 18% GST slab, contributing 70% of revenues, is largely unaffected by the proposed changes.
The Registrar-General and Census Commissioner (RG & CCI) will conduct a pre-test for the Population Census 2027 in October and November. This exercise aims to evaluate proposed questions, data collection methodologies, training effectiveness, logistics, and data quality. It will be the first digital Census and the first to enumerate caste in independent India. A mobile app will be used for data collection. The 2021 Census was delayed due to COVID-19 and will now be completed in 2027. The pre-test will cover the first phase (houselisting) but not the second (population enumeration with caste tabulation).
- A pre-test for the Population Census 2027 will occur in October and November to evaluate various aspects of the upcoming exercise.
- The upcoming Census 2027 will mark India's first digital Census and the first time caste will be enumerated since independence.
- A mobile application will be utilized for data collection for the first time in the Census process.
The article discusses recent controversies surrounding the Election Commission of India (ECI), including allegations of voter list manipulation and its conduct of a "special intensive revision" in Bihar. It criticizes the ECI's defensive posture and ultimatum to the Leader of Opposition, emphasizing that as a constitutional body, the ECI is obligated to investigate serious complaints. While Article 324 grants the ECI extensive powers for free and fair elections, these powers must be exercised strictly within the constitutional and legal frameworks, as highlighted by concerns over the Bihar revision violating legal provisions and the Supreme Court's intervention.
- The ECI's recent handling of voter list manipulation allegations and the Bihar electoral roll revision has raised questions about its impartiality and adherence to legal procedures.
- As a constitutional body, the ECI has a fundamental obligation to thoroughly examine and address serious complaints regarding electoral irregularities.
- Article 324 of the Constitution grants the ECI vast powers for the superintendence, direction, and control of elections, ensuring their freeness and fairness.
The article critiques the Supreme Court's call for government regulation of social media speech, warning that it risks empowering an executive already prone to curbing free expression. It argues that expanding state powers to police speech can stifle democratic discourse, suppress artistic and political expression, and lead to partisan monitoring. The author points to existing problematic regulations like the IT Rules, 2021, and asserts that the judiciary's core role is to safeguard constitutional rights, not to act as an unchallenged authority that grants the state unchecked power.
- The Supreme Court's suggestion for social media speech regulation is criticized for potentially enhancing executive control over freedom of expression.
- Expanding state authority to police speech risks suppressing democratic discourse, art, and political dissent, fostering a climate of self-censorship.
- Existing regulations, such as the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, are cited as examples of problematic state control over online content.
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, is examining whether the judiciary can review a Governor's inaction on State Bills under Article 200, drawing parallels with the judicial review of President's Rule under Article 356. This Presidential Reference was prompted by a Tamil Nadu petition against its Governor for delaying assent to Bills since 2020, following a previous judgment that set three-month deadlines. The Centre and several states argue that the Governor's functions under Article 200 are legislative and should not be subject to judicial limitations.
- The Supreme Court is deliberating on the judiciary's power to review a Governor's delay in assenting to State Bills under Article 200.
- Chief Justice B.R. Gavai highlighted the inconsistency of reviewing Article 356 discretion but not Article 200 discretion.
- The Presidential Reference was triggered by a petition from Tamil Nadu regarding its Governor's prolonged inaction on Bills since 2020.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, recently passed by Parliament, aims to ban all forms of Real Money Games (RMGs) and their advertisements, while promoting e-sports and social gaming. The Act defines online money games broadly, encompassing skill-based games like Poker and Rummy if played for stakes. This move is driven by concerns over financial fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and addiction linked to RMGs, with government data suggesting significant user losses and suicides. Critics argue the Act's failure to distinguish between games of skill and chance violates Article 19(1)(g) (Right to Trade and Occupation) and may face constitutional challenges, especially given that state governments already regulate betting and gambling.
- The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, seeks to ban Real Money Games (RMGs) and their advertisements while promoting e-sports and social gaming.
- The Act broadly defines online money games to include skill-based games played for stakes, raising concerns for the industry.
- The government's rationale for the ban includes preventing financial fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and addressing addiction and associated suicides.
The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, has recommended the elevation of Chief Justices Alok Aradhe of the Bombay High Court and Vipul Manubhai Pancholi of the Patna High Court to the Supreme Court. Justice Aradhe, born in April 1964, has a long judicial career, including appointments as Additional Judge of Madhya Pradesh, Permanent Judge, and Chief Justice of Telangana and Bombay High Courts. Justice Pancholi, born in May 1968, was confirmed as a Permanent Judge of the Gujarat High Court and later became Chief Justice of the Patna High Court. These recommendations aim to fill vacancies in the top court.
- The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the elevation of two High Court Chief Justices to the Supreme Court.
- Justices Alok Aradhe (Bombay High Court) and Vipul Manubhai Pancholi (Patna High Court) are the recommended individuals.
- Justice Aradhe has served as Chief Justice of Telangana and Bombay High Courts.
The article argues that India's constitutional courts have become "parallel legislators" due to Parliament's systematic abdication of precise law-making, leading to frequent challenges to legislation. The authors, Samrat Pasriccha and Rohini Narayanan, highlight that laws are often introduced without adequate notice, bypass committees, and are rushed through with minimal scrutiny, resulting in vague definitions, incoherent clauses, and contradictions with existing laws or the Constitution. This flawed process leads to litigation, harming economic prosperity, social harmony, and democratic values. They propose that the Attorney-General for India (AG) should play a more active role in pre-legislative scrutiny, leveraging Article 88 of the Constitution, to guide lawmakers and prevent legislation from becoming litigation.
- India's constitutional courts are increasingly acting as "parallel legislators" due to Parliament's inadequate law-making process.
- Legislation is often rushed, lacks proper stakeholder consultation, bypasses parliamentary committees, and contains flaws like vague definitions and contradictions.
- This leads to frequent litigation, burdening courts and negatively impacting economic prosperity, social harmony, and democratic values.
The article critically examines Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, arguing that it replaces the draconian sedition law with an even worse provision, being "weaponised with impunity" against journalists. Former Supreme Court Judge Madan B. Lokur highlights that the new section, which penalizes acts endangering India's sovereignty, unity, and integrity, is vaguely worded and can be easily misinterpreted to stifle free speech. He points out the "freezing effect" on journalists, the financial burden of frivolous complaints, and the Assam police's alleged harassment of journalists Karan Thapar and Siddharth Varadarajan under this section. The author questions the constitutionality of Section 152 and the police's disregard for legal mandates, such as providing a copy of the FIR.
- Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, is criticized for being a more severe replacement for the repealed sedition law, potentially stifling free speech.
- The article argues that the vague wording of Section 152 allows for its "weaponisation" against journalists, leading to harassment and financial inconvenience.
- The author highlights the "freezing effect" on critical reporting, where any perceived misinterpretation could lead to charges of undermining national security.
The Supreme Court on Monday urged the Union government to frame guidelines for regulating social media conduct, including online shows, after observing that social media influencers commercialize free speech and their comments can hurt sentiments in a diverse society. A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi highlighted the need for effective consequences for violations and a clear distinction between free speech, commercial speech, and prohibited speech. The court was hearing a case against comedians for insensitive jokes about persons with disabilities, emphasizing that such acts "completely smashed" the constitutional objective of bringing disabled persons into the mainstream. The Attorney-General suggested sensitisation of social media users as a primary objective.
- The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to formulate guidelines for regulating social media conduct, including online shows and podcasts.
- Justices emphasized that commercialized free speech by influencers has the potential to hurt sentiments in India's diverse society, especially concerning disabled persons.
- The court highlighted the need for clear distinctions between free speech, commercial speech, and prohibited speech, noting an overlap between commercial and prohibited speech.
India's tobacco control measures, particularly the COTPA 2003, are deemed inadequate and poorly implemented, especially concerning smokeless tobacco (SLT). SLT, being cheaper and less stigmatized, is widely consumed and highly carcinogenic. The article highlights gaps such as weak regulation of SLT, unchecked surrogate advertising, and insufficient fiscal measures, with low taxation on bidis, cigarettes, and SLT making them affordable. It also points out the lack of effective evaluation for warning signs and the need for a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy involving stronger policies, research, oversight, and collaboration to curb tobacco use and industry interference.
- India's existing tobacco control laws, particularly COTPA 2003, are insufficient and poorly enforced, especially for smokeless tobacco (SLT).
- SLT is more commonly consumed, highly addictive, and carcinogenic, yet it faces weak regulation, inadequate taxation, and pervasive surrogate advertising.
- Low taxation on tobacco products, combined with rising incomes, has made them more affordable, undermining public health efforts.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin accused the Centre of denying States their due share of financial devolution and undermining the independence of Finance Commissions, driven by "narrow political motives." He urged other States to form committees to protect their rights and promote federalism. Stalin highlighted historical efforts for State autonomy, including the Justice Rajamannar Committee (1969) and the Sarkaria Commission (1983), which warned against excessive centralisation. He also criticized the Union government's push for Hindi and its interference in Opposition-ruled States, advocating for stronger, self-reliant States for a united India.
- Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin alleges the Centre is politically motivated in denying States their financial share and undermining Finance Commissions.
- He advocates for greater State autonomy and federalism, urging other States to join the movement.
- Historical commissions like Justice Rajamannar Committee and Sarkaria Commission have previously addressed Union-State relations and centralisation.
The Tribal Council of Little Nicobar has accused the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration of falsely claiming that the forest rights of tribal people under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, were "identified and settled" for the ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar mega infrastructure project. This alleged misrepresentation led to forest clearances for the project, which includes a transshipment port, airport, power plant, and township. The council asserts that no consent was given and FRA rights have not even been initiated. The administration, however, issued a certificate in 2022 claiming settlement, and previously argued that the Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act of 1956 (PAT56) superseded FRA requirements, allowing the administrator full authority to divert forest land.
- The Great Nicobar mega infrastructure project faces controversy over the alleged false settlement of tribal forest rights.
- The Andaman and Nicobar administration is accused of misrepresenting that tribal rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, were settled.
- The Tribal Council of Little Nicobar denies giving consent and states that the FRA process has not been initiated.
The Supreme Court has directed political parties in Bihar to assist the Election Commission (EC) in re-enrolling voters excluded from the draft electoral roll for the upcoming Assembly elections. The court emphasized the urgency, with the claims-and-objections stage ending on September 1, though an extension might be considered if there's an "overwhelming response." Voters can file claims online using Aadhaar or 11 other specified documents as proof of identity. The EC expressed disappointment with political parties' lack of initiative, noting that a significant portion of the excluded 65 lakh voters are either deceased, migrated, or duplicate entries.
- The Supreme Court directed political parties to actively assist the Election Commission in re-enrolling excluded voters in Bihar.
- Voters can file claims and objections online, using Aadhaar or other specified documents for identity proof.
- The court highlighted the lack of initiative from political parties in assisting voters, despite the deadline for claims approaching.
The article critically examines the erosion of public trust in electoral rolls due to discrepancies like duplication and ineligible entries, which facilitate electoral fraud. It argues that while the Election Commission of India (ECI) is criticized for its opacity and failure to address inconsistencies, political parties are also complicit by neglecting their local-level organizational structures. The shift towards digital communication and reliance on professional consultants has weakened grassroots party engagement, leading to unchecked systemic failures in electoral roll management. The author contends that despite robust mechanisms like Booth Level Agents (BLAs) designed to ensure electoral integrity, their effectiveness is compromised by potential ECI biases and parties' lack of vigilance. The current controversy presents an opportunity for parties to revitalize their local units and restore democratic functioning.
- Flawed electoral rolls, characterized by discrepancies and duplication, are eroding public trust and undermining representative democracy.
- Both the Election Commission of India (ECI) and political parties are held responsible for the decline in electoral integrity.
- The ECI's credibility has diminished since its peak in the 1990s under T.N. Seshan.
The Supreme Court expressed strong concerns over Governors indefinitely withholding State Bills, potentially rendering State legislatures defunct. Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai questioned if the SC, as the Constitution's custodian, should remain powerless when constitutional functionaries fail to discharge their duties without valid reasons. The Solicitor-General argued that such delays are political matters, not judicial, and the court should avoid encroaching on law-making. However, the CJI referenced the SC's past role in upholding the Basic Structure by setting aside constitutional amendments that limited judicial review, asserting the court's power to intervene in such constitutional impasses.
- The Supreme Court questioned the constitutional validity of Governors indefinitely withholding assent to State Bills.
- CJI B.R. Gavai highlighted instances like the Tamil Nadu Governor's inaction on crucial State Bills for years.
- The Solicitor-General argued that delays in assenting to Bills are political issues to be resolved in the political sphere, not through judicial orders.
The article explores the paradox of honour killings in India, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Kerala, which have higher rates of inter-caste marriages due to Dalit empowerment but also increased incidents of honour killings. This suggests honour killings occur not where casteism is strongest, but where it is most threatened by social change. Caste endures through family customs, rituals, and prejudices, rather than solely political or organizational reinforcement. However, the changing psychological and cultural importance of the family unit, especially among adolescents prioritizing individual well-being over traditional obligations, may weaken caste's primary vehicle of survival. India is at a crossroads, with both strong resistance to casteism and internal caste pride coexisting.
- Honour killings are prevalent in states with higher inter-caste marriages and Dalit empowerment, indicating a threat to established caste hierarchies.
- Caste system's resilience stems primarily from its reinforcement within families through customs, rituals, and prejudices.
- The changing dynamics of the family unit, with adolescents prioritizing individual well-being, may gradually weaken caste's hold.
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha to decriminalise minor offences, promoting ease of living and doing business. This bill proposes amendments to over 350 provisions across various enactments. It builds upon the Jan Vishwas (Amendment to Provisions) Act, 2023, which previously decriminalised 183 provisions. The government's initiative aims to abolish unnecessary laws that lead to imprisonment for trivial matters, simplify legal frameworks, and enhance trust-based governance, reflecting Prime Minister Modi's commitment to improving India's business climate and placing public interests first.
- The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, aims to decriminalise minor offences.
- The primary goal is to promote ease of living and doing business in India.
- Over 350 provisions are proposed to be amended through this new Bill.
The article discusses the Supreme Court's role in upholding the independence of the Election Commission of India (ECI), particularly in light of the Modi government's 2023 Act that replaced the Chief Justice of India (CJI) with a Cabinet Minister in the ECI Selection Committee. This Act nullified the Constitution Bench judgment in Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023), which aimed to ensure a fairer, more independent ECI. The Court's subsequent refusal to stay the 2023 Act allowed the present ECI to function, raising concerns about its impartiality. The author argues that restoring the Baranwal verdict and nullifying the 2023 enactment is crucial for rescuing India's democracy from potential electoral manipulation.
- The 2023 Act on ECI appointments removed the CJI from the selection committee, replacing him with a Cabinet Minister.
- This Act effectively nullified the Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023) judgment, which sought to ensure ECI independence.
- The Supreme Court's refusal to stay the 2023 Act allowed the present ECI to function under the new rules.
The Supreme Court ordered the Election Commission of India (ECI) to publish names and reasons for 65 lakh voters excluded from Bihar's draft electoral roll, highlighting significant anomalies and the ECI's non-transparent methods. This intervention aims to ensure natural justice for affected voters, especially given the disproportionate exclusion of women. The Court also mandated the ECI to accept Aadhaar cards as identity documents for objections, underscoring the need for greater transparency and adherence to natural justice principles in voter enrolment, which is crucial for upholding universal adult franchise in Indian democracy.
- The Supreme Court intervened, ordering the ECI to publish details of 65 lakh excluded voters from Bihar's electoral roll.
- The ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise was criticized for its non-transparent methods and lack of reasons for exclusions.
- Significant anomalies were found, including a higher exclusion rate for women despite more men migrating.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is under fire due to allegations of massive electoral roll manipulations, particularly in Karnataka and Bihar, where a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) led to a significant drop in voter numbers. The Opposition also criticized the new law for appointing Election Commissioners, arguing it reduces dissent by giving the government a 2:1 majority in the selection committee. The Supreme Court intervened, directing the EC to publish detailed lists of deleted voters with reasons and accept Aadhaar as proof of identity. Concerns persist regarding migrant voters' ability to vote and the lack of machine-readable voter rolls, raising questions about the EC's impartiality and the integrity of the electoral process.
- The Election Commission of India faces allegations of electoral roll manipulations, notably in Mahadevapura (Karnataka) and during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar.
- The new law for appointing Election Commissioners is controversial, with critics arguing it compromises the EC's independence by ensuring a government majority in the selection committee.
- The Supreme Court directed the EC to provide detailed, booth-wise lists of deleted voters with specific reasons and accept Aadhaar as proof of identity.
The Union government, in a submission to the Supreme Court, argued that Governors are constitutional actors with democratic legitimacy, not 'aliens' or 'foreigners' on whom timelines can be imposed for assenting to State Bills. This submission is part of a Presidential Reference challenging an April judgment that imposed a three-month deadline on Governors and the President. The Centre contended that Articles 200 and 201 do not specify a time limit, and judicial imposition would amount to a constitutional amendment. It also opposed the court invoking Article 142 to create 'deemed assent' or directing the President to consult the SC under Article 143.
- The Union government asserts that Governors are constitutional actors with democratic legitimacy, not 'aliens', and cannot be subjected to judicial timelines for Bill assent.
- The Centre's submission is in response to a Presidential Reference challenging an April judgment that imposed a three-month deadline on Governors and the President for State Bills.
- It argues that Articles 200 and 201 lack specific time limits for assent, and judicial imposition of such limits would constitute a constitutional amendment.
The Centre has proposed significant reforms to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, aiming to reduce the number of tax slabs. The 12% and 28% slabs are set to be eliminated, retaining primarily the 5% and 18% rates. A new concessional rate below 1% will be introduced for items like gold and silver, alongside a high "sin rate" of 40% for five to seven specific goods such as tobacco and gutka. This rationalization will move 99% of items from the 12% slab to 5% and 90% from the 28% slab to 18%. The reforms, part of "next-generation GST reforms," are expected to reduce the tax burden on common citizens and boost consumption, though they may initially impact revenue.
- The Centre proposes to overhaul the GST structure by eliminating the 12% and 28% tax slabs.
- The new structure will primarily retain 5% and 18% slabs, with a sub-1% concessional rate and a 40% "sin rate."
- Most items from the abolished 12% and 28% slabs will be moved to the 5% and 18% categories, respectively.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has informed a parliamentary panel that the duration of the one-year Civil Services Examination (CSE) cannot be shortened. Despite an increase in candidates and venues, the time cycle has been optimized, prioritizing confidentiality and integrity through various checks and balances. The UPSC explained that evaluating 1.2 lakh descriptive answer scripts takes over two months, and the gap between the three phases (preliminary, mains, interview) is already minimized. While a panel recommended a comprehensive reassessment and timely release of answer keys, the UPSC maintains its current system of releasing keys after final results, stating it works well and is sub judice in the Supreme Court.
- The UPSC asserts that the one-year duration of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) cannot be curtailed, citing the need to maintain utmost confidentiality and integrity.
- The examination process, involving preliminary, mains, and personality tests, has been optimized despite a significant increase in candidates and venues.
- Evaluating a large volume of descriptive answer scripts and managing the three phases of the exam inherently requires a substantial time frame.