The article highlights the urgent need to improve infrastructure in government schools, prompted by the death of students in a collapsed school building in Rajasthan. It reveals that over 70,000 government schools in Rajasthan, and 84,000 schools nationally, are in poor condition. Despite significant allocations like ₹650 crore for school infrastructure, inefficiencies in government have hindered improvements. The article emphasizes that education is a primary duty of the government and calls for a systemic shift to prioritize infrastructure, teacher recruitment, and training. It also notes the importance of foundational literacy and numeracy for workforce productivity and addressing the demographic dividend.
- A recent incident of students' deaths due to a collapsed school building in Rajasthan highlights the poor state of government school infrastructure.
- Over 70,000 government schools in Rajasthan and 84,000 nationally are in poor condition.
- Despite financial allocations, inefficiencies in government implementation hinder infrastructure improvements.
Tamil Nadu and Kerala urged the Supreme Court to dismiss a Presidential Reference seeking clarity on timelines for the President and Governors to clear State Bills. Both states argued that the reference is "misleading" and an "appeal in disguise" against the Court's prior authoritative pronouncements, particularly the Tamil Nadu Governor case. They contended that the Constitution does not permit the Supreme Court to sit in appeal of its own judgments, nor can the President vest appellate jurisdiction through such a reference. Citing Article 143, the states asserted that the President can refer a question of law only if the Supreme Court has not already decided it, which is not the case here as powers under Articles 200 and 201 have been subject to multiple judgments.
- Tamil Nadu and Kerala challenged a Presidential Reference on the grounds that it seeks to revisit settled legal questions.
- The states argued that the Supreme Court cannot review its own judgments through a Presidential Reference.
- They cited Article 143, stating that the President can only refer questions of law not yet decided by the apex court.
The Supreme Court urged the Election Commission (EC) to accept Aadhaar and Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) as identity documents for the special intensive revision of Bihar's electoral list, emphasizing "mass inclusion" over "en masse exclusion." The EC resisted, citing easy forgery of these documents. However, the Court, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, argued that any document can be forged and that Aadhaar and EPIC carry a "presumption of correctness," with Aadhaar having an authentication system. The Court questioned the EC's logic of not evaluating claims based on these documents when other "indicative" proofs are accepted.
- The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to prioritize "mass inclusion" in the Bihar electoral roll revision.
- The Court advocated for accepting Aadhaar and EPIC as valid identity proofs, despite EC's concerns about forgery.
- Justices emphasized that Aadhaar and EPIC have a presumption of correctness and Aadhaar has an authentication system.
The article clarifies that Indian citizenship is a fundamental prerequisite for being an elector and legislator, refuting objections to the Election Commission of India's (ECI) verification of citizenship during Bihar electoral roll revisions. It emphasizes that the ECI's constitutional duty under Article 324 is to ensure accurate electoral rolls, and non-citizens are disqualified from voting and holding legislative office. The author highlights that mere possession of an Aadhaar card does not confer citizenship, as per Section 9 of The Aadhaar Act, 2016. The article stresses that any inclusion of non-citizens in electoral rolls is null and void, and the ECI must investigate complaints regarding such inclusions.
- Indian citizenship is a fundamental requirement for both voting and holding legislative office.
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has a constitutional duty to verify citizenship during electoral roll revisions.
- Non-citizens are disqualified from being registered as voters, and their names must be struck off if erroneously included.
The article argues that criminalizing consensual sex between adolescents aged 16-18 years undermines the core objective of the POCSO Act, 2012, which is to protect children. It highlights a trend where adolescents in voluntary relationships face persecution, prompting calls for review and exemptions. Senior advocate Indira Jaising's submission to the Supreme Court suggests that such consensual acts should not be deemed 'abuse' under POCSO Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). While the Law Commission advised "guided judicial discretion" for sentencing, the article stresses the need for caveats to ensure the law's broad intent is met, as suggested by the Madras High Court.
- The core objective of the POCSO Act, 2012, is to protect children, but its application to consensual adolescent relationships is being questioned.
- Senior advocate Indira Jaising advocates for an exception in POCSO and BNS for consensual sex between 16-18 year olds to prevent misuse.
- The Law Commission in 2023 suggested "guided judicial discretion" for sentencing in such cases, rather than changing the age of consent.
The Supreme Court ruled that States cannot claim "parity" with the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to demand delimitation of constituencies. The Court clarified that States are bound by a constitutional embargo under Article 170(3), which bars delimitation until after the first Census post-2026. In contrast, J&K, being a Union Territory, is excluded from this freeze, and its delimitation was based on the 2011 Census. The Court emphasized that allowing delimitation for States like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana would foster discontent and destabilize the uniform electoral framework, particularly affecting other North-Eastern States previously excluded from such exercises.
- The Supreme Court has clarified that States cannot demand delimitation of constituencies by citing the precedent of Jammu and Kashmir.
- States are constitutionally bound by an embargo under Article 170(3), which prohibits delimitation until after the first Census following 2026.
- Jammu and Kashmir, as a Union Territory, is exempt from this embargo, and its delimitation was conducted based on the 2011 Census.
The Election Commission (EC) has commenced the process for the Vice-Presidential polls following the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, which created a mid-term vacancy. P.C. Mody, the Secretary-General of the Rajya Sabha, has been appointed as the Returning Officer, with other officials as Assistant Returning Officers. The election is governed by The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, and The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974. The Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College comprising members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including nominated members. Nomination papers require subscription by at least 20 proposers and 20 seconders.
- The Election Commission has initiated the process for the Vice-Presidential election due to a mid-term vacancy caused by the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar.
- P.C. Mody, Secretary-General of the Rajya Sabha, has been appointed as the Returning Officer for the election.
- The election is governed by specific Acts and Rules, including The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952.
The Rural Development Ministry, in a Rajya Sabha reply regarding pending Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) dues to States, omitted any reference to West Bengal. The scheme has been suspended in West Bengal since March 2022. This omission occurred despite a Calcutta High Court order on June 18, directing the Union government to resume the scheme in the State. The Ministry stated it is studying the court order to decide on further action, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding federal financial relations and implementation of central schemes.
- The Rural Development Ministry's reply on MGNREGS dues to States excluded West Bengal, where the scheme has been suspended since March 2022.
- This omission comes despite a Calcutta High Court order on June 18, directing the Union government to resume the MGNREGS scheme in West Bengal.
- The Ministry indicated it is reviewing the High Court's order to determine its next steps.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the second longest-serving Prime Minister of India in consecutive terms, surpassing Indira Gandhi's record. He completed 4,078 days in office on Friday, exceeding Indira Gandhi's 4,077 continuous days from 1966 to 1977. This milestone also marks him as the longest-serving non-Congress Prime Minister and the first such leader to complete two full terms. Additionally, PM Modi has matched Jawaharlal Nehru in winning three successive Lok Sabha elections and holds the record for the longest continuous stint as an elected head of government at both State (Gujarat CM) and Central levels.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has surpassed Indira Gandhi to become India's second longest-serving Prime Minister in consecutive terms.
- He has completed 4,078 days in office without interruption, exceeding Indira Gandhi's 4,077 continuous days.
- PM Modi is now the longest-serving non-Congress Prime Minister and the first non-Congress leader to complete two full terms.
The Supreme Court permitted the State of Kerala to withdraw two petitions filed against its Governor for delaying crucial Bills. The withdrawal was based on an April 8 judgment in a similar case concerning the Tamil Nadu Governor, which prescribed a maximum three-month deadline for the President and State Governors to act on State Bills under Articles 200 and 201. The Attorney General stated it was not a simple withdrawal but based on the precedent. The President had also issued a reference under Article 143 to question the court's inherent powers to impose timelines on Governors.
- The Supreme Court allowed Kerala to withdraw petitions against its Governor regarding delays in clearing Bills.
- The withdrawal was influenced by an April 8 judgment setting a three-month deadline for Governors and the President to act on State Bills.
- The April 8 judgment applies to Bills sent for approval or reserved for consideration under Articles 200 and 201 of the Constitution.
The Lok Sabha is set to take up a bipartisan motion to remove Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that 152 MPs from both ruling and opposition alliances have signed the motion, indicating a unanimous decision. The process will follow the Judges (Inquiry) Act, starting in the Lok Sabha and then moving to the Rajya Sabha. This action follows a Supreme Court committee inquiry into a cash recovery controversy involving Justice Varma when he was with the Delhi High Court. Speaker Om Birla is expected to announce a three-member inquiry committee to probe the charges.
- A bipartisan motion has been initiated in the Lok Sabha to remove Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court.
- The motion has garnered support from 152 MPs across ruling and opposition parties, indicating a broad consensus.
- The removal process will adhere to the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, starting in the Lok Sabha and subsequently moving to the Rajya Sabha.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) filed a counter affidavit in the Supreme Court defending its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, which requires electors to prove citizenship. Critics argue the affidavit lacks evidence of illegal migrants and questions the legal basis for a citizenship test, especially given the high number of internal migrants (over 450 million nationally, 36% of Bihar households). The ECI's approach, which conflates "ordinary residence" with citizenship and rejects Aadhaar/ration cards as proof, is seen as exclusionary. The article highlights the mismatch between outdated laws and mobile citizenry, urging the ECI to advocate for reform and pilot inclusive enrolment models to prevent disenfranchisement.
- The ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, requiring citizenship proof, is challenged for potentially disenfranchising poor, minorities, and migrants.
- The ECI's counter affidavit is criticized for lacking concrete evidence of illegal migrants in Bihar's electoral rolls and for its legal rationale for a citizenship test.
- The Representation of the People Act, 1950, is deemed outdated, failing to account for India's large mobile citizenry and conflating "ordinary residence" with citizenship.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to move a statutory resolution in the Rajya Sabha to extend President's Rule in Manipur for another six months, effective from August 13, 2025. Manipur was initially placed under President's Rule on February 13 following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Article 356(3) of the Constitution allows President's Rule to be extended every six months, up to a maximum of three years, with parliamentary approval. The extension is aimed at allowing the government to focus on restoring normalcy, including opening national highways and recovering looted police weapons, amidst ongoing ethnic violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah will seek parliamentary approval to extend President's Rule in Manipur for an additional six months.
- The extension will be effective from August 13, 2025, following the initial imposition of President's Rule on February 13.
- President's Rule was imposed after the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
India continues to grapple with hazardous cleaning deaths, with 150 reported in 2022-2023, largely due to a business model that obscures liability. Despite the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers Act 2013, court orders, and the NAMASTE scheme, progress in mechanizing sewer cleaning and providing safety gear has been slow. There's a significant lack of PPE kits, health cards, and safety workshops for workers, and data on rural sanitation workers is scarce. The article emphasizes that enforcement is the core problem, with insufficient funding for mechanization and worker deaths often misclassified. It calls for urgent measures like complete mechanization, licensing of the trade, and extending support to vulnerable communities like Dalits and women.
- Hazardous cleaning deaths persist in India, primarily due to manual scavenging and a business model that evades accountability.
- Despite existing legislation like the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers Act 2013 and the NAMASTE scheme, implementation and enforcement remain inadequate.
- There is a severe deficit in providing safety equipment, health cards, and training to sanitation workers, with limited data on rural workers.
The article draws parallels between the plastic and tobacco industries, arguing that both have used profit-driven tactics to influence policies and shift blame onto consumers. The plastic industry, backed by fossil fuel giants, has promoted recycling as a solution while privately acknowledging its impracticality, similar to how tobacco companies funded misleading science. This "greenwashing" creates a false impression of environmental responsibility. As regulations tighten in the Global North, plastic producers are increasingly targeting low- and middle-income countries with weaker environmental regulations. India's waste management relies heavily on the informal sector, and schemes like NAMASTE aim to integrate waste pickers while Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, mandate producer responsibility.
- The plastic industry employs tactics similar to the tobacco industry to influence green policies and deflect corporate accountability.
- "Greenwashing" and promoting impractical solutions like recycling are key strategies used by the plastic industry.
- Plastic producers are shifting focus to the Global South, where environmental regulations are weaker.
The Supreme Court has issued notices on a Presidential Reference seeking its opinion on whether the President and Governors can be judicially compelled to act within prescribed timelines on State Bills. This Reference stems from the President's 14 questions following the Supreme Court's April 8 ruling, which deemed a Governor's inaction on Bills illegal and imposed timelines. Article 143(1) grants the Supreme Court advisory jurisdiction, allowing it to render opinions on law or fact not connected to ongoing litigation. While advisory opinions are not binding precedents, they hold persuasive authority. The Court has previously used Presidential References to refine aspects of judgments, though it cannot be used to review or reverse settled judicial decisions.
- A Presidential Reference seeks the Supreme Court's opinion on the judicial enforceability of timelines for Presidential and Gubernatorial assent to State Bills.
- Article 143(1) of the Constitution grants the Supreme Court advisory jurisdiction on matters of law or fact.
- Advisory opinions, while not legally binding precedents, carry significant persuasive authority.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has begun relocating its offices from the iconic North Block to the Common Central Secretariat (CCS) building on Janpath, as part of the Central Vista redevelopment project. The North and South Blocks, which house key administrative ministries, will be converted into a museum named 'Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum', expected to display 25,000-30,000 artefacts and become one of the world's largest museums. The shift aims to improve coordination, collaboration, and synergy among government organs, reduce congestion, and save significant rental costs by vacating rented accommodations, estimated at ₹1,000 crore per annum.
- The Union Home Ministry is moving from North Block to the new Common Central Secretariat buildings.
- The North and South Blocks will be transformed into the 'Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum'.
- The Central Vista redevelopment project aims to enhance government coordination and efficiency.
Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai has agreed to constitute a Bench to hear a petition challenging the in-house inquiry procedure and the recommendation for the removal of Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma. CJI Gavai, who was part of the consultations, will not be on the Bench. The petition argues that the in-house inquiry is an "extra-constitutional mechanism" that usurps Parliament's exclusive authority to remove judges under Articles 124 and 218 of the Constitution and the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. The Act provides stringent safeguards, including formal charges and proof beyond reasonable doubt, which the in-house procedure lacks.
- The Chief Justice of India will form a Bench to examine the challenge against the removal recommendation for Justice Yashwant Varma.
- The petition contends that the in-house inquiry procedure is an unconstitutional mechanism that bypasses parliamentary authority.
- The Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, outlines the legislative process for judge removal, including formal charges and proof of misbehaviour.
Delhi's air pollution, a persistent issue in autumn and winter, stems from both local sources and emissions from neighboring states across the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP). The article highlights the need for coordinated regional action, especially with the current political alignment across Delhi-NCR states. Despite existing measures like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and pollution control devices in industries, implementation lags due to fragmented governance. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) provides a promising institutional framework, but its effectiveness depends on aligning state actions with regional targets. The author emphasizes treating the entire IGP as a single airshed for effective mitigation.
- Delhi's air pollution is a regional problem requiring coordinated action across the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) states.
- Fragmented governance and inconsistent implementation hinder effective pollution control measures.
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has the potential to drive regional mitigation strategies.
The ninth Swachh Survekshan, the world's largest cleanliness survey, provides a comprehensive reality check on urban sanitation and waste management. It involved over 4,500 cities and 140 million citizens' feedback, assessing 10 parameters from waste segregation to grievance redressal. The survey has fostered competition, leading to improvements in city sanitation. This year's theme, "reduce, reuse, and recycle (RRR)", aims to create jobs and promote self-help groups, building on the previous "waste to wealth" theme. The article highlights successful models like Indore's waste segregation, Surat's revenue from treated water, and Pune's cooperative-based waste management, demonstrating effective strategies for clean cities.
- The Swachh Survekshan serves as a critical tool for assessing and improving urban sanitation and waste management in India.
- The survey's comprehensive parameters and citizen feedback drive competition and progress among cities.
- The 2025 survey's theme, "reduce, reuse, and recycle (RRR)", emphasizes job creation and self-help groups.
The Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes will conduct a second Socio-Educational Survey, popularly known as a caste census, from September 22 to October 7. This initiative, aimed at addressing caste discrimination, faces expert concerns regarding the short timeframe. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated the survey's main focus is to become a model for the country. The survey will cover approximately seven crore people using 1.65 lakh enumerators and will be conducted via an app, marking a shift from the previous manual survey conducted in 2015 by the Kantharaj Commission.
- Karnataka is undertaking a second Socio-Educational Survey, popularly known as a caste census.
- The primary objective of the survey is to address caste discrimination and serve as a national model.
- The survey will be conducted using an app, marking a shift from the previous manual method.
The Election Commission (EC) has initiated preparatory activities for the 2025 Vice-Presidential election, with the poll schedule to be announced soon. This vacancy arose due to Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation. The EC is mandated by Article 324 of the Constitution to conduct this election, which is governed by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, and Rules, 1974. The Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College comprising elected and nominated members of both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Members of the Electoral College vote based on individual choice, not party whip, and candidates require at least 20 electors as proposers and 20 as seconders.
- The Election Commission has initiated preparations for the 2025 Vice-Presidential election following a mid-term vacancy.
- The EC's mandate to conduct such elections is derived from Article 324 of the Constitution.
- The election process is governed by specific Acts and Rules, outlining the composition of the Electoral College.
Following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar as Vice-President due to health reasons, the Election Commission is mandated to immediately announce an election to fill the mid-term vacancy. The Constitution does not provide for a method of succession for the Vice-President's office in cases of death, removal, or resignation, necessitating a fresh election. Until a new Vice-President assumes office, the Deputy Chairman will preside over Rajya Sabha proceedings. The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college comprising members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, through a system of proportional representation by single transferable vote and secret ballot, where each vote has a value of one.
- The Election Commission must immediately conduct an election to fill the Vice-President's office due to a mid-term vacancy.
- The Constitution does not provide for succession in case of resignation, death, or removal of the Vice-President.
- The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, has issued formal notices to all States and the Union government regarding a Presidential Reference. The reference seeks clarity on the powers of the President and Governors in granting assent to State Bills, a matter affecting the entire country. The court will address questions on whether judicial powers extend to imposing timelines on these constitutional authorities under Articles 200 and 201, and the scope of Article 142 in substituting constitutional powers. This follows a previous judgment where the court deemed a Governor's actions illegal for delaying assent to Bills.
- The Supreme Court has issued notices to all States and the Union government on a Presidential Reference concerning the powers of the President and Governors.
- The reference seeks clarity on imposing timelines for assent to State Bills and the extent of judicial powers under Article 142.
- The issue affects all States and the entire country, with the Supreme Court committed to answering the President's questions.