The article explores the legal status of the 'right to vote' in India, a subject of ongoing debate in the Supreme Court. It distinguishes between natural, fundamental, constitutional, and statutory rights. While natural rights are inherent, fundamental rights (Part III of Constitution) are enforceable in the Supreme Court. Constitutional rights (outside Part III) are operationalized by legislation and enforceable in High Courts. Statutory rights are provided by ordinary laws. Historically, the Supreme Court has mostly held the right to vote as a statutory right, as seen in cases like N.P. Ponnuswami (1952) and Kuldip Nayar (2006). However, Justice Ajay Rastogi, in his partial dissent in Anoop Baranwal (2023), argued it is a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) and intrinsic to free and fair elections, suggesting its elevation to a constitutional right.
- The legal status of the 'right to vote' in India is debated, oscillating between a statutory and a constitutional right.
- The Supreme Court has predominantly classified the right to vote as a statutory right.
- Justice Ajay Rastogi, in a dissenting opinion, argued that the right to vote is a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a).
The process to remove Justice Yashwant Varma from office began in Parliament, with members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha submitting notices to their presiding officers. 63 Opposition members signed the notice to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, while 152 members, including Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, backed the Lok Sabha notice. The move follows Justice Varma's responsibilities being taken away and his transfer from Delhi High Court to Allahabad High Court after burnt currency notes were found at his residence. According to the Judges (Inquiry) Act, a joint committee comprising a Supreme Court judge, a Chief Justice of a High Court, and a distinguished jurist will be constituted to examine the charges.
- The impeachment process for High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma has been initiated in Parliament.
- Notices for his removal were submitted to both the Rajya Sabha Chairman and the Lok Sabha Speaker, meeting the required numerical thresholds.
- The initiation follows the judge's transfer and the discovery of burnt currency notes at his residence.
The Election Commission (EC) assured the Supreme Court that being found ineligible for electoral roll registration under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar will not lead to citizenship cancellation. The EC clarified that its guidelines are constitutional and aim to maintain the purity of electoral rolls, emphasizing that Article 326 (adult suffrage) ensures the right to vote without discrimination. Voters already on the 2003 rolls are exempt from furnishing documents if they submit a partially pre-filled enumeration form. The EC also stated that Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards cannot be accepted as standalone documents for SIR, as Aadhaar is only proof of identity, and bogus ration cards are widespread.
- The Election Commission clarified that exclusion from electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar does not equate to citizenship cancellation.
- The EC's guidelines are aimed at ensuring the purity of electoral rolls and are constitutional.
- Article 326 of the Constitution grants every citizen the right to vote without discrimination.
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, 74, resigned from his post on Monday, citing health reasons, with two years left in his term. His resignation letter, addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, was posted on his official X account. Dhankhar had presided over Rajya Sabha proceedings earlier on the day, including an important intervention regarding a High Court judge's removal motion, making his resignation a surprise to many leaders. He had suffered a cardiac event in March but had reportedly recovered. This decision came on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
- Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his office due to health reasons.
- He was the 14th Vice-President of India and had two years remaining in his term.
- The resignation was submitted to President Droupadi Murmu in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution.
The Union Cabinet has approved the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY), a new umbrella scheme to be implemented through the convergence of 36 existing schemes across 11 departments. It aims to address productivity disparities among states and districts, subsuming key central schemes like PM-KISAN and PMFBY. With an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore for six years, the scheme will identify 100 low-productivity districts. While promoting national uniformity and local partnerships, the article highlights a concern: the continuous decline in public spending on agriculture, which has fallen from 3.53% in 2021-22 to 2.51% in 2025-26 as a percentage of total Central Plan outlay. The scheme will operate based on 'District Plans' aligned with national goals.
- The PMDDKY is a new umbrella scheme converging 36 existing agricultural schemes across 11 departments.
- It aims to address productivity disparities and will subsume schemes like PM-KISAN and PMFBY.
- The scheme has an annual outlay of ₹24,000 crore for six years and targets 100 low-productivity districts.
With the implementation of the Tamil Nadu Criminal Procedure Rules, police stations can now register First Information Reports (FIRs) for cognisable offenses committed outside their geographical jurisdiction. These FIRs must then be electronically and physically transferred to the competent police station within 24 hours. The new rules, notified in 2025, aim to align the state's procedural framework with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. They are designed to institutionalize standardized practices, drive digital transformation, and ensure uniformity, transparency, efficiency, and accountability in criminal law enforcement. The eSakshya Mobile Application is now mandated for recording audio-visual evidence and generating immutable SID packets.
- FIRs for cognisable offenses can now be registered at any police station, irrespective of its jurisdiction.
- Registered FIRs must be transferred to the competent police station electronically and physically within 24 hours.
- The new Tamil Nadu Criminal Procedure Rules, 2025, align with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
The article emphasizes that India's diversity in religion and language is crucial for its secular character, unity, and integrity. It argues that Indian secularism is unique, extending beyond religion to language, and is enshrined in the Constitution as a state policy. While Hindi is the official language of the Union (Article 343), states are free to choose their own, and Article 29 protects the language, script, or culture of all citizens, including minorities. The author highlights historical resistance to Hindi imposition, particularly in southern and northeastern states, and warns that conservative leanings towards religion or language can fragment society. Protecting linguistic diversity is essential for maintaining India's unique unity in diversity.
- India's secularism is distinct, encompassing both religious and linguistic diversity, which is fundamental to national unity and integrity.
- The Constitution enshrines linguistic secularism, allowing states to choose their official languages while Hindi serves as the Union's official language.
- Article 29 specifically protects the language, script, and culture of all citizens, including minority groups, preventing discrimination based on language.
The article discusses the Chhattisgarh forest department's attempt to designate itself as the nodal agency for implementing Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. This move, later withdrawn, contradicted the FRA's spirit of empowering gram sabhas to manage customary forests. It criticizes traditional 'scientific forestry' focused on timber extraction, advocating for CFR management plans developed by gram sabhas that prioritize local needs and ecosystem health over bureaucratic working plans. The article highlights resistance from forest departments to gram sabhas' legitimacy and calls for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MOTA) to support gram sabhas and for forest departments to adopt a people-friendly, ecosystem-focused management approach.
- The Chhattisgarh forest department's attempt to control CFRR implementation violated the spirit of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, which empowers gram sabhas.
- Traditional forest management, rooted in colonial 'scientific forestry,' is criticized for prioritizing timber extraction over local livelihoods and ecological needs.
- CFR management plans, developed by gram sabhas, are designed to prioritize local needs and ecosystem health, offering a more adaptive response to environmental challenges.
The article contends that the U.S., particularly under Donald Trump, has marginalized the UN and multilateralism, favoring bilateral deals that fragment the global order. It suggests India must accept this shift and focus on national prosperity and South-South cooperation. India needs to define 'strategic autonomy' and prioritize its core interests, looking East for ideas and trade agreements rather than West. The author highlights India's intrinsic strengths in the fourth industrial revolution and defense, advocating for a growth-focused approach, revisiting border issues, and leveraging opportunities like the BRICS Summit in 2026 to lead the Global South in fostering shared prosperity through reoriented tariffs and value chains.
- The U.S. is shifting away from multilateralism towards bilateral deals, leading to a fragmentation of the global order.
- India should adapt by focusing on national prosperity, South-South cooperation, and clearly defining its 'strategic autonomy'.
- India's foreign policy should prioritize trade agreements with Eastern nations (e.g., ASEAN) and leverage its strengths in technology and defense.
The Health Ministry's initiatives to display oil, sugar, and trans-fat content in Indian snacks and establish 'sugar boards' in schools are welcome steps to raise awareness about unhealthy food consumption. These efforts are driven by increasing obesity trends, with NFHS data showing obesity rose from 15% to 24% in men and 12% to 23% in women between 2005-06 and 2019-21. However, the article argues that awareness alone is insufficient without essential legislative measures, such as clear front-of-package labels for packaged foods and additional taxes on high fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) products. It emphasizes the need for FSSAI to define upper limits for sugar, salt, and fat to implement effective labelling.
- Health Ministry initiatives aim to raise awareness about unhealthy food content in Indian snacks and reduce sugar intake among children.
- Obesity trends in India show a significant increase, with NFHS data indicating a rise from 15% to 24% in men and 12% to 23% in women between 2005-06 and 2019-21.
- Awareness campaigns, while useful, are deemed insufficient without robust legislative measures to drive behavioral changes.
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.