Public Interest Litigation (PIL) emerged in the 1970s to widen access to justice for marginalized groups by relaxing locus standi rules. However, concerns about its misuse and judicial overreach have led to calls for reconsideration, particularly from the Union government. Anuj Bhuwania argues for PILs to be invoked by directly affected parties or those with clear interest, while Talha Abdul Rahman advocates retaining relaxed locus standi due to persistent structural barriers to justice. Both acknowledge the challenges of complex, polycentric disputes and the risk of judicial overreach. The discussion also covers "ambush PILs" and the need for clearer guidelines on the role of amicus curiae and reforms to strengthen PIL jurisdiction by focusing on challenging laws or executive actions rather than policy choices.
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL) originated in the 1970s to enhance justice access for the marginalized by relaxing traditional locus standi rules.
- Concerns regarding PIL misuse, judicial overreach, and "agenda-driven litigation" have prompted calls for its reconsideration.
- Experts debate whether PILs should be restricted to directly affected parties or continue with relaxed standing rules given ongoing barriers to justice.
This May Day analysis highlights the precarious state of Indian labour, citing two recent events: a protest by garment workers in Noida demanding higher minimum wages and a fatal boiler explosion at a Vedanta plant in Chhattisgarh. These incidents underscore the impact of India's new labour regime, which consolidated 29 central labour laws into four codes in November 2025. Critics argue these reforms, including increased thresholds for layoffs and diluted inspection mechanisms, favour employers and reduce worker protections. The article contends that the reforms have not rationalized protection but rather removed it, leading to wage stagnation and unsafe working conditions, as exemplified by the Noida strike and the Singhitarai accident.
- May Day serves as a diagnostic for the state of Indian labour, marked by recent worker protests and industrial accidents.
- India's new labour regime, enacted in November 2025, consolidated 29 central labour laws into four codes.
- The reforms are criticized for raising thresholds for layoffs and diluting safety oversight, potentially favouring employers over workers.
Fresh petitions before the Supreme Court seek to extend the "creamy layer" principle to SC/ST reservations, based on a misreading of the 2024 Davinder Singh judgment. The article, by Prannv Dhawan and Vignesh Karthik K.R., argues that this revives the debate on whether income can serve as a proxy for caste-based disadvantage. The creamy layer principle, introduced in Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992) for OBCs, initially focused on status, not income. Extending it to SC/STs, as Ambedkar warned, is problematic because economic progress does not erase social burdens. The Davinder Singh judgment authorized sub-classification within SC lists to direct benefits to the most marginalized, which is distinct from creamy layer exclusion.
- New petitions seek to apply the "creamy layer" principle to SC/ST reservations, citing the 2024 Davinder Singh judgment.
- The article argues that using income as a proxy for caste-based disadvantage for SC/STs is constitutionally and sociologically indefensible.
- B.R. Ambedkar had warned against excluding wealthy or educated untouchables, stating that economic progress does not remove social discrimination.
The Delhi High Court's observations on "digital vigilantism" highlight the growing use of social media to amplify harassment claims due to a lack of faith in formal justice systems. Authored by Prachi Dutta, the article argues that social media acts as a "crowd source" for retributive action when institutional inaction prevails. It critiques the term "digital vigilantism," stating that social media posts in such contexts don't fit the definition of vigilantism, which implies an established order under threat and assurance of security. Instead, it's a consequence of systemic apathy and delayed justice, where victims resort to social media to bridge the gap between harassment and redress mechanisms.
- The Delhi High Court has made observations regarding "digital vigilantism" in the context of public shaming via social media.
- Social media is increasingly used by victims to amplify harassment claims due to the perceived failure of formal justice systems.
- The article argues that "digital vigilantism" is a misnomer, as these actions arise from a collective failure of processes rather than a threat to an established order.
WhatsApp informed the Supreme Court that it banned up to 9,400 accounts linked to "digital arrests" and "law enforcement impersonations" scams, primarily active in Cambodia. The platform's probe, initiated by government inputs, aimed to dismantle the entire scam network. Measures discussed with the Home Ministry and telecom providers include SIM binding to detect swapping/cloning, using AI/ML to detect impersonation and synthetic content, and blocking device IDs. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant flagged digital arrest scams as "most disturbing" due to financial losses and "blistering sense of violation," with the Home Ministry reporting over 2.41 lakh complaints and ₹30,000 crore losses.
- WhatsApp has banned 9,400 accounts involved in "digital arrests" and "law enforcement impersonations" scams, mainly originating from Cambodia.
- The platform's investigation was prompted by inputs from government sources and aimed at disrupting the entire criminal network.
- Collaborative efforts with the Home Ministry and telecom service providers include implementing SIM binding, AI/ML-based detection, and blocking device IDs.
Draft amendments to India's Information Technology Rules, released in March 2026, are raising concerns about increased executive control over online speech. Rule 3(4) would require platforms to comply with informal government directives, risking broad over-censorship. Amendments to Rule 8 extend state oversight to ordinary users posting news, a move previously challenged in courts. Expanded data retention obligations also raise privacy concerns. Critics argue these changes dilute constitutional safeguards, bypass legislative scrutiny, and could narrow India's digital public sphere, shifting the balance from regulation to overreach.
- Draft amendments to India's Information Technology Rules (March 2026) are criticized for expanding executive power over online speech.
- Rule 3(4) would mandate platforms to comply with informal government directives, potentially leading to broad over-censorship.
- Amendments to Rule 8 extend state oversight to ordinary users who post news and current affairs content, a provision previously challenged in High Courts.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is under scrutiny for removing lakhs of voters from electoral rolls using the term 'logical discrepancy' during its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, particularly in West Bengal and Bihar. Critics argue the ECI is exceeding its constitutional powers by demanding specific documents for citizenship proof, a responsibility of the Union Home Ministry. The article also highlights that conducting intensive revisions close to elections deviates from legal provisions, which mandate summary revisions during such periods, raising concerns about the fairness of elections.
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has been criticized for removing lakhs of voters from electoral rolls using 'logical discrepancy' during its Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
- The ECI is accused of exceeding its jurisdiction by determining citizenship proof, a power vested in the Union Home Ministry.
- The SIR process, particularly its timing close to elections, deviates from legal provisions that mandate summary revisions during election periods.
Seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha members announced their merger with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a move accepted by the Rajya Sabha Chairman. This increases the BJP's strength to 113, giving the National Democratic Alliance a majority. The incident highlights the 'institutionalised defanging' of the anti-defection law (Tenth Schedule), as the merger exception requires two-thirds of the legislative party's concurrence, not just members crossing over. AAP has challenged this in court, arguing a violation of the anti-defection law.
- Seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha members merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), increasing BJP's strength in the Upper House.
- The Rajya Sabha Chairman accepted the merger, leading to the National Democratic Alliance gaining a majority.
- The incident raises concerns about the 'institutionalised defanging' of the anti-defection law, enshrined in the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has petitioned Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan to disqualify seven MPs who quit AAP and merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). AAP leader Sanjay Singh stated that the move by the Raghav Chadha-led group violates the anti-defection law (10th Schedule). The party argues that the law requires the 'original party' to merge, which AAP has not done, making a case for disqualification. Six of the seven defecting MPs were from Punjab, and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has also sought their removal through the 'Right to Recall'.
- AAP has petitioned the Rajya Sabha Chairman for the disqualification of seven MPs who defected to BJP.
- The party argues that the defection violates the anti-defection law (10th Schedule).
- The defecting group claims to have the required two-thirds strength to avoid disqualification.
Seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MPs joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), raising questions about disqualification under the anti-defection law (Tenth Schedule). The law disqualifies legislators who voluntarily relinquish party membership or defy party directions. While the 'split' exception was removed in 2003, the 'merger' exception (Paragraph 4) remains. A valid merger requires the original political party to merge with another, and the decision must be backed by at least two-thirds of the legislature party. The Supreme Court endorsed a conjunctive reading for the 'split' exception, but the Bombay High Court adopted a disjunctive reading for 'merger,' allowing a 'deemed' merger if two-thirds of the legislature party agrees, even without national party approval.
- Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs joining BJP brings the anti-defection law into focus regarding potential disqualification.
- The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution aims to curb floor-crossing by elected representatives.
- The 'split' exception (Paragraph 3) was removed by the 91st Constitutional Amendment in 2003.
This article analyzes the legal aspects of the U.S.-Iran conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, focusing on international waters, blockades, and interceptions. It explains that the seas are a shared global commons, with freedom of navigation upheld by UNCLOS. While the U.S. imposes sanctions as economic warfare, these are based on U.S. law, not international law, and are not authorized by the UN. Iran's actions, like detaining ships, are in retaliation to the U.S. blockade. The Strait of Hormuz is an international passage where 'transit' rights apply, allowing unhindered passage but with some restrictions on ship conduct. The IMO is working to resolve the issue, condemning Iran's attacks but not U.S. actions.
- The Strait of Hormuz conflict involves U.S. sanctions and Iranian retaliatory actions, raising questions about international maritime law.
- The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) establishes the seas as shared global commons, upholding freedom of navigation for merchant ships.
- U.S. sanctions, while a form of economic warfare, are based on U.S. domestic law and lack international authorization.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the banking licence of Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL), effective from the close of business on April 24, 2026, due to the bank's failure to comply with licence conditions. This action prohibits PPBL from conducting any banking business. The RBI stated it would apply to the High Court for winding up the bank, assuring sufficient liquidity to repay deposits. Paytm's parent company, One 97 Communications Ltd., has distanced itself from PPBL, clarifying it has no material business arrangements and that other Paytm services like the app, UPI, and QR will continue to operate uninterrupted.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the banking licence of Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL).
- The cancellation is effective from April 24, 2026, prohibiting PPBL from conducting banking business due to non-compliance with licence conditions.
- RBI will apply to the High Court for winding up the bank, assuring that PPBL has enough liquidity to repay deposits.
Recent powerful explosions at fireworks units in Mundathikode, Kerala, and Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, have underscored critical safety failures and regulatory lapses in India's pyrotechnic industry. Despite stringent measures recommended by a Judicial Commission after the 2016 Puttingal temple accident, compliance remains woefully inadequate. Factors like unsafe storage, excess flash powder, untrained workers, and the use of banned chemicals contribute to disasters. The article emphasizes that political entanglement in religious festivals often dissuades authorities from enforcing safety norms, urging for the adoption of safer alternatives like cold spark technology to prevent human cost.
- Recent fireworks explosions in Kerala and Tamil Nadu have exposed significant safety and regulatory gaps in India's pyrotechnic industry.
- Despite a Judicial Commission's stringent recommendations post-2016 Puttingal accident, safety norms are frequently sidelined.
- Inadequate compliance includes unsafe storage, excessive quantities of flash powder, lack of safety gear, untrained workers, and potential use of banned chemicals.
The Supreme Court questioned the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on whether it was arguing for a "breakdown of constitutional machinery" in West Bengal, momentarily pausing the agency's rejoinder against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and State police officers. The ED had alleged violations of the rule of law during a raid related to a coal smuggling case, citing a "well-established pattern" of violations by the Chief Minister and the ruling Trinamool Congress. Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta clarified that the ED was not arguing for Article 356 (President's Rule) but rather asserting the fundamental rights of its officials to equality before the law.
- The Supreme Court questioned the ED's argument regarding a "breakdown of constitutional machinery" in West Bengal.
- The ED's submissions highlighted a "well-established pattern" of rule of law violations by the Chief Minister and State police.
- Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta clarified that the ED was asserting fundamental rights of its officials, not seeking President's Rule.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has notified new rules making registration mandatory for e-sport games and their operating firms, effective May 1. These rules serve as subordinate legislation for the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which previously prohibited real money gaming. The Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) has been established as a digital organization within MeitY, including representatives from Home Affairs and Law Ministries. While e-sports registration is mandatory, registration for 'online social games' will only be required upon specific notification by the Centre. The rules also include provisions for future age classification and a 'code of practice' for video games to address addiction.
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has mandated registration for e-sport games and their operating firms.
- These rules, effective May 1, are subordinate legislation for the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which banned real money gaming.
- The Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) has been established as a digital organization within MeitY to oversee these regulations.
The resignation of Justice Yashwant Varma has reignited the debate on whether a statutory inquiry against a judge should cease upon their resignation. Drawing on past cases like Justices P.D. Dinakaran and Soumitra Sen, the article argues that such inquiries, being statutory procedures for establishing facts and guilt, should continue irrespective of the judge's tenure. It asserts that allowing inquiries to terminate with resignation undermines accountability, enables judges to unilaterally abort proceedings, and prevents formal findings, contrary to constitutional provisions and Supreme Court observations on the investigative stage being judicial in character.
- The resignation of Justice Yashwant Varma raises questions about the continuation of statutory inquiries against judges.
- Past precedents regarding judicial resignations during inquiries have been inconsistent and lack clear resolution.
- The Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, and Supreme Court rulings suggest that the investigative stage of an inquiry is statutory and should not collapse with resignation.
The Supreme Court has directed a high-powered committee, chaired by Justice S. Ravindra Bhat (retd), to expand its mandate and formulate a comprehensive plan for making prisons disabled-friendly across the country. This plan must ensure the provision of appropriate assistive devices, mobility aids, and necessary support equipment for prisoners with disabilities, upholding their fundamental rights to equal treatment and dignified life. The directive follows a petition highlighting inhumane prison conditions, citing the cases of activists G. Saibaba and Stan Swamy, and reinforces the penalization of authorities who abuse disabled prisoners under the RPwD Act.
- The Supreme Court has mandated a high-powered committee to develop a comprehensive plan for disabled-friendly prisons.
- The plan must ensure the provision of appropriate assistive devices and support equipment for prisoners with disabilities.
- The directive emphasizes upholding the fundamental rights of prisoners with disabilities, including the right to equal treatment and dignified life.
The article criticizes the U.S.'s approach to lunar governance, particularly the Artemis Accords, viewing them as a unilateral mechanism to control lunar resources and potentially create exclusion zones. It contrasts this with recent U.S. actions on human rights and international law, which undermine confidence in its global leadership. The author advocates for a multilateral framework, such as the 1979 Moon Agreement, to ensure equitable access and prevent confrontation in space. The piece argues against allowing any single power to unilaterally set rules for a domain that belongs to all humankind.
- The U.S.'s Artemis Accords are viewed critically as a mechanism for unilateral control over lunar resources, potentially creating exclusion zones.
- Recent U.S. actions regarding human rights and international law are cited as undermining confidence in its space governance framework.
- A multilateral approach, exemplified by the 1979 Moon Agreement, is advocated for equitable exploitation of lunar resources.
A gruesome explosion at a fireworks unit in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu, killed 25 workers and injured eight, with subsequent explosions increasing the injured count to 20. This district is known for frequent explosions, indicating systemic negligence rather than mere accidents. The unit operated on a Sunday without permission and had 40 people working instead of the permitted dozen. Authorities are criticized for insufficient monitoring and a ritualistic approach to inspections. The article calls for increased automation and reduced human involvement in hazardous industries to prevent such tragedies, acknowledging the economic reality of the region.
- A fireworks unit explosion in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, highlighting severe safety negligence.
- The incident underscores a pattern of frequent explosions in the district, suggesting systemic issues rather than isolated accidents.
- Violations included operating on a holiday without permission and exceeding the permitted number of workers.
Uttar Pradesh government issued an interim notification revising minimum wages with retrospective effect from April 1, 2026, in response to worker unrest in industrial areas like Noida and Ghaziabad. The new structure categorizes the state into three zones based on economic factors and skill levels (unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled), incorporating a Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) linked to the CPI to counter inflation. While it offers partial relief to workers, questions remain about meeting living wage standards. The revision addresses long-standing delays in wage updates and aligns with the Code on Wages, 2019, which allows states to fix differential minimum wages. Challenges include implementation in informal sectors and balancing worker welfare with employer costs.
- Uttar Pradesh government revised minimum wages through an interim notification, effective April 1, 2026, in response to worker unrest.
- The new wage structure categorizes the state into three zones and differentiates wages based on skill levels (unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled).
- A Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), is introduced to protect real wages from inflation.
India's newly enacted SHANTI Act, 2025, aims to boost nuclear power capacity from 8.7 GW to 100 GW by 2047 by allowing private and foreign participation. Former regulators emphasize 'lifetime commitment' and 'financial security' for waste management, claims, and decommissioning. The Act provides a unified legal framework, separating control from safety regulation. Experts caution private players on the need for design support throughout a plant's operating life, periodic safety reviews, and the challenges of foreign reactors' costs and timelines. Indigenous designs like the 700 MW PHWR are seen as a 'natural choice,' but even older indigenous designs need rework to meet current safety benchmarks.
- India's SHANTI Act, 2025, aims to expand nuclear power capacity significantly by allowing private and foreign investment.
- Former regulators stress the need for 'lifetime commitment' and 'financial security' from operators for safety, waste management, and decommissioning.
- The Act provides a unified legal framework, distinguishing control regulation from safety regulation.
The article discusses a wave of factory worker protests across India, including Noida, Sriperumbudur, Panipat, and Raipur, driven by low wages, unpaid overtime, and refusal to recognize unions. It highlights that the new Labour Codes, enforced from late 2025, allow 12-hour workdays and specify wage floors but not actual wages, leading to exploitation and increased contract labour. The protests are exacerbated by the energy crisis and rising food prices. The author criticizes the government's approach of viewing unrest as a law-and-order problem and calls for genuine labour reform, humane working hours, and fair wages, emphasizing the need for tripartite consultation which has been absent since 2015.
- Widespread factory worker protests in India are driven by low wages, unpaid overtime, and lack of union recognition.
- The new Labour Codes, effective from late 2025, are criticized for enabling exploitation by allowing long workdays and setting wage floors without specifying actual wages.
- The rise in contract labour and the energy/food crises have exacerbated worker grievances.
US President Donald Trump announced that US negotiators would head to Pakistan for talks with Iran to extend a ceasefire, though Iran did not immediately confirm. The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked due to Iranian threats and a US blockade on Iranian ports. Iran's chief negotiator stated that ships would not pass while the US blockade is in effect. Trump threatened to destroy civilian infrastructure in Iran if it does not accept the US deal. Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the US blockade as 'unlawful and criminal,' a ceasefire violation, and a 'war crime.' New proposals have been received, and Pakistani mediators are arranging more talks, following previous unsuccessful direct talks in Islamabad.
- US President Trump announced talks with Iran in Pakistan to extend a ceasefire, which Iran did not immediately confirm.
- The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked due to a US blockade on Iranian ports and Iranian threats, with Iran's chief negotiator stating no retreat in diplomacy.
- Trump threatened to destroy civilian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, in Iran if it does not accept the US deal.
The Israeli military announced the establishment of a "Yellow Line" demarcation in southern Lebanon, similar to the one dividing Gaza, following a 10-day ceasefire agreement with Lebanon and Hezbollah. Israeli forces reported striking militants who violated the ceasefire by approaching the line, asserting their right to self-defense despite the truce. This development comes after six weeks of conflict and ongoing negotiations to consolidate the ceasefire, ensure Israeli troop withdrawal, and resolve border disputes. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized the crucial nature of direct negotiations with Israel to achieve these goals.
- Israel has established a "Yellow Line" demarcation in southern Lebanon, akin to the one in Gaza.
- This line aims to separate Israeli forces from territory where militants operate, even during a ceasefire.
- Israeli forces engaged militants violating the ceasefire by approaching the "Yellow Line," citing self-defense.