The Supreme Court issued a stern warning to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh regarding rampant illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary. The court threatened to deploy paramilitary forces, impose a complete ban on mining, and levy heavy penalties if the states fail to implement "concrete measures" within a month. The degradation of critical wildlife habitats, including that of endangered gharials, and the river ecosystem was highlighted as a severe consequence. The SC also ordered the installation of high-resolution CCTV cameras and GPS tracking devices on mining vehicles to monitor the situation.
- The Supreme Court warned Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh to curb illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary.
- The court threatened to deploy paramilitary forces and impose a complete ban and heavy penalties if states fail to act within a month.
- Illegal mining is causing severe degradation of critical wildlife habitats, particularly for endangered gharials, and the river ecosystem.
A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, is re-examining the broader implications of its 2018 Sabarimala ruling, which struck down the age-based restriction on women's entry. The 2018 ruling held that Ayyappa devotees do not constitute a separate religious denomination and that the custom was not an "essential religious practice" (ERP). The current hearing delves into the ERP doctrine's evolution, the State's role in religious reform, and the definition of religious denominations under Articles 25 and 26. The Union government argued against judicial overreach in religious matters, while critics highlight the narrowing interpretation of ERP, which now requires practices to be indispensable to a religion's core identity, rather than merely inherently religious.
- A nine-judge Supreme Court Bench is reviewing the constitutional implications of the 2018 Sabarimala verdict.
- The 2018 ruling declared the age-based restriction on women's entry unconstitutional and stated Ayyappa devotees are not a separate religious denomination.
- The current examination focuses on the 'essential religious practice' (ERP) doctrine and the definition of 'religious denomination' under the Constitution.
The article argues for India to establish a no-fault vaccine injury compensation mechanism, emphasizing that while vaccination is a civic duty, the state must accept responsibility for rare but real adverse effects. India's current legal remedies, like tort law (requiring proof of fault) and consumer protection law (contested for free services), are inadequate for vaccine injuries, which often stem from individual immune responses rather than negligence. The Supreme Court's directive in Rachana Gangu v. Union of India (2026) to frame such a policy highlights the governance deficit. Drawing from international examples, the author proposes a Vaccine Injury Compensation Act with a presumptive causation table, an independent administrative tribunal, and a dedicated compensation fund shared by the government and manufacturers, stressing transparency and accountability to build public trust.
- The state has a responsibility to compensate individuals who suffer rare but serious adverse effects from vaccinations, which are promoted as a civic duty.
- Existing legal frameworks in India, such as tort law and consumer protection law, are insufficient for addressing vaccine injuries.
- A no-fault compensation mechanism is ethically necessary because individuals take a risk for collective immunity.
Salem C. Vijiaraghavachariar (1852-1944), a prominent Congress leader and the first Tamil to become AICC president, was initially sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment in the Andamans (Kala Paani) after being convicted in the Salem Hindu-Muslim riots case of 1882. He successfully appealed to the High Court of Madras, getting his conviction quashed on January 9, 1883. Known for his rebellious spirit, he also challenged his removal from the Salem Municipal Council and advocated for social reforms like post-puberty marriage for women and daughters' property rights. He played a crucial role in drafting the Swaraj Constitution as part of the Motilal Nehru's panel.
- Salem C. Vijiaraghavachariar was a significant figure in the national movement and the first Tamil AICC president.
- He successfully challenged a conviction that would have led to imprisonment in the Andamans (Kala Paani).
- Vijiaraghavachariar was known for his legal acumen and advocacy for social reforms, including women's rights.
The Supreme Court ruled that electors purged from the voter list during West Bengal's special intensive revision, but subsequently cleared by Appellate Tribunals by April 21 or April 27, must be allowed to vote in the Assembly election. This order, issued by a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, provides a significant reprieve for citizens whose voting rights were denied due to "logical discrepancy." The court, exercising its extraordinary constitutional powers under Article 142, directed the Election Commission to publish a "supplementary revised electoral roll" for these individuals. However, those with pending appeals before tribunals will not be allowed to vote.
- The Supreme Court mandated that electors cleared by Appellate Tribunals by specific dates must be allowed to vote in the West Bengal Assembly election.
- The ruling addresses the denial of voting rights to citizens purged from the voter list under the "logical discrepancy" category.
- The court invoked its extraordinary constitutional powers under Article 142 to issue these directions.
The Union Home Ministry has granted Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration to Baba Bageshwar Dham, a religious body led by Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, a Madhya Pradesh-based godman. This registration allows the organization, which advocates for a 'Hindu Rashtra', to receive foreign donations for social, educational, religious, economic, and cultural programs. The article notes that six of 38 NGOs granted FCRA registration until Wednesday were in the 'Religious (Hindu)' category. FCRA registration is mandatory for NGOs receiving foreign funds and is valid for five years. The government had proposed amendments to the FCRA Act in the Budget session, but discussion was deferred due to opposition.
- Baba Bageshwar Dham, led by Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, has received FCRA registration from the Union Home Ministry.
- This registration enables the religious body to accept foreign contributions for various programs.
- FCRA registration is mandatory for NGOs and associations receiving foreign donations and is valid for five years.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) argued in the Supreme Court that allowing "fertile women" (aged 10-50) into the Sabarimala temple would be antithetical to the deity's identity as a Naishtika Brahmachari (perennial celibate). Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing TDB, stated that Lord Ayyappa's unique form at Sabarimala is the sole reason for its reverence, distinguishing it from other Ayyappa temples. The Supreme Court observed that while all religions are equal and individuals have freedom of conscience, religious practices should be left untouched, as per Article 25(2)(a) of the Constitution.
- The Travancore Devaswom Board contends that the entry of women aged 10-50 years into Sabarimala temple conflicts with the deity's celibate nature.
- Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala is revered specifically as a Naishtika Brahmachari, unlike in other Ayyappa temples.
- The Supreme Court emphasized that all religions are equal, and individuals are entitled to freedom of conscience.
Ritual offerings, such as pouring 11,000 litres of milk into the Narmada River, are significantly contributing to river pollution in India, intensifying ecological stress. Studies show that dairy effluents and other offerings accelerate microbial activity, deplete dissolved oxygen, and trigger algal blooms, severely degrading water quality. Despite constitutional provisions like the Water Act (1974) and Article 21 guaranteeing a clean environment, and NGT directives for idol immersion, enforcement remains uneven. Experts advocate for site-specific caps, waste collection, and diversion strategies, emphasizing that religious freedom under Article 25 is not absolute and must be balanced with ecological limits and public health concerns.
- Ritual offerings, including dairy effluents, significantly accelerate microbial activity and pollution loads in Indian rivers.
- Pollution from such practices depletes dissolved oxygen, triggers algal blooms, and degrades water quality, rendering stretches 'ecologically dead'.
- Despite legal frameworks like the Water Act (1974) and Article 21, and NGT guidelines, enforcement against ritual pollution is inconsistent.
The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the appointment of new judges to the Kerala and Karnataka High Courts. A notable aspect of these recommendations is that a majority of the nominees are women advocates and judicial officers. For the Kerala High Court, Preeta Aravindan Krishnamma and Liz Mathew Anthraper have been proposed. For the Karnataka High Court Bench, Rajeshwari Narayana Hegde, Kedambadi Ganesh Shanthi, and Mahadevappa Brungesh have been recommended, emphasizing a push for greater diversity in judicial appointments.
- The Supreme Court Collegium has put forward names for new judicial appointments in Kerala and Karnataka High Courts.
- A significant number of the recommended individuals are women, reflecting a focus on gender diversity in the judiciary.
- The Collegium system plays a crucial role in the appointment and transfer of judges in higher courts.
The article critiques the Election Commission of India (ECI) for its "Special Intensive Revision" (SIR) process, particularly in West Bengal, which led to the exclusion of millions of voters through "logical discrepancy." It questions the Supreme Court's (SC) apparent apathy towards these mass deletions, emphasizing that the right to vote is fundamental. The author argues that the ECI's actions, by creating hurdles and potentially lowering poll percentages, risk making people apathetic towards the democratic process. The ECI's focus on "purging" the electoral roll, especially targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims, is seen as problematic and potentially discriminatory. The SC, as the guardian of rights, has a crucial role in preventing such "sins of commission" and restoring faith in democratic institutions.
- The ECI's "Special Intensive Revision" (SIR) process, particularly in West Bengal, is criticized for mass voter deletions based on "logical discrepancy."
- The article questions the Supreme Court's perceived inaction despite the significant number of voters affected.
- The author argues that the ECI's actions undermine the fundamental right to vote and risk fostering public apathy towards democracy.
The Punjab Assembly unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing stricter punishments for sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib. The draft law includes provisions for life imprisonment and a fine up to ₹25 lakh, makes offenses non-bailable, and aims for swift probes. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated the Bill closes loopholes left by previous governments and is a historic milestone for checking 'beadbi'. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) welcomed the move but called for effective implementation.
- The Punjab Assembly unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
- The Bill proposes life imprisonment and a fine up to ₹25 lakh for sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.
- It aims to make offenses non-bailable and ensure swift investigations.
The Supreme Court criticized the Election Commission for excluding lakhs of voters from West Bengal's electoral roll due to "logical discrepancies" during a special intensive revision (SIR). The court emphasized that the right to vote is not only constitutional but also a "sentimental" expression of nationality and patriotism. It noted that 34 lakh appeals were filed against exclusions, with over a lakh pending before each of the 19 appellate tribunals, just days before the Assembly election. The EC had promised not to touch 2002 electoral rolls, but the "logical discrepancy" category, unique to West Bengal, violated this.
- The Supreme Court criticized the Election Commission for excluding lakhs of voters in West Bengal through "logical discrepancies" during a special intensive revision (SIR).
- The court asserted that the right to vote is a constitutional and sentimental right, representing nationality and patriotism.
- The EC's introduction of "logical discrepancy" as a unique category for West Bengal violated its promise to leave 2002 electoral rolls untouched.
The article analyzes the Madurai trial court's death sentences for nine policemen in the Sattankulam custodial killings case, highlighting a conflict between the 'rarest of rare' doctrine and judicial precedents. The judge, bound by the Supreme Court's Sriharan decision (2015), felt compelled to choose between death or an inadequate 14-year life sentence, as trial courts are barred from imposing fixed-term life imprisonment without remission. This 'broken ladder' in Indian jurisprudence forces trial courts into a binary choice, even when a middle ground of long-term imprisonment without remission would be more appropriate for grave crimes.
- The Madurai trial court sentenced nine policemen to death for the Sattankulam custodial killings, citing the 'rarest of rare' doctrine.
- Trial courts are currently restricted from imposing fixed-term life imprisonment without remission, a power reserved for High Courts and the Supreme Court.
- This limitation, stemming from the Supreme Court's Sriharan decision (2015), forces trial judges into a binary choice between death or a potentially inadequate 14-year life sentence.
West Bengal is embroiled in a major controversy over the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The SIR, aimed at cleaning up rolls by removing duplicate, migrated, and deceased voters, led to over 63 lakh name deletions and 1.20 crore names with logical discrepancies. The Supreme Court intervened due to a "trust deficit" between the ECI and the Trinamool Congress government, deploying judicial officers to hear 'under adjudication' cases. While 27 lakh names were cleared, others remain in limbo, unlikely to vote in upcoming Assembly polls. The Trinamool accuses the ECI of political bias, while civil society groups allege deliberate targeting of Muslim and women voters.
- The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal has become a significant controversy.
- Over 63 lakh names were deleted, and 1.20 crore names had logical discrepancies, leading to a "trust deficit" between ECI and the state government.
- The Supreme Court intervened, deploying judicial officers to adjudicate disputed cases, clearing 27 lakh names.
The Supreme Court decided to intervene on behalf of 26 Indian nationals allegedly 'stuck' in Russia and 'unwillingly' forced to fight in the Ukraine war, indicating a human trafficking angle. A three-judge Bench, including Chief Justice Surya Kant, asked Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta to obtain a copy of the petition and inquire with the Centre. The petitioners claim to be victims of illegal overseas recruitment, trafficking, and exploitation, with their passports seized and forced into military service. The plea seeks judicial direction to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Russia for immediate diplomatic and consular measures, ascertainment of whereabouts, legal status, safety, and safe repatriation. It also calls for prosecution of those involved in illegal recruitment. The next hearing is April 24.
- The Supreme Court is addressing a plea concerning 26 Indian nationals allegedly trafficked and forced to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.
- The court views the situation as a serious case of human trafficking, with victims reporting seized passports and forced military service.
- The plea seeks immediate diplomatic and consular intervention from the Indian government for the protection and repatriation of these individuals.
Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu while facing a parliamentary motion for removal. His decision came as a panel, appointed by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, was set to investigate allegations of burnt currency recovered from his official Delhi residence during a fire in March last year. In a separate letter, Justice Varma withdrew from the inquiry, terming it 'unfair' and expressing deep anguish. The controversy, which began on March 14, 2025, with the discovery of unaccounted cash, escalated into a major scandal, raising questions about judicial integrity and accountability.
- Justice Yashwant Varma resigned from the Allahabad High Court while facing a parliamentary motion for his removal.
- His resignation coincided with the formation of an inquiry panel under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, to investigate allegations of burnt currency found at his official residence.
- Justice Varma explicitly withdrew from the inquiry proceedings, labeling them as 'unfair' and expressing profound sadness.
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025-26, aims to shift India's regulatory approach from a punitive model to 'trust-based governance' by decriminalizing minor procedural lapses across various Central Acts. Building on the 2023 Act, the 2026 Bill proposes amendments to 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts, with 717 earmarked for decriminalization. Its core principle is proportionality, replacing criminal penalties with monetary fines, graded responses, and expanded compounding provisions. This reform seeks to separate serious criminal conduct from minor non-compliance, promote equity for smaller enterprises, and reduce the burden on the judiciary by diverting routine regulatory cases. While it promises efficiency, concerns remain about administrative discretion and implementation gaps.
- The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025-26, aims to transition India's regulatory framework from punitive to 'trust-based governance.'
- It proposes to decriminalize 717 provisions across 79 Central Acts, replacing jail terms for minor procedural lapses with monetary penalties and administrative alternatives.
- The Bill seeks to distinguish serious criminal conduct from minor non-compliance, ensuring proportionality in penalties.
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, builds on the 2023 Act, aiming to recalibrate regulatory balance towards trust-based compliance by decriminalizing minor business-related offenses. This reform shifts away from criminal sanctions for technical and procedural lapses to civil penalties or administrative measures, reducing compliance burdens and fostering entrepreneurship. The 2026 Bill proposes amendments to 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts, decriminalizing 717 provisions, and removing obsolete offenses. It seeks to reduce court congestion by moving minor cases out of criminal courts. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has advocated for this shift, emphasizing proportionality and economic efficiency. Effective implementation, including strengthening administrative adjudication and clear guidance, will be crucial for its success.
- The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, aims to establish a trust-based compliance culture by decriminalizing minor offenses.
- It proposes to replace criminal penalties for technical and procedural lapses with civil or administrative measures.
- The Bill seeks to amend 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts, decriminalizing 717 of them, and remove obsolete offenses.
The Supreme Court, during a hearing on the Sabarimala shrine case, stated that courts cannot hollow out religion in the name of reform and that logic may not be the right tool to examine faith and belief systems. A nine-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, observed that a religion cannot lose its identity through social reform. Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, argued that reform must originate from within the religion and that judicial review should not be based on rationality or science for religious matters. Justice B.V. Nagarathna questioned whether a non-devotee could challenge religious practices in court. The court also discussed that the term 'essential religious practices' was a judicial creation, not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.
- The Supreme Court emphasized that logic might not be suitable for examining religious belief systems.
- Courts should not undermine religion under the guise of reform, as reform should ideally come from within the religion.
- The concept of 'essential religious practices' is a judicial creation, not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.
Amidst the West Asia crisis, the importance of mediation in conflict resolution is gaining prominence. Historically, mediation has proven effective, with theories like Bercovitch's Contingency Model and Zartman's 'Ripeness' theory explaining its success. International frameworks, including the Hague Conventions and the UN Charter (Article 33), legitimize and support mediation. Notable examples include Kofi Annan in Kenya, the Oslo Accords, and the Camp David Accords. The article discusses China's potential role as a mediator in the Iran conflict, given its economic leverage and consistent anti-war stance, highlighting that successful mediation requires strategic calculation and willingness from conflicting parties.
- Mediation remains a crucial tool for conflict resolution, with a long history and established international frameworks.
- Theories like 'Mutually Hurting Stalemate' and the Contingency Model explain the conditions and factors for successful mediation.
- International legal instruments, including the UN Charter, provide principles and guidance for mediation efforts.
Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla rejected notices from Opposition MPs seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The presiding officers concluded that the allegations, including a "tainted" appointment, "deep executive embeddedness," applying different standards to government/opposition, and obstructing electoral fraud investigations, lacked proof or did not meet the "high constitutional bar" for removal proceedings. The order stated that the pendency of a constitutional challenge to his appointment law did not amount to misbehaviour, and the EC's plenary powers under Article 324 were affirmed by the Supreme Court.
- Notices for the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, moved by Opposition MPs, were rejected by the presiding officers of Parliament.
- The charges, including allegations of a "tainted" appointment and bias, were deemed to lack sufficient proof or meet the constitutional bar for removal.
- The order clarified that a pending constitutional challenge to the appointment law does not equate to misbehaviour.
The interim stay on the UGC Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulation, 2026, highlights the debate on caste-based discrimination. The regulation defines "caste-based discrimination" specifically for SC, ST, and OBCs, which is criticized for not being 'caste-neutral'. The article argues that formal neutrality misunderstands caste as a structural hierarchy, not isolated incidents. Constitutional Articles 14 and 15 support differential treatment for substantive equality, not abstract sameness. Effective enforcement mechanisms, independent complaint systems, and accountability are crucial for the UGC framework to fulfill its constitutional promise of equality.
- The UGC regulations define caste-based discrimination specifically for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
- A 'caste-neutral' definition risks collapsing structural inequality into a universal grievance framework, diluting the law's effectiveness.
- Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution mandate substantive equality, allowing for differential treatment to remedy historical disadvantage.
The conviction of nine policemen in the Sattankulam custodial death case, involving trader Jayaraj and his son Benicks, highlights the critical role of an engaged judiciary, courageous witnesses, and determined investigation in delivering justice. The trial court's reliance on CBI scientific evidence, despite attempts to destroy it, led to the convictions. This verdict sends a strong message against the misuse of force by law enforcement, emphasizing that custodial deaths will not go unpunished and underscoring the need for systemic reckoning to sensitize the police force against excessive force.
- Nine policemen were convicted in the Sattankulam custodial death case of Jayaraj and Benicks.
- The verdict underscores the importance of judicial activism, witness courage, and scientific investigation.
- The case involved torture and trumped-up charges, leading to the deaths of the victims in judicial custody.
The Supreme Court's nine-judge Constitution Bench has begun reviewing its 2018 judgment that upheld the right of women of menstruating age to enter the Sabarimala shrine. Justice B.V. Nagarathna stated that courts can intervene if social evils are given a religious color. Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta argued against judicial overreach into religious practices, questioning courts' expertise in determining "essential religious practices" and interpreting religious texts. The review aims to establish a 'judicial policy' for constitutional courts regarding religious freedom under Articles 25 and 26.
- The Supreme Court is reviewing its 2018 judgment on women's entry to the Sabarimala temple.
- Justice B.V. Nagarathna highlighted the judiciary's role in distinguishing social evils from religious practices.
- Arguments focused on the extent of judicial review over "essential religious practices" and the interpretation of religious texts.