The Supreme Court has affirmed that Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are a "good public material resource" and their assets should be utilized for public good. The court emphasized that the government, as the owner, has the right to decide on the utilization of PSU assets, including their sale or transfer, provided it serves public interest. This ruling clarifies the government's prerogative over PSUs while underscoring their role as public assets. It has implications for disinvestment policies and the management of state-owned enterprises.
- Supreme Court affirmed PSUs as "good public material resource."
- Government has the right to decide on PSU asset utilization for public good.
- The ruling clarifies government's prerogative over PSUs as public assets.
The Supreme Court recently rebuked a High Court judge for passing an "unwarranted" order, raising questions about judicial discipline and potential overreach. The apex court emphasized that judges must adhere to judicial propriety and not exceed their jurisdiction. This incident highlights the delicate balance between judicial independence and accountability, and the need for judges to exercise restraint. The Supreme Court's intervention underscores its role in maintaining the integrity and decorum of the judiciary.
- The Supreme Court rebuked a High Court judge for an "unwarranted" order.
- The incident raises questions about judicial discipline and potential overreach.
- The apex court emphasized adherence to judicial propriety and jurisdiction limits.
The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) held protests in Jammu and Kashmir, demanding the release of its chairman and former MLA, Engineer Rashid, who has been imprisoned since 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The party argues that Rashid's continued detention is unjust and politically motivated. The protests highlight concerns about human rights, political detentions, and the use of stringent laws like UAPA in the region. AIP members called for his immediate release to allow him to participate in democratic processes.
- Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) protested for the release of its chairman, Engineer Rashid.
- Engineer Rashid, a former MLA, has been jailed since 2019 under UAPA.
- The party alleges his detention is unjust and politically motivated.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the Law Department would conduct an inquiry into alleged "vote fraud" involving the deletion of voters' names from the electoral rolls. The allegations suggest that names of certain communities were systematically removed, raising concerns about electoral integrity. The CM emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring fair elections and will take action against officials found responsible. This probe underscores the importance of accurate electoral rolls for democratic processes and addresses concerns about potential manipulation.
- Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announced a Law Department inquiry into alleged "vote fraud."
- Allegations involve systematic deletion of voters' names from electoral rolls.
- The probe aims to ensure electoral integrity and accountability of officials.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has filed a breach of privilege motion against government officials for allegedly discriminating against him on religious grounds during a visit to Deoghar. Dubey claimed that officials prevented him from offering prayers at a temple, citing security concerns, while allowing others. He accused them of violating his fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges. This incident highlights concerns about religious freedom and the conduct of public officials, potentially leading to a parliamentary inquiry into the alleged discrimination.
- BJP MP Nishikant Dubey filed a breach of privilege motion against officials.
- He alleged religious discrimination during a visit to a temple in Deoghar.
- Dubey claimed officials prevented him from offering prayers while allowing others.
The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi government to issue a show-cause notice and provide an opportunity for a hearing before terminating the services of employees at Mohalla Clinics. The ruling came in response to petitions filed by staff members whose contracts were abruptly terminated. The court emphasized the principles of natural justice, ensuring that employees have a fair chance to present their case. This decision provides crucial protection for contractual workers and highlights the judiciary's role in upholding labor rights.
- Delhi High Court mandated prior notice and hearing before terminating Mohalla Clinic staff.
- The ruling upholds principles of natural justice for contractual employees.
- It provides protection against arbitrary termination of services for workers.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered a landmark advisory opinion on states' obligations regarding climate change, which, though not technically binding, serves as an authoritative interpretation of international law. The ruling emphasizes states' legal duties to protect the climate system, interpreting treaties like the Paris Agreement seamlessly with scientific consensus to target 1.5°C. It rejected arguments of unfettered discretion for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and self-contained climate regimes, affirming general international and environmental law applicability. The decision highlights common but differentiated responsibilities, obligating developed countries to provide financial and technological support to developing nations, offering leverage for the Global South to pressure major emitters.
- The ICJ's advisory opinion clarifies states' legal obligations to protect the climate system, reinforcing international climate law.
- The opinion integrates climate treaties like the Paris Agreement with scientific consensus, establishing 1.5°C as the critical temperature threshold.
- States' Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) must reflect 'highest possible' ambition and are subject to duties of due diligence and cooperation.
Parliament passed two key maritime legislations: The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, and The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024. The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, replaces the outdated 1958 Act, aiming to align India's maritime legal framework with global standards and strengthen its position as a trusted maritime trade hub. The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, repeals the 1925 Act, simplifying maritime trade laws, reducing litigation risks, and enhancing transparency and commercial efficiency in cargo movement. These bills reflect the Modi government's push for modern shipping and double endorsement from Parliament.
- Parliament passed two significant maritime legislations: The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, and The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024.
- The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, replaces the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958, modernizing India's maritime legal framework.
- This legislation aims to align with global standards and establish India as a trusted maritime trade hub.
India is intensifying its efforts to combat money laundering, with the Finance Minister reporting 5,892 cases taken up under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002 since 2015. The article explains money laundering as a process to convert illicit gains into legitimate assets, typically involving three stages: placement, layering, and integration. It highlights the challenges, including the low conviction rate and potential for politically motivated investigations. To strengthen the fight, experts recommend robust laws, international cooperation, and leveraging agreements like the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) also plays a crucial role in setting international standards to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
- India is actively pursuing money laundering cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002, with thousands of cases initiated since 2015.
- Money laundering involves three stages—placement, layering, and integration—to legitimize illicitly obtained funds.
- Challenges include a low conviction rate and concerns about politically motivated investigations, hindering effective enforcement.
The Union government has strongly opposed any move by the Supreme Court to reduce the age of consent from 18 to 16 under child protection laws. The Centre warned that such a reduction would open "floodgates to trafficking and other forms of child abuse" by diluting the statutory presumption of vulnerability crucial for child protection. It highlighted that a 2007 study by the Ministry of Women and Child Development found that over 53% of children reported sexual abuse, often by individuals in positions of trust. The government's stance contrasts with arguments from some legal experts who suggest consensual sexual activity between 16 and 18 should not be criminalized under the POCSO Act.
- The Union government firmly opposes reducing the age of consent from 18 to 16, citing risks of increased trafficking and child abuse.
- It argues that lowering the age would undermine the fundamental principle of child vulnerability enshrined in protection laws.
- A government study revealed a high prevalence of child sexual abuse, often perpetrated by trusted individuals, reinforcing the need for current protections.
A one-man commission, led by retired Justice H.N. Nagamohan Das, submitted its 1,766-page report with six recommendations to the Karnataka government. The commission was tasked with proposing internal reservation within the 17% quota for Scheduled Castes, distributing it among various Dalit sub-groups and nomadic castes. The report considered social, educational backwardness, and representation in public employment to devise a matrix for quota reservation in public education and employment. The report will be discussed in the next Cabinet meeting and potentially placed before the State legislature during the Monsoon Session.
- The Karnataka government received a report on internal reservation for Scheduled Castes from a one-man commission.
- The commission, headed by Justice H.N. Nagamohan Das, recommended slicing the 17% SC quota among various Dalit sub-groups and nomadic castes.
- The recommendations are based on social and educational backwardness and adequate representation in public employment.
A Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court acquitted all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case, including BJP leader Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit. The court found that the prosecution failed to provide credible and admissible evidence, citing lack of 'conscious possession' of the explosive device, absence of primary forensic analysis, and inadmissible confessional statements recorded under MCOCA due to procedural lapses. The verdict highlights significant failures in the investigation and raises questions about the integrity of the evidence presented, leading victims' families to consider an independent appeal.
- All seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case, including Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt. Col. Prasad Purohit, were acquitted.
- The NIA Court cited the prosecution's failure to produce credible and admissible evidence.
- Key reasons for acquittal included lack of 'conscious possession' of the explosive device and absence of primary forensic analysis.
The government intends to push for the passage of the National Sports Governance Bill in the Lok Sabha, aiming to enhance transparency in sports bodies. This legislative effort is proceeding amidst a parliamentary deadlock, as the Opposition demands a discussion on the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, which the government has refused. Other key legislative items on the agenda include the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of Goa Bill, and bills related to merchant shipping and Indian ports. The Rajya Sabha is also set to consider extending President's Rule in Manipur.
- The government plans to pass the National Sports Governance Bill in the Lok Sabha.
- The Bill aims to bring greater transparency to the functioning of sports bodies.
- Parliamentary proceedings are currently deadlocked due to Opposition demands for a debate on Bihar's electoral rolls.
The article critiques India's position in the India-United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), specifically Article 13.6, which prioritizes voluntary mechanisms for access to medicines and technology transfer. This approach dilutes India's historical advocacy for compulsory licensing to ensure affordable medicines and its demand for technology transfer on favorable terms for developing countries. The authors argue that voluntary licenses are inadequate due to the weak bargaining power of domestic companies and limitations imposed by pharmaceutical corporations, citing past examples like the pricing of remdesivir and the compulsory license for sorafenib tosylate.
- The India-United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) includes Article 13.6, which prioritizes voluntary mechanisms for access to medicines and technology transfer.
- This provision dilutes India's long-standing position favoring compulsory licensing for affordable medicines.
- India's demand for technology transfer on 'favourable terms' for industrialization and carbon footprint reduction is undermined.
The article highlights the conviction and life sentencing of Prajwal Revanna for rape and sexual harassment, emphasizing the rarity of powerful perpetrators being held accountable. He was convicted under various sections of the IPC and IT Act for repeated rape, criminal intimidation, disappearance of evidence, and privacy violation. The speedy trial, supported by video evidence, DNA analysis, and victim testimony, offers hope for other survivors. The piece stresses the need for swift, sensitive government action to create a safe environment where survivors can come forward without fear, despite political influence often hindering justice.
- Prajwal Revanna, former MP and grandson of H.D. Deve Gowda, was convicted and life-sentenced for rape and sexual harassment.
- The conviction involved charges under IPC Sections 376(2)(n), 506, 201, and IT Act Section 66E.
- Key evidence included video recordings, DNA analysis, and the domestic worker's testimony.
Assam's aggressive eviction drives from forestlands, primarily targeting Bengali Muslims, have caused alarm in neighboring states, which fear an influx of displaced people and are tightening border controls. These evictions, framed by the 'Bangladeshi' or 'illegal infiltrator' narrative, have led to deaths and significant displacement. Assam also has long-standing border disputes with Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland, claiming nearly 83,000 hectares of land. These states accuse Assam of patronizing "illegal immigrants" and settling them along borders to claim disputed lands. The Gauhati High Court has directed the five states to form a high-level committee to coordinate efforts to clear illegal settlements from forestlands.
- Assam's government is conducting aggressive eviction drives, primarily targeting Bengali Muslims, from forestlands.
- Neighboring states are concerned about an influx of evicted people and are strengthening their border vigilance.
- The evictions are linked to Assam's long-standing border disputes with Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
Odisha and Chhattisgarh have indicated their willingness to amicably resolve their long-standing dispute over the sharing of Mahanadi river water. The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT), chaired by Justice Bela M. Trivedi, has granted the states additional time, setting the next hearing for September 6, to report on their settlement progress. Odisha's Advocate-General presented evidence of high-level meetings and correspondence between Chief Ministers Mohan Majhi (Odisha) and Vishnu Deo Sai (Chhattisgarh), confirming that a settlement is under consideration. Odisha has proposed establishing a joint committee of the states, guided by the Union Jal Shakti Ministry and led by the Central Water Commission (CWC), to facilitate the resolution process.
- Odisha and Chhattisgarh are seeking an amicable resolution to their Mahanadi river water sharing dispute.
- The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) has provided more time for the states to reach a settlement.
- High-level discussions between the Chief Ministers of both states are underway regarding the dispute resolution.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion reaffirming states' legal obligations to mitigate climate change, sparking debates on sovereignty, enforcement, and global equity. Experts Ted Nordhaus and Anand Grover discuss the difficulties in proving causality for climate impacts and the political nature of enforcement. While skeptical about actionable international legal findings, Grover highlights the ruling's positive aspect of providing legal grounding for domestic courts to hold governments accountable. Both discuss the limitations of international mechanisms like the Loss and Damage Fund and the challenges of expecting compliance from powerful nations like the U.S., emphasizing the need for domestic action.
- The ICJ's advisory opinion reaffirms states' legal obligations to mitigate climate change and support vulnerable nations.
- Experts debate the enforceability of the ruling, citing difficulties in proving causality between state inaction and specific climate harms.
- The ruling provides legal grounding for domestic courts to hold governments accountable, particularly for vulnerable island nations.
The article discusses the Supreme Court's repeated calls for electoral reforms and the Election Commission of India's (ECI) perceived silence or inaction. It highlights the ECI's historical role in pushing for reforms but notes a recent shift where the ECI appears less proactive. The author points out issues like the ECI's inability to remove voters from rolls efficiently, the lack of transparency in political funding (electoral bonds), and the need for a more robust mechanism to ensure free and fair elections. The article suggests that while the court nudges, the ECI, as a constitutional body, needs to assert its independence and drive reforms.
- The Supreme Court has repeatedly urged electoral reforms, but the Election Commission of India (ECI) appears less active in pursuing them.
- Historically, the ECI played a crucial role in advocating for electoral reforms, a role that seems diminished recently.
- Concerns include the ECI's challenges in efficient voter roll management and the lack of transparency in political funding, such as electoral bonds.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin released the Tamil Nadu State Policy for Transgender Persons, 2025, aiming to ensure inheritance rights for transgender and intersex persons by amending the Hindu Succession Act and the Indian Succession Act. The policy mandates action against gender-based violence, ensures name and gender changes in academic certificates as per the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and prioritizes affordable housing and free house site pattas for transpersons. It also facilitates short-stay homes, marking a significant step towards inclusivity and effective enforcement of laws against gender-based violence.
- Tamil Nadu released its State Policy for Transgender Persons, 2025, focusing on inheritance rights and protection against violence.
- The policy proposes amending the Hindu Succession Act and Indian Succession Act to grant inheritance rights to transgender and intersex persons.
- It mandates changes in academic certificates for transpersons to reflect their chosen name and gender, aligning with the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
India's legal aid institutions, established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, aim to provide free legal aid to 80% of the population, but their actual reach remains modest. Despite a near doubling of the total allocation from ₹601 crore (2017-18) to ₹1,086 crore (2022-23), NALSA's funds utilization dropped. The article highlights issues like low fiscal prioritization, poor utilization of funds, and a shrinking frontline of para-legal volunteers due to low honorariums. It discusses the new Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) scheme for accused persons but notes its fledgling status. The piece concludes that without more resources and manpower, the system falls short of providing quality justice.
- India's legal aid system, governed by the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, aims to provide free legal aid to a large population but has modest actual reach.
- Despite increased state allocations, NALSA's fund utilization has dropped, and restrictions on expenditure limit the system's operational capacity.
- The number of para-legal volunteers, crucial frontline responders, has significantly decreased due to inadequate honorariums, hindering awareness and dispute resolution efforts.
The article critiques India's policing, advocating for a shift from "Dirty Harry" style (coercion, quick confessions) to "Sherlock Holmes" style (meticulous investigation, evidence-based methods). It highlights the prevalence of custodial violence, citing 687 deaths in police custody between 2018-19 and 2022-23, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups. The author argues that torture is ineffective and morally wrong, citing scientific evidence and international examples like the U.K.'s PEACE model. The piece calls for India to ratify the UN Convention Against Torture, enact a standalone anti-torture law, and embed rapport-based interrogation techniques in police training to ensure justice and public trust.
- Indian policing is criticized for relying on "Dirty Harry" methods of coercion and quick confessions, leading to custodial violence and injustice.
- Custodial deaths remain a significant issue, with 687 reported between 2018-19 and 2022-23, disproportionately affecting daily-wage workers, migrants, Dalits, and tribals.
- Scientific research and real-world examples demonstrate that torture is ineffective for extracting accurate information and often leads to false confessions.
Two Catholic nuns were arrested in Chhattisgarh on charges of human trafficking and forced conversion, sparking widespread condemnation against communal vigilantism. The nuns were apprehended after a Bajrang Dal member filed a complaint while escorting three tribal girls for jobs in Agra. Despite the Chief Minister's allegations, the girls' kin clarified there was no forceful conversion. This incident highlights the misuse of anti-conversion laws in several states, which are often used to criminalise interfaith marriages. The article also points to tensions between Adivasis, Christian tribals, and Hindus in tribal-dominated regions, emphasizing the need for focus on economic development and upholding constitutional rights.
- Two Catholic nuns were arrested in Chhattisgarh on charges of human trafficking and forced conversion, leading to condemnation across the political spectrum.
- The arrests occurred after a Bajrang Dal member filed a complaint, despite the girls' family denying forceful conversion.
- The incident highlights the misuse of anti-conversion laws, which are often used to target interfaith marriages and religious minorities.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on climate obligations, while affirming the multilateral climate regime and the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR&RC), has drawn criticism for its interpretation of the Paris Agreement's temperature goals. The opinion insists on aligning mitigation efforts with the 1.5 degrees Celsius goal, despite its imminent breach, and frames obligations as 'of conduct' rather than 'of result,' weakening enforcement. It also sidelines the twin challenges of global warming and the development imperatives of the global South, failing to introduce new obligations or significantly move the needle in climate negotiations, thus representing a missed opportunity for a game-changing intervention.
- The ICJ advisory opinion affirms the multilateral climate regime, including UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement.
- It upholds the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR&RC) as a core guiding principle for climate treaties.
- The opinion insists on aligning mitigation efforts with the 1.5 degrees Celsius goal, despite its imminent breach, and interprets obligations as 'of conduct' rather than 'of result.'