The European Commission is developing an age verification app under the Digital Services Act to protect minors from harmful online content, while claiming to safeguard adult users' privacy. Critics, however, argue that this move risks compromising privacy and fails to effectively protect children. The app, built on technical specifications similar to European Digital Identity Wallets, aims to allow users to prove they are over 18 without revealing exact age or identity, using zero-knowledge proof for privacy. While some porn companies oppose website-level age verification, advocating for device-based checks, the Commission maintains its approach ensures data protection and aims to make the internet safer for everyone.
- The European Commission is developing an age verification app under the Digital Services Act to protect minors from harmful online content.
- Critics express concerns that the app may compromise adult users' privacy and may not effectively safeguard children.
- The app aims to allow users to prove age without revealing exact identity, using zero-knowledge proof for privacy protection.
South Africa initiated proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in January 2024, alleging its military campaign in Gaza amounts to genocide. The ICJ's provisional measures indicate a "plausible" risk of genocide. Genocide, defined by the UN Convention, requires acts committed with "intent to destroy, in whole or in substantial part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group." Proving genocidal intent is notoriously difficult, but experts argue Israel's conduct, including systematic destruction and dehumanizing rhetoric, fulfills the criteria. Despite ICJ measures, Israel's non-compliance continues, raising doubts about the international order, while major Western powers block decisive UN action.
- South Africa filed a case against Israel at the ICJ in January 2024, alleging genocide in Gaza.
- The ICJ has indicated a "plausible" risk of genocide, issuing binding provisional measures.
- Genocide is defined by the UN Convention as acts committed with specific intent to destroy a group, in whole or in part.
A political controversy in Tamil Nadu regarding the diversion of temple funds for colleges highlights a unique social justice model rooted in a 200-year-old legislative framework. This framework, originating from the Madras Presidency, allows the government to control secular aspects of religious endowments and appropriate surplus funds for purposes like education, as enshrined in the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959. Historically, temples served as socio-cultural hubs and educational centers, receiving lavish donations. The Self-Respect Movement viewed temple regulation as crucial for anti-caste reforms, and government control is seen as vital for ensuring social justice and religious reforms in South India.
- Tamil Nadu's use of temple funds for colleges is rooted in a historical social justice model from the Madras Presidency.
- The legislative framework, including the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959, permits the diversion of surplus temple funds for secular purposes like education.
- Historically, temples were not just places of worship but also socio-cultural and educational hubs, receiving significant endowments.
A preliminary report on the Air India Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad (June 2025) highlights critical uncertainties and a deep lack of trust in India's aviation system. The author argues for comprehensive reforms to establish a genuine "culture of safety" across all layers, including fair employment, mental health support for air crew, and accountability for airlines and regulators. Systemic breakdowns are evident in aircraft design, maintenance, flight crew duty limitations, airline operations prioritizing profit over safety, and air traffic management. Regulatory loopholes, such as those allowing construction near airports, and the silencing of whistle-blowers further compromise safety, making immediate systemic improvements crucial to prevent future accidents.
- The preliminary report on the Air India Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad reveals systemic issues in India's aviation safety.
- A genuine "culture of safety" is urgently needed, encompassing fair employment, mental health support for air crew, and accountability for all stakeholders.
- Regulatory loopholes, such as relaxed construction norms around airports, pose significant threats to aviation safety.
Tamil Nadu police will soon roll out "e-Sakshaya," a mobile app developed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, to collect mandatory audio-visual evidence. This app will enable police personnel to upload photos and videos of crime scenes, witnesses, and generate immutable SID packets (secure, geo-tagged, time-stamped evidence with hash verification), strengthening the chain of custody and admissibility of evidence. The application uses blockchain technology to ensure data integrity and trustworthiness. Evidence uploaded will be accessible to magistrates and courts via the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS).
- The e-Sakshaya mobile app is being launched for Tamil Nadu police to collect audio-visual evidence.
- Developed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, it aims to strengthen the chain of custody and admissibility of evidence.
- The app records videos, photographs, and witness details, generating secure, geo-tagged, and time-stamped evidence packets with hash verification.
The Tamil Nadu government will send a list of eligible Director-General of Police (DGP) rank officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for shortlisting a panel to appoint the next DGP/Head of Police Force. This process complies with Supreme Court guidelines from the Prakash Singh case. The incumbent DGP, Shankar Jiwal, completes his tenure on August 31. Revised guidelines from the Ministry of Home Affairs state that only DGP-rank officers in the Level-16 pay matrix are eligible, a change from earlier rules that included all IPS officers with 30 years of service. The UPSC empanelment committee will shortlist three officers for the state to choose from.
- Tamil Nadu government is initiating the process to appoint the next DGP/Head of Police Force by sending a list to UPSC.
- The selection process adheres to Supreme Court guidelines from the Prakash Singh case.
- Revised guidelines from the Ministry of Home Affairs specify eligibility criteria for DGP candidates, limiting it to Level-16 pay matrix officers.
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 Supreme Court reversed its own 2024 judgment, granting custody of a 12-year-old child to his mother after new evidence revealed the child was suffering from "separation anxiety disorder." The initial judgment had upheld a Kerala High Court decision to transfer custody to the biological father, considering the mother's remarriage and intent to move abroad. However, the mother, who had been the primary caregiver, presented evaluation reports from Christian Medical College, Vellore, demonstrating the "calamitous effect" of the separation on the child's mental health. The Bench, led by Justice Vikram Nath, prioritized the child's best interests, emphasizing a secure and loving family environment.
- The Supreme Court exercised its review power to reconsider a child custody judgment.
- The decision was based on new evidence of the child's severe separation anxiety disorder.
- The court prioritized the child's mental health and overall well-being over previous considerations.
A petition filed by Bhopal gas disaster victims' rights groups in the Supreme Court claims that survivors with severe and lasting injuries have been wrongly classified under 'temporary disablement' and 'minor injury', leading to years of under-compensation. The plea urges the Centre to correctly reclassify these victims under the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster (Processing of Claims) Act, 1985, to ensure they receive adequate compensation for medical treatment. The petition highlights Union Carbide's internal document, which indicated that inhalation of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) is likely to cause major residual injury, emphasizing the Centre's responsibility to address the "unjust and arbitrary" damages awarded.
- Bhopal gas leak victims are allegedly misclassified, leading to inadequate compensation for severe injuries.
- The petition seeks reclassification of victims under the Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster (Processing of Claims) Act, 1985.
- Union Carbide's own documents suggested Methyl Isocyanate inhalation could cause major residual injury.
India faces a growing "adoption paradox" where a significant number of prospective parents (36,381 in 2025) far outnumber children legally free for adoption (2,652 in 2025), resulting in a 1:13 ratio and an average wait time of 3.5 years. This imbalance, highlighted by a Parliamentary panel and the Supreme Court, is attributed to complexities in declaring children legally free, resource limitations in Child Care Institutions (CCIs), and a lack of accountability. Despite 3.1 crore orphans in India, only a fraction are in the adoption pool. The Juvenile Justice Act (2021) mandates time-bound procedures, but its implementation remains questionable, leading to older children and those with special needs being less preferred for adoption.
- India faces an "adoption paradox" with a severe imbalance between prospective parents and children legally free for adoption, leading to long wait times.
- As of July 2025, there are 36,381 prospective parents registered versus only 2,652 children legally free for adoption, a ratio of 13:1.
- The average delay for prospective parents to get an adoption referral has increased to 3.5 years.
The Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar has raised concerns about potential disenfranchisement of lakhs of citizens. The process is criticized for being opaque, hurried, and imposing onerous burdens on voters, especially those added after 2003, who must re-establish eligibility with fresh applications. The ECI's notification lists only 11 acceptable proofs, notably omitting widely held documents like Aadhaar, ration cards, and even ECI-issued EPICs. The Supreme Court has intervened, urging the ECI to consider these omitted documents, emphasizing that electoral roll preparation must meet constitutional standards of fairness, transparency, and non-discrimination, as the right to vote is fundamental to democracy.
- The Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar is causing concern over potential voter disenfranchisement.
- The revision process is criticized for being opaque, hurried, and imposing excessive burdens on voters, particularly those added after 2003.
- The ECI's list of acceptable documents for re-establishing eligibility omits widely held proofs like Aadhaar, ration cards, and ECI-issued EPICs.
The article highlights an alarming rise in sexual violence against women in spaces traditionally considered safe, such as schools, colleges, and workplaces, across India. It cites several recent cases, including a student's death in Balasore due to sexual harassment and other incidents of rape and assault on campuses. The author criticizes the ineffectiveness of existing laws and mechanisms like Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs), mandatory under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013. Despite stringent laws, the system often fails victims, leading to a lack of accountability and underreporting of crimes, as evidenced by NCRB data showing a 4% increase in crimes against women in 2022 over 2021.
- There is a concerning increase in sexual violence against women in educational institutions and workplaces across India.
- The article highlights specific incidents of sexual harassment, rape, and assault on college campuses, leading to tragic outcomes.
- The effectiveness of Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs), mandated by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, is questioned due to systemic failures and lack of accountability.
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.
Dowry-related deaths remain a persistent issue in India, with an average of 7,000 cases reported annually between 2017-2022. However, investigations are often slow, with 67% of cases pending investigation for over six months by the end of 2022, and 70% of charge-sheets filed after more than two months. Conviction rates are alarmingly low, with only about 100 convictions out of 6,500 cases sent for trial each year, while over 90% remain pending or result in acquittals due to lack of evidence or other reasons. West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar accounted for over 60% of these murders, with Delhi having the highest city-wise share of cases.
- India reports an average of 7,000 dowry death cases annually, but this is considered a conservative estimate due to underreporting.
- Investigations are significantly delayed, with a majority of cases stuck for over six months and charge-sheets filed after prolonged periods.
- Conviction rates for dowry deaths are extremely low, with only about 100 convictions out of 6,500 cases tried annually.
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 Election Commission of India (EC) has initiated a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, sparking a debate on the term 'ordinarily resident'. According to the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act), a person must be 'ordinarily resident' in a constituency to be included in its electoral roll. The Gauhati High Court defined it as a "habitual resident" with the intention to dwell permanently, not temporarily. The article highlights the vulnerability of migrant labourers, who often move for work but maintain ties with their original residence. It suggests that strict interpretation could disenfranchise them and proposes amending the RP Act or RER to preserve their choice of retaining votes in their original constituency.
- The term 'ordinarily resident' is crucial for inclusion in India's electoral rolls, as defined by the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
- Judicial interpretations emphasize that 'ordinarily resident' implies habitual and permanent residency, not temporary stays.
- Migrant labourers face challenges, as their temporary work locations conflict with the strict definition, potentially leading to disenfranchisement.
The article discusses the Supreme Court's observations on Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, emphasizing the need to safeguard the 'right to vote.' The Court urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to include more accessible documents like Aadhaar and ration cards for identity verification, asserting that the ECI's mandate under Article 324 is to facilitate democratic participation, not create obstacles. While the 'right to vote' is legally a statutory right (under Section 62 of RPA, 1951), not a fundamental one, the Court considers it a 'democratic imperative.' The article highlights India's commitment to universal adult suffrage (Article 326) and the importance of accurate electoral rolls to prevent disenfranchisement and ensure electoral integrity.
- The Supreme Court has underscored the importance of the 'right to vote' as fundamental to India's democracy, urging the ECI to ensure inclusivity in electoral roll revisions.
- The ECI's mandate under Article 324 is to facilitate democratic participation, not to create barriers to voting.
- While legally a statutory right, the right to vote is considered a 'democratic imperative' for the survival of the Indian republic.
The Supreme Court observed that the Election Commission of India (ECI) should consider including Aadhaar, the Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC), and ration cards as acceptable documents for identity verification during Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Court criticized the ECI's restrictive list of 11 documents, stating that the entire exercise is about identity, not citizenship, and questioned the exclusion of Aadhaar. The Court reiterated that the ECI's mandate under Article 324 is to facilitate democratic participation, not create obstacles, emphasizing the 'right to vote' as fundamental to democracy.
- The Supreme Court has urged the ECI to expand the list of acceptable documents for voter identity verification, including Aadhaar and ration cards.
- The Court highlighted that the electoral roll revision (SIR) is primarily for identity verification, not citizenship proof.
- The ECI's mandate under Article 324 is to ensure democratic participation, not to create barriers to voting.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against 29 individuals, including actors, TV hosts, social media influencers, and YouTubers. They are accused of promoting illegal betting applications, violating the Public Gambling Act, 1867. The action falls under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), following five FIRs in Andhra Pradesh. The ED believes these individuals received significant financial compensation for endorsing platforms like Junglee Rummy, A23, and Parimatch, which allegedly facilitated large-scale money laundering and masqueraded as skill-based games.
- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated action against 29 individuals for promoting illegal betting applications.
- The case involves violations of the Public Gambling Act, 1867, and actions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
- Prominent personalities from the entertainment industry are implicated for receiving financial compensation for endorsements.
The article highlights the alarming pattern of custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu, citing recent cases like Ajith Kumar, Vignesh, and Raja, whose autopsies revealed severe injuries. It argues that these are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a system that normalizes force over fairness, failing both citizens and the police force due to underinvestment in reform. The author advocates for a reallocation of policing budgets towards mental health support, mandatory counselling, and updated training focusing on ethics, human rights, and trauma-informed investigation. It also calls for legislative clarity, an anti-custodial violence law, mandatory video documentation, and real-time CCTV audits to ensure accountability and transparency.
- Custodial deaths in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, reveal a systemic issue of normalized force and lack of accountability within the police.
- The current policing budget disproportionately funds hardware over essential human elements like mental health support and ethical training for officers.
- Comprehensive criminal justice reform is needed, including legislative clarity, an anti-custodial violence law, and mandatory video documentation of interrogations.
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) report, 'Comprehensive Update on Terrorist Financing Risks', highlights that accused in two recent terror attacks in India utilized online payment services, e-commerce platforms, and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). In the 2022 Gorakhnath Temple attack, a lone actor transferred ₹6,69,841 via PayPal for ISIL support and used VPNs for detection evasion. For the 2019 Pulwama attack, materials like aluminium powder for the IED were procured through Amazon. The report notes terrorists exploit e-commerce platforms as multiple buyers/sellers and use trade-based money laundering techniques like over/under invoicing to transfer value.
- The FATF report indicates that terrorists in India are exploiting online payment services, e-commerce platforms, and VPNs for financing and operational activities.
- In the Gorakhnath Temple attack (2022), an individual used PayPal to transfer funds for ISIL support and VPNs to evade detection.
- Materials for the Pulwama attack (2019), specifically aluminium powder for the IED, were procured via Amazon.
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'.