The West Bengal Assembly has passed two controversial Bills: the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, and The West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The first allows the government to detain "anti-socials" for up to a year and restricts access to lawyers for such persons, though an advisory board will review cases. The second Bill imposes compensation payments for damage to public or private property. Opposition parties criticize these laws as "scary" and a potential tool for political vendetta, arguing they curb peaceful protests and student movements, and will not withstand judicial scrutiny. The Chief Minister defended the laws, citing similar legislation in other states and the need to curb criminalization of politics.
- West Bengal Assembly passed two controversial Bills: The West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, 2026, and The West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
- The Public Safety Bill allows preventive detention for up to one year for "anti-socials" and restricts legal representation before an advisory board.
- The Public Order Amendment Bill mandates compensation for damage to public or private property.
India is situated between two major drug-producing regions, the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle, making it vulnerable to drug trafficking and abuse. The article highlights the rise of Myanmar as a key source of illicit opium and the use of drones and cryptocurrencies by traffickers. While enforcement efforts are ongoing, India needs to shift its focus from seizures and arrests to a 'whole of society' approach emphasizing public health and social dimensions. It criticizes the current system where physical abuse and forced detoxification are common, access to de-addiction centers is limited, especially in rural areas, and relapse is often treated as a moral failure, perpetuating the drug-crime cycle.
- India is geographically vulnerable to drug trafficking, located between the Golden Crescent (west) and Golden Triangle (east).
- Myanmar has become a leading source of illicit opium, impacting India's border regions.
- Drug trafficking methods include maritime routes, drones, darknet, and cryptocurrencies.
This article analyzes the legality of attacks on neutral merchant vessels under international law, prompted by recent U.S. Navy strikes on tankers with Indian seafarers. It explains that naval operations are governed by the 'law of naval warfare' (IHL) and the 'law of the sea' (UNCLOS). While neutral ships are generally protected, this status can be lost if they contribute to military action or breach a lawful blockade. The article questions the legality of the U.S. strikes, particularly concerning whether the blockade itself was lawful under the UN Charter's prohibition on the use of force. It concludes by outlining India's right to seek explanations, accountability, and compensation for its citizens' injuries under diplomatic protection.
- Naval operations during armed conflict are governed by the 'law of naval warfare' (IHL) and the 'law of the sea' (UNCLOS).
- Neutral merchant vessels and civilians are generally protected, but this protection can be lost if they effectively contribute to military action or breach a lawful blockade.
- The legality of attacking oil tankers depends on whether they qualify as 'military objectives' and contribute directly to military efforts.
The Health Ministry has expanded Schedule H2 drugs to cover all therapeutic classes, shifting from revenue-based to risk-based regulation. This framework, introduced in 2022-23, mandates QR codes and additional product identifiers on drug packs to verify authenticity and track defective batches. The initiative aims to combat counterfeit networks targeting critical medicines like vaccines and antimicrobials, which contribute to India's high antimicrobial resistance rates. It also addresses international concerns regarding quality control and the leakage of controlled substances into illicit markets. The success of this system depends on a state-managed database, consumer verification habits, and support for MSME manufacturers to integrate new packaging requirements.
- The Health Ministry has expanded Schedule H2 drugs to all therapeutic classes, moving towards risk-based regulation to track defective batches.
- New norms mandate QR codes and additional product identifiers on drug packs for authenticity verification and detailed tracking.
- The initiative aims to combat counterfeit drugs, especially antimicrobials, which exacerbate India's high antimicrobial resistance rates.
This article by Shashi Tharoor argues that unchecked Artificial Intelligence (AI) threatens human dignity, data ownership, and democratic governance, potentially leading to a new form of digital slavery. It highlights how algorithmic manipulation and AI-generated disinformation undermine shared epistemic foundations, driving radicalisation and social fragmentation. The author calls for robust, binding legal frameworks beyond abstract ethics, proposing five foundational pillars for AI governance in India: a rights-based framework, democratic accountability for platforms, protection of free speech, massive media literacy initiatives, and cross-sector early-warning systems to combat misinformation. The piece emphasizes AI governance as a constitutional imperative.
- Unchecked AI poses a threat to human dignity and data ownership, potentially creating a new form of digital slavery.
- Algorithmic manipulation by Big Tech platforms amplifies hyper-partisan content, leading to radicalisation and social fragmentation.
- AI-generated disinformation and deepfakes undermine the shared epistemic foundation crucial for democratic functioning.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has notified the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026, to tighten the regulation of foreign donations to NGOs. The new rules mandate NGOs to disclose specific activities, geographical scope, social media accounts, publications, and broaden the definition of 'key functionary'. They also impose a fee for registration for each specified purpose and state of operation, leading to higher costs for NGOs operating across multiple sectors. The rules outline specific permitted purposes for foreign funds (social, educational, religious, economic, cultural) and detail penalties for violations such as misuse of funds or engaging in unapproved activities.
- The MHA has amended the FCRA Rules to impose stricter regulations on foreign donations to NGOs, effective from June 22.
- NGOs are now required to disclose specific activities, geographical scope, social media accounts, and publications, along with a broader definition of 'key functionary'.
- The amendments introduce a fee for registration for each specified purpose and state/UT of operation, increasing compliance costs for NGOs.
The article clarifies that an Indian passport is not conclusive proof of citizenship, but rather a travel document attesting to nationality. Aadhaar cards serve as proof of identity and address, not citizenship, and even non-Indian citizens can obtain one. While presence on electoral rolls creates a presumption of citizenship, the Election Commission cannot adjudicate citizenship. Under the Citizenship Act, 1955, citizenship can be acquired by birth, descent, registration, naturalisation, or incorporation of territory. The required documentary proof varies significantly based on an individual's date and place of birth, and parents' citizenship status, highlighting the complexity and lack of a single universal citizenship document.
- An Indian passport is considered a travel document attesting to nationality, not conclusive proof of citizenship.
- Aadhaar cards are proof of identity and address, explicitly not citizenship, and are accessible to legal residents including non-citizens.
- While electoral rolls create a presumption of citizenship, the Election Commission's role is limited to determining eligibility for voting, not adjudicating citizenship.
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court declared a 2024 G.O. unconstitutional, which allowed converts to Islam to claim Backward Class (BC) status. The court reiterated its 1951 verdict, stating that a Hindu converting to Islam becomes 'just a Mussalman' and loses their previous caste status in Muslim society, which is considered egalitarian. The ruling emphasized the doctrine of separation of powers, asserting that a government order cannot override a court's final judgment. The court also noted the arbitrariness of the G.O. in accommodating various caste converts into BC Muslim categories.
- The Madras High Court struck down a 2024 G.O. allowing converts to Islam to claim Backward Class Muslim status.
- The court reaffirmed its 1951 ruling that a Hindu convert to Islam becomes 'just a Mussalman' and loses prior caste identity, as Islam promotes an egalitarian society.
- The ruling underscored the doctrine of separation of powers, stating that government orders cannot nullify court judgments.
The article advocates for amending India's Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act to adapt to technological advancements and the rising need for community-based cancer screening. While the Act, introduced in 1994, aimed to curb sex-selective abortions, it now inadvertently restricts the use of portable ultrasound devices for other diagnostic purposes like early cancer detection, especially in rural areas. The author argues that high-frequency linear probes, which cannot determine fetal sex, should be legalized for community use. The article also highlights how AI-enabled ultrasound systems could assist in image interpretation, further reducing misuse risks and improving access to health services.
- The PCPNDT Act, enacted in 1994 to combat sex-selective abortions, now inadvertently hinders access to modern ultrasound diagnostics for other health issues.
- Current laws restrict portable ultrasound devices, even those with high-frequency linear probes unsuitable for sex determination, from community-based use.
- Amending the Act could legalize community-based ultrasound using specific probes, significantly improving early cancer detection in underserved areas.
The article criticizes the newly amended Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Rules, 2026, arguing they are designed to stifle civil society organizations (NGOs) in India. These rules impose stringent restrictions, requiring NGOs to confine work to specified activities and regions, disclose social media, and prohibiting "political content." They also introduce multiple fees and penalties, significantly increasing compliance costs and paperwork. The author contends that these measures, despite government claims of promoting transparency and national security, create greater barriers and a chilling effect on NGOs, whose registrations have been revoked on opaque grounds in the past.
- The amended FCRA Rules, 2026, impose significant restrictions on NGOs, limiting their scope of work and requiring extensive disclosures.
- The new rules introduce multiple fees and penalties, increasing compliance burdens and costs for civil society organizations.
- Critics argue that these "onerous rules" are aimed at stifling NGOs and their foreign-funded civil society work, rather than genuinely promoting transparency.
The article commemorates the legacy of Safdar Hashmi, a radical street theatre artist and activist, who was brutally murdered in 1989 while performing a play. It reflects on the questions surrounding his death and the broader implications for artistic freedom and political dissent in India. Hashmi's work, often critical of social injustice and political corruption, made him a target. The piece discusses how his murder became a symbol of the dangers faced by artists and activists who challenge the status quo. It also touches upon the enduring relevance of his art and activism in contemporary India, emphasizing the need to protect spaces for critical expression.
- The article commemorates Safdar Hashmi, a radical street theatre artist murdered in 1989.
- His murder highlighted the dangers faced by artists and activists challenging the status quo.
- Hashmi's work critically addressed social injustice and political corruption.
The government's overhaul of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) rules has significantly impacted religious congregations and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs receiving foreign funds. The changes aim to enhance transparency and accountability, requiring NGOs to declare foreign contributions, maintain separate bank accounts, and adhere to stricter reporting norms. The article highlights concerns that these rules, particularly the requirement for prior government approval for certain activities, could be used to restrict legitimate religious and social work. While the government asserts the changes are for national security and public order, critics argue they may stifle civil society and religious freedom.
- The government has overhauled FCRA rules, impacting NGOs and religious congregations receiving foreign funds.
- New rules aim to enhance transparency and accountability, requiring stricter declarations and separate bank accounts.
- Concerns exist that the rules, especially prior approval requirements, could restrict legitimate religious and social work.
This article reviews a selection of fiction and non-fiction books that offer a layered understanding of queer life in India. It explores how legal frameworks, lived experiences, and intergenerational shifts shape LGBTQI+ identities. The review highlights the ongoing struggle for equality despite legal protections, pointing out issues like medical gatekeeping and discrimination in education, healthcare, and employment. Books discussed include "Transforming Rights" (examining law's impact), "Tell My Mother I Like Boys" (a personal memoir), and "Deviants" (a multi-generational story). The article also touches on "Queeristan" (LGBTQI+ inclusion in workplaces), emphasizing the need for safe and equitable environments.
- Books provide a layered understanding of queer lives in India, exploring identity, resistance, and equality.
- Despite legal protections, the LGBTQI+ community faces challenges like medical gatekeeping and discrimination.
- Personal narratives and memoirs offer insights into lived experiences and the struggle for acceptance.
The Delhi High Court quashed the FIR and money laundering proceedings against news portal NewsClick and its editor-in-chief, Prabir Purkayastha, citing "mala fide and arbitrary" exercise of power. The case stemmed from allegations of foreign funding violations and inflated share valuation to bypass FDI norms. The court found no evidence of criminal conspiracy or cheating, noting that the RBI had approved the transaction and no FDI cap existed for digital news media at the time. It also highlighted the absence of an aggrieved party and rejected claims of siphoning funds. The ruling emphasized the importance of free and independent journalism and the procedural flaws in the UAPA case against Purkayastha.
- The Delhi High Court quashed the FIR and money laundering proceedings against NewsClick.
- The court found the action "mala fide and arbitrary" and a threat to free journalism.
- Allegations of FDI violations and inflated share valuation were not substantiated.
The article details the ongoing dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the Mekedatu dam project on the Cauvery river. Tamil Nadu opposes the project, arguing it violates Supreme Court orders and reduces water flow to its delta region, impacting farmers. Karnataka maintains the project is for drinking water and power generation, not irrigation, and seeks approval from central authorities. The dispute highlights the complexities of inter-state river water sharing, involving legal battles, political negotiations, and the livelihoods of millions. The Supreme Court and various tribunals have previously adjudicated on Cauvery water sharing, making any new project highly contentious without mutual agreement.
- The Mekedatu dam project on the Cauvery river is a point of contention between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
- Tamil Nadu opposes the project, citing potential reduction in water flow and violation of Supreme Court orders.
- Karnataka asserts the project is for drinking water and power generation, not irrigation, and seeks central approval.
The article highlights the critical need for timely and effective trauma care in India, where road traffic accidents are a leading cause of death and disability. It points out that despite legal frameworks like the Motor Vehicles Act, 2019, implementation remains a challenge due to issues like lack of trained personnel, inadequate infrastructure, and poor coordination among emergency services. The article emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive trauma care system, including pre-hospital care, well-equipped hospitals, and a robust referral network. It suggests a collaborative federal approach, clear guidelines, and regular audits to ensure accountability and improve outcomes for trauma victims.
- Road traffic accidents are a major cause of death and disability in India, necessitating robust trauma care.
- Implementation of trauma care systems is hampered by lack of trained personnel, infrastructure, and coordination.
- A comprehensive trauma care system requires pre-hospital care, equipped hospitals, and a strong referral network.
The Union government temporarily blocked Telegram to protect the sanctity of the NEET (UG) re-test, a move endorsed by the Delhi High Court. This ban significantly stretched the meaning of "information" under Section 2(1)(v) of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, which traditionally defined information in diminutive units like data or messages. The government argued that an online platform like Telegram is an "aggregation" of these units, effectively replacing "information" with "an entire intermediary platform" in Section 69A's content-blocking provision. The High Court's June 19 order supported this "expansive" interpretation, despite Telegram's argument that only specific content, not entire platforms, should be blocked. The ban disproportionately affected 150 million users, many of whom are students.
- The Union government temporarily blocked Telegram to safeguard the NEET (UG) re-test.
- The Delhi High Court endorsed this ban, which expanded the definition of "information" under the IT Act, 2000.
- The government interpreted Telegram as an "aggregation" of information, allowing for the blocking of the entire platform.
The Kerala High Court expressed concern over the pollution caused by plastic nurdles and hazardous cargo from the MSC Elsa 3, which sank off the Alappuzha coast in May 2025. The court orally questioned why government agencies had done little over the past year to implement containment measures, noting a lack of clarity regarding environmental and safety risks. The court highlighted discrepancies between reports and the shipping company's claims and sought an action plan from the Centre to address the threat from the cargo in over 600 containers. The court warned that plastic nurdles could harm marine ecosystems and seafood exports.
- Kerala High Court raised concerns about pollution from the sunken MSC Elsa 3 vessel off Alappuzha coast.
- The court questioned the lack of containment measures taken by government agencies over the past year.
- Discrepancies were noted between official reports and the shipping company's claims regarding the wreck.
The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, has moved the Supreme Court challenging Madras High Court orders regarding the lighting of a lamp at a stone pillar near a dargah on the Thirupparankundram hill in Madurai. The High Court's Division Bench had confirmed a Single Judge's order directing the Subramaniya Swamy Temple management to light the Karthigai Deepam. The previous DMK government had expressed concerns that this could lead to public disturbances, but the High Court dismissed these as "imaginary ghost" fears, accusing the State of potentially sponsoring disturbances for political agenda.
- The Tamil Nadu government has appealed to the Supreme Court against Madras High Court orders on lighting a lamp on Thirupparankundram hill.
- The Madras High Court had directed the Subramaniya Swamy Temple management to light the Karthigai Deepam.
- The State government had previously argued that lighting the lamp could cause public disturbances.
This opinion piece advocates for reimagining India's anti-defection law to strengthen democracy and prevent political instability. It argues that the current law, while intended to curb defections, has often led to political horse-trading and undermined internal party democracy. The article suggests that the law should focus on punishing individual defections that are clearly driven by personal gain, rather than penalizing collective decisions or mergers. It proposes reforms such as allowing legislators to vote according to their conscience on certain issues, clarifying the definition of defection, and ensuring timely decisions by presiding officers. The goal is to balance party discipline with legislative freedom and prevent misuse of the law for political manipulation.
- India's anti-defection law needs reimagining to prevent political instability and strengthen democracy.
- The current law often leads to horse-trading and undermines internal party democracy.
- Reforms should focus on punishing individual defections driven by personal gain, not collective decisions or mergers.
This article discusses the Supreme Court's emphasis on pedestrian rights and the need for Indian cities to prioritize safe and accessible footpaths. It highlights that walking is the primary mode of transport for a significant portion of the population, especially the poor, yet cities often neglect pedestrian infrastructure. The article points out that inadequate footpaths, encroachments, and unsafe crossings contribute to high pedestrian fatalities. It argues that cities must move beyond car-centric planning and integrate pedestrian needs into urban design, ensuring continuous, obstruction-free footpaths and safe public spaces. The article calls for a paradigm shift in urban planning to make cities truly inclusive and safe for pedestrians.
- The Supreme Court has prioritized pedestrian rights, urging cities to provide safe and accessible footpaths.
- Walking is the primary mode of transport for many, especially the poor, yet pedestrian infrastructure is often neglected.
- Inadequate footpaths, encroachments, and unsafe crossings contribute to high pedestrian fatalities.
This news report states that the Punjab government has rejected Nigeria's request for the extradition of Jagtar Singh Johal, a British national. Johal is accused of involvement in targeted killings in Punjab. The decision comes after the Punjab government's examination of the request. This case highlights the complexities of international extradition requests and the legal processes involved when a foreign national is accused of crimes in India.
- The Punjab government rejected Nigeria's request for the extradition of British national Jagtar Singh Johal.
- Jagtar Singh Johal is accused of involvement in targeted killings in Punjab.
- The decision underscores the complexities of international extradition requests.
This article discusses the Supreme Court's order affirming the right to walk on footpaths, prompted by a significant surge in pedestrian deaths in India. Data reveals that pedestrian fatalities increased by 2.6 times between 2015 and 2022, with a disproportionate number of deaths occurring on national highways. The article highlights that inadequate infrastructure, encroachment on footpaths, and lack of enforcement contribute to this crisis. The SC's ruling emphasizes that footpaths are an integral part of road infrastructure and essential for public safety, urging states to ensure their availability and maintenance. It also touches upon the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which defines "footpath" but lacks specific provisions for pedestrian safety.
- The Supreme Court has affirmed the right to walk on footpaths, responding to a significant increase in pedestrian deaths.
- Pedestrian fatalities in India increased 2.6 times between 2015 and 2022, with national highways being particularly dangerous.
- Inadequate infrastructure, encroachment, and poor enforcement are key factors contributing to pedestrian deaths.
This opinion piece argues that all government edicts and standards, especially those related to public safety, must be freely and widely accessible. The author, Carl Malamud, highlights his work in making Indian Roads Congress and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) documents publicly available, often facing "takedown" notices despite the public interest. He cites the Jan Vishwas law's proposal for central publication of all government edicts and the principle that inaccessible edicts should be null and void. The article emphasizes that such transparency is crucial for democracy, public safety, and informed citizenry, advocating for a "works of government" policy similar to the U.S. and U.K.
- Government edicts and public safety standards, like those from the Indian Roads Congress and BIS, must be freely accessible.
- The author has faced legal challenges for making these documents publicly available, despite their public interest.
- The Jan Vishwas law proposes central publication of all government edicts, with inaccessible ones deemed null and void.