Kerala is set to launch the 'My Police Station' initiative on August 15, aiming to make the police force more accessible and accountable. This historic reformation will entrust Station House Officer (SHO) responsibilities to Sub-Inspectors (SIs) in 419 out of 484 law-and-order police stations, including 63 stations led by women SIs. The project seeks to promote democratic policing, eliminate custodial crimes, and empower young officers by giving them greater responsibility. Challenges include training SIs, resistance to change, and resource support, while the way forward involves continuous training, infrastructure, and community feedback.
- The 'My Police Station' initiative will launch on August 15 to enhance police-citizen ties and accountability.
- Responsibility of Station House Officers (SHOs) will be transferred to Sub-Inspectors (SIs) in most police stations.
- The project aims to eliminate custodial crimes and promote democratic policing for better citizen service.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, increasing the number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38, including the Chief Justice of India. The Bill, which had already passed in the Lok Sabha, is a Money Bill. Opposition members questioned the "hurry" in bringing an Ordinance first and then converting it into an Act. Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal stated that increasing the number of judges is a step towards improving judicial efficiency.
- The Rajya Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill.
- The Bill increases the total number of Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38.
- Opposition members raised concerns about the use of an Ordinance before the Bill.
Almost 16.5% of Jharkhand's voters, totaling over 43.6 lakh names, have been removed from the draft electoral rolls published by the State Election Commission. The deletions occurred during the special intensive revision (SIR) of voter lists. Reasons for removal include over seven lakh dead, 14 lakh untraceable, and 15 lakh permanently shifted away from the State. Another 1.16 lakh voters refused to sign enumeration forms. Eligible electors can still be added back during the claims and objections phase (August 5 to September 4) by submitting Form-6.
- Over 43.6 lakh voters, representing 16.5% of the total, were deleted from Jharkhand's draft electoral rolls.
- Reasons for deletion include deceased, untraceable, and permanently shifted voters.
- Eligible electors have a chance to re-register during the claims and objections phase.
The Supreme Court, hearing a dispute between Shiv Sena factions, clarified that a group of MLAs or MPs cannot override the official directives of their parent political party merely because they hold a majority among elected members. Justice Joymalya Bagchi emphasized that the maturity of a a democracy is measured by the constancy of political parties and their members to their ideology. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued that such "mergers" orchestrated by factions for power undermine the electoral process and public mandate. The court aims to strike a balance between the electorate's decision to vote a party and individual representatives' liberty to express genuine disagreement.
- The Supreme Court ruled that a majority of lawmakers cannot defy their parent political party's directives.
- The court linked democratic maturity to the ideological constancy of political parties and their members.
- The case involves a dispute between Shiv Sena factions, highlighting concerns about manipulation and defection.
The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2026, aims to update ISI's governance structure, bringing it in line with other Institutions of National Importance like IIMs and IITs. The government proposes replacing the current society-based governance with a compact Board of Governors and an Academic Council, arguing it will provide a more robust and contemporary framework. However, faculty members and MPs are protesting, contending that the new structure would wrest control from ISI's internal stakeholders and give direct or indirect control to the Union government, as eight out of eleven Board members would be government-controlled.
- The ISI Bill, 2026, seeks to modernize ISI's governance, aligning it with other national institutions.
- The proposed changes include replacing the General Body with a compact Board of Governors and an Academic Council.
- Critics argue the Bill centralizes control with the Union government, reducing autonomy for ISI's internal stakeholders.
Seven years after the abrogation of Article 370, an analysis of available data suggests that the Union government's promises of wide-ranging transformation in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) have not been fully delivered. While the government claimed Article 370 hindered development, J&K was performing relatively well on many socio-economic indicators before 2019. Post-abrogation, J&K's economy contracted, higher education enrollment declined, and unemployment for women rose. Terrorism-related incidents and deaths have not dropped below 2012-2016 levels, and civil liberties have declined, with increased internet shutdowns and UAPA cases.
- The abrogation of Article 370 was intended to bring wide-ranging transformation to J&K, but data suggests limited success.
- J&K's economy contracted post-2019, and higher education enrollment and women's employment declined.
- Terrorism-related incidents and deaths have not decreased below pre-2019 levels.
Former High Court judge Justice K. Chandru advocated for the immediate implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) without waiting for delimitation. He argued that delaying the quota until after the 2026 census and subsequent delimitation would postpone women's representation for decades, potentially until 2049. Justice Chandru highlighted that the Bill's objective is to enhance women's participation, not to adjust constituency boundaries. He suggested that the quota could be implemented by increasing the total number of seats in the Lok Sabha or by reserving seats through a rotation system, similar to local body elections.
- Former High Court judge Justice K. Chandru advocates for immediate implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill.
- He argues that linking the quota to delimitation, post-2026 census, would delay women's representation for decades.
- The Bill's primary goal is to increase women's participation, not to redraw constituency boundaries.
Recent clashes during a "Chalo Sansad" march in Delhi, where police used tear gas and lathi charges, have reignited discussions on the right to protest and police power. The Constitution guarantees the right to assemble peacefully under Article 19(1)(b), subject to "reasonable restrictions" for public order. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) defines unlawful assembly and permits dispersal by force if non-compliant. Police action must adhere to principles of lawfulness, necessity, and proportionality, as per the National Human Rights Commission's Manual and UN Basic Principles. The incident also raised questions about police accountability, with personnel allegedly lacking visible name tags, and the Supreme Court has previously emphasized reasonable police action and the constitutional right to dissent.
- The right to protest peacefully is a constitutional right under Article 19(1)(b), subject to reasonable restrictions for public order.
- The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) defines unlawful assembly and permits the use of force for dispersal if non-compliant.
- Police action must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate, adhering to human rights principles.
A discussion between Shailesh Gandhi and Anjali Bhardwaj highlights that corruption remains a significant threat to India, impacting basic rights and accountability. Digitalisation, while pushed as a solution, has not eliminated petty corruption and has created new barriers for the unlettered. The Right to Information (RTI) Act, once a powerful tool for transparency, has been weakened by Supreme Court judgments and the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, which allows denial of information related to corruption. Weak institutions like CBI, ED, and Lokpal further exacerbate the problem, making corruption a "all-profit, negligible-risk" activity.
- Corruption persists as a major threat in India, affecting citizens' basic rights and institutional accountability.
- Digitalisation has not eradicated corruption and has created new challenges for marginalized communities.
- The RTI Act, a crucial transparency tool, has been significantly weakened by judicial interpretations and the DPDP Act, 2023.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that India's electoral rolls, with nearly 95 crore voters, are dynamic "living documents" that continuously evolve. Speaking at the first-ever media conference organized by the Election Commission, he highlighted the statutory safeguards underpinning the preparation of these rolls. Kumar emphasized the active involvement of over 12 lakh booth-level officers (BLOs) and 15 lakh booth-level agents (BLAs) who act as "concurrent auditors" in the process. He cited the highest-ever poll participation in recent Assembly elections as proof of the public's trust in the country's electoral system.
- India's electoral rolls are dynamic "living documents" with nearly 95 crore voters.
- The Chief Election Commissioner highlighted the statutory safeguards for electoral roll preparation.
- Over 12 lakh Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) and 15 lakh Booth-Level Agents (BLAs) are actively involved as "concurrent auditors."
The Joint Parliamentary Committee reviewing the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill has deferred the adoption of its draft report. The Bill proposes the automatic removal of a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister after 30 consecutive days in judicial custody for serious offenses. Despite voting on two recommendations, the panel decided more consultations were needed due to the Bill's far-reaching impact. Opposition members, including AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi and NCP(SP) MP Supriya Sule, had submitted dissent notes, arguing that automatic removal based on a 30-day incarceration period is arbitrary, weaponizes the criminal justice system for political vendetta, and disregards the constitutional status of elected representatives.
- The Joint Parliamentary Committee deferred the adoption of its report on the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill.
- The Bill proposes automatic removal of PMs, CMs, or Ministers after 30 days in judicial custody for serious offenses.
- The panel decided more consultations are necessary due to the Bill's significant implications.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered train between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. During the event, he criticized previous Congress governments for neglecting the railway sector before 2014, claiming they prioritized neither the middle class nor the poor. Modi highlighted the significant transformation in Indian Railways under his regime, with electrification reaching nearly 99% compared to only 30% in the 90 years prior to 2014. He also attacked the AAP government in Punjab for its alleged failures in governance, particularly regarding drug trafficking and developmental work, accusing them of using advertisements to conceal their shortcomings.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India's first hydrogen-powered train in Haryana.
- He criticized previous Congress governments for neglecting railway development before 2014.
- Indian Railways' electrification has reached nearly 99% under the current government, a significant increase from 30% in 2014.
The article argues against Parliament proceeding with the inquiry committee report on Justice Yashwant Varma after his resignation, likening it to the historical "Cadaver Synod." It emphasizes that a tribunal cannot justly judge someone no longer holding office. Justice Varma resigned with immediate effect on April 9, severing his constitutional link as a judge. Precedents from Justice P.D. Dinakaran and Justice Soumitra Sen's resignations show that impeachment proceedings end when a judge leaves office. The author contends that continuing the process would degrade Parliament and set a dangerous precedent, potentially allowing future Parliaments to posthumously arraign judges. Accountability for any criminal offense should be pursued through the criminal justice system, not parliamentary removal.
- Parliament should not proceed with the impeachment report against Justice Yashwant Varma after his resignation.
- The act of judging a former officeholder is likened to the historical "Cadaver Synod," which was deemed unjust and degrading.
- Justice Varma's resignation on April 9 immediately severed his constitutional link as a judge.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that his government would move a resolution in the 60-member Assembly to block uranium mining in the State. This decision comes amidst mounting pressure from local groups, including the Khasi Students' Union (KSU), which launched an anti-uranium mining movement after a Union Minister's comments suggested the Centre was examining the status of uranium mining. The CM clarified that the Centre had made "no decision" on mining and assured that his NPP-led government would not compromise the State's land, water, and future due to radioactive threats.
- Meghalaya CM Conrad K. Sangma committed to moving an Assembly resolution against uranium mining.
- Local groups, led by the Khasi Students' Union (KSU), initiated an anti-uranium mining movement.
- The movement was triggered by comments from a Union Minister about examining uranium mining status in Meghalaya.
The Union Education Ministry has agreed to several changes in the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill (VBSA), 2025, following Andhra Pradesh's concerns about centralisation of powers. The proposed Regulatory Council will now require State government clearance for key decisions concerning colleges affiliated with State universities. The Joint Parliamentary Committee reviewing the Bill also recommended a comprehensive review of Clause 47, which grants the Centre superseding powers. Andhra Pradesh had termed Clause 11(4) a "single most significant structural change" as it allowed the Regulatory Council to bypass State universities in degree-awarding decisions.
- The Union Education Ministry agreed to modify the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill (VBSA), 2025.
- The Regulatory Council will now need State government clearance for decisions affecting affiliated colleges.
- Andhra Pradesh raised concerns about the centralisation of powers and the bypassing of State universities.
The Supreme Court stated that Special Intensive Revision (SIR) data is solely for elections and cannot be used for other purposes, especially not to determine citizenship or deny welfare benefits. This came after a Congress leader's petition alleged that the West Bengal government was using SIR data to remove names from schemes like food security, women's welfare, and Backward Caste certifications. The court issued notice to the Election Commission and the West Bengal government, highlighting that deletion from electoral rolls has severe civil consequences beyond voting rights. The slow pace of appeal hearings for excluded individuals was also a key concern.
- The Supreme Court clarified that SIR data is exclusively for election-related tasks and not for determining citizenship or denying welfare benefits.
- A petition alleged that the West Bengal government used SIR data to remove names from various welfare schemes.
- Deletion from electoral rolls can lead to serious civil consequences for individuals.
The Supreme Court asserted that the independence of lawyers is as crucial as judicial independence for preserving the rule of law and democracy. A Bench led by Justice P.S. Narasimha stated that self-regulation is a defining feature of the legal profession, insulating advocates from external pressures. While acknowledging mounting pendency as a major challenge, the court questioned why the Bar is seldom held responsible for reducing delays. It called for a "paradigm shift" towards collaborative efforts between the Bench and Bar to tackle pendency and proposed establishing a full-time "National Legal Academy" for continuous legal education for advocates.
- The Supreme Court highlighted the critical importance of the Bar's independence for upholding the rule of law and democracy.
- Self-regulation is identified as a key feature of the legal profession, protecting advocates from external influences.
- The court called for a collaborative approach between the Bench and Bar to address mounting case pendency.
The Parliamentary Joint Committee reviewing the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to introduce simultaneous elections, is unlikely to meet its deadline to submit a report during the Monsoon Session. Headed by Lok Sabha member P.P. Chaudhary, the panel plans further consultations in various States, including Uttar Pradesh, to gather wider stakeholder input. The committee has held 18 meetings in Delhi, with six former Chief Justices of India offering divergent views on the Bill's consistency with the Basic Structure of the Constitution. The panel faces the complex task of synchronising election cycles and is considering provisions like barring no-confidence motions if only one year of a government's term remains.
- The Parliamentary Joint Committee on simultaneous elections is expected to miss its Monsoon Session deadline for report submission.
- The committee is conducting extensive consultations across States to gather stakeholder input.
- Former Chief Justices of India have presented divergent views on the Bill's adherence to the Basic Structure of the Constitution.
For the first time since 1931, India's Population Census 2027 will include caste enumeration, a decision announced by the BJP-led NDA government in April 2025. The ongoing pre-test for the second phase of the Census, conducted in 16 States and Union Territories, features an "open column" for respondents to record their castes. This methodology, similar to the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) which resulted in over 46 lakh different caste names, raises concerns about data accuracy and the need for wider consultations. The final methodology will be determined based on feedback from the pre-test, which is on till July 20, 2026.
- The Population Census 2027 will include caste enumeration, a significant policy shift after decades.
- The ongoing pre-test for the Census uses an "open column" for caste recording, similar to the 2011 SECC.
- Concerns exist regarding the accuracy and standardisation of caste data due to the open-ended methodology.
Odisha's Election Commission has published its draft electoral roll after a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, revealing that over 20 lakh names were deleted. The deletions include deceased, absent, or shifted electors, and those enrolled in multiple places. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) criticized the EC for inconsistencies in voter figures, claiming a discrepancy between the initially stated number and the final draft. The CEO clarified that no name can be deleted without notice and a speaking order, and special camps will be held to enroll young voters and receive claims/objections.
- Odisha's Election Commission published its draft electoral roll after a Special Intensive Revision (SIR), with over 20 lakh names deleted.
- Deletions were primarily due to electors being deceased, absent, shifted, or enrolled in multiple places.
- The BJD criticized the EC for inconsistencies in the total number of voters reported at different stages of the SIR process.
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 recounts Bihar's pivotal role in leading the resistance against authoritarianism during the 1975 Emergency. It highlights how the state, under the leadership of Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), became a hotbed of dissent and a symbol of democratic struggle. The Bihar Movement, predating the Emergency, galvanized students and citizens against corruption and misgovernance, laying the groundwork for widespread opposition. Despite severe repression, including mass arrests and censorship, Bihar's sustained resistance demonstrated the power of grassroots movements in upholding democratic values. The article underscores the historical significance of Bihar's defiance in shaping India's democratic trajectory.
- Bihar played a pivotal role in leading resistance against the 1975 Emergency.
- Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) galvanized students and citizens in the Bihar Movement against corruption.
- The Bihar Movement laid the groundwork for widespread opposition to the Emergency.
The article reflects on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency in India, raising difficult questions about its legacy and unheeded warnings for contemporary democracy. It highlights how the Emergency curtailed fundamental rights, suppressed dissent, and undermined democratic institutions. The author draws parallels to current challenges, such as the erosion of parliamentary debate, the weakening of independent institutions, and the rise of majoritarianism. The piece argues that while the Emergency was a direct assault on democracy, subtle forms of authoritarianism can also emerge through the manipulation of democratic processes. It calls for vigilance, robust institutions, and an active citizenry to safeguard democratic values.
- The 50th anniversary of the Emergency prompts reflection on its legacy and warnings for democracy.
- The Emergency curtailed fundamental rights, suppressed dissent, and undermined institutions.
- Parallels are drawn to contemporary challenges like erosion of parliamentary debate and weakening institutions.
The article criticizes the tendency to solely blame the Opposition for parliamentary disruptions and lack of legislative productivity, arguing that this overlooks the ruling party's responsibility. It points out that the Opposition's role is to question the government, and disruptions often arise from the government's failure to engage in meaningful debate or address concerns. The author emphasizes that a healthy democracy requires both a robust Opposition and a responsive government. The article calls for greater accountability from the ruling party in facilitating parliamentary functioning and upholding democratic principles, rather than deflecting blame onto the Opposition.
- Blaming the Opposition solely for parliamentary disruptions overlooks the ruling party's responsibility.
- The Opposition's primary role is to question and hold the government accountable.
- Disruptions often stem from the government's failure to engage in meaningful debate.