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.
The article critically examines the decline of ideology and purpose in Indian politics, attributing it to frequent defections and the rise of personality-driven parties. It argues that the anti-defection law, while intended to curb instability, has paradoxically contributed to the erosion of ideological commitment by making defections more about power and personal gain than principle. The lack of internal party democracy further exacerbates the issue, leading to a disconnect between leaders and cadres. The author suggests that this "death of purpose" undermines democratic accountability and public trust, calling for reforms that strengthen party structures and re-emphasize ideological clarity for a more robust democracy.
- Indian politics is witnessing a decline in ideology and purpose, marked by frequent defections.
- The anti-defection law, intended to curb instability, has inadvertently eroded ideological commitment.
- Defections are often driven by power and personal gain rather than principled stands.
The Election Commission (EC) has commenced the enumeration phase for the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Odisha, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Manipur. Eligible electors whose forms are received by June 28 will be included in the draft electoral rolls. This phase is part of a staggered exercise covering 16 States and three Union Territories, aiming to ensure no eligible citizen is left out and no ineligible person is included. Booth-level officers (BLOs) will conduct house-to-house visits, and political parties' booth-level agents (BLAs) can assist in collecting forms.
- The Election Commission initiated Phase 3 of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
- The enumeration phase began on May 30 and will continue till June 28 in Odisha, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Manipur.
- The SIR aims to ensure comprehensive and accurate electoral rolls, including all eligible voters and excluding ineligible ones.
The Assam government has tabled 'The Uniform Civil Code, Assam, 2026 Bill' in the State Assembly, aiming to establish a common law for all residents on matters of marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships. Key provisions include a ban on bigamy and polygamy with imprisonment, standardised legal ages for marriage (21 for grooms, 18 for brides), mandatory registration of all marriages and divorces, uniform grounds for divorce, and gender-equal inheritance. The Bill also mandates registration of live-in relationships within a month, with penalties for non-compliance, and explicitly excludes Scheduled Tribes from its purview. Opposition parties have criticized the lack of consultation.
- The Assam UCC Bill aims to establish a common law for marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships for all residents, excluding Scheduled Tribes.
- It proposes a ban on bigamy and polygamy, punishable by imprisonment, and standardizes legal ages for marriage.
- Mandatory registration of all marriages, divorces, and live-in relationships is a key provision, with penalties for non-registration.
The article discusses the critical role of the Finance Commission (FC) in determining fiscal transfers from the Union to States, highlighting the complexities of ensuring both vertical and horizontal equity. It notes that while vertical transfers have increased, horizontal equity remains a challenge due to varying fiscal capacities and needs among states. The 16th FC faces the task of balancing these aspects, especially with the cessation of GST compensation and the need for a new framework for revenue sharing. The piece emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to ensure states can meet their developmental goals without excessive reliance on discretionary grants.
- The Finance Commission plays a crucial role in ensuring fiscal federalism by determining the distribution of Union tax revenues between the Centre and States.
- Horizontal equity, which aims to reduce disparities among states, remains a significant challenge despite increased vertical transfers.
- The 16th Finance Commission is tasked with addressing the cessation of GST compensation and developing a new framework for fiscal transfers.
The Union Home Ministry has proposed a unique governance model for Ladakh, offering greater legislative, financial, and administrative powers within the existing Union Territory framework. This proposal, made during a meeting with the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), includes a legislature at the UT level and protection under Article 371. While the Centre is adamant against granting Sixth Schedule status, LAB co-convener Cherring Dorjay Lakruk stated that the demand for Statehood would continue, viewing the current offer as a step towards safeguarding land, employment, and environment. Discussions are ongoing to finalize the specifics of this arrangement.
- The Union Home Ministry proposed a unique governance model for Ladakh, including a legislature at the UT level and Article 371 protection.
- The proposal was discussed with the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).
- The Centre remains firm against granting Sixth Schedule status to Ladakh.
The Supreme Court's May 21, 2026, clarification, allowing lower courts to decide on sedition cases, has unlatched Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code, a provision previously frozen by the court in May 2022. This revival triggers concerns because both the Supreme Court and the Union government had acknowledged the law as "not in tune with the current social milieu" and a "colonial baggage." While the recent order aims to protect the right to a speedy trial for accused persons, it raises questions about lower courts pronouncing guilt when the constitutionality of Section 124A itself is still under challenge in the top court.
- The Supreme Court's May 21, 2026, order revived proceedings under Section 124A (sedition) of the IPC.
- This order reverses the May 11, 2022, decision that had frozen all sedition proceedings due to rampant misuse.
- Both the Supreme Court and the Union government had previously recognized Section 124A as a colonial and outdated law.
The West Bengal government has directed District Magistrates to establish holding centers for detained illegal foreigners and released foreign prisoners awaiting deportation. This directive, issued via a notification from the Home and Hill Affairs Department, aligns with guidelines from the Union Home Ministry. The move follows Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's announcement of a "detect, delete and deport" policy for "illegal infiltrators" not covered under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The State police will arrest such individuals and hand them over to the BSF for deportation, particularly targeting Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals.
- West Bengal government ordered District Magistrates to set up holding centers for detained illegal foreigners.
- The initiative follows Union Home Ministry guidelines and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's "detect, delete and deport" policy.
- The policy targets "illegal infiltrators" not covered by the CAA, specifically mentioning Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing a 'Janjati Sanskritik Samagam' at New Delhi, assured Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities that any implemented Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country would exempt them from its provisions. He stated that the UCC would not encroach upon tribal rights, culture, or way of life, citing examples from Uttarakhand and Gujarat. The event, organized by Sangh Parivar affiliates Janjati Suraksha Manch and Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, also called for constitutional amendments to give ST classification a religion criterion and to amend PESA provisions.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah guaranteed that tribal communities would be exempt from any Uniform Civil Code implementation.
- The assurance aims to dispel "conspiracy" theories that UCC would undermine tribal culture and way of life.
- The event, a 'Janjati Sanskritik Samagam', was organized by Sangh Parivar affiliates.
The Supreme Court, in the Syed Iftikhar Andrabi vs National Investigation Agency case, reaffirmed the principle that bail should be the rule, even in UAPA cases. The ruling emphasized that the right to personal liberty and a speedy trial cannot be subservient to Section 43-D(5) of the UAPA, which makes bail difficult. This judgment disapproved earlier two-judge Bench rulings (Gurwinder Singh and Gulfisha Fatima) that diluted the principle set by a three-judge Bench in K.A. Najeeb (2021), which held that UAPA's rigours "melt down" if trial conclusion is unlikely within a reasonable time and substantial incarceration has occurred.
- The Supreme Court granted bail in the Andrabi case, emphasizing personal liberty and speedy trial.
- The ruling clarifies that Section 43-D(5) of the UAPA cannot indefinitely deny bail if trial is delayed.
- It reinforces the K.A. Najeeb (2021) judgment, which stated that UAPA's stringent bail conditions can be relaxed under certain circumstances.
The Supreme Court dismissed a plea challenging caste enumeration, stating it's not within its domain to decide if caste enumeration should be part of Census 2027. The court emphasized that any government must know how many people are backward and need welfare, making caste data a matter of policy. The Chief Justice highlighted that the exercise included systematic enumeration of only Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes until the 2011 Census, with the first phase of enumeration in Census 2027 already held. This decision reinforces the government's prerogative in data collection for welfare schemes.
- The Supreme Court rejected a plea challenging caste enumeration, stating it is a policy matter for the government.
- CJI Surya Kant emphasized the need for data on backward populations for effective welfare policies.
- Systematic enumeration in the Census traditionally covered only Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes until 2011.
The Union Home Ministry has notified changes to the Citizenship Rules, 2009, introducing a digital shift for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders and citizenship applications. The amendments, known as the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026, include a specific proviso for citizenship applicants: a minor child cannot hold a passport of any other country while also holding an Indian passport. The changes also introduce online initiatives for OCI cardholders, such as a digital application and renunciation process through an official portal, https://ociservices.gov.in.
- The Union Home Ministry notified changes to the Citizenship Rules, 2009, introducing digital processes for OCI and citizenship applications.
- A key proviso states that a minor child cannot hold a foreign passport while also holding an Indian passport.
- The amendments are officially known as the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026.
This analysis argues for the urgent implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill, highlighting the stark underrepresentation of women in Indian legislative bodies despite their high voter participation. Women constitute only about 9% of State Assembly legislators and 14-15% in Parliament, far below their 50% share in the population. The article attributes this disparity to structural barriers within the political system and cultural norms. It cites the transformative success of women's reservations in Panchayati Raj institutions as evidence of its positive impact on policy priorities and social norms, emphasizing that reservation is a catalytic intervention for a more equitable system.
- Indian women are significantly underrepresented in legislative bodies despite being active voters, with only 9% in State Assemblies and 14-15% in Parliament.
- Structural barriers, including resource-intensive politics and cultural norms, impede women's entry into political leadership.
- Successful implementation of women's reservation in Panchayati Raj institutions demonstrates its positive impact on governance and policy.
An editorial criticizes the government's handling of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which aimed to link women's reservation with delimitation based on the 2011 Census. The article labels the approach as "smoke-and-mirrors," designed to confuse and divide the Opposition. It highlights that the 2011 Census basis would disproportionately reduce the representation of southern, eastern, and northeastern states due to their lower population growth. The editorial commends the INDIA bloc's unity in defeating the Bill, emphasizing that the two-thirds threshold exists to prevent structural changes without broad agreement.
- The editorial strongly criticizes the government's method of linking women's reservation with delimitation based on the 2011 Census.
- It argues that using the 2011 Census would unfairly reduce the Lok Sabha representation of southern, eastern, and northeastern states.
- The article praises the INDIA bloc for its unity in voting against the controversial Bill, overlooking internal differences.
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at redistributing Lok Sabha seats based on the 2011 Census and expediting women's reservation, was defeated in Parliament. It failed to secure the required two-thirds majority, with 298 votes in favour and 230 against out of 528 members present. Following its defeat, the government withdrew two linked legislations: the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Delimitation Bill, 2026. The Opposition criticized the government for linking women's reservation with delimitation based on the 2011 Census, arguing it would disadvantage southern states.
- The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, failed to pass due to insufficient votes, falling short of the two-thirds majority.
- The Bill sought to implement delimitation based on the 2011 Census and expedite women's reservation.
- The government subsequently withdrew two associated bills, the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Delimitation Bill, 2026.