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.
The Union Home Ministry has granted Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration to Baba Bageshwar Dham, a religious body led by Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, a Madhya Pradesh-based godman. This registration allows the organization, which advocates for a 'Hindu Rashtra', to receive foreign donations for social, educational, religious, economic, and cultural programs. The article notes that six of 38 NGOs granted FCRA registration until Wednesday were in the 'Religious (Hindu)' category. FCRA registration is mandatory for NGOs receiving foreign funds and is valid for five years. The government had proposed amendments to the FCRA Act in the Budget session, but discussion was deferred due to opposition.
- Baba Bageshwar Dham, led by Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, has received FCRA registration from the Union Home Ministry.
- This registration enables the religious body to accept foreign contributions for various programs.
- FCRA registration is mandatory for NGOs and associations receiving foreign donations and is valid for five years.
This data-driven analysis examines how the proposed delimitation, based on the 2011 Census population and an increased Lok Sabha strength of 850 seats, would redistribute parliamentary representation. It highlights that Southern and North-Eastern states would significantly lose their share, while Hindi-heartland states would gain disproportionately. For example, Uttar Pradesh could gain 13 seats, while Tamil Nadu could lose 11 and Kerala 8. This asymmetry stems from differing Total Fertility Rates (TFRs), with Southern states having TFRs below replacement level (2.1) and many Hindi-heartland states remaining above. The article points out the tension between Article 81(2)(a), which rewards demographic weight, and developmental achievement in population control.
- Proposed delimitation based on the 2011 Census and an 850-seat Lok Sabha would significantly alter state-wise representation.
- Southern and North-Eastern states are projected to lose parliamentary seat share, while Hindi-heartland states would gain.
- This redistribution is primarily due to varying Total Fertility Rates (TFRs) across states, reflecting different population growth patterns.
This opinion piece praises the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act) 2023 as a significant constitutional milestone that will deepen Indian democracy. It argues that the Act moves beyond mere reservation, fostering epistemic diversity and developmental rationality by bringing women's distinct experiences into policymaking. This will transform governance, shifting focus from procedural to deliberative democracy and addressing issues like domestic violence and public sanitation more effectively. However, the author acknowledges challenges: the Act's implementation is tied to the Census and delimitation, requiring administrative readiness, redesign of political party structures, and societal attitudinal changes to fully realize its transformative potential.
- The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act) 2023 is hailed as a structural innovation for Indian democracy.
- The Act is expected to enhance epistemic diversity and developmental rationality by integrating women's unique perspectives into governance.
- It aims to shift democracy from a procedural to a more deliberative model, improving policy-making on social issues.
The article analyzes the implications of three proposed Bills related to delimitation and women's reservation. Key proposals include increasing Lok Sabha seats from 550 to 850, basing state-wise seat allocation on population (not necessarily the latest census), and implementing one-third women's reservation after delimitation for 15 years. The author highlights that this will remove the freeze on seats until 2026, potentially shifting relative power to states like UP and Bihar, and weakening the Rajya Sabha's influence due to a disproportionate increase in Lok Sabha seats. Other implications include an increased Council of Ministers size and reduced opportunities for individual MPs to participate in parliamentary deliberations. The article stresses the need for public discussion and parliamentary committee review.
- The proposed Bills aim to increase Lok Sabha seats to 850 and base state-wise allocation on population, removing the 2026 freeze.
- Women's reservation of one-third seats will be effective after delimitation and valid for 15 years.
- The changes could shift political power towards states with higher population growth, like UP and Bihar.
This opinion piece argues that the government's linking of women's reservation to delimitation and the Census, through the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and The Delimitation Bill, is flawed and unnecessary. The author contends that this linkage delays the implementation of women's reservation, which could have been effective from the 2024 elections if the 2010 Bill had been adopted. The current approach, based on the outdated 2011 Census, risks undermining the principle of delimitation based on present population criteria and potentially disadvantages oppressed communities by not reflecting current SC/ST proportions. The author advocates for a stand-alone law for women's reservation, free from these linkages, to ensure democratic norms and rights are upheld.
- The author criticizes the government's decision to link women's reservation with delimitation and the Census.
- This linkage is seen as delaying the actual implementation of women's reservation, which could have started earlier.
- Using the 2011 Census for delimitation is problematic as it doesn't reflect current population dynamics, including SC/ST proportions.
The Union government has assured that all States will see a 50% increase in their Lok Sabha seats after delimitation, maintaining their current proportional strength. This clarification comes amidst concerns that the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and Delimitation Bill, which link women's reservation to delimitation based on the latest census, could lead to a redistribution of seats disadvantaging states with stable populations. While the draft Bills don't explicitly state this proportional increase, Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to clarify it in Parliament. The Opposition INDIA bloc plans to vote against the delimitation provisions, citing concerns about potential reduction in the relative strength of Southern states.
- The Centre assures a 50% increase in Lok Sabha seats for all states post-delimitation, preserving current proportional strength.
- The proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill and Delimitation Bill link women's reservation to delimitation based on the latest census.
- Concerns exist that the Bills might lead to a redistribution of seats, potentially reducing the relative strength of states with stabilized populations.
West Bengal is embroiled in a major controversy over the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The SIR, aimed at cleaning up rolls by removing duplicate, migrated, and deceased voters, led to over 63 lakh name deletions and 1.20 crore names with logical discrepancies. The Supreme Court intervened due to a "trust deficit" between the ECI and the Trinamool Congress government, deploying judicial officers to hear 'under adjudication' cases. While 27 lakh names were cleared, others remain in limbo, unlikely to vote in upcoming Assembly polls. The Trinamool accuses the ECI of political bias, while civil society groups allege deliberate targeting of Muslim and women voters.
- The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal has become a significant controversy.
- Over 63 lakh names were deleted, and 1.20 crore names had logical discrepancies, leading to a "trust deficit" between ECI and the state government.
- The Supreme Court intervened, deploying judicial officers to adjudicate disputed cases, clearing 27 lakh names.
The article examines the absence of term limits for the Prime Minister in India, contrasting it with presidential term limits in other democracies and the established convention for the Indian President. It highlights Prime Minister Narendra Modi's extended tenure, combining his time as Chief Minister and Prime Minister, and questions the constitutional implications. While the Constituent Assembly envisioned parliamentary accountability through mechanisms like no-confidence motions, the author argues that the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law) has structurally impaired this accountability. The piece suggests reforms such as exempting confidence motions from the Tenth Schedule or introducing constitutional amendments for term limits for both Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers.
- The Indian Constitution does not impose term limits on the Prime Minister, unlike many other democracies and the convention for the Indian President.
- The Constituent Assembly relied on parliamentary accountability mechanisms like no-confidence motions to check executive power.
- The Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law) has weakened parliamentary accountability by binding legislators to party loyalty.
The Central Armed Police Force (General Administration) Bill, 2026, was passed by a voice vote in the Lok Sabha, with the Opposition walking out due to the absence of Home Minister Amit Shah. Opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, criticized the Bill and demanded it be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for deliberation, arguing it negatively impacts CAPF personnel's future, promotions, and dignity. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai stated the Bill would bring administrative clarity, ensure promotions, and financial benefits, addressing delays caused by court cases. The Bill stipulates that a significant portion of higher-ranking posts in CAPFs will be filled by Indian Police Service officers on deputation.
- The Central Armed Police Force (General Administration) Bill, 2026, was passed in Lok Sabha by voice vote.
- Opposition parties walked out, protesting the Home Minister's absence and demanding the Bill be sent to a JPC.
- The Bill aims to bring administrative clarity, ensure promotions, and provide financial benefits to CAPF personnel.
A Full Bench of the Madras High Court ruled that the Governor is bound by the advice of the Council of Ministers when exercising powers under Article 161 of the Constitution regarding remission and premature release of convicts. The Bench, comprising Justices A.D. Jagadish Chandira, G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, and Sunder Mohan, stated that the Governor has no discretion to take a different view. This decision resolved conflicting judgments by other Division Benches, affirming that the issue was settled by a 1980 Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in Maru Ramu's case, which was also followed in the A.G. Perarivalan case.
- The Madras High Court's Full Bench affirmed that the Governor must act on the Council of Ministers' advice for remission powers under Article 161.
- The ruling clarifies that the Governor has no discretionary power to deviate from the Cabinet's advice in such matters.
- This decision resolved conflicting interpretations from other Division Benches of the High Court.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) recently transferred senior officers in election-bound states, including West Bengal, leading to controversy and claims of administrative paralysis. The ECI justified these actions under Article 324 of the Constitution, citing its plenary powers for free and fair elections. However, the article highlights that the Supreme Court, in cases like Mohinder Singh Gill, clarified that ECI's powers are not unfettered and must conform to existing laws. The Court emphasized that ECI cannot bypass parliamentary laws regarding transfers of All India Service officers, and its actions must be bona fide and subject to natural justice.
- The ECI's recent transfers of senior state officials in election-bound states sparked controversy and questions about its powers.
- The ECI justifies its actions under Article 324 of the Constitution, which grants it superintendence, direction, and control of elections.
- The Supreme Court, in Mohinder Singh Gill case, clarified that ECI's plenary powers are not unfettered and must operate within existing laws.
The Rajya Sabha passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill on Thursday, clearing the way for Amaravati to be incorporated as the capital of Andhra Pradesh in the original Act, effective from June 2, 2024. Most political parties supported the Bill, except for YSR Congress Party MPs who argued it ignored farmers' demands. Senior Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury criticized the 12-year delay in materializing the commitment, calling it a "statement of national shame." Telugu Desam Party leader K. Rammohan Naidu described it as an emotional moment.
- The Rajya Sabha passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill to designate Amaravati as the capital.
- The Bill incorporates Amaravati as the capital in the original Act, effective June 2, 2024.
- Most political parties supported the Bill, with the YSR Congress Party being the sole exception.
The Central Armed Forces (General Administration) Bill is expected to be introduced in the Budget Session of Parliament. This Bill aims to codify the functioning of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and address a Supreme Court ruling from May 2025. The ruling mandated the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to progressively reduce the deputation of IPS officers up to the Inspector-General rank in CAPFs within two years. The MHA had sought an extension for this timeline, citing the comprehensive and multi-layered process required for cadre review and framing service rules.
- The Central Armed Forces (General Administration) Bill is slated for introduction in the Budget Session.
- The Bill aims to codify the functioning of CAPFs and respond to a Supreme Court ruling.
- The Supreme Court had directed the MHA to reduce IPS officer deputation in CAPFs up to the IG rank within two years.
A resolution seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was defeated by a voice vote in Parliament. The Opposition protested Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks concerning Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's conduct in Parliament. Mr. Shah defended Mr. Birla, stating that the Speaker serves as a neutral custodian and that questioning his integrity is akin to questioning democratic processes. He also highlighted the increased productivity of the Lok Sabha under Mr. Birla's leadership and criticized Mr. Gandhi's attendance record during crucial sessions. The motion was rejected without a division of votes as the House was not in order.
- The Lok Sabha rejected a motion to remove Speaker Om Birla by a voice vote.
- Opposition MPs protested remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding Rahul Gandhi's parliamentary conduct.
- Amit Shah defended Speaker Birla, emphasizing his neutrality and the increased productivity of the Lok Sabha under his leadership.
The article analyzes the Sixteenth Finance Commission's (FC16) recommendations, noting that while the States' share in the divisible pool remains at 41%, this figure is misleading. The divisible pool as a proportion of gross tax revenues has shrunk significantly due to growing cesses and surcharges retained by the Union. FC16 discontinued various grants and deferred structural reforms like amending Fiscal Responsibility Legislation and controlling off-budget borrowings. A key change is replacing the 'tax and fiscal effort' criterion with 'contribution to GDP' in the horizontal devolution formula, benefiting high-GSDP states and disadvantaging states with greater fiscal need. This re-engineering, coupled with conditional local body grants, shifts power towards the Centre and impacts states with weaker governance.
- The 41% States' share in the divisible pool is an 'illusion' as the divisible pool itself has shrunk relative to gross tax revenues due to increasing cesses and surcharges retained by the Union.
- The Sixteenth Finance Commission (FC16) discontinued revenue deficit, sector-specific, and State-specific grants, impacting targeted fiscal relief.
- FC16 deferred structural reforms such as amending Fiscal Responsibility Legislation and controlling off-budget borrowings.
The Supreme Court is seeking a balance between protecting free speech and combating fake online content, while the Union government defends its Information Technology Rules, stating they are not intended to curb humor, satire, or criticism. The Centre appealed against a Bombay High Court decision that struck down the Fact Checking Unit (FCU) notification and deemed amended IT Rules of 2023 unconstitutional for violating Articles 14 and 19. The Chief Justice emphasized the importance of balancing rights without destroying constitutional rights, acknowledging the potential damage of offensive online content while questioning who defines 'fake' or 'misleading.'
- The Supreme Court is deliberating on balancing free speech with the need to combat fake online content.
- The Union government asserts its IT Rules do not aim to curb humor, satire, or criticism.
- The Bombay High Court previously struck down the FCU notification and deemed amended IT Rules of 2023 unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court is considering a plea challenging provisions of the Shariat Application Act, 1937, which allegedly discriminates against Muslim women in inheritance by giving them a smaller share than men. While acknowledging the discrimination, the bench orally suggested deferring to Parliament's wisdom to enact a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) rather than judicially striking down the Act, fearing it could create a legal vacuum. The court referenced the Mary Roy vs State of Kerala judgment, which secured equal inheritance rights for Syrian Christian women. The Chief Justice questioned whether striking down the Act would lead to re-legislation by the court, emphasizing the complexities of judicial intervention versus legislative action on personal laws.
- The Supreme Court is hearing a plea challenging the Shariat Application Act, 1937, for alleged discrimination against Muslim women in inheritance.
- The court expressed concern that striking down the Act could create a legal vacuum in Muslim inheritance law.
- The bench suggested that enacting a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) through Parliament would be a more appropriate solution, aligning with Article 44 of the DPSP.
The recent no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has reignited debate on the constitutional role and accountability of the Speaker's office. The article emphasizes the Speaker's critical role as an impartial arbiter, safeguarding members' rights and maintaining parliamentary order. It details the stringent removal procedure under Article 94(c), requiring a majority of all Lok Sabha members, reflecting the intent to ensure stability. Challenges include growing politicization, frequent confrontations, and weakening parliamentary conventions. Reforms such as reinforcing institutional norms, enhancing transparency, and codifying best practices for discretionary powers are suggested to preserve credibility and strengthen democracy.
- The Speaker's office is a critical pillar of India's parliamentary democracy, expected to be an impartial arbiter.
- The removal procedure for the Speaker is stringent, requiring a resolution passed by a majority of all Lok Sabha members under Article 94(c).
- Historically, no-confidence motions against the Speaker have been rare and unsuccessful, demonstrating the difficulty of removal.
The Lok Sabha debated a resolution moved by the Opposition to remove Speaker Om Birla, alleging partisan behavior and questioning the Chair's neutrality. Congress Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi initiated the debate, emphasizing the need to protect the institution's neutrality. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju countered, calling it an 'attack on democracy.' The motion was admitted after more than 50 MPs supported it, highlighting concerns over the Speaker's conduct, interruptions during debates, and the vacant Deputy Speaker post. The discussion is allotted 10 hours and will conclude with a vote, underscoring the ongoing tensions regarding parliamentary decorum and impartiality.
- The Opposition moved a resolution in Lok Sabha for the removal of Speaker Om Birla, citing concerns over the Chair's neutrality.
- The motion was admitted after receiving support from over 50 Members of Parliament.
- The debate highlighted accusations of partisan behavior by the Speaker and interruptions faced by Opposition leaders.