Supreme Court Frees Perarivalan
Context: In ordering the release of Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convict A G Perarivalan, the Supreme Court Bench of Justices L Nageswara Rao and B R Gavai invoked the extraordinary power conferred on the court under Article 142 of the Constitution. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: What is Article 142 of […]
How Sikkim Became a Part of India
Context: It was on May 16, 1975 that Sikkim became 22nd state of the Union of India. Relevance: GS II- Polity and Governance (Federalism) Dimensions of the Article: Attacks during Namgyal Rule British Expansion Scenario after 1947 1974 Elections Decision to join India Attacks during Namgyal Rule Beginning with Phuntsog Namgyal, the first chogyal (monarch), […]
In Abeyance of Section 124A, A Provisional Relief
Context In a brief order delivered in S.G. Vombatkere vs Union of India, a three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court of India effectively suspended the operation of Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code. Relevance GS-II: Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure. Dimensions of the Article What was the basis for the […]
Public Opinion Cannot Influence Jurisprudence
Context On May 5, 2022, the current affairs site politico.com obtained the draft opinion of Justice Samuel Alito, apparently speaking for the majority of the judges of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) overruling Roe v Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v Casey (1992). These two previously decided cases enable women in the […]
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
Context: The Union government is reassessing the concept of the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) leading to a delay in the appointment to the post. The post of CDS has also been lying vacant since the demise of Late. Gen. Bipin Rawat. Relevance: GS II- Polity […]
Why The Sedition Law Must Go
Context On May 11, the Supreme Court directed the Union government and the states to refrain from using the law of sedition and keep all previous cases under 124A in abeyance till the matter is reconsidered in a comprehensive way. Relevance GS-II: Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure. Dimensions of the Article […]
On the Question of Notifying Minorities
Context: A public interest litigation (PIL) under the consideration of the Supreme Court of India challenges the power of the Centre to notify minority communities at a national level. Relevance: GS II- Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Who is a minority and who decides that? What does the PIL argue? Constitutional Provisions Who […]
SC Puts ‘Colonial’ Sedition Law on Hold
Context: The Supreme Court suspended pending criminal trials and court proceedings under Section 124A (sedition) of the Indian Penal Code, while allowing the Union of India to reconsider the British-era law. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Constitution (Constitutional Provisions, Fundamental Rights), GS-II: Governance (Government Policies and Initiatives) Dimensions of the Article: What did the SC say? […]
Delhi HC Gives Split Verdict on Marital Rape
Context: A two-judge Bench of the Delhi High Court delivered a split verdict in a batch of petitions challenging the exception provided to marital rape in the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Relevance: GS-II: Social Justice (Issues related to Women, Government Policies and Initiatives), GS-II: Polity and Governance (Important Judgements and Committees) Dimensions of the Article: About […]
Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA)
Context: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested four current and two former officials of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) division of the Union Home Ministry, along with eight others, for allegedly facilitating illegal clearances to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) under the Act, in lieu of bribes. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Government Policies & […]