Landowner Rights Upheld by Supreme Court Verdict
Context: In a significant decision aimed at safeguarding the rights of landowners, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that all government acquisitions must adhere to the provisions outlined in Article 300A. This landmark verdict was delivered in response to a case involving the Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s attempt to acquire private land for the construction […]
Abortion Law In India
Context: The Supreme Court on May 15 refused to entertain a plea of a 20-year-old unmarried woman seeking termination of her over 27-week pregnancy, saying the foetus in the womb also has a fundamental right to live. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: News Summary: Key Observations by the Court: Important […]
Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on West Bengal’s Suit Against CBI
Context: The Supreme Court has withheld its decision on the West Bengal government’s lawsuit, which claims that the CBI is investigating post-poll violence cases in the state without obtaining its prior approval as mandated by the law. This follows the Centre’s assertion that West Bengal’s original suit under Article 131 of the Constitution is misconceived. […]
Guidelines to Eliminate Corporal Punishment
Context: The Tamil Nadu School Education Department has issued guidelines aimed at eradicating corporal punishment in schools. Known as the GCEP (Guidelines for Child-Friendly Education Practices), these directives prioritize the protection of students’ physical and mental well-being. Beyond banning corporal punishment, the guidelines also address various forms of harassment faced by students. Relevance: GS II: […]
Tamil Nadu Accuses Kerala of Hindering Mullaperiyar Dam Maintenance
Context: Tamil Nadu has lodged a complaint against Kerala in the Supreme Court, alleging that while Kerala raises concerns about the safety of the Mullaperiyar dam, it obstructs essential maintenance work on the dam. According to Tamil Nadu, Kerala has delayed routine maintenance tasks, such as painting, patchwork, and staff quarters repair, for periods ranging […]
PRS Legislative Research Releases Annual Review of State Laws 2023
Context: PRS Legislative Research has published its “Annual Review of State Laws 2023,” offering a comprehensive analysis of the performance and functioning of State legislatures across India. The report provides valuable insights into various key aspects of state legislation and governance. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights of the […]
Supreme Court Rejects Centre’s Plea for Administrative Spectrum Allocation
Context: The Supreme Court of India has made a significant decision by rejecting the Centre’s plea to permit administrative allocation of spectrum. This decision reaffirms the principle of open and transparent auction for allocating this scarce natural resource. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Reasons for Supreme Court’s Rejection of Centre’s […]
Tenth Anniversary of the Street Vendors Act 2014
Context: The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, recently marked its tenth anniversary. This milestone represents the culmination of four decades of legal evolution and advocacy by street vendor movements in India Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Street Vendors Act The Street Vendors Act […]
Union Government Seeks Administrative Allocation for Spectrum
Context: The Union government has filed an application for a specific class of spectrum to be allocated through administrative processes rather than competitive auctions. This move follows the Supreme Court’s 2012 decision to cancel 122 telecom licenses due to the 2G spectrum scam, emphasizing the need for fair and impartial allocation of the scarce natural […]
Supreme Court Rejects 100% VVPAT Verification
Context: The Supreme Court dismissed the demand for 100% verification of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) in Indian elections. Additionally, it rejected a return to the earlier ballot paper system, which had been demanded by opposition parties in recent years. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Recent VVPAT-EVM Tally Case: […]