Karnataka High Court Quashes POCSO Proceedings with Caveat
Context: The Karnataka High Court has recently quashed proceedings under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 against a 23-year-old man accused of raping a minor, who he subsequently married. This decision includes a caveat allowing the criminal proceedings to be revived if the man abandons his wife and child in the […]
Supreme Court to Hear Landmark “Right to be Forgotten” Case
Context: Last week, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case that will likely shape the contours of the “right to be forgotten” in India, similar to the “right to erasure” in European information privacy regulation. The Court must decide whether this right is fundamental in India and how it relates to other constitutional rights. […]
Right to Shelter and Constitutional Provisions
Context: The Supreme Court called for a balance between developing railway infrastructure in Haldwani and the fundamental right to shelter for people accused of illegally occupying railway land. The court clarified that its orders should not be misinterpreted as encouraging future encroachments on public land. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: […]
Panchamasali Lingayats Demand Inclusion in OBC Category 2A
Context: Recently, the Panchamasali Lingayats, a sub-caste within Karnataka’s dominant Lingayat community, have been demanding inclusion in Category 2A of the Other Backward Classes (OBC). Relevance: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Panchamasali Lingayats’ Quota Demand Background: Current Quota System in Karnataka: Previous Government Actions: Current Situation: Significance: -Source: The Hindu, PIB
Supreme Court of India on Taxation of Mineral Rights
Context: The Supreme Court of India has recently addressed a crucial issue regarding the taxation of mineral rights, overturning its 1989 verdict and reaffirming the power of states in this context. This decision, delivered by a nine-judge Bench, clarifies the extent of authority both Parliament and states hold over mineral royalties. This landmark ruling will […]
Ban Lifted on Public Servants’ Participation in RSS Activities
Context: Recently, the Indian government lifted a longstanding ban preventing public servants from participating in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities. This decision, issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), removed references to the RSS from official memorandums dating back to 1966, 1970, and 1980. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the […]
Rising Demand for Separate Bhil Pradesh State
Context: Recently, there has been a growing demand for the formation of a separate Bhil state, “Bhil Pradesh,” in Rajasthan and neighbouring states. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Bhills: An Overview Background: Cultural and Religious Practices: Demand for Bhil Pradesh Historical Context: Proposed Area: Reasons for Demand: Criticisms: Regions Demanding […]
National Flag Day 2024
Context: India’s National Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the Indian national flag on 22nd July 1947, by the Constituent Assembly, a few days before the country attained Independence from the British on 15th August 1947. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: National Flag Day Historical Context Resolution and Design Major Laws Governing the National Flag […]
Madhya Pradesh’s Requirement for CBI Consent
Context: The Government of Madhya Pradesh has announced that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will now require written consent from the state government to initiate any inquiry against state officials. This decision follows a trend where several states have withdrawn general consent for CBI investigations, sparking discussions on the necessity of new legislation to […]
Reconstitution of NITI Aayog
Context: The Centre has reconstituted the NITI Aayog, incorporating 15 union ministers, including members from NDA allies and four full-time members, into the government think-tank. This reconstitution follows recent changes in the council of ministers, reflecting a renewed focus on policy-making and strategic planning. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: About […]