CURRENT AFFAIRS

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has proposed the formulation of a National Judicial Policy to standardise core judicial processes across courts and reduce inconsistency in judgments

Recently, the Supreme Court asked the Central Government whether a stringent law similar to the SC/ST Atrocities Act could be enacted against those who insult or ridicule persons with disabilities (PwDs). This comment was made during a hearing on a case involving derogatory comments made against persons with disabilities on social media.

A growing body of political theory challenges the longstanding assumption that animals exist outside the domain of politics. Recent scholarship argues that democratic systems must evolve to include institutional mechanisms for animal representation, moving beyond anthropocentric norms that view politics as exclusively human.

The 23rd Law Commission has presented its preliminary views to the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining two Bills—the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024—both aimed at enabling One Nation One Election.

The Winter Session of Parliament has commenced amid concerns of a potential standoff over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Persistent issues—ranging from disruptions and reduced legislative scrutiny to growing executive dominance—have reignited debates on the declining deliberative health of the Indian Parliament.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has informed the Supreme Court that the Union Government’s role in citizenship matters is limited and does not override the Commission’s constitutional power to verify citizenship for electoral roll maintenance. The clarification comes amid Opposition challenges to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise carried out in multiple states.

Following the suicide of a Class 10 student in Delhi, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to the District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Delhi).

The Supreme Court has revisited the issue of custodial torture after noting poor compliance with its 2020 directive mandating installation of CCTV cameras in police stations and central investigative agencies. The concern has intensified following 11 custodial deaths in Rajasthan within eight months.

The Supreme Court has agreed to review a petition challenging the rule that allows political parties to accept anonymous cash donations below ₹2,000. Petitioners argue that this provision enables opaque and untraceable political funding, undermining transparency and citizens’ right to information.

India is celebrating Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) on 26 November to mark the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1949. The day is observed to honour the values, vision, and architects of the Constitution, especially Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.