CURRENT AFFAIRS

On November 20, 2025, the Supreme Court delivered its detailed opinion on the 14 questions referred by the President for advice (Presidential Reference). This reference was issued to clarify constitutional disputes arising from the Tamil Nadu Governor's case. Some states described it as an "appeal in disguise," which the Supreme Court rejected.

The Election Commission of India (ECI), empowered under Article 324, ordered a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 12 States/UTs including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal. The decision—taken months before major Assembly elections—has triggered political protests and legal challenges before the Supreme Court regarding legality, timing, and citizenship verification.

On November 19, 2025, the Supreme Court declared several key sections of the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, unconstitutional. The Court stated that the Act gives the Central Government excessive control over the appointment, functioning, and service conditions of tribunals, which is against the independence of the judiciary. The Court directed the Central Government to establish the National Tribunals Commission (NTC) within four months.

A first-of-its-kind study by the India Justice Report (IJR) reveals that over 55% of cases before India’s Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) were pending as of October 31, 2023, exposing deep gaps in staffing, infrastructure, data systems, and inter-agency coordination.

Assam has invoked the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950 for the first time in decades after the state cabinet approved its use in 2024–25.

The Supreme Court of India has struck down several provisions of the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, declaring them unconstitutional for violating judicial independence, separation of powers, and constitutional supremacy.

The Directorate General of the Territorial Army (TA) has approved the induction of women soldiers into the Home & Hearth (H&H) Infantry Battalions for the first time. This marks a major step towards gender inclusion, expanded operational roles, and a more representative defence framework.

On the day of counting, the strong room is unlocked in the presence of candidates or representatives from all contesting parties. The Returning Officer and the Election Commission's Special Observer are also present during this process and are the ones who open the lock. The entire process is videographed.

India is the world's largest democracy. Article 39A of our Constitution clearly states that the State shall ensure that no citizen is denied access to justice by reason of economic or other disability.

The Odisha government will organize the Odisha Pharma Summit 2025 on November 20th.