CAN THE SUPREME COURT HALT AN ACT PASSED BY A STATE?
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Supreme Court recently disposed of a writ and contempt petition in the Nandini Sundar case related to Chhattisgarh’s law on Auxiliary Armed Police Forces. The Court clarified that passing a State law after a judgment does not automatically amount to contempt.
The 2011 Supreme Court Order
- In July 2011, the Supreme Court directed the Chhattisgarh government to stop using Special Police Officers (SPOs) for anti-Maoist operations.
- The order also demanded withdrawal of firearms from SPOs and action against groups like Salwa Judum and Koya Commandos involved in counterinsurgency.
- The Centre was also instructed not to fund SPO recruitment for Maoist control.
Why Was Contempt Filed Later?
- After the 2011 verdict, Chhattisgarh passed the Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Forces Act, 2011.
- This law allowed forming an auxiliary force to help regular forces in maintaining public order and controlling Naxal violence.
- Petitioners claimed the new Act violated the spirit of the 2011 judgment and was an attempt to bypass the Court’s directions.
SC’s Reasoning for Dismissing Contempt Plea
- The Court found that the State had complied with earlier directions and submitted the required reports.
- The new law addressed concerns by:
- Prescribing compulsory 6-month training for recruits.
- Prohibiting auxiliary personnel from front-line duties.
- Recruiting only screened and eligible SPOs.
Supreme Court on Legislative Powers
- Legislatures (both Parliament and States) have complete authority to enact laws, as long as they:
- Do not violate constitutional provisions, and
- Are within their legislative jurisdiction.
- Passing a new law does not qualify as contempt unless it directly disobeys Court orders or is declared unconstitutional.
- This view affirms the doctrine of separation of powers among Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
Precedent Referred
- In Indian Aluminium Co. vs. State of Kerala (1996), the SC emphasized the importance of balance between the three organs of government. Courts must respect legislative functions unless a law violates the Constitution.
SUPREME COURT OF INDIA POWER OF JUDICIAL REVIEW.
Constitutional Powers Used
- Article 13: Declares laws violative of fundamental rights as void.
- Article 32: Allows individuals to approach SC for enforcement of rights.
- Article 131, 136, 142: Used in different types of cases for constitutional interpretation.
main conditions:
Violation of Fundamental Rights (Part III)
- If any law violates fundamental rights (Articles 12–35), the Supreme Court can declare it unconstitutional.
- Example: Maneka Gandhi case (1978) – A law violating Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) was struck down.
Violation of the Basic Structure of the Constitution
- If a law or constitutional amendment damages the basic structure (like secularism, federalism, judicial independence, etc.), it can be struck down.
- Example: Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) – Introduced the Basic Structure Doctrine.
Lack of Legislative Competence
- If Parliament or a State Legislature passes a law on a subject outside its jurisdiction (not in the correct list under the 7th Schedule), the law can be nullified.
- Example: A State cannot make laws on defense or foreign affairs (Union List subjects).
Procedural Violation
- If a law is passed without following proper constitutional procedures (like lack of Presidential assent where needed), the Court can invalidate it.
Contradiction with Other Constitutional Provisions
- If a law conflicts with other parts of the Constitution, such as federal distribution of powers, it can be struck down.
Conclusion
A law passed by a State legislature cannot be struck down as contempt unless proven unconstitutional. This case reinforces judicial respect for legislative authority while ensuring constitutional safeguards remain intact.
ELECTORAL ROLL REVISION AND MIGRANT VOTER EXCLUSION IN BIHAR
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar. Concerns have been raised that this process could wrongly exclude lakhs of short-term migrant voters due to strict verification norms and a short time frame.
Background of the Issue
- Bihar has a large number of migrant workers, making up an estimated 20% of its voters.
- The ECI’s guideline that only “ordinary residents” will be included in the electoral rolls has sparked criticism.
- As per the Representation of the People Act, 1950, temporary absence does not mean a person loses ordinary residency if they intend to return.
Concerns with the SIR Process
- Short Time Window: The revision ends on July 31, giving limited time for verification.
- Risk of Exclusion: Many migrant voters may not be present in their home districts for verification.
- Long-term vs Short-term Migrants:
- Short-term migrants should be retained on rolls as they return periodically.
- Long-term migrants should ideally be enrolled at their place of work.
Voting Data Insight
- In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, more women voted than men in Bihar.
- This is despite more men being registered — indicating male absenteeism, likely due to labour migration.
Need for Balanced Reform
- The revision must differentiate between temporary and long-term migrants.
- Migrant workers should be empowered to vote where they live and work, enhancing their political representation.
IMPORTANT ROLES OF THE ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA (ECI)
Preparation and Maintenance of Electoral Rolls
- ECI prepares and updates electoral rolls regularly.
- Ensures only eligible citizens (18+ years) are included.
- Conducts special revision drives to include new voters and delete duplicates or deceased persons.
Conduct of Free and Fair Elections
- Organises Lok Sabha, State Assembly, Rajya Sabha, and President/Vice-President elections.
- Frames and enforces the Model Code of Conduct to ensure level playing field.
- Deploys observers to prevent malpractices.
Monitoring of Political Parties and Candidates
- All political parties must register with the ECI.
- Monitors candidates’ expenditure limits.
- Ensures transparency in candidate affidavits (assets, criminal record, etc.).
Use of Technology and Voter Education
- Introduces innovations like Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs).
- Runs awareness campaigns like SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) to increase voter turnout.
Dispute Resolution and Electoral Reforms
- Has quasi-judicial powers to settle disputes related to elections and party recognition/symbols.
- Suggests electoral reforms to strengthen democracy.
Conclusion
A rushed revision process risks disenfranchising migrant voters. The ECI should adopt a careful and inclusive approach that protects electoral rights while ensuring accurate rolls.
SOCIALISM AND SECULARISM, SPIRIT OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
Recently, the leadership of a socio-political organisation demanded the removal of the words “socialism” and “secularism” from the Preamble of the Constitution. This has triggered a debate about the core values of the Indian Republic and whether such principles were inserted forcefully during the Emergency.
Socialism in the Constitution
- The Indian Constitution is not just a legal framework but a reflection of the nation’s vision shaped during the freedom movement.
- Core principles like socialism and secularism are embedded in its structure, not just added later as critics suggest.
- Core Meaning: It stands for social and economic justice, equal opportunities, and reducing inequalities.
- Reflected in Preamble: Ensures justice – social, economic, and political and equality of status and opportunity.
- Fundamental Rights:
- Article 14 – Equality before law.
- Article 15 – No discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or birthplace.
- Article 16 – Equal public employment opportunity.
- Directive Principles:
- Article 38 – Promote welfare and reduce inequalities.
- Article 39 – Ensure adequate means of livelihood and economic justice.
- Articles 41-43 – Right to work, just conditions, and living wage.
Secularism in the Constitution
- Indian Approach: Not just neutrality but active protection of all religions.
- Earlier Presence: Even before the 42nd Amendment (1976), secular values existed: Liberty of thought, belief, faith, and worship in the Preamble.
- Fundamental Rights Ensuring Secularism:
- Articles 25-28 – Freedom of religion.
- Articles 29-30 – Rights of minorities to preserve culture and manage institutions.
- Judicial View: The Supreme Court, through Kesavananda Bharati (1973), declared secularism as part of the Constitution’s Basic Structure.
SECULARISM
- Article 25 – Guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion, subject to public order, morality, and health.
- Article 26 – Allows every religious denomination to manage its own affairs in matters of religion.
- Article 27 – Prohibits the use of public funds for promoting or maintaining any particular religion.
- Article 28 – Bans religious instruction in wholly government-funded educational institutions, but allows it in others with certain conditions.
42nd Amendment
- The amendment added the words socialist and secular, but the spirit already existed.
- Arguments to remove them often use the Emergency context, but this ignores their deeper constitutional roots.
Foundational Role
- These values reflect India’s anti-colonial struggle and the ideals of the framers.
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s speeches and the Objective Resolution confirmed these as core ideas.
Concerns Over Recent Demands
- Critics argue that removing these terms is an effort to reshape India’s secular and inclusive identity.
- The move is seen as undermining the republic’s foundation and promoting majoritarianism.
SUPREME COURT JUDGMENTS ON SECULARISM
S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994)
- Landmark judgment defining Indian secularism.
- SC ruled that secularism is a basic feature of the Constitution.
- Said that the State cannot promote or favor any religion.
- If a State government acts against secularism, it can be dismissed under Article 356.
Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)
- Established the Basic Structure Doctrine.
- Secularism was identified as part of the basic structure, meaning it cannot be amended or removed.
Aruna Roy v. Union of India (2002)
- Challenged the inclusion of religious philosophy in school curriculum.
- SC ruled that teaching about religions in a comparative and non-proselytizing way is not against secularism.
- Stressed on value-based education rooted in tolerance and respect.
Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992)
- Although related to reservations, SC clarified that secularism does not mean anti-religion, but equal treatment to all religions by the State.
Conclusion
Socialism and secularism are not just words in the Preamble – they define India’s democratic soul. Any effort to erase them must be resisted to protect the idea of an inclusive and just republic.
PHONE TAPPING AND THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Madras High Court has refused to broaden the scope of Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, stating that only the legislature can amend laws allowing phone tapping for crime detection.
Phone tapping
- Phone tapping means intercepting telephone conversations, usually by government agencies, for surveillance or information-gathering.
- Though it may aid in national security, it poses a serious risk to the right to privacy, which is part of Article 21.
Legal Framework in India
Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 – Section 5(2)
- Phone tapping allowed only in cases of public emergency or public safety.
- Requires written approval and must be reviewed by a Committee.
- Misuse may violate privacy rights under the Constitution.
Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 1999
- Formulated after PUCL vs Union of India (1996) judgment.
- Provides rules for:
- Authorization process
- Time limits (2 months, extendable to max 6 months)
- Destruction of recorded material once not needed
- Review Committee must evaluate every interception order.
Information Technology Act, 2000 – Section 69
- Covers electronic communication (emails, online data).
- 2009 Rules follow PUCL principles—authorization, time-bound use, review, and purpose limitation.
Landmark Judgments
PUCL v. Union of India (1996)
- Declared that telephone privacy is part of Article 21.
- Allowed phone tapping only through:
- Approval by Home Secretary
- Defined validity periods
- Regular Review Committee oversight
K.S. Puttaswamy Case (2017)
- Affirmed privacy as a fundamental right.
- Laid the three-fold test: Legality, Necessity, and Proportionality for any intrusion.
Key Concerns
- Vague terms like “public emergency” allow misuse.
- Poor implementation of safeguards.
- Lack of data protection law makes citizens vulnerable.
- Technological tools make unauthorized surveillance easier.
Significance of Madras HC Verdict
- Reaffirms that judiciary cannot expand laws—that is the legislature’s domain.
- Strengthens privacy jurisprudence.
- Prevents abuse of power by law enforcement agencies.
Conclusion
Phone tapping must follow strict legal guidelines to protect the citizen’s right to privacy. Landmark judgments like PUCL and Puttaswamy uphold that surveillance should only be allowed under lawful, necessary, and proportionate conditions.
ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS IN PLASTIC WASTE
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
Recent research has shown widespread presence of microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in human blood, reproductive fluids, and organs in India. These plastic-related toxins are linked to hormonal imbalances, infertility, chronic illnesses, and cancers, raising alarm over India’s plastic waste crisis.
Issue in Brief
- India is now the largest generator of plastic waste globally.
- Microplastics and plastic additives like BPA, phthalates, and PFAS are found in human bodies, with severe health impacts.
- The health and economic burden is rising, especially among poor communities living near dump sites or involved in informal recycling.
microplastics:
- Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, formed from the breakdown of larger plastic waste or manufactured for use in products like cosmetics.
- Health Impact: They have been found in human blood, lungs, placenta, and even sperm, and are linked to hormonal disruption, fertility issues, and chronic diseases due to associated toxic chemicals like BPA and phthalates.
- Environmental Concern: Microplastics pollute oceans, soil, and air, affecting marine life and entering the food chain, posing long-term ecological and health risks.
Health Risks from Microplastics and EDCs
What are EDCs?
- EDCs (Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals) are chemicals that interfere with hormonal systems like estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones.
- Common examples:
- Bisphenol A (BPA), BPS – in bottles, containers
- Phthalates – in toys, cosmetics, IV tubes
- PFAS – in food wrappers, cookware
Health Impacts:
- In men: Reduced sperm count, poor motility, low testosterone, infertility
- In women: Poor egg quality, menstrual issues, PCOS, miscarriages
- Children: Early puberty, learning disorders, respiratory illness
- Other diseases: Obesity, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, cardiovascular diseases
- Cancer risk: Elevated chances of breast, prostate, uterine, and testicular cancers
Scientific Evidence
- Microplastics found in blood, lungs, placentas, and reproductive fluids in Indian and global studies.
- 2024 Indian study: Microplastics detected in 89% of blood samples.
- Indian men’s testicular tissue had 3 times more microplastics than dogs.
- Elevated DEHP in women linked to 3x higher breast cancer risk.
India’s Plastic Waste Challenge
- Generates 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually.
- 5.8 million tonnes incinerated (releasing toxic gases), 3.5 million tonnes pollute land and water.
- Cities like Mumbai and Nagpur show high daily microplastic exposure.
- CPCB reports phthalate levels in water above EU limits in cities like Delhi and Chennai.
Way Forward
Policy and Regulation:
- Strengthen enforcement of Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016, 2022, 2024)
- Include low-dose EDC risks and vulnerable groups (women, children)
Public Health Measures:
- National-level biomonitoring of EDCs in blood, urine, breast milk
- Fund long-term health studies on fertility and chronic illness
- Promote EDC-free alternatives (glass, steel) and antioxidant-rich diets
Technology and Waste Management:
- Improve plastic segregation, recycling, safe disposal
- Microplastic filtration in water plants
- Encourage biodegradable material innovations
Conclusion
Plastic pollution is now a biological hazard, not just an environmental issue. India’s fight against EDCs must be multi-dimensional — from public health reforms and waste regulation to individual awareness and global cooperation.
PRIME MINISTER’S STATE VISIT TO GHANA (2025)
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: INDIAN EXPRESS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Ghana as part of his five-nation tour.
This is the first official visit by an Indian PM in over 30 years, aimed at deepening ties through a Comprehensive Partnership.
India-Ghana Historical Relations
- Ties date back to 1953, when India opened a representative office in Accra, four years before Ghana’s independence.
- Both countries are founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
- Shared post-colonial and Global South development vision.
Outcomes of the 2025 Visit
- Four MoUs signed in fields such as cultural exchange and traditional music.
- PM Modi was honoured with Ghana’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Star of Ghana.
- The visit led to the launch of a Comprehensive Partnership between both nations.
Trade and Investment
- India is one of Ghana’s top trading partners, with $3 billion bilateral trade (2023–24).
- India imports gold (over 70% of its imports from Ghana), while exporting pharmaceuticals.
- Indian FDI exceeds $1.2 billion, mainly in agro-processing, mining, construction, ICT.
Development & Capacity Building
- India extended $450 million in loans and grants for infrastructure and education.
- Projects include:
- ICT Centre (2003), Elmina Fish Plant, and Rural Electrification Scheme.
- Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line (inaugurated in 2024).
- Over 1,600 scholarships offered under e-Vidya Bharati and e-Arogya Bharati schemes.
- Ghana benefits from India’s Pan-African e-Network for telemedicine and e-learning.
Strategic Importance of Ghana
- Ghana serves as India’s gateway to West Africa and a link to ECOWAS (regional bloc).
- Located on the Gulf of Guinea, important for India’s maritime trade and security.
- Potential for defence cooperation, anti-piracy operations, and vaccine hub development.
- Ghana supports India’s UNSC bid and aligns with India on Commonwealth, NAM, and G77 platforms.
Cultural & Diaspora Ties
- Around 15,000 Indians live in Ghana, contributing to business and culture.
- Strong people-to-people links through yoga, cinema, education, and cultural exchange programmes.
Way Forward
- The visit opens opportunities in energy, health, digital, security, and investment sectors.
- Strengthening Ghana ties supports India’s broader Africa outreach and enhances its role as a Global South leader.
IS U.S. IMPERIALISM A GLOBAL THREAT?
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
The U.S. recently carried out strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites during the Israel-Iran conflict, raising global concerns. The unilateral use of force and disregard for international law has reignited debates on U.S. imperialism and its impact on global peace and multipolarity.
U.S. Imperialism
- Military Actions: The U.S. attacked Iranian facilities without global consensus, echoing past interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
- Pattern of Behavior: such actions reflect a consistent effort to maintain global dominance and disregard for international norms.
Trump’s Return and Global Power Struggles
- With Donald Trump back in power, the U.S. is expected to intensify its “America First” strategy, focusing on military strength and economic protectionism.
- Trump’s foreign policy appears random and aggressive, worsening global instability.
The China Factor
- The decline of U.S. influence parallels China’s rise in technology, economy, and global affairs.
- The U.S. views China as a strategic rival, increasing geopolitical tension in the Asia-Pacific region.
- The growing U.S.-China rivalry resembles a new Cold War, with significant global implications.
Multipolarity and India’s Dilemma
- A multipolar world offers more space for emerging powers like India.
- However, India’s growing alignment with the U.S. through QUAD and defence ties reduces its strategic autonomy.
- India’s silence on international law violations (e.g., U.S. strike on Iran) weakens its stance as a leader of the Global South.
The Role of the Global South
- U.S. policies, especially under Trump, may worsen economic inequality, harm trade, and deepen debt crises in developing nations.
- India should support Global South platforms like BRICS to defend sovereignty, climate justice, and fair trade.
- To maintain credibility, India must balance its security needs while standing up for international law.
IMPERIALISM
Imperialism is when a powerful country extends its control over weaker countries through political, military, or economic means.
Types:
- Colonial Imperialism: Direct control (e.g., British rule over India).
- Economic Imperialism: Controlling resources and markets (e.g., U.S. influence in Latin America).
Modern Example:
- U.S. in Iraq (2003): Invaded under claims of weapons of mass destruction — seen as a move for control.
- China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Criticized for creating debt dependency in smaller countries.
Effect:
- Loss of sovereignty for weaker nations.
- Exploitation of local resources and people.
- Cultural dominance and erosion of native identity.
- Opposition:
Anti-imperialist movements like India’s freedom struggle or global calls for multipolarity aim to resist imperial control.
Conclusion
U.S. imperial actions pose challenges to global peace, especially for developing nations. India must protect its interests by supporting a just multipolar order and leading collective resistance through the Global South.
GENOME SEQUENCING
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS
Scientists have decoded the oldest ancient Egyptian genome from a person who lived 4,500–4,800 years ago, using DNA extracted from their teeth.
It is the most complete genetic data ever sequenced from Ancient Egypt.
What is Genome?
- A genome is the complete set of genetic material (DNA or RNA) in an organism.
- In humans, the genome contains about 3 billion DNA base pairs, organized into 23 pairs of chromosomes.
- Each chromosome includes genes, which carry the instructions to produce proteins vital for life.
What is Genome Sequencing?
- Genome sequencing is the process of identifying the exact order of nucleotide bases (A, T, C, G) in a DNA molecule.
- These bases act as genetic codes for biological traits and functions.
- Sequencing helps scientists find out what genetic material is present in a segment of DNA.
Importance of Genome Sequencing
- Acts like a genetic fingerprint, offering clues about ancestry, health risks, and traits.
- Helps in studying evolution, ancient migrations, and disease patterns.
- Useful in personalized medicine, agriculture, and forensic science.
Significance of Ancient Egyptian Genome Study
- Provides insights into the genetic makeup of early human civilizations.
- Reveals connections between ancient populations of Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
- Offers a historical timeline of human adaptation and genetic evolution.
Conclusion
Genome sequencing is a powerful scientific method to understand life at the genetic level.
The decoding of the ancient Egyptian genome opens new doors for exploring human history and biology.
C-FLOOD
TOPIC: (GS3) DISASTER MANAGEMENT: PIB
The union Jal Shakti minister recently launched C-FLOOD in New Delhi, a tech-based flood forecasting platform developed to improve flood management and early warning systems in India.
What is C-FLOOD?
- C-FLOOD stands for Unified Inundation Forecasting System.
- It is a web-based platform that provides flood forecasts up to 48 hours in advance, including inundation maps and water level predictions at the village level.
- Developed by C-DAC Pune and the Central Water Commission (CWC) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
- It is part of the National Supercomputing Mission, which supports high-tech innovations for national development.
Key Features
- Acts as a centralized decision-support tool by combining flood models from national and regional sources.
- Currently operational for Mahanadi, Godavari, and Tapi river basins.
- Future plans include expansion to other flood-prone basins.
- Uses advanced 2D hydrodynamic modeling to simulate real-time flooding events.
- Mahanadi flood data is generated using High-Performance Computing systems at C-DAC, Pune.
- Godavari and Tapi river data are contributed by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) under the National Hydrology Project.
Significance
- Enhances early warning systems and disaster preparedness at the grassroots level.
- Assists authorities in taking quick and accurate decisions during floods.
- Helps minimize loss of life, property, and infrastructure in flood-affected regions.
- Supports climate resilience and community-level disaster risk reduction.
Conclusion
C-FLOOD represents a major step towards data-driven flood forecasting and efficient disaster response in India, strengthening village-level preparedness through advanced technology.