Current Context : In Dhanya M vs. State of Kerala & Others (2025), the Supreme Court set aside preventive detention orders under the Kerala Anti‑Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 2007, clarifying “public order” versus “law and order.” About Preventive Detention Constitutional Provision: Article 22(3) allows preventive detention for public order or national security Safeguards: Initial detention ≤ 3 months; extension only with Advisory Board Detainee must receive grounds for detention at earliest and opportunity to make representation. Dhanya M Ruling: Distinction: Law and order (ordinary offences) vs public order (wider threat to society). Kerala Act misapplied for law‑and‑order situations; lacked requisite gravity for preventive detention.Read More

Current Context : Recently, the Full Bench of the Lokpal of India adopted a new motto: “Empower Citizens, Expose Corruption.” ABOUT LOKPAL Legal Basis: Established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, to investigate corruption allegations against public functionaries. Jurisdiction: Covers all public servants including the Prime Minister, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and officials of government bodies. Composition: Comprised of a Chairperson + up to eight Members (four judicial, four non-judicial). Eligibility: Chairperson/Members must be ≥ 45 years, not lawmakers, and free of criminal convictions. Chairperson: Either the Chief Justice of India, a sitting Supreme Court judge, or an eminent....Read More

Current Context : Recently, J&K Lt Governor dismissed three employees under Article 311(2)(c) for alleged terror links. ABOUT  Article 311 Constitutional Position: Dismissal, removal or reduction in rank of persons employed in civil capacities under the Union or a State Falls under Part X – Services Under the Union and the States, Chapter I. Applies to: All India Services (e.g., IAS, IPS, IFS) Civil services of the Union/State (Group A, B, C, D posts). Key Provisions: Clause (1): No member of a civil service can be dismissed or removed by a subordinate authority; must be by the appointing authority. Clause....Read More

Current Context: The Delhi High Court issued an order upholding the personality rights and publicity rights of the founder of Isha Foundation, restraining unauthorized use of his name and image. ABOUT Personality Rights Definition: The right of an individual to control and protect their name, image, likeness, and identity against unauthorized commercial or public use. Types of Personality Rights in India: Right to Publicity (Article 19(1)(a)) : Protects commercial exploitation of one’s identity and ensures any public use is with consent. Right to Privacy (Article 21) : Implicitly protects against intrusion, misuse of personal information, and unauthorized publicity. Legal Provisions:....Read More

Current Context: The Union government is set to introduce an impeachment motion in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament against former Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, following a Supreme Court in-house panel’s findings in the “cash-at-home” scandal and a recommendation from CJI Sanjiv Khanna. Impeachment Process: Initiation: A motion must be signed by at least 100 members of the Lok Sabha or 50 members of the Rajya Sabha. Grounds for removal: Proved misbehaviour or incapacity (Article 124(4), 217). Investigation: A three-member committee, including the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge, a Chief Justice of a....Read More

Current Context: The Supreme Court of India has reserved its judgment on the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, after hearing arguments challenging the Act. About Doctrine of Essentiality Definition: A principle established by the Supreme Court to determine which religious practices are essential to a religion and thus protected under Article 25 of the Constitution. Purpose: To balance the right to freedom of religion with other fundamental rights, ensuring that only essential religious practices receive constitutional protection. Key Points in the Waqf Act Debate Government's Stand: The Centre argued that Waqf is not an essential part of....Read More

Current Context: The Supreme Court directed the Central Government to set up special courts under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act as a priority to ensure faster justice for child victims. About POCSO Special Courts: Legal Basis: Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Court Structure: Session Courts notified by states in consultation with High Courts. Only POCSO cases are heard here. Key Features: Evidence Recording: Child’s testimony to be recorded within 30 days of case registration. Timely Trial: Courts aim to complete trials within one year.Read More

Current Context: Recently, India’s Supreme Court ruled that every person has the right to safe, obstruction-free footpaths, including those with disabilities. About the SC Order: Legal Basis: Article 21 of the Constitution (right to life and personal liberty). Court Directions: Build Footpaths: All public roads must have proper sidewalks. Clear Obstructions: Remove shops, vehicles, and other blockages. Make Policies: States and UTs must plan for footpath upkeep. Why It Matters: Shows how courts can expand Article 21 to include basic infrastructure.Read More

Current Context: Recently, the Supreme Court of India, in the Amar Jain v. Union of India case, declared that inclusive digital access to e-governance and welfare delivery systems is a fundamental right under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty). About the Judgment: Digital Access as a Fundamental Right: The Court emphasized that digital access is an essential component of the right to life and liberty under Article 21. e-KYC Revision: The Court directed the revision of digital Know-Your-Customer (KYC) norms to facilitate access for persons with disabilities, such as those with facial disfigurement or visual impairments. Principle of....Read More

Current Context: The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has been authorized to share information with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to combat rising cyber frauds targeting the public. About I4C Operates under: Ministry of Home Affairs Purpose: Central hub for addressing cybercrime, enhancing public awareness, and improving law enforcement capacity. Role of ED: The ED can now act against offenders under the anti-money laundering law. Nature of Cyber Frauds Tactics: Fake websites, deceptive social media pages, fraudulent ads, and malicious links that compromise individuals’ devices, leading to financial losses. Public Reporting Initiatives....Read More