Every news story that matters for the Polity & Constitution part of UPSC Civil Services GS2 (Polity · Governance · IR), written for the exam: why in news, background, prelims facts, a practice MCQ and a mains question. 828 notes so far, updated daily.
Why in news: Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.
Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, born in 1970, previously served as a judge at the Rajasthan High Court. The swearing-in ceremony took place at SKUAST's Shalimar Auditorium.
Prelims pointers (3)
PostJustice Pushpendra Singh Bhati: Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court
PlaceSKUAST's Shalimar Auditorium: Venue of the swearing-in ceremony
FactJustice Bhati previously served as a judge at the Rajasthan High Court
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of the High Court's role in maintaining the federal balance and judicial oversight in Union Territories like Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Judicial independence: Ensuring impartial oversight in Union Territories under central administration
Federal friction: Balancing the jurisdiction of the High Court with the administrative powers of the Lieutenant Governor
Why in news: Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge was sworn in as the 45th Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court by West Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi.
Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge, formerly a Judge and Acting Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, assumed office on September 9, 2026. He succeeds acting Chief Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty, who took over following Sujoy Paul's retirement on June 20.
Prelims pointers (2)
PostJustice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge: 45th Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court
FactJustice Ghuge previously served as a Judge and Acting Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the role of technological integration in enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of the Indian judicial system.
Digital divide: Ensuring equitable access to e-courts for rural and marginalized litigants
Data integrity: Balancing the use of AI and automated systems with judicial impartiality
Infrastructure gap: Disparity in technological readiness across different High Courts and District Courts
Why in news: The Madras High Court rejected an election petition filed by Thoppu Venkatachalam challenging S. Jayakumar's victory in the Perundurai Assembly constituency.
The Madras High Court, presided over by Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy, dismissed the petition seeking to nullify a win by 9,693 votes. This ruling impacts the Election Commission of India's (ECI) plans for bypolls in five Tamil Nadu constituencies currently awaiting the disposal of election petitions.
Prelims pointers (3)
PlacePerundurai is an Assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu
FactS. Jayakumar won the Perundurai Assembly seat by a margin of 9,693 votes
BodyThe Election Commission of India (ECI) is the body responsible for conducting bypolls
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of judicial oversight in the electoral process and its impact on the timely conduct of by-elections in India.
Judicial delay: Prolonged litigation on election petitions affecting the mandate of representative bodies
Constitutional balance: Balancing the right to contest with the necessity of timely democratic representation
Why in news: Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced a plan for regular safety audits and a redevelopment fund for Delhi Development Authority (DDA) buildings over 50 years old following a fatal collapse in Satya Niketan.
The proposal includes safety audits every three to ten years for DDA buildings exceeding 50 years of age. A redevelopment fund is proposed to facilitate proactive maintenance and reconstruction of these structures.
Prelims pointers (3)
BodyDelhi Development Authority (DDA): The body responsible for planning and development in Delhi
FactSafety audits proposed for buildings over 50 years old
FactAudit frequency proposed every three to ten years
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the institutional mechanisms required to ensure the structural integrity of aging urban infrastructure in rapidly expanding metropolitan areas like Delhi.
Regulatory oversight: Lack of mandatory periodic structural audits for private and public buildings
Fiscal framework: Need for dedicated revolving funds to bridge the gap between maintenance costs and municipal budgets
Why in news: Justice Sanjay Kumar Agrawal was sworn in as the 44th Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court following a Supreme Court Collegium recommendation.
Justice Sanjay Kumar Agrawal took the oath as the 44th Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court on September 7, 2026. The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Governor Haribhau Bagade at Lok Bhavan.
Prelims pointers (3)
PostJustice Sanjay Kumar Agrawal: 44th Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court
PlaceLok Bhavan: Venue for the swearing-in ceremony in Rajasthan
FactThe appointment was based on a Supreme Court Collegium recommendation
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the role of the Supreme Court Collegium in ensuring judicial independence and accountability in the appointment of High Court judges.
Institutional oversight: Balancing the Collegium's recommendation power with executive appointment authority
Judicial accountability: Mechanisms for addressing allegations of misconduct against sitting high court judges
Keywords: Judicial Independence · Collegium System · Judicial Accountability · High Court Administration
Why in news: The Delhi High Court criticized the Delhi government and civic bodies for safety failures following a building collapse that killed seven people, ordering a high-level investigation into hostel safety.
The Delhi High Court, led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, ordered a high-level investigation into a building collapse in Delhi. The court directed the government to increase hostel capacity and strictly enforce building bylaws.
Prelims pointers (3)
PlaceThe building collapse occurred in Delhi.
PostChief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia presided over the Delhi High Court order.
FactThe building collapse resulted in seven deaths and multiple injuries.
Mains angle
Q. Examine the role of the judiciary in ensuring urban safety and accountability of civic bodies in the face of infrastructure failures.
Regulatory oversight: Lack of stringent enforcement of building bylaws by municipal authorities
Accountability gap: Ambiguity in identifying specific responsible agencies for PG hostel safety compliance
Infrastructure deficit: Pressure on urban housing leading to substandard construction in student-heavy zones
Why in news: The Election Commission of India (ECI) published final photo electoral rolls for Manipur and Sikkim after a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, leading to concerns from Kuki-Zo groups regarding voter deletions.
In Manipur, 1,32,456 voters were deleted from an initial count of 20,93,076, leaving 19,60,620 eligible voters. In Sikkim, 52,614 voters were removed from 4,71,081, resulting in a final count of 4,18,467.
Prelims pointers (5)
FactManipur final electoral roll count: 19,60,620
FactSikkim final electoral roll count: 4,18,467
BodySpecial Intensive Revision (SIR) is an exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India
FactManipur voter deletions: 1,32,456
FactSikkim voter deletions: 52,614
Mains angle
Q. Examine the challenges in maintaining inclusive electoral rolls in regions experiencing internal displacement and ethnic conflict.
Inclusion gap: Difficulty in verifying residency and eligibility for internally displaced persons (IDPs)
Data integrity: Balancing the removal of duplicate/deceased entries with the rights of displaced communities
Administrative friction: Ensuring neutral voter list updates in zones of active ethnic and communal tension
Keywords: Electoral Roll · Special Intensive Revision · Internal Displacement · Inclusive Democracy · Voter Eligibility
Why in news: The regulation allowing the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to sit in Ladakh came into force on September 5, 2026, to improve judicial accessibility in remote regions.
The regulation was promulgated by President Droupadi Murmu on August 27 and notified by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. While the regulation is in force, the bench is currently non-operational pending administrative and logistical arrangements.
Prelims pointers (3)
PlaceHigh Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh: Jurisdiction includes the Union Territory of Ladakh.
FactRegulation effective date: September 5, 2026.
PostLieutenant Governor of Ladakh: VK Saxena.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of establishing regional judicial benches in Union Territories to ensure the effective delivery of justice to remote populations.
Logistical bottleneck: Requirement for dedicated infrastructure and administrative staffing to make remote benches functional.
Judicial accessibility: Reducing geographical barriers to minimize litigation costs and travel time for residents in high-altitude regions.
Keywords: Judicial accessibility · Union Territory · Administrative logistics · Right to justice · Judicial infrastructure
Why in news: President Droupadi Murmu appointed eight judges as Chief Justices of various High Courts following consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
The appointments were announced by Law and Justice Minister Arjunram Meghwal on September 5, 2026. Justice Sanjay Kumar Agarwal was specifically appointed as the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court.
Prelims pointers (3)
PostPresident Droupadi Murmu: Appointing authority for High Court Chief Justices
BodyChief Justice of India: Consulted by the President for High Court appointments
FactEight judges were appointed as Chief Justices of High Courts on September 5, 2026
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the constitutional framework governing the appointment of High Court judges and the significance of the consultative role of the Chief Justice of India.
Institutional autonomy: Balancing executive appointment powers with judicial independence
Consultative mechanism: The role of the Collegium system in ensuring merit-based judicial appointments
Keywords: Judicial Independence · Constitutional Appointment · Collegium System · Judicial Administration
Why in news: The Bihar government issued a notification requiring the CBI to obtain prior state permission before investigating state government officials, while exempting Central Government employees.
The Bihar Home Department issued the notification on September 3, 2026, under Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. It mandates prior consent for actions against Bihar state public servants, employees of state-controlled corporations, or institutions receiving state financial assistance.
Prelims pointers (4)
Act / BillDelhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946: Governs the powers and jurisdiction of the CBI.
FactThe notification was issued by the Bihar Home Department on September 3, 2026.
FactCBI permission is required for Bihar state officials but not for Central Government employees or PSUs under direct central control.
Act / BillThe notification covers offences under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the implications of state-level restrictions on the CBI's jurisdiction on the principle of federalism and the integrity of anti-corruption investigations.
Federal friction: Conflict between state autonomy over state employees and the central agency's mandate to ensure impartial investigations.
Institutional bottleneck: Potential for 'shielding' of state officials by requiring executive consent before initiating criminal probes.
Keywords: Federalism · CBI · Delhi Special Police Establishment Act · State Autonomy · Anti-corruption · Jurisdiction
Why in news: The President of India appointed Dr. Dinesh Sharma as the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Dr. Dinesh Sharma, aged 62, was appointed as the Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands by the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He previously served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and is the Vice Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.
Prelims pointers (4)
PostDr. Dinesh Sharma appointed as Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
FactDr. Dinesh Sharma is 62 years old
PostDr. Dinesh Sharma serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha
PlaceAndaman and Nicobar Islands is a Union Territory of India
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the administrative role and constitutional significance of the Lieutenant Governor in Union Territories compared to the role of a Governor in States.
Administrative autonomy: Direct oversight by the Union Government vs State legislative independence
Constitutional framework: Role of the LG as an agent of the Union in Union Territories
Why in news: Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena approved the creation of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs) across all seven districts of the Union Territory to decentralize governance.
The approval covers seven districts, including five new ones: Sham, Nubra, Zanskar, Drass, and Changthang. The move follows a Centre decision on July 13 to extend LAHDCs beyond Leh and Kargil.
Prelims pointers (4)
BodyLAHDCs: Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils
Act / BillLadakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils Act, 1997
FactThe councils will be established in 7 districts of the Union Territory of Ladakh
FactElections will commence under Section 8 of the LAHDCs Act, 1997
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of decentralizing governance in Union Territories like Ladakh and its implications for local self-governance and regional development.
Administrative decentralization: Empowering local bodies to manage district-specific development planning
Constitutional nuance: Balancing Union Territory governance with local autonomy under the LAHDCs Act
Security-Development nexus: Balancing infrastructure growth in border districts with strategic security requirements
Keywords: Decentralized governance · Local self-government · Union Territory · Administrative autonomy · Development planning
Why in news: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla formed a 31-member joint committee to examine the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026
The committee consists of 31 members and is chaired by Sanjay Jaiswal. It is mandated to submit its report by the end of the first week of the Parliament's Winter session.
Prelims pointers (3)
BodyThe Lok Sabha Speaker has the power to constitute committees to examine bills or specific issues.
FactThe committee tasked with the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, consists of 31 members.
PostOm Birla is the current Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the role of parliamentary committees in ensuring scrutiny of legislation and protecting the interests of civil society and minority groups in India.
Role of Parliamentary Committees in legislative scrutiny
Balancing national security with NGO autonomy
Protection of minority rights in legislative drafting
Keywords: Legislative Scrutiny · Parliamentary Committees · Civil Society · Minority Rights · Democratic Oversight
Why in news: The Allahabad High Court quashed the detention of a student under the National Security Act (NSA) and ordered compensation, highlighting judicial scrutiny of preventive detention laws.
The Allahabad High Court quashed the detention of Akriti Chaudhary, a Delhi University law student, who was held for nearly five months under the National Security Act (NSA). The court ruled the state's narrative was a 'concocted story' and ordered the DM Noida to pay ₹5 lakh in compensation.
Prelims pointers (3)
Act / BillNational Security Act (NSA), 1980: A preventive detention law in India.
BodyAllahabad High Court: One of the highest judicial authorities in India, located in Prayagraj.
FactThe court ordered a compensation of ₹5 lakh to be paid by the DM Noida.
Mains angle
Q. Critically examine the balance between state security and individual civil liberties in the application of preventive detention laws like the National Security Act.
protection of fundamental rights
judicial oversight of executive powers
procedural safeguards against arbitrary detention
Keywords: Preventive Detention · Judicial Review · Civil Liberties · Rule of Law · Arbitrary Detention
Why in news: The Supreme Court sought clarification from the Union Home Secretary regarding the implementation of a judgment aimed at reducing IPS deputations in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
The Supreme Court criticized a 'strong lobby' affecting CAPF cadre officers. Following a May 2025 judgment, 46 IPS officers were deputed, and the government enacted the CAPFs (General Administration) Act, 2026.
Prelims pointers (3)
BodyThe Union Home Secretary is the administrative head of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Fact46 IPS officers were deputed following the May 2025 Supreme Court judgment.
Act / BillCAPFs (General Administration) Act, 2026, was enacted to regulate cadre management.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the challenges in balancing the career progression of CAPF cadre officers with the requirement for IPS officers in central security forces.
Why in news: The Delhi Chief Electoral Officer published a draft voter list excluding 47.56 lakh names, highlighting the procedural mechanism for voter list maintenance and inclusion.
The draft list covers 14,947 polling booths in Delhi. Approximately 33% of the electorate (47.56 lakh names) were excluded due to absence, death, duplication, or being categorized as 'others'.
Prelims pointers (4)
BodyChief Electoral Officer (CEO) is the authority responsible for the preparation and maintenance of electoral rolls in a state/UT.
FactThe draft voter list in Delhi excluded 47.56 lakh names, representing roughly 33% of the electorate.
FactVoters can apply for inclusion in the electoral roll using Form 6.
BodyDistrict Election Officer is the primary authority for hearing appeals against the rejection of voter inclusion.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the importance of an accurate and inclusive electoral roll in ensuring the integrity of the democratic process in India.
Why in news: The Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal as Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court following conduct complaints against the current Acting Chief Justice.
On August 31, 2026, the Supreme Court Collegium, headed by CJI Surya Kant, proposed Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal for the Rajasthan High Court. The recommendation followed complaints by Justice Sandeep Mehta regarding the conduct of Acting Chief Justice S.P. Sharma.
Prelims pointers (3)
BodyThe Collegium system is the mechanism used by the Supreme Court of India to recommend names for judges to the President.
PostThe Chief Justice of India (CJI) currently heads the Supreme Court Collegium.
FactThe Collegium also proposed new Chief Justices for Madhya Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir & Ladakh.
Mains angle
Q. Critically examine the Collegium system of judicial appointments in India, discussing its role in ensuring judicial independence and accountability.
Transparency of the Collegium process
Judicial independence vs. executive oversight
Mechanism for addressing judicial misconduct
Keywords: Judicial Independence · Collegium System · Judicial Accountability · Transparency · Separation of Powers
Why in news: The Centre deferred census operations in Manipur following a High Court order and public protests regarding the National Register of Citizens (NRC) implementation.
The census was originally scheduled to begin on September 1 but was halted due to local sentiments. The decision was finalized in a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Prelims pointers (3)
BodyCensus of India: Conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs.
FactThe census is the primary source of data for planning and policy formulation in India.
PlaceManipur: A North-Eastern state of India where the census was deferred.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the challenges of conducting a census in conflict-prone regions and the role of federal cooperation in ensuring demographic accuracy.
federal friction
security concerns
data integrity
way forward: community engagement
Keywords: federalism · demographic data · public sentiment · administrative hurdles
Why in news: The Supreme Court criticized the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) for the perceived disparity in the pace of investigations between high-profile individuals in authority and ordinary citizens.
The three-judge Bench, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, heard a petition regarding the Salboni land-grabbing case involving ₹30 crore in financial irregularities. The Court directed the ED to produce video and audio records of the questioning of Sumit Roy, personal assistant to an MP.
Prelims pointers (3)
BodyDirectorate of Enforcement (ED): The primary agency in India responsible for enforcing the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
BodySupreme Court: The apex court of India, headed by the Chief Justice of India.
FactThe case involves financial irregularities linked to Leaps and Bounds Private Limited.
Mains angle
Q. Critically examine the role of central investigative agencies in maintaining the rule of law and the importance of judicial oversight in ensuring impartial investigations.
institutional autonomy
judicial oversight
equality before law
procedural fairness
Keywords: Rule of Law · Judicial Review · Equality before Law · Institutional Integrity · Due Process
Why in news: Tripura launched a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to clean electoral rolls and ensure accuracy by December 2023.
The SIR initiative was launched in Tripura's West District on September 5. It involves Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for verification and enrolment, followed by a public scrutiny phase and hearings for claims and objections.
Prelims pointers (3)
BodyBooth Level Officers (BLOs) are the primary field-level workers responsible for voter list maintenance.
FactThe Special Intensive Revision (SIR) aims to remove ineligible entries and update the electoral register.
PlaceThe initiative was first launched in the West District of Tripura.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the importance of maintaining accurate electoral rolls in ensuring the integrity of the democratic process in India.
Why in news: CJI Surya Kant addressed allegations made by Justice Sandeep Mehta against the Acting Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court, emphasizing the need for established internal mechanisms over public adjudication.
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant intervened regarding accusations made by Justice Sandeep Mehta against Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, Acting Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court. The CJI stated that the collegium is considering high court appointments while ensuring a fair opportunity for the accused to respond.
Prelims pointers (3)
PostCJI Surya Kant is the current Chief Justice of India.
BodyThe Collegium system is the mechanism for appointing and transferring judges in India.
FactThe Rajasthan High Court is one of the state high courts in India.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the importance of internal mechanisms and judicial ethics in maintaining the integrity of the higher judiciary in India.
judicial accountability
collegium transparency
preservation of institutional integrity
due process of law
Keywords: judicial integrity · due process · collegium system · accountability · institutional ethics
Why in news: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is chairing a regional conference in Chennai to promote electoral literacy and voter outreach among students and Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
The conference, themed 'Learn Democracy, Lead Democracy', involves 1,000 delegates from 300 schools and various higher education institutions in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. It also includes a review of operational feedback from 500 Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
Prelims pointers (3)
PostGyanesh Kumar is the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India.
BodyBooth Level Officers (BLOs) are the grassroots level officials responsible for voter list maintenance and election logistics.
FactThe conference involves delegates from 300 schools, 75 colleges, and 25 universities.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of electoral literacy and the role of grassroots-level officers in ensuring a robust democratic process in India.
Why in news: Bombay High Court directed the Union Government and UIDAI to amend the Aadhaar Act to facilitate the identification and deportation of illegal foreign nationals.
The Bombay High Court issued the directive following a plea by Mumbai Police regarding an Afghan national who fraudulently obtained an Aadhaar card. The court ordered the investigation of citizenship status and deportation proceedings within four weeks.
Prelims pointers (3)
BodyUIDAI: Unique Identification Authority of India, responsible for Aadhaar issuance
Act / BillAadhaar Act: The primary legislation governing the Aadhaar system in India
FactThe court ordered a four-week timeline for investigation and deportation proceedings
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the challenges in ensuring the integrity of biometric identification systems and the legal implications of using such data for national security and deportation.
Data privacy vs. National security
Legal loopholes in Aadhaar Act
Technological safeguards against identity theft
Keywords: Identity Theft · National Security · Data Integrity · Judicial Oversight · Deportation
Why in news: Karnataka's draft electoral rolls showed an unprecedented 19.5% decline in voters following a Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Karnataka resulted in the deletion of 1.08 crore names from the electoral rolls. The total voter count dropped from 5.54 crore to 4.46 crore across 224 Assembly Constituencies.
Prelims pointers (3)
FactKarnataka saw a 19.5% decline in electoral rolls following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
FactThe total number of voters in Karnataka was reduced from 5.54 crore to 4.46 crore.
FactThe revision affected 224 Assembly Constituencies in the state.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the importance of periodic electoral roll revisions in ensuring the integrity of the democratic process and the challenges faced in maintaining accurate voter data.
Why in news: The Union Home Ministry notified 'Keralam' as the new name for the state of Kerala, effective August 25, 2026, following the passage of the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Act, 2026.
The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Act, 2026, was passed by both houses of Parliament in August and received Presidential assent. The Act amends the Constitution and related provisions to officially change the state's name from Kerala to Keralam.
Prelims pointers (4)
Act / BillKerala (Alteration of Name) Act, 2026: Legislation to rename the state of Kerala to Keralam.
FactEffective date of the name change: August 25, 2026.
BodyUnion Home Ministry: The body responsible for notifying the name change and issuing the gazette notification.
PostPresident of India: Gave assent to the Bill, turning it into an Act.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the constitutional provisions and legislative procedures involved in the renaming of a state in India. How does such a move impact federal relations?
Why in news: The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to provide a detailed affidavit on 38 lakh pending and decided electoral roll appeals in West Bengal to ensure voter inclusivity.
The Supreme Court sought statistics from 19 tribunals regarding 38 lakh appeals for inclusion and exclusion in West Bengal's electoral rolls. Out of these, 7 lakh appeals were filed by disenfranchised voters seeking reinclusion before the December 2026 municipal elections.
Prelims pointers (3)
BodyElection Commission of India (ECI) is the constitutional body responsible for administering elections in India.
Fact38 lakh total appeals were filed regarding electoral roll inclusions and exclusions in West Bengal.
Fact7 lakh appeals were specifically filed by disenfranchised voters seeking reinclusion.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of maintaining an accurate and inclusive electoral roll in ensuring the principle of Universal Adult Franchise in India.
Why in news: The Supreme Court clarified the investigative jurisdiction for offences under the PCPNDT Act, ruling that only the 'Appropriate Authority' can investigate such cases.
The Supreme Court ruled on August 20, 2026, regarding the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994. It held that police cannot investigate these offences, which were previously disputed as being 'cognisable' and 'non-bailable'.
Prelims pointers (3)
Act / BillPCPNDT Act, 1994: Prohibits prenatal sex determination and selection.
FactThe Supreme Court ruled that police do not have the power to investigate PCPNDT Act violations.
BodyAppropriate Authority: The designated body responsible for investigating offences under the PCPNDT Act.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of the Supreme Court's ruling on the PCPNDT Act in ensuring the effective implementation of laws against female foeticide.
Why in news: The Supreme Court conducted a Special Lok Adalat to resolve a significant backlog of cases, highlighting the role of ADR in reducing judicial pendency.
The Special Lok Adalat settled 1,712 out of 3,285 listed cases over three days. It resolved disputes worth ₹240.94 crore, including matrimonial and commercial cases dating back to 1978.
Prelims pointers (3)
BodyLok Adalats are statutory bodies established under the Voluntary Arbitration Act, 1940 (now Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987).
FactThe Special Lok Adalat settled 1,712 cases in three days as part of Samadhan Samaroh 2026.
BodyLok Adalats provide a forum for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and their awards are binding.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of Lok Adalats in reducing judicial pendency and promoting consensual dispute resolution in the Indian legal system.
Why in news: The Supreme Court issued notices to 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs regarding the Speaker's role and parliamentary procedures.
The Supreme Court is examining the actions of 20 rebel MPs from the Trinamool Congress. The case involves the role of the Speaker in managing parliamentary proceedings and the status of rebel members.
Prelims pointers (3)
BodyThe Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the presiding officer of the Lower House of Parliament.
ConstitutionAnti-defection laws are governed by the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
FactThe notice was issued to 20 rebel MPs from the Trinamool Congress.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of the Speaker's powers in maintaining parliamentary discipline and the implications of party-rebellion on the anti-defection law.
Role of the Speaker
Anti-defection law (10th Schedule)
Parliamentary democracy
Way forward: Strengthening internal party democracy
Why in news: The Joint Parliamentary Committee is reviewing the 'One Nation, One Election' bills to synchronize Lok Sabha and State Assembly polls by 2029.
The initiative involves the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The Joint Parliamentary Panel began examining these bills in December 2024 to ensure constitutional feasibility and state cooperation.
Prelims pointers (3)
Act / BillConstitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024: Proposed to synchronize Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections.
BodyJoint Parliamentary Committee: Body tasked with reviewing the feasibility of the 'One Nation, One Election' initiative.
FactTarget Year: The government aims for simultaneous elections to be operational by 2029.
Mains angle
Q. Critically analyze the constitutional and federal implications of the 'One Nation, One Election' initiative on India's parliamentary democracy.
Why in news: The CEO of Karnataka published draft electoral rolls, highlighting technical glitches in the digital portal and a significant reduction in Bengaluru's voter count.
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Karnataka published draft electoral rolls on August 24, 2026. Over 1.07 crore names were deleted, and the Bengaluru electorate was reduced from 1.03 crore to 56.11 lakh voters.
Prelims pointers (4)
BodyChief Electoral Officer (CEO): State-level officer responsible for the preparation and maintenance of electoral rolls.
BodyBooth Level Officer (BLO): The primary field official responsible for updating voter lists and verifying details at the booth level.
BodyElectoral Registration Officer (ERO): The officer responsible for the preparation of electoral rolls and the processing of applications for inclusion/deletion.
FactBengaluru's electorate was reduced from 1.03 crore to 56.11 lakh voters following the deletion of 1.07 crore names.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the importance of accurate electoral rolls in ensuring a free and fair election process in India. How can technology be leveraged to minimize discrepancies?
integrity of the democratic process
technological challenges in data management
role of BLOs and EROs in verification
way forward: periodic audits and public awareness
Keywords: electoral integrity · voter list maintenance · digital infrastructure · transparency · democratic participation
Why in news: The Supreme Court directed Tamil Nadu to resolve the Cauvery water dispute with Karnataka via the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) to ensure equitable distribution.
On August 24, 2026, the Supreme Court addressed the water deficit where Tamil Nadu reported a shortage of 17.414 TMC as of August 23. The court emphasized the role of the CWMA in mediating the inter-state water sharing between the two states.
Prelims pointers (3)
BodyCWMA: Cauvery Water Management Authority is the body tasked with managing water distribution in the Cauvery basin.
FactTamil Nadu reported a water shortage of 17.414 TMC as of August 23, 2026.
PlaceCauvery River: A major river in South India shared by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the role of judicial intervention and statutory bodies in resolving inter-state river water disputes in India.