Introduction The manner in which judges are appointed to constitutional courts is not merely an administrative issue; it is a question that touches the very foundation of democracy. In India, the debate over judicial appointments has resurfaced repeatedly over the last three decades, reflecting tensions between judicial independence, executive accountability, and democratic legitimacy. The controversy…
Introduction The Sabarimala temple entry dispute represents one of the most complex intersections of constitutional law, religious freedom, gender justice, and judicial review in independent India. The Supreme Court’s 2018 decision permitting women of all age groups to enter the Sabarimala temple in Kerala triggered widespread debate across the country. The matter did not end…
Introduction Religious diversity is one of the defining features of India. The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion while simultaneously committing the State to equality, dignity, and secular governance. This dual commitment often brings courts into sensitive disputes involving rituals, temple management, and denominational rights. Recent judicial observations—particularly from the Madras High Court—have once again highlighted…
Introduction In a parliamentary democracy, the Speaker occupies a uniquely powerful yet impartial position. The Speaker is expected to rise above party politics and act as the guardian of legislative propriety. However, when members of the House believe that this neutrality has been compromised, they may attempt to challenge the Speaker’s authority through a formal…
Introduction Courts do more than interpret laws — they shape social attitudes, define justice, and influence how dignity and equality are experienced by ordinary citizens. In recent years, India’s higher judiciary has increasingly acknowledged that unconscious bias and gender stereotypes can quietly enter judicial reasoning, especially in cases involving sexual violence, domestic abuse, and gender…
Introduction India’s fiscal federalism relies on a sophisticated machinery of constitutional bodies that allocate resources between the Centre and the states. Among these, the Finance Commission plays an indispensable role as the apex expert body responsible for equitable fiscal devolution. Established under Article 280 of the Constitution, the Commission periodically recommends how tax revenues should…
Introduction India’s democratic system rests on three foundational pillars — constitutional institutions, administrative machinery, and economic governance frameworks. These pillars determine how effectively policies are implemented, rights are protected, and development is measured. In recent times, debates surrounding electoral processes, civil service performance, and economic indicators have gained renewed attention. These discussions are not isolated;…
Introduction The framing of the Indian Constitution between 1946 and 1949 remains one of the most remarkable achievements in modern constitutional history. The Constituent Assembly completed the monumental task of drafting a comprehensive constitution for a vast, diverse, and newly independent nation in less than three years. This accomplishment becomes even more impressive when viewed…
Introduction India is one of the most linguistically diverse nations in the world, with hundreds of languages and dialects spoken across its vast territory. At the time of Independence in 1947, the newly formed Indian Union inherited administrative boundaries created by colonial rulers, which often ignored linguistic and cultural realities. This mismatch between political boundaries…
Introduction A Citizens’ Charter is a public declaration by a government organization or public service provider, specifying the standards of service, rights of citizens, and mechanisms for grievance redressal. Introduced in India in the 1990s following recommendations by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the charter aims to promote transparency, accountability, and…