The article reports on the assets and financial disclosures of the Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, and Justice B R Gavai, who is set to become the new Chief Justice on May 14. The disclosed assets were uploaded to the Supreme Court's official website, reflecting transparency among the judges.

Summary:

• Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna's Assets:

  • Holds Rs 55.75 lakh in fixed deposits and bank accounts.
  • Has Rs 1.06 crore in the Public Provident Fund (PPF).
  • Owns properties including:
    • A two-bedroom flat in South Delhi.
    • A four-bedroom flat in the Commonwealth Games Village.
    • A four-bedroom flat in Gurugram (56% ownership, 44% owned by daughter).
    • An ancestral house in Himachal Pradesh dated before Partition.

• Justice B R Gavai's Assets:

  • Has Rs 19.63 lakh in bank accounts and Rs 6.59 lakh in his PPF.
  • Inherited a house in Amravati, apartments in Mumbai and Delhi, and agricultural land in Amravati and Nagpur.
  • Declares liabilities of Rs 1.3 crore.

• Overall Disclosure:

  • The Supreme Court judges collectively decided to make their assets public during a meeting on April 1.
  • 21 out of 33 judges’ assets have been published, including details of spouses and dependents.

• Additional Judges' Assets:

  • Justice A S Oka:

    • Assets include Rs 92.35 lakh in PPF, Rs 21.76 lakh in fixed deposits.
    • Owns a 2022 Maruti Baleno car and has a car loan of Rs 5.1 lakh.

  • Justice Vikram Nath:

    • Owns a 2-BHK apartment in Noida, a bungalow in Allahabad, and inherited agricultural land in Uttar Pradesh.
    • Holds Rs 1.5 crore in investments.

  • Justice Surya Kant:

    • Jointly owns residential properties in Chandigarh, Gurugram, and Delhi with spouse.
    • Investments including 31 fixed deposits total Rs 6.03 crore.

  • Justice Bela M Trivedi:

    • Owns a house in Ahmedabad and one under construction.
    • Assets include Rs 60 lakh in mutual funds, Rs 20 lakh in PPF, Rs 50 lakh in jewelry, and a 2015 Maruti Swift car.

  • Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia:

    • Owns a 2008 Maruti Zen Estilo car, which is currently not in use.
    • Mandatory financial disclosures indicate all immovable properties were acquired prior to his judicial appointment.

  • Justice Sanjay Kumar:

    • Notable for a comprehensive stock portfolio featuring various significant companies.

  • Justice K V Viswanathan:

    • Former successful lawyer with investments totaling Rs 120.96 crore.
    • Reported income tax payments of Rs 91.47 crore from 2010-11 to 2024-25.

Important Sentences:

• Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna has substantial assets, including over Rs 1 crore in PPF.
• Justice B R Gavai, incoming Chief Justice, has declared Rs 19.63 lakh in bank accounts and inherited properties.
• The move for asset disclosure was initiated in an April 1 meeting of the Supreme Court judges.
• The disclosed information reflects holdings of several judges, including property and investment details.
• The asset listings include the financial status of judges, their spouses, and dependents to ensure transparency.

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, recently visited Pahalgam in the wake of the tragic terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local individual. During her visit, she called for stringent action against those responsible for the attack while cautioning against the broader criminalization of the local population in the region. Her remarks come at a time when locals, including shawl vendors and ponywalas, face undue scrutiny from security forces following the violent incident that has shaken the area.

Mufti met with the brave residents who selflessly protected tourists during the attack and reassured visitors about the region's resilience and hospitality. She emphasized that Kashmiris condemned the terror attack collectively, further stressing the need for accountability without penalizing innocent locals.

Key Points:

• Visit to Pahalgam: Mehbooba Mufti visited Pahalgam to address the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack that resulted in multiple casualties.
• Demand for Action: Mufti condemned the violence and demanded strict punishment for the perpetrators responsible for the terror attack.
• Concerns over Local Treatment: She voiced concern about the ongoing detentions of local individuals, who are being questioned in connection with the attack, describing the situation as disturbing.
• Safety of Innocent Civilians: She highlighted reports of innocent locals being mischaracterized as overground workers (OGWs) and subsequently losing their lives, advocating for their families to receive financial support.
• Call for Transparency: Mufti advocated for a transparent investigation into the deaths of civilians who attempted to assist authorities.
• Threat of Alienation: She warned that collective punishments and the criminalization of innocent civilians could alienate the local population, intensifying feelings of resentment and mistrust.
• Economic Appeals: Mufti urged the Union Home Minister to provide financial assistance to local tourism sectors devastated by the attack, emphasizing that many livelihoods had already suffered from instability and recent crackdowns.
• Tourism's Economic Role: The tourism industry is vital for Pahalgam’s economy, and Mufti pointed out that locals are currently facing immense stress due to disruptions from violence and security actions.

Through her statements, Mufti aims to strike a balance between ensuring accountability for the attack and safeguarding the rights and dignity of the innocent civilians of Kashmir, reflecting her concerns regarding the delicate socio-political landscape in the region.

On May 5, 2025, the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court disposed of a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the citizenship of Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in India’s Lok Sabha. The court's decision allows the petitioner to pursue relief through appropriate channels rather than through this particular PIL.

Key details from the proceedings include:

• Court’s Ruling: Justices A.R. Masoodi and Rajiv Singh allowed the petitioner, S. Vignesh Shishir, to approach the appropriate forum for relief concerning the allegations against Gandhi, signifying that the matter is not entirely closed, but rather redirected.

• Government's Position: Deputy Solicitor General S.B. Pandey informed the court that the government had reached out to the UK for information regarding Gandhi’s purported British citizenship, suggesting that the administration required additional time to assess the situation comprehensively.

• Judicial Observations: The court noted that the lack of a specified time frame for the government to address the petitioner's complaint rendered it unjustifiable to keep the case pending.

• Electoral Implications: The relief sought by Shishir to cancel Gandhi’s Lok Sabha membership was rejected as the court determined that the petitioner did not meet the necessary criteria to request such a remedy.

• Background of the Petitioner: S. Vignesh Shishir, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), argued in his application for the cancellation of Gandhi's electoral certificate and sought a CBI inquiry into his citizenship, referencing provisions of the Citizenship Act of 1955 and its accompanying rules.

• Representation Details: Shishir claimed he had submitted a detailed complaint to the Ministry of Home Affairs requesting that authorities execute actions to terminate Gandhi's Indian citizenship along with his request for a probe.

Overall, the High Court's decision highlights the interplay between legal avenues for political critique and the responsibilities of governmental bodies in addressing citizenship concerns. The case might still evolve as the petitioner looks to pursue his claims through alternate legal channels.

Important Points:

• The Allahabad High Court disposed a PIL seeking a CBI probe into Rahul Gandhi's citizenship.
• The court suggested the petitioner pursue relief through appropriate forums.
• Government's claim: communication with the UK over Gandhi’s alleged British citizenship is ongoing.
• No justifiable reason was found to keep the petition pending.
• Petitioner's demand to cancel Gandhi's Lok Sabha membership was rejected due to lack of qualifying criteria.
• The petitioner is S. Vignesh Shishir, affiliated with the BJP, highlighting political motivations.
• Shishir invoked pertinent laws to request the cancellation of Gandhi’s citizenship.

The ongoing water-sharing conflict between Haryana and Punjab revolves around the Ravi-Beas water dispute, significantly impacting agriculture and regional relations in northern India. Former Superintending Engineer Shiv Singh Rawat provided insights into the dispute, legal deadlock, political dynamics, and institutional failings contributing to the issue.

Key Points:

• Current Dispute: In April 2025, Haryana requested an increase in its water allocation from the Bhakra dam due to declining supply. The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) partially met this request, but Punjab opposed it, citing Haryana had exceeded its allotted share. Tensions have risen, and the Central government has urged Punjab to comply with BBMB recommendations, yet the deadlock persists.

• Significance of the Dispute: This long-standing conflict impacts agriculture, drinking water, and regional development. Haryana invokes historical agreements and tribunals for its demands, while Punjab cites rising ecological concerns and water scarcity.

• Legal Background: The water-sharing dispute traces back to post-Independence agreements, including the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, which governed the allocation of water resources. Over the decades, agreements and tribunal findings have influenced shares, but compliance issues hinder implementation. Punjab halted the construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal, crucial for Haryana, leading to Supreme Court rulings that remain unexecuted.

• Operational Challenges: Haryana faces significant operational hurdles, notably the incomplete SYL Canal, reliance on outdated infrastructure, and a reliance on legal directives that are not enforced. Currently, Haryana receives only 1.62 million acre-feet (MAF) of its 3.5 MAF entitlement, leading to agricultural losses and uncultivated land.

• Role of the BBMB: The BBMB, responsible for managing water resources under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, plays a crucial role in water allocation based on reservoir data. However, its decision to cut Haryana's allocation led to accusations of bias toward Punjab.

• Broader Implications: The water dispute carries significant socio-economic costs, exacerbating irrigation shortages and impacting farmers in Haryana. It fuels political polarization and public tensions between the states while creating environmental challenges, including groundwater depletion.

• Suggested Solutions: To address the conflict, completing the SYL Canal is critical. Furthermore, improving irrigation efficiency, diversifying crops, promoting water conservation, and establishing groundwater monitoring are necessary steps. Continuous inter-State dialogue and long-term political consensus are vital for replacing short-term political agendas.

Conclusion:

The rivalry over water resources between Haryana and Punjab highlights complex legal, political, and environmental issues. Resolving the dispute is essential to alleviate socio-economic tensions and ensure sustainable water resource management in the region. Despite challenging dynamics, a collaborative effort could pave the way for long-lasting solutions that benefit both states.

Important Sentences:

• Haryana requested an increase in its water allocation due to declining supply, which Punjab opposed.
• The conflict impacts agriculture and regional relations significantly.
• Legal agreements date back to the post-Independence era and remain contentious.
• Compliance issues hinder effective resource management and exacerbate tensions.
• The BBMB’s decisions are critical but contribute to accusations of bias.
• Completion of the SYL Canal is deemed essential for resolving water-sharing issues.
• Socio-economic, political, and environmental repercussions of the water dispute are profound.
• Long-term consensus and inter-State dialogue are crucial for effective solutions.

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) suspension has reopened discussions on reviving the stalled Wular Lake rejuvenation project located in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district, which was initially started in 2013. The project and the Tulbul Navigation Lock Project have faced delays, primarily due to objections from Pakistan about contravening the IWT. With the treaty currently suspended following a terror attack in Pahalgam, the Indian Union government is considering transferring the Wular project to the state-owned NHPC Ltd., with potential funding from the Union government.

Key Highlights:

• Wular Lake Rejuvenation Project:

  • Located 2.5 km upstream of the stalled Tulbul Navigation Lock Project.
  • Commenced in 2013 with an estimated cost of Rs 30 crore.
  • Aims to maintain water levels, curb encroachments, and mitigate flooding through several infrastructural developments, including 2.5-km flood protection bunds.

• Impact of the IWT Suspension:

  • The treaty's suspension has sparked hope for completing the abandoned project, as the Indian government assesses affected initiatives in the Union Territory.
  • Discussions led by Union Home Ministry officials have prioritized the Wular project and indicated a likely resurgence of the Tulbul Navigation Lock Project.

• Details of the Wular Lake Project:

  • Wular Lake is significant for Jammu and Kashmir, contributing about 60% of its fish production.
  • The lake is suffering from sedimentation, encroachments, and other human activities, prompting urgent restoration actions.
  • The project aims to strengthen embankments and create flood infrastructures.

• Future Proposals and Considerations:

  • The Jammu & Kashmir government is expected to propose the revival of the Tulbul project and a new initiative to draw water from the Chenab River to supply Jammu city.
  • Historical context revealed that the Tulbul project began in the 1980s but faced resistance from Pakistan, which argued that it was a storage structure violating the IWT.

• Legal and Diplomatic Context:

  • The Indian government maintains that the Tulbul project is a navigation facility, not a storage one, opposed by Pakistan's interpretation.
  • The discussions between India and Pakistan regarding the Tulbul project have been longstanding and complex, with varying interpretations of the treaty's stipulations.

• Investigative Reporting:

  • Shyamlal Yadav, a noted member of the Investigative Team, has played a significant role in probing social and political issues through effective use of the Right to Information (RTI) for investigative reporting.

In summary, the suspension of the IWT has provided a new impetus for infrastructure projects concerning freshwater resources in Jammu and Kashmir. The Wular Lake project, along with discussions surrounding the Tulbul Navigation Lock, showcases the ongoing complexities of water management, international treaties, and local governance in the region.

In light of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government has initiated the deportation of hundreds of Pakistani nationals. Many of these individuals assert that they possess valid identification documents, including Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and Voter IDs. Specific cases, like that of a deportee named Osama, raise issues about the legitimacy of these claims, as he has stated that he moved to India in 2008 and participated in elections despite being a Pakistani citizen.

Key details regarding the situation are as follows:

• Deportations: Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government has ordered the deportation of numerous Pakistani nationals, leading to their exodus this week.

• Claims of Valid Identification: Some deportees claim to hold valid Indian identification documents such as Aadhaar cards and Voter IDs, exemplified by Osama, who claims to have voted in Indian elections while holding Pakistani citizenship.

• FIR Filed: An FIR was registered on the orders of the District Election Officer (DEO) of Baramulla concerning the legitimacy of voter registrations by non-citizens.

• Voter ID Regulations: Under Article 326 of the Indian Constitution, every Indian citizen aged 18 and above has the right to vote in elections. Section 16 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 details grounds for disqualification, including non-citizenship.

• Registration Process: The Election Commission of India's Form 6 requires applicants to submit age and address proof, but does not mandate citizenship proof. However, applicants must declare their citizenship, with penalties for false declarations.

• Electoral Registration Officer Procedures: It is the responsibility of the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) to ensure that only eligible individuals are included in electoral rolls, and they must inquire and consider any evidence presented by applicants.

• Challenges for Married Women: The manual states that married women may use their prior voter registration as evidence of citizenship, along with marriage proof, when changing their registered address.

• Historical Context: Cases of non-citizens obtaining voter IDs have previously occurred, leading to the removal of ineligible individuals from electoral rolls when objections are validated.

• Aadhaar Linking Efforts: The Election Commission is linking Aadhaar numbers with Voter IDs to better verify the citizenship status of voters. However, the presence of an Aadhaar card alone does not guarantee that the holder is an eligible voter.

This situation reflects ongoing complexities in electoral registration and citizenship verification in India, especially amid heightened security concerns and the scrutiny of migrant statuses. The responsibilities of the Electoral Registration Officers and the establishment of stringent checks for voter eligibility remain central to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. As the government continues its deportation efforts, the case of Osama and others like him highlight critical issues around citizenship and the procedural safeguards intended to prevent non-citizens from voting.

Important points:

• Hundreds of Pakistani nationals are being deported after the Pahalgam terror attack.
• Deportees claim to have valid Indian IDs, including voter registrations.
• An FIR was filed to investigate claims of non-citizens voting.
• The Indian Constitution provides voting rights to citizens aged 18 and over.
• Voter registration processes require declarations of citizenship but not proof.
• The Electoral Registration Officer must vet applicants for citizenship claims.
• Instances of non-citizens obtaining voter IDs have occurred previously.
• The Election Commission is linking Aadhaar with Voter IDs for verification.

The article discusses the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, triggered by a tribal solidarity march two years ago in response to a High Court ruling suggesting the inclusion of Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. The resulting violence has resulted in a deep division between two communities, the Meiteis and the Kukis, claiming over 250 lives and leaving many thousands displaced in relief camps.

Key summary points:

• Background of the Conflict:

  • The conflict erupted on May 3, 2023, during a march protesting a High Court ruling.
  • Violence began in the Torbung area of Churachandpur and quickly spread across the state.

• Militarization and Societal Impact:

  • The violence led to gun battles, arson, and rioting, reminiscent of peak insurgency levels.
  • Communication services, including mobile and broadband internet, were suspended for months.

• Government Response:

  • Both the central and state governments have struggled to control the violence or to build trust between the Meiteis and Kukis.
  • Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh's perceived bias aggravated the situation before he was removed from office under pressure.

• Current Situation:

  • Over two years of conflict have resulted in prolonged periods of violence interspersed with uneasy calm but no resolution.
  • More than 250 fatalities have been reported, with thousands residing in relief camps.
  • The region remains sharply divided, despite recent imposition of President's Rule and the removal of Singh.

• Need for Dialogue and Reconciliation:

  • Dialogue is advocated as the only viable method for resolution; violence will not bridge the deep communal rifts.
  • The central government is urged to engage meaningfully with both communities to establish a foundation for lasting reconciliation.

• Political Inaction:

  • Criticism toward the Prime Minister for not visiting the affected regions.
  • The allocation of only 41 minutes for discussing Manipur in Parliament is indicative of lack of attention to the state's situation.

• Future Steps Needed:

  • Stronger action and commitment from the government are necessary to promote peace.
  • Focus on confidence-building measures and the reduction of military presence in civilian areas are essential to prevent recurrence of violence.

This summary highlights the critical aspects of the conflict in Manipur, emphasizing the multifaceted challenges faced by the government in addressing the violence, restoring peace, and rebuilding trust between the communities.

The Union Cabinet of India has announced that the upcoming Census will include questions on caste for the first time in nearly a century, marking a significant reversal from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) previous stance. This decision comes ahead of the critical Bihar elections and highlights several political and social challenges.

Key Highlights:

• Historical Context: Caste data was collected in Indian censuses from 1881 until the 1931 census. After independence, the Indian government ceased to gather comprehensive caste data, only counting Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/STs).
• Previous Census and Implications: The last detailed census data on caste was from 1931. This data later informed reservation policies, including the Mandal Commission's 27% quota for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in educational institutions and government jobs.
• Efforts at Caste Surveys: Some states, like Bihar and Telangana, have conducted their own caste surveys recently, revealing substantial portions of their populations belonging to OBCs and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs). For instance, in Bihar, OBCs and EBCs were found to constitute over 63% of the population.
• Political Ramifications: The BJP's decision is surprising given its past opposition to caste-based data collection and the party's accusations against the Congress for using caste as a divisive tool. The caste issue is poised to become a significant talking point in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
• Challenges Ahead: While the announcement is noteworthy, the timeline for the Census remains unclear as the previous one, scheduled for 2021, was delayed indefinitely due to the pandemic. The inclusion of caste questions will entail the creation of a comprehensive caste directory, which could become contentious due to differing state and national caste lists.
• Potential Changes in Reservation Policies: The new caste count could potentially challenge the Supreme Court's 50% cap on reservations for OBCs, with already mounting demands for increased quotas based on survey findings.

Summary of Key Points:

• The upcoming Census will include caste questions for the first time since 1931.
• Caste data collection by census has a long history, with previous systems yielding crucial historical data influencing modern reservation policies.
• Recent state-level caste surveys have revealed significant demographics aligning with OBC and EBC classifications.
• Political dynamics leading up to the Bihar elections are heightened by this decision, as it may reshape benefits and representation in society.
• The BJP's surprising announcement may be an attempt to reclaim a narrative that the opposition has capitalized on.
• Key logistical and administrative challenges loom ahead, including determining how to best categorize and record caste data amidst the existing complexities of regional definitions and variations.

This decision is emblematic of the ongoing socio-political discourse in India concerning caste, identity, and representation, revealing an evolving landscape that may further shape electoral strategies and policies in the near future.

Summary:

West Bengal's Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has expressed significant concerns over recent communal violence in the Murshidabad district, recommending immediate action from the Central government to prevent further unrest and restore confidence in law and order. This comes after violent clashes in Dhulian and Samserganj on April 11 and 12, where three individuals lost their lives, and many were displaced from their homes. The civil unrest has raised fears of spillover into other regions of the state.

In a special report addressed to the Union government, the Governor outlined three main recommendations:

1. Legislation Empowerment: Formulating a robust legislation that enables the Union Government to intervene and maintain law and order when state mechanisms fail.
2. Commission of Inquiry: Establishing a Commission of Inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, to investigate the violence and recommend future preventive measures.
3. Border Security Force Deployment: The creation of Border Security Force (BSF) outposts in areas identified as vulnerable to communal unrest.

The report referenced Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, which allows for the imposition of President's rule in a state, hinting at possible drastic measures should the situation escalate further.

During his visits to the affected areas on April 18 and 19, the Governor gathered firsthand accounts from residents and emphasized the urgent need for central security forces to ensure safety and prevent future incidents. The report highlighted systemic issues in law enforcement, noting that the state government was aware of the deteriorating law and order before the violence occurred, particularly relating to protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

As of April 22, 2025, there have been 138 FIRs filed and over 300 arrests made in relation to the violence, including significant arrests in a targeted killing incident. The state administration has identified numerous properties affected by the violence, but the Governor suggests that more decisive action from the Centre is necessary.

He described the violence as systematic and aimed at eradicating the identity of a particular group, characterizing the forced displacement of individuals as a form of “cultural erasure.” The Governor pointed to the increasing politicization of religious identity in West Bengal, with parties leveraging such divisions to consolidate voter bases, a trend exacerbating communal tensions.

He warned that these dynamics could push the state into deeper turmoil, where electoral strategies favor division over communal harmony and development.

Key Points:

• Governor C.V. Ananda Bose addresses concerns over communal violence in Murshidabad, West Bengal.
• Recent clashes resulted in three deaths and many displacements.
• Recommendations made to the Central government include:
  • Empowering Union Government with legislation to maintain law and order.
  • Setting up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the violence.
  • Establishing BSF outposts in vulnerable areas.
• Article 356 of the Constitution hinted at as a potential measure.
• The state administration had prior knowledge of rising tensions leading up to the violence.
• Over 300 arrests and numerous FIRs filed related to the incidents.
• Observations made on systematic violence aimed at cultural erasure of specific communities.
• Concerns expressed over the political narrative increasingly exploiting religious identities.
• Warning that the state's reliance on division for votes could lead to further destabilization.

The Delhi High Court has recently acknowledged a critical issue influencing its operations: an “acute shortage of judges.” This deficiency, alongside a significant backlog of cases, highlights systemic challenges within the Indian judiciary that have persisted for years. The court currently has only 36 functioning judges, far below its authorized strength of 60, leading to nearly 40% of posts being vacant.

Key Observations and Data:

• Judicial Vacancies: As of now, India's 25 High Courts have a sanctioned strength of 1,114 judges, with only 769 currently in position, leaving 345 vacancies (over 30%).
• Backlog of Cases: High Courts are collectively managing a staggering backlog of 6,296,798 cases. The Delhi High Court alone is dealing with 134,090 pending cases.
• Case Filing vs. Resolution Trends: The number of case filings has outpaced resolutions consistently, with especially concerning statistics showing that in 2024, 24,061,78 cases were filed while only 22,579,71 were resolved.

Contributing Factors:

• High Vacancy Rates in Specific Courts: The Allahabad High Court reports the highest vacancy rate with 81 out of 160 sanctioned posts unoccupied, and it also holds the most substantial pending case load of 1,176,229 cases. The Punjab and Haryana High Court follows next with 32 vacancies from a total of 85.
• Long-standing Appointment Process Issues: The Law Minister has indicated that 150 proposals for High Court judge appointments are in various processing stages, while recommendations are still awaited for another 205 vacancies. Despite the clear timeline suggested for initiating these appointments, the Law Minister admitted that this is rarely adhered to.

Initiatives and Responses:

• Ad hoc Judges: The Supreme Court has allowed for the appointment of retired judges as ad hoc judges to mitigate the backlog, although only a few High Courts have utilized this option, with the government yet to receive proposal requests.
• India Justice Report 2025: This recent report highlights a nearly 20% increase in pending cases between 2020 to 2024 and emphasizes that High Courts are functioning with around 33% of their posts unfilled. It reveals that India averages one High Court judge for approximately 1.87 million people, with judges frequently dealing with over 1,000 cases each, and extreme cases like those in Allahabad and Madhya Pradesh where individual judges handle over 15,000 cases.

Implications and Recommendations:

• This ongoing situation necessitates immediate attention to recruitment and appointment processes to streamline case resolutions and enhance the overall efficacy of the judicial system.
• Swift action is required to address these vacancies, to uphold the judiciary's integrity and ensure the timely delivery of justice to the populace.

This summary provides an overview of the significant issues surrounding judicial vacancies and case backlogs within the Indian court system as highlighted by the Delhi High Court's recent remarks.

Important Points:

• Delhi High Court faces severe judge shortage with 40% vacancies.
• High Courts collectively manage over 6 million pending cases.
• Average of one judge for 18.7 lakh individuals increases burden.
• Existing appointment processes for judges are inefficient and overdue.
• Need for immediate action on judicial vacancies to restore effective functioning.

The article discusses the current status and challenges faced by Private Member’s Bills (PMBs) in the Indian Parliament. PMBs are legislative proposals put forth by non-minister MPs, allowing them to provide alternative legislative ideas outside of the government's agenda. However, the process has been increasingly marginalized due to various parliamentary disruptions and a prevalence of government business prioritization.

Summary:

• Definition and Purpose of PMBs:

  • PMBs are proposed by individual MPs, not by ministers, allowing legislators to introduce laws reflective of personal, constituency, or social needs.
  • They are unique as they can diverge from party lines, providing more flexibility in legislative discourse.

• Current Parliamentary Scenario:

  • In the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024), 729 PMBs were introduced, yet only a fraction were discussed; two in Lok Sabha and 14 in Rajya Sabha were even considered.
  • The lack of discussion on introduced bills indicates a systematic sidelining of PMBs, which are now becoming more symbolic rather than functional.

• Recent Trends:

  • Two Fridays during Winter Session were disrupted while discussions that could have included PMBs were replaced with other government agendas.
  • The Budget Session allowed for only limited discussion on PMBs, with many scheduled never being heard.

• Noteworthy Examples of PMBs:

  • Notable PMBs include the ‘Right to Disconnect’ Bill, which initiated discussions on mental health and labor rights, though it didn't progress beyond introduction.
  • The ‘Rights of Transgender Persons’ Bill passed in the Rajya Sabha in 2015 is cited as a significant move that influenced subsequent legislation.

• Impact of Institutional Changes:

  • The Anti-Defection Law has restricted MPs’ ability to propose initiatives that might challenge their party’s position, resulting in less individual legislative impact.
  • There is a call for recognizing the role of PMBs in representing constituents’ needs rather than strictly adhering to party mandates.

• Reform Recommendations:

  • The need to protect time allocated for PMBs from encroachment by government business is emphasized.
  • Proposed reforms include creating dedicated hours for PMBs, instituting a review committee for screening their quality, and potentially extending parliamentary hours rather than diminishing PMB discussion time.
  • Introduction of a mechanism akin to the UK's Ten-Minute Rule could facilitate more legislative proposals being aired and deliberated.

• Conclusion:

  • The importance of PMBs in fostering democracy and allowing independent voices within Parliament is highlighted, with calls for reforms to restore their significance in the legislative process.

Key Points:

• PMBs allow individual MPs to propose legislation, reflecting personal and social needs.
• Recent sessions have seen few PMBs discussed due to governmental priorities and disruptions.
• Significant PMBs have sparked national conversations but many have failed to progress.
• Institutional limitations like the Anti-Defection Law restrict MPs from deviating from party lines.
• Reforms are suggested to protect PMB time and enhance legislative discussions.
• PMBs have the potential to enrich democracy by accommodating diverse legislative viewpoints.