INDIA
Expanding Women’s Rights: Landmark judgments that translated constitutional vision to reality
On the occasion of Women’s Day, we take a look at pathbreaking judicial outcomes that brought down barriers that enforced gender-based discrimination
LAW
OPINION | The Golaknath case and the evolution of the Basic Structure doctrine
On 27th February 1967, a majority in a 11-judge bench of the Supreme Court declared that Parliament could amend Fundamental Rights. The verdict’s significance lay in the role it played in the evolution of the Basic Structure doctrine of the Court, unarguably the most consequential ruling thus far
INDIA
OPINION | Surge in PILs raises concerns over misuse and judicial efficiency in India
As diverse PIL filings surge across courts, concerns grow over misuse, judicial backlog and the dilution of a remedy originally designed to protect the marginalised
INDIA
OPINION | Balancing Faith and Equality: How the review of Sabarimala case will influence Indian secularism’s character
In April, a nine-judge bench will hear a review of the 2018 Sabarimala verdict that deemed as unconstitutional the prohibition of entry of women in their “menstruating years” into the temple. But at stake are questions that extend well beyond this temple or even a single religion
POLITICS
OPINION | Collegium System: Power, process and persistent questions of accountability
The collegium has its roots in constitutional debates on judicial appointments. Over time, it gained significant authority. Concerns about transparency, representation and accountability continue to surround its functioning
POLITICS
OPINION | Regulating Hate Speech: Navigating the constitutional boundaries of free expression
The fate of Karnataka Assembly’s contested Bill on regulating hate speech hangs in balance. Any law curbing speech has to meet the constitutional test which lays out conditions under which it can be done. So far, jurisprudence has tilted in favour of using existing laws to curb unacceptable forms of expression
INDIA
OPINION | KT Thomas, the judge opposed to capital punishment
Conferred recently with the Padma Vibhushan, his work encapsulated a balance between thoroughness and deep sensitivity
POLITICS
OPINION | Is a free grinder as an election promise, okay? Yes, but Supreme Court’s now uneasy
The apex court in the past ruled that promises in election manifestoes do not fall into the category of corrupt electoral practice. However, recent observations by judges indicate a subtle shift in perception
BUSINESS
OPINION | As another budget approaches, judicial finality on the Money Bill’s remit is pending
The passage of the Aadhaar Act triggered a judicial challenge on the Speaker’s power to place a proposed law under the Money Bill, which then removes Rajya Sabha’s power to block it. A definitive verdict on it is still awaited
INDIA
The role of the attorney general
Former AG KK Venugopal in an insightful autobiography ‘An Accidental Lawyer’ shines a light on the role of the union government’s chief legal advisor. It’s a constitutional position where holder’s responsibility extends beyond the government of the day to the entire nation
LAW
OPINION | When Supreme Court leaves key issues unresolved, executive has the space to be arbitrary
Every time SC has given a verdict that leaves no grey areas, the executive has lost room to be selective in applying the law. Unfortunately, some recent judgements leave key questions unanswered
INDIA
Shaping Judges: Essays that illuminate law, justice, and judicial integrity
Eminent jurists contribute essays honouring Dr Balram K. Gupta in ‘Shaping the Judges’. The book explores judicial ethics, training, and wisdom, reflecting on the qualities and responsibilities that define great judges
BUSINESS
Moneycontrol Pro Market Outlook | Markets poised for cautious start to 2026 amid global cues
As we transition into 2026, market direction will be shaped by three key factors: currency volatility, foreign institutional investor flows, and developments in India-US trade discussions
POLITICS
OPINION | Judging Caste: What the Supreme Court’s report reveals
A new report produced by the apex court on the evolution of jurisprudence on caste shows that even within a rule-based framework, social conditioning makes its presence felt
LAW
OPINION | Supreme Court in 2025: A significant year for the Indian judiciary
In 2025, the Supreme Court of India marked its 75th anniversary with key judgments, controversies, and reflections on its role, while navigating internal challenges and judicial reforms Shishir Tripathi
INDIA
OPINION | The Fallibility of the Supreme Court: Reflections on judicial decision making
Former Chief Justice B. N. Kripal’s *Supreme But Not Infallible* highlights the Supreme Court’s fallibility, emphasising its power to review judgments and correct errors to uphold justice and constitutional values
POLITICS
OPINION | Vande Mataram debate highlights the need for constitutional protection of national symbols
The standing of Vande Matram in the collective consciousness was never in doubt. There is a however a case to extend constitutional and statutory protection to the National Song
TRENDS
OPINION | Supreme Court to reconsider plea for reviving NJAC system
Reform of the Collegium system should prioritise efficiency, transparency, and accountability, avoiding power struggles and ensuring judicial independence in appointments
POLITICS
OPINION | The perennial debate over the role of a governor
Supreme Court’s recent verdict which removed timelines for a governor to clear Bills passed by state assemblies showcased the controversial role of the office from the very beginning
TRENDS
OPINION | Supreme Court clarifies roles of Governor and President in dealing with Bills but doesn't resolve the matter entirely
The Supreme Court held it cannot impose timelines on Governors or the President for Bill assent but may issue a limited mandamus against prolonged inaction, balancing separation of powers with ensuring constitutional functioning
TRENDS
OPINION | Evaluating the 130th Amendment Bill: Legal perspectives
Researchers from Charkha prepared a detailed report analysing the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, assessing its legal validity, alignment with constitutional principles, and offering recommendations to prevent misuse
POLITICS
OPINION | As SIR of electoral rolls enters second phase, Opposition and legal challenges intensify
Opposition parties, led by the DMK, have challenged the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, alleging constitutional overreach, flawed procedures, and potential voter disenfranchisement, with the Supreme Court set to examine its legality
TRENDS
OPINION | Supreme Court’s Karur Judgement: Questions of jurisdiction, neutrality and federal trust
Two aspects of the interim order have triggered debate. One, the decision to transfer the case to CBI when jurisprudence has set a high bar to do so. Two, the decision to appoint two IPS officers to the supervisory committee who may be of Tamil Nadu cadre but not natives of the state
TRENDS
OPINION | Justice Surya Kant’s tenure begins amid reform imperatives
Justice Surya Kant, brings decades of distinguished service, marked by landmark rulings on free speech, privacy, and human rights, and faces crucial judicial reform challenges ahead. He takes oath as the next CJI on November 24
