SC Declares Citizenship Determination is MHA, Not ECI's Role: Justice Dhulia

Supreme Court Split Verdict: Justice Dipankar Datta Terms Centre's Remarks on Collegium 'Disquieting'

In a split verdict, Justice Dipankar Datta of the Supreme Court strongly defended the collegium system, terming the Centre's oral criticism as 'disingenuous, evasive and disquieting'. The judgment reaffirms the judiciary's independence in appointments and warns against undermining institutional integrity. Essential for UPSC Polity (Judicial Appointments, Separation of Powers).

SC Upholds EC's SIR, Citizenship Under MHA; 13 Crore Deletions, Aadhaar Alternative Proposed

The Supreme Court upheld the EC's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which deleted over 13 crore names, but clarified that citizenship determination is solely under the Ministry of Home Affairs. This raises critical debates on voter rights, due process, and the viability of Aadhaar-based verification as a cost-effective, inclusive alternative to house-to-house surveys.

ECI SIR Process: 93% Inclusion Rate in WB Appeals; SC Hearing on Voter Deletions in Delhi & WB

The ECI's SIR process has led to massive disenfranchisement in West Bengal and Delhi. With only 3.2% of appeals disposed and 93% of those restored, the process is deeply flawed. The Supreme Court is hearing petitions; this has major implications for electoral integrity and universal adult franchise.

SC Split Verdict on CEC/EC Appointment Act, 2023; Matter Referred to CJI for Constitution Bench

A two-judge Supreme Court bench has split on whether to refer the challenge to the CEC and ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 to a five-judge Constitution Bench. With Justice Dipankar Datta disagreeing with Justice S C Sharma, the case now goes to the CJI for constituting a larger bench. For aspirants, this is a direct link to Article 324, the Anoop Baranwal verdict, and the independence of the Election Commission.

Supreme Court Questions Fairness of PM-Led Panel for CEC Appointment Under 2023 Act

The Supreme Court has questioned whether the selection of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners by a PM-led committee (with a Union Minister and LoP) demonstrates 'fairness'. The Centre defended the process citing constitutional trust, but the court hinted at the need for a more independent mechanism. This is crucial for understanding the debate on institutional independence and the Election Commission's autonomy.

Centre to SC: Foreign National Deportation Requires Home Country Nationality Confirmation

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that a foreign national whose nationality is unverified cannot be deported until their home country confirms nationality and agrees to accept them. This affidavit was filed in a plea challenging the indefinite detention of persons declared foreigners in Assam without prospects of deportation.

SC Seeks Clarity on 'Majority Within Political Party' Amid Shiv Sena Split; Hearing Continues

The Supreme Court is hearing the Shiv Sena faction dispute and has raised the need for a clear definition of 'majority within a political party.' This case has major implications for anti-defection law and the balance between political party control and legislative majority, a key topic for polity and governance exams.

Supreme Court Dismisses 2017 PIL to Abolish Hanging Execution; Centre May Review Alternatives

The Supreme Court dismissed a 2017 PIL seeking to replace hanging with less painful methods like lethal injection, but allowed the Centre to form an expert body to review execution methods. The judgment references the Law Commission's 187th Report and emphasizes preserving dignity while minimizing pain.