Delimitation Bill 2026: Constituencies to Increase by 50% Pro Rata, Women's Reservation Implementation Linked for Early 2029 Deadline

One Nation One Election: Simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly Polls Possible by 2029 - JPC Chairman Chaudhary

The JPC on 'One Nation, One Election' has indicated that simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly polls are feasible by 2029 if the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 is passed by 2028 and state governments voluntarily dissolve their assemblies. This is a major structural reform that revives the pre-1967 electoral cycle, with 99% public support claimed by the panel.

Delimitation Debate: Need for Consensus on Lok Sabha Seat Redrawing, Precedents from 1976 and 2001

Delimitation of constituencies is a critical constitutional process that will reshape India's representative system. The government is urged to build consensus through all-party meetings, following the precedent of unanimous decisions in 1976 and 2001, rather than pushing through legislation without debate.

Supreme Court Expands to 38 Judges: Diversity Deficit Exposed as Women Only 4.15%

Parliament passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, adding 4 judges to the apex court (strength now 38). However, the article underscores a glaring lack of diversity: women constitute only 4.15% of all SC judges ever appointed, and caste representation in High Courts remains abysmally low. For exam aspirants, this links directly to the collegium system, judicial appointments, social justice, and pendency crisis.

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.

Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act Amended: Insulting 'Vande Mataram' Now Punishable by 3 Years

Parliament has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, making insult to the national song 'Vande Mataram' punishable with up to three years imprisonment. The amendment expands the 1971 Act, but data shows extremely low conviction rates (60 convictions out of 1,102 arrests between 2014-2024), raising concerns about misuse and a contradiction with the government's decriminalisation agenda under the Jan Vishwas Act.

AP High Court Declares Three-Capitals Petitions Infructuous; Amaravati Now Sole Capital Under AP Reorganisation (Amendment) Act 2026

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has deemed all petitions against the proposed three-capitals model as infructuous after Parliament amended the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, making Amaravati the sole capital by law. This ends a long-standing political and legal battle, with implications for state governance and federal structure.

Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026 Passed in Lok Sabha: Digital Records Now Admissible Evidence

Lok Sabha passed the Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026, replacing the 1891 Act, to make digital and virtual records admissible as evidence in courts. The bill was passed by voice vote without debate amid Opposition protests. This reform updates colonial-era banking evidence law for the digital age.

Indian Statistical Institute Bill 2026 Tabled: Replaces 67-Year-Old Act, Faces Faculty Criticism

The government has tabled the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026 in Parliament to replace the 1959 Act governing the premier statistical institute. Faculty members and MPs are opposing several provisions, raising concerns over institutional autonomy. This is a key legislative reform for a nationally important research body.