Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Protests were held across Delhi demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar due to alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The protests saw significant police presence, detentions, and legal challenges.
Key points
- Protests organized by groups like the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and supported by student organizations like AISA.
- Demands include resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and criminal action against him.
- Allegations of deletions from electoral rolls and irregularities in the SIR exercise.
- Authorities imposed strict security measures, traffic restrictions, internet suspension, and metro station closures.
Background & context
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body responsible for conducting elections in India. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process to update and clean up electoral rolls. Allegations of irregularities in electoral processes can undermine public trust in democratic institutions.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Article 324 of the Constitution of India establishes the Election Commission of India.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Polity, Elections, Constitutional Bodies. GS Paper I: Social Issues (impact on democratic participation).
Why in news?
Large-scale detentions of protesters in Delhi, including leaders, students, journalists, and lawyers, have drawn criticism and legal scrutiny. A habeas corpus petition has been filed in the Supreme Court regarding the detention of CJP leaders.
Key points
- Delhi Police detained thousands of protesters citing violations of prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
- Legal experts questioned the legality and scope of detentions, especially outside areas with prohibitory orders.
- A habeas corpus petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking the release of detained CJP leaders and others.
- Concerns raised about compliance with constitutional safeguards for personal liberty.
- Protesters were detained in makeshift centers and their whereabouts were initially unclear.
Background & context
The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), empowering executive magistrates to issue prohibitory orders. Article 22 of the Constitution provides safeguards against arbitrary arrest and detention, including the right to be informed of the grounds of arrest and to be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Section 163 of BNSS empowers executive magistrates to issue prohibitory orders, analogous to Section 144 of the CrPC.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity, Governance, Constitutional Provisions, Judiciary. GS Paper IV: Ethics (respect for law, public order).
Why in news?
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk warned of initiating a fast or foot march if detained youth and others in Delhi were not released within 24 hours, condemning the situation as an 'undeclared emergency'.
Key points
- Sonam Wangchuk issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the central government.
- Threatened protest action including fasting or a foot march if detainees are not released.
- Criticized the detentions as an 'undeclared emergency' and urged an end to arrests.
- Called for peaceful protests to be allowed in the country.
Background & context
Sonam Wangchuk is a renowned climate activist and innovator from Ladakh, known for his advocacy on environmental issues and also for his role in the 'Gyalwang' education movement. He has previously led significant public awareness campaigns and protests.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Sonam Wangchuk is the inspiration behind the character Phunsukh Wangdu in the movie '3 Idiots'.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper IV: Ethics (individual action for public causes, ethical dilemmas). GS Paper III: Environment and Ecology (activism). GS Paper II: Social Justice (rights of protesters).