Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
The DMK party has demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and advocated for a return to paper ballots, citing concerns over the credibility of EVMs and alleged voter list discrepancies during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Key points
- DMK MPs passed a resolution demanding the removal and inquiry of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
- Allegations of overriding objections of other Election Commissioners during the SIR.
- Demand for a return to paper ballots to restore public faith in elections.
- Concerns raised about alleged discrepancies between EVMs and VVPAT slips.
Background & context
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body responsible for administering elections in India. Debates around the transparency and reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been ongoing. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process to update electoral rolls.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Article 324 of the Constitution establishes the Election Commission of India.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Legislature, Parliament and State Legislatures, Election Commission.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court has ruled that children possess a fundamental right to access and use the internet, equating it with other fundamental rights and emphasizing the need for intelligent restraints rather than blanket bans.
Key points
- Internet access is a fundamental right for children under Article 21 read with Article 19(1)(a).
- Denying internet access to children is akin to denying them conscience and freedom of speech.
- Court stressed that child safety and freedom are not mutually exclusive.
- Advocated for intelligent restraints and grievance redressal mechanisms over blanket bans.
- Acknowledged that children often access unregulated platforms when restricted.
Background & context
Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, and Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The increasing role of the internet in daily life has led to legal interpretations regarding its access as a fundamental right.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Supreme Court's judgment was delivered by a Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Vinod K. Chandran.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity, Judiciary; GS Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude (related to rights and societal impact).
Why in news?
The Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled that the Sai Krishna custodial death case presented an 'extraordinary situation' necessitating a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, asserting the High Court's power under Article 226.
Key points
- State has a duty to enforce human rights and ensure fair investigations.
- Custodial torture is a violation of human dignity.
- High Court can direct CBI probe even in state jurisdiction cases, overriding Special Police Act limitations.
- The court's power under Article 226 is not curtailed by the Special Police Act.
- Judicial review does not infringe upon separation of powers or federal structure.
Background & context
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is India's premier investigative agency. The Special Police Act, 1946, governs the powers and jurisdiction of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE), which functions as the CBI. Article 226 of the Constitution empowers High Courts to issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights and for other purposes.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Gade Sai Krishna case involved a custodial death in Andhra Pradesh.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity, Judiciary, Human Rights; GS Paper IV: Ethics (related to police accountability).