Polity Current Affairs Archives | Page 2 of 4

Supreme Court on Ashoka Chakra Guidelines (2026 Explained)

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India declined to entertain a petition seeking the formulation of guidelines for displaying the Ashoka Chakra on the national flag. The Court chose not to intervene, indicating no need for additional directions.

Key Highlights of the Case

The petition requested the Court to direct the Central Government to frame specific rules for the display of the Ashoka Chakra.
The Supreme Court refused to entertain the plea.
The Court did not find sufficient grounds to issue directions in this matter.
Existing provisions under the Flag Code of India already govern the use and display of the national flag

Ashoka Chakra – Key Facts

Inspired from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath (Mauryan period)
Adopted on 22 July 1947.
Located at the center of the white band in the Indian National Flag
Color: Navy Blue
Shape: 24-spoked wheel

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Supreme Court Seeks Replies on RTE Implementation

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India has asked the Centre, States, and Union Territories to respond to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding effective implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

Understanding Public Interest Litigation (PIL):

PIL allows any individual or organization to approach the court in the interest of the public, especially for marginalized sections.

Key Features

Relaxation of Locus Standi: Anyone can file a case, not just the affected party.
Epistolary Jurisdiction: Courts may accept letters/postcards as petitions.
Suo Motu Action: Courts can initiate cases on their own.

Historical Background

Introduced during the late 1970s–1980s.
Key contributors:
- Justice P. N. Bhagwati
- Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer
Considered a major tool of judicial activism in India.

Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 – Key Points

Constitutional Basis

Article 21A: Makes education a Fundamental Right (6–14 years).
86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 introduced this provision.
Supporting provisions:
- Article 45: Early childhood care (DPSP)
- Article 51A(k): Duty of parents to provide education

Major Provisions

Free & Compulsory Education for children aged 6–14 years (Classes I–VIII)
25% Reservation in private unaided schools for:
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)

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President Nominates Harivansh to Rajya Sabha:

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Why in News:

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, has nominated Harivansh Narayan Singh to the Rajya Sabha. This nomination fills a vacancy created due to the retirement of a previously nominated member.

The nomination was made under Article 80 of the Constitution.

design clean simple and professional and creative

About Rajya Sabha: Article 80

Article 80 of the Indian Constitution deals with the composition of the Rajya Sabha.

Important Provisions

Maximum Strength: 250 members
Current Strength (2026): 245 members
Nominated Members: 12 members nominated by the President
Eligibility for Nomination:
- Excellence in:
  - Art
  - Literature
  - Science
  - Social Service

Seat Allocation

Based on population of states
Examples:
- Uttar Pradesh: Highest representation (31 seats)
- Goa & Sikkim: 1 seat each

Tenure & Retirement

Term: 6 years
Rotation System:
- One-third members retire every 2 years
Ensures continuity of the House

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Women Reservation Bill Amendments 2026: Key Highlights

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Why in News?

Union Cabinet has approved amendments to fast-track the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam).

This move aims to ensure 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies by the 2029 General Elections, instead of delaying it further.

Key Amendments Approved by Cabinet

Early Implementation:

Reservation will now be implemented in 2029 General Elections. Based on 2011 Census data
Earlier provision:
- Required new Census + delimitation
- Likely delay till 2034

Expansion of Lok Sabha Seats

Current strength: 543 seats
Proposed increase: 816 seats (≈50% rise)

Expansion linked to population changes & representation balance

Reservation for Women

Out of 816 seats:
- 273 seats reserved for women (33%)

Delimitation Based on 2011 Census

Constituencies will be redrawn using: 2011 Census of India

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Chairs of both Houses reject notice seeking CEC’s removal

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Why in News?

Chairpersons of both Houses of Parliament rejected a notice submitted by Opposition Members of Parliament seeking the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). It sought the removal of the current Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar

Constitutional Provision: Article 324(5)

Article 324 deals with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Clause (5) ensures security of tenure for the CEC.
It states that:
- The CEC can be removed only in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court Judge.

Grounds for Removal of CEC:

The CEC can be removed only on:

Proven misbehaviour
Incapacity

These conditions ensure independence and prevent arbitrary removal.

Procedure for Removal of CEC

The process is similar to the removal of a Supreme Court Judge and follows the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. The procedure is as follows

1. Initiation of Motion

Requires:
- At least 100 Lok Sabha MPs, OR
- At least 50 Rajya Sabha MPs

Admission & Investigation

The motion is submitted to:
- Lok Sabha Speaker or Rajya Sabha Chairman
If admitted, a 3-member inquiry committee is formed:
- A Supreme Court Judge
- A Chief Justice of a High Court
- A Distinguished jurist

3. Parliamentary Approval

If charges are proven:
- Both Houses must pass the motion with a Special Majority:
  - Majority of total membership AND
  - Two-thirds of members present and voting

4. Final Removal

After Parliament passes the motion:
- The President of India issues the final removal order.

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Governor Must Follow Cabinet Advice on Remission: Madras HC

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Why in News?

In a significant constitutional ruling, the Madras High Court clarified that the Governor cannot act independently in matters of remission and must follow the advice of the Council of Ministers under Article 161.

Article 161:

Article 161 of the Constitution of India defines the pardoning power of the Governor, enabling them to grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment.

Article 161 of the Constitution empowers the Governor to:

Grant Pardon – Complete removal of punishment
Grant Reprieve – Temporary suspension of punishment
Grant Respite – Reduced punishment due to special circumstances
Grant Remission – Reduction in the duration of sentence
Commute sentences – Change to a lesser form of punishment

Scope of Power

Applies only to offences against State laws
Similar to the President’s powers under Article 72, but limited to state jurisdiction

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Right to Menstrual Health as Fundamental Right: Supreme Court Expands Article 21 in Jaya Thakur Case

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Why in News

Dr. Jaya Thakur vs Union of India, the Supreme Court recognized the right to menstrual health as a fundamental right under Article 21.

right to menstrual health as fundamental right

Key Highlights

Right to Menstrual Health is now part of:

Right to Life and Personal Liberty (Article 21)

Key Directions by Supreme Court:

Provision of free sanitary pads in schools
Establishment of separate toilets for girls

Article 21:

States:
- “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.”
Applicability:
- Available to citizens and foreigners (except enemy aliens)

Judicial Evolution of Article 21

A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras (1950)
- Took a narrow interpretation
- Focused only on procedure established by law
Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978)
- Introduced “fair, just and reasonable” procedure
- Expanded Article 21 to include due process of law
- Linked Article 21 with Articles 14 & 19

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/health/menstrual-health-now-a-fundamental-right-its-gender-inclusive-constitutional-justice

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No-Confidence Motion Against Lok Sabha Speaker: Removal Process, Articles & Key Facts (UPSC/PSC Notes)

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Why in News?

Opposition parties have submitted a no-confidence motion seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker . The notice has met the minimum support requirement, and the motion may be taken up after the mandatory 14-day notice period.

Procedure for Removal of Speaker

Article 94(c) → Provides for removal of the Lok Sabha Speaker through a resolution passed by the House.

Notice Requirement

Minimum 14 days’ written notice must be given

Support for Admission

At least 50 Members of Parliament (MPs) must support the motion

Presiding Restriction

Speaker cannot preside during the proceedings
However, can participate and defend himself (Article 96)

Voting Requirement

Requires Effective Majority:
- Majority of all existing members of Lok Sabha

Outcome

If passed → Speaker removed immediately
If rejected → Speaker continues in office
Even after removal → continues as MP

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/oppositions-no-confidence-motion-against-speaker-defeated-in-lok-sabha-11200786

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16th Finance Commission Recommendations 2026 – Key Highlights, Devolution Formula & Fiscal Reforms (UPSC/PSC Notes)

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Why in News?

The 16th Finance Commission (FC) report was tabled in Parliament on February 1, 2026, along with the Union Budget. The Government has accepted key tax devolution and grant recommendations for the period 2026–27 to 2030–31.

Key Recommendations:

1. Vertical Devolution (Centre–State Share)

41% of divisible tax pool allocated to States
Unchanged from the 15th Finance Commission
Ensures continuity and fiscal stability for States

2. Grants-in-Aid (2026–27)

Total allocation: ₹1.4 lakh crore
Includes:
- Grants to Rural Local Bodies (Panchayats)
- Grants to Urban Local Bodies (Municipalities)
- Disaster management funding

Horizontal Devolution Formula (2026–31)

Criterion	15th FC Weight (2021–26)	16th FC Weight (2026–31)
Income Distance	45.0%	42.5%
Population (2011 Census)	15.0%	17.5%
Demographic Performance	12.5%	10.0%
Area	15%	10%
Forest & Ecology	10%	10%
Contribution to GDP (New)	–	10%
Tax and Fiscal Effort	2.5%	–

Background:

The Finance Commission is a constitutional body under Article 280. Constituted every 5 years by the President of India. Functions:

Recommend tax sharing (Centre–State)
Suggest grants-in-aid
Promote fiscal federalism

16th Finance Commission

Chairman: Dr. Arvind Panagariya
Award Period: 2026–27 to 2030–31

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2221390&reg=3&lang=2

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Motion of Thanks Passed Without PM Reply – Constitutional Significance, Article 87 Explained for UPSC, APPSC, TGPSC and other state PSC exams

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Why in News?

The Lok Sabha passed the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address without a reply from Prime Minister. This happened amid continuous protests by the Opposition, making it an unusual parliamentary development.

Key Highlights

Motion of Thanks passed in Lok Sabha without the Prime Minister’s customary reply.
Normally, the PM responds to debates before the motion is put to vote.
Opposition protests disrupted proceedings.
Despite disruptions, the motion was adopted by majority.

What is Motion of Thanks?

A formal parliamentary motion expressing gratitude to the President for the address. Moved in:

Lok Sabha
Rajya Sabha

Occasions:

First session after General Elections
First session of every year (Budget Session)

Constitutional basis:

Article 87

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/lok-sabha-passes-resolution-motion-of-thanks-on-president-address-pm-address/article70594740.ece

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