GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin recently made a significant statement, claiming that several north Indian languages, including Maithili, Brajbhasha, Bundelkhandi, and Awadhi, have been "destroyed by the hegemonic Hindi." This statement touches upon several key issues concerning language politics in India, especially in relation to linguistic diversity and the dominance of Hindi in the country.

India’s Linguistic Diversity

• India is renowned for its remarkable linguistic diversity, having diverse languages and dialects with its distribution influenced by historical, geographical, and cultural factors.
  • Inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent spoke proto-Dravidian languages in the 4th century BCE. These languages started to become more distinct from one another about 1,000 years later.
  • The native languages of India fall into the following language families: Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic, Tai-Kadai, and Sino-Tibetan.
    • Indo-Aryan and Dravidian language families constitute the majority of native tongues spoken in India.
  • According to the Census of India of 2001, India has 122 major languages and 1599 other languages.
  • As of 2024, India has about 453 living languages; the Constitution of India recognises 22 official languages, known as “scheduled languages,” listed in the Eighth Schedule.

The tragic suicides of Rohith Vemula in 2016 and Payal Tadvi in 2019 due to caste-based discrimination have highlighted ongoing issues of bias in India’s universities. In response, the mothers of these students filed a petition, prompting the Supreme Court to direct the University Grants Commission (UGC) to act on caste discrimination in higher education.

Key Findings:

• Suicides and Discrimination: Rohith Vemula, a Dalit scholar, and Payal Tadvi, a tribal medical student, died by suicide after facing caste-based harassment. This has led to public outcry over the continued discrimination in universities.
• From 2004 to 2024, 115 Dalit student suicides were reported, many linked to caste discrimination.
• Caste-based discrimination continues to affect students' mental health, academic success, and overall well-being.
• According to an RTI reply in 2024,
  • 8% of faculty members in 13 IIMs are from the dominant castes
  • Dalit faculty members constitute 5%, Adivasis 1%, and other backward castes (OBC) 9.6%.
  • Similarly, 80% of the faculty in 21 IITs are from the dominant castes, while Dalits make up 6%, Adivasis 1.6%, and OBCs 11.2%.
  • In some educational institutes, there isn’t a single faculty member from marginalised communities
• UGC Response: The UGC has drafted new regulations (2025) to promote equity in higher education, including the establishment of Equal Opportunity Cells and SC/ST Cells to handle caste discrimination complaints.

Reasons Behind Caste Discrimination in Academia:

• Deep-Rooted Social Hierarchies: Casteism is ingrained in India's social fabric, and it influences educational institutions. While the caste system is officially abolished, its legacy persists, with high-caste individuals continuing to hold social and institutional power.
• Bias Against Affirmative Action: Students and faculty who benefit from reservations are frequently stigmatized as being "less competent" or as occupying positions they did not deserve. This leads to resentment and exclusion.
• Institutional Practices: In many cases, educational institutions fail to adequately implement policies that ensure equal treatment, such as the provision of Equal Opportunity Cells and the enforcement of anti-discrimination regulations. This lack of accountability perpetuates discrimination. 

Impact of Caste Discrimination in Academia:

• Psychological and Emotional Toll: Discrimination severely affects the mental health of students and faculty from marginalized communities. The emotional strain caused by social exclusion, harassment, and the constant need to prove one’s worth can lead to stress, anxiety, and in extreme cases, suicide.
• Academic and Professional Setbacks: Discriminatory practices hinder the academic progress of marginalized students. Exclusion from academic networks, lack of support from faculty, and unequal treatment in assessments prevent these students from excelling. Additionally, caste-based discrimination reduces their chances of securing positions within academia or professional fields.
• Widening Inequality: Caste-based discrimination entrenches educational inequality. Students from marginalized communities are often denied equal opportunities to succeed, resulting in reduced representation in higher education, academia, and professional spheres, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and marginalization.

Government Interventions and Inadequacies:

• Constitutional Protections and Legal Framework: The Indian Constitution provides legal safeguards against caste discrimination, including reservations for Dalits and STs in educational institutions and public employment. However, the implementation of these protections remains uneven, and caste-based practices continue to persist in many universities and colleges.
• UGC Guidelines and Policies: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued several guidelines to address caste-based discrimination, including the establishment of Equal Opportunity Cells and anti-discrimination committees. Despite these efforts, there are often delays and failures in enforcing these measures, and reports suggest that discriminatory practices remain widespread.
• Educational Reform and Monitoring: Although the government has acknowledged the problem and introduced schemes like fee reductions, scholarships, and establishing more institutions for marginalized communities, critics argue that the systemic issue of caste discrimination is not being tackled adequately. Monitoring systems to track complaints and the outcomes of anti-discrimination measures are often inefficient, and many institutions fail to create a truly inclusive academic environment.
• TheThorat Committee Report (formed in 2007) stated that SC/ST students experienced various forms of discrimination by teachers, from avoidance, contempt and non-cooperation to discouragement and differential treatment. However, the recommendations have largely been ignored.
  • Mungekar Committee (2012) has also acknowledged the prevalence of caste discrimination and the exclusion of marginalised students on campuses.
• Rohith Act: The Act, proposed in 2016, to prevent caste discrimination against Dalit students in higher educational institutions, still hasn’t been passed.

The Union Budget 2025-2026 has rationalized the Indian Tariff with respect to industrial goods and such a move has come against the backdrop of a “tariff war” that the United States of America has initiated against Canada, Mexico and China. 

What is Tariff rationalization?

• Tariff rationalization is the process by which the tariff structure of a country is amended to address the anomalies in the tariff.
• Such Tariff anomalies may have arisen owing to frequent policy changes or may be the result of a protectionist policy more focused on protecting the domestic industry.
• The goal of tariff rationalization is to improve the cost-effectiveness of raw material imports, thereby boosting domestic manufacturing, reducing production costs, and fostering exports.
• Customs Tariff, if structured well, can boost domestic manufacturing of finished goods by making available cost effective raw materials, thereby, providing a fillip to exports of such finished goods as well.

Key Features of the Tariff Rationalization in the 2025-2026 Budget:

• Simplified Tariff Structure:
  • The number of tariff slabs has been reduced from 15 to 8, simplifying classification disputes and promoting economic competitiveness.
  • The peak tariff rate for industrial goods has been capped at 70%, a significant reduction from the earlier 100%, 125%, and 150%
  • AIDC1 (Additional Import Duty) has been introduced for some goods, set at rates either equal to or lower than the import duty to further streamline the tariff system.
  • Surcharges have been eliminated for goods where AIDC is already applicable, ensuring further simplification.
• Addressing Inverted Duty Structure: The budget has focused on resolving the inverted duty structure, where duties on raw materials are higher than on finished goods, hindering domestic manufacturing.
  • Customs duties on components for products like LCD/LED TVs and Lithium-ion batteries have been reduced or exempted to enhance the competitiveness of domestic industries.
  • Raw materials such as copper, lead, and tin scrap used in manufacturing have also seen duty reductions to promote affordable production.
• Revising Import Duties on Motorcycles: The budget has addressed longstanding concerns from the United States regarding India's import duties on motorcycles. Import duties for high engine capacity motorcycles have been reduced significantly.
  • For example, duties on motorcycles with engine capacities up to 1600cc have been reduced from 50% to 40%, and duties on semi-knocked-down and completely-knocked-down units have also been lowered.

Impact on India’s Economy:

• Boosting Domestic Manufacturing: The rationalization and reduction of peak tariffs are expected to reduce costs for raw materials, ultimately benefiting domestic manufacturers. This, in turn, could lead to lower production costs and improved global competitiveness.
• Fostering Export Growth: By lowering tariffs on industrial inputs, India can reduce the cost of producing finished goods, potentially increasing exports of competitively priced manufactured goods.
  • A simpler tariff structure will also enhance trade relations with countries concerned about high tariffs, including the United States, thus fostering a healthier trade environment.
• Strengthening Bilateral Trade Relations: By addressing the concerns over high tariffs, particularly in the automobile sector, India aims to smoothen its trade relations with the U.S. and other nations. This could contribute to easing trade tensions and boosting foreign direct investment (FDI).

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has recently issued a tender for hydrocarbon exploration as part of its 10th round of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP). This tender covers 25 offshore areas across India, totaling 1,91,986 square kilometers, with 9,990.96 square kilometers in the Gulf of Mannar area of southern Tamil Nadu being a key region.

What is Hydrocarbon Exploration?

• Hydrocarbon exploration is the process of searching for oil and gas reserves beneath the earth's surface, particularly in underwater areas (offshore).
• The government is inviting companies to submit bids for exploration rights, which would allow them to search for, extract, and produce oil and gas in these areas.
• Region:

• Tamil Nadu’s Gulf of Mannar region, which includes parts of Ramanathapuram and Thoothukudi districts, is believed to have potential oil and gas reserves.
• In addition to Tamil Nadu, the government has included four deep-sea blocks near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These areas were previously protected as "no-go zones".
• Concerns:
  • Blast sounds from surveys needed for mapping oil and gas reserves could disturb marine species.
  • Chemical waste from extraction could harm the fish population and other marine life, potentially leading to their migration or death.
  • Fishermen and local communities depend on the sea for their livelihoods, and they fear that this exploration could destroy their fishing grounds.

What Are Hydrocarbons?

• Hydrocarbons are organic compounds made up of Hydrogen and Carbon They form the basis of petroleum and natural gas.
• Kerogens are organic matter lumps that are the primary source of hydrocarbons found underground, formed from the remains of plants, animals, or marine ecosystems.
• Types of Hydrocarbons
• Alkanes (Saturated Hydrocarbons): Carbon atoms connected by single bonds.
  • Examples: Methane (CH4), Ethane (C2H6).
• Alkenes (Unsaturated with Double Bonds): At least one double bond between carbon atoms.
  • Examples: Ethylene (C2H4), Propylene (C3H6).
• Alkynes (Unsaturated with Triple Bonds): At least one triple bond between carbon atoms.
  • Examples: Acetylene (C2H2).
• Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Arenes): Rings of carbon atoms with alternating double bonds (aromatic rings).
  • Examples: Benzene (C6H6), Toluene (C7H8).

Formation and Storage of Hydrocarbons

• Hydrocarbons, including crude oil and natural gas, are found beneath sedimentary rocks.
• Formation Process:
  • Step 1: Dead plants and animals get buried under layers of mud, which eventually turn into rock.
  • Step 2: Over millions of years, heat and pressure break down the organic material (kerogen) into hydrocarbons.
  • Step 3: Crude oil and natural gas form and accumulate in rock layers, with oil being trapped below and natural gas floating above due to its lower density.

How Are Hydrocarbons Accessed and Extracted?

• Accessing Hydrocarbons:
  • Production Well Creation: The first step in extraction involves drilling a well through which hydrocarbons are brought to the surface.
  • Casing and Cementing: Steel casings are placed in the well to prevent cave-ins and protect against fluid intrusion.
  • Blowout Prevention: The pressure of drilling fluids must be controlled to avoid catastrophic eruptions of oil or gas.
  • Mud-Logging: The process of recording rock cuttings and analyzing their properties as the well is drilled.
• Extracting Hydrocarbons:
  • Primary Phase: Natural pressure from the reservoir pushes hydrocarbons to the surface.
  • Secondary Phase: Artificial pressure is applied to maintain the flow of hydrocarbons.
• Tertiary Phase: Enhanced recovery methods like steam injection are used to extract remaining hydrocarbons.

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in 2022 with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has escalated into a full-scale war. As part of the conflict, Russia has claimed and annexed several Ukrainian territories. Recent talks between Russian and U.S. officials aim to explore ways to normalize relations and address the ongoing conflict. However, Russia has made it clear that it will not return the territories it has annexed as part of any peace agreement.

What has been annexed?

• The territories Russia annexed from Ukraine are Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
• Russia controls most of Donetsk and Lugansk and parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, while also occupying parts of Ukraine’s Kharkiv region.
• Ukraine rejects Russia's annexation claims, stating its internationally recognized borders should be respected.
• Key Locations annexed by Russia:

• Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson: Four regions in Ukraine that Russia annexed in 2022, which are now under Russian control.
• Donetsk region, located in eastern Ukraine, has been partially controlled by Russian-backed separatists since 2014. In 2022, Russia formally annexed the entire Donetsk region as part of its broader invasion of Ukraine.
• Lugansk (2014 and 2022): The Lugansk region in eastern Ukraine has seen Russian-backed separatist control since 2014. Russia annexed the entire Lugansk region in 2022.
• Zaporizhzhia (2022): Zaporizhzhia, located in southeastern Ukraine, includes the strategically important Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. It was partially occupied by Russian forces during the 2022 invasion and annexed later that year.
• Kherson (2022): Kherson is a southern Ukrainian region that includes the port city of Kherson. It was captured by Russian forces in 2022 and annexed by Russia later that year.
• Crimea: Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 following a disputed referendum. It is a peninsula located in the Black Sea, which has been a point of contention between Russia and Ukraine.
• Kursk Region (Russia): It is a region where Ukraine has seized some territory.
• Kharkiv Region (Ukraine): It is northeastern Ukrainian region partially occupied by Russian forces.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated over recent years, leading to a fragile ceasefire brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar. A key issue under discussion is Israel’s withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor, which is a strategic area located along Gaza's border with Egypt.

About Philadelphi Corridor

• The Philadelphi Corridor is a narrow strip of land, about 9 miles (14 km) long and 100 meters wide, located along the border between Gaza and Egypt.
• It includes the Rafah crossing, a key border point between Gaza and Egypt, and runs from the Mediterranean Sea to the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel.
• Originally, under the 1979 Camp David peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, the corridor was designated as a demilitarized zone, with Israel allowed to station a limited number of troops but no heavy armor.
• After Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, responsibility for the corridor was handed over to Egypt and the Palestinian Authority.
• However, in 2007, when Hamas took control of Gaza, it seized the corridor.
• In May 2025, during Israel's military operations in Gaza, the corridor was taken back by Israel as part of its offensive in Rafah.
• The area remains a strategic point, especially for preventing weapons smuggling between Gaza and Egypt.

On February 27, 1931, revolutionary leader Chandra Shekhar Azad, the commander-in-chief of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association, laid down his life in a gun battle with British policemen in what was then known as Alfred Park in Allahabad (now Azad Park in Prayagraj).

Who was Chandra Shekhar Azad?

• Chandra Shekhar Azad was one of India’s most significant freedom fighters. Despite his young age of only 24 when he died on February 27, 1931, Azad’s legacy continues to inspire.
• Chandra Shekhar was born on July 23, 1906, in Alirajpur (Madhya Pradesh). Coming from a poor family, he briefly worked in Bombay before moving to Benares (now Varanasi), where he was enrolled in a Sanskrit school.
• Involvement in the Non-Cooperation Movement: In Benares, Azad became involved in political activities. He joined youth groups organized by the Congress and participated in protests against British rule, including picketing liquor shops. This led to his arrest.
• The Formation of ‘Azad’: During his trial, when the judge asked his name, Azad responded, “My name is Azad, my father’s name is Swatantra (Independence), and my address is Jail.” The judge ordered 15 lashes as punishment, but it was this incident that led Chandra Shekhar to adopt the name ‘Azad,’ meaning ‘free’ in Hindi, vowing never to be captured alive.
• Azad's Shift to Revolutionary Politics
  • Frustration with Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement: In 1922, when Mahatma Gandhi called off the Non-Cooperation Movement after the Chauri Chaura incident, Azad felt betrayed. This led him to abandon Gandhian methods and embrace more radical, revolutionary politics.
  • Joining the Hindustan Republican Army (HRA): Azad became part of the HRA, led by Ram Prasad Bismil and Sachindranath Sanyal, which sought to use armed struggle to gain India’s independence. The HRA raised funds through political dacoities (robberies), one of the most famous being the Kakori train robbery in 1925.
  • Escape from Authorities: Azad was the only one to escape the authorities after the Kakori robbery. He took refuge in Jhansi until the trial was over and continued to organize revolutionary activities.
• Formation of HSRA and Key Actions
  • Meeting Bhagat Singh and Formation of HSRA: In 1928, Azad met Bhagat Singh. The two revolutionaries, along with other young fighters, formed the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), a more radical successor to the HRA.
    • While Bhagat Singh was the ideological leader, Azad was the military strategist and planner for the group.
    • He was responsible for training revolutionaries in arms and executing critical actions.
  • Assassination of J.P. Saunders: One of the most notable acts of Azad’s leadership was the planning and execution of the assassination of J.P. Saunders, a British police officer responsible for the lathi charge that led to the death of Lala Lajpat Rai. Bhagat Singh and Rajguru shot Saunders, while Azad killed a constable who chased them.
  • Bombing of the Central Assembly: In 1929, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt bombed the Central Assembly in Delhi to protest against repressive laws. Although they were arrested, the HSRA continued its efforts for the independence struggle.

The Last Stand and Martyrdom

• Crackdown on HSRA: After the bombing in Delhi, the British government cracked down on the HSRA, arresting many of its leaders. Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were sentenced to death for the murder of Saunders.
• Azad’s Continued Resistance: Despite the British crackdown, Azad remained free, planning to help Bhagat Singh and others escape. His ultimate goal was to continue the fight for independence, but his luck was running out.
• The Last Battle at Alfred Park: On February 27, 1931, Azad was on his way to meet fellow revolutionary Sukhdev Raj at Alfred Park in Allahabad when the police surrounded the area. Outnumbered and outgunned, Azad fought back fiercely. He killed three policemen before he was injured.
  • With only one bullet left in his pistol and determined to never be captured alive, Azad shot himself in the head. This act ensured that he remained true to his resolve. Though some accounts suggest he succumbed to his injuries instead, the story of his self-inflicted death remains a symbol of his indomitable spirit.
  • The British hurriedly cremated his body, and the park where Azad died was later named Azad Park. A memorial plaque was erected at the site to honor his sacrifice.

The Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres) has returned to South Africa’s Eastern Cape province after three decades.

About Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres)

• The Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres) is an Old World vulture species that is threatened due to dwindling numbers.
• It is an Old World vulture in the family Accipitridae.
• It is endemic to southern Africa, and lives mainly in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, and in some parts of northern Namibia.
• There are 23 species of vulture globally. These are divided into two families: 
  • Accipitridaeor Old World vultures, of which there are 16 species, are found across Africa, Europe, and Asia. 
  • Cathartidaeor New World vultures, with seven species, are native to the Americas and the Caribbean.
• Vultures play a major role in the ecosystem. They dispose of carcasses quickly, thus preventing the spread of diseases like anthrax, botulism, and rabies among wildlife and humans.
• Their absence would also lead to an increase in other scavengers, such as feral dogs and rats, which are less efficient at disposing of carcasses and can carry diseases harmful to humans and livestock.
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable

The rise of right-wing politics globally, particularly in the wake of recent developments such as the Munich speech by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Elon Musk’s support for the far-right AfD party, and the shifting dynamics between Trump and Putin, signals the decline of traditional bipartisan politics in Western countries. This is seen as a potential reordering of international politics with significant implications for the liberal world order.

The Nature of Right-Wing Politics

• Resurgence of Neo-Nationalism: Post-World War II politics in Western Europe was dominated by a bipartisan consensus on free-market economy and American hegemony. However, neo-nationalist parties have now gained popularity, challenging the status quo.
• Contrarian Positions: These far-right groups do not adhere to a single ideology. Instead, they focus on challenging conventional political norms, with a blend of nationalist, anti-globalization, and revisionist stances.
• Discontent with Globalization: Economic inequality and rising insecurity in the wake of neoliberalism have contributed to the success of these parties, as people express frustration with the inability of traditional politics to offer solutions.

Global Political Shifts and Transatlantic Consensus

• Collapse of Transatlantic Consensus: The rise of right-wing politics is contributing to the breakdown of long-standing transatlantic agreements like NATO, as illustrated by Trump and Putin's phone call and the European panic.
• European Reaction: In response, European leaders are considering alternative security frameworks, as seen in the recent meetings between Macron, Starmer, and others, signaling a shift away from traditional U.S.-led security arrangements.
• Erosion of the Liberal International Order: This ideological shift reflects the weakening of the liberal international order, which has traditionally championed free markets and democracy, signaling an irreversible structural decline.

Future of International Politics and Global Alliances

• Lack of a Unified Right-Wing Vision: Unlike liberal or Marxist ideologies, right-wing movements lack a universal vision for global politics and focus on nationalism, which limits their ability to form cohesive, long-term international alliances.
• Tactical Alliances Over Global Solidarity: Right-wing groups may form temporary alliances based on shared interests but are fundamentally opposed to broader international cooperation, as their politics emphasizes national sovereignty.
• Emergence of Parallel Orders: The absence of a universal ethical framework for international relations could lead to a world marked by competing spheres of influence and disorder, with potential opportunities for rethinking global politics and forging new universalism.

Practice Question:

Q. Analyze the rise of neo-nationalist right-wing politics in Western countries. How do these developments signal a decline in the liberal international order and what implications might this have for global political alliances?

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has called for an all-party meeting to discuss the delimitation exercise. This comes in light of growing concerns over how population growth disparities across States could impact representation in Parliament. Delimitation has been frozen since 1973, with the 84th Constitutional Amendment setting the exercise to be based on the first Census after 2026. The delay in the Census has raised questions about the timing of the delimitation exercise.

Impact of Delimitation on Tamil Nadu’s Representation

• Concerns Over Population-based Representation: Tamil Nadu fears that a population-based delimitation could lead to a reduction in its representation in Parliament.
• Comparative Growth Rates: From 1971 to 2024, Tamil Nadu's population grew by 171%, while undivided Bihar’s grew by 233%, yet both states have similar numbers of Lok Sabha MPs.
• Disproportionate Impact on Southern States: States with lower fertility rates like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka may lose out if delimitation is carried out on a purely population-based formula.

The Federalism Issue and Delimitation

• Federal Balance at Stake: While an increase in the overall number of Lok Sabha seats could favor highly populated Northern States, the principle of federalism demands that the balance of power between states is maintained.
• Uncertainty in Southern States' Representation: Home Minister Amit Shah has stated that there will be no reduction in the proportion of seats for Southern States, but there is no clarity on how this will be implemented in the delimitation process.
• Equal Proportions and Representation: Federalism should ensure that each State maintains its rightful share of representation, taking into account regional population disparities without creating undue imbalances.

Delay in Census and the Legitimacy of Delimitation

• Concerns Over Census Delay: The delay in the 2021 Census raises suspicions that it might be used as a pretext for an earlier delimitation exercise, which could be controversial.
• Need for Expediency in Census: The government must expedite the Census process to ensure transparency and credibility in the upcoming delimitation, to avoid doubts about its motives.
• The Significance of the Census Exercise: The Census is fundamental for accurate representation in Parliament, and its delay could undermine the democratic principle of proper population representation.

Practice Question:

Q. Examine the concerns raised by Tamil Nadu regarding the proposed delimitation exercise. How does the issue of federal balance, population growth, and delay in Census affect the legitimacy of the exercise?

The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, was enacted by Parliament following a Supreme Court order in March 2023, which mandated the formation of a high-power committee for the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs). However, the composition of the selection committee has been challenged for not fully adhering to the Court's directions, raising concerns about impartiality in the process.

Background of the Law

• Supreme Court Directive: In March 2023, the Supreme Court directed that the CEC and ECs be appointed by a high-power committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition (LoP), and the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
• Government’s Response: The government responded by enacting the law, but replaced the CJI with a cabinet minister nominated by the Prime Minister in the selection committee.
• Current Status: The new law has been challenged in court, arguing that it violates the spirit of the Supreme Court's order regarding an impartial selection process.

Issues with the Composition of the Selection Committee

• Majority in Favor of the Government: The law creates a majority within the committee, with the Prime Minister and the cabinet minister likely always supporting the government’s choice, which undermines impartiality.
• Lack of Objectivity: The committee composition prevents an objective assessment of candidates, as the outcome can be predicted beforehand due to the government-backed majority.
• Nomination of Cabinet Minister: The Prime Minister nominates the cabinet minister, leading to a lack of independence in the selection committee, compromising the committee's capacity to make unbiased decisions.

Implications for the Electoral Process

• Concerns About Fairness: The law’s provisions may violate Article 14 of the Constitution by ensuring that only government-favored candidates are appointed, thus affecting fairness.
• Impact on Free and Fair Elections: The selection of the CEC and ECs is crucial to ensuring free and fair elections, a key component of the Constitution’s basic structure.
• Need for Constitutional Review: The law’s lack of fairness and objectivity in appointing election commissioners is constitutionally unsustainable and warrants judicial scrutiny.

Practice Question:

Q. Critically examine the constitutional issues surrounding the recent law on the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners. How does the composition of the selection committee affect the impartiality of the electoral process?