Author: Chandrani Chakraborty

Introduction In the age of pervasive digitization, where personal data circulates across multiple platforms and devices, the boundaries between public authority and private life are being constantly renegotiated. The proposed Income Tax Bill, 2025, set to replace the archaic Income-tax Act of 1961 and to come into force from April 1, 2026, is a landmark development in India’s fiscal legislation.1 Touted as a simplification measure aimed at improving compliance, curbing litigation, and aligning tax governance with modern technological realities, the Bill encapsulates the government’s ambition to modernize its tax architecture. However, embedded within this progressive shift is a provision that…

The Sacred Amarnath Cave and the Melting Ice Lingam The sacred Amarnath cave, nestled in the Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir, holds profound spiritual significance for Hindus across India. Within this cave, a naturally occurring ice formation of the Shiva lingam known as “Baba Barfani” is revered as a divine manifestation of Lord Shiva. Traditionally, the lingam forms naturally every year during the summer months and draws lakhs of devotees during the Amarnath Yatra. However, in recent years, alarming changes have been observed. The ice lingam has begun melting prematurely—sometimes even before the pilgrimage begins—raising serious concerns about the impact…

Introduction The Indian Constitution, as a living document, intricately outlines the structure, powers, and functioning of the various organs of the state. Among its many provisions, Article 66 pertains to the election of the Vice President of India, the second-highest constitutional office in the country. While the President is considered the ceremonial head of the state, the Vice President plays a significant role in the parliamentary framework, especially as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). Article 66 lays down the procedure for electing this high constitutional functionary, reflecting the democratic ethos and federal balance enshrined in…

Judicial Impeachment: The Case of Justice Yashwant Varma Introduction The Indian judiciary, long seen as the guardian of constitutional values and democratic resilience, now finds itself in an introspective moment. The impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma, a judge of the Allahabad High Court and former Delhi High Court judge, is the most serious challenge yet to the tacit norms that govern judicial conduct and accountability1. While India has seen previous attempts at judicial impeachment, none has ever succeeded2. The present case, however, backed by over 200 Members of Parliament, sets the stage for a potentially historic outcome3. The Incident…

Introduction In the ongoing struggle to balance ecological preservation with human development, the role of the judiciary often becomes a pivotal point of intervention. The Supreme Court of India’s landmark ruling in In Re: T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India (2022), mandating a minimum one-kilometre Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around all protected forest areas, was initially celebrated as a progressive leap in conservation jurisprudence¹. However, the decision soon met with considerable resistance from states, local communities, and development bodies. In 2025, the Supreme Court will reconsider and amend its previous order in a more nuanced manner, marking a critical turning…