Author: Dr Sangeetha Bandlamudi

In India’s parliamentary democracy, the state legislature plays a vital role in governance and policy formulation at the subnational level. The Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) is the directly elected chamber of the state legislature and is composed of representatives of the people — known as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). The Constitution of India, while ensuring universal adult suffrage, also lays down specific qualifications and disqualifications for legislative membership. This framework preserves the sanctity of the democratic process by ensuring that only individuals with loyalty to the nation, integrity of character, and capacity for public responsibility can become legislators.…

Lok Adalats, literally meaning “People’s Courts”, are a unique innovation within India’s justice delivery framework. They represent a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) designed to provide speedy, accessible, and cost-effective justice to the masses. Rooted in the spirit of community justice, Lok Adalats draw inspiration from India’s traditional systems of village panchayats, where disputes were often settled amicably outside the rigidities of formal courts. The constitutional foundation of Lok Adalats lies in Article 39A of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), which mandates the State to promote justice on the basis of equal opportunity and ensure free legal…

The Kesavananda Bharati case is universally regarded as a watershed moment in Indian constitutional law. Decided by a 13-judge bench—the largest in the history of the Supreme Court of India—it established the Basic Structure Doctrine, which limits Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution. The case arose against the backdrop of growing tensions between parliamentary supremacy and judicial review, following judgments such as Golaknath (1967) which had restricted Parliament’s power to amend Fundamental Rights. Kesavananda Bharati clarified the balance between constitutional flexibility and permanence, ensuring the Constitution remained a living document without sacrificing its core principles. Historical Background Land Reforms: Kerala’s…

Freedom of speech and expression is widely regarded as the cornerstone of democratic governance and a fundamental aspect of individual liberty. It empowers citizens to express their thoughts, ideas, and opinions freely, which is essential for both personal development and the effective functioning of democracy. In India, this right is constitutionally guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a), which provides that all citizens shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression. This right is not merely about verbal expression; it encompasses writing, printing, broadcasting, and other modes of communication. It enables individuals to question authority, criticize government policies, and participate meaningfully…

Why Knowing Matters? In a democracy, people are not just voters — they are the real owners of the government. Every policy, every scheme, and every rupee spent from the public fund is ultimately meant to serve the people. But what happens when citizens are kept in the dark? What if they don’t know how government decisions are made, who took them, or how public money is being used? This lack of access to information can breed silence, fear, injustice, and even exploitation. When people are unaware of their rights, they cannot ask for what is due to them. When…

Artificial Intelligence and Constitutional Rights in India Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing governance, industry, and personal life across the globe. In India, AI is used in fields as diverse as policing, biometric authentication (Aadhaar), health diagnostics, education, agriculture, and digital platforms. Its capacity to analyze massive datasets, automate complex tasks, and enhance decision-making is unparalleled. However, these benefits are accompanied by significant risks to fundamental rights, particularly those enshrined in Part III of the Constitution of India. These include the right to privacy, equality, freedom of expression, and protection of life and liberty. While India aspires to become a global…

Importance of Judiciary in a Democracy The judiciary holds a central position in the democratic framework of India, acting as both the guardian of the Constitution and the protector of individual liberties. Its role is not merely to adjudicate disputes but to uphold the values of justice, equality, and rule of law that are enshrined in the Constitution. The judiciary serves as a bulwark against the arbitrary exercise of power by the executive and the legislature, ensuring that all actions conform to constitutional mandates. In a country as diverse and complex as India, with multiple religions, languages, and social strata,…

India, a civilization with millennia of history, is a nation marked by extraordinary cultural, linguistic, ethnic, and religious diversity. Home to over 1.4 billion people speaking more than 22 officially recognized languages and practicing multiple faiths, India stands as the world’s largest democracy. Amidst this vast heterogeneity, the Indian Constitution has played a pivotal role in ensuring national unity and institutional strength.¹ The Constitution of India, which came into force on 26 January 1950, represents not only a legal document but a moral and philosophical guide to governance. It enshrines a vision of “Unity in Diversity,” offering a framework through…

Understanding Cyber Laws and Social Media In the digital era, the fusion of communication technology and global interconnectivity has birthed a new public sphere—social media. Platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube have enabled real-time interaction, cross-border communication, and content sharing. While these platforms promote expression and democratic engagement, they also raise complex legal challenges, particularly concerning misinformation, hate speech, defamation, and privacy violations. To address these issues, India enacted the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act), marking the country’s entry into cyberspace governance[1]. The Act aims to provide a legal framework for electronic governance and curb digital…