National

Polity, Judiciary & Constitutional Law

• Supreme Court Split Verdict on CEC/EC Selection Panel (2023 Act):
  • Split Decision: A two-judge Supreme Court Bench delivered a split verdict regarding whether challenges to the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023 should be referred to a Constitution Bench.
  • Judicial Observations:
    • Justice Dipankar Datta observed that replacing the Chief Justice of India (CJI) with a Union Cabinet Minister on the PM-led 3-member selection panel prima facie grants an effective veto to the Executive and fails the “perception test” regarding institutional independence. However, he found reference to a Constitution Bench unnecessary.
    • Justice Satish Chandra Sharma held that the matter must be referred to a 5-judge Constitution Bench under Article 145(3) of the Constitution as it involves substantial questions of law regarding the Basic Structure.

20th Asian Games — Aichi-Nagoya, Japan

• Mirabai Chanu’s Historic Asian Games Silver:
  • Achievement: Star weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won her first-ever Asian Games medal, securing the Silver medal in the Women’s 49kg category.