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The issue that the intelligentsia in the north are currently grappling with is the issue of whether or not to support the advent of a common Tamil candidate for the forthcoming presidential election. The proponents of the move are aware that a Tamil candidate put forward seeking the votes of the Tamil people in the north and east where the Tamil speaking people are an overwhelming majority, will not be able to win the presidential election. What they hope to achieve by this exercise is to send a message to the national polity and especially to the international community that the Tamil people have not given up on their aspiration for a political solution based on federal principles. The presence of a Tamil common candidate would mean that the Tamil voter in the north and east would lose the option of voting for one of the three candidates who will become the next president of the country. The elected president will be most empowered to work for the welfare and upliftment of the people and be additionally motivated to do so by the fact that the electorate in the north and east trusted and voted for him. An alternative option to consider in this context would be for the Tamil civil society to lobby with each of the three main presidential candidates and ensure that their priorities are included in the election manifestos of the candidates. This needs to be accompanied by a pledge by each of the candidates that they will give cross-party support for the implementation of those priorities whoever wins the elections. https://lnkd.in/gYeZ_rDV

Are We Ensuring Democratic Accountability? As a law student observing the recent Haryana Vidhan Sabha elections, it’s hard not to wonder: are we witnessing a subtle shift towards authoritarianism in India’s political landscape? The growing centralization of power raises constitutional questions. Is the increasing dominance of the central government eroding the federal structure that our Constitution so carefully crafted? Should we, as future legal professionals, be concerned about its impact on state autonomy and the checks and balances that safeguard it? Equally concerning is the potential weakening of democratic institutions. Can we truly say the judiciary, Election Commission, and media remain independent amidst allegations of interference? These are institutions responsible for upholding the rule of law and fairness. What happens to the principles of natural justice if they are compromised? As law students, we must reflect on the critical need to protect their impartiality. The use of polarizing tactics in political campaigns, particularly along religious or communal lines, further complicates the issue. Are such strategies undermining Article 14’s guarantee of equality? How do we balance the need for political strategy with our constitutional obligation to maintain social harmony? Moreover, the suppression of dissent threatens fundamental rights. If laws like sedition are being used to silence free speech, what does that mean for our democratic values? As future lawyers, we must ask whether stifling opposition weakens democratic discourse. Lastly, questions about electoral integrity—voter suppression and EVM reliability—challenge the principle of free and fair elections. How do we ensure transparency and accountability in the process? What legal safeguards can be introduced to rebuild public trust? As law students, it’s essential to emphasize that these concerns are not directed at any party but are part of our responsibility to advocate for accountability and uphold democratic principles. Image courtesy: India.com #Indiandemocracy #Haryanaelections

Image Source : BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut. The fourth phase of voting for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 is taking place on 13 May 2024. In this phase, voting is taking place on a total of 96 seats in different states. However, just before voting, BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut from Mandi Lok Sabha seat of Himachal Pradesh has again given such a statement which may raise controversy. While addressing a rally in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, Kangana said that in the true sense, we have got independence in 2014, we have got freedom. Let us know the whole matter. <!-- /8323530/Khabar_Desktop_VDO_1X1 --> What did Kangana say? Addressing a public meeting in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut said that our ancestors saw the slavery of the Mughals, then the slavery of the British and then the misrule of the Congress, but in the true sense, we got freedom in 2014, we got freedom. Has been found. Freedom of thinking, freedom of Sanatan, freedom to create one’s own religion, freedom to make this country a Hindu nation. Congress cartoon wants to grow potatoes on the moon BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut, while addressing a public rally in Bajaura in the state, said that Congress’s cartoon wants to grow potatoes on the moon. He said that he sits in the lap of the Prime Minister. When he is told that this is a temple of democracy and this kind of behavior is not appropriate here, he leaves. Who can forget his childish actions? When are the elections in Himachal? There are total 4 Lok Sabha seats in Himachal Pradesh. Voting will be held simultaneously on all these seats in the 7th and last phase of Lok Sabha elections on June 1. After this, the results of these seats along with all the seats in the country will be released on June 4. Congress has made Vikramaditya Singh its candidate against Kangana from Mandi seat. Latest India News function loadFacebookScript(){ !function (f, b, e, v, n, t, s) { if (f.fbq) return; n = f.fbq = function () { n.callMethod ? n.callMethod.apply(n, arguments) : n.queue.push(arguments); }; if (!f._fbq) f._fbq = n; n.push = n; n.loaded = !0; n.version = '2.0'; n.queue = []; t = b.createElement(e); t.async = !0; t.src = v; s = b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t, s); }(window, document, 'script', '//https://lnkd.in/dNCd7S6K'); fbq('init', '1684841475119151'); fbq('track', "PageView"); } window.addEventListener('load', (event) => { setTimeout(function(){ loadFacebookScript(); }, 7000); });

The Supreme Court of Pakistan's recent judgment addresses the allocation of reserved seats for women and minorities in the National and Provincial Assemblies. The Court has set aside the judgment of the High Court and declared the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) order of March 1, 2024, as unconstitutional and without legal authority. Key points of the judgment include: 1)Invalidation of ECP Orders: The notifications declaring candidates for reserved seats as per the ECP's previous decisions are quashed, and the ECP is directed to re-evaluate these allocations within seven days. 2)High Court Judgment Partially Set Aside: The impugned judgment from March 25, 2024, by the High Court was set aside to the extent it conflicted with this Supreme Court order. 3)Reserved Seats Reevaluation: The ECP is directed to reassess the allocation of reserved seats for women and non-Muslims within seven days, ensuring compliance with the constitutional provisions and hearing the concerned parties. 4)Political Party Rights: The judgment affirms that the denial of an election symbol does not affect a political party's rights to participate in elections and field candidates. 5)Filling Reserved Seats: All reserved seats must be filled according to the constitutional mandate. 6)Effective Date: The new rules and guidelines set forth in the judgment will be effective immediately. Judges' Opinions: In Favor: Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Munib Akhtar, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Ayesha A. Malik, Athar Minallah, Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Shahid Waheed, Irfan Saadat Khan. Not in Favor: Yahya Afridi, Amin-ud-Din Khan, Naeem Akhtar Afghan #SupremeCourt #PakistanJudiciary #Election2024 #ReservedSeats #WomenInPolitics #MinorityRights #PTI #ConstitutionalRights #PTI #Primeminister #PMLN #PPPP #PakistanJudiciary #ElectionCommission #ReservedSeats #WomenRights #MinorityRights #PoliticalParties #PTI #LegalJudgment #ConstitutionalLaw #PakistanPolitics #CourtRuling #JusticeSystem #ElectionLaw #HighCourt #SCJudgment #Friday

First time voter, launched! Since the election dates were announced, the first time voter in our family, my son Parimal, got highly enthusiastic. Right from registering on the voter's service portal of ECI the young chap treaded through the process and ensured his voting right. Started reading political news analysis and watched views on YouTube. Our discussions on the breakfast and dinner time were only around the Indian political system and the present day political environment. He made it clear, "let me have the freedom to own my decision." Our discussions gave me an opportunity to share my own experiences with him: # My stint in politics ( twice lost and once won) during graduation & PG that developed my understanding of political parties and politics from close quarters. # Extensive study of political systems and constitutions all around the world during my masters in Public Administration and study of Indian adminstration during preparation for the civil services exam. Attending the Parliamentary Course as a student, gaining first-hand insights of the proceedings of a running assembly. # Above all, belonging to a highly socially-active family where every day discussions are enlightening and, # having friends & acquaintances of different political ideologies. With months of deliberations, debates and course-correction, the first time voter is launched and discharged his duty as a responsible voter. I am sure his preparation yields the right results and establishes his faith in the democratic system! #Democracy #Voting #Responsiblecitizen

First time in the history of Pakistan where young youth have cast their vote to separate the religious culprits from politics to focus on religious affairs and promote morality and pluralism in society. The surprisingly dismal performance of Pakistan’s Islamist parties in the recently held elections has prompted introspection among the likes of JUI-F and JI regarding their political future. Why did these parties fail to capture the attention of voters? And is the TLP a far stronger political force than many realise? https://lnkd.in/gp6GmAhd

*Restoring Dignity: Supreme Court Petition Seeks Jammu & Kashmir's Statehood Revival* By virtue of Article 370, the State of Jammu & Kashmir was granted special status which allowed the state to have its constitution, a state flag, and control over internal administration, except in matters of defense, foreign affairs, finance, and communications. In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government revoked the Indian constitution's Article 370, which had given the region substantial autonomy. The state of more than 12 million people was also split into two federally administered territories and the court added that the government should hold elections in the region by September 2024. The application, filed as a Miscellaneous Application in the disposed matter “In Re: Article 370 of the Constitution,” pertains to the Supreme Court’s prior upholding of the abrogation of Jammu & Kashmir’s special status. In that ruling, the Court did not consider the constitutionality of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act 2019, which transformed J&K into a Union Territory. The five-judge bench also ordered that the region should be restored as a state “at the earliest” without any given timeline for the same. Now, with the elections approaching and a controversial divide in opinions over Jammu & Kashmir’s special status, a stir was caused in the state leading to the matter being resurfaced and brought back to the court. On the 7th October, 2024 a plea was raised in the Supreme Court by a college teacher Zahoor Ahmed Bhat and activist Khurshaid Ahmad Malik. This plea seeks to reinstate Jammu & Kashmir's statehood on priority since the Union Territory's assembly election results would be meaningless without this. The plea filed by Advocate Soayib Quresi contends that the notion of federalism—which is a fundamental component of the Indian Constitution would be violated if the Legislative Assembly were to be established prior to the reinstatement of statehood, further resulting in a grave loss for the citizens of the valley. The petitioners also highlighted that the recent peaceful conduct of the Assembly elections indicates no obstacles in the case of restoring statehood. As mentioned by the petitioners, Jammu & Kashmir has always had a federal relationship with the union, therefore it is imperative to restore the status of statehood. By doing so, Jammu & Kashmir would be able to gain back their autonomy and individual identity along with participating and playing an important part in the nation’s overall development. 

The Supreme Court of Pakistan's recent judgment addresses the allocation of reserved seats for women and minorities in the National and Provincial Assemblies. The Court has set aside the judgment of the High Court and declared the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) order of March 1, 2024, as unconstitutional and without legal authority. Key points of the judgment include: 1)Invalidation of ECP Orders: The notifications declaring candidates for reserved seats as per the ECP's previous decisions are quashed, and the ECP is directed to re-evaluate these allocations within seven days. 2)High Court Judgment Partially Set Aside: The impugned judgment from March 25, 2024, by the High Court was set aside to the extent it conflicted with this Supreme Court order. 3)Reserved Seats Reevaluation: The ECP is directed to reassess the allocation of reserved seats for women and non-Muslims within seven days, ensuring compliance with the constitutional provisions and hearing the concerned parties. 4)Political Party Rights: The judgment affirms that the denial of an election symbol does not affect a political party's rights to participate in elections and field candidates. 5)Filling Reserved Seats: All reserved seats must be filled according to the constitutional mandate. 6)Effective Date: The new rules and guidelines set forth in the judgment will be effective immediately. Judges' Opinions: In Favor: Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Munib Akhtar, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Ayesha A. Malik, Athar Minallah, Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Shahid Waheed, Irfan Saadat Khan. Not in Favor: Yahya Afridi, Amin-ud-Din Khan, Naeem Akhtar Afghan #SupremeCourt #PakistanJudiciary #Election2024 #ReservedSeats #WomenInPolitics #MinorityRights #PTI #ConstitutionalRights #PTI #Primeminister #PMLN #PPPP #PakistanJudiciary #ElectionCommission #ReservedSeats #WomenRights #MinorityRights #PoliticalParties #PTI #LegalJudgment #ConstitutionalLaw #PakistanPolitics #CourtRuling #JusticeSystem #ElectionLaw #HighCourt #SCJudgment #Friday

#SahaInstitutions | As we celebrate National Voter's Day, let's honour the journey that has shaped democratic India. Elections are not new to India. There are numerous mentions of republican forms of governments in Buddhist literature as well as in the Greek accounts which described some states as 'pure democracies'. Apart from the evolution of the democratic form of government in sovereign states in ancient India, the country also developed a system of autonomous and almost self-sufficient village communities, which later came to be known as village panchayats. However, from the early 20th century to the Government of India Act 1935, elections in India underwent significant evolution, adopting the modern form where registered electors express their choice through ballot papers and boxes reflecting the struggle for representation and the push for constitutional reforms. The British Parliament's governance post-1858 laid the foundation, leading to legislative bodies established by the Indian Councils Acts of 1861 and 1892. The Indian Councils Act 1901 introduced an elective element for natives, setting the stage for subsequent reforms. The Government of India Act 1915, later amended in 1919 as Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, brought in bicameral legislative bodies. Despite improvements, reserved seats for specific communities led to discontent, sparking discussions, including the all-party conference advocating for a constitution similar to other British dominions. The Government of India Act 1935, despite public rejection, envisioned a federal structure with a bicameral legislature. However, the federal scheme never materialized, and transitory provisions maintained the 1919 Act's setup until the proposed federation's establishment. The journey to inclusive democracy faced challenges, with limited franchise eligibility based on qualifications like property ownership, tax payment, and educational status. Despite hurdles, India's commitment to democratic principles remained resilient. Image: Voting in 1952/Wikimedia Commons Read the excerpt reproduced from V.S. Rama Devi and S.K. Mendiratta's book How India Votes: Election Laws, Practice and Procedure (LexisNexis, 2007) to know more: https://lnkd.in/dZUTWpzy #NationalVotersDay #Democracy #Elections #ElectoralEvolution #Voter #Constitution #India

With the #GeneralElections2024 now long over, India should ideally be embarking on two critical tasks - first, the population census, and second, delimitation of India’s electoral constituencies. #Delimitation and subsequent reapportionment of seats in Parliament is expected to follow every decennial #census to account for population changes. However, there has been a constitutionally-imposed freeze on the reapportionment of seats in the Lok Sabha since the 1970s. ❗ This means that the current allocation of seats to states in the #LokSabha is based on population figures from more than 4 decades ago ❗ The freeze is expected to be lifted in 2026, which means that the time to ask critical questions about delimitation and apportionment of seats is now. Vidhi’s new #research report decodes the principle of #PoliticalEquality, explores the contours of Indian federalism, and proposes #reform alternatives and approaches for the upcoming apportionment of seats in Parliament. Read the report here ⤵ https://lnkd.in/dKUfiKgM Lalit Panda Ritwika Sharma Mayuri Gupta