Imagined righteousness: on conduct on social media  

In urging the Union government to work on guidelines to regulate speech on social media, the Supreme Court of India is seeking to empower an executive that is already weaponising the legal limits on freedom of expression. In response to a petition by a non-profit assailing derogatory remarks by online figures against disabled persons, the … Read more

Letters to The Editor — August 27, 2025

Court on insensitivity The Supreme Court of India’s direction to the government to form guidelines to regulate conduct on social media is humanity based (Front page, August 26). When millions of people are suffering from all sorts of problems, providing them with more facilities and encouraging them is always good. An Arab proverb listed in … Read more

The gender angle to India’s economic vulnerabilities

India’s economic ascent, which is now valued at $4.19 trillion, has earned it a firm place in the global growth story. The country is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy. Yet, this momentum now faces a formidable disruption — the proposed 50% tariffs by the United States President Donald Trump on Indian exports. Targeting … Read more

​Not truly open: on tennis and the US Open

Sport is at its best when there is a clearly established pecking order and intense competition between the hierarchical rungs. The presence of a dominant and diverse set at the top, followed by a capable and efficient mid-card, and an under-card that can upset the apple cart makes for engaging viewing. However, in recent times, … Read more

Before legislation becomes litigation – The Hindu

The intent and mandate of the Constituent Assembly was clear: Parliament has the power to make laws, but no law can be a derogation from the Constitution. | Photo Credit: The Hindu Photo Archives The framers of the Indian Constitution faced the formidable challenge of defining constitutional democracy. Absolute parliamentary sovereignty, where Parliament is free … Read more

A promise that is hard to keep

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who spearheaded reforms in the power sector 25 years ago, has been repeatedly invoking this legacy since his dramatic comeback in the 2024 Assembly elections. Mr. Naidu claims he has asked power utilities not to raise tariffs to avoid burdening consumers. However, the Left parties have disputed this … Read more

Letters to The Editor — August 26, 2025

A new Bill The 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill directly challenges the rule of law and is arbitrary while undermining the basic structure of the Constitution. In a country where judicial processes take years to settle, losing public office in a period of 30 days on mere accusations and placing even the highest office of Prime … Read more

​Beyond debate: On debate and India’s democracy

Addressing the two-day All India Speakers’ Conference in New Delhi on August 24, 2025, Union Home Minister Shah called attention to the frequent disruptions that have paralysed deliberations in Assemblies and Parliament. His point that “debate must take place in a democracy” is beyond any debate. But when one goes beyond the truism, a picture … Read more

Census should reveal the correct number of people with disabilities

After a protracted postponement, the Union government on June 25 finally announced the next Census, averting the ignominious labelling of the missed Census 2021 as the “leap decade of Census”. Census 2027, which will be India’s first digital Census, offers a chance for the government to reiterate its commitment to its professed policy to “leave … Read more