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6th May- Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – 6th May

Table of Contents

Silencing Academia, Weakening Democratic Space

Background

A democracy is not sustained only by elections. It also needs free speech, independent institutions, civil society, media freedom and academic freedom. Universities are expected to be spaces where students and teachers can question, debate and produce independent knowledge. When universities face political pressure, censorship or fear of punishment, the democratic space outside universities also becomes weaker.

Key Issues Highlighted

  1. Decline in academic freedom
    Reports have pointed out that academic spaces are facing restrictions through political interference, pressure on institutions, curriculum control and reduced space for dissent. This affects the ability of teachers and students to discuss sensitive social, political and historical issues freely.
  2. Democratic backsliding
    Democratic backsliding means the gradual weakening of democratic values and institutions. It may happen even when elections continue, if freedoms such as expression, association, media independence and civil society participation are reduced.
  3. Self-censorship in universities
    When academics fear punishment, trolling, legal action or institutional pressure, they may avoid critical research or discussion. This creates a culture of silence and reduces intellectual diversity.
  4. Weakening of public debate
    Universities contribute to evidence-based public discussion. If academic freedom is restricted, society loses independent voices that can question government policies, social injustice and institutional failures.
  5. Impact on constitutional values
    The issue is linked to Article 19, which protects freedom of speech and expression. It is also connected to the constitutional ideals of liberty, equality, fraternity and scientific temper.

Why Academic Freedom Matters for Democracy

Academic freedom helps in creating informed citizens. It allows scholars to question authority, examine policies and bring new ideas into public life. Without free academic spaces, democracy may become only procedural, where elections happen but meaningful debate, dissent and accountability decline.

Implications for India

  • For India, this issue is important because the country has a large youth population and universities play a major role in shaping future citizens, administrators, teachers and policymakers. If universities become spaces of fear or ideological control, it may affect innovation, critical thinking, social harmony and democratic participation.

Way Forward

    • Protect institutional autonomy of universities.
    • Ensure transparent and merit-based appointments in academic institutions.
    • Safeguard freedom of speech and academic research.
    • Encourage open debate, dissent and plural viewpoints.
    • Avoid political interference in curriculum and campus functioning.
    • Strengthen civil society, media freedom and constitutional literacy.
    • Promote scientific temper as mentioned in Article 51A(h) of the Constitution.

Bulldozer Justice - When Executive Action Challenges Rule of Law

What is Bulldozer Justice?

Bulldozer justice refers to the practice where authorities demolish the property of an accused person, often soon after an allegation or FIR, without waiting for proper investigation, trial or judicial decision.

In simple words, it means:

Accusation → Demolition → Punishment

But in a constitutional democracy, the correct process should be:

Allegation → Investigation → Trial → Judgment → Punishment

So, bulldozer justice is criticised because it allows the executive to act like the judge, which goes against the principle of separation of powers.

Constitutional Issues Involved

  1. Violation of Rule of Law

In India, punishment can be given only according to law and after a fair trial. If a house is demolished merely because a person is accused of a crime, it becomes arbitrary state action.

  1. Violation of Article 14

Article 14 guarantees equality before law and protection against arbitrary action. Selective demolitions may violate this principle.

  1. Violation of Article 21

Article 21 protects life and personal liberty. The right to shelter and dignity is also linked with Article 21. Arbitrary demolition affects not only the accused but also innocent family members.

  1. Violation of Article 300A

Article 300A says that no person shall be deprived of property except by authority of law. Therefore, even if a structure is illegal, demolition must follow legal procedure.

  1. Presumption of Innocence

An accused person is considered innocent until proven guilty. Bulldozer action punishes a person before conviction.

Supreme Court’s View

The Supreme Court held that a person’s property cannot be demolished merely because they are accused or even convicted of a crime. The Court said the executive cannot become a judge and punish people by demolishing their homes or properties. It also stated that violation of its demolition guidelines may invite contempt proceedings, prosecution, compensation and personal liability of officials

Important Supreme Court Guidelines

The Supreme Court laid down safeguards to prevent arbitrary demolitions:

  1. Minimum 15 days’ notice must be given before demolition.
  2. Notice must mention the alleged violation and reason for demolition.
  3. The affected person must get a personal hearing.
  4. A reasoned final order must be passed.
  5. Time must be given to appeal against the demolition order.
  6. Demolition should be used only when no other legal remedy is possible.
  7. Demolition proceedings should be videographed.
  8. Officials violating the guidelines may face contempt, prosecution and compensation liability.

Opponents argue that:

  • Lowering protection may expose children to abuse.
  • Adolescents remain vulnerable to coercion and exploitation.
  • Strong legal safeguards are necessary to protect minors.

Why is Bulldozer Justice Dangerous for Democracy?

  1. Weakens Due Process

Democracy is based on fair procedure. If the State punishes without trial, citizens lose faith in justice.

  1. Encourages Executive Overreach

Law enforcement agencies cannot replace courts. Bulldozer justice gives excessive power to the executive.

  1. Creates Fear Among Citizens

When homes are demolished without proper legal safeguards, it creates fear, especially among vulnerable groups.

  1. Collective Punishment

A house belongs not only to the accused but also to family members. Demolition punishes women, children and elderly persons who may have no role in the alleged offence.

  1. Damages India’s Constitutional Morality

Constitutional morality requires the State to act with fairness, restraint and respect for rights.

  1. Weakens Due Process

Democracy is based on fair procedure. If the State punishes without trial, citizens lose faith in justice.

  1. Encourages Executive Overreach

Law enforcement agencies cannot replace courts. Bulldozer justice gives excessive power to the executive.

  1. Creates Fear Among Citizens

When homes are demolished without proper legal safeguards, it creates fear, especially among vulnerable groups.

  1. Collective Punishment

A house belongs not only to the accused but also to family members. Demolition punishes women, children and elderly persons who may have no role in the alleged offence.

  1. Damages India’s Constitutional Morality

Constitutional morality requires the State to act with fairness, restraint and respect for rights.

Arguments Given in Support of Demolition Drives

  1. Some authorities argue that demolitions are carried out against illegal encroachments or unauthorised constructions, not as punishment. They also claim such actions help maintain law and order and remove unlawful structures.

    However, even in such cases, the State must follow notice, hearing, appeal and legal procedure. Illegal construction cannot be removed through illegal methods.

Way Forward

  •    Strict implementation of Supreme Court guidelines.
    • Fix personal accountability of officials for illegal demolitions.
    • Ensure compensation and rehabilitation for victims of unlawful demolition.
    • Strengthen municipal laws with transparent procedures.
    • Use technology such as digital notices, public records and video recording.
    • Sensitise police and local authorities about constitutional rights.
    • Courts must ensure speedy remedies in demolition cases.

National Honour Act - Balancing Respect for National Symbols with Constitutional Freedoms

What is the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971?

The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 is a law enacted by Parliament to protect the dignity of India’s national symbols. It extends to the whole of India and its long title is “An Act to prevent insults to national honour.” The Act mainly protects the Indian National Flag, the Constitution of India, and the National Anthem.

Key Provisions of the Act

1. Section 2 – Insult to National Flag and Constitution

Any person who burns, mutilates, defaces, defiles, destroys, tramples upon, or otherwise shows disrespect to the Indian National Flag or the Constitution of India in a public place or within public view can be punished. The punishment may extend to three years’ imprisonment, or fine, or both.

2. Section 3 – Prevention of Singing of National Anthem

A person who intentionally prevents the singing of the National Anthem or causes disturbance to an assembly engaged in singing it can be punished with imprisonment up to three years, or fine, or both.

3. Section 3A – Enhanced Penalty                     

If a person is convicted again for offences under Section 2 or Section 3, the punishment for second and subsequent offences shall include imprisonment of not less than one year.

Constitutional Linkage

Article 51A(a): Fundamental Duty

The Act is closely linked to Article 51A(a) of the Constitution, which says that every citizen has a duty to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals, institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem.

Article 19: Freedom of Speech and Expression

At the same time, the law must be applied carefully so that it does not violate freedom of speech and expression. Criticism of government policies or lawful demand for constitutional change is not the same as insulting the Constitution or national symbols.

Important Supreme Court Case

Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala, 1986

In this case, three students belonging to the Jehovah’s Witnesses community stood respectfully during the National Anthem but did not sing it due to religious belief. The Supreme Court held that merely not singing the anthem, while standing respectfully and not disturbing others, did not amount to an offence. The Court protected their rights under Article 25 and clarified that respect cannot be forced through compulsion

UDGAM Portal - Digital Governance for Tracing Unclaimed Bank Deposits

What is UDGAM Portal?

  • UDGAM stands for Unclaimed Deposits — Gateway to Access inforMation. It is an online portal developed by the RBI to help people search for unclaimed deposits/accounts across multiple banks at one place. It was developed in collaboration with Reserve Bank Information Technology Pvt. Ltd. (ReBIT), Indian Financial Technology & Allied Services (IFTAS) and selected banks.

    In simple words, if a person or legal heir is unsure whether money is lying unclaimed in any bank account or deposit, the portal helps them search such deposits through a centralised platform.

What are Unclaimed Deposits?

According to RBI, unclaimed deposits are amounts lying in savings or current accounts that have not been operated for 10 years, or fixed deposits that have not been claimed within 10 years from maturity. Such amounts are transferred by banks to the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund (DEA/DEAF) maintained by the RBI.

Key Features of UDGAM Portal

  1. Centralised search facility
    It allows registered users to search unclaimed deposits across multiple banks from one place.
  2. Coverage of 30 banks
    At present, 30 banks are part of the portal, covering around 90% of unclaimed deposits in value terms.
  3. Useful for legal heirs
    The portal helps legal heirs trace funds of deceased account holders, especially when families are unaware of old accounts or deposits.
  4. Search only, not settlement
    UDGAM helps users identify unclaimed deposits, but it does not directly settle claims. For claiming the money, the user has to approach the respective bank and complete the bank’s claim process.

Unclaimed Deposit Reference Number (UDRN)
After a successful search, a unique UDRN is generated. It helps protect privacy because the account holder or branch details are not directly exposed to third parties. It also helps banks process claims more smoothly.

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