In a significant legal development, a special Mahila Court in Coimbatore has sentenced nine men to life imprisonment for their involvement in a series of sexual assaults and blackmailing incidents that occurred between 2016 and 2018 in the Pollachi area of Tamil Nadu. The men were found guilty of heinous crimes including criminal conspiracy, sexual harassment, rape, and gang rape, marking a major victory for the survivors.

Key Details and Timeline:

• Background: The case emerged in February 2019 when a college girl reported being sexually assaulted in a car. She was the first of several victims to come forward against a group of young men accused of luring and assaulting women.
• Discovery of Evidence: Police investigations revealed shocking footage of various sexual assaults stored on the accused's devices, indicating many more victims than initially reported. This discovery led to a broader investigation and a subsequent intervention from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): Following public outcry and pressure from the government, the CBI took over the case in April 2019, eventually arresting the accused who were found complicit in orchestrating these crimes.

Court Rulings:

• Verdict: On May 13, 2025, all nine accused were sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, underscoring the severity of their actions. This verdict was celebrated as a crucial win for the survivors seeking justice.
• Compensation: The court ordered the Tamil Nadu government to grant ₹85 lakh as compensation to seven of the eight survivors, ensuring financial support for the victims.

Investigation Challenges:

• Survivor Identification: The investigation faced significant hurdles, including a backlash against authorities for disclosing the identity of the first complainant, which discouraged other potential survivors from coming forth.
• Witness Protection: Special measures were put in place during the trial to protect the identities of survivors, including creating a private court environment and adhering to the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018. This was crucial in enabling survivors to testify without fear of retribution.

Political Implications:

• The case sparked political controversy since one of the accused was affiliated with the AIADMK political party. Their involvement raised questions regarding the potential influence of political connections in the case.

Conclusion:

The Pollachi sexual assault case stands as a grim reminder of the systemic problems surrounding sexual violence against women in India. The judicial outcome signals a pivotal move towards justice, though it also highlights the ongoing challenges in handling similar cases effectively, particularly concerning the safety and confidentiality of survivors.

Important Points:

• Nine men sentenced to life imprisonment for sexual assault; their crimes occurred from 2016 to 2018.
• Victims primarily from middle and lower socio-economic backgrounds.
• First survivor’s complaint triggered a long investigation leading to the CBI's involvement.
• CBI discovered extensive video evidence of additional assaults from the accused’s devices.
• Special court measures were enacted to protect the identities of survivors during the trial.
• The Tamil Nadu government ordered to pay ₹85 lakh in compensation to the victims.
• The case highlighted political controversy and challenges in addressing sexual violence in India.

Summary of News Articles

On May 15, 2025, several significant events took place across India and in international contexts, highlighting political, environmental, and security issues.

Supreme Court Rulings and Environmental Concerns:

• The Supreme Court presented the State of Telangana with an ultimatum regarding the Kancha Gachibowli forest, which was damaged for an IT infrastructure project. The state must either restore the deforested area or risk the imprisonment of its Chief Secretary and several officials.
• The air quality in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) deteriorated to "poor" levels due to dust storms, causing safety and health concerns.

Political Developments:

• In a significant political move, former BJP leader and Union Minister John Barla joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC), citing his frustration with the BJP's support for tribal communities and his exclusion from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
• Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was obstructed by local police while attempting to engage with students from marginalized communities in Darbhanga but continued to the venue on foot.
• Distant discontent surfaced within the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, as MP K. Sudhakaran publicly criticized the All India Congress Committee for his removal from a key position.

Security Issues and International Politics:

• Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh raised concerns during a visit to Jammu and Kashmir regarding the security of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, advocating for its oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
• The formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by DGP Maharashtra to investigate the custodial death of Akshay Shinde, linked to a school sexual assault case, was confirmed.

Business and Economic News:

• In a business-related comment, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Apple CEO Tim Cook to increase production in the U.S. instead of expanding manufacturing in India. This statement was made during a business roundtable in Qatar amidst discussions about regional manufacturing plants.
• Remsons Industries Ltd announced a substantial business win, securing an order worth approximately ₹300 crore (USD 35 million) from Stellantis North America, marking a significant achievement for the company.

Legal Proceedings and Legislative Discussions:

• The Supreme Court allocated a full day on May 20 to deliberate on an interim order concerning the Waqf (Amendment) Act of 2025, indicating the importance of this legislative matter.
• Disappointing statements from Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, who made derogatory remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, prompted scrutiny from the Supreme Court regarding his professionalism and accountability.

Key Points:

• Supreme Court Ultimatum: Telangana must restore deforested Kancha Gachibowli forest or face possible imprisonment for officials.
• Poor Air Quality: Delhi-NCR recorded "poor" air quality levels due to dust storms impacting health and safety.
• Political Shift: John Barla from the BJP joined TMC, expressing dissatisfaction with party leadership.
• Youth Engagement: Rahul Gandhi overcame police blockage to engage with students from marginalized communities.
• Congress Dissent: K. Sudhakaran criticized the removal from KPCC leadership, signaling internal party unrest.
• Defence Concerns: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for international oversight of Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities.
• SIT Formation: Maharashtra's police announced an SIT to investigate a custodial death, responding to Supreme Court directives.
• Trump's Manufacturing Comments: President Trump urged Apple to focus production in the U.S., stressing economic strategy.
• Remsons' Business Milestone: The company secured a major contract from Stellantis, its largest to date.
• Legislative Review: Supreme Court to hear arguments on the Waqf Amendment Act scheduled for May 20.
• Ministerial Accountability: The Supreme Court expressed concerns over derogatory remarks from Madhya Pradesh Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah.

In May 2025, the Office of the Registrar General of India (ORGI) released key reports concerning India's demographic statistics for 2021, nearly four years later than expected. These reports include the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Bulletin, Civil Registration System (CRS) Vital Statistics, and the Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD) Annual Report. They shed light on India's essential demographic data, which is pivotal for effective social planning and health policy-making. However, this article emphasizes the need for a more modernized and comprehensive data collection infrastructure for real-time governance.

Key Insights:

• The release of demographic reports from ORGI aims to aid policymakers and analysts in understanding India's vital statistics, including metrics on births, deaths, and health indicators.
• Vital statistics are crucial for social planning, health policy, and welfare distribution as they underpin national development indicators.
• The importance of record-keeping dates back to colonial India, where the British utilized systematic data collection for governance, tax, and resource management.
• India’s current demographic data system includes the decennial census (last conducted in 2011) and supplementary systems such as SRS and CRS, which are insufficient for timely policy actions.
• The SRS operates as a sample-based system, collecting demographic information and vital events from a limited population size of approximately 8.4 million people, which is only 0.6% of India's total population.
• Though the SRS provides annual estimates of mortality and fertility rates, it is fraught with limitations and methodological challenges, primarily due to its sample-based nature.
• The CRS, on the other hand, records actual birth and death events across India and plays a significant role in legal documentation and population projections, though it faces challenges in the coverage of medically certified causes of death.
• The MCCD, which documents causes of death, is underutilized, with only 23% of deaths in 2021 being medically certified, tying back to issues in health data accuracy and tracking mortality trends.
• In addition to SRS and CRS, National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) contribute valuable health and socio-economic data but cannot support administrative needs due to their sample survey approach.
• The article calls for the establishment of a Continuous Population Registry (CPR) to create a real-time digital database for recording vital events, arguing that current systems are not robust enough to handle the demands of contemporary governance and policymaking.

Summary Bullet Points:

• ORGI's release of 2021 demographic reports highlights India's pressing need for reliable vital statistics.
• Vital statistics inform health policy, social planning, and national development indicators.
• British colonial record-keeping has influenced India's current data infrastructure.
• Current systems (census, SRS, CRS) inadequately serve dynamic policy needs.
• SRS provides estimates of fertility and mortality based on a limited sample.
• CRS records actual births and deaths; crucial for legal documentation and social services.
• MCCD’s low certification rate hampers accurate health tracking and intervention planning.
• NFHS provides essential health insights but lacks administrative utility.
• A Continuous Population Registry is needed for modern, effective governance and policy-making.

The article emphasizes the importance of improving data systems for comprehensive governance and effective public health strategies in India.

The ongoing survey of Scheduled Castes in Karnataka is revealing significant issues faced by economically disadvantaged nomadic and semi-nomadic communities. These groups often lack crucial identity documentation such as Aadhaar, Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards, or Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC), which are vital for accessing economic and educational benefits that could aid in their upliftment. The survey aims to ascertain the internal reservation needs of these communities, which are part of the broader Scheduled Castes (SC) group that receives a 17% reservation in the state.

Key observations from the survey include:

• Lack of Documentation: Many families from nomadic tribes do not possess any identification documents due to their migratory lifestyle. This lack of documentation has been exacerbated by situations such as premature parental deaths, leaving children without necessary papers.

• Specific Communities Affected: In Karnataka, there are 51 nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes classified under Scheduled Castes, alongside 23 and 47 respective communities in Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Backward Classes (BC). The survey pinpointed particularly vulnerable families in districts including Tumakuru, Raichur, Kalaburagi, and Mysuru.

• Challenges in Identity Verification: Enumerators reported specific cases, such as a boy from the Sudugadu Sidda community who was unable to enroll for Aadhaar due to the lack of address proof, as his school transfer certificate was not accepted after he turned 18.

• Strategic Response from the Commission: The commission, led by retired Judge H.N. Nagmohan Das, has decided to create a separate enumeration process for families lacking documentation during a camp that runs from May 26 to May 28. Efforts are being made to ensure these communities are aware of the camps and can participate in the survey.

• Aadhaar Enrollment Opportunities: R. Yathish, Director of the Electronic Delivery of Citizen Services in Karnataka, mentioned that individuals without documents can still enroll for Aadhaar and participate in the survey. If at least one family member has any form of documentation, they can proceed with the enrollment.

• Government’s Broader Strategy: The ongoing survey seeks to document the socio-economic and educational status of around 186 SC communities, aiming to enumerate approximately 25.72 lakh Scheduled Castes households. So far, over 20 lakh families have been accounted for under this initiative.

This survey not only aims to tackle existing documentation issues but also seeks to establish a clearer picture of the challenges faced by nomadic and semi-nomadic communities in the state, ultimately influencing the reservation policies that cater to their needs.

Important Sentences:

• The survey of Scheduled Castes in Karnataka is uncovering significant documentation issues among economically deprived nomadic and semi-nomadic communities.
• Many families lack crucial identification documents due to their migratory lifestyle, compounded by circumstances like parental deaths.
• There are 51 nomadic tribes classified under Scheduled Castes in Karnataka, alongside respective communities under Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes.
• Some families have been identified in districts such as Tumakuru, Raichur, Kalaburagi, and Mysuru who lack any form of documentation.
• The commission has decided to conduct a separate enumeration process for undocumented families during the upcoming camp.
• Aadhaar enrollment opportunities are being made available even for those without documents, allowing participation in the survey.
• The survey aims to document socio-economic and educational statuses of around 186 SC communities, with over 20 lakh families already enumerated.

President Droupadi Murmu has made an unprecedented move by seeking the Supreme Court’s opinion on the extent of judicial powers regarding the imposition of timelines and procedures that Governors and the President must follow when dealing with State Bills. This inquiry arises from a Supreme Court decision dated April 8, 2025, which held a Governor's delays in approving 10 re-passed Bills to be illegal, deeming them approved through a ruling invoking Article 142 of the Indian Constitution.

Key Points from the Presidential Reference:

• Judicial Authority: The Reference questions whether the Supreme Court can impose timelines and methods for how the President and Governors handle State Bills under Articles 200 (regarding assent to State Bills) and 201 (concerning Bills reserved for presidential assent).

• Article 142 in Focus: It seeks clarification on whether the Supreme Court can adjudicate constitutional powers of the President and Governors through judicial orders based on Article 142, and if such orders could clash with existing constitutional provisions.

• Validity of Deemed Assent: The President's query indirectly challenges the validity of the "deemed assent" ruling from the Supreme Court, asking if a State Legislature's law can be considered valid without a Governor's consent.

• Justiciability of Decisions: The Reference also touches on whether the decisions made by Governors and the President can be reviewed by the courts before a Bill is enacted into law and if it is permissible for the courts to assess the contents of a Bill in any way ahead of its enactment.

• Governor's Discretion Under Article 200: Several fundamental questions are posed regarding what choices a Governor has when presented with a Bill, including their obligation to adhere to the advice of the Council of Ministers and whether their constitutional discretion is subject to judicial review.

• Conflict in Supreme Court Judgments: The Presidential Reference notes perceived conflicts within the Supreme Court’s past rulings regarding constitutional interpretation and judicial oversight.

• Article 361 Implications: It raises concerns about whether the immunity provided under Article 361 (protection from legal action for the President and Governors) serves as an absolute barrier to judicial review concerning a Governor's action under Article 200.

• Future Considerations: The Reference, dated May 13, 2025, is now in the hands of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, who is expected to form a Constitution Bench for further deliberation on these matters.

Important Points Summarized:

• President Murmu seeks Supreme Court's opinion on judicial powers over State Bills.
• The inquiry stems from a 2025 decision that invalidated a Governor’s inaction on pending Bills.
• Questions whether the Court can impose timelines/methods for Presidents/Governors under Articles 200 and 201.
• Raises concerns about “deemed assent” and its legality in the legislative process.
• Invokes the justiciability of executive decisions taken by Governors/Presidents.
• Federalism implications as the Reference discusses the role of the judiciary in state matters.
• Uncertainties regarding Article 361's immunity from judicial scrutiny.
• The outcome could significantly influence the dynamics of State and Central governance in India.

Overall, the Presidential Reference presents intricate constitutional questions concerning the balance of powers between judicial, executive, and legislative branches in India.

The article discusses the psychological impact of recent conflicts between India and Pakistan, highlighting how both adults and children are grappling with heightened anxiety, stress, and emotional distress. The situation not only recalls traumatic memories from the lockdown during the pandemic but also generates fear of instability and violence.

Summary:

1. Emotional Responses to Conflict:

   • Arthi J, a 39-year-old HR professional, recounts her return to anxiety amidst the India-Pakistan tensions, mirroring her previous struggles during the pandemic with fear and emotional turbulence.
   • The recurrence of anxiety is driven by fears of potential lockdowns, violence, and destabilization in society, sparking worries about the future.

2. Broader Impacts on Residents:

   • Shamima Mir from Srinagar notes that the recent conflict has not only affected emotional well-being but also disrupted daily life, education, and economic recovery.
   • Many residents are left without clear information regarding the situation, leading to further emotional and mental stress.

3. Increase in Mental Health Issues:

   • Dr. Nikita Shah, a psychiatrist, reports a "mass shift" in her patients, with 60% expressing heightened anxiety due to the prevailing circumstances, largely affecting people in their 20s and 30s.
   • The stress is compounded by a constant stream of news and misinformation, leading to feelings of helplessness and pessimism.

4. Children's Anxiety:

   • Children like Sasha Mony and others are also feeling anxious due to exposure to news about the conflict, with parents noticing changes in behavior, such as sleep difficulties and heightened sensitivity to noises.
   • Consultant Nandini Raman emphasizes that children are overwhelmed by constant, often sensationalized information, which can trigger their anxiety.

5. Coping Mechanisms:

   • Experts suggest engaging in coping strategies such as yoga, meditation, drawing, and grounded discussions to manage anxiety levels.
   • It is critical for parents to monitor children for signs of emotional distress and encourage open communication to provide reassurance and support.

6. Community Engagement:

   • Dr. Nikita advocates for less time spent on social media and more community engagement, encouraging mindfulness through silence and appreciation of nature.

7. Long-term Psychological Solutions:

   • Establishing offline connections and reducing the consumption of overwhelming information are vital for improving mental health resilience.
   • Professional help should be sought if emotional changes become pronounced, particularly in children exhibiting significant anxiety-related symptoms.

Important Sentences:

• "I was scared; I felt like crying every day." - Arthi J on her emotional struggle.
• "People had heart attacks, there were blackouts, there was too much stress." - Shamima Mir illustrating community distress.
• "There has been a mass shift since last Thursday." - Dr. Nikita Shah on increasing mental health issues.
• "Children are anxious because there is so much information out there." - Nandini Raman explaining the sources of children's anxiety.
• "Creating offline communities will help in the long run." - Dr. Nikita on fostering support systems.
• "Age-appropriate communication is key." - Nandini emphasizing the need for suitable discussions with children.
• "Even something as simple as going for a walk makes a difference." - Dr. Nikita on mindfulness practices.

In conclusion, the emotional toll of geopolitical conflict and its repercussions on mental health is significant. Addressing these issues requires community engagement, supportive parenting, and effective coping strategies to foster resilience in individuals, especially children.

The Jharkhand High Court has mandated the enforcement of a previously established ban on the consumption and sale of meat, alcohol, and other intoxicants on Parasnath Hill, regarded as sacred by both the Santal Adivasi and Jain communities. This hill, known as Marang Buru to the Santals and Parasnath to the Jains, is located in Giridih district and has been the center of a longstanding conflict between the two communities.

Summary:

• Sacred Significance: Parasnath Hill is believed by Jains to be where 20 of the 24 Jain tirthankaras attained nirvana. It is dotted with over 40 Jain temples. The Santals view Marang Buru as their supreme deity and a significant site for their traditional rituals, particularly at sacred locations like Jug Jaher Than and Dishom Manjhi Than.
• Cultural Interrelation: Historically, Santals supported Jains in their spiritual practices, and both communities have coexisted respectfully until recent tensions arose concerning rituals and practices, particularly around hunting on the hill during the Sendra festival.
• Historical Context: Records indicate that conflict over the hill dates back to at least 1911 when Santal rituals were officially documented. The Jains claim that an ancient king donated the hill to their community, while the Santals have seen their traditional rights diminishing over time, especially post-Independence.
• Legal Battles: A series of court cases have addressed the rights of the Adivasi communities to hunt on Parasnath Hill, with past rulings favoring their claims. Despite this, the advent of the Wildlife Protection Act and new administrative measures in 1978 have curtailed Santal rights on the hill.
• Recent Developments: A 2023 government memorandum ordered a ban on the sale of meat and alcohol within a 25 km radius around Parasnath Hill, impacting around 99 villages, most of which are Adivasi. This has been met with resistance and claims by local Adivasi groups over their right to perform cultural rituals.
• Current Enforcement: Following the High Court's order to uphold the government memo, enforcement activities have increased in the area, including the deployment of additional local law enforcement resources.

Important Points:

• The Jharkhand High Court has reinforced a ban on the sale and consumption of meat and alcohol on the sacred Parasnath Hill.
• Parasnath is of great religious importance to both the Jains and Santals, resulting in a complex historical relationship.
• The hill is home to significant rituals and has a colorful history of Adivasi rights, especially concerning traditional practices like hunting.
• The Santals hold that their long-standing cultural rituals have been compromised by modern laws and the rights of the Jains are often prioritized.
• Ongoing tensions reflect broader struggles of Indigenous rights against governmental and religious pressures.
• Local Adivasi organizations are actively challenging these restrictions and asserting their cultural and religious practices.

Through these developments, the story highlights the ongoing conflict and interplay between traditional rights of Adivasi communities and religious sentiments of the Jain community, placing a spotlight on issues of cultural preservation and legal rights in contemporary India.

Last month, the Indian government implemented restrictions on a fixed drug combination (FDC) used in cough syrups for children under four years old. This decision aims to mitigate risks associated with the drug, which contains chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride. While chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine, phenylephrine is a decongestant, and the combination has raised concerns among pediatricians regarding its safety for young children.

Key points regarding the restrictions and reactions from healthcare and pharmacy communities are outlined below:

• Government Directive: The Union Ministry of Health issued a gazette notification on April 15, indicating that the FDC poses risks to children under four and emphasizing the availability of safer alternatives.

• Expert Opinions: Pediatricians have expressed support for the government's decision, highlighting that the inclusion of sedative antihistamines like chlorpheniramine with phenylephrine can lead to unpredictable side effects on heart rate and blood pressure in young children.

• Safety Concerns: Pediatric specialists, including T.U. Sukumaran, noted that first-generation antihistamines can result in complications like respiratory depression and apnea in young children. Many over-the-counter syrups still use chlorpheniramine due to its sedative properties, but this poses a risk of serious side effects.

• Availability of Alternatives: Experts recommend second-generation antihistamines, such as cetirizine and fexofenadine, as safer options for treating allergies and cold symptoms in children.

• Legal Developments: Following petitions from pharmaceutical companies disputing the ban, the Delhi High Court ruled on April 24 that the ban would be enforced prospectively. Consequently, companies were ordered to inform stakeholders about the restriction, but existing stock prior to the ban was allowed to be sold.

• Pharmacy Confusion: Concerns have arisen among pharmacists regarding the management and communication of the ban, with many retailers expressing confusion over compliance. There have been reports that some pharmacies still carry the restricted drugs.

• Operational Challenges: There is an acknowledged shortage of drug inspectors, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu, making enforcement of regulations challenging. Furthermore, many pharmacies operate without qualified pharmacists, exacerbating the issue of appropriate drug dispensation.

• Pediatric Recommendations: Healthcare professionals encourage parents to evaluate the cause of coughs and colds rather than immediately resorting to medication. They suggest that symptomatic treatment is not always necessary, as many coughs stem from viral infections that resolve on their own.

• Public Awareness: The importance of informing healthcare professionals and the public about these changes was emphasized. Pediatricians advocate for medical education programs and better dissemination of information to ensure both practitioners and the public understand safe practices for treating cold symptoms in children.

• Responsibility on Parents: Doctors emphasize that parents should obtain cough medications through prescriptions and avoid self-medicating their children without consulting a healthcare professional to ensure safety.

In summary, the Indian government's move to restrict certain cold medications for young children has received positive feedback from pediatricians, who cite significant safety concerns. However, the resultant confusion among pharmacies and the need for better public awareness highlight the challenges of implementing such regulatory changes effectively.

Important Sentences:

• The Indian government restricted the use of an FDC containing chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride for children under four.
• Pediatricians support the ban due to unpredictable risks associated with these drugs in young children.
• The Delhi High Court ruled that the ban would be enforced prospectively, allowing existing stock to be sold.
• Confusion among pharmacists raises concerns about the communication and management of the ban.
• There is a shortage of drug inspectors complicating the enforcement of the new regulations.
• Healthcare professionals encourage parents to seek medical advice before medicating children and not to rush to use over-the-counter syrups.

President Droupadi Murmu has sought the Supreme Court's advisory opinion on whether there should be a timeline for Presidents and Governors to act on Bills passed by state Assemblies, referencing Article 143(1) of the Indian Constitution. This move follows a Supreme Court ruling from April 8, which established a three-month deadline for the President to decide on Bills reserved by Governors. The advisory jurisdiction allows the President to seek legal clarity on constitutional matters but does not bind the court to respond, as illustrated by past instances where the Supreme Court declined to answer presidential queries.

Key Points:

• Presidential Reference: President Droupadi Murmu has invoked the Supreme Court's advisory jurisdiction regarding timelines for acting on state Assembly Bills.
• Context of the Query: This request follows a previous Supreme Court decision that set a three-month deadline for the President concerning Bills from Governors.
• Advisory Jurisdiction: Under Article 143 of the Constitution, the President can seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on significant legal questions. The court’s response is not mandatory, as indicated by historical instances where the Supreme Court refused to provide opinions.
• Historical Context: The legal framework for such queries has roots in the Government of India Act, 1935. Since 1950, this prerogative has been used by various Presidents, totaling at least 15 occasions.
• Supreme Court's Discretion: The Supreme Court has the authority to choose whether or not to respond to a presidential reference, which could impact political dynamics.
• Significant Rulings: Past refusals include a 1993 request related to the Ram Janma Bhumi-Babri Masjid dispute, where the court cited an ongoing civil suit as a reason not to answer.
• Potential Outcomes: The Supreme Court's decisions are not precedents; thus, even if it were to deem a law unconstitutional in an advisory opinion, it would not affect subsequent legality proceedings.
• Limits of Advisory Power: The Supreme Court clarified that Article 143 is not intended for reviewing its previous rulings, asserting that the President cannot use this mechanism to challenge established judicial decisions.
• Composition of Bench: Advisory references under Article 143 must be heard by a five-judge bench to ensure comprehensive deliberation.
• Broader Implications: The presidential reference touches on the balance of power between the Centre and state governments, especially concerning the role of governors in withholding assent on legislation.
• Judicial vs. Legislative Supremacy: The ruling and subsequent actions raise concerns about the potential encroachment of judicial power over parliamentary procedures, a debate that has historical precedence in Indian constitutional discussions.
• Pending Legal Challenges: Further legal challenges regarding similar issues from various states may lead to more Supreme Court interpretations or a referral to a larger constitutional bench.

The unfolding legal discourse underscores the delicate equilibrium of powers among the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches in India, reflecting ongoing tensions that have persisted since independence.

The US Supreme Court recently heard arguments in a significant case concerning President Donald Trump’s executive order that seeks to deny birthright citizenship to children born in the US to parents who are undocumented or temporarily in the country. This case marks the first to reach the Supreme Court during the second Trump presidency and addresses substantial issues regarding presidential authority, judicial power, and the interpretation of the 14th Amendment.

Key Details:

• Executive Order Context: Trump signed the executive order on his first day back in office, which targets the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment, historically granting citizenship to nearly all individuals born on US soil.
• Legal Challenges: The order faced immediate legal challenges from states, immigrant rights groups, and other organizations, resulting in federal judges from Maryland, Washington, and Massachusetts blocking its implementation due to likely unconstitutionality.
• Supreme Court's Role: While the Supreme Court is not directly addressing the constitutionality of the executive order, it is reviewing emergency appeals from the Trump administration to ease or overturn the nationwide injunctions imposed by lower courts.

Judicial Perspectives:

• Nationwide Injunction Concerns: Justices expressed a tentative inclination to maintain the injunction against the executive order while also voicing concerns over the widespread use of nationwide injunctions. Justice Alito highlighted the risk of judicial overreach, while Chief Justice Roberts and others discussed alternatives through class-action lawsuits.
• Practical Implications: During deliberations, Justice Kavanaugh raised practical questions regarding implementation, such as how hospitals and states would manage newborns without clear citizenship designations. The government was criticized for lacking a coherent policy for addressing these scenarios.
• Skepticism from the Bench: Justices, including Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor, exhibited skepticism towards the Trump administration's arguments, suggesting it might lead to a chaotic legal landscape and potential statelessness for some newborns.

Legal Representatives' Arguments:

• States' Opposition: New Jersey Solicitor General Jeremy Feigenbaum asserted that the executive order would create administrative issues and strip millions of US citizen children of necessary public benefits.
• Response from Rights Groups: Attorney Kelsi Corkran contended that the order is "blatantly unlawful," emphasizing that prior rulings against it have been unanimous among judges who addressed the matter, and questioned the practicality of class-action lawsuits as substitutes for systemic remedies.

Trump’s Public Commentary:

Ahead of the hearing, Trump voiced his opinion online, critiquing the US birthright citizenship policy and incorrectly asserting that the US is unique in its practice of offering birthright citizenship.

Court Proceedings Outlook:

At the conclusion of the two-hour hearing, the Supreme Court justices indicated they would deliver their ruling by the end of June 2024, aligning with their standard timetable for decisions on such significant cases. The outcome of this case could significantly affect not only immigration policy but also the extent to which lower courts can block federal initiatives.

Important Sentences:

• The US Supreme Court heard a landmark case regarding Trump's executive order targeting birthright citizenship.
• The order has faced legal challenges, resulting in nationwide injunctions from federal judges.
• Justices exhibited concern about the use of nationwide injunctions and practical implications of the order.
• There is skepticism from several justices regarding the administration's arguments and potential outcomes for newborns.
• The Court's decision could impact both immigration policy and judicial authority at lower levels.

This case underscores the complex interplay of immigration law, presidential power, and judicial oversight, with potential long-term implications for US citizenship rights.