Rule of Law
- Clear and positive laws, equality before the law, and transparency are essential.
- Gender equality and the right to participate in lawmaking are crucial.
- Upholding the oath "without fear or favour, affection or ill-will" ensures impartiality.
Democracy
- Elections, political discourse, criticism, and protests are integral to democracy.
- Gurujada Appa Rao's perspective emphasizes that a nation's progress depends on its people.
Challenges to Democracy
- India's status downgraded from "world's largest democracy" to "electoral autocracy."
- Constraints on civil society, media, and press freedom are concerning.
Procedural and Substantive Democracy
- Procedural aspects include free and fair elections, constitutional governance, and effective institutions.
- Substantive democracy involves social-economic equality, tolerance, and accountability.
Free Speech and Sedition
- Cases like journalist Siddiqui Kappan's arrest highlight challenges to free speech.
- The Munawar Faruqui case also raises concerns.
Landmark Judgments
- The Law Commission's recommendation to criminalize acts with specific intentions.
- India's ratification of the ICCPR for freedom of expression.
Political Parties and Elections
- Registration process, notice periods, and publication requirements.
- Anti-defection rules and the role of the Election Commission (EC).
Judicial Appointments
- SC and HC judges, including ad-hoc and retired judges.
- Criteria for appointments and allowances.
State Election Commissions (SECs)
- Recent emphasis on appointing independent persons as SECs.
- Importance of SEC orders during local elections.
Election Commission (EC)
- EC's authority in allotting election symbols and resolving disputes.
- A324 as a reservoir of powers for the EC.
Model Code of Conduct (MCC)
- Enforceability based on RPA 1951 and IPC provisions.
- The 2013 report sheds light on its significance.