SC on citizenship, Commonwealth Games' future, and stubble burning data
Oct 25, 2024
auto_awesome
Apurva Vishwanath, Legal Editor at The Indian Express, delves into the Supreme Court's bold ruling on Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, unveiling its far-reaching implications for citizenship rights. Mihir Vasavda shares insights on India's anticipated decline in Commonwealth Games medals and the future of the event, citing changes in key sports. Meanwhile, Mallica Joshi highlights alarming trends in stubble burning and its severe impact on Delhi's air quality, linking environmental crises to urban health challenges.
The Supreme Court's ruling on Section 6A of the Citizenship Act highlights parliamentary authority over citizenship, igniting broader legal debates regarding inclusivity.
India's anticipated decline in Commonwealth Games medals is attributed to the removal of key sports, impacting its competitiveness in 2026.
Deep dives
Supreme Court Ruling on Citizenship Act
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, which grants citizenship to immigrants who entered Assam before January 1, 1966. This ruling was significant not only for Assam but also raised broader questions regarding parliamentary power in citizenship legislation. The historical context includes the Assam Accord, established in 1985, which aimed to identify and manage illegal migration from Bangladesh and asserted the uniqueness of Assam's demographic challenges. The court acknowledged these historical interventions and deemed that such laws tailored for Assam were justifiable and constitutional.
Implications for Future Citizenship Legislation
The court's decision sets a precedent for ongoing challenges related to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which seeks to provide citizenship to certain religious minorities from neighboring countries, excluding Muslims. The judgment underscores that Parliament possesses the authority to regulate who can be granted citizenship, potentially complicating future examinations of the CAA. This complexity arises not only from the different treatments of Assamese migrants but also from the need for the government to justify its exclusion of Muslims under the CAA framework. The contrast between the rights of Assamese citizens and those of other communities raises critical legal and ethical discussions.
India's Future at the Commonwealth Games
India is projected to win significantly fewer medals in the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games due to the removal of six key sports that contributed over half of its total medal count in previous editions. This includes popular events like badminton, cricket, and wrestling, which accounted for a substantial portion of the country's success in prior competitions. The decision to host the games in Glasgow comes after Australia relinquished its hosting rights, leading to budget constraints that influenced the roster of included sports. As a result, India's contingent in 2026 may be smaller and less competitive, relying heavily on athletics and weightlifting for potential medals.
Stubble Burning and Delhi's Air Quality
Stubble burning in northern India, particularly after paddy harvesting, poses a significant environmental challenge, contributing to the deterioration of Delhi's air quality, especially during the winter months. Factors such as wind direction play a crucial role in determining how much of this pollution affects the city, with specific conditions leading to spikes in air pollution levels. Recent data show a decline in stubble burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana, thanks to stricter regulations and incentives, but Uttar Pradesh has seen an alarming increase in fires. Despite some progress, preventive measures must continue to mitigate the impact of this agricultural practice on urban air quality.
First, The Indian Express’ Legal Editor, Apurva Vishwanath, talks about the Supreme Court upholding the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act. She discusses the court's observations and the implications of the verdict for broader citizenship issues, including the powers of Parliament on the matter.
Next, The Indian Express’ Mihir Vasavda explains why India might win significantly fewer medals in the next edition of the Commonwealth Games, and what that could mean for the future of the Games (15:36).
Finally, The Indian Express’ Mallica Joshi tells us about a new trend in stubble burning data and the extent to which the practice impacts Delhi’s air quality (25:16).
Hosted, written and produced by Shashank Bhargava Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar