Important Amendments — Current Affairs 2026
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Supreme Court upholds 103rd Amendment providing EWS reservation
November 2022The Supreme Court's 3:2 majority decision in Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India upheld the constitutional validity of the 103rd Amendment, which introduced 10% reservation for economically weaker sections. This judgment is significant as it allowed the breach of the 50% reservation ceiling established in Indra Sawhney case and accepted economic criteria as a valid basis for reservation. The court held that the amendment does not violate the basic structure as it promotes equality and does not discriminate against any particular caste or community. However, the dissenting judges argued that economic reservation without considering social backwardness violates constitutional principles. This development has implications for future reservation policies and the scope of constitutional amendments in social justice matters.
UPSC Angle: Expected questions on constitutional validity of EWS reservation, comparison with traditional caste-based reservations, impact on basic structure doctrine, and the court's interpretation of equality principles. Mains questions may ask about the evolution of reservation policy through constitutional amendments.
Parliamentary Committee recommends simultaneous elections requiring constitutional amendments
March 2024The High-Level Committee on 'One Nation, One Election' submitted its report recommending simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies. Implementation would require multiple constitutional amendments, including changes to Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356, along with modifications to the Representation of People Act. The proposal raises complex questions about federalism, as it would affect the natural cycle of state elections and potentially require President's rule or Governor's rule in case of premature dissolution. The committee suggested a two-phase implementation - first for Lok Sabha and state assemblies, then for local bodies. This initiative reflects the ongoing debate about electoral reforms and the role of constitutional amendments in administrative efficiency versus federal autonomy.
UPSC Angle: Questions likely on constitutional provisions requiring amendment for simultaneous elections, impact on federalism and state autonomy, practical challenges in implementation, and comparison with other democracies. Mains may focus on the balance between administrative efficiency and democratic principles.