Contemporary Issues in Social Justice — Current Affairs 2026
Current Affairs Connections
Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: Implementation Challenges and Rights of Data Principals
August 2023 - Ongoing 2024The enactment of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act) in August 2023 marks a significant legislative milestone following the Puttaswamy judgment. However, its implementation in 2024 is fraught with challenges, particularly concerning the rights of data principals (individuals). Issues include the clarity of consent mechanisms, the scope of 'legitimate uses' by data fiduciaries, and the establishment of an effective Data Protection Board. For marginalized communities, concerns persist regarding digital literacy requirements for exercising rights, potential for data-driven exclusion from welfare schemes, and the adequacy of grievance redressal for algorithmic bias. The Act's impact on the gig economy, where platforms collect vast amounts of worker data, is also a key area of observation, ensuring fair data practices and preventing exploitation.
UPSC Angle: Analyze the DPDP Act's provisions in relation to Article 21 (right to privacy), its potential to address algorithmic discrimination, and its implications for digital inclusion and exclusion. Discuss the balance between state access to data, corporate interests, and individual rights. Evaluate its effectiveness in safeguarding the privacy of vulnerable groups and its impact on the gig economy.
Supreme Court's Stance on Same-Sex Marriage and Civil Unions: Awaiting Legislative Action
October 2023 - Ongoing 2024In October 2023, the Supreme Court, while declining to legalize same-sex marriage, urged Parliament to consider enacting a law to recognize civil unions for queer couples. This decision, though not a direct legalization, acknowledged the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and called for legislative action to ensure their rights and social acceptance. The ongoing public and political discourse in 2024 around this issue highlights the evolving nature of recognition justice in India. It underscores the tension between judicial interpretation of fundamental rights and legislative prerogative, and the persistent struggle for full equality and dignity for the LGBTQ+ community, extending beyond decriminalization to institutional recognition of relationships and family structures.
UPSC Angle: Examine the concept of 'recognition justice' in the context of LGBTQ+ rights. Discuss the role of the judiciary versus the legislature in social reform. Analyze the implications of the Supreme Court's observations for the rights of queer couples, including access to social benefits, inheritance, and adoption. Connect to Article 14, 15, 21, and the broader discourse on evolving societal morality versus constitutional morality.
Climate Change and Human Rights: Growing Calls for Climate Litigation and Environmental Justice
2023-2024The year 2023-2024 has seen an increase in climate litigation globally and in India, with activists and affected communities demanding accountability for climate inaction and environmental degradation. Cases are emerging that link climate change impacts directly to violations of fundamental rights, particularly the right to life (Article 21) and a healthy environment. For instance, communities affected by extreme weather events or pollution are increasingly approaching courts. This trend highlights the intersection of climate justice with social justice, as marginalized groups often bear the brunt of environmental damage and climate change. The judiciary is being asked to interpret existing environmental laws and constitutional provisions to compel the state and corporations to adopt more aggressive climate action and ensure compensatory justice for those harmed.
UPSC Angle: Discuss the concept of climate justice and its connection to Article 21 (right to life and a healthy environment). Analyze the role of the judiciary in environmental governance and climate policy. Examine the challenges and opportunities of climate litigation in India, particularly for vulnerable communities. Connect to [VY:ENV-15-02] Climate litigation policy trends and the principle of 'polluter pays'.