The 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections saw a historic BJP victory, ending AAP’s two-term rule as the party secured 48 out of 70 seats. AAP’s defeat was fueled by continuous clashes with the LG, bureaucratic confrontations, and the high-profile Liquor Scam, which tarnished its anti-corruption image. The Supreme Court’s rulings on Delhi’s governance and the GNCTD (Amendment) Act, 2023 further shifted power dynamics. With BJP now in charge, Delhi awaits stable governance and development without political conflicts.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India, in a hearing held on Wednesday(12th Feb), criticized the practice of announcing freebies before elections, stating that it was affecting people’s willingness to work. The Court observed that due to receiving free rations and money, many people were not motivated to work.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have revolutionized India’s electoral process, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and accuracy in voting. From their initial trials to complete implementation in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, EVMs have undergone multiple technological advancements and the various judicial precedents have dealt with the constitutional validity of the same.
The NLU Odisha administration called the ongoing student protests “illegal” and accused the students of using “arm-twisting” tactics. The students started an indefinite protest, saying the administration has failed to solve their long-standing problems. They claim their issues have been ignored, forcing them to take this step. The administration’s statement has added to the tension between both sides.
The Jharkhand High Court directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to submit an affidavit regarding the voter list for municipal elections in the state. Justice Ananda Sen issued the order while hearing a contempt petition filed by Roshni Khalko, a former ward councillor. The petition highlighted the government’s delay in holding municipal polls. The court is addressing concerns over the timely conduct of elections.
On January 21, 2025, the Supreme Court of India discussed the implications of barring individuals charged with serious crimes from elections. Advocate Ashwini Upadhyay underscored the need for clean candidates, while Justices questioned the availability of such individuals. A prior 2020 judgment mandated political parties to disclose candidates’ criminal histories. The court will hear further arguments on January 27.
The Delhi High Court today(21st Jan) dismissed an appeal that challenged the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in elections across various constituencies. The petitioner, Ramesh Chander, argued that under Section 61-A of the Representation of the People Act (RP Act), the Election Commission of India (ECI) should provide individual justifications for using EVMs in each constituency. However, the court did not accept this argument and dismissed the appeal.
AAP minister Saurabh Bharadwaj called the petition by seven BJP MPs regarding the Ayushman Bharat scheme “politically motivated.” The BJP MPs had requested the implementation of the scheme. Bharadwaj’s response highlighted his belief that the move was driven by political interests. The petition is aimed at pressing the Central government to roll out Ayushman Bharat.
The Karnataka High Court Today (Jan 8) dismissed petitions seeking 33% reservation for women advocates in the Advocates Association Bengaluru (AAB) governing body, citing its lack of authority to interfere in ongoing elections and the absence of such provisions in AAB’s by-laws. The court referenced the Supreme Court’s powers under Article 142, which the High Court does not possess, and suggested the petitioners approach the Supreme Court for relief. AAB assured the court it would consider the demand for reservation and amend its by-laws after the upcoming elections on February 2.
