1.Custodial Death in India

Why in News?

A Tamil Nadu trial court awarded the death penalty to nine policemen in the Sattankulam custodial death case (2020), marking a significant judicial response to custodial violence and raising concerns regarding police accountability.

Concept and Core Idea

• Custodial death refers to the death of a person while under the custody of police or judicial authorities.
• It is often a consequence of custodial torture, including physical abuse, psychological coercion, or medical negligence.
• Such incidents represent a direct violation of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and dignity, thereby striking at the core of constitutional governance.

Data and Trends

• Custodial deaths remain a persistent issue, with around 170 cases reported in 2025–26.
• Over the past five years, the numbers have remained consistently high, indicating a systemic problem rather than isolated incidents.
• Certain states such as Bihar and Rajasthan have reported higher incidence rates.
• Despite these figures, accountability remains extremely weak, with negligible disciplinary or criminal action against officials.

Structural Causes

• The persistence of custodial deaths is rooted in deeper institutional and historical factors.
• The colonial legacy of policing continues to influence the system, emphasizing control rather than service.
• Investigative practices often rely on forced confessions instead of scientific evidence collection.
• The absence of a specific anti-torture law creates a legal vacuum, as India has not ratified the UN Convention Against Torture.
• Inadequate training in modern interrogation methods and human rights further aggravates the issue.
• A culture of impunity persists, reinforced by institutional protection and procedural safeguards for officials.

Judicial Interventions

• In D.K. Basu vs. State of West Bengal (1997), the Supreme Court laid down detailed guidelines to prevent custodial abuse, including arrest procedures and medical examinations.
• In Prakash Singh vs. Union of India (2006), the Court mandated Police Complaints Authorities to address misconduct.
• In Paramvir Singh Saini vs. Baljit Singh (2020), installation of CCTV cameras in police stations was made mandatory to enhance transparency.
• The Sattankulam judgment (2026) represents a strong deterrent approach by categorizing custodial torture as a grave crime deserving the highest punishment.

Key Challenges

• Implementation gaps remain a major concern, particularly regarding non-functional surveillance systems in police stations.
• Investigations into custodial deaths are often delayed, weakening evidence and reducing the likelihood of conviction.
• Legal provisions requiring prior sanction to prosecute public officials act as barriers to accountability.
• Vulnerable communities, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and minorities, are disproportionately affected.
• Overcrowded prisons and a high proportion of undertrials contribute to deaths in judicial custody.

Implications

• Custodial deaths undermine the rule of law and erode public trust in law enforcement institutions.
• They weaken democratic legitimacy by transforming agencies meant to protect citizens into instruments of fear.
• They also raise serious human rights concerns at both domestic and international levels.

Way Forward

• India must enact a comprehensive anti-torture law aligned with global human rights standards and consider ratifying international conventions.
• Investigations should shift toward forensic and evidence-based methods rather than confession-driven approaches.
• Independent investigation mechanisms must be institutionalized to ensure impartiality in cases involving police personnel.
• Strict accountability for non-compliance with safeguards such as CCTV installation is essential.
• Police reforms should prioritize human rights training, ethical conduct, and community-oriented policing.

Conclusion

Custodial deaths reflect a deeper structural crisis within India’s policing system.

While judicial interventions such as the Sattankulam verdict signal progress, sustainable reform requires systemic changes that align law enforcement with constitutional values.

Ensuring dignity, accountability, and transparency is essential to uphold the true spirit of Article 21.

Prelims MCQ

Q. With reference to custodial deaths in India, consider the following statements:

1. Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life and dignity.
2. India has ratified the UN Convention Against Torture.
3. The Supreme Court in D.K. Basu case laid down guidelines for arrest and detention.

Select the correct answer:(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c)

Mains Question (GS-2)

Q.“Custodial violence represents a structural failure of the criminal justice system rather than isolated misconduct.”Examine in the context of legal safeguards and institutional reforms in India.

2.Jan Vishwas 2.0: Shift Towards Trust-Based Compliance in India

Why in News?

• Parliament has passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, popularly referred to as Jan Vishwas 2.0, significantly expanding the scope of decriminalisation reforms.
• The legislation amends nearly 79 Central Acts and removes criminal liability from hundreds of minor offences, marking a major shift in India’s regulatory philosophy.

Background and Context

• The earlier Jan Vishwas Act, 2023 initiated the process of rationalising regulatory provisions by decriminalising several minor offences.
• However, the persistence of excessive criminal provisions, procedural complexities, and compliance burdens continued to affect businesses, particularly MSMEs.
• India’s regulatory framework has historically relied on punitive enforcement even for technical or procedural violations, discouraging entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Jan Vishwas 2.0 builds upon this foundation by expanding coverage and addressing these structural limitations.

Conceptual Shift in Governance

• The reform reflects a transition from a command-and-control regulatory model to a trust-based compliance framework.
• It is based on the principle of proportionality, where penalties are aligned with the severity and intent of the violation.
• Instead of criminalising procedural lapses, the focus is on encouraging voluntary compliance and corrective behaviour.
• This approach aligns India’s governance model with global best practices in regulatory efficiency and economic liberalisation.

Key Provisions and Features

• The legislation decriminalises a large number of provisions by replacing imprisonment with civil penalties such as fines or administrative sanctions.
• It introduces a graded enforcement mechanism, where minor violations attract warnings or reduced penalties before stricter action is taken.
• A major structural shift is the move from judicial processes to administrative adjudication, empowering designated officers to impose penalties.
• An appellate mechanism has been incorporated to ensure fairness and accountability.
• At the same time, serious offences involving public safety, environmental harm, or financial fraud continue to attract stringent penalties, maintaining regulatory balance.

Governance and Economic Significance

• The reform significantly reduces the compliance burden on businesses, especially MSMEs, by removing the fear of criminal prosecution for minor lapses.
• It improves investor confidence by creating a predictable and rational regulatory environment.
• By diverting minor cases away from courts, it contributes to reducing judicial backlog and improving efficiency of the justice system.
• From a governance perspective, it reflects the emergence of a facilitative state, which promotes economic growth while maintaining regulatory oversight.

Issues and Concerns

• A key concern is that monetary penalties may be treated as a cost of doing business, potentially weakening deterrence.
• The shift to administrative adjudication raises questions about capacity, consistency, and independence of regulatory authorities.
• There is also a risk of regulatory capture, where close interaction between regulators and industry may dilute enforcement.
• Variations in implementation across sectors and states may lead to uneven outcomes, affecting the uniformity of reforms.

Way Forward

• Strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring transparency in adjudication processes is essential for effective implementation.
• Standardised guidelines must be developed to ensure consistency in penalties across sectors.
• Regular monitoring and impact assessment mechanisms should be institutionalised.
• Strict enforcement must continue for serious offences to maintain deterrence.
• Digitalisation of compliance systems and capacity building of regulators can further enhance efficiency and accountability.

Conclusion

Jan Vishwas 2.0 marks a significant evolution in India’s regulatory governance by promoting trust-based compliance and proportional enforcement.

While it enhances ease of doing business and reduces judicial burden, its long-term success will depend on maintaining a careful balance between regulatory flexibility and enforcement credibility.

Prelims MCQ

Q. With reference to Jan Vishwas 2.0, consider the following statements:

1. It replaces imprisonment for minor offences with civil penalties.
2. It shifts enforcement from courts to administrative authorities.
3. It removes penalties for serious offences affecting public safety.

Select the correct answer:(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

Mains Question (GS-2/GS-3)

Q.“Jan Vishwas 2.0 represents a shift from punitive regulation to trust-based governance.”Critically examine its implications for ease of doing business and regulatory accountability in India.

3.Corporate Governance in India

Why in News?

The Chairman of Securities and Exchange Board of India emphasized that while regulations provide a framework, the actual quality of governance depends on the accountability and diligence of boards and independent directors.

Concept and Institutional Meaning

• Corporate governance refers to the system of rules, practices, and institutional arrangements through which companies are directed and controlled.
• It ensures a balance between the interests of stakeholders such as shareholders, management, employees, creditors, consumers, and society at large.
• At its core, corporate governance is based on principles of accountability, transparency, fairness, and ethical conduct, ensuring responsible use of corporate power.

Legal and Regulatory Framework in India

• India’s corporate governance system is supported by a mix of statutory laws and regulatory mechanisms.
• The Companies Act, 2013 introduced structural reforms such as independent directors, women directors, and Corporate Social Responsibility obligations.
• The SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 provide a comprehensive framework for listed companies regarding disclosures, board composition, and shareholder rights.
• The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 strengthens governance by transferring control from management to creditors during financial distress.
• The Prevention of Money Laundering Act ensures transparency in financial transactions and prevents illicit flows.

Governance Significance in India

• Corporate governance enhances investor confidence, which is crucial for attracting foreign investment and strengthening capital markets.
• It protects minority shareholders by preventing misuse of power by dominant promoters.
• Well-governed companies tend to have higher market valuation and lower volatility, reflecting investor trust.
• It helps in risk management by enabling early detection of financial and operational issues.
• It also enhances corporate credibility and long-term sustainability by building public trust.

Structural and Functional Challenges

• Despite a strong framework, governance in practice faces several limitations.
• A compliance-driven approach often reduces governance to a procedural requirement rather than an ethical commitment.
• Independent directors may lack true autonomy due to promoter influence, limiting effective oversight.
• Related party transactions continue to create risks of fund diversion and opacity.
• Executive compensation often lacks alignment with performance and transparency.
• Boards frequently lack expertise in emerging areas such as cybersecurity and data governance.

Reform Imperatives and Way Forward

• Corporate governance must move from a compliance-based approach to a culture-based approach rooted in ethical conduct.
• The independence and effectiveness of boards, especially independent directors, must be strengthened through transparent selection processes.
• Regulatory enforcement by SEBI should remain strict to ensure adherence to disclosure norms and accountability.
• Technology such as AI and data analytics should be used for real-time monitoring of corporate disclosures.
• Institutional investors and proxy advisory firms should play a more active role in ensuring accountability.
• Capacity building in areas like ESG, digital governance, and risk management is essential for future readiness.

Conclusion

Corporate governance in India is evolving from a regulatory requirement into a critical determinant of corporate credibility and long-term resilience.

While the legal framework is robust, the real challenge lies in effective implementation and ethical adherence.

Sustainable economic growth depends on embedding governance as a core organizational value rather than treating it as mere compliance.

Prelims MCQ

Q. With reference to corporate governance in India, consider the following statements:

1. The Companies Act, 2013 mandates independent directors in certain companies.
2. The SEBI (LODR) Regulations apply only to unlisted companies.
3. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code shifts control from debtors to creditors during insolvency.

Select the correct answer:(a) 1 and 3 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 2 only(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

Mains Question (GS-2 / GS-3)

Q.Corporate governance in India is strong in form but weak in substance. Critically examine.

4.Government Notifies Two Key Institutions as National Repositories

Why in News?

The National Biodiversity Authority has notified two institutions as National Repositories under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 to strengthen conservation, traceability, and protection against biopiracy.

Concept and Legal Basis

• A National Repository is a government-designated institution entrusted with the custody of voucher specimens, which are authenticated physical samples of biological resources.
• These repositories serve as legal and scientific reference points for newly discovered species, ensuring their preservation, identification, and traceability.
• Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act mandates that any newly identified species or biological resource must be deposited in such repositories, thereby linking scientific discovery with legal protection.

Newly Notified Institutions

Referral Centre Bhavasagara, CMLRE, KochiThis institution under the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology focuses on deep-sea biodiversity.

• It maintains thousands of geo-referenced specimens, including deep-sea fishes and invertebrates, making it critical for understanding India’s largely unexplored marine ecosystems.
• Its designation fills a major gap in marine biological conservation, especially in the context of India’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone.

MACS Microorganism & Fungal Collection, ARI, PuneThis facility under the Agharkar Research Institute specializes in microbial and fungal diversity.

• It maintains collections of extremophilic and anaerobic microorganisms, along with authenticated fungal cultures from diverse ecosystems.
• The repository supports advanced research in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and industrial biotechnology.

Functional Role of National Repositories

• These repositories act as custodians of biological heritage by maintaining scientifically verified samples.
• They enable traceability of biological resources, ensuring that any commercial or research use is properly documented.
• They create a georeferenced database that helps track species distribution, evolution, and ecological patterns.
• They also act as a safeguard against biopiracy by providing legal evidence of origin and ownership of biological resources.

Governance and Strategic Significance

• The designation strengthens India’s ability to assert sovereignty over its biological resources in line with global frameworks like access and benefit-sharing.
• It supports research and innovation by providing authenticated biological material to scientists and industries.
• By ensuring proper documentation and custody, it enhances India’s capacity to challenge unauthorized patents on indigenous biological resources.
• The inclusion of deep-sea and microbial repositories broadens the scope of biodiversity governance beyond terrestrial ecosystems.

Challenges and Concerns

• Maintaining advanced infrastructure such as cryo-preservation and bio-banking requires significant financial and technical resources.
• Coordination between researchers and repositories is often weak, leading to gaps in compliance with deposition requirements.
• There is also a need for better integration of repository data with digital biodiversity databases for accessibility and policy use.

Way Forward

• Strengthening repository networks with advanced infrastructure and funding is essential to ensure long-term preservation.
• Integrating repositories with digital platforms can improve accessibility, monitoring, and research collaboration.
• Awareness among researchers regarding mandatory deposition norms must be enhanced.
• Linking repositories with benefit-sharing mechanisms can ensure equitable use of biological resources.

Conclusion

The notification of new National Repositories marks a significant step in strengthening India’s biodiversity governance framework.

By combining scientific preservation with legal protection, these institutions play a crucial role in safeguarding biological resources while enabling sustainable research and innovation.

Prelims MCQ

Q. With reference to National Repositories under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, consider the following statements:

1. They are authorized to maintain voucher specimens of biological resources.
2. Any newly discovered species must be deposited in such repositories.
3. They function only for terrestrial biodiversity conservation.

Select the correct answer:(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

Mains Question

Q.“National Repositories play a crucial role in linking biodiversity conservation with legal protection and scientific research.”Discuss in the context of India’s Biological Diversity framework.

5.International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP), 2026

Why in News?

The Election Commission of India has launched the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP), 2026 during the Legislative Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry.

Concept and Institutional Context

• The International Election Visitors’ Programme is an institutional outreach initiative through which election officials and observers from different countries are invited to witness India’s electoral processes firsthand.
• It reflects India’s emergence as a global model in election management, combining democratic legitimacy with administrative scale and technological sophistication.
• The programme also functions as an instrument of election diplomacy, facilitating cooperation and exchange of best practices among Election Management Bodies across nations.

Objectives and Strategic Intent

• The programme seeks to present India’s electoral system as a transparent, robust, and credible democratic framework.
• It aims to familiarize international delegates with legal safeguards, institutional arrangements, and technological innovations that underpin free and fair elections.
• Another important objective is to promote knowledge sharing, particularly among developing countries, thereby strengthening South-South cooperation in democratic governance.

Operational Features

• The programme is designed as a combination of field exposure and institutional engagement.
• Delegates undertake phased visits across different states such as Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, enabling them to observe diverse electoral contexts within India.
• They receive detailed briefings on election management, including voter registration, logistics planning, security deployment, and counting processes.
• Special emphasis is placed on technological tools such as Electronic Voting Machines and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails, along with digital applications like cVIGIL for monitoring violations.
• Direct visits to polling stations provide first-hand exposure to on-ground processes such as voter facilitation, queue management, accessibility measures, and transparency mechanisms.
• Interactions with Chief Electoral Officers and District Election Officers further highlight the decentralized and multi-layered structure of election administration in India.

Governance and Diplomatic Significance

• The programme reinforces India’s standing as a global benchmark in conducting elections at an unparalleled scale.
• It enhances India’s soft power by projecting its democratic capacity, institutional strength, and technological innovation on the global stage.
• By engaging with election authorities from other countries, India contributes to global discourse on electoral integrity and democratic practices.
• It also serves as a capacity-building platform for partner countries, particularly in the Global South, thereby strengthening India’s leadership in democratic cooperation.

Challenges and Limitations

• The diversity of political systems and institutional capacities across countries may limit the direct replication of India’s electoral practices.
• There is also a risk that such programmes remain symbolic unless supported by sustained institutional collaboration and follow-up initiatives.

Way Forward

• Developing long-term partnerships with Election Management Bodies can enhance the effectiveness of such initiatives.
• Expanding the programme to include structured training, digital collaboration platforms, and joint research can deepen engagement.
• Leveraging international platforms and networks can further globalize India’s electoral expertise and institutional experience.

Conclusion

The International Election Visitors’ Programme reflects India’s confidence in its electoral institutions and its commitment to promoting democratic values globally.

By integrating transparency, technology, and administrative scale, the programme strengthens India’s democratic image while contributing to the global architecture of free and fair elections.

Prelims MCQ

Q.Consider the following statements about the functions of the Election Commission of India (ECI):

1. The ECI conducts elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.
2. The ECI recognizes political parties and allots election symbols.
3. The ECI can postpone elections but cannot cancel them under any circumstance.
4. The ECI prepares and periodically updates electoral rolls.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only(b) 2, 3 and 4 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) All of the above

Ans: (a)

Explanation:Statement 1 is correct: The ECI, under Article 324, is responsible for conducting elections to Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.

Statement 2 is correct: The ECI has the authority to recognize political parties and allot election symbols, ensuring a structured electoral competition.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The ECI not only has the power to postpone elections but can also countermand or cancel polls in cases such as booth capturing, malpractice, or death of a candidate (in specific situations).

Statement 4 is correct: The ECI is responsible for the preparation, revision, and maintenance of electoral rolls, ensuring inclusion of all eligible voters

Mains Question (GS-2 Polity)

Q.Election diplomacy has emerged as an important dimension of India’s soft power. Discuss with reference to the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP).