Raman Academy · Daily Current Affairs
The Hindu — Important News Articles & Editorial Analysis
Monday · 12 October 2026Edition: International
Article 1 · Page 01GS III · Environment & EcologyPrelims + Mains
Global warming is turning sex reversal in frogs into extinction risk
Global warming affects biodiversity not only by altering habitats but also by disrupting the reproductive biology of species. A study published in Science Advances highlights how rising temperatures can trigger sex reversal in agile frogs, potentially reducing reproductive success and increasing extinction risks. The findings underline the interconnected impacts of climate change, genetic diversity and infectious diseases on wildlife populations.
What Is Sex Reversal?
- Meaning: Sex reversal occurs when an individual’s physical sex differs from its genetically determined sex, often due to environmental influences.
- Example: In agile frogs, XX chromosomes generally determine genetic females, while XY chromosomes determine genetic males — excessive heat during the tadpole stage can cause genetically female frogs to develop as fertile males.
- Scientific significance: The phenomenon demonstrates how environmental conditions can influence sex development and reproductive outcomes in certain species.
Key findings of the study
| Finding | The numbers |
|---|---|
| Reduced reproductive success | Sex-reversed males accounted for ≈20% of sampled wild populations — but only 4% of egg clutches were attributed to them |
| Sex reversal cascades across generations | Around 61% of offspring of sex-reversed males underwent sex reversal, against 17% for males whose physical and genetic sex matched |
| Greater disease susceptibility | Under high-temperature conditions, offspring of sex-reversed males exposed to ranavirus carried higher viral loads |
| Higher extinction risk | Computer models showed small frog populations particularly vulnerable to reproductive imbalance and disease-related mortality |
Why Is This a Concern? & Static Dimensions
- Sex-ratio imbalance: More males relative to females reduces breeding-partner availability and constrains population growth; declining genetic diversity weakens adaptation capacity.
- Climate–disease interaction: Rising temperatures and infectious diseases can jointly increase mortality and accelerate biodiversity loss.
- Threat to amphibians: Approximately 40% of amphibian species face extinction risk — one of the most threatened vertebrate groups globally.
- Static linkages: Climate change and species physiology; biodiversity conservation and viable breeding populations; ecological resilience of small populations; SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
- Way forward: Long-term monitoring of amphibian populations, sex ratios and temperature-induced reproductive changes; protect wetlands and breeding ponds; integrate disease surveillance with climate and biodiversity assessments; incorporate climate projections into species-recovery plans.
India Implications
- Climate change can threaten biodiversity through subtle biological changes even when habitats remain intact — conservation strategy must extend beyond habitat protection to scientific monitoring of reproductive, genetic and physiological change.
- Himachal angle: Himalayan amphibians and cold-adapted species are textbook climate sentinels — HP’s Ramsar wetlands (Pong Dam, Renuka, Chandertal) and high-altitude breeding ponds are exactly the habitats the study says need monitoring, and warming is already shifting species ranges upslope in the state’s protected areas (GHNP, Khirganga). Climate–wildlife interaction questions fit both HPAS GS and HP-specific environment papers.
Climate change can threaten biodiversity through subtle biological changes, even when habitats remain intact. Heat-induced sex reversal in frogs illustrates how reproductive imbalance, reduced reproductive success and infectious diseases can combine to increase extinction risks. Conservation strategies must therefore extend beyond habitat protection to include scientific monitoring of reproductive, genetic and physiological changes, ensuring the long-term survival of vulnerable species.
Q. Which of the following Sustainable Development Goals are most directly relevant to climate-related threats to amphibian biodiversity?
- A. SDG 4 and SDG 9
- B. SDG 8 and SDG 10
- C. SDG 13 and SDG 15
- D. SDG 2 and SDG 7
Click to reveal answer
Answer: (C) SDG 13 and SDG 15. SDG 13 (Climate Action) addresses the warming driving sex reversal, and SDG 15 (Life on Land) covers terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity — the two goals most directly engaged by climate-driven amphibian decline.
Q. What is temperature-induced sex reversal? Examine its possible implications for reproductive success, sex ratios and the long-term survival of wildlife populations. (10 Marks, 150 Words)
Article 2 · Page 09GS II · Indian PolityPrelims + Mains
The need to preserve the shine of Indian elections
Free, fair and credible elections are the foundation of Indian democracy. In an article, former Election Commission of India official Akshay Rout highlights concerns regarding electoral roll revisions, political financing, misinformation, defections and public trust in election management. While India has developed considerable expertise in conducting large-scale elections — the 2024 Lok Sabha elections involved approximately 98 crore registered electors — maintaining institutional credibility and electoral integrity remains essential for strengthening democratic governance.
Significance of Indian Elections
- Democratic legitimacy: Elections enable citizens to choose representatives and hold governments accountable through universal adult suffrage.
- Political stability & inclusion: A credible electoral process facilitates peaceful transfers of power; participation lets socially and economically disadvantaged groups, women and marginalised communities exercise political rights.
- Global significance: From Sukumar Sen’s first general election of 1951 to today, India’s experience in managing elections at scale offers lessons for other democracies — 75 years on, the logistical challenge is routine; trust has become the issue.
Major challenges to electoral integrity
| Challenge | The concern |
|---|---|
| Electoral roll management | Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercises raise concerns about roll accuracy and potential exclusion of eligible voters — transparent verification and accessible grievance redressal are essential |
| Money power & freebies | Excessive campaign expenditure and opaque funding undermine the level playing field; unofficial poll-finance estimates far exceed reported spends, and the Economic Survey 2026 puts the strain of unconditional cash transfers on States at a staggering ₹1.7 lakh crore |
| Misinformation & deepfakes | AI-generated content, manipulated videos and disinformation campaigns can mislead voters and weaken informed decision-making |
| Political defections | Party-switching after elections undermines the voters’ mandate — the anti-defection law has reduced bulk transfers of elected legislators, but the “Aya Ram Gaya Ram” instinct survives in new forms |
| Institutional trust deficit | Allegations of partisan conduct and disputes over electoral procedures can reduce public confidence in the ECI |
| Criminalisation of politics | Candidates facing serious criminal charges raise concerns about transparency, accountability and the quality of representation |
Constitutional & Static Dimensions · Way Forward
- Article 324 — superintendence, direction and control of elections in the ECI; Article 326 — adult suffrage; Representation of the People Acts, 1950 & 1951 — statutory framework for rolls, qualifications and elections; Tenth Schedule — disqualification on grounds of defection; Model Code of Conduct.
- Way forward: Transparent roll revisions with timely appeals against wrongful exclusion; stronger political-finance disclosure and expenditure monitoring; mechanisms to counter AI-generated misinformation while protecting free expression; timely, impartial enforcement of electoral law and the MCC; review of anti-defection provisions; transparency in the appointment and functioning of election officials; cross-party consensus on reforms beyond partisan interest.
India Implications
- The credibility of Indian elections depends not only on efficient polling management but on transparency, institutional independence, equal political opportunity and public confidence — preserving electoral integrity requires continuous reform, accountable parties, informed voters and impartial enforcement.
- Himachal angle: HP is Indian electoral legend in miniature — Shyam Saran Negi of Kinnaur, independent India’s first voter, and Tashigang in Spiti, the world’s highest polling station (≈15,256 ft), embody the access-to-every-voter ideal; the state’s consistently high turnout, large service-voter base and winter-migration blocks make roll accuracy and inclusive revision a live HP concern, not an abstraction.
The credibility of Indian elections depends not only on the efficient management of polling but also on transparency, institutional independence, equal political opportunity and public confidence. Preserving electoral integrity requires continuous reforms, accountable political parties, informed voters and impartial enforcement of the law. Strengthening trust in the electoral process is essential to protecting constitutional democracy and ensuring that the people’s mandate remains meaningful.
Q. The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution is primarily concerned with:
- A. The distribution of legislative powers
- B. The administration of Union Territories
- C. Disqualification on grounds of defection
- D. The conduct of local body elections
Click to reveal answer
Answer: (C). The Tenth Schedule — added by the 52nd Amendment (1985) — contains the anti-defection provisions for disqualification of legislators who defect, the safeguard this article says needs review to better protect the voters’ mandate.
Q. Free, fair and credible elections are essential for democratic legitimacy. Examine the major challenges to electoral integrity in India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)
Article 3 · Page 09GS II · Indian PolityPrelims + Mains
The gaps in the implementation of the RTI Act
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 — which completed 21 years on October 12 — is a landmark legislation that empowers citizens to access government information and promotes transparency and accountability in public administration. Its effectiveness, however, depends not only on citizens filing requests but on public authorities proactively disclosing information. Recent findings highlight serious gaps in the implementation of Section 4, which mandates voluntary disclosure of essential information by government departments.
What Is Section 4 of the RTI Act?
- Proactive disclosure: Section 4(1)(b) requires public authorities to disclose 16 categories of information — organisational structure, functions, powers, decision-making procedures, rules, budgets and contact details of officials.
- Objective: Citizens should access basic public information without filing individual RTI applications.
- Transparency audits: Third-party audits assess whether public authorities comply with disclosure requirements; audit reports are expected to be made public.
- DoPT guidelines: The Department of Personnel and Training has recommended disclosure across additional categories — procurement, public–private partnerships, and information concerning RTI applications.
Key findings — how proactive disclosure is actually faring
| Indicator | Finding |
|---|---|
| Audit compliance | Only 1,446 of 2,303 registered public authorities submitted third-party transparency audit reports (CIC annual report 2024–25) — ≈62.7% |
| Audit performance | More than half of the submitted reports received Grade C or below — scores of 80% or less |
| Website disclosure | Of 94 departmental websites analysed, only 33 displayed transparency audit reports for 2024–25 |
| Mandatory categories | 56 departments largely complied across most categories; 26 lacked information covered under the Act; others provided limited or outdated information |
| Administrative burden | Of roughly 23 lakh RTI requests handled in 2024–25, about 5.1 lakh (22%) were pending from the year before — weak proactive disclosure keeps forcing individual applications |
Why Weak Implementation Matters & Static Dimensions
- Reduced transparency on public expenditure and decisions; weaker accountability for administrative irregularities; increased pendency before Information Commissions; and a digital divide — website-based disclosure may not serve citizens with limited internet access or digital literacy.
- Constitutional basis: The Supreme Court has recognised the Right to Information as an aspect of the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a).
- RTI Act, 2005: Section 4 — proactive disclosure and record management; Section 19 — appeals; Section 20 — penalties on Public Information Officers for specified non-compliance.
- Good governance: Transparency, accountability, participation and responsiveness as principles of citizen-centric administration.
- Way forward: Regular, accessible Section 4 publication; periodic transparency audits with published findings and time-bound corrective plans; standardised, searchable departmental websites; record digitisation, staff training and monitoring; offline access for digitally excluded citizens; adequately staffed Information Commissions and timely appeal disposal.
India Implications
- The RTI Act fulfils its democratic purpose only when transparency becomes a routine administrative practice rather than a response to individual applications — effective Section 4 implementation reduces information asymmetry, improves accountability and eases the burden on Information Commissions.
- Himachal angle: The same gaps play out in HP — the HP State Information Commission’s pendency and the patchy proactive-disclosure sections of district and department websites are standard inspection points, while HP’s terrain makes the article’s digital-divide warning concrete: for remote blocks like Dodra-Kwar or Pangi, offline access to Section 4 information at panchayat and SDM offices matters as much as portals. RTI + good governance is a perennial HPAS Mains GS theme.
The RTI Act can fulfil its democratic purpose only when transparency becomes a routine administrative practice rather than a response to individual applications. Effective implementation of Section 4 can reduce information asymmetry, improve accountability and ease the burden on Information Commissions. Strengthening proactive disclosure is essential for deepening participatory democracy and building a transparent, responsive and accountable system of governance — a shift from reactive to proactive transparency that empowers citizens and fosters a culture of openness, trust and institutional integrity across all levels of government.
Q. The constitutional basis of the Right to Information in India is most closely associated with:
- A. Article 14 alone
- B. Article 19(1)(a), interpreted in light of the right to freedom of speech and expression
- C. Article 21A alone
- D. Article 300A alone
Click to reveal answer
Answer: (B). The Supreme Court has read the right to information into Article 19(1)(a) — citizens cannot meaningfully exercise free speech and expression without the right to know what the government is doing.
Q. Despite the statutory framework for proactive disclosure, citizens continue to depend on individual RTI applications to access routine information. Analyse the reasons and suggest reforms. (10 Marks, 150 Words)
Article 4 · Page 10GS II · Polity & GovernancePrelims + Mains
Why UAPA demands urgent reform
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 is India’s principal anti-terrorism legislation, aimed at preventing unlawful activities and addressing threats to national security. However, concerns regarding its broad provisions, stringent bail conditions and prolonged pre-trial detention have generated debate over balancing national security with fundamental rights. The case of former Delhi University professor G.N. Saibaba — acquitted by the Bombay High Court in 2024 after spending years in prison — highlights the importance of due process, timely trials and effective judicial safeguards.
UAPA — the framework and the friction
| Feature of the Act | The concern raised |
|---|---|
| Objective & scope: prevents unlawful activities; criminalises specified unlawful and terrorist acts; Section 35 permits designation of individuals as terrorists | Broad, vague provisions: ambiguous terms around membership of unlawful organisations blur the boundary between legitimate dissent and criminal conduct |
| Amendment history: 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2019 amendments expanded or modified the Act’s scope and enforcement framework | Chilling effect: the possibility of prolonged detention may discourage legitimate political expression, academic discussion, journalism and peaceful activism |
| Bail: Section 43D(5) restricts bail where the court finds reasonable grounds to believe the accusation is prima facie true | A higher threshold than ordinary criminal law — combined with lengthy investigations, it produces years of pre-trial custody before guilt is established |
| Institutional role: investigation and prosecution under the legal framework; courts determine guilt and review detention | Inconsistent judicial interpretation on evidence, bail and delay; unequal access to justice for those with limited resources or legal assistance |
Constitutional & Static Dimensions
- Article 14 — equality before the law; Article 19(1)(a) — free speech, subject to reasonable restrictions under 19(2); Article 21 — life and personal liberty, deprivable only by a procedure established by law that meets constitutional standards; Article 22 — safeguards relating to arrest and detention; Article 39A — equal justice and free legal aid.
- Presumption of innocence: An accused is not to be treated as guilty merely because charges have been brought — guilt must be established through the legal process.
Way Forward
- Clarify statutory definitions so criminal liability rests on legally defined conduct and evidence.
- Strengthen judicial scrutiny of evidence and of bail restrictions, while respecting statutory requirements.
- Ensure time-bound investigations and trials, particularly where the accused remains in custody; periodic reviews of detention and prosecution progress under judicial oversight.
- Develop consistent judicial standards for assessing prolonged detention and delay; strengthen legal aid, access to case documents and effective representation for undertrial prisoners.
- Maintain the balance between national security and civil liberties without weakening legitimate measures against terrorism.
India Implications
- The UAPA raises a central constitutional challenge: protecting national security while safeguarding personal liberty, due process and the rule of law — effective counterterrorism law requires clear definitions, credible evidence, timely trials and meaningful judicial oversight.
- Himachal angle: For HP aspirants this is a double-duty topic — UAPA’s bail-and-liberty jurisprudence (Articles 21–22, presumption of innocence) is core HPAS Mains polity, while the surrounding framework (UAPA alongside the new BNS/BNSS/BSA criminal codes that HP Police now operate under) is heavily tested in HP Police Constable and Allied Services law sections; HP’s own security context stays modest, which is precisely why the conceptual balance — security vs liberty — is the examinable core.
The UAPA raises an important constitutional challenge: protecting national security while safeguarding personal liberty, due process and the rule of law. Effective counterterrorism legislation requires clear legal definitions, credible evidence, timely trials and meaningful judicial oversight. Reforms that improve procedural fairness and accountability can strengthen public confidence in the justice system while preserving the State’s capacity to address genuine security threats.
Q. Which of the following constitutional provisions is most directly relevant to the protection of personal liberty in cases involving prolonged pre-trial detention?
- A. Article 21
- B. Article 280
- C. Article 312
- D. Article 368
Click to reveal answer
Answer: (A) Article 21. Article 21 protects life and personal liberty and requires any deprivation of liberty to follow a fair, just and reasonable procedure established by law — the touchstone courts apply to prolonged pre-trial detention (Articles 280, 312 and 368 concern the Finance Commission, All-India Services and constitutional amendment respectively).
Q. What is the objective of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967? Discuss the challenges involved in balancing national security with fundamental rights. (10 Marks, 150 Words)
Article 5 · Page 13GS II · Social JusticeMains Focus
WHO prequalifies Serum Institute’s quadrivalent HPV vaccine CERVAVAC
The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified CERVAVAC, an indigenously developed quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. Effective September 25, 2026, the vaccine becomes eligible for procurement by United Nations agencies, subject to applicable requirements — an important milestone for India’s biotechnology sector and for global efforts to prevent cervical cancer, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
CERVAVAC — factfile
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer & type | Serum Institute of India; quadrivalent HPV vaccine targeting four HPV types — 6, 11, 16 and 18; gender-neutral |
| Licensure | Licensed in India for girls and boys aged 9–26 years |
| The milestone | First Indian-made quadrivalent HPV vaccine to receive WHO prequalification (until now, the WHO-prequalified HPV portfolio consisted of vaccines manufactured outside India) |
| What WHO PQ means | Assessment of quality, safety, efficacy and manufacturing standards — making the vaccine eligible for UN-agency procurement; it is not the same as marketing authorisation, and it does not automatically replace the vaccine used in India’s national programme |
| India’s national programme | Launched February 28, 2026, targeting ≈1.2 crore 14-year-old girls with a free single dose; more than 80 lakh doses administered by September 2026; currently uses Gardasil-4, with CERVAVAC also available in India |
| Global context | By end-2025, HPV vaccination had been introduced in 165 countries, but global first-dose coverage among girls was only ≈33% — well below the 90% target |
HPV, Cervical Cancer & Why Prequalification Matters
- HPV: A common group of viruses, some transmitted through sexual contact; persistent infection with high-risk HPV types causes more than 95% of cervical cancer cases globally (WHO); HPV can also cause anal, vulval and vaginal cancers, certain other cancers and genital warts.
- How CERVAVAC works: HPV 16 and 18 are high-risk types responsible for a substantial proportion of cervical cancers; HPV 6 and 11 are primarily associated with most anogenital warts — quadrivalent protection covers both; gender-neutral vaccination of boys reduces transmission and protects both sexes.
- Significance of WHO PQ: Global market access through UN procurement channels; affordable healthcare through supplier competition; supply-chain resilience via domestic manufacturing; biotechnology advancement — strengthening India as a vaccine manufacturing and research hub; and public-health diplomacy through Indian-developed vaccines in global disease-prevention initiatives.
- Static linkages: SDG 3 (health and well-being, reducing premature NCD mortality); Universal Health Coverage; preventive healthcare — vaccination, screening and timely treatment as complementary pillars; WHO’s 90–70–90 strategy by 2030 — vaccinate 90% of girls by age 15, screen 70% of women with a high-performance test by 35 and 45, treat 90% of women identified with cervical disease.
- Challenges: Awareness; affordability, distribution and access in rural and underserved areas; integration with adolescent health services and school-based outreach (including out-of-school children); continued screening — vaccination does not eliminate every cancer-causing HPV type; safety monitoring; and international procurement opportunities for Indian-manufactured vaccines.
India Implications
- WHO prequalification strengthens India’s indigenous vaccine ecosystem and expands global access to cervical-cancer prevention — but the public-health payoff depends on affordable supplies, effective immunisation coverage, awareness and complementary screening services.
- Himachal angle: HP’s consistently high routine-immunisation coverage and strong school-enrolment rates make it well-placed to deliver the 14-year-old girls’ dose through school-based sessions, including for winter-cut-off blocks that need early-season planning; pairing vaccination with cervical screening at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs matters doubly in a state where tertiary oncology is concentrated at IGMC Shimla and Tanda (Kangra), a long journey from Pangi or Kinnaur.
WHO prequalification of CERVAVAC is an important step towards strengthening India’s indigenous vaccine ecosystem and expanding global access to cervical cancer prevention. However, the public health benefits will depend on affordable supplies, effective immunisation coverage, awareness and complementary screening services. Combining indigenous innovation with equitable healthcare delivery can help India contribute meaningfully to the WHO’s goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem.
Q. Discuss the significance of WHO prequalification of CERVAVAC for India’s biotechnology sector and global public health. (10 Marks, 150 Words)
Editorial Analysis · Page 08GS II · Polity & GovernanceMains Focus
Barricades cannot silence the voice of democracy
Context: Peaceful protest is an essential feature of a democratic society, enabling citizens to express dissent, raise grievances and hold public authorities accountable. An article by M.A. Baby (General Secretary, CPI(M)) examines restrictions on demonstrations in India — the barricading of Jantar Mantar, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) imposed across the New Delhi district on October 2 ahead of a protest seeking the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation, Metro station closures and traffic curbs — and raises the constitutional question of balancing public order with fundamental freedoms.
Constitutional Basis of the Right to Protest
- Article 19(1)(a): Freedom of speech and expression — communicating opinions and dissent.
- Article 19(1)(b): The right to assemble peaceably and without arms.
- Reasonable restrictions: Under Articles 19(2) and 19(3), the State may impose constitutionally permissible restrictions — including on grounds of public order and the sovereignty and integrity of India.
- Article 21: Life and personal liberty — reinforcing lawful, proportionate state action.
- Democratic significance: Peaceful protest gives marginalised groups, students, workers and civil society a platform beyond formal electoral processes.
Judicial developments & the statutory frame
| Authority | What it establishes |
|---|---|
| Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan v. Union of India (2018) | The Supreme Court recognised peaceful protest as a fundamental right, directed authorities to formulate guidelines for regulated demonstrations at Jantar Mantar — balancing protest with the rights of other citizens and public order |
| Ramlila Maidan Incident, In Re (2012) | The Court examined the exercise of state power during a protest and emphasised constitutional protections for peaceful assembly and personal liberty |
| Section 163, BNSS 2023 | Empowers authorities to issue urgent orders to prevent specified dangers or nuisances (successor to Section 144 CrPC) — its application must remain consistent with the statute and constitutional safeguards; repeated or disproportionate use raises rule-of-law concerns |
| Rule of law | Administrative restrictions must have a lawful basis and remain subject to appropriate scrutiny and remedies |
Key Issues & the Balancing Challenge
- Restrictions on protest sites: Repeated denial of permissions and curbs on designated demonstration areas may limit citizens’ practical ability to exercise constitutional rights — the article traces the “erasure of protest geography” from the Boat Club to Jantar Mantar, with permissions increasingly routed through police discretion.
- Prohibitory orders & preventive detentions: Concerns arise when Section 163 BNSS orders are imposed repeatedly or disproportionately; detaining demonstrators without adequate justification interferes with personal liberty and peaceful political participation.
- Administrative discretion: Unclear criteria for granting permission create uncertainty and raise questions of consistency, fairness and accountability; relocating demonstrations away from significant public institutions reduces their visibility and impact.
- Digital restrictions: Internet shutdowns affect communication, access to information and the ability to document public events.
- Balancing tests: Public safety (congestion, safety risks, essential services) vs proportionality (restrictions should address identifiable risks without unnecessarily preventing assembly), equal treatment (viewpoint-neutral, consistent permission procedures) and accountability (clear reasons, accessible grievance redressal).
- Way forward: Transparent, time-bound permission procedures; restrictions only when legally justified, necessary and proportionate; adequate designated protest spaces with essential facilities and reasonable access to public institutions; accountability for arbitrary restrictions; dialogue between authorities and organisers; protection of digital freedoms within legal safeguards.
India Implications
- The right to peaceful protest connects citizens with institutions between elections — a democratic approach requires transparent procedures, proportionate restrictions, institutional accountability and meaningful access to public spaces, alongside the State’s legitimate duty to maintain public order and protect the rights of others.
- Himachal angle: The same framework governs protest in HP — Section 163 BNSS orders are routinely invoked in Shimla and district headquarters (exam seasons, VIP movements), and the state’s own recent protest history, from the apple growers’ Sanyukt Kisan Manch marches on the Secretariat (2023) to employee pension agitations, shows regulated-assembly questions are living HP administration; Article 19 jurisprudence with Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan and Ramlila Maidan is standard HPAS Mains citation material.
The right to peaceful protest is an important component of constitutional democracy, connecting citizens with institutions between elections. At the same time, the State has a legitimate responsibility to maintain public order and protect the rights of others. A democratic approach requires transparent procedures, proportionate restrictions, institutional accountability and meaningful access to public spaces. Protecting peaceful dissent while ensuring public safety strengthens constitutional governance and public trust.
Q. “The right to protest is not absolute, but restrictions on it cannot be arbitrary.” Discuss. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
