The Supreme Court has let itself and democracy down by kicking the anonymous electoral bonds can down the wafflers’ street again. Whether it’s lethargy or pusillanimity, doesn’t matter. It’s a self-diminishing institutional letdown. That the practice has continued because SC has failed to rule on it doesn’t make it legitimate.
SC anguish over delay in 55 judge appointments justified. Covid worsened judicial pendency
The Supreme Court’s anguish over the Modi government sitting on 55 high court judge appointments for 6-18 months is justified. Judicial pendency has been a perennial problem and Covid lockdown of courts has only worsened it. Unexplained delays in clearing names –or being selective – raises questions about the government’s motives.
Modi govt wants to reform agriculture, but making states do GM crop trials counter-intuitive
Modi government decision to shift the onus of GM crop trials to states is disappointing and counter-intuitive when it’s seeking to reform agriculture. Most states do not have the expertise or capacity to screen trial requests. Bowing to anti-GM Luddites doesn’t inspire confidence in other critical reforms in the pipeline.