Summary
September 2025 saw C.P. Radhakrishnan elected Vice President and the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill debated on ministerial disqualification. The Supreme Court ruled on Waqf provisions and caste-certificate equity. Parliament advanced gaming and sports reforms, while the Visakhapatnam Declaration promoted AI-driven governance and preparations intensified for the 2027 Digital Census.
Detailed Analysis
1: Constitutional Issues & High-Stakes Elections
1. 15th Vice-Presidential Election (September 9, 2025)
- The News: C.P. Radhakrishnan (NDA candidate and former Governor of Maharashtra) was elected as the 15th Vice President of India.
- The Margin: He secured 452 votes, defeating the Opposition's nominee, B. Sudershan Reddy (300 votes).
- Constitutional Link: Under Article 63, the Vice President serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Radhakrishnan succeeded Jagdeep Dhankhar.
2. The 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025
- The News: Introduced in the Lok Sabha, this bill proposes a radical shift in ministerial accountability.
- Key Provision: It seeks to amend Articles 75, 164, and 239AA to mandate the automatic removal of a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister if they are detained in custody for 30 consecutive days for a serious criminal offense (punishable by 5+ years).
- Status: Referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) due to intense debate over potential political misuse and the "presumption of innocence" doctrine.
2: Judiciary & Landmark Rulings
1. Supreme Court Ruling on Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025
- The News: A Bench led by CJI B.R. Gavai heard petitions challenging the constitutionality of the new Waqf Act.
- The Verdict: The Court refused to stay the entire Act but issued an interim stay on certain provisions, including those allowing non-Muslim members on the Waqf Board and the requirement to prove five years of Islamic practice before making a Waqf.
2. Landmark "Equity over Fraud" Ruling
- The Case: State of Maharashtra v. Ankita Rajendra Wagh.
- The Verdict: The SC ruled that while seats obtained through fake caste certificates are invalid, "equity" allows students who have completed a substantial part of their degree to finish it, though they cannot claim any future benefits (jobs/promotions) based on that certificate.
3. SC High Security Zone Photography Ban
- The News: The Supreme Court prohibited all unauthorized photography and videography within its "High Security Zone" to maintain decorum and security.
3: Legislative Actions & Bills
| Bill/Act | Status | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Online Gaming Bill, 2025 | Passed | Regulates e-sports and social gaming; creates a new Regulatory Authority. |
| National Sports Governance Bill | Passed | Standardizes federation elections and athlete welfare. |
| Jan Vishwas (Amendment) Bill | In Committee | Decriminalizes minor offenses in 42 Acts to improve Ease of Doing Business. |
| Shipbuilding Financial Assistance | Approved | Extended till 2036 with an outlay of ₹24,736 crore. |
4: Governance & E-Governance
1. Visakhapatnam Declaration 2025
- The Event: The 28th National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) was held in Visakhapatnam (Sept 22).
- The Theme: "Viksit Bharat: Civil Service and Digital Transformation."
- The Declaration: Focuses on using AI for inclusive solutions and creating a secure "Agri Stack" for farmers.
2. Digital Census 2027 Roadmap
- The News: The Home Ministry finalized the framework for India's first-ever Digital Census, scheduled for 2027. It will allow self-enumeration for the first time in Indian history.