The constitution defines India to be a secular nation, and recognizes equality before law as one of the fundamental rights of all citizens. However, when it comes to a category of laws called personal laws, how you are treated by law will depend on which religion you are born into. The roots of this practice can be […]

I saw this image doing the rounds on Facebook (without my own comment in that clumsily crafted star, of course). Though it is a rather stupid argument being made, and takes very less to expose, unfortunately there are many who buy this nonsense without caring to make even that minimum exercise of their brain. Even […]

Discussion on India’s right to the Kohinoor were recently in the news after the Government of India told the Supreme Court that the diamond was gifted to be British and not stolen by them. This led to further debates on whether Government’s position was factually correct, whether we are the rightful owners of the diamond, and if we should strive […]

The recent controversy around someone refusing to shout “Bharat Mata ki Jai” reminded me of an incident sometime back, when a family was reportedly harassed in a theater because they did not stand up for the national anthem. It is bad enough to have a legal requirement to play the national anthem at every screening, and it is absolutely outrageous for […]

Recent events at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi, and the political drama that followed has divided Indians into those who identify themselves as nationalists and others who, equally proudly, proclaim themselves anti-national. The debate has pitted those who pretend to champion freedom of expression and dissent against those who will tolerate no act that may be deemed seditious or […]

Juvenile justice has been a hotly debated topic this week, with the juvenile delinquent in Delhi rape case set to be released tomorrow. Looks like most Indians are of the opinion that he should not be allowed to walk free. Their reasons vary, but most of them come down to one of the two main arguments […]

There are many flaws in Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act 2015, and the recent Supreme Court verdict chooses to ignore them all. Before we can get into the details, it is important to understand the major changes brought in through the amendment and their supposed rationale. To read the amendment in full, refer to this barely […]

“Incredible India” is home to many incredible traditions. There are several thousand different sects following different customs, having their own deities and places of worship. These include temples for Gods, animals, saints, celestial bodies, and even actresses and politicians! The rules followed at many of these are often strange, and usually, follow from local customs and […]

European colonies which gained their freedom post World War II owe their freedom, in a great part, to Hitler and the Nazis. Whether or not he really meant to do so, there are at least two ways in which Hitler helped end colonialism. The first of these is more straightforward, less controversial, seldom disputed, and widely […]

Social and conventional media are ablaze with the Faridabad immolation tragedy. If innocent people, especially children, lose their life, it is natural for people to feel sad and pained. It goes without saying that the case should be investigated impartially and if there is foul play, perpetrators should be brought to justice. In India, however, […]