Supreme Court debates judicial fairness, questions electoral legitimacy, and pulls up states over illegal sand mining impacting environment and governance.
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (15 APRIL 2026)
KEJRIWAL SEEKS RECUSE OF JUDGE, CITES FAIR HEARING CONCERNS
Case Name:Arvind Kejriwal vs. State (Recusal Plea)
Before the Supreme Court of India, Arvind Kejriwal pressed for recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, arguing that a fair hearing requires complete judicial neutrality. The plea underscores how even perceived bias can undermine confidence in the justice system, placing judicial propriety and transparency at the heart of adjudication.
Legal Provisions:
- Article 21 - Fair trial guarantee
- Principles of Natural Justice
- Doctrine of Bias (Nemo Judex in causa sua)
- Judicial Ethics & Recusal Norms
- Right to Fair Hearing
Source: Supreme Court of India
LOW VOTER PARTICIPATION MAY DISTORT ELECTORAL LEGITIMACY
Case Name:QUARAISHA YEASMIN AND ORS. v. THE ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA AND ORS.| W.P.(C) No. 462/2026
During proceedings linked to West Bengal's electoral process, concerns were raised before the Supreme Court of India over situations where a candidate wins despite a notable portion of the electorate being unable to vote. The discussion highlights deeper constitutional questions about electoral fairness, participation, and representative legitimacy in democratic systems.
Legal Provisions:
- Article 326 - Adult suffrage
- Representation of the People Act, 1950
- Free and Fair Elections Principle
- Electoral Integrity Doctrine
- Constitutional Democracy Framework
Source: Supreme Court of India
SUPREME COURT SLAMS STATES OVER SAND MAFIA IN CHAMBAL
Case Name:In Re: Illegal Sand Mining in Chambal Sanctuary
The Supreme Court of India criticised Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh governments for failing to curb illegal sand mining in the Chambal sanctuary. Calling it a governance breakdown, the Court stressed environmental protection and accountability, warning that unchecked exploitation of natural resources threatens ecological balance and undermines rule of law.
Legal Provisions & Framework:
- Article 21 - Right to clean environment
- Environment Protection Act, 1986
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
- Public Trust Doctrine
- State Duty to Protect Natural Resources
Source: Supreme Court of India
Also Read: DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (13 APRIL 2026)