What to Read in Indian Express Editorial( Topic and Syllabus wise)

Editorial 1: What is NSA, under which Sonam Wangchuk was detained?

Context:

Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known climate activist and education reformer from Ladakh, was recently detained by the local administration using the NSA. His detention sparked debates over the law’s misuse against activists and dissenters.

Background:

• This law deals with Preventive Detention, which has a long history in India. It was widely used in Colonial times to curb dissent during war.
• After Independence, parliament passed Preventive Detention Act, 1950followed by Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA), 1971.
• MISA was repealed in 1978 due to its repeated misuse.
• NSA was enacted in 1980to give the governments the power to deal with challenges to internal security, while also providing certain procedural safeguard.

National Security Act (NSA), 1980:

• The National Security Act (NSA), 1980, is a preventive detentionlaw in India, designed to safeguard national security, maintain public order, and ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential goods and services.
• Unlike ordinary criminal laws, which punish individuals after an offence, the NSA empowers authorities to detain a person preemptively if they are perceived to pose a threat.
• The law has historically been invoked during periods of internal unrest, communal tensions, or when authorities deem potential disruption likely.

Legal Provisions and Powers under NSA:

• Under the NSA, the District Magistrate (DM) or Police Commissioner has the authority to detain an individualif they believe the person’s actions or potential actions could threaten public order or national security.
• A detention order under the NSA can initially last for up to three months and may be extended to a maximum of twelve months upon review.
• While detainees can challenge the detention before an Advisory Board headed by a High Court judge, the act allows the government to withhold details of the detention if disclosure is considered contrary to public interest.
• This broad discretionhas often been criticized for creating opportunities for misuse, particularly against activists, journalists, and dissenting voices.

Rights of the Detained:

• Although detainees have the right to appeal to the Advisory Board, they are not accorded the full protections available under the Indian criminal justice system.
• For instance, detainees may not receive immediate access to legal counsel, cannot always secure bail, and do not undergo a public trial.
• This preventive nature of detention, coupled with limited judicial oversight, raises concerns regarding potential violations of fundamental rights, particularly Articles 21 (protection of life and personal liberty)and 22 (provisions related to preventive detention).

Historical Usage and Criticism:

• The NSA has historically been invoked in various states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Manipur, to address perceived threats to law and order.
• These include cases related to communal violence, protests against government policies, or allegations of illegal activities.
• In several instances, courts have later quashed detention orders, citing insufficient evidence or procedural lapses, highlighting the law’s susceptibility to misuse.
• Critics argue that the NSA suffers from vague definitions of terms like “public order” and “national security,” leaving room for subjective interpretation.
• The limited role of judicial authorities in reviewing detentions weakens accountability.
• Human rights groups contend that frequent use of the NSA against peaceful activists and dissenters undermines democratic freedoms, creating an environment of fear and self-censorship.

The Case of Sonam Wangchuk:

• Sonam Wangchuk, a well-known climate activist and education reformer from Ladakh, was recently detained under the NSA by local authorities.
• Wangchuk has been leading protests demanding constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, including Sixth Schedule status to ensure protection of the region’s unique cultural, political, and environmental identity.
• Authorities justified his detention by claiming that his activism could disrupt public order.
• The detention triggered widespread debate, with critics arguing that the government is using preventive detention laws to silence legitimate, peaceful democratic movements.
• Wangchuk’s case has highlighted broader concerns regarding the balance between state security and individual liberties, raising questions about the democratic accountability of preventive detention laws.

Way Forward:

The NSA was enacted to address exceptional circumstances, allowing preventive action to safeguard national security and public order. However, its frequent invocation against activists, journalists, and political dissenters has attracted criticism, emphasizing the need for stronger safeguards and judicial oversight.

 

Editorial 2: Slice the Repo Rate

Context:

India’s economic growth has remained stronger than expected in the current fiscal, with the first quarter GDP growth at 7.8 percent. This momentum, however, faces challenges as the fiscal year progresses, particularly from global headwinds, weaker consumption, and slowing exports.

Growth Trends:

• India’s growth in the first half of the year has been supported by robust private consumption, government spending, and capital expenditure.
• However, the second half is projected to slow down significantly. CRISIL forecasts GDP growth to fall from 7.8 percent in Q1 to around 6.6 percent in the second half, leading to a full-year projection of 6.8 percent.
• This deceleration is linked to weaker global demand, especially in the US and EU, which together account for a large share of India’s exports.
• Sectors like textiles, gems and jewellery, and seafood—industries that account for nearly a quarter of India’s exports to the US—are expected to be hit hardest.
• Additionally, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which dominate these industries, will bear a disproportionate burden.
• Chemicals, where MSMEs have around 40 percent share, will also face challenges.

Inflation and Monetary Policy:

• A notable positive development has been the decline in inflation.
• Retail inflation, which had spiked earlier due to food prices, is now expected to average 4.9 percent for the fiscal, compared with 5.4 percent last year.
• Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation has also remained soft. Lower inflation, combined with weaker growth prospects, creates room for monetary policy easing.
• The RBI had previously maintained a cautious stance, keeping rates unchanged due to supply-side uncertainties.
• However, with inflation easing and growth slowing, there is now a strong case for reducing the repo rate to boost domestic demand and offset external drags.

Fiscal and Structural Measures:

• The government has already taken measures to support growth, such as reducing import duties on critical inputs, simplifying the GST rate structure, and encouraging capital expenditure.
• While these will aid the economy, monetary policy support is also essential to reinforce the growth momentum.
• Private consumption, which accounts for nearly 60 percent of GDP, remains sensitive to interest rates.
• Lower borrowing costs can stimulate household spending and reduce the financial burden on MSMEs, thereby boosting economic activity.
• Interest rate cuts will also help reduce the cost of servicing debt, supporting investment across sectors.

Risks and Challenges:

• Despite these arguments, certain risks remain. Global uncertainties—such as oil price volatility, geopolitical tensions, and sluggish trade—may affect India’s external position.
• Additionally, any sudden spike in food prices could reignite inflationary pressures, limiting the RBI’s flexibility.
• However, the balance of risks currently tilts toward supporting growth rather than worrying excessively about inflation, which appears under control.

Way Forward:

While India’s economy has shown resilience so far, the coming months will likely be tougher. With global demand weakening and exports slowing, domestic demand must act as the main growth driver. Cutting the repo rate in the second half of the fiscal can provide the necessary push, complementing government reforms and fiscal support.