Published on Dec 12, 2024
Daily Editorials Analysis
Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 12 December 2024
Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 12 December 2024

Content :

1.    The long and complex road to assisted dying

2.    Vaikom — two States, two leaders and a tale of reform

3.    Chief Justices need longer tenures


 The long and Complex Road To Assisted Dying


Intro : Assisted dying is the practice of providing terminally ill individuals with medical aid to voluntarily end their suffering and life in a dignified manner.

Relevance : GS 2( Polity and Governance)

Practice Question: Discuss the main arguments for and against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25 in the UK. How does India’s approach to assisted dying differ?(250 Words)

Introduction of the Bill

  • The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25 introduced in the UK House of Commons aims to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill adults.
  • Conditions: Patient must have less than six months to live, with approval from two doctors and a High Court judge.
  • Passed by a majority of 55 votes (330 for, 275 against).
  • Voting was conscience-based; party whips did not influence decisions.

Milestone Achievement:

  • Marks progress in recognizing the right to die as intrinsic to human liberty.

Opposition’s Arguments:

  • Slippery Slope: Fear of abuse and pressure on vulnerable groups (elderly, disabled).
  • International Precedents: Concerns over Canada’s expanded scope of assisted dying laws.

Proponents’ Counterarguments:

  • Law tightly drafted: Applies only to competent adults with terminal diagnoses.
  • Safeguards: Independent assessment, 14-day reflection, and High Court approval.

Philosophical and Religious Objections:

  • Critics see it as a violation of the sanctity of life.
  • Supporters argue for bodily autonomy and the alleviation of unbearable suffering.

India’s Context:

Euthanasia laws distinguish between:

  •  Active Euthanasia: Deliberate action to end life (e.g., administering lethal substances) remains illegal.
  •  Passive Euthanasia: Withdrawal of life support is legal under strict conditions per Supreme Court rulings (Aruna Shanbaug, 2011Common Cause, 2018; modified 2023 guidelines). Requires patient consent via a living will and applies to terminally ill or vegetative patients.
  • The Supreme Court recognizes the right to die with dignity as part of Article 21 of the Constitution.

Vaikom — Two States, Two Leaders and a Tale of Reform


Context : Fought against the prohibition of backward caste Hindus from walking near the Vaikom Mahadeva temple in Travancore.

Relevance: GS 1( History) ,GS 2( Social Justice)

Practice QuestionWhat was the significance of the Vaikom Satyagraha in advancing social reform in South India? How did it influence legislation related to temple entry?(250 Words)

  • Initiated by Kerala State Congress and social activists; gained momentum with Periyar’s leadership in 1924.
  • Culminated in the removal of restrictions in November 1925, marking a significant step towards social justice.

Impact on Social Reform :

  • Sparked mass movements across India for temple entry, including B.R. Ambedkar-led protests at Ambadevi and Kalaram Mandir.

Legislative milestones in South India:

  • 1932: Bill introduced for temple entry in the Legislative Assembly.
  • 1936: Travancore Temple Entry Proclamation.
  • 1938: Malabar Temple Entry Bill.
  • 1939: Backward castes allowed entry into major temples like Madurai Meenakshi and Thanjavur Brihadeeswara.
  • 1947: Madras Temple Entry Authorization Act.

Role of the Constitution

  • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s clause: “Subject to public order, morality, and health” (added on December 7, 1948) curtailed absolute freedom of religion, enabling state intervention for equality.
  • This clause became the basis for constitutional courts to balance equality and religious freedom.

State Regulation of Temples

  • Legislation like the Madras Hindu Religious Endowments Act (1927) and Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act (1959) aimed at ensuring equality in temple access.
  • Supreme Court judgments (e.g., Shirur Mutt case, 1954) upheld state intervention in secular aspects of religious institutions.
  • Recent reforms include appointing non-Brahmin archakas (priests) in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, challenging entrenched caste hierarchies.

Resistance to Reforms

  • Orthodox religious beliefs and social norms continue to resist changes like non-Brahmin priest appointments.
  • Courts have largely upheld these reforms while making exceptions for “Agamic temples.”

Current Relevance and Commemoration

  • The centenary of the Vaikom Struggle (December 12, 2024) highlights the socio-political legacy of Periyar and Ambedkar.
  • Collaboration between Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments symbolizes ongoing commitment to social justice and reform.
  • These reforms underline the shift towards equality, challenging traditional caste-based practices in religion.

Key Takeaways

  • Vaikom Struggle marked a turning point in temple entry movements, catalyzing broader religious reforms.
  • Ambedkar’s constitutional foresight enabled state intervention in religious matters for equality.
  • Persistent reforms in South India set a precedent for caste inclusion in religious practices.
  • The centenary celebrations reaffirm the commitment to a more egalitarian society through legislative and moral consensus.

Chief Justices Need Longer Tenures


Intro : Indian judiciary faces the challenge of short tenures for Chief Justices in Indian High Courts, which affects institutional effectiveness and the overall health of the judiciary.

Relevance: GS 2(Judiciary)

Practice Question: Discuss the impact of short tenures for Chief Justices on the judicial system in India. How does it affect institutional effectiveness.(250 Words)

Short Tenures:

  • Many recent Chief Justices have had very brief terms (e.g., Justice Rajiv Shakdher retired after just 24 days).
  • Justice Manmohan was appointed and then quickly moved to the Supreme Court.
  • Average tenure of most Chief Justices is about one to one and a half years.
  • Only one judge, Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao, will serve a longer tenure (around four years).

Role of Chief Justices:

  • Chief Justices play a crucial role in administering High Courts—managing finances, recommending judges, taking disciplinary actions, and participating in various legal and non-legal functions.
  • Their responsibilities require understanding and engagement with diverse issues affecting the High Courts.

Challenges with Short Tenures:

  • Time required to understand the complexities of a High Court’s functioning is not sufficient (average of two years).
  • This limits their ability to implement reforms and innovations effectively.
  • Chief Justices retire before they can fully understand their roles and make meaningful changes.

Comparison with Historical Context:

  • During British ruleChief Justices had longer tenures (average of 7-8 years).
  • Madras High Court’s early history: 11 Chief Justices in 85 years with an average tenure of less than 8 years.
  • In independent India, this tenure has drastically reduced (22 Chief Justices in 45 years).

Impact on Judicial Effectiveness:

  • The current system’s short tenure is insufficient for Chief Justices to address complex issues comprehensively.
  • Inability to foster continuity and institutional memory leads to inefficiency and hinders reform.

Need for Reform:

  • Urges joint deliberation among stakeholders (judiciary, Bar, and other stakeholders) to find a solution.
  • Emphasizes that resolving this issue is crucial to maintaining the credibility and efficiency of the judiciary.