HASTAKSHEP NEWS BULLETIN – ENGLISH EDITION
School assembly news headlines today
Date: April 15, 2025Top Stories Today —
- Is the basic structure of the Indian Constitution under threat?
- Is Bihar heading toward a major political realignment?
- And is our justice system becoming a symbol of injustice itself?
Let’s dive into the day’s most crucial and thought-provoking developments — closely, courageously, and unapologetically.
Constitution Under Threat? Justice Nariman’s Alarming Warning
Former Supreme Court Judge Rohinton Nariman has issued a dire warning: tampering with the Constitution’s Basic Structure Doctrine could lead India back to a Jallianwala Bagh-like tragedy.
At the launch of his new book _“Basic Structure Doctrine: Protector of Constitutional Integrity”_, Nariman emphasized that the doctrine is eternal. “If it is ever dismantled, God help us,” he said, warning of potential mass atrocities if constitutional integrity is weakened.
He referred to the landmark 1973 Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala case where the Supreme Court ruled that Parliament can amend the Constitution but not alter its "soul."
Justice K.V. Viswanathan, also present at the event, stressed that fundamental rights are natural and inalienable — not even a referendum can take them away.
Bihar’s Political Earthquake: Mahagathbandhan Resurfaces
The political landscape in Bihar is showing signs of a dramatic shift.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted:
“This time, change is certain in Bihar.”
After meeting with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Kharge slammed the BJP and promised a united opposition government that will prioritize justice and welfare.
State Congress President Rajesh Ram stated that more strategic discussions are underway, with a follow-up meeting planned in Patna on April 17.
Meanwhile, RLJP chief and former NDA ally Pashupati Kumar Paras hinted at joining the INDIA alliance, saying:
“The opposition must now unite and take the message to all 38 districts of Bihar. Dalit communities are disillusioned with the NDA.”
If confirmed, this would mark a significant setback for BJP, especially among Dalit voters.
Alarming Rise in Undertrial Prisoners: India Justice Report 2025
The latest India Justice Report reveals shocking trends:
Undertrials in custody for over five years have tripled from 2012 to 2022.
- 22% of undertrial prisoners in 2022 were detained for 1-3 years.
- States with the highest long-term undertrial counts: Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Rajasthan.
- Uttar Pradesh alone accounts for 94,000+ undertrials, or 22% of the national total.
Former SC Judge Sanjay Kishan Kaul wrote in the report's foreword:
“A bloated undertrial population reflects failures across the legal system — from policing and courts to legal aid.”
This report exposes a silent crisis in our justice system where being ‘undertrial’ has become synonymous with indefinite punishment.
Akhilesh Yadav on Temples and History: Let’s Focus on Progress
Responding to controversial remarks by party members about temple issues, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav took a firm stance:
“If history can’t guide us positively, let it stay as history.”
He emphasized the party’s focus on progressive development and distanced himself from divisive debates.
BJP Has No Right to Speak for Muslims: Congress’ Vaidettiwar
Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar launched a strong attack on BJP:
“If the PM couldn’t include a single Muslim in his cabinet, how can he claim to care about the Muslim community?”
He challenged BJP to appoint a Muslim as party chief or RSS leader if they truly care about representation.
BJD Faces Internal Rift Over Waqf Law
In Odisha, senior BJD leader Ranendra Pratap Swain wrote to party chief Naveen Patnaik, expressing deep concerns over the party’s stance on the Waqf law and urging a reaffirmation of BJD’s commitment to secularism and social justice.
His letter warns that internal discontent threatens the ideological unity of the party and calls for clarity and leadership during this sensitive time.
International Spotlight: Freedom in Education Under Threat?
In a dramatic move, the Trump administration has reportedly frozen $2.2 billion in federal grants meant for Harvard University. The move, seen as politically motivated, raises questions about academic independence, funding control, and ideological battles within American education.
That wraps up our top stories today.
Stay informed, stay questioning.