The Law on ‘Suspension of Sentence’

Why in News?

On December 29, a three-judge vacation bench of the Supreme Court, consisting of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justice J.K. Maheshwari, and Justice A.G. Masih, stayed the Delhi High Court’s decision to suspend the life sentence of Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a former four-time MLA, who was convicted in the infamous 2017 Unnao rape case.

What is the background of the unnao rape case?

• 2017 – Kuldeep Singh Sengar, then a sitting MLA, allegedly raped a minor girl at his residence.
• 2018 – The incident was marred by police inaction and alleged intimidation of the victim, prompting the case to be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
• The trial was then shifted to Delhi under the Supreme Court’s directions.
• 2019 – On December 16, 2019, Sengar was convicted, and on December 20, 2019, he was sentenced to life imprisonment until the end of his natural life.
• 2025 – Despite his conviction, Sengar filed an appeal against his sentence, leading to the Delhi High Court’s decision to suspend his sentence on December 23, 2025, pending the appeal.

What is the legal framework on suspension of sentence?

• Conclusion of a trial – Once a trial concludes, an accused is either acquitted or convicted.
• Conviction – A conviction displaces the “presumption of innocence” and renders the sentence operative, requiring the convict to undergo the awarded punishment.
• Suspension of sentence – However, under Section Section 389 of the CrPC, 1973 (now Section 430 of the BNSS, 2023), a convict may seek suspension of the sentence during the pendency of an appeal.
• The suspension of the sentence, however, does not affect the finding of guilt but only suspends the execution of the punishment.
• Differences in legal approach – While suspension of sentence is routine in cases involving short-term or fixed-term sentences, the legal approach is different in cases involving serious crimes like rape, particularly those punishable by life imprisonment.
• In such cases, courts are generally cautious about suspending the sentence, as it may send the wrong message about the severity of the crime.

When do courts suspend a sentence?

• Exception vs Rule – In cases involving serious offences, the suspension of a sentence is an exception rather than the rule.
• Short-term sentences – The Supreme Court, in cases like Bhagwan Rama Shinde Gosai vs. State of Gujarat (1999), clarified that suspension of a sentence in appeal should be done liberally in cases involving short-term sentences.
• Life imprisonment sentences – However, in cases involving life imprisonment, such as Sengar’s, suspension is rare and must be done after considering several factors.
• This factors includes:
  • The nature and gravity of the offence – The seriousness of the crime must be assessed.
  • The manner of commission of the crime – The brutality and intent behind the crime must be taken into account.
  • The desirability of granting bail – Whether releasing the convict on bail would be appropriate, especially considering the victim's safety and potential societal impact.
• The decision to suspend Sengar's sentence by the Delhi High Court was influenced primarily by his conviction under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which criminalizes "aggravated" sexual assault by a public servant.
• This decision sparked controversy due to the interpretation of the term "public servant."

What is the ‘public servant’ debate?

• POCSO act – One of the key issues in this case was whether Sengar’s actions qualified as "aggravated sexual assault by a public servant" under Section 5(c) of the POCSO Act.
• Narrow view of High Court – The High Court took a narrow view and held that Sengar, an elected MLA, did not fall under the category of a "public servant" as defined under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Section 21.
• The court noted that the IPC definition of a "public servant" does not include elected legislators like MLAs.
• Controversial interpretation – In practice, elected officials wield significant power and influence, often exercising authority over vulnerable populations.
  • The POCSO Act, designed to protect children from sexual exploitation, was meant to address the abuse of power by public servants, including police officers, teachers, and government officials.
  • The High Court’s narrow interpretation excluded elected legislators, creating an anomaly.
• Broader view of trial Court – This decision diverged from the trial court’s judgment, which had interpreted the term "public servant" more broadly, applying the definition under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), 1988, which includes anyone holding a public office.
• The High Court’s ruling raises important questions about how the law should be applied when it comes to sexual crimes committed by powerful individuals.

Can a life sentence be suspended based on ‘prolonged incarceration’?

• The situation of prolonged incarnation – The High Court also relied on the fact that Sengar had already spent over seven years in prison.
•  It cited the case Kashmira Singh vs. State of Punjab (1977), which held that prolonged incarceration without a final conviction could result in injustice.
• Supreme Court’s observation – However, in cases of life imprisonment, the Supreme Court has consistently stated that mere prolonged incarceration cannot justify the suspension of a sentence.
• In the Chhotelal Yadav vs. State of Jharkhand (2025) case, the Supreme Court clarified that suspension of a sentence in life imprisonment cases should only occur if there is a palpable error in the trial court’s judgment that could lead to acquittal on appeal.
• The High Court’s reliance on Sengar’s time served in prison could therefore be seen as insufficient grounds for suspension, given that his appeal was still pending and no clear error in the trial court's judgment had been established.
• Concerns of Intimidation – In addition to legal arguments, the survivor in this case raised serious concerns about her safety.
• She had previously been subjected to systemic intimidation, including the custodial death of her father and a truck-car accident in 2019 that critically injured her and her lawyer and killed her two aunts.
• Despite the Supreme Court granting her CRPF protection, the High Court ruled that the risk of further threats could not be the sole reason to deny Sengar’s suspension of sentence.
• This stance has drawn criticism, as it highlights the extent to which survivors of sexual violence are often subjected to intimidation and violence while seeking justice.
• The survivor's fears were grounded in her traumatic experiences, yet the High Court’s decision seemingly downplayed the gravity of these threats.
• Important Questions raised – The case raises several key questions about fairness, equality, and the interpretation of laws that aim to protect vulnerable populations.
  • Should MLAs be classified as public servants under POCSO?
  • What weight should be given to the period of incarceration when deciding to suspend a life sentence?
  • How can the justice system ensure the safety of survivors who have faced systemic intimidation and violence?

What lies ahead?

• While the Delhi High Court's legal interpretation may be technically sound, its narrow reading of the POCSO Act and the suspension of a life sentence in this case raises concerns about justice for survivors of sexual violence.
• This case underscores the need for a more expansive, victim-centric approach in interpreting laws designed to protect children and vulnerable individuals.
• The Supreme Court’s stay on the High Court’s decision is a timely reminder that legal technicalities must not override the larger principles of justice, especially in cases involving serious crimes like sexual assault.
• As the appeal progresses, it will be crucial to see how the law evolves to address the growing concerns surrounding the abuse of power, gendered violence, and the protection of survivors in India’s criminal justice system.

Reference

The Hindu| Suspension of Sentence

Economic Reforms of 2025 – Building a Future-Ready India

Why in News?

The recent reforms introduced by the government in 2025 represent a significant shift in governance, focusing on delivering measurable outcomes rather than simply expanding regulatory frameworks.

What are the key reforms that is shaping growth and opportunity?

• Income Tax Reforms – In 2025, India introduced substantial changes in direct taxation, particularly in the Income Tax Act.
• The Union Budget 2025-26 provided major relief to taxpayers by exempting annual incomes up to ₹12 lakh from income tax.
• Salaried individuals could benefit from an effective exemption of ₹12.75 lakh due to the standard deduction, which directly boosts disposable income for millions of middle-class households.
• Moreover, the introduction of the New Income Tax Act, 2025 simplifies the tax structure and enhances clarity.
• This overhaul, which was guided by principles such as textual and structural simplification and minimal changes in tax policy, eliminates obsolete provisions.
• The new act consolidates compliance requirements and strengthens digital enforcement, paving the way for a more transparent and efficient taxation system.
• Labour Reforms – The labour market in India underwent a major transformation in 2025 with the consolidation of 29 labour laws into four new Labour Codes.
• These include the Code on Wages, 2019, Industrial Relations Code, 2020, Code on Social Security, 2020, and Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020.
• The reform aimed to enhance both business ease and worker welfare.
• These changes focused on streamlining compliance for businesses while offering greater security for workers, including gig and platform workers.
• Some significant measures include:
  • Wages – Uniform definitions of wages and minimum wage standards across all sectors.
  • Industrial Relations – Simplified processes for trade unions and dispute resolution.
  • Social Security – Extending social security benefits to gig and platform workers, improving health, maternity, and provident fund provisions.
  • Workplace Safety – Ensuring safer and more secure working conditions, especially for women and migrant workers.

• These reforms aim to create a unified labour framework that serves over 500 million workers and provides a foundation for a future-ready workforce.
• Rural Employment Reforms – The Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
• This Act introduced several provisions aimed at enhancing rural livelihoods and providing sustainable employment in agriculture and other rural sectors.
• Some notable changes include:
  • Extended Employment Guarantee – Providing 125 days of wage employment per rural household.
  • Integrated Rural Employment – Ensuring adequate labour during peak agricultural seasons.
  • Asset Creation – A focus on creating public assets such as rural infrastructure and water security projects.
  • Decentralized Planning – Allowing local communities to plan their development projects while ensuring integration with national schemes.
• By focusing on both employment generation and asset creation, the reforms aim to create long-term economic sustainability for rural India.
• Ease of Doing Business Reforms – To boost business growth and attract investment, the Indian Government has undertaken significant reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business.
• The Quality Control Orders (QCOs) were phased in with a focus on MSMEs.
• These orders ensure that products meet international standards while providing SMEs with adequate time and support to meet compliance requirements.
• Additionally, the government has focused on improving access to finance for MSMEs, including:
  • Loans linked to external benchmarks with shorter reset periods.
  • Credit guarantees for MSMEs, covering up to ₹100 crore for equipment and machinery.
  • Collaterals-free loans for micro and small enterprises.
• These measures aim to ensure that businesses, especially MSMEs, can grow without facing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
• GST 2.0 Reforms – The Next-Generation GST reforms represent a major overhaul of India's indirect tax system.
• These reforms introduce a two-slab GST regime (5% and 18%), simplifying tax classification and compliance.
• This system will particularly benefit MSMEs and small traders by reducing tax complexity.
• The GST 2.0 reforms also focus on:
  • Reducing the cost of living – By lowering taxes on essential goods and services.
  • MSME Enablement – Simplifying GST registration, refunds, and returns for MSMEs and startups.
  • Revenue Stability – Expanding the tax base, which has grown to over 1.5 crore taxpayers.
• By making GST more efficient, the government is aiming to create a tax system that benefits both businesses and consumers.
• Export Promotion Mission – To boost India’s global trade competitiveness, the Union Government launched the Export Promotion Mission (EPM).
• With an allocation of ₹25,060 crore for FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31, the mission aims to strengthen India’s export ecosystem by providing financial and non-financial support to MSMEs and first-time exporters.
• Key measures include:
  • Trade Finance – Access to affordable finance for MSMEs.
  • Market Access – Enhancing the visibility of Indian products in international markets.
  • Boosting Labour-Intensive Sectors – Supporting sectors like textiles and handicrafts.
• The Export Promotion Mission will integrate digital tools and a unified framework to boost exports from underserved districts and sectors.

What are the driving outcomes?

• Major push for Indian economy – Collectively, these reforms represent a major push towards a future-ready Indian economy.
• Creating a competitive economy – They are designed not only to simplify systems and reduce burdens but also to create a transparent, resilient, and globally competitive economic ecosystem.
• Towards 2047 vision – By focusing on inclusivity, digital transformation, and long-term growth, these reforms align with India’s vision for 2047, ensuring that the country is equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing global economy.

What lies ahead?

• The economic reforms of 2025 aim to transform India’s economic landscape by addressing key challenges such as tax simplification, labour rights, business compliance, and export competitiveness.
• By focusing on outcome-based governance and creating a more inclusive economy, these reforms are laying a strong foundation for sustainable growth and development.
• With these initiatives, India is on the path to becoming a future-ready economy that can thrive in an increasingly complex global market.

Reference

PIB| Economic Reforms of 2025

PM-POSHAN Scheme

Why in News?

Earlier this year, seven states and UTs urged the Centre to include breakfast in the PM-POSHAN midday meal scheme, and government sources now indicate that the proposal is once again under active consideration.

• PM POSHAN - Prime Minister's Overarching Scheme For Holistic Nourishment, a centrally sponsored scheme to improve the nutritional status of children studying in classes I-VIII in eligible schools.
• It is also known as Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman.
• Earlier known as – The National Programme of Mid-Day Meal in Schools is one of the foremost rights-based schemes, under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA).
• Nodal Ministry – Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education.
• Objective – To address two of the pressing problems for the majority of children in India, viz.
  • Hunger & education by improving the nutritional status of children,
  • Encouraging poor children, belonging to disadvantaged sections, to attend school more regularly and help them concentrate on classroom activities.
• Umbrella Scheme under – It is part of POSHAN Abhiyaan under the umbrella scheme "Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (ICDS)".
• Eligibility
  • Citizen of India.
  • Studying in Class I–VIII in Govt./Govt.-aided schools.
  • In some states include pre-primary children are included in attached schools.
• Nutritional norms
  • Primary (I–V): 450 calories, 12g protein.
  • Upper Primary (VI–VIII): 700 calories, 20g protein.
• Implementation – The Scheme is implemented across the country, covering all the eligible children without any discrimination of gender and social class.
• Benefits – Under this scheme, one hot cooked meal will be provided to the children studying in Government and Government–aided schools (One hot cooked meal per school day).

Quick Fact

References

1. Indian Express | Centre deliberates on suggestions by states, UTs on PM-POSHAN
2. My Scheme | PM POSHAN

Eastern Imperial Eagle  

Why in News?

Wildlife enthusiasts have recently confirmed the presence of an Eastern Imperial Eagle visiting the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) in Tamil Nadu during the winter migratory season.

• Scientific name – Aquila heliacal.
• Family – Accipitridae.
• It is a large, powerful bird of prey found across Eurasia, known for its majestic appearance and historical reverence as a "sacred bird" or "cross-bearing eagle.
• Habitat – They prefer forests with tall isolated trees for nesting, also found in steppes, open landscapes, agricultural areas, semideserts and wetlands (especially in winter).
• Geographic Range – They are native to southern Europe, central Asia, and Siberia. In winter, they migrate to northeast Africa (Egypt–Kenya), India, and southeast China.
• Size – It can grow to a length of about 0.92 m, and it can have a wingspan approaching 2.14 m and have a mass of about 3.6 kg.
• Appearance – Similar to Golden Eagle but with a shorter tail and white shoulders that can be hard to spot.
• The underwings are dark with low contrast.
• Adults are dark brown with a golden crown/nape and white scapular “braces.”
• Juveniles are paler, streaked, and often confused with other spotted eagles, but larger and more robust.

• Physical Adaptations – They have strong legs and feet with long, curved talons that they use to seize, kill, and carry prey.
• Reproduction – They begin breeding at around four years of age, forming lifelong monogamous pairs.
• Lifespan – Up to 56 years in the wild and captivity.
• Behaviour – They are mostly solitary, migrate in loose flocks, travel 8,000 km, and fly with heavy wingbeats but are swift when hunting.
• Diet – They are carnivorous, their prey includes small mammals (rabbits, ground squirrels), reptiles (including snakes), birds (ducks, magpies) and occasionally carrion (dead lambs).
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN Red List - Vulnerable
  • CITES - Appendix I
  • Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 - Schedule I
• Threats – Habitat loss, hunting, disturbance, reduced food availability, poison ingestion, and electrocution from power lines.

References

1. The Hindu | Rare Imperial Eagle spotted in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
2. Animal Diversity Web | Eastern Imperial Eagle  

Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India, 2024-25

Why in News?

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released its Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2024-25.

• About – This report is a comprehensive review of the Indian banking sector’s performance, regulatory developments, and financial stability.

Key findings of the report

• Bank Frauds – The amount involved in bank frauds was rising, though the number of cases was on a decline.
  • Total number of frauds decreased to 23,879 cases (2024-25) as compared with 36,052 cases (2023-24).
  • However, the amount involved in frauds increased to Rs 34,771 crore from Rs 11,261 crore in 2023-24.
• The rise in amount is due to re-examination of 122 cases worth Rs 18,336 crore (SC’s judgment, Mar 27, 2023).

In the SBI v. Rajesh Agarwal case, the SC ruled that banks must provide borrowers a chance to be heard before classifying their accounts as "fraudulent," upholding natural justice principles.

• Fraud Type -
  • Card/Internet frauds - 66.8% of cases (highest by number)
  • Advances-related frauds - 33.1% of the amount (highest by value)
• Bank’s Contribution –
  • Private Sector Banks (PVBs) - 59.3% of cases, the largest share by number is card/internet frauds & largest share by value is advances-related frauds.
  • Public Sector Banks (PSBs) - 70.7% of the total amount involved, the highest share is advances-related frauds (both number & value)
• Trend across Banks –
  • The share of card/internet frauds declined across all bank groups (both number & amount)
  • Advances-related frauds (both number & amount) increased across all bank groups (except PSBs in terms of amount).
• Resilience & Growth – Deposits and credit of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) grew in double digits, but moderated compared to last year. (Resilient 11-11-11).
  • The SCB’s consolidated balance sheet grew 11.2% (vs. 15.5% in 2023–24).
  • On the assets side, bank credit & investments increased by 11.5% and 9.2%, respectively, in 2024-25.
  • On the liabilities side, deposits increased by 11.1% in 2024-25.
• Profitability – The net profits of SCBs increased, but slower pace, partly reflecting the impact of moderation in the growth of net interest income.
• Capital Adequacy – The capital-to-risk-weighted assets ratio of SCBs was 17.4% at end-March 2025 & 17.2% at end-September 2025.
• Leverage ratio remained well above regulatory requirements.
• Asset Quality – it is strengthened further, with gross non-performing assets (GNPA) ratio declining to a multi-decadal low of 2.2% at end-March 2025 and 2.1% at end-September 2025.
• Urban Co-operative Banks – Higher balance sheet growth than the previous year, their asset quality improved for the 4^th consecutive year, alongside strengthening of their capital buffers and profitability.
• NBFCs – The NBFCs continued to record double-digit credit growth along with robust capital buffers; their asset quality also improved during the year.

Reference

The Hindu | Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2024-25

Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket

Why in News?

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR–120) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur.

• LRGR–120 – It is a long‑range, precision‑guided rocket for India’s Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL).
  • Pinaka MLRS is an indigenous, all‑weather artillery system that can fire 12 rockets in under a minute.
• Maximum strike range – Up to 120 km.
• Launcher – Fired from existing Pinaka launchers, so no new platform was needed.

• Developed by – DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, and
• Supporting labs includes
  • High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)
  • Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL)
  • Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
• Evolution of Pinaka Rocket –

Key Features

• Enhance accuracy – It is equipped with a guidance system that significantly improves accuracy.
• Guidance system – A Combination of
  • Inertial navigation,
  • With mid-course updates and
  • Terminal correction,
  • Reducing circular error probable (CEP) compared to earlier variants.
• Targets – Capable of engaging enemy artillery positions, command nodes, and logistics installations at long distances.
• Stand-off Strike Capability – The system lets the Army strike targets from a safe distance, keeping the launch units protected.
• Precision – This rocket achieved textbook accuracy, validating its guidance system.
• Operational Deployment – It is intended for deployment across artillery regiments operating the Pinaka system.
• Strategic significance – It provides the Indian Army with a cost-effective, rapid-deployment alternative to missiles for deep-strike operations.

To know more about the Pinaka Missile System, click here

References

1. The Hindu | DRDO successfully tests 120-km strike range Pinaka rockets
2. Times of India | DRDO conducts Pinaka test

China’s Digital Yuan

Why in News?

Holdings of China's digital yuan, or e-CNY, will start generating interest income under a new framework, as China steps up efforts to promote the use of its central bank digital currency.

The digital yuan (e‑CNY) kept in wallets will earn interest at demand deposit rates, making it the world’s 1^st central bank digital currency to pay interest.

• Digital yuan – It is officially known as the Digital Currency Electronic Payment (DCEP), and is the first state-backed digital currency.
• Issued by – The Chinese Central Bank and backed by the renminbi (RMB).
• Misconception – It can be mistaken that China’s DCEP is a form of Chinese government cryptocurrency; however, it is not entirely the same as how cryptocurrencies are known.
• Different from Cryptocurrency – Bitcoin, Ethereum, or even stablecoins are different because these currencies are mainly used for speculation and often require the support of a basket of currencies.
• Stability & Legal Tender Status – The digital yuan is not as volatile as cryptocurrencies because the digital currency is a legal tender and issued by the People’s Bank of China and backed by China’s currency.

• Benefits – The Digital Yuan enhances security, accessibility, convenience, and cost‑efficiency by centralising transactions under the Chinese government and removing third‑party intermediaries.

As of late 2025, the Bahamas, Nigeria, and Jamaica have fully launched national digital currencies (CBDCs), while China, India, EU, US, etc, are in advanced stages of research, testing, or planning for their own CBDCs.

To know about India’s e-Rupee, click here

References

1. Business times | China to pay interest on digital yuan
2. TCSS | China’s Digital Yuan