Constitutional amendments and reform bills
India’s Constitutional Milestones in 2025: The year 2025 witnessed intense constitutional debates, especially around federalism and electoral democracy. Several amendment Bills were examined, though none reached enactment by year-end.
The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill on One Nation One Election remained under scrutiny. It proposed synchronised elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, aiming administrative efficiency. The Bill stayed with a Joint Parliamentary Committee, reflecting concerns over federal balance.
Another proposal, the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, sought automatic removal of Ministers upon prolonged arrest for serious offences. It linked constitutional morality with clean governance. Associated amendments for Union Territories and Jammu and Kashmir were also examined but not passed.
A separate proposal to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 raised regional and federal concerns. It questioned the President’s regulatory powers over Union Territories sharing capital arrangements.
Static GK fact: Constitutional amendment Bills require special majority under Article 368.
Major parliamentary laws enacted
Parliament passed several impactful laws redefining rights, governance, and economic regulation.
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 introduced administrative reforms in Waqf Boards. It enabled inclusion of non-Muslim experts, digital surveys, and stricter action against encroachment. Simultaneously, the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923 was repealed as outdated.
The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 replaced fragmented colonial laws. It consolidated rules on entry, stay, detention, and deportation of foreigners. Concerns arose regarding executive discretion and limited refugee safeguards under Article 21.
Trade-related reforms included the Bills of Lading Act, 2025 and Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 2025. These modernised maritime commerce by recognising electronic documentation and updating carrier liability norms.
The Central Excise (Amendment) Act, 2025 increased duties on cigarettes and luxury goods, aligning taxation with public health goals.
Static GK Tip: Article 47 directs the State to improve public health.
Data protection and governance reforms
The Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 operationalised India’s data protection framework. They clarified duties of data fiduciaries, children’s data safeguards, and powers of the Data Protection Board. This strengthened the constitutional right to privacy under Article 21.
Governance reforms also included restructuring government litigation policies and tightening Aadhaar usage norms by UIDAI to prevent misuse.
Landmark Supreme Court judgments
Judicial interpretation in 2025 reshaped equality and institutional accountability.
In Avijit Chander v. UT of Chandigarh, the Supreme Court struck down domicile-based reservation in PG medical admissions. It held such quotas violate Article 14, while allowing institutional preference.
A Presidential Reference clarified powers of Governors and the President regarding Bills. The Court rejected fixed timelines for assent but allowed limited judicial review in cases of prolonged inaction, reinforcing separation of powers.
Another ruling protected advocate–client privilege, restricting routine summoning of lawyers. The judgment linked professional confidentiality to Articles 19(1)(g), 21, and 22(1).
Static GK fact: Advisory opinions are given under Article 143.
Key constitutional appointments
Institutional leadership changes gave 2025 lasting constitutional significance.
- P. Radhakrishnan assumed office as Vice President of India. Justice B. R. Gavai served as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, followed by Justice Surya Kant as the 53rd CJI. Gyanesh Kumar took charge as Chief Election Commissioner, steering electoral reforms.
Static GK fact: The Vice President is ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s Constitutional Milestones in 2025:
| Topic | Detail |
| Constitutional Amendment Bills | ONOE, ministerial accountability, UT governance |
| Major Acts | Waqf reforms, immigration law, maritime trade updates |
| Data Protection | DPDP Rules operationalised privacy framework |
| Judicial Decisions | Equality, federalism, professional privilege |
| Appointments | Vice President, Chief Justices, Election Commissioner |
| Governance Impact | Litigation reform, Aadhaar safeguards |
