The article criticizes India’s Chief Justice, D.Y. Chandrachud, for publicly participating in religious rituals with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arguing that this compromises the separation between the judiciary and the executive. It raises concerns about the increasing influence of Hindu nationalism in the judiciary, questioning its impact on the country’s secular constitution. The author also points to selective judicial actions and calls for maintaining scientific temper and critical inquiry as per the constitutional mandate. The overall tone expresses frustration with the blending of theocratic regime
The Sceptic’s Spectre: Henry Derozio
The narrative “The Sceptic’s Spectre: Henry Derozio” provides a detailed examination of radical humanist and cosmopolitan thinker Henry Louis Vivian Derozio’s ideas through the lens of contemporaneity. It discusses his role as an uncompromising educator and poet, focusing on his advocacy for free thought, anti-establishment rationalism, and his challenge to orthodox Hindu beliefs. Derozio’s influence on his students, known as the Young Bengal group, and his progressive ideas, which contributed to the shaping of modern Indian intellectualism, are central themes with special reference to the recent degeneration of this argumentative spirit in the context of plutocratic, theocratic Saffron Fascism. The article also reflects on his literary contributions, particularly his poetry, which embodies his revolutionary spirit that decries all authoritarian structures in favour of the eternal spirit of liberational praxis.
Mouthshut, Why Are You Shutting The Mouths of DHFL Victims?
The article criticizes the review platform Mouthshut for allegedly suppressing the voices of victims of the DHFL (Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Limited) scam. It accuses Mouthshut of removing critical reviews and blocking user accounts(?), thus preventing the victims from sharing their experiences and seeking justice. The article highlights the frustration and helplessness of these individuals, who rely on platforms like Mouthshut to expose corporate malpractices and demand accountability.
Terminating Embryo, Extinguishing Sanātana Hindutva?
The paper-letter critically examines the Hindutva ideology’s stance on abortion, using satire and sarcasm to highlight the contradictions in its rigid, “pro-life” views. The authors argue that Hindutva selectively interprets Hindu scriptures to enforce anti-abortion and anti-women policies, undermining women’s autonomy and agency. Through references to ancient texts, the paper critiques the ideological imposition of Hindutva, showing how it manipulates religious doctrines to control women’s reproductive rights while exposing its broader patriarchal and theocratic agenda.
The Legitimation Crisis of Indian Elections
The article “The Legitimation Crisis of Indian Elections” explores concerns about the integrity of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India. It highlights significant discrepancies between votes polled and counted, with reports suggesting potential manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and questioning the Election Commission’s transparency. The article argues that these issues have deepened the legitimacy crisis of India’s electoral system, challenging the credibility of the current government and the democratic process as a whole.
Have the RBI and IBBI Lost Their Accountability? An RTI to the CAG, India
Posted on 24th August, 2024 (GMT 13.30 hrs) Updated on 12th October, 2024 (GMT 16:20 hrs) ABSTRACT The article discusses an RTI application filed with the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, questioning the accountability of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI). The RTI seeksContinue reading “Have the RBI and IBBI Lost Their Accountability? An RTI to the CAG, India”
রাজা-রানী খান খান! (তাতেই কী হয় অবসান?)…
The article is a satirical and allegorical narrative that criticizes authoritarianism and the suppression of dissent. It tells the story of a queen who, frustrated by her subjects’ silence, administers a pill that makes everyone scream against authority. This leads to chaos, with the queen’s attempts to suppress or escape the situation backfiring. The story reflects on the futility of authoritarian control, the inevitability of resistance, and the dangers of unchecked power.
RBI-appointed CoC for DHFL’s total expenditure: An RTI to the RBI
The article discusses an RTI filed to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) seeking details on the total expenditure of the RBI-appointed Committee of Creditors (CoC) for Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Limited (DHFL). The RTI also asked about funds allocated for litigation and their sources. The response from RBI was vague, stating that the information had been forwarded for a consolidated reply, but no further details have been provided, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
“This is what usually happens”: Rape Culture in West Bengal, India
The article discusses the disturbing rape and murder of a female doctor in Kolkata and critiques the West Bengal government’s response, which allegedly involved tampering with evidence and suppressing dissent. The piece also explores broader issues of rape culture in India, highlighting how sexual violence is often normalized and weaponized politically. It criticizes both the current and previous governments in West Bengal for their handling of sexual violence and urges a radical approach to dismantling patriarchal systems.
For more details, you can read the full article here.
বাবাতন্ত্রের প্রতিনিধির আন্দোলিত ও নিষিদ্ধ হলফনামা
The article discusses the concept of “Babatantra”, focusing on a critique of patriarchal authority in the context of rape culture in India and the author’s first-personal self-reflexivity on their complicity in such systems. The author uses biblical references, particularly the story of Jesus and the adulterous woman, to explore themes of confession and gendered violence such as rape. The piece also touches on political activism and the infiltration of movements by installed harmful elements. The author emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s own flaws through self-criticism and maintaining vigilance against internalized forms of dominance.
