1. Editorial: The “Sentinel” on the Qui Vive – Guarding vs. Governing Free Speech
Source: The Hindu / Indian Express
Context
On December 15, 2025, the intellectual discourse focused on recent Supreme Court observations regarding the regulation of online content. While hearing cases related to FIRs against digital creators, the Court suggested the need for “neutral autonomous bodies” to monitor content that violates “moral standards.” This editorial analyzes the thin line between the Judiciary as a protector of rights and the Judiciary as a policy architect.
Multi-Dimensional Analysis
The Constitutional Threshold (Article 19) The core of the editorial argues that freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a) is only subject to the eight “reasonable restrictions” explicitly mentioned in Article 19(2). Any judicial or executive attempt to create new categories of restrictions—such as “moral standard violations” or “offensive content”—is a violation of the Constitution. The editorial cites the Kaushal Kishor (2023) judgment, where a Constitution Bench ruled that no additional restrictions can be imposed on free speech beyond those listed in Article 19(2).
The Separation of Powers and Judicial Overreach The editorial critiques the Court’s foray into “policy design.” Designing a regulatory framework for the internet is a complex legislative task involving technical, economic, and social variables. When the judiciary initiates such frameworks, it bypasses the consultative process of the Parliament. It references the Common Cause vs. Union of India (2008) case, where the Court itself warned against entering “policy-heavy areas” beyond its institutional competence.
The Threat of “Prior Restraint” The most alarming concern raised is Prior Restraint. If “neutral bodies” are established to oversee content, it could lead to a “pre-censorship” regime. This contradicts the Sahara India vs. SEBI (2012) principle, which states that any postponement of publication must be temporary and only to prevent a real and substantial risk to the administration of justice.
Global Comparison and Democratic Backsliding The editorial compares India’s current trajectory with Russia and China, where “regulation” is often a pseudonym for “surveillance.” It warns that if Indian courts enable restrictive regimes, they risk “Judicial Capture,” where the very tool meant to protect liberty becomes a tool for democratic erosion.
Way Forward and Conclusion
The editorial concludes that the “Marketplace of Ideas” must be self-regulating. The judiciary’s role should be reactive—correcting illegalities after they happen—rather than proactive censorship.
Mains Perspective: In GS-II, use this to discuss the “Basic Structure” and the role of the Judiciary as the “Sentinel on the Qui Vive.”
2. Editorial: The Statistical Mirage of India’s Low Inflation
Source: The Indian Express / Business Standard
Context
With India reporting a record-low retail inflation of 0.7% in late 2025, this editorial dissects why this number is a “statistical mirage” and why the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) must resist the urge for further aggressive monetary easing.
Multi-Dimensional Analysis
The Anatomy of the “Base Effect” The primary reason for the 0.7% figure is the High Base Effect from late 2024, when food inflation was at a staggering 8.2%. Because inflation is calculated as a year-on-year change, the high prices of last year make this year’s moderate prices look like a massive drop. The editorial warns that this effect is transitory and will likely dissipate by July 2026, leading to a sharp “rebound” in inflation.
The “Food-Weight” Distortion India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) is outdated. It gives a 46% weightage to food and beverages, based on 2012 consumption patterns. The editorial argues that as India has grown, the average household spends less on cereals and more on health, education, and services. Therefore, the “deflation” in food prices (due to a good monsoon) is dragging down the headline number, even though the cost of services (Core Inflation) remains sticky at 4.3%.
Monetary Policy at a Crossroads The RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has already cut rates by 125 basis points in 2025. The editorial argues for a “Time to Pause.” If the RBI continues to cut rates based on a “statistical illusion,” it risks fueling an asset bubble. Once the base effect wears off, the RBI might be forced to hike rates suddenly, causing a “taper tantrum” in the Indian markets.
Structural Reforms: The New CPI Series The editorial strongly advocates for the immediate rollout of the revised CPI series (Base 2024). An updated index would reflect modern “spending behavior” and provide a more accurate compass for the RBI’s “Inflation Targeting” framework.
Conclusion
Headline inflation is a “noisy” indicator. For true fiscal stability, India must look beyond the 0.7% mask and address the structural costs of services and energy.
