Divya Trivedi

The BJP claims that the Waqf law is about transparency and accountability, a much-needed reform to prevent corruption in Waqf property dealings. But its critics say that this is yet another assault on minority institutions, cloaked in bureaucratic language and timed for maximum political gain.

If sex with wives without their consent is legislated as a crime, it can lead to disruption of the institution of marriage, the Union Government apprehends. Contrary to it those who have knocked at the doors of the Supreme Court in the matter say that criminalising the act will lead to recognising the agency of women and restore the infarction of their right to equality before law as the present penal provision is discriminatory against them.

The islands sit on a seismic zone, averaging 44 earthquakes a year and are prone to cyclonic storms exacerbated by climate change and rising sea levels. Experts have cautioned the authorities regarding the dangers of building massive structures on a vulnerable region such as this and requested a reconsideration of plans but to no avail.