In a significant legal development, the Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed a petition by the BJP, which had sought a directive for a special sitting of the Delhi Assembly to table several audit reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The court emphasized that while the tabling of such reports is mandatory under the Constitution, there was no compelling need to summon an extraordinary session of the legislative body at this time.

Justice Sachin Datta, who was presiding over the case, observed that there had been a considerable delay on the part of the Delhi government in addressing the matter. However, he clarified that the court was not inclined to compel the Speaker of the Delhi Assembly to call for a special sitting, particularly as the state was heading into elections.

The petition, filed by BJP’s opposition leader Vijender Gupta alongside several other party legislators, including Mohan Singh Bisht, Om Prakash Sharma, and Ajay Kumar Mahawar, among others, had called for the immediate tabling of the CAG audit reports. They argued that the government’s failure to do so had impeded transparency and accountability in the state’s financial governance.

The petitioners, represented by senior advocates Neeraj and Satya Ranjan Swain, claimed that the reports contained critical findings and should be presented before the Assembly at the earliest. In response, the counsel for the Delhi government and the Speaker opposed the plea, arguing that the timing of the request, just before the elections, was politically motivated. They asserted that the delay in tabling the reports did not constitute an immediate or urgent issue.

Justice Datta’s ruling came as a relief to the ruling AAP, which has faced significant political pressure ahead of the upcoming elections. The decision underscores the court’s reluctance to intervene in the procedural workings of the legislature, especially in the run-up to an election, unless there is an explicit violation of constitutional duties.

Despite this setback for the BJP, the court’s comments highlight the constitutional requirement for audit reports to be presented in the Assembly. The issue, while not immediately resolved through judicial intervention, remains a point of contention between the AAP government and the opposition.

As the election date approaches, this ruling adds another layer to the ongoing political battle between the ruling party and its rivals in Delhi.

Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Friday that daughters are the symbol of strength, courage and dedication and emphasized the responsibility of providing a secure and promising future for girls.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he eloquently described daughters as symbols of strength, courage, and unwavering dedication, brimming with hopes and aspirations for a better tomorrow. He issued a powerful call to action, urging a commitment to granting full rights to this half of the population, underscoring the inherent injustice of denying them equal opportunities.

National Girl Child Day, observed annually on January 24 in India, serves as a crucial platform to advocate for the rights, education, and well-being of girls. This year, the day saw prominent figures reiterate the urgent need for societal change to ensure a brighter future for the nation’s daughters.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge further reinforced the importance of gender equality as the cornerstone of true progress. He underscored the historical significance of National Girl Child Day, established in 2008 by the Congress-led UPA government, as a testament to India’s constitutional commitment to gender justice.

His message on X emphasized the need for a concerted effort to ensure girls receive quality education, essential healthcare, unwavering safety, and adequate nutrition. He framed the observance of this day not merely as a symbolic gesture but as a potent reminder to recommit to dismantling gender discrimination and providing every girl with the opportunities she rightfully deserves.

The origins of National Girl Child Day lie in the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s initiative to address the systemic inequalities faced by girls in India. The day’s significance extends beyond symbolic gestures; it serves as a vital catalyst for broader societal conversations. It highlights the persistent challenges girls face, including issues like female foeticide, the alarming decline in the sex ratio, and the pervasive biases that limit their potential.

National Girl Child Day provides an annual opportunity to assess progress, identify shortcomings, and galvanize collective action. It compels us to examine deeply entrenched societal attitudes and biases, to challenge discriminatory practices, and to advocate for policy changes that genuinely promote gender equality.

The ultimate goal is to create a society where every girl child has the chance to thrive, reaching her full potential without facing the barriers of gender discrimination. This requires a sustained and multifaceted approach, encompassing educational reforms, improved healthcare access, enhanced safety measures, and a concerted effort to challenge deeply ingrained societal norms.

India is all set to celebrate its 76th Republic Day this year, marking the adoption of the Constitution in 1950. As part of the national celebrations, the Republic Day parade, scheduled for January 26, will feature a spectacular display of cultural exhibitions, with a special emphasis on state tableaux. This year’s Republic Day theme is “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Heritage and Development), aiming to highlight the nation’s rich cultural legacy alongside its progress and future development.

Fifteen States and Union Territories to showcase their Tableaux

The Republic Day parade will see the participation of fifteen states and union territories, each presenting a tableau that will reflect their unique culture, heritage, and contributions to India’s development. The participating states and UTs include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Dadar Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

In addition to the states and UTs, 15 government ministries and departments will also present their own tableaux, offering insights into the various initiatives and achievements of the Indian government.

Kartavya Path: The heart of Republic Day celebrations

The grand parade will be held on Kartavya Path, the ceremonial avenue in the national capital, New Delhi. While these selected states, UTs, and ministries will take center stage during the parade, the ones not featured at Kartavya Path will have an opportunity to present their tableaux at Bharat Parv, a cultural exhibition organized at the Red Fort from January 26 to 31.

How preparations are underway

To ensure the highest quality and visual appeal of the tableaux, preparations have been in full swing since last year. A senior-level meeting was conducted in April 2024 to finalize the design and execution process. Authorities have emphasized the importance of using vibrant, easily comprehensible designs that convey their messages without the need for written explanations or logos, unless explicitly approved.

The tableaux will feature the names of the states and union territories in Hindi at the front, with English at the back, and regional languages on the sides. Ministries and departments will follow the same format, showcasing their names in both Hindi and English fonts. Virtual reality designs will also be included in some tableaux using CDs and DVDs to enrich the display.

As India gears up to celebrate Republic Day 2025, the tableaux will undoubtedly serve as a visual testament to the country’s diverse heritage, vibrant culture, and progressive path toward development.