28 July 2025: The Hindu Editorial

1. Kodarvi Tribe’s Return Highlights Tribal Justice and Social Integration

Source – Page 4, The Hindu

Topic: GS1 – Society (Tribal Issues, Social Justice); GS2 – Vulnerable Sections, Governance

Context

After more than a decade of exile due to the harsh tribal custom ‘chadotaru’, the Kodarvi community in Banaskantha district, Gujarat, returned to their village with support from the police and local authorities.

Background:

• • In 2014, 29 Kodarvi families were exiled after an alleged murder involving their clan, under the custom ‘chadotaru’ (a socially enforced community punishment).

  • Exiled families faced years of displacement, working as daily wage laborers away from their ancestral lands.

Role of Administration:

• • Police intervention and negotiation led to a truce between the Kodarvi and Dabhi tribes, enabling homecoming and social reintegration.

  • The police identified scattered families, facilitated dialogue, and assured security, culminating in a formal return ceremony by the state.

Societal Impact:

• • Restoration of rights, resumption of social and religious rituals, renewed community bonds.

  • Ongoing advocacy by tribal elders and administration to abolish regressive customs like ‘chadotaru’.

Analysis:

The episode underscores the persistence of extra-legal justice practices among tribal groups and the vital role of the state in social justice, rights protection, and the rehabilitation of marginalized communities.

Conclusion/Way Forward:

Eradicating oppressive tribal customs must be coupled with sustained official intervention, community engagement, and safeguarding of constitutional rights.

Practice Question: “Critically analyze the challenges of abolishing regressive social customs among tribal communities, and discuss the role of state intervention, with reference to the Kodarvi tribe’s return in Gujarat

2. Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls Stirs Debate in Bihar

Source -Page 8, The Hindu

Topic: GS2 – Polity (Elections, Citizenship, Rights); GS2 – Governance

Context

The Election Commission’s SIR drive in Bihar has become controversial due to strict documentation norms, risking exclusion of migrants and vulnerable groups from electoral rolls.

Legal Provisions:

• • Only citizens above 18 years can vote; strict documentary requirements in SIR exclude common IDs like Aadhaar or voter card.

Issues Raised:

• • Surveys show 35% of migrants lack any of the accepted documents.

  • Low awareness and procedural complexity threaten mass disenfranchisement.

  • NGOs and political parties have challenged the drive in Supreme Court.

ECI’s Measures:

• • Campaigns, door-to-door verification, and a window for objections/additions post-July 2025.

  • Opportunity for inclusion or correction from August 1 to September 1.

Key Concerns:

• • Striking a balance between cleansing voter rolls and safeguarding inclusivity.

Analysis:
The push for cleaner rolls must not come at the cost of excluding genuine voters, especially among the poor, migrants, and minorities. Transparency, simplified procedures, and robust redressal are critical.

Practice Question: Prioritize citizen participation and minimize exclusion by adopting flexible, rationalized documentation and proactive awareness campaigns.

Read more about –26 July 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis