Latest news with #Constitution
IOL News
21 minutes ago
- Politics
- IOL News
President Ramaphosa celebrates 30 years of the Constitutional Court's role in safeguarding democracy
. President Cyril Ramaphosa reflected on the Concourt's remarkable contributions to freedom, dignity, and social justice. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers From ensuring same sex marriages, access to HIV/Aids treatment, to ensuring social justice is affirmed, the country's Constitutional Court, which on Friday celebrated 30 years of existence, has been hailed for its contribution to the country's constitutional democracy. President Cyril Ramaphosa reflected on the apex court's contribution to freedom, dignity, and justice during his keynote address at the court's headquarters at Constitution Hill, Braamfontein.. Ramaphosa also extended his gratitude to all the Chief Justices and Senior Justices who have led the highest court in the land over the past three decades. Over the years, the court has handed down some judgments that have had a profound impact on the law in South Africa, including the abolishment of the death penalty in 1995, the 2002 right to health care and access to HIV/Aids treatment, the 2004 right of access to social security by permanent residents, among many others. "When the Constitutional Court was established 30 years ago, it was a bold response to a history that had denied the majority of South Africans basic human rights. The court was tasked with safeguarding the Constitution of 1996. Each role was deeply symbolic, and it acted as a symbol of a bold, immortal legal compass. This court was established and built on the grounds of former president Nelson Mandela to embody and become an instrument of justice," he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Constitutional Court, led by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, commemorates 30 years today since its establishment Image: Kamogelo Moichela Ramaphosa intimated that when the Concourt was established by former statesman Nelson Mandela, it sought to ensure that all South Africans' basic human rights were protected as enshrined in the guiding document called the Constitution. "As we cast our minds back to May 1996, when our Constitution was established, and in my capacity as the chairperson. It became our nation's birth certificate, reflecting a history we have emerged from, built on the values of dignity, equality, and freedom. It sought to affirm the identity and legality of every human being... "Just as a parent would attend to the health of their child, the establishment of the court allowed it to be free, as it was born of struggle and hope. "We believe that never again shall South Africa be governed without equality, dignity, and justice for all. This court has contributed not just judicial validation but has also elevated the consciousness of our people and contributed to building trust in our legal and judicial system. It has also contributed to advancing social cohesion and reconciliation, which has been enhanced by this court through its judgments, ensuring that all people are treated fairly, while promising a sense of belonging to all citizens," he added.
DW
38 minutes ago
- Politics
- DW
Iran's complex political and military power structure – DW – 06/20/2025
Iran's political system is famously complicated — mixing elected leaders with theocratic and military power players. Here's your guide to how it all works. Israel's attack on Iran this month marked a dramatic escalation in a long-simmering conflict. But the strikes were aimed at more than just military targets. In a public address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Iranians to rise up against what he described as a "cruel and oppressive regime." Whether intended as psychological warfare or a genuine appeal for revolt, the message underscored the fact that Iran's leadership is facing precarious moments. Years of sanctions, internal unrest, and now open military confrontation have raised new questions about how the Islamic Republic functions. Power hierarchy in Iran is notoriously complicated. There are unelected councils and offices that wield immense power, but they are assigned or monitored by elected or semi-elected bodies. Here's a guide to the key figures at the top of Iran's political and military hierarchy and how power is exercised in Tehran. Supreme Leader — Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Appointed for life in 1989 by the Assembly of Experts The highest authority in Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holds direct or indirect power over all matters of state — from foreign policy to domestic politics. He appoints key officials, including the heads of state media and the judiciary, and has representatives in nearly every major organization. Though unelected by the public, Khamenei was appointed by the Assembly of Experts following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 revolution. The Assembly of Experts is an elected body of Islamic clerics tasked with selecting, supervising, and — if necessary — dismissing Iran's Supreme Leader. Article 110 of the Constitution outlines the duties and powers of the Supreme Leader, including the declaration of war and peace, as well as the mobilization of the armed forces. President of Iran — Masoud Pezeshkian Elected July 2024 Masoud Pezeshkian won Iran's snap presidential election in July 2024, following the sudden death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash two months earlier. He became the Islamic Republic's ninth president, making him the country's second-highest-ranking official after the supreme leader. Pezeshkian, known for his moderate stance, campaigned on promises of limited social reforms, renewed negotiations with the West over Iran's nuclear program, and addressing the public discontent sparked by the 2022 death of Jina Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died in police custody after she was arrested for allegedly wearing her headscarf too loosely. Iranian presidents serve four-year terms and are responsible for managing day-to-day governance and representing the country in international diplomacy. However, power rests with the Supreme Leader, who holds authority over the military, judiciary, and key aspects of foreign policy. Presidents cannot override the Supreme Leader on matters of strategic importance. Reformist leaders like Pezeshkian — and before him, Hassan Rouhani, who brokered the 2015 nuclear deal with the Obama administration — have often faced strong pushback from conservative institutions, including the Guardian Council and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Efforts by Rouhani to ease tensions with the West were significantly set back when the US exited the nuclear agreement in 2018, following a decision by then-President Donald Trump during his first term in office. President Pezeshkian campaigned on promises of international opening and expanded social liberties — but his reform agenda has been stymied Image: Iranian Presidency/AFP The Guardian Council Chairman: Ahmad Jannati, elected July 2024 The Guardian Council is tasked with ensuring that legislation passed by Iran's parliament complies with the constitution and Islamic principles. The 12-member body wields significant power: Six members are Islamic clerics appointed directly by the Supreme Leader, while the remaining six are legal scholars selected by parliament. Beyond its legislative role, the Council also vets candidates for key elected bodies, including the presidency, parliament, and the Assembly of Experts. This gives it considerable influence over who can participate in Iran's tightly controlled electoral system. At 98, Ahmad Jannati symbolizes the enduring conservative establishment in Iran, overseeing the vetting of elections and legislation while reinforcing loyalty to the Supreme Leader's vision Image: Vahid Salemi/AP Photo/picture alliance Ahmad Jannati, a hardline cleric and ally of the Supreme Leader, has chaired the Guardian Council since 1992. Known for his conservative views, Jannati has played a central role in vetting candidates and shaping legislation in line with the Islamic Republic's principles. Expediency Discernment Council Another key institution is the Expediency Discernment Council, a powerful body tasked with mediating disputes between parliament and the Guardian Council, particularly when proposed laws conflict with Islamic law or the constitution. Its members — appointed directly by the Supreme Leader — include senior clerics, military officials, former presidents, and technocrats. Though officially an advisory body, the council often functions as an extension of the Supreme Leader's authority, influencing national policy and ensuring continuity within the political system during internal conflicts or crises. Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief: General Mohammad Pakpour, elected June 2025 Established in the wake of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, the IRGC began as a volunteer militia tasked with protecting the newly established regime. During the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War, it evolved into a powerful parallel military force. After the conflict, the IRGC expanded its influence by directing major reconstruction efforts, which laid the foundation for its growing presence in Iran's economic and political spheres. The IRGC's military and political power now far surpasses Iran's regular army Image: Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu/IMAGO Today, analysts estimate the IRGC controls between 20% and 40% of Iran's economy, largely through its engineering arm, Khatam al-Anbiya, and wide-ranging interests in sectors including energy, agriculture, and finance — offering employment and political leverage. Militarily, the IRGC is tasked with defending the regime, both domestically and abroad. Its Basij militia monitors internal dissent, while the elite Quds Force oversees operations across the region. The Guards' intelligence wing rivals official security services and plays a key role in countering perceived domestic and foreign threats. Under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the IRGC's political and security roles have expanded significantly. Following the June 13 Israeli airstrike that killed IRGC commander Hossein Salami and several other top generals, Khamenei appointed Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour — a veteran of the Iran-Iraq War and longtime head of the IRGC's ground forces — as the organization's new leader. Parliament (Majlis) Speaker: Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, elected May 2020 Iran's parliament, known as the Majlis, or ICA, is a single-chamber legislature of 290 members elected to four-year terms through direct national elections. Since the first parliamentary session in 1980, the composition of the Majlis has changed dramatically. While clerics once held more than half the seats, they made up just 5.5% of lawmakers in 2020. In contrast, members with backgrounds in the IRGC have become increasingly influential, reflecting the growing role of security and military figures in Iranian politics. Ghalibaf, a former Revolutionary Guard commander now leads Iran's parliament. Iran's parliment has grown increasingly dominated by security figures like Ghalibaf Image: Vahid Salemi/dpa/AP/picture alliance The Majlis holds wide-ranging legislative powers, including drafting laws, approving the national budget, and ratifying international agreements. However, its authority is limited by the Guardian Council, which vets all parliamentary candidates and has the power to reject legislation it deems inconsistent with the constitution or Islamic principles. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, a hardline conservative, has served as speaker since 2020 and was re-elected to the post in May 2025. A former IRGC general, national police chief, and mayor of Tehran, Qalibaf is seen as one of the most influential figures in Iran's political establishment. Edited by: Rob Mudge
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Business Standard
an hour ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Shah's remarks about English show restrictive political view: Kerala mins
Kerala Ministers R Bindu and V Sivankutty on Friday criticised Union Minister Amit Shah's recent reported remarks against the English language, claiming that they indicate a "restrictive and narrow-minded" political view and are "condemnable". Bindu, the State Higher Education Minister, said that English is the most widely used language across the world to communicate with each other and also on the internet. "Moreover, India is not an isolated island in the world. So, learning English is becoming a necessity," she said, answering reporters' queries regarding Shah's remarks. Union Home Minister Shah had reportedly said that soon those speaking English in India would feel ashamed. Speaking along similar lines as Bindu, State General Education Minister V Sivankutty termed Shah's remarks as "condemnable" and said that "no language was higher or lower than another". "Each language has its own importance. English, as an international language, is an important means of knowledge and communication. It can only help in the progress of the country," he said in a statement. Sivankutty said that the Kerala government was committed to promoting all languages and ensuring that students have the freedom to choose the languages they want to study. "Linguistic diversity is the strength of our country, and it needs to be protected," he added. Bindu, while speaking to reporters, said that when giving prominence to the mother tongue, it can be said that Hindi is not the mother tongue of India, as the country is home to a wide variety of languages. "There are 22 official languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. This diversity of languages in India is a treasure trove," she said, and added that all of it cannot be reduced to one language. Bindu said that there were two sides to Union Home Minister Shah's statement. "One is that he intends to restrict the world of the younger generation by saying don't learn English. The other side is the imposition of Hindi. "All of it indicates a restrictive and narrow-minded political view," she said.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Bharat Mata row: CPI(M) accuses Kerala Governor of crossing Constitutional line by using RSS symbols at State events
Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] has accused Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar of crossing a Constitutional line by using Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) emblems at official functions hosted by Raj Bhavan. CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan told reporters on Friday (June 20, 2025) that General Education Minister V. Sivankutty had held the Constitutional line by walking out of a State function where Mr. Arlekar paid obeisance to the image of a 'woman holding a saffron flag', a ubiquitous heraldic device used by the RSS. He said the picture, 'replete with majoritarian religious imagery, broadcast the RSS' schismatic aspiration to render India a Hindu nation by supplanting the Constitution with the Manusmriti', an anachronistic and ancient text subscribes to a Hindu society defined by a segregationist and repressive caste and gender-based hierarchy. The CPI(M) welcomed the government's decision to include the Governor's role, responsibilities and Constitutional limitations as Head of State of Provincial Governments. 'Under severe social criticism for using RSS imagery at State events, Raj Bhavan initially recanted the political symbolism but relapsed to Sangh Parivar's ways soon after,' Mr. Govindan said.
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Business Standard
an hour ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
PM Modi targets RJD, Congress at rally in Bihar, credits NDA for progress
Modi also slammed the RJD for allegedly insulting Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar and said the people of the state would not tolerate the insult to the Dalit icon Press Trust of India Siwan Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) at a public rally in Siwan, accusing them of pushing Bihar into poverty and lawlessness during their rule. Addressing the public meeting, the PM said the people of Bihar have ended the jungle raj created by the Congress-RJD combine. Modi also slammed the RJD for allegedly insulting Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar and said the people of the state would not tolerate the insult to the Dalit icon. The RJD and the Congress are responsible for the large-scale migration of labourers from Bihar and for the persistent poverty that plagued the state for decades, Modi alleged. He claimed that the RJD-Congress governance model was focused on "enriching their own families while ignoring the needs of the people". During the Congress's licence raj, their leaders became rich, but the public remained poor, he added. The RJD insulted Babasaheb and the people of Bihar will never forgive its leaders. Leaders of RJD and Congress keep photographs of the architect of the Country's Constitution near their feet. I keep his photograph close to my heart," the PM claimed. Taking a dig at RJD's political approach, Modi said, We believe in Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', but they believe only in Parivaar Ka Vikas'. Modi warned that the RJD and the Congress, which according to him were responsible for Bihar's troubled past, are again eyeing power. They created the jungle raj, and now they want to return. But the people of Bihar will give them a fitting reply in the assembly elections, he said. The Bihar assembly elections are due in a few months. Highlighting the achievements of the NDA government, Modi claimed that Bihar has witnessed significant infrastructure development in recent years. Under the NDA, 55,000 km of rural roads were constructed, over 1.5 crore households were electrified, and piped water reached 26 crore people, he said. Modi said that the entire world was acknowledging India's development journey. During my recent foreign visit, several world leaders praised India's progress, he noted. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
