From SC verdict on electoral bonds to JK's first assembly polls after 370 abrogation: A 2024 rundown

As 2024 comes to an end, India has experienced a range of transformative events spanning politics, law, diplomacy, space exploration and culture. While it is impossible to cover every major moment, here is a detailed look at some of the major developments that defined the year.

Supreme Court’s Order on Electoral Bonds

On February 15, 2024, the Supreme Court of India delivered a major verdict that has the potential to reshape the country's political funding landscape. A five-judge bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, unanimously struck down the controversial electoral bonds scheme. Along with this, the court also declared amendments to the Representation of People Act, the Companies Act, and the Income Tax Act unconstitutional.

The ruling centred around concerns of transparency. The court found the electoral bonds scheme to be a violation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which guarantees citizens access to information about government activities. It also highlighted the potential risk the scheme posed to voters’ right to know how political funding works, as guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which ensures the freedom of speech and expression.

Further, the court pointed out that the electoral bonds could encourage "quid pro quo arrangements," where corporations could influence politicians in exchange for financial support. This undermines the principle of transparency in the electoral process, the court explained.

The ruling instructed the State Bank of India (SBI) to provide the Election Commission of India (ECI) with a list of all donors and recipients of electoral bonds by March 6, 2024. The ECI was then required to make this information available to the public by March 13. However, SBI missed the deadline and asked the Supreme Court for more time. The court rejected this request, and the details were eventually handed over to the ECI, which published them on its official website.

This decision marks a crucial moment in the fight for greater transparency in political funding, signalling a commitment to ensuring voters have access to essential information about the flow of money in elections.

ISRO’s Remarkable Achievements
India’s space agency, ISRO, continued its stellar run in 2024, advancing the country’s space ambitions. The Aditya-L1 mission, launched in 2023 to study the Sun, reached its designated Lagrange point (L1) orbit, providing groundbreaking data on solar activity and space weather in 2024. This followed the success of Chandrayaan-3, which had landed on the Moon’s south pole in 2023.

The Gaganyaan mission also made significant strides, with uncrewed test flights successfully demonstrating crew escape and recovery systems. These steps solidified plans for India’s first human spaceflight in 2025. On the commercial front, ISRO’s commercial arm, NSIL, facilitated multiple international satellite launches, boosting India’s position in the global space industry. These achievements underscored India’s growing stature in space science and its commitment to technological innovation.

Modi Secures Historic Third Term
Narendra Modi secured a third consecutive term as Prime Minister in the 2024 general elections. Campaigning on themes of nationalism, economic reforms and social welfare, the BJP maintained dominance, even expanding its influence in new territories.

The opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi’s Congress, attempted to forge alliances but struggled to counter the BJP’s grassroots network and developmental narrative. Modi’s government highlighted flagship schemes like PM-Kisan, digital inclusion and affordable housing, which resonated with both rural and urban voters. The third term is expected to focus on implementing reforms, including the Uniform Civil Code, while addressing challenges such as unemployment and global geopolitical pressures.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Comes Into Effect
In 2024, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) officially replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), marking a transformative shift in India’s legal framework. The BNS introduced several provisions to address contemporary challenges, including harsher penalties for mob lynching, terrorism, and sexual offences.

One of its notable reforms was the replacement of sedition laws with provisions targeting acts against India’s sovereignty and integrity. The BNS also emphasised victim-centric approaches, incorporating faster trials and compensation mechanisms. While the government celebrated the BNS as a reflection of a modernised legal system, critics raised concerns about potential misuse of provisions related to dissent and free speech. Its implementation is set to redefine India’s criminal justice system, addressing long-standing inefficiencies while safeguarding constitutional rights.

Ram Mandir’s Prana Prathishta Ceremony
One of 2024’s most significant cultural events was the Prana Prathishta ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The grand ritual, performed in January, marked the spiritual inauguration of the temple, symbolising the culmination of decades of faith and dedication. Conducted with traditional Vedic chants, the ceremony infused divine energy into the idol of Lord Ram, drawing thousands of devotees and global attention.

The Ram Mandir, constructed with intricate traditional architecture, became a symbol of India’s cultural heritage. Its consecration coincided with its opening to the public, generating immense spiritual and political significance. While the event resonated deeply with Hindu communities worldwide, critics noted its role in advancing the BJP’s Hindutva agenda. Nevertheless, the Prana Prathishta ceremony remains a defining moment in the nation’s cultural history.

India-China Disengagement in Galwan
After years of tension following the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, India and China achieved a breakthrough in 2024 with an agreement on phased disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The deal involved withdrawing troops from key friction points and dismantling forward positions, reducing the immediate risk of conflict.

The disengagement marked a significant diplomatic victory for India, which had insisted on restoring the status quo ante of April 2020. While tensions eased in Galwan, unresolved disputes in other areas like Depsang Plains and Demchok continued to pose challenges. The government faced domestic scrutiny over the negotiations, but the agreement allowed India to focus on bolstering border infrastructure and military readiness. 

First Elections in Jammu and Kashmir Post-Article 370
Jammu and Kashmir witnessed its first assembly elections in 2024, five years after the abrogation of Article 370. The BJP campaigned on themes of development and integration, while regional parties like the National Conference and PDP focused on statehood restoration.  The NC and Congress formed an alliance that emerged victorious in the Assembly polls winning a total of 48 seats, with the NC playing a pivotal role in their success, while the Congress managed to win only six seats. The NC-Congress alliance formed the government and Omar Abdullah became the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

President's Rule was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir on October 31, 2019, following the formal bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, was passed by the Parliament on August 5, 2019. Article 370 of the Constitution, which granted a special status to the erstwhile state, was also abrogated on that day. Before October 31, 2019, the Central rule was continuing in the erstwhile state from June 2017 after the resignation of the then Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti when the BJP withdrew support to the PDP-led government.