India · 20132013

Establishes the Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in states to inquire into corruption allegations against public functionaries.

Why it matters: Born of the anti-corruption movement; core Polity topic (statutory anti-graft bodies, accountability).

Replaces the colonial Land Acquisition Act, 1894 with consent, fair compensation, social-impact assessment and resettlement guarantees.

Why it matters: Replaces the 1894 colonial law; key for Economy (land, infrastructure) and Governance (land-acquisition debate).

Makes subsidised foodgrain a legal entitlement for about two-thirds of the population through the public distribution system.

Why it matters: Rights-based food entitlement; high-yield for Economy (food security, PDS) and Social Justice (GS-2/GS-3).

Modernises company law, strengthening corporate governance, investor protection and the first statutory CSR mandate in the world.

Why it matters: Key for Economy (corporate governance, CSR) and the NCLT/insolvency ecosystem.

The POSH Act — gives statutory shape to the Vishaka guidelines for protecting women from sexual harassment at the workplace.

Why it matters: Codifies the Vishaka judgment; relevant for Social Justice, gender and judiciary-to-law questions.

Enacted after the 2012 Delhi gang-rape, it widened the definition of sexual offences and stiffened punishments based on the Verma Committee.

Why it matters: Direct legislative response to a public outcry; key for Polity, Social Justice and the law-reform process.