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Showing posts from January, 2025

Delhi High Court Reserves Order on Pleas Against Movie Based on 2020 Delhi Riots

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Delhi High Court Reserves Order on Pleas Against Movie Based on 2020 Delhi Riots Reserves Judgment After Detailed Hearing The Delhi High Court on Friday reserved its judgment on three petitions challenging the release of a film reportedly based on the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. The bench, comprising Justice Sachin Datta, thoroughly examined arguments from all involved parties, addressing concerns about the film's potential influence on ongoing legal proceedings and the sensitive nature of the subject matter. Petitioners and Their Concerns The first petition was filed by Sharjeel Imam, an accused in the riots case. The second petition was submitted by five individuals, and the third by Umang, an independent candidate contesting the upcoming Delhi Legislative Assembly elections. The primary concern among petitioners was the portrayal of events in the film and its potential impact on legal and political affairs. Filmmakers' Response and Legal Stand Senior Advocate Jayant Meh...

Rau’s IAS Study Circle Case: Delhi HC Strikes Down ₹2.5 Cr Bail Condition for CEO Abhishek Gupta

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🚨 Rau’s IAS Study Circle Case: Delhi HC Strikes Down  ₹2.5 Cr Bail Condition for CEO Abhishek Gupta ⚖️ In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has set aside the financial condition of depositing ₹2.5 crore for interim bail granted to Rau’s IAS Study Circle CEO, Abhishek Gupta. This case stems from the tragic death of three UPSC aspirants in the basement of the coaching institute in Old Rajender Nagar, Delhi , in July 2024 . 🔴 What’s Next? The trial court will now decide Gupta’s bail plea on its merits , with the hearing scheduled for Friday at Rouse Avenue Court . ⚖️ High Court’s Key Observations Justice Vikas Mahajan overturned the trial court’s condition, citing the Supreme Court’s precedent , which had already removed a similar ₹5 crore condition for the co-accused. 📌 Key Developments: 🔹 The SC had already set aside the ₹5 crore fund creation order for four co-accused co-owners . 🔹 On January 21, 2025 , the Delhi HC granted them regular bail wi...

Triple Talaq: Supreme Court Seeks Data on FIRs Filed Under the 2019 Law

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Triple Talaq: Supreme Court Seeks Data on FIRs Filed Under the 2019 Law The Supreme Court of India has sought an affidavit from the Centre detailing the total number of FIRs registered and charge sheets filed under the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 —the law that criminalizes Triple Talaq and imposes a jail term of up to three years for violators. 💡 Key Question Before the Court: Should Triple Talaq , which is already invalidated , be criminalized ? 🔍 What Is Triple Talaq? Triple Talaq , also known as Talaq-e-Biddat , is an instant divorce practice among certain sects of Indian Muslims , where a husband could unilaterally divorce his wife by simply uttering "Talaq" three times— verbally, in writing, or even over a text message! 📲📞✉️ This practice often left Muslim women in a state of social, financial, and emotional turmoil with no legal recourse . ⚖️ Supreme Court’s Intervention & the 2019 Law 🔹 August 22, 2017 – The S...

SC Seeks Centre’s Response on Muslim Woman’s Plea for Indian Succession Act Over Sharia Law

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SC Seeks Centre’s Response on Muslim Woman’s Plea for Indian Succession Act Over Sharia Law The Case at a Glance The Supreme Court of India has directed the Central Government to respond to a petition filed by a Kerala-based Muslim woman, Safiya PM , who seeks to be governed by the Indian Succession Act, 1925 , instead of Muslim Personal Law (Sharia Law) regarding inheritance. A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna , along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan , has given the government four weeks to file its response, with the hearing scheduled for May 2025 . Why Is the Woman Challenging Sharia Law? The petitioner, a non-believer Muslim , argues that since she does not practice Islam, she should be governed by secular inheritance laws rather than religious laws. ✔️ Sharia Law Restriction – Under Sharia law , a Muslim individual can only bequeath one-third of their property via a will. The remaining two-thirds is distributed according to Islamic inheritance rul...

"Am I Allowed to Run Again?" Trump Jests While Addressing House Republicans

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"Am I Allowed to Run Again?" Trump Jests While Addressing House Republicans In a speech filled with humor, ambition, and bold claims, US President Donald Trump addressed House Republicans in Miami, Florida, sparking conversation when he jokingly asked, "Am I allowed to run again?" as he hinted at his fundraising efforts for future campaigns. Let’s dive into the details of his address, the constitutional limitations on presidential terms, and the significance of the 22nd Amendment to the United States Constitution. Trump’s Ambitious Remarks While speaking to GOP Members of Congress, Trump claimed that his campaign had raised substantial funds for the next presidential race . In a lighthearted tone, he remarked, "I think I’m not allowed to run again. Am I allowed to run again?" However, under the 22nd Amendment , Trump cannot run for a third term as president. What is the 22nd Amendment? The 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution , ratified on F...

Uttarakhand Implements Uniform Civil Code: A Historic Milestone

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Uttarakhand Implements Uniform Civil Code: A Historic Milestone Uttarakhand has made history by becoming the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on January 27, 2025 . Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced this significant achievement, which aims to bring uniformity in personal civil laws across the state, eliminating discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, and other factors. What is the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)? The UCC is a set of laws intended to govern personal civil matters such as marriage, divorce, succession, and inheritance uniformly across all communities, regardless of religion. The UCC seeks to ensure equality and justice by replacing diverse personal laws with a standardized legal framework. Uttarakhand Leads the Way Historic First for Independent India Uttarakhand is the first state in India to implement the UCC, fulfilling a long-standing commitment by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) . The Chief Minister stated that...

US Supreme Court Clears Way for 26/11 Plotter Tahawwur Rana's Extradition to India

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US Supreme Court Clears Way for 26/11 Plotter Tahawwur Rana's Extradition to India The extradition of Pakistani-origin businessman Tahawwur Hussain Rana , convicted in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks , has taken a significant step forward. The US Supreme Court recently denied Rana’s petition to prevent his extradition to India, bringing the process closer to fruition. Background on the 26/11 Mumbai Attacks The 26/11 Mumbai attacks were a series of coordinated terrorist strikes carried out by the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) from November 26–29, 2008 . Key Facts: Targets: Major landmarks including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), and Nariman House. Casualties: Over 164 people killed , including foreign nationals, and more than 300 injured. Attackers: 10 gunmen trained in Pakistan infiltrated Mumbai via sea routes. Mastermind: The attacks were planned and executed und...

Delhi HC Declines Special Assembly Session on CAG Reports; Highlights AAP’s Delay

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Delhi HC Declines Special Assembly Session on CAG Reports; Highlights AAP’s Delay The Delhi High Court recently declined to direct the convening of a special session of the Delhi Legislative Assembly to discuss 14 reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. However, the court did not hold back in criticizing the Delhi government for its delayed handling of the reports, highlighting its constitutional obligation to table them in the Assembly. BJP’s Plea for Tabling CAG Reports The petition was filed by BJP leader Vijender Gupta and several BJP MLAs, demanding that the Delhi government table the 14 CAG reports that highlight the policy initiatives of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The plea argued that these reports should be debated in the House to ensure transparency and government accountability. Delhi Government’s Defense and Speaker’s Stance Senior Advocate Sudhir Nandrajog, representing the Speaker of the Delhi Legis...

An End to Women and Children's Rights: A Deep Dive into the Intersection of Religion, Gender, and Child Marriage

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An End to Women and Children's Rights: A Deep Dive into the Intersection of Religion, Gender, and Child Marriage The State of Gender Equality and Societal Divisions As human beings, we often advocate for gender equality—a principle that envisions equal rights and opportunities for all, irrespective of gender. Despite these proclamations, societal structures remain divided along gender lines, where women often bear the brunt of systemic inequality. The term "women" has historically been tied to cultural and religious expectations, often becoming a flashpoint for societal discomfort when addressing progressive issues. This discomfort intensifies when topics such as child marriage intersect with religion, creating complex challenges that demand urgent attention. Child Marriage in Iran: The Age of Marriage Reduced to 9 One particularly concerning development in recent years is Iran's decision to reduce the legal age of marriage to 9 years for girls . This decision ha...

Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu Successfully Concludes Four-Day Davos Visit

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Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu Successfully Concludes  Four-Day Davos Visit Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu wrapped up a highly productive four-day visit to Davos, Switzerland, where he promoted the state as an attractive investment destination. His interactions with global leaders and CEOs highlighted the potential of Andhra Pradesh in sectors such as green energy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and manufacturing. Key Highlights of the Davos Visit 1️⃣ Global Networking for Investments CM Naidu held discussions with executives from 15 prominent global companies , presenting Andhra Pradesh’s business-friendly policies and infrastructure. He invited investments in sectors like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, technical textiles , and rail components . 2️⃣ Focus on Brand Building During roundtable meetings and special sessions, CM Naidu emphasized Andhra Pradesh's vision and capabilities, promoting its brand image on the global stage. Day 1: Collaboration with Sw...

Delhi High Court Discharges School Principal in Student Death Case: A Detailed Analysis

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Delhi High Court Discharges School Principal in Student Death Case: A Detailed Analysis In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court discharged a government school principal, Rekha Kakkar, in a 2016 case concerning the death of a student due to alleged negligence. This article delves into the legal aspects of the case, the reasoning behind the court's decision, and an explanation of the applicable legal provisions, specifically Section 251 of the CrPC and Section 304A of the IPC . Case Background: What Happened? The tragic incident occurred in a government school in Delhi's Kapashera area in 2016. A four-year-old student died after falling into a septic tank on the school premises, allegedly due to negligence. An FIR was registered under Section 304A (Death by Negligence) read with Section 34 (Common Intention) of the IPC against the school principal, a Junior Engineer (JE), a contractor, and a school maid. The charge sheet was filed on July 5, 2016 , and the Metropo...

India’s Economic Growth Projection for 2024-25: Navigating Challenges Amid Uncertainty

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India’s Economic Growth Projection for 2024-25: Navigating Challenges Amid Uncertainty The Indian economy, one of the fastest-growing major economies globally, is expected to grow at 6.5-6.8% in the fiscal year 2024-25 , according to Deloitte India’s latest Economic Outlook. Despite optimism, several internal and external factors continue to shape the economic landscape. Revised Growth Projections: A Cautious Approach Deloitte’s adjustment of the GDP growth projection underscores the need for caution amidst rising global trade and investment uncertainties. Q2 2024-25 GDP Growth : Recorded at 5.4% year-on-year , falling below market expectations. Revised Forecasts : The RBI lowered its growth forecast to 6.6% , while the NSO estimates 6.4% for the current fiscal. Future Growth : Deloitte projects growth in 2025-26 to range between 6.7-7.3% , reflecting cautious optimism. Key Factors Influencing Economic Growth Election and Weather-Related Disruptions The election uncertai...

Balwant Singh Rajoana's Mercy Plea: A Case of Delayed Decision on Death Sentence

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Balwant Singh Rajoana's Mercy Plea: A Case of Delayed Decision on Death Sentence Introduction: The Supreme Court's Latest Directive The Supreme Court of India has directed the Central Government to decide on the mercy petition of Balwant Singh Rajoana , a death-row prisoner convicted for the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh in 1995. The court has set March 18 as the deadline, warning that if no decision is taken, it will proceed to hear the matter on merits. The Assassination of Beant Singh The case stems from the August 31, 1995 , assassination of Beant Singh, orchestrated via a bomb explosion in Chandigarh. Balwant Singh Rajoana, a sympathizer of the Babbar Khalsa militant group , was convicted and sentenced to death in 2007 by a Chandigarh court. The conviction was upheld by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2010. Notably, Rajoana never filed an appeal against the High Court’s decision. Mercy Petition: Grounds and Delay Balwant Singh...

Justice for Victims: Strengthening Legal Frameworks Under New Laws

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Justice for Victims: Strengthening Legal Frameworks Under New Laws Introduction The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA) mark a transformative shift in India’s criminal justice system. These legislations emphasize not just punitive measures but also robust victim compensation mechanisms. The recent RG Kar Medical College case highlights the urgent need for a structured and dignified compensation framework that supports victims’ families without reducing the act to a mere favor. RG Kar Case: A Turning Point In this landmark case, a young doctor was brutally raped and murdered while on duty. The court, under Sections 64 (rape) , 66 (punishment for causing death) , and 103(1) (murder) of the BNS, found the accused guilty and awarded: ₹10 lakh compensation for the victim’s death. ₹7 lakh compensation for the heinous crime of rape. Judge Das emphasized that since the crime occurred at t...

Taiwan Slams China’s Sovereignty Claim: Reaffirming Independence and Regional Stability

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Taiwan Slams China’s Sovereignty Claim: Reaffirming Independence and Regional Stability In a recent development, Taiwan has strongly criticized China’s repeated claims of sovereignty over the island nation, restating its status as a sovereign and independent country . This statement from Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) comes amid heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait and ongoing geopolitical dynamics between major powers like the US and China. Taiwan’s Response to China’s Claim Taiwan’s MOFA issued a sharp rebuke to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s assertion of sovereignty over Taiwan during a phone call with then-US President-elect Donald Trump. The Ministry emphasized that: Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) are not controlled by one another . This distinction reflects the internationally accepted status quo , which has been observed for decades. Taiwan’s focus remains on strengthening its ties with the US to maintain peace, stability, and prosperit...

Understanding Debt Harassment: A Modern-Day Crisis

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Understanding Debt Harassment: A Modern-Day Crisis Debt harassment refers to the persistent and abusive tactics used by creditors or moneylenders to recover borrowed money. This practice often includes physical intimidation, mental torture, threats, and illegal actions that push debtors to the brink of despair. The recent tragic incident in Chikhali, Pimpri Chinchwad , where relentless harassment drove a man to murder his family and attempt suicide, underscores the urgent need to address this escalating issue. What Happened in Chikhali? On January 9 , Vaibhav Hande, a 45-year-old debt-taker, allegedly killed his wife and minor son and attempted suicide after enduring years of harassment from moneylenders. Hande had borrowed ₹12 lakh in 2016 from four individuals at an exorbitant interest rate of 10% per month . Despite repaying ₹9.50 lakh , transferring 20 gunthas of land , and paying ₹4.50 lakh in interest , the lenders continued to pressure him for more payments. Hande, un...

Comprehensive Analysis: POCSO Act, Its Genesis, and Constitutional Provisions

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Comprehensive Analysis: POCSO Act, Its Genesis, and Constitutional Provisions What is the POCSO Act? The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act) is a landmark legislation enacted by the Indian Parliament to address sexual exploitation and abuse of children. This Act aims to provide a robust legal framework to safeguard children against offenses like sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography, ensuring speedy trial and stringent punishment for offenders. Why Was the POCSO Act Introduced? Rising Cases of Child Sexual Abuse : Child sexual abuse was a growing concern in India, with statistics revealing alarming numbers of unreported and unpunished cases. There was no specific law targeting these crimes comprehensively before 2012. Inadequate Existing Legal Framework : Existing laws under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) were not sufficient to address the unique nature of child sexual abuse cases. Many offenses, including non-penetrative acts and h...