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Justice Sanjiv Khanna Sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India: Key Milestones and Achievements In a significant ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on November 11, 2024, Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) by President Droupadi Murmu. A legal stalwart with a career spanning over three decades, Justice Khanna has contributed to the judiciary with remarkable judgments and decisions on critical issues. Here’s an in-depth look at his career and the ceremony that marked his elevation to the top judicial post. The Swearing-In Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan The oath-taking ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan was attended by several prominent figures, including Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and other Union Cabinet ministers. The gathering of key dignitaries, retired judges, and former Chief Justices underscored the event’s importance and the profound respect f...

Supreme Court Declares Unilateral Appointment of Arbitrators in Public-Private Contracts Unconstitutional The Supreme Court has delivered a landmark ruling declaring that the unilateral appointment of arbitrators in public-private contracts violates Article 14 of the Indian Constitution . This decision fundamentally redefines how arbitrators are appointed in such contracts, emphasizing fairness and impartiality throughout arbitration processes. Key Findings of the Judgment The judgment, delivered by a Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud , along with Justices Hrishikesh Roy, PS Narasimha, Pankaj Mithal, and Manoj Misra, addressed critical questions on the principles of equality and independence in arbitration. While the Bench was united in its views on the unconstitutionality of unilateral appointments, the judges penned separate opinions to address specific facets of the case. The Issue of Unilateral Arbitrator Appointments Chief Justice Chandrachud, writing the majo...

Supreme Court Overrules 1967 Verdict on Aligarh Muslim  University’s Minority Status: Revisiting Constitutional Rights and Institutional Autonomy In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has overruled the 1967 S Azeez Basha vs Union of India case, which held that the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) could not be considered a minority institution due to its status as a Central university. This recent decision marks a significant shift in understanding the minority character of institutions established by a religious community, even if they are later funded and managed by the government. Here is an in-depth look at the verdict and its potential implications for minority institutions across India. Background of the Case The status of Aligarh Muslim University as a minority institution has been a contentious issue for decades. Established in 1920 through the AMU Act, the university has a rich history associated with India's Muslim community. However, in 1967, the Supreme C...

Supreme Court’s Stance on Fair and Transparent Recruitment  in Public Services The Supreme Court of India  has issued a definitive judgment emphasizing that the recruitment process in public services must be conducted transparently, fairly, and without discrimination. In the landmark ruling, a five-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud , along with Justices Hrishikesh Roy, PS Narasimha, Pankaj Mithal, and Manoj Misra, clarified that recruitment standards, or the “rules of the game,” cannot be modified midway through the process unless permitted by relevant rules or advertisements. The judgment also upheld that eligibility and selection criteria set at the beginning of recruitment must remain consistent unless legal provisions specify otherwise. Transparent Recruitment Process The bench asserted that recruiting bodies  must adhere strictly to established rules throughout the recruitment process. The verdict stressed: > “The recruiting bodies, subjec...

Supreme Court Upholds MHADA Act: Balancing Private Property and Public Welfare under Directive Principles  The Supreme Court of India has rendered a comprehensive judgment on a significant constitutional case concerning the validity of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Act (MHADA Act) under the constitutional protections provided by Articles 31-C and 39(b). This case addresses the legitimacy of the MHADA Act's Chapter VIII-A, which enables the acquisition and transfer of certain dilapidated properties in Mumbai to cooperative societies for repair and reconstruction. Background and Genesis of the Case The issue originates from Mumbai's housing challenges, where pre-1940 buildings face severe dilapidation risks, exacerbated by the city's climate and monsoon seasons. This led to the enactment of the MHADA Act in 1976, establishing a cess to fund repairs. However, these measures proved insufficient due to the magnitude of the problem, prompting an amendment in 1986 t...

Supreme Court Upholds Validity of UP Madrasa Act, Declares Fazil and Kamil Higher Education Unconstitutional The Supreme Court of India recently upheld the constitutional validity of the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrasa Education Act, 2004 . The decision comes as a response to an appeal challenging the Allahabad High Court’s March 22 ruling , which had declared the UP Madrasa Act unconstitutional, citing a conflict with secularism principles. However, the Supreme Court partially modified the ruling, finding that while the Act itself is valid, the Fazil and Kamil higher education degrees offered by Madrasas are unconstitutional due to a conflict with the UGC Act . Supreme Court Verdict: Key Points on the Madrasa Act A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra  stated that while the UP Madrasa Act remains valid, it cannot regulate higher education in Fazil and Kamil degrees, as these fall under the University Grants Commissi...

Supreme Court Questions Delhi Government on Lax Enforcement of Diwali Firecracker Ban to Curb Air Pollution In response to severe concerns about air pollution in Delhi, the Supreme Court of India  questioned the Delhi government on Monday regarding the apparent flouting of the firecracker ban during Diwali celebrations . Despite the ban being enforced to reduce air pollution, reports indicated widespread non-compliance, leading the court to demand an explanation from both the Delhi government and the Delhi Police. Supreme Court Orders Affidavits from Delhi Government and Police Commissioner A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih  requested that the Delhi government submit an affidavit detailing the steps taken to enforce the firecracker ban. The bench voiced concerns over reports indicating that the ban was not effectively implemented, thereby exacerbating the city’s air quality issues. It also directed the Delhi Police Commissioner  to provide an expl...

Airports Authority of India Observes Vigilance Awareness Week 2024: Promoting Integrity for National Prosperity The Airports Authority of India (AAI) commemorated Vigilance Awareness Week (VAW) 2024 from October 28 to November 3 , under the theme, "Culture of Integrity for Nation's Prosperity." The observance focused on promoting a culture of integrity, vigilance, and accountability across all AAI airports and establishments, emphasizing how vigilance contributes to effective governance and organizational success. Inauguration of Vigilance Awareness Week 2024 The observance kicked off with the Integrity Pledge administered by H Srinivas , Member (HR), at a special event at AAI Corporate Headquarters in New Delhi. Joined by senior officers, Srinivas called on all employees to participate sincerely in VAW activities, underscoring the significance of vigilance in maintaining an ethical work environment. Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) Nikhil Kumar Kanodia and other AAI Bo...

India's Employment Growth: Capital-Intensive Sectors Lead While Labor-Intensive Industries Dominate Jobs A recent report by Goldman Sachs  highlights India’s employment growth dynamics, revealing that capital-intensive sectors  have shown faster employment growth compared to labor-intensive sectors  over the past decade. However, labor-intensive industries continue to hold a larger share of jobs in India, reflecting a diverse employment landscape. Shift Toward Capital-Intensive Sectors in Manufacturing The report emphasizes India’s impressive performance in capital-intensive manufacturing sub-sectors  such as chemicals, machinery, and electronics. These industries have outpaced labor-intensive sectors like textiles and footwear in both export growth and employment . This shift has been largely attributed to government incentives , such as the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme , aimed at boosting high-value product exports to developed markets. According to the...

MeitY Launches Digital India Common Service Center Project, Starting in Pilibhit and Gorakhpur The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)  is embarking on a transformative initiative—the Digital India Common Service Center (DICSC) project —to bridge the digital divide in rural India and bring e-governance services to citizens in remote areas. This ambitious project will launch with model centers in Pilibhit  and Gorakhpur , with plans to roll out across 10 districts in India. DICSC Project Scope and Locations The DICSC project will establish nearly 4,740 centers across 10 districts , with a model center in nearly every gram panchayat. Pilibhit will receive 720 centers , while Gorakhpur will have 1,273 centers . Other locations selected for the initiative include: - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Maharashtra): 870 centers - Chamba (Himachal Pradesh): 309 centers - Khammam (Telangana): 589 centers - Gandhinagar (Gujarat): 288 centers - Mamit (Mizoram): 100 ...

Understanding Parliamentary Committees: Roles, Types, and Importance in Legislative Functioning Parliamentary Committees  play a crucial role in the functioning of India's legislative framework, providing specialized, detailed work that helps streamline the workload of Parliament. These committees investigate issues, deliberate on bills, review policies, and ensure that government actions align with public interest. This article provides an in-depth look at the types of Parliamentary Committees , their roles, and why they are essential to India’s legislative process. 1. What Are Parliamentary Committees? Parliamentary Committees are smaller bodies comprising Members of Parliament (MPs) appointed to handle specific tasks that are too complex for full parliamentary debates. These committees conduct the majority of Parliament's detailed work by studying various matters, including proposed legislation, financial considerations, and government performance. The recommendations from ...

Delhi High Court Quashes Summons Against Former DU College Principal in Employee Suicide Case The Delhi High Court  has set aside the summons issued to Dr. G.K. Arora , the former principal of B.R. Ambedkar College , University of Delhi, in connection with a high-profile suicide case. The case involved a female lab attendant who self-immolated  in front of the Delhi Secretariat  and later succumbed to her injuries. She had alleged harassment by Dr. Arora and another college employee in her suicide note, prompting legal action and media attention. Court’s Decision to Set Aside Summons Justice Amit Sharma of the Delhi High Court quashed the September 17, 2014, summoning order issued by the Metropolitan Magistrate, Tis Hazari Courts . On October 29, 2024 , Justice Sharma ruled that Dr. Arora and co-petitioner Ravinder Singh could not be held responsible based on the evidence provided and the conclusions drawn by various investigating authorities. The judge noted that mul...

RBI Report Highlights India’s Forex Reserves Cover at 11.2 Months of Imports The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released a detailed report on October 24, 2024 , presenting an overview of India’s foreign exchange reserves  and the country’s International Investment Position (IIP) . The report provides insights into India's economic resilience against external shocks and highlights changes in reserves and liabilities as of June 2024 . India’s Forex Reserves Import Cover Declines Slightly According to the RBI report, as of June 2024 , India's foreign exchange reserves cover stands at 11.2 months  of imports (balance of payments basis), down from 11.3 months  at the end of March 2024 . This decline, although minor, reflects a slight reduction in the buffer against external economic volatility. The import cover is a crucial indicator of the country’s financial health, as it denotes how many months of imports can be supported by the current forex reserves, demonstrating India's ...

Delhi Police Under Scrutiny for Delays in Lodging  FIR in Kidnapping Case The Delhi Police  have come under criticism for delays in registering an FIR in a kidnapping case , where six months elapsed between the initial missing person report and the registration of an FIR. This matter, brought to light in a habeas corpus case pending before the Delhi High Court , highlights concerns over law enforcement’s efficiency in handling sensitive missing persons cases. Case Background: Missing Boy in Bhajanpura On January 10, 2024 , a boy went missing from the Bhajanpura area of Delhi . Despite his mother’s repeated attempts to seek help, the police registered an FIR only on June 29, 2024 , under Section 365 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) , which pertains to kidnapping or abduction with intent to confine. Frustrated with the lack of progress, the mother, represented by Advocate Fozia Rahman , filed a habeas corpus petition in the Delhi High Court to expedite the search for her son. S...

Supreme Court Restores Compensation in Motor Accident Claim: Upholds School Leaving Certificate as Age Proof In a recent ruling on October 24, 2024 , the Supreme Court of India revisited a motor accident compensation case, Saroj & Ors. vs. IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance Co. & Ors. , concerning the tragic death of Silak Ram in a 2015 motorcycle accident. The judgment addressed two key aspects: the method of calculating compensation and the authenticity of documents for age determination. The Court upheld the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal’s (MACT) original award, which the Punjab and Haryana High Court had significantly reduced. Background of the Case On August 4, 2015 , Silak Ram was fatally injured in a motorcycle accident. His family subsequently filed a compensation claim with the MACT, Rohtak, which awarded ₹19,35,400  plus 7.5% interest. The insurance company appealed, and the High Court reduced the award to ₹9,22,336 , citing discrepancies in income estimation and...

Bar Council of India Removes 107 Fake Advocates from  Delhi Roll to Uphold Legal Integrity The Bar Council of India (BCI) has taken decisive action in a sweeping initiative aimed at maintaining the integrity of the legal profession by removing 107 fake advocates  from the Roll of Advocates in Delhi  between 2019 and October 2024. This step comes as part of the BCI's rigorous verification process to ensure that only qualified, genuinely practising advocates remain in the profession, ultimately upholding public trust in the legal system. Strengthened Verification Framework Under Rule 32 This effort falls under Rule 32 of the Bar Council of India Certificate and Place of Practice (Verification) Rules, 2015 . The BCI  amended Rule 32 on June 23, 2023 , which empowered the BCI to verify, identify, and systematically remove unqualified and fake advocates from the Roll. The rule amendment has made the process of weeding out non-compliant individuals significantly more eff...

Justice Sanjeev Khanna Appointed as the 51st Chief Justice of India, Effective November 11 The Central Government of India has announced Justice Sanjeev Khanna  as the next Chief Justice of India (CJI) , with his term starting on November 11, 2024 . Justice Khanna, who succeeds the retiring CJI Justice DY Chandrachud , will become the 51st Chief Justice of India  and is set to serve a six-month term until May 2025 . Official Notification of Appointment The Ministry of Law and Justice released a formal notification confirming Justice Khanna's appointment under Clause (2) of Article 124  of the Indian Constitution , granting the President authority to appoint the Chief Justice of India in consultation with the current CJI. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal  shared the news, emphasizing Justice Khanna’s appointment as effective November 11, 2024. Justice Sanjeev Khanna’s Judicial Journey and Landmark Judgments Born on May 14, 1960 , Justice Khanna has served with d...