JUDICIAL SYSTEM

Need to understand the correct legal history of India: Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal has urged the nation to understand its correct legal history, as the country's legal system was established from the perspective of colonial rulers. Meghwal argued that the laws in India during colonial times ignored the Indian ethos and societal realities of the time and were based on furthering the needs of colonial rulers. He called for the removal of old laws with a slave mentality and the re-enactment of three new criminal laws, namely the Indian Judicial Code, Indian Civil Defence Code, and Indian Evidence Act, which will be implemented across the country from July 1.

SC to organise special Lok Adalat

The Supreme Court is set to host a special Lok Adalat from July 29 to August 3, aiming to resolve pending cases amicably. This initiative aligns with the court's commitment to providing accessible and efficient justice. The Lok Adalat will focus on settling various cases, including those related to matrimonial disputes, property disputes, motor accident claims, and more. Such alternative dispute resolution mechanisms help expedite case resolution and promote harmony.

Assam government to establish Directorate of Prosecution to expedite legal processes

Assam government inaugurated new judicial court building in Sivasagar district. Chief Minister emphasized the need for robust justice delivery system. He also visited Lachit Maidam in Jorhat district for development project phase 2.

Judges' appointment system, vacancies, pendency key challenges before Law Minister Meghwal

Meghwal was appointed as minister of state for law and justice with independent charge in May last year when he replaced Kiren Rijiju. After the Modi 3.0 government was sworn in on Sunday, Meghwal was appointed as a minister of state with independent charge.

Donald Trump sentence: Ex-president could face community service like trash pickup, graffiti cleanup, say experts

People are waiting for July 11, when Manhattan Court Justice Juan Merchan will sentence Donald Trump. Will he be sent to jail, get probation or be asked to do community service?

Why reforming the WTO dispute settlement mechanism is imperative

The 13th Ministerial Conference of WTO in Abu Dhabi renewed commitment to a well-functioning Dispute Settlement Mechanism (DSM) by 2024, crucial for the rules-based multilateral trading system.

'I have learnt my lesson': HC waives Rs 75,000 costs on law student for PIL seeking bail for Kejriwal

The Delhi High Court waived the Rs 75,000 costs imposed on a law student for his PIL seeking "extraordinary interim bail" for CM Arvind Kejriwal after he tendered an unconditional apology, citing his inability to pay due to being a student. The court, understanding his situation, waived the costs.

CJI DY Chandrachud says Indian courts have come to be reimagined as democratic spaces of discourse

CJI Chandrachud emphasized the transformation of courts into democratic spaces of discourse due to COVID-19 challenges at the J20 summit in Brazil He highlighted the Supreme Court's Program to Fight Disinformation and the use of technology like SUVAS for translation and Digital Supreme Court Records for easy access to judgments. He stressed the importance of addressing inequalities in judicial processes and the need for sustained efforts to tackle issues like AI bias and misinformation.

Fix the judicial supply-demand gap

India's judiciary grapples with case overload and judge shortage, impacting justice delivery. Vacancies in key high courts, pending cases, and political interference in judge appointments contribute to the system's inefficiency and call for urgent reforms.

MHA seeks help of states to train policemen on new criminal laws to be implemented from July 1

The Union Home Ministry in India has announced three new criminal laws, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Act, which will be rolled out across the country from July 1. The new laws aim to provide speedy justice to citizens and strengthen the judicial and court management system. The home ministry has been working to educate police and prison officers about the new laws, with the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) developing training modules and other programs for different levels of police and prison personnel.

SC refuses to consider listing of plea seeking abolition of collegium system

The Supreme Court has declined to entertain a plea seeking the abolition of the collegium system, where judges appoint judges in the higher judiciary. The bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, took note of lawyer Mathews Nedumpara's request to have his writ petition heard on the matter. Nedumpara expressed frustration at the registry's refusal to list his petition, citing that the Registrar had deemed it not maintainable after a Constitution bench ruling.

More than 2,000 criminal cases against MPs, MLAs decided in 2023: SC told

Referring to a report of NGO 'Association of Democratic Reforms for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 Phase I and Phase II,' Hansaria, assisted by advocate Sneha Kalita, said that out of 2,810 candidates (Phase I - 1618 candidates and Phase II - 1192 candidates), 501 (18 per cent) candidates have criminal cases against them, out of which, 327 (12 per cent) are serious criminal cases (punishable with imprisonment of 5 years and more).

Pakistan: Imran Khan writes letter to Chief Justice Isa demanding punishment for subverters of constitution

Imran Khan said a constitutional petition that demanded an independent, transparent, and thorough probe to ascertain the inciters and perpetrators of the May 9 violence, and those who allowed it to escalate, was pending in the Supreme Court since May 25, 2023. He stated that the case must be taken up and decided on a priority basis in the interest of "complete justice."

Integration of AI in modern processes raises complex ethical, legal & practical considerations, says CJI

Justice Chandrachud said while AI presents unprecedented opportunities, it also raises complex challenges, particularly concerning ethics, accountability and bias and addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from stakeholders worldwide, transcending geographical and institutional boundaries. He was speaking at a two-day conference on technology and dialogue between the Supreme Courts of India and Singapore.

Former CJI Ranjan Gogoi draws line between ‘judicial activism' and ‘judicial overreach'

Former CJI Ranjan Gogoi stresses the importance of balancing free speech and preventing misinformation while addressing the judicial backlog, quality justice, ethical standards, and the erosion of faith in the judiciary at the 76th Gauhati High Court foundation day.

'ISI meddling': Could judicial letter spark a movement against the Pakistan military?

Pakistan's Supreme Court has announced an investigation into allegations of interference by intelligence agencies in legal affairs, prompted by a letter from six high court judges. This development, amid public uproar, signifies a potential shift in civil-military relations. The judges' letter detailed instances of interference, including surveillance and intimidation tactics.

I am a big believer in investment-led growth and that is one big area that we need to sustain: Sanjeev Sanyal

Sanjeev Sanyal emphasizes sustained growth, calling for progress in infrastructure, private sector investment, and administrative reforms. He underscores the need for a modernized legal system and continuous government process re-evaluation to maintain India's positive economic trajectory. Sanyal says: "We need a big process reform agenda which seeps into the whole government process so that we are continuously cleaning up processes, laws and so on and that has to be done in an institutionalised way."

Amit Shah roots for cross-border justice system

Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to view borders as non-restrictive and urged the use of technology in the judicial system for accessibility, affordability, and accountability. Speaking at the Commonwealth Legal Education Association - Commonwealth Attorneys and Solicitors General Conference, Shah highlighted the importance of technology to simplify the justice system. He mentioned recently enacted criminal laws and expressed the goal of achieving justice up to the high court level within three years of registering an FIR.

Toshakhana case: Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi sentenced to 14 years with rigorous punishment

Better judicial infra serves justice well

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to strengthen judicial infrastructure, focusing on physical, digital, and human resources. Challenges exist in all areas, but especially in lower courts. Most court complexes in Gujarat, Sikkim, and Tripura are inaccessible through public transport, with only 40% having functioning washrooms and 11% accessible for disabled individuals.

Kejriwal skips ED summons; BJP accuses Delhi CM of lacking faith in administrative, judicial system

The BJP accused Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal of lacking faith in the country's legal system after he skipped a third ED summons in an excise policy-related case. Kejriwal, labeling the notices as illegal and part of a plot to arrest him, evaded the summons while BJP's Virendra Sachdeva alleged Kejriwal's avoidance indicates a lack of trust in the judicial system. BJP challenges Kejriwal to contest the notices legally, claiming his evasion implies acknowledgment of corruption charges.

NJAC never given chance to work, led to friction in functioning of collegium: Justice S K Kaul

Justice Kaul, who was a member of the Supreme Court collegium for over a year, said one has to accept there is a problem with the collegium system and it will be "unrealistic" to say that it is working smoothly. At present, he added, the collegium system is the law of the land and it must be implemented as it stands.

Urgent need to take pro-active steps to clear huge backlog of cases, curtail delaying methods: SC

The Supreme Court of India has issued a series of directions to address the backlog of cases and ensure speedy justice. The court emphasized the need for proactive steps to clear the backlog and reduce delays in proceedings. It directed all courts at district and taluka levels to take measures such as executing summons, filing written statements, completing pleadings, recording admissions and denials, and fixing trial dates promptly. The court also called for the setting up of committees to monitor old cases pending for over five years. It stressed the importance of a robust justice delivery system for social harmony and economic growth.