PROPOSED LAW
New criminal laws may help reduce jail overcrowding
The new criminal laws, known as BNSS, aim to address jail overcrowding by offering leniency to first-time offenders. Bail conditions have been revised, with reduced maximum detention periods. Jail superintendents now have the responsibility to assist in bail applications. These changes prioritize the human rights of prisoners.
Israel sends delegation to negotiate hostage release deal with Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu informed U.S. President Biden about resuming talks with Hamas for a hostage release deal, led by Mossad. Mediated by Egypt and Qatar, the talks stalled but resumed after Hamas showed flexibility. Netanyahu insists on achieving all objectives before a ceasefire. Gaza’s health ministry reported 38,000 deaths. Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis, Rafah, and Shejaia worsen the humanitarian crisis. Evacuation orders have displaced many Palestinians. Mossad leads the delegation, per Israeli Channel 12.
India must reflect & implement essential reforms to strengthen the arbitration process
The recent finance ministry notification in India has raised concerns by discouraging automatic arbitration clauses in procurement contracts. The move aims to address the unsatisfactory experience of the Government of India (GoI) in arbitration and promote mediation or court resolution for disputes. This decision has sparked a debate on the effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution methods and their impact on business dealings, particularly with global companies.
BNSS launches community service initiative for petty theft and nuisance offenses
India's new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has replaced the IPC, introducing community service as a penalty for minor crimes like theft under Rs 5,000. This marks a shift towards rehabilitative justice, offering offenders alternatives to fines or jail time. Despite its positive intent, the implementation faces challenges due to unclear monitoring guidelines. Experts emphasize the need for structured frameworks and specific tasks to ensure uniform application and effective community contribution, highlighting the reform's potential in blending justice with social welfare.
Supernova insolvency case: NCLAT to wait for lenders' decision on settlement offer from Supertech Realtors
Insolvency appellate tribunal NCLAT on Wednesday said it will wait for the decision of lenders on a revised settlement offer by Supertech Realtors, which is developing a residential apartment, offices, retail and luxury hotels at its Supernova project. NCLAT also directed the Interim Resolution Professional (IRP) not to constitute a Committee of Creditors. However, it said the construction work for the project would be continued under the supervision of IRP.
Law amendments approved by GST Council to be incorporated in the Finance Bill: CBIC Chief
CBIC Chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal announced that decisions from the recent GST Council meeting, such as an amnesty scheme for initial GST rollout years and a sunset date for profiteering complaints, will be included in the upcoming Finance Bill to be presented alongside the Budget later this month. Speaking at the NACIN-Bhopal's GST flagship programme, Agarwal highlighted that the Council's 53rd meeting proposed rate rationalization for goods and services and issued clarifications where needed.
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New criminal laws hinge on technology and forensic throughout all stages
Officials have revealed that three new criminal laws will focus on technology and forensics throughout all stages of the justice process, aiming to modernise the system and utilise modern scientific technologies. Key inclusions are mandatory audio-video recording in search and seizure proceedings, the establishment of forensic institutions, and provisions for electronic evidence admissibility. These changes are anticipated to enhance transparency, prevent evidence manipulation, and ensure accountability.
New Zealand to press ahead with media content pay law
New Zealand's government is pushing for a bill to make digital platforms pay media companies for news. The legislation, aligned with Australia's law, could affect companies like Meta Platforms and Alphabet Inc. The bill's authority will be supervised by an independent regulator, supported by the Labour party but facing opposition from the ACT New Zealand party.
Posters put up at various police stations in Delhi to create awareness on new criminal laws
New criminal laws in India have taken effect, and posters have been put up in police stations to inform the public. The Indian Penal Code, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act have been replaced with Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, respectively. These new codes introduce significant changes, including new crimes, increased penalties, and provisions for crimes against women and children. Terrorism is now explicitly defined and heavily penalized. Victims' rights have been enhanced, ensuring free access to FIRs and updates on investigations.
As new criminal laws come into effect, here's what experts think of their impact on legal system
It is said that these laws will affect a large number of citizens at some point in time or the other in their lives. The passing of the three criminal law bills in Parliament last year sparked a series of debates regarding the need to take such steps towards evolution in the field of law with the introduction of new criminal laws.
GST Council proposes interest, penalty waiver on tax dues
"Our intent is to make GST assessees' life easier, simpler and less cumbersome... We are working towards less and less compliance," Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, chairperson of the body, told reporters after the council's 53rd meeting that was held in the capital.
GST Council proposes interest, penalty waiver on tax dues
The GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, empowered tax authorities to waive interest and penalties on past tax demands, aiming to ease compliance for GST assessees.
Mamata Banerjee writes to PM Modi, seeks implementation of 3 criminal laws be deferred
The new laws are the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Act. The laws will replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872 respectively.
Waiver, other tax reforms top GST Council's docket
The GST Council is set to discuss various measures at its upcoming meeting on June 22 to pave the way for broader tax reforms in the new government's first full budget. These measures include considering a conditional waiver of interest or penalty on tax notices issued between 2017 and 2020, with exceptions for wilful defaulters. The budget announcement is expected in July.
MeitY meets firms to review concerns on Digital Competition Law
Indian policymakers discussed the impact of the proposed Digital Competition Bill on data and digital markets at the MEITY meeting with industry representatives. Stakeholders had differing opinions on the regulations, with some supporting its provisions while others raised concerns about deterred investments.
Law committee recommends amendment to CGST law to quash retro tax notice
The recommendation, if approved by the council may give relief to a large number of industries including online gaming industry, which was seeking relief from retrospective tax notice. The recommendation may be placed before the GST council and once approved this would pace way for quashing a large number of notices sent to online gaming industry. The law committee has suggested amendment to the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act, 2017 via the introduction of a new Section 11A in the legislation.
Centre proposes ESZ for villages on fringes of Bhitarkanika National Park
Bhitarkanika is known as the second largest mangrove forest in India after Sundarbans and Gahirmatha is known as the world's largest rookery of sea turtles.
Duty evasion up to Rs 1 crore may not lead to jail term
India proposes to decriminalise provisions in the central excise law, aiming to remove imprisonment for minor duty evasions and reduce penalties. The proposed Central Excise Bill 2024 seeks to modernise provisions, align with GST laws, govern taxation of tobacco and petroleum products, and operate in an automated online mode.
World leaders join Ukraine summit in test of Kyiv's diplomatic clout
More than 90 countries will take part, but China's absence in particular has dimmed hopes the summit would show Russia as globally isolated, while recent military reverses have put Kyiv on the back foot. The war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas has also diverted the world's attention from Ukraine.
Jaiprakash Associates Insolvency: NCLAT asks ICICI to consider one-time settlement proposal
NCLAT issues notice to ICICI Bank over Jaiprakash Associates Ltd's one-time settlement proposal, opposed by creditors. JAL aims to pay debt of over Rs 26,000 crore within 18 weeks if OTS is accepted.
Security & legal proposals to now come under Niti
Niti Aayog, under Major General K Narayanan, to focus on security and law proposals. Reconstitution aligns with government's emphasis on security and legal matters.
Tesla stands by Musk pay after ISS urges shareholders to reject package
Tesla defended Musk's pay package, disputed ISS criticism, and mentioned potentially costlier new compensation for shareholders.
Google, Amazon, Apple lobby group opposes India's EU-like antitrust proposal
India is drafting a new competition law to target big digital firms, with a U.S. lobby group urging a rethink to avoid potential business impacts.
NCLAT upholds NCLT order on Jaypee Infra; asks Suraksha to pay additional Rs 1,300 crore
NCLAT affirmed Suraksha Realty's acquisition bid for Jaypee Infratech but mandated an extra Rs 1,300 crore as farmers' compensation. The decision aimed to expedite the resolution plan, addressing concerns of stakeholders, including homebuyers and YEIDA. Suraksha pledged timely payment, aiming to resolve the debt-ridden firm's fate.
Cannabis stocks rally after DOJ proposal to reclassify marijuana
Under the proposal, cannabis would be reclassified from a so-called Schedule I drug, which are considered highly additive with no medical benefits, to a Schedule III, signifying it has moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.
Delhi govt cleared proposal to increase pecuniary jurisdiction of civil courts, HC told
Delhi govt approved raising pecuniary jurisdiction of civil courts to Rs 20 lakh, pending Centre's amendment. Amit Sahni plea on hold since high court decision. Request to increase appellate jurisdiction for district judges.
Govt proposes new explosives law, repeal old act of 1884
In a note for public consultation, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has sought to increase fines for violation of provisions and further streamline the process of grant of licences. Explosives include gunpowder, nitoglycerine, nitroglycol, di-nitro-toluene, and picricacid. As per the proposed Explosive Bill 2024 bill, the Central Government shall prescribe the authority competent to grant, suspend or revoke a licence and to perform certain other functions under the new Act.
Need time to study impact of proposed digital competition law, say tech policy advocacy groups
21 organisations urge a 5-month extension from the government for insights on the Digital Competition Bill draft, emphasizing the alignment of various regulations and the essential 'whole of government' approach.
ETtech Explainer: What the proposed digital competition law looks to regulate
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs' Committee on Digital Competition Law has advocated for a novel legal framework to govern competition in the digital realm. This proposed law would introduce ex-ante regulations to tackle potential anti-competitive behavior and antitrust concerns, specifically targeting large digital corporations.
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