SPEEDY JUSTICE
Online complaints, free medical treatment: Key highlights of new Swadeshi system that will end 'tareekh pe tareek' era
India has replaced its colonial-era criminal laws with three new statutes effective from July 1. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam introduce modern provisions like Zero FIR, electronic summons, and community service. They prioritize crimes against women and children, ensuring swift justice and enhanced victim protection. However, concerns about extended police custody, vaguely defined offenses, and the removal of legal aid provisions raise questions about civil liberties. The new laws aim to reflect Indian values and streamline the justice system.
Focus on 'Nyay' instead of 'dand': Amit Shah welcomes 'swadeshi' criminal laws
Union home minister Amit Shah announced the implementation of three new criminal laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—while addressing a press conference on Monday, marking a significant change in India's criminal justice system 77 years after independence.
CJI Chandrachud announces Lok Adalat from July 29 amid concerns about large backlog of cases
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud announced the commencement of a special Lok Adalat from July 29 to August 3. He urged citizens, lawyers, and advocates to participate in resolving cases swiftly and amicably to address the large backlog of cases. He highlighted on the informal and technology-based nature of the Lok Adalat and termed it as a voluntary and consensual dispute resolution mechanism that offers final and binding awards with no appeal process. The system promotes cost-effective and efficient settlement of various disputes including matrimonial, property, motor accident, compensation, and service-related cases pending before the Supreme Court.
We consulted with all before deciding to implement new criminal laws from July 1: Arjun Ram Meghwal
Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal announced that new criminal laws will be introduced in India from July 1, dismissing opposition allegations of inadequate consultation. The new laws will replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Evidence Act with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Act.
21 international organisations write to CJI for speedy resolution of Adani coal imports case in SC
The letter comes after a report by the London-based Financial Times, citing documents from George Soros-backed Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), alluded to a "fraud" by the Adani Group by selling low-grade coal as high-value fuel in 2013.
JK terror attacks: Security forces given free hand to bring perpetrators to justice, says LG Manoj Sinha
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned recent terrorist attacks in Shopian and Pahalgam. On Saturday night, terrorists killed former sarpanch Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh in Shopian and injured a tourist couple from Rajasthan in Anantnag. Sinha expressed shock over the incidents, praised Sheikh's service, and extended condolences to his family.
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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.
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).
Swiss vote to ban swastika in crackdown on extremist symbols
Switzerland's parliament approved a motion to ban the Nazis' swastika emblem due to rising antisemitism, linked to Adolf Hitler's regime and recent incidents in Gaza. The ban is supported by Justice Minister Beat Jans and faces final legislative approval.
Was trolled for changing seating position, says CJI while highlighting stress management
Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud emphasized the importance of stress management and work-life balance for judicial officers, particularly district judges. He highlighted the need for judicial officers to understand why litigants cross the line and maintain a calm and compassionate approach when dealing with them. He emphasized that the responsibility of judicial officers is immense, necessitating a calm and compassionate approach.
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.
Amit Shah releases reference books on newly passed criminal justice laws
The three new laws -- the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Act -- got Parliament's approval last week and the president gave her assent on December 25. The laws will replace the colonial era Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872 respectively.
Donald Trump waives right to speedy trial as Georgia prosecutor seeks to try him with 18 others next month
Former President Donald Trump and other defendants in the Georgia case, accused of participating in an illegal scheme to overturn the 2020 election, have waived their right to a speedy trial. The move comes as Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis seeks to try all 19 defendants together. Trump's waiver follows a brief filed by Willis' office arguing for a joint trial, citing efficiency and fairness.
Speedy trial can become effective tool to address overcrowding in jails, says SC panel on prison reforms
The Supreme Court Committee on Prison Reforms in India has highlighted the "pitiful state of affairs" in the country's prisons, emphasizing that overcrowding can be addressed through speedy trial. The committee, headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Amitava Roy, found that the living conditions in jails do not meet the standards set out in the Model Prison Manual, 2016.
Need speedy probe, prosecution of those behind Manipur crimes: Supreme Court
Manipur violence: The Supreme Court has urged the three member all women judicial committee, comprising three former High Court judges headed by Justice (retd) Gita Mittal, and Dattatray Padsalgikar to submit their respective "progress reports" to the top court in two months.
Legal experts welcome Centre's move to replace colonial-era laws, voice reservations over naming them in Hindi
The Indian government has introduced three bills to replace colonial-era laws, the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and Indian Evidence Act. The bills will be replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya. Legal experts agree that colonial-era legislation needs to be replaced.
BJP lauds bills introduced by Amit Shah in Lok Sabha; calls them 'pro-people', 'pathbreaking'
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has welcomed bills introduced in the Lok Sabha that would overhaul the criminal justice system. The government claims the bills remove the legacy of colonialism and increase public safety through the prioritisation of women's safety and tackling organised crime. The new legislation would also introduce in-absentia trials. The bills replace British-era laws in India such as the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act.
Uddhav faction moves Supreme Court for ‘speedy action’ on rebel mlas’ disqualification
Shiv Sena (UBT) has requested the Supreme Court to direct the assembly speaker in Maharashtra to expedite the adjudication of the disqualification petitions filed against Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other Sena MLAs. The plea alleges that the Speaker is deliberately delaying the adjudication despite the apex court's May 11 verdict, which directed the pending disqualification petitions to be decided within a reasonable period.
How Donald Trump plans to beat his indictment, politically
Former US President Donald Trump has been rallying Republican support after being indicted on 37 counts in the classified documents case. Trump is following "playing the victim," blaming the "deep state," claiming selective prosecution, punishing those who stray from loyalty, dominating the news, and plying small donors for cash. Politically, Trump has consolidated Republican support with the indictment viewed as an opportunity to frame 2024 as an active battle with President Joe Biden.
Want justice for wrestlers, but after due process of law: Anurag Thakur
The government favours an unbiased investigation.... All of us want justice to be delivered, but it will happen after following the due process, Union Sports Minister said at the India Economic Conclave. His remarks come at a time when India's top wrestlers are protesting against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh over alleged sexual harassment.
Manipur violence: Ex-High Court chief justice will probe ethnic violence
Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday announced a judicial probe into the ethnic violence in Manipur by a retired high court chief justice and a CBI probe into six specific conspiracy cases. Shah, who was on a four-day visit to the state, told media persons in Imphal that the clashes between the two communities were triggered by a hasty decision of the court.
Arjun Ram Meghwal assumes charge as Law Minister; asserts no confrontation with judiciary
A three-term Lok Sabha member from Bikaner, Meghwal is only the third person to hold the Law and Justice portfolio as a Minister of State with Independent Charge. In 1996, Ramakant Khalap, a Lok Sabha member of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, helmed the Law Ministry in the rank of Minister of State (independent charge) under Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral.
Remove archaic laws, ensure speedy justice, says PM Modi
Stating that the development journey of Indian society is thousands of years old and steady progress has been made despite facing critical challenges, Modi said that "the biggest aspect of our society is the tendency to improve itself internally while moving forward on the path of progress."
Govt to push mediation bill for speedy justice: Kiren Rijiju
Speaking at All India Conference of Law Ministers and Law Secretaries being held in Gujarat, Rijiju said the burden on the judicial system will be eased by developing smooth systems that facilitate resolution of disputes outside the court.
Activists and AIMPLB seek speedy decision on hijab ban
Last month, advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, who appeared in the Supreme Court on behalf of girls challenging the HC verdict had told the court that the ban had resulted in nearly 17,000 girls skipping examinations this year.
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi demand speedy justice, punishment for perpetrator in Dumka killing
The incident took place in Dumka district of Jharkhand on August 23. The accused, identified as Shahrukh, allegedly poured petrol on the teenager from outside the window of her room when she was sleeping and set her on fire, according to police.
PM Modi calls for reforms to ensure easy, affordable, accessible and speedy justice
PM Modi underlined that there should be greater use of technology to reduce delay in justice delivery. He said Information and Communications Technology has been deployed for case management and efforts to fill the vacancies at various levels of judiciary are underway.
Justice Lahoti will be remembered for emphasis on ensuring speedy justice to underprivileged: PM Modi
The prime minister tweeted, "Anguished by the passing away of former CJI Shri RC Lahoti Ji. He will be remembered for his contributions to the judiciary and emphasis on ensuring speedy justice to the underprivileged. Condolences to his family and well-wishers. Om Shanti."
Be it defective saree or tawa, consumers getting speedy justice via e-Daakhil: CCPA
So far, a total of 213 cases have been disposed of via e-Daakhil facilities set up in consumer commissions across the country, Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare said.
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