New regulations for TV

In a move to control the content of TV programs to prevent obscene material being transmitted, the government is planning a new law. It might give rise to free speech issues.

New Communal Crimes Bill a non-starter

The draft Communal Crimes Bill has again invited criticism for not tackling the real problem.

Abu Salem's death penalty

The extradition condition for ABu Salem that he should not be executed if convicted has given rise to much legal debate. This article argues that it is the duty of the judiciary to respect this international commitment.

Child marriage law

The Parliamentary Committee on the Child Marriages Bill has recommended the compulsory registration of all marriages.

ITPA amendment on the cards

The much-awaited amendment of the Immoral Trafficking of Persons Act to take away the focus from the sex-workers to and penalise the clients and the brothel-managers instead.

Krishna Iyer on right to education

Justice Krishna Iyer writes on the importance of realising the right to education for everyone.

Free speech law and tradition in India

N. Ravi makes a passionate case for protecting free speech, in light of the recent reactions to Khushboo's statements.

Anti-dowry provision continues to raise storm

The NCW has rejected the call to amend s. 498A of the IPC which deals with cruelty agianst women, mostly in the context of dowry.

Communal Crimes Bill approved by cabinet

The cabinet has approved the Communal Crimes Bill to be presented in the Parliament. This draft is not public yet, but the previous one was criticised widely for empowering the government with extraordinary powers.

Education Bill hope

Pratap Bhanu Mehta discusses the pros and cons of the Right to Education Bill, which has the potential of revolutionising education in India.

Healthcare in shambles

Amartya Sen's organisation 'Pratichi' has produced a damaging report on the state of health care in two states in India. Another article in the British Medical Journal raises similar issues.

AIDWA, HC to Khushboo's rescue

AIDWA has finally made a statement in support of the right to free expression of the actor Khushboo who is facing flak from moral police in Tamil Nadu for airing suport for more liberal attitude to pre-marital sex.
Meanwhile, the High Court has stayed proceedings in some of the numerous cases filed against her in various courts across Tamil Nadu.

Panel for reservations for Muslims in higher education

A government appointed panel has submitted a report outlining the bleak status of Muslims in education in India, and has, inter alia, suggested that Muslim candidates should be given quotas in institutions like IITs and IIMs.

Obscenity arrest for sex-surveyor

The publisher of a sex-survey has been arrested in Mumbai on charges of obscenity. These are certainly not good days for free speech in the country.

Opposing decriminalisation of sex-work

This article opposes the Planning Commission's recommendation that sex-work should be decriminalised.

Moral policing of opinions in TN meets response

The stink raised in Tamil Nadu by several political parties against actor Khushboo when she expressed her opinion supporting the free expression of female sexuality has been challenged by a website - http://www.karuthu.com/ The founders have called for a movement to respect the right to free speech. Meanwhile, the extent to which the cultural police has gone is shameful for a democratic country. The saddest part of the story is that the protest is being spearheaded by parties who have apparently inherited the legacy of the dravida movement, which was founded on rationality.

Amendment to RTI Act on the anvil

In an attempt to water down the Right to Information Act, the government is planning to bring an amendment exempting notings on files from public access.

Government opposes gay rights

This piece is critical of the governmental opposition to the decriminalisation of homosexual acts amongst consenting adults.

Unorganised labour protection

With several draft bills on the table, providing legal protection and social security to workers in the unorganised sector is finally on the agenda.

Police torture report

The NHRC has received a report detailing horrid incidents of torture, rape and murders by the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Police as part of the nab-Veerappan episode.

Worker's Security Act

The NAC has drafted a legislation to provide social security to workers in the unorganised sector, who form 93% of the workforce.