Best Bakery convictions

The trial court convicted 9 people and sentenced them to life imprisonment in the infamous Best Bakery trials. Showcause notice was issue to Zahira Sheikh for perjury because she became a hostile witness. Although the Supreme Court's intervention in the Gujarat riots has seen some progress by the criminal justice system, the victims of the Mumbai riots of 1992 are still waiting for justice. The Bihar government has also instituted a commission to probe the Bhagalpur riots of 1989.

Jessica Lall case - separate investigation and prosecution from government

Justice Khare makes a plea for separating the prosecution and investigation agencies from the control of the state government, in light of the mass acquittals in the Jessica Lall case. Fali Nariman, on the other hand, argues for criminalizing hostile witnesses under perjury laws.

Registration of FIR compulsory

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Police Officer has no choice but to register every complaint she receives, without pre-judging hte case of the complainant.

More power for the National Minorities Commission mooted

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment has mooted a proposal for granting more powers to the toothless National Minorities Commission.

Truth as defence for Contempt of Court

The Lok Sabha today amended the Contempt of Courts Act to allow truth as a valid defence. However, the amendment says that truth is admissible as a defence if 'it is in public interest'. When is truth not in public interest?

Domestic Violence Act not notified

The government is still to notify and bring into effect the Domestic Violence Act, months after it was passed by the Parliament.

Debate over Communal Crimes Bill

The political debate over the Communal Crimes Bill will hopefully see a better legislation in its final form.

SC makes registration of marriages compulsory

Supreme Court, by an order, has made the registration of all marriages compulsory, citing difficulty faced by women due to non-registration. Pratap Bhanu Mehta offers interesting insights on the judgment.

SC gag order criticised

The Supreme Court order banning publicaiton of articles or organisation of protests on the issue of the French ship coming to be dismantled in India has been criticised as inimical to free speech.

Poor state of child rights in India

This article critically examines the poor implementation of the rights of the child in India.

Human Rights Act to be amended

The government is mulling over amending the Protection of Human Rights Act and empower the National Human Rights Commission with further powers.

Police Reforms

A piece detailing the reform measures necessary for the Indian police force.

Cabinet decides to amend Foreigners' Act

The much-needed amendment to the Foreigners' Act to give the 'foreigner' a fair hearing has been approved by the cabinet.

Probe against cops who failed Gujarat duty

41 police officers have been accused of dereliction of duty during the 2002 riots in Gujarat by a Supreme Court panel. Departmental inquiry has been instituted against them.

Right to health care

The Delhi High Court has ordered 70 private hospitals in Delhi who were given subsidized land by the government to provide free medical treatment to the poor.

SC scanner on the power of remission

The Supreme Court has decided to analyse the nepotistic exercise of the power of remission of the Governor, which is mostly use to grant political favours.

SC concern on custodial violence

The Supreme Court expressed concern over custodial violence perpetrated by the police and suggested accountability measured.

SC returns NAZ petition to the High Court

Allowing the appeal by the Naz Foundation, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi High Court to hear the case against s. 377, Indian Penal Code, that criminalises consensual adult homosexual acts on its merits.

Contempt law amendments

Justice K.T. Thomas suggests that the presently overbroad contempt laws should not be liberalised but must be retained in their current form.

Right to vote compromised

The recent amendments to the procedure for election of the Rajya Sabha members compromise fundamental tenets of democracy.

Implementation of the right to information before SC

The Supreme Court has issued notices to the government on the issue of the non-implementation of the right to education because of the continued existence of child labour. At the same time, the government is also considering a stipend to poor girls to complete their school education; and has also announced its intention to set up the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights.