Law Commission on witness protection

The Law Commission has submitted a report on a witness protection programme.

Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill

The Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill seeks to severely limit religious freedom.

Public Services Bill for bureaucratic reforms

The Department of Personnel and Training has initiated a dialogue on bureaucratic reforms by drafting the Public Services Bill, 2006. Reforms have been welcomed, though some scepticism exists on their potential efficacy.

9th Schedule Power to be examined

The Supreme Court is set to examine the extent of the Parliament's power to put a law under the 9th Schedule of the Constitution, and therefore beyond the purview of judicial review.

Sedition charges for abusing Modi

A journalist has been slapped with sedition charges in Gujarat for using abusive words against Chief Minister Modi in an editorial column.

Haj subsidies stayed

The Allahabad High Court has stayed government subsidies for Haj.

New action plan for asylums

The NHRC has made a new action plan for inmates of mental asylums.

SC allows Patwardhan film

Doordarshan's decision to not show Anand Patwardhan's 'Father, Son and Holy War' was set aside by the Supreme Court.

Bombay High Court moral policing

The Bombay High Court has taken it upon itself to sanitise cable tv.

Amendments withdrawn, RTI still under attack

After the government failed to carry the amendments to dilute the RTI Act, other ways are being employed to weaken the legislation.

Anti-superstitions Bill

Maharashtra tries to pass a controversial Bill that targets superstitions, but critics say it is too broad and covers religion itself.

Consumer Protection to be enhanced

A proposal to bring services within the purview of Consumer Protection Act.

RTI amendment dropped

The government has dropped the controversial amendment that would have diluted the Right to Information Act that came under severe criticism. Arun Jaitley argues that the amendments would have been unconstitutional.

Ban on domestic child labour

The government has announced a ban on the use of child labour in homes, hotels etc.

Communal Violence Bill stalled

The Parliamentary Standing Committee has raised a number of objections to the Communal Violence Bill, stalling its passage in the present session.

Juvenile Justice Act amended

The Parliament has amended the Juvenile Justice Act, allowing, among other things, the adoption of children by people of all religions and not just Hindus, as was the case earlier.

Broadcast Bill withdrawn

The government has withdrawn the Broadcast Bill that would have curtailed free speech. It will now initiate dialogue with the media to address the concerns.

SC stays non-discrimination in temples Ordinance

The Supreme Court has stayed a Tamil Nadu Ordinance providing for appointment of archakas in temples without any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed or race on a challenge that it violates the right to religion.

Health Ministry proposes AIDS Bill, repeal of s. 377

The Union Health Ministry has proposed a new AIDS Bill and suggested the legalisation of male homosexual behaviour by amending section 377 of the IPC.