Monday, June 25, 2007

ARC recommendations on Law and Order

The Second Administrative Reforms Commission has made several recommendations on law and order, including the repeal of the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, requiring a mandatory and immediate investigation of every encounter killing, and also the creation of a seperate investigative authority insulated from political control. It, however, also recommends that confessions made to a police officer be admissible if it is video-taped, which has the possibility of jeopardising civil liberties.
An earlier report by the Commission dealt with ethics in governance.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Poor quality of higher education

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council has reported that most of the higher education institutions in the country are of very poor quality. The report is available on its website.

Saturday, June 09, 2007

AP restricts propagation of religion

The Andhra Pradesh government has prohibited the propagation of a religion near a place of worship of another religion through an Ordinance. It is interesting to note that the Constitution of India under Article 25 grants the right not only to profess and practice but also 'propagate' a religion.

Challenge to sanction requirement in corruption cases

A Public Interest Litigation petition has challenged the requirement of prior political sanction in the prosecution of corruption cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, claiming that it violates Article 14 of the Constitution.