We need judicial system reforms to ensure swift disposal of cases
A huge pile-up of cases has kept the judiciary overloaded while much can be done to offer India relief by clearing the backlog. Here’s a guide. Key Points
mintUproar in Pakistan’s Senate over resolution backing military courts to try Imran Khan’s supporters
A five-member Bench of Supreme Court had ordered that 102 accused arrested under Army Act be tried in criminal court. Scores of senators from three major political parties in Pakistan have staged a protest in the Senate against the hasty passage of a resolution which rejected the Supreme Court’s verdict on military courts, and called for its immediate withdrawal, media reports said on Wednesday. Key Points
The Tribune IndiaCutting barriers to justice a key task for courts: CJI
The Chief Justice of India, Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, has emphasized the role of the Supreme Court in promoting constitutional values and providing access to justice. He highlighted the challenges faced by the judiciary, including eliminating barriers to accessing justice and enhancing court infrastructure. The CJI also mentioned the importance of technology in improving the efficiency and transparency of the judicial processes. He called for a judicial system that is more accessible and affordable for all individuals seeking justice. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan TimesIndia could soon have 24x7 virtual courts to dispose of all sorts of cases
Virtual courts can be managed by virtual judges whose jurisdiction can be extended to the entire state and whose working hours may be 24/7, the notification further stated on the terms of reference of the study. Neither litigant need to come to court nor judge will have to physically preside over the court. Thus, precious judicial time will also be saved, it has said. Key Points
Economic TimesCharges framed against Mukhtar Ansari, 12 others in two cases
“On Thursday, Mukhtar Ansari appeared in two courts through video-conferencing. Other 12 accused appeared in the court in person,” said Barabanki government counsel Dinesh Mishra. Key Points
The Indian Express
Amid distrust of judiciary, Pakistan looks to revive military courts that tried Kulbhushan Jadhav
The Pakistan government, which is wary of the judiciary after it gave blanket protection to ex-PM Imran Khan, is planning to revive its military courts. Civilians accused of terrorism are tried in military courts. One such court had handed the death sentence to Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav. Key Points
India TodayIndia Justice Report 2022 | Judge vacancies remain endemic
Indian courts are jammed with cases and are seeing pendency increase by the day. At the same time, they are also functioning with fewer judges than the sanctioned number, the India Justice Report (IJR) 2022 said. Key Points
The HinduDoing Justice with AI
Emerging technologies are fast being introduced and used in various industries. However, one area of great potential for the same is the judiciary. Key Points
FinancialexpressCBI 'spread too thin', must focus on crimes that truly threaten nation's security, says CJI Chandrachud
At D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture on agency's Raising Day, CJI says special CBI courts merely ‘new avatars’ of existing courts, adds that quick disposal of cases need of the hour. Key Points
ThePrintMCA to withdraw 7,338 pending prosecutions in second round of a special drive to cut litigations
The ministry of corporate affairs (MCA) Friday said it has decided to withdraw 7,338 prosecutions pending before various courts in the second round of a special drive to cut litigations and ensure greater ease of doing business. The move will result in a 21.86% decline in the number of pending prosecutions being pursued by the central government, the ministry said. Key Points
Economic Times
Pakistan govt appeals against SC order that declared trial of civilians in military courts as illegal
The government identifies over 100 civilians as part of attacks on military installations. The Pakistan government on Friday filed an intra-court appeal in the Supreme Court against the apex court verdict nullifying the trial of civilians by the military courts. Key Points
The Tribune IndiaCBIC raises threshold for filing appeals before CESTAT and courts
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has increased the threshold for filing appeals before the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) by ten times to Rs 50 lakh, aiming to reduce litigations. The thresholds for appeals in high courts and the Supreme Court have been doubled to Rs 1 crore and Rs 2 crore, respectively. Key Points
Economic TimesIranian gets death penalty for adultery
Tehran: An Iranian court has sentenced a woman to death for adultery, the state media said. The woman worked as a trainer in a gym for women. It said her husband contacted the police in 2022 when he found her with another man at their house. Under Iranian law, she can appeal and courts can reduce de Key Points
The Tribune IndiaHow CWC was split on removal of 50% reservation cap — Manish Tewari vs Hariprasad, Singhvi, Baghel
Senior leader Manish Tewari says it will be difficult to go past courts with such a demand. Others argue demands for expanding quota ceiling were rejected earlier for lack of data. Key Points
ThePrintOnline violence against women not taken seriously enough by courts, says Indian IT group study
Study based on analysis of 94 court cases by Karnataka-based lawyers Malavika Rajkumar and Shreeja Sen. It was published earlier this month on the group’s website. Key Points
ThePrint
courts cannot direct govt to notify law passed by Parliament, says SC
The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the implementation of certain provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. The court stated that it is the government's responsibility to notify laws passed by Parliament and that it cannot direct the government in this matter. Key Points
Economic TimesDelhi High Court refuses to interfere with Bank of Baroda’s plan to sell majority stake in Nainital Bank
The Delhi High Court has refused to interfere with state-owned Bank of Barodas (BoB) plan to sell its majority stake in Nainital Bank. The court stated the decision of divestment based on economic expediencies is a policy decision involving complex eco-factors that could not be overturned by the courts. Key Points
Economic TimesHate speeches | SC issues notice to Delhi Police on Brinda Karat’s plea seeking FIR against Anurag Thakur, Pravesh Verma
SC issued notice to the Delhi Police on a plea by Brinda Karat and K.M. Tiwari seeking FIR against Union Minister Anurag Thakur and BJP leader Pravesh Verma for their alleged hate speeches on anti-CAA protests at Shaheen Bagh in 2020. Key Points
The HinduUP schools to adopt revised NCERT books; No lessons on Mughal courts
"We teach our students using NCERT books...whatever is there in the revised edition will be followed," Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said. | Education News Key Points
Hindustan TimesCosmo Film case: Gujarat HC order to provide relief to importers
The Gujarat High Court has ruled that Notification No. 54/2018 will apply prospectively, providing relief to Indian importers under investigation for availing dual benefits. This decision corrects previous retrospective demands and offers clarity on import transactions, though the issue of interest remains unresolved. Key Points
Economic Times
Should interfaith lion pair Sita and Akbar be renamed?
India News: Read about the controversy surrounding the names of interfaith lion pair Sita and Akbar in India. Should they be renamed? Find out more on Indian News. Key Points
Times Of IndiaBan on sugar for ethanol: Centre files caveats in High courts of Bombay and Karnataka fearing stay order
Several sugar firms have approached various courts seeking a stay on the Centre's December 7 order prohibiting mills from producing ethanol from sugarcane juice in the 2023-24 season. In the absence of a caveat, the courts can pass a stay order without hearing the government, explained the official cited above. The Centre issued the ban to keep a check on rising sugar prices in the domestic market despite restrictions on exports due to lower sugarcane yield in main producer states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. Key Points
Economic TimesCitizens should not be afraid of approaching courts: CJI Chandrachud
Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud asserted on Sunday that the Supreme Court functions as a people's court, emphasizing that citizens should not hesitate to approach the judiciary and should not perceive it as a last resort. Justice Chandrachud highlighted the pivotal role of the court system in resolving disputes and disagreements through established principles and processes. Key Points
Economic TimesAfter magistrate summons cop '300+ times', Delhi court sets aside order — 'must stop this practice'
Order by district & sessions judge came on a revision petition filed by a station house officer called to assist the court. His lawyer says it disrupted his daily policing duties. Key Points
ThePrintCorporate affairs ministry to withdraw 7,338 prosecutions
The corporate affairs ministry has decided to withdraw 7,338 prosecutions under the companies law that are pending before various courts as part of promoting the ease of doing business. Prosecutions related to serious non-compoundable offences such as cheating, fraud and acceptance of deposits would not be considered for withdrawal. Key Points
Economic Times
E-buses tender: SC dismisses plea by Tata Motors challenging Bombay HC order on disqualification
The Supreme Court dismissed Tata Motors' plea against the Bombay High Court's decision upholding the disqualification of the automaker from a tender process for the supply of 1,400 electric buses. The court ruled that Tata Motors had deviated from the material and essential term of the tender process. The automaker had argued that its technical bid was unfairly rejected in favor of Hyderabad-based company Evey Trans. Key Points
Economic Times