Articles
Life, Liberty & Liquor
The relaxation of lockdown norms has led to expectedly long lines outside liquor vends throughout the country. In order to cash-in on the demand, and perhaps in a bid to shorten the queues, state governments have put in hurried mechanisms to impose additional taxes on the sale of alcohol. Almost overnight, the price of liquor went up by 75% in Andhra Pradesh and by 70% in Delhi....
[Column] 'Fast Tracking Of Cases - State Has The Responsibility In Making Its Citizens Feel Safe': By Anjana Prakash, Senior Advocate
As I understand it, the Indian Penal Code classifies criminal offences broadly into two categories of serious and simple cases, based on the severity of the punishment prescribed for them. Offences such as murder, rape, dacoity tried by judicial officer of the rank of a District Judge are punishable with severe sentences and the rest, triable by a Magistrate prescribe lesser...
Change Is The Only Constant
Who moved my Cheese? by Dr Spencer Johnson is an enlightening story of four characters who live in a 'Maze' and look for 'Cheese' to nourish and make them happy. 'Cheese' is a metaphor for what you want to have in life — whether it is a good job, a loving relationship, money, health, or spiritual peace of mind. And the 'Maze' is where you look for what you want — the...
[Column] 'Constitutional Silences' : By Justice N. Anand Venkatesh
The dawn of yet another day found me as is usual, in my silent reverie. The mind, in a state of bombarding thoughts is akin to a troubled neighbourhood, where we tread with trepidation and caution ever seeking an easy way out, looking for passive empty moments. In the present times, there is no dearth of meandering virtual walkways leading the mind away from its neighbourhood...
Upholding Tribal Autonomy To Propagate India's Forest Wealth
Conservation of forests in states with high tribal density India's immense forest wealth is spread across different parts of its territory. Amongst them, regions with a high concentration of forest dependent tribal communities or Scheduled Tribes have been successful in maintaining this natural wealth. A report by Center for Policy Research, New Delhi, states that: "38%...
IRDAI – Motor Premium Adjustments– A Causality Of The Pandemic ?
As the Covid crisis rages across the globe, this would be the most appropriate time for the Country to evaluate the Insurance Regulator, INSURANCE REGULATORY AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF INDIA - IRDAIs role on how Insurance companies are regulated to honour their ever emphasised promises and assurances to deliver in times of dire need. It is also an opportunity to experience first-hand,...
Coronavirus & Compassion
Dear Friends,With the spread of Covid-19, the world is passing through the worst ever health crisis we have ever witnessed. Continuous spread of Corona virus over 210 countries even the mightiest of the countries like USA, Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Brazil and others are struggling to control this pandemic which has already resulted into more than two Lacs death in the world....
Justice Deepak Gupta: The Humane Judge
Justice Deepak Gupta has always believed that judges must, first and foremost, be humane, and in that endeavour, he has led by example. In his little more than three years at the Supreme Court, the country has seen him always put the society before self and the institution before the individual. Today, on his last day at the Court (as we live in times when the understanding of 'Court'...
Caste And The Statue Of 'Manu' In Rajasthan High Court
Recently, the Rajasthan High Court has issued an standing order that the caste of any person, including accused, should not be incorporated in any judicial or administrative matter. The direction has been issued against the practice of the officers of the Registry of the High Court as well as by the presiding officers of lower courts and tribunals, who used to mention a person caste's...
Draft Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules 2020: Critical Appraisal
Yet again the Legislature has swiftly and quite smartly undertaken another step in ensuring bucket list being checked, pacification of sentiments and a law seemingly to be brought in place for protection of the community that deserves a much more attention than the present state and frame of mind with which they are dealt. This is in regard to the newly drafted and...
Invoking Force Majeure In Times of Covid-19' And Its Impact On Contracts
Introduction This article seeks to focus on the impact of the present pandemic, 'COVID-19' on disruption of supply chain and its consequential adverse effect on contracts. The article would further discuss the defence of 'Force Majeure' available to contracting parties and the extent to which they can be absolved of their contractual obligations by invoking the said clause or...