In the first issue of 2018, Legal Notes tries assessing the last year of the Indian judiciary through a bench of women lawyers and activists. As these different voices come together and share their experiences and review the year 2017, what is common is the demand for an efficient judiciary in 2018. In addition, we have one of the most twisted International cases seen so far where a former Peruvian President was released from prison by the current President of Peru who escaped an impeachment himself. In our regular section, we have curated some of the major judgements passed by the courts in the year 2017. In addition there is a special interview with renowned religious law reformist, Arif Mohammad Khan where he talks about an immediate need for the Triple Talaq bill.

As Greta Thunberg's 'How Dare you' speech became the most discussed topic post the 2019 UN Climate Summit, the world is seeing an exponential increase in the number of people taking up the cause of acting on climate change. Amidst the hullabaloo lies India with its numerous laws battling one of the worst tragedies. Be it the unending air pollution in northern India or the water scarcity in southern India, our environment laws seem to be taking us on a road to nowhere. Rachna Rana Bhattacharya questions the fundamentals behind the application of these laws and discusses the way forward. On the International front, Purdue Pharma held responsible for the Opioid crisis in USA has filed bankruptcy succumbing to pressure from more than 2,600 lawsuits. But the important question remains, will this move allow the Sacklers, the owners of Purdue, to go scot free? Plus all our regular features that includes Panorama, a list of high profile cases under the CBI-ED ambit and Glossary, a breakdown of all the laws scrapped, amended and applied to the Union Territory of J&K.

The last budget session of Parliament was one of its most productive sessions in a quarter century. The passage of a huge number of bills, long hours of debate and the participation of almost 80 per cent of MPs was, by all accounts reason for a celebration. That, however, was miles away from what happened on ground. A curfew in a state while passing a bill, shoving activists in vans protesting against an amendment, recurrent walkouts by the opposition, none of this really stopped the ruling government from getting its bills passed. Legal Notes in its cover story has reviewed six such bills that are expected to set the course for a 'new India.' On the international front we have Russia's agonizing about the 'I didn't want to die' movement, the Palestine and the Israel crisis that has engulfed travel portal Airbnb in its dispute and a bill becoming popular in Europe, setting "moral" boundaries for social media sites.

Does a track record of only four death penalties since the inscription of the Constitution of India create the fear of the law in the eyes of the citizens? While countries across the world are banning this form of punishment, why is India still practicing it? With figures nowhere near the countries that give out the death penalty, is it time to question the validity of such sentences? But then how would a balance be maintained in providing justice to a victim's family and the collective conscience of a society? The cover story in the July issue of Legal Notes presents these and many other complex issues giving a complete scenario about the death penalty in India. In addition, a PIL has been filed for the protection of endangered lions dying unnatural deaths in the Gir sanctuary. Legal Notes traces this PIL and another filed last year (for elephants), giving a perspective on the inhumane approach used by authorities in "protecting" these endangered species. On the international front, California passed a new act that prohibits discrimination based on hair and the Pakistan judiciary is going through its déjà vu moment where a reference has been made against the proposed Chief Justice of Pakistan. Plus all the regular features.


While a lot needs to be set in place by the BJP government post its spectacular win, there have been unsettling questions on the dynamics that would play out between the judiciary and the government in its second term. In the Legal Notes’ July issue, Jagdeep Chhokar, Prakash Ambedkar and Jayna Kothari share their perspectives on various issues and provide future plans to make the situation less tense. 
In addition, the Delhi High Court’s order allowing all car makers to appeal their collective fine of Rs 2500 crore by the Competition Commission of India to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal has not gone down well with the troubled car owners. Their worries are simple: car making companies must not monopolise the post-purchase market by making car spare parts available only at registered workshops at inflated prices. On the international front, Legal Notes looks at a troubled Benjamin Netanyahu who for his support to the ultra-orthodox Jews on not joining the Army is facing tough times in pulling together a coalition government. Plus, all our regular sections and a special feature in the Books section for all the cricket fans glued to their television screens.

'Ali, Bajrangbali, EC to be put in jail for two days if voted to power, Don't split your (Muslims) votes." Say what you please. The Election Commission set its ears and politicians' speeches were on its radar. With the list of leaders temporarily barred from campaigning on the rise, LEGAL NOTES in its cover story dissected the reasons and thus the subjectivity that lies in the decisions made by the Election Commission. With the dissent between Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa and the rest of the Commission on the clean chits given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah on five different occasions becoming public, how does the speech-o-meter actually work? On the International front, the magazine has a late Dutch Doctor and the co-founder of Insys Therapeutics- a pharmaceutical company, both making waves for their fraudulent activities. In addition, Rajasthan is seeing the making of its new Right to Healthcare Law for the citizens of its state but as Dr Girdhar Gyani points out, will the move be beneficial especially since the state isn't in a position to make such schemes mandatory. Plus, all the regular sections.

A lot has been said and predicted about the 2019 elections. While the country is in election mode for votes to the 17th Lok Sabha. The May issue of LegalNotes brings together the many issues that confront our electoral politics and how over the years, the laws have been strengthened to make for a more transparent, vibrant and stronger democratic edifice.
While much has been said and written about the politics around the Modi government, LegalNotes evaluated the working of the judiciary under the Modi government. The relevant question in this scenario became the nature of judgements passed by the judiciary and the consequent impact (positive/negative) of these decisions on the country. 
What is the deal with the new games and challenges that seems to be engulfing the entire nation? Be it PUBG or the Kiki challenge, why is everybody going bonkers about them? In addition, we reviewed six books on elections, presenting a comprehensive picture that could help you analyse the seven decades of the Indian elections so far. Plus, all the regular sections.


As the Ruias and the Mittals battle it out to get a hold over one of the world's biggest steel mills (Essar Steel), the case has already been dragged and heard in every possible institution serving justice in India. This case has surprisingly helped the courts enunciate the grey areas and clarify on many imponderables. 
In addition, LEGAL NOTES interviewed the former Law Minister Ashwani Kumar on his petition that led to the suspension of all cases in the SC on the day of his hearing- the plea for Parliament to pass a bill against custodial torture. 
With cases of lynching on the rise across the country especially in northern India, Manipur turned out to be the dark horse and implemented the first anti-lynching law of the country. With the move being considered laudatory, many believe it to be politically motivated. Plus, all the regular sections of the magazine.


Legal Notes February 2019:
The introduction of the 10 per cent quota for the economically backward class has created a chaos in the society. Seen as a move, intended to change the 2019 general election results, the reservation has also reignited the debate surrounding the Mandal Commission. As Faraz Ahmed breaks down the current scenario, Sharad Yadav, one of the central characters during the Mandal Commission era talks at length over the BJP's government's decision. For Prosecutors of Madhya Pradesh, their courtroom work is not limited to regular hearings but necessarily involves increasing the number of convictions for their monthly marksheets. From all the controversies surrounding the private bank sector, the lesser known one remains the RBI's differential treatment with Kotak and the Bandhan Bank on the issue of promoter stakes. Plus, all our regular features, including the heart wrenching story of Nuril Maknun and the barbaric festival of cockfight conducted in Tamil Nadu.   


Coming from one of the most successful law ministers of our country, Shanti Bhushan's take on the judiciary is unfiltered and honest. Starting right from the Ayodhya chaos, the Sabrimalai fiasco to the degeneration in the quality of the benches in courts, how has the various mechanisms of our judiciary changed in the last 70 years? Bhushan also provides an interesting take on the current judgements and reveals what he would have done in the scenario. 
On the International front, we have an Israeli company selling out a software that is alleged to have a role in 

From the release of NRC (National Register of Citizens) in Assam to the mortified number of fake encounters in Uttar Pradesh, this clearly wasn't the year of human rights for India. As the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) celebrated its silver jubilee this year, a look on where the commission stands when it comes to providing succour to the sufferers. While one can surely not complete the number and nature of human rights violation cases observed in India in a breath or 10, what remains important is the selective silence observed by the commission in cases of mass violations? In addition, an interview with Praveen Jain, the news photographer whose photographs finally brought justice to the victims of Hashimpura Violence. Also, we dissect the issues, struggles and the overall situation of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) with former LIC and SEBI Chairman Ghyanendra Nath Bajpai. Plus: All our regular features with a report on the controversy surrounding the question of legalising cannabis in India.

Legal Notes November 2018 raises a question: What is common between the 2G scam, Commonwealth Games scam, Adarsh Housing Society scam, Vyapam and the coal scam? Apart from indicating the disgraceful level of corruption prevalent in India, all these revelations were a result of the RTIs filed in these cases. But with a record high of 60 lakh RTIs filed every year, why has the number of instances where information is provided in a timely manner declined? Does the RTI really need to be nurtured by our authorities? 
Also in the November issue, a look at mediation. Is mediation the new and acceptable form of solving disputes out of courts? Does there really exist a 'legal' way that promises to nip the problem in the bud? 
In addition, the edgy content and competitive prices, surely rests as jewels in Netflix's (India) crown but a couple of lawsuits has engulfed the online content platform in a series of controversies. Is Netflix losing its thunder? Plus: All our regular features.


Legal Notes' October issue dwells at length on the quality of justice being delivered. The cover story looks at the case of Prempal Singh, a common labourer, who was falsely accused by the police simply because he picked up enough courage to help a woman in distress. He was beaten, humiliated and was forced to do the rounds of the court to clear his name. And for all his years of waiting, he was given a princely amount of Rs 8.5 lakh. On the other is, once again, ISRO scientist Nambi Naraayanan, who was falsely accused of espionage. His battles against the police to clear his name took 24-odd years - after which he was given a compensation of Rs 50 lakhs.
There is also a report on the Public Interest Litigation that has been filed to bring clarity in the regulations of transport of mortal remains from abroad by air. The magazine looks at how technology is slowly making inroads in the judicial process - although hiccups do exist.
Plus: All our regular features along with a detailed report on the case of Asia Bibi in Pakistan who could be hanged for blasphemy.

The September 2018 edition of Legal Notes focuses on arbitration and the difficulties India faces in becoming a hub of arbitration. Today, most corporate entities and multinational corporations do not take their cases to court. Instead they fly off to Singapore or London for arbitration which is a less time-consuming and cheaper option. What do we lack and why do international arbitration cases not come to India? 
The issue also looks at the recent directive of the Uttarakhand High Court that has given animals as much rights as humans. The story also takes into account animal rights in the US and the debate that is going on against it. There is profile of Sudhir Ojha, an advocate from Muzaffarpur in Bihar, who has taken on himself the role of a moral crusader. In addition, there are three spreads on the Burqa ban in Europe, the Blasphemy law in Punjab and the Supreme Court's suo motu initiative to clean up the "unholy mess" in our religious places. Plus: the regular pages. 


Legal Notes August 2018 pieces together l'affaire Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel that is tearing the country apart. This follows the controversial directives passed by the judiciary this year that included a change in the guidelines for arresting a person under the SC/ST Atrocities Act. In March this year, a SC bench of Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel (now retired) and Justice U U Lalit laid down guidelines to protect public servants and private employees from "arbitrary" arrest under the 1989 Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Soon after his retirement was announced, Justice Goel was appointed as the National Green Tribunal Chairman that has been opposed by Cabinet Minister Ram Bilas Paswan. His reason: "The (appointment of a) judge who ruled against" the SC/STs would send a "wrong message". LN finds out if it is really the job of a cabinet minister to mobilise other members of a house, to remove judges from their positions considering they gave a directive that failed to appease a certain section of the society?
There is also the larger question that a brute majority disliking particular judgments but electorally critical minority could begin a similar agitation to topple judges simply because they disliked particular verdicts or it did not suit their interests.
Also Kapil Sibal talks about the troubled times the Judiciary and the country is going through. Plus: All the regular features.

After the failure of 'Reject the Recall' campaign in California, a judge was removed for the first time in the state in more than 80 years. The move considered a milestone, has raised significant questions on the system of the judiciary. Legal Notes' cover story in the July 2018 issue, focuses on the system of recalling judges and whether the same can be applied in the Indian context. In addition, LN takes a close look at the draft of a new bill that promises to end red tapism in Punjab. The hotly discussed topic on environmentalists' list in Bengaluru isn't the foam coming out of the Bellandur Lake but is that of Pattandur Agrahara Lake which surprisingly, has a private entity as its owner. Saving the iconic lake from being converted to a mere piece of land, residents' bodies have been fighting for its protection against the land sharks who want to take over the lake. With an all-time high demand for organ transplants in India and with high profile cases skipping the queue, an insight into the complex market of transplantation. A suffering homebuyer talks about the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Ordinance and how homebuyers remain miles away from the benefits of the ordinance. Plus: All the regular features.

LEGALNOTES made an attempt to bring under its radar the hotly used power of the judiciary: suo motu cognisance. With civil authorities failing at multiple levels, the courts have taken up the responsibility to intervene in issues of grave concern to the public. But how far were they able to accomplish the tasks at hand? A look at the effectiveness of these interventions. We have also introduced a new section, LN Essay where we attempt to tackle an issue from every dimension. The essay this time features 'Sunset Laws' where Justice Panachand Jain tries explaining why a designated timeframe for every law made in India is the need of the hour. 
23 days! That was the amount of time a 72-year-old man spent in a mental hospital for no fault of his. A journey of 10 years from the lower to the higher court, Ram Kanwar suffered deeply to end a case that was never his in the first place. 
In addition, we take a retrospective look at RERA. A ground report on what is its situation in various states and how successful was it in bringing solace to hard-hit homebuyers. 
The International section features the story of 104-year-old Australian man who stirred the debate on whether it is finally time for the world to accept euthanasia.


One after the other, the series unfolding in the judiciary, may or may not point to the discrepancies created by one person but surely says a lot about the uneasy atmosphere in the highest court of the country. It's ripple effect? An impeachment motion for the CJI. But how far was that move justified? Former Union Law Minister H R Bhardwaj analyses the situation as he comments on the manner in which things were taken up. In addition, a review and a conversation with renowned writer Arun Shourie on his new book, 'Anita gets Bail' where he talks about the "life or threat situation" faced by the judiciary today. In addition, a special section 'LN Debate' that features prominent politicians like Sharad Yadav, Kalyan Banerjee and R S Surjewala to the Chairman of the National Law Commission Justice Balbir S Chauhan presenting their views on the much-heated issue, 'one nation-one poll.' The International section features the stories of former presidents who are convicted as it discusses the year 2018 to be the year of conviction for leaders across the globe. In addition, the journey of Asaram Bapu from his asharam to the Jodhpur jail and the Windrush generation who are finally speaking against the deportation move.      


LEGALNOTES uncovers an atypical situation surrounding the corporate industry of the country. A scam-hit company, a profit making subsidiary, a merger for so called 'public interest' and a man in Karnal who apparently has answers to this corporate mystery. Our hunt took us to Karnal, to this Advocate-cum-Oath Commissioner where we got only answers related to the distressed 63 Moons Technologies Limited. A candid conversation with Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief, Asaduddin Owaisi where he reveals it all, from the heartache of an Indian Muslim being called a Pakistani to the neglected half who are not happy with the Triple Talaq judgement. The International section features the courageous story of Fiona Broadfoot, a street walker who was finally able to erase her past. The 'Captured' series freezes two uncannily similar moments that exemplifies the courage put forward by teenagers: the National School Walkout by students in the USA who were forced to seek gun reforms; and, the other an obituary to the famous 'Kansas girl' who dared to challenge racial bias in schools.


The PNB scam has revealed it all. From fake LOUs to crores of money used for personal benefits, the Nirav-Choksi fraud has been covered extensively. However, there still are voices that are not making it to the creamy layer: the voice of the common man. LegalNotes uncovers the truth behind the retail fraud undertaken by Mehul Choksi as it looks extensively about the whistleblower's part of the story. In addition, Vipin Malik, a former central board member of the RBI analyses on what went wrong with the regulators involved in the process. In our international section, Bangladesh is observing an unusual period. With popular leader Khaleda Zia convicted in an embezzlement case, the general assembly elections to be held in December would be the key that would perhaps put an end to the political wrangling going on in Bangladesh. The regular section features El Salvador's race against abortion law, the tussle between court and cattle sports and actress Priya Varrier's wink that swept the nation.

Legal Notes (February 2018) features one of the sharpest legal minds of the country, the former law minister Hans Raj Bharadwaj. He talks on a variety of issues ranging from the best format of appointing judges to the current state of the Indian judiciary. The 'clever backroom operator' also throws light on the current CJI Vs Four Judges controversy. 
The issue also features an all new section, Special Report, where Legal Notes critically analyses an issue at hand, this time 'Section-377' being on the radar. Presenting a variety of legal happenings around the world, Legal Notes talks about the National Medical Commission Bill that has shaken the Indian health sector, the standoff between loudspeakers and religion and the loathsome Larry Nassar who has been sentenced for 125 years in the USA. Plus: All our regular features. 


The December 2017 issue of Legal Notes focuses on the identity crisis people face in different stratum of the society. While the cover story raises questions on Hindus becoming a minority in eight states in Hindustan, the story of a Navy sailor being sacked from her job post her treatment of gender dysphoria tells a tale of the consequences one faces after finding a cure to their crisis. Open the barred doors talks about the need to promote open jail formats in the present prison system to help reintegrate prisoners in the society who otherwise - post the harsh treatment they receive in jails - are forced to chose between living a pitiful life or going back to criminal activities. Glossary, this time focuses on the cases pending against the Malgudi Mafia and the subsequent raids that will make the transition of Chinamma to Amma a farfetched dream. Plus: all our regular sections.

November 2017 LEGAL NOTES serves up a thali of all the major events that have shaken the political world -- legally. The cover story focuses on three issues: the SC's determination to create fast track courts for tainted politicians; the bitter battle between the Delhi government and the Lieutenant Governor and the conundrum around the Rajasthan Ordinance that has not gone down well with anyone but the Rajasthan government. In addition, there is a focus on the pitiful state of the discipline in educational institutions these days highlighting the Satender Awana case. This issue also has an interesting story from an industry insider who almost got a chance to meet the Bhai of the underworld, Dawood Ibrahim.


Legal Notes' October 2017 issue takes a look at happenings that have raised legal issues and impacted society. The cover story on the latest real estate fiasco that is unravelling with more than 3,000 homebuyers trapped in the insolvency trial. There are also details of the battle between religion and evolution: who will win -- a baker or the madly-in-love gay couple? What should be the centre's stance on one of the biggest refugee crisis that engulfs the nation: to deport or to provide shelter to the Rohingyas?  Plus: A new theme 'Captured' where a picture speaks more than words covering crucial issues like the defeat of social activist Medha Patkar and the impending disaster that awaits at Mumbai Airport.

The latest issue of Legal Notes discusses in detail the issue of Privacy that the Supreme Court has decided as a fundamental right.  
Why have the centre’s moves to establish an all-India service for the lower judiciary not found many takers from the legal profession even though the courts are burdened with a huge volume of pending cases because of a shortage of judges. 
Flavia Agnes questions why there are so few women judges and why women do not enter the legal profession. 
Plus: What does Santhara -- the ancient Jain ritual, followed mainly by people belonging to the Swetambara sect, where the old and terminally ill take a vow to forsake food and water till death – entail? What is the government and legal view?

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Legal Notes, the latest addition in the Newsline Publications group, proposes to bring a fresh perspective to legal issues. 
On any given day, there could be 40 different items in the news with respect to courts – right down from the Supreme Court to the district court on a range of issues from Blue Whale to NEET to Love Jihad and Blackberry messages. It’s as bewildering as it is exhilarating. In fact, it’s liberating that in this democracy of ours we have the ability to debate agree or dissent as we continue our march onwards.
Legal Notes will seek to assess, analyse, debate and dissect how the business of law impacts our lives in a hundred different ways. LN hopes to record the business of law each month for your reading pleasure.

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Legal Notes - January 2018

Legal Notes - January 2018

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