AN IMMACULATE PERFORMANCE

In saying that the recent protests will deepen India’s democratic roots, the former president has played the role of a philosopher-king brilliantly, combined with the shrewdness of a drama critic

A BLOW FOR LIBERTY

Never were constitutionalism and judicial duties articulated more accurately than in the case dealing with the issue. One hopes that the judicial voice is heard by all organs of the State and representatives of the people

The Supreme Court As A Court Of Appeal

A-G KK Venugopal has suggested that the apex court only hear cases of constitutional and national importance. Instead, there should be a Court of Appeal above High Courts, with four benches of 15 judges each

Overcoming The Resistance To The Vaccine

Even as the first vaccine against Covid-19 rolls out in the UK, one of the main obstacles is not so much the speed, storage, priorities and delivery systems but overcoming the resistance to the vaccine.

Meat and Right

Singapore has just allowed start-up-company Eat Just to sell chicken that has been prepared in a laboratory.

Ordeal by Fire

An increasing number of cases are being filed which falsely accuse men of rape and get them arrested in the process. Only the Judiciary can give succour to such aggrieved persons

Fighting Fraud

The survey found that corporate India was anxious about the rise in scams during Covid-19 but had done little to invest in anti-fraud technology nor had faith in management to reduce this risk

The Endless Struggle: Bhopal Settlement Violated in the Labyrinth of Law

The victims of “the largest peacetime industrial disaster” have not only been deprived of full compensation, but face additional threats and new insecurities. The callous indifference of the bureaucracy and politicians has made matters worse

Hear Roshni Act pleas by December 21, says SC

The Supreme Court asked the Jammu and Kashmir High Court to arrive at a decision on December 21 on review petitions over the controversial Roshni Act.

A Well-oiled Machinery

Finding a vaccine suited to India is the least of the problems the government will face. Storing and transporting them at a certain temperature range can be a logistical nightmare, but India is adept at this

Caught by Surprise

For the first time, Indian troops have gained strategic advantage in eastern Ladakh and dislodged China from there. But in order to understand the country, we should see how it is shaping under Xi Jinping

A Utopian Idea?

The theme has been an abiding one for the prime minister. While supporters say it will save public money and reduce administrative burden, critics say it is against the principle of cooperative federalism

A “Vaccine” For Banks

Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee’s suggestion that foreign investment be allowed in the beleaguered banking sector is just the help it needs. It will boost the economy and lead to efficient use of resources

Balancing Acts

In an unusual but significant judgment, a bench of the apex court examined a case, which involved the definition and reach of two significant pieces of legislation, and took the more progressive view

Ensuring Data Residency and Portability

Governments around the world have been trying to regularise it so that local laws may apply, but this is proving elusive in the absence of enforceable cross-border legal agreements

Justice for Women & Children

The Court has framed guidelines for maintenance and it includes payment, criteria for determining the quantum and date from when it has to be awarded. It also covers overlapping jurisdiction on the issue

Of Trust, Transparency & Torture

The apex court order to have CCTVs in the centres may be an attempt to check police brutality, but it is not practical as torture often takes place in barracks, quarters and safe houses away from cameras

Risky Punishment

The apex court has overturned a Gujarat High Court order which said that those not wearing masks be sent for community service. The top court said that this could be a possible source of health problems

Vaccinating India's Billions: A Gargantuan Task

As the centre gears up to vaccinate Indians for Covid-19, it has to keep in mind a number of parameters and give it to those who need it the most. India’s cases are among the lowest and the drive could see it on top of the game

Why Gandhi Never Won the Nobel Peace Prize

Despite being the father of non-violence and peace, the Mahatma missed getting the prestigious prize five times though he was nominated for it. Shockingly, those far less worthy were awarded

And Now, Protection for Cow Vigilantes

The Bill, a revised version of a 2010 one, has proposed a ban on all forms of cattle slaughter by recommending stringent punishment for violators. This has been the trend in most states

A Pointless Exercise?

Questions are being raised about the need for graduates’ and teachers’ constituencies in Parliament and state legislatures. While some say it’s a waste of money, others ask why other professions are ignored

WHO GETS THE VACCINE?

While framing the rules, the government has to keep in mind that health is a fundamental human right, which has as its prerequisites social justice and equality. It should be accessible to all. Legal provisions are in place

Hospitals Get Smart

The combination of Covid-19 and the introduction of 5G technology will bring us closer to the future of healthcare—the Smart Hospital.

Future Of Legal Education

A virtual academic conference hosted by the law college recently to coincide with Constitution Day discussed the future of legal education and the role of law schools. A host of eminent speakers from the legal fraternity addressed the topic and raised some important issues

Harmonising the Trinity

The annual conference touched on many important concepts, including the “Separation of Powers” and the harmonious working of the three organs, with each one doing its job without interfering with the others.

Towards Isocracy? The Indian Constitution as a Site of Complex Equality

The Constitution, through Articles 15 and 16, seeks to crystallise the idea of “complex equality” and the trilogy of Pavitra v Karnataka illustrates this. The apex court has thus emerged as the moral pedagogue of social justice.

The Science of Trust

There are signs that the pandemic could have an unexpected positive side effect—trust in science and those who are working to use it to improve our health, even save lives as the hope for a vaccine gathers pace

The GST Fiasco

Small businesses which could not file their returns as they had no income due to the pandemic are now facing closure as the GST department is demanding back-breaking penalties.

Not a Bankable Idea

Ignoring the advice of experts, the RBI’s Internal Working Group has recommended the entry of business houses into the banking sector. This can have dangerous repercussions for depositors and shareholders