Law & Justice

SC: Recent judgment in the Imran Pratapgarhi case, what are police powers under section 173 (3) BNS?

The recent SC judgement is a welcome check on the expanding criminalisation of political and artistic expression, which has historically been weaponised to stifle dissent

Are Indian anti-conversion laws targeting minorities or protecting the vulnerable?

Despite its claims to curb forced conversions, Rajasthan's Anti-Conversion Bill, 2025, imposes severe penalties, limits personal freedom, and jeopardises religious freedom, raising concerns regarding abuse, discrimination, and constitutional overreach.

India’s struggle to end manual scavenging continues

On January 29, 2025, the Supreme Court of India passed a landmark ruling banning manual scavenging and manual sewer cleaning in six major metropolitan cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The Court's decision was prompted by continued state inaction despite multiple previous directives and legislation prohibiting the practice.

DU 2025 crackdown: Students detained, allegedly tortured

Delhi university students detained over wall murals on Bastar killings, allegedly beaten in custody

Delhi Police on Trial: Three court orders reveal collusion, cover-ups, and custodial torture by police officers during 2020 Delhi riots

Court rulings reveal selective investigation shielding BJP’s Kapil Mishra, wrongful prosecution of six men based on flimsy evidence, and custodial violence against Muslim detainees—forcing an FIR against a former SHO

Supreme Court: Calls for legal protections for domestic workers

Ensuring fair wages, social security, and dignity for India’s domestic workforce

Supreme Court seeks forensic report on audio recordings alleging Manipur CM’s role in ethnic violence

SC to review forensic report on leaked audio tapes purportedly featuring Manipur CM admitting to arming Meitei group; orders sealed submission of CFSL report before next hearing on March 24

BNSS empowers law enforcement and judiciary with sweeping authority over property: a mightier state, a meeker citizen

The newly introduced BNSS has dangerous and regressive provisions on attachment of property with powers that are sweeping for the police and lower judiciary

Strengthening safeguards against arbitrary arrests, Supreme Court bars WhatsApp & Email notices under Section 41A CrPC/Section 35 BNSS

The Supreme Court, on January 21, 2025, reiterated that the Police does not have the authority to serve notice upon accused persons via WhatsApp, email, SMS, or any other electronic mode. This recent order of the Supreme Court was passed on a plea related to the case of Satender Kumar Antil vs CBI. The Court held that notices must strictly only be served as per the prescribed procedure laid down under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973 or the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

Uttarakhand implements Uniform Civil Code (UCC) attracting criticism and concerns

Uttarakhand has become the first state in independent India to enact a comprehensive Uniform Civil Code (UCC), taking a step towards uniformity in personal laws, affecting matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption across all religions. The move has reignited debates regarding the balance between individual rights, religious freedoms, and the constitutional vision of a secular and egalitarian society. While supporters of the step view the UCC as a progressive reform that upholds gender justice and national unity, concerns have been expressed by various critics over its impact on religious diversity and personal autonomy.

Noise Pollution Ban: Unequal standards for diverse practices?

The recent Bombay High Court judgment (23rd January 2025) addresses the contentious issue of the use of loudspeakers at places of worship and their legal standing under Article 25 of the Constitution. The case was initiated following complaints by residents about persistent noise pollution caused by loudspeakers from religious institutions (masjids), particularly during early morning and late-night hours. The court examined whether such practices constituted an essential religious function or merely a cultural practice subject to regulation under existing noise pollution laws. The court ruled that loudspeakers are not an essential part of religious practice and directed the Maharashtra government and police to take strict action against violations of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. This ruling aligns with past judicial pronouncements while also raising questions about unequal enforcement of noise regulations across different religious communities.

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SC: Recent judgment in the Imran Pratapgarhi case, what are police powers under section 173 (3) BNS?

The recent SC judgement is a welcome check on the expanding criminalisation of political and artistic expression, which has historically been weaponised to stifle dissent

India Is an Elected Dictatorship Where Constitutionalism Is Under Attack From Within

The challenges of our present discontents are marked by the collapse of the system of checks and balances to discipline constitutional power.

Bajrang Dal members booked for hurting religious sentiments in Malad, accused of deliberate provocation

A Bajrang Dal rally in Malad East sparked clashes when provocative slogans and a saffron flag ignited tensions, as an FIR was filed for inciting religious sentiments against members of Bajrang Dal members, a viral CCTV video raised doubts about the fairness of the investigation

“This Means FIR”: Delhi Court orders further investigation, FIR against BJP leader Kapil Mishra five years after Delhi riots

The court remarks that Mishra’s speech created a communal divide and needs thorough investigation; Police warned of legal consequences if they fail to ensure compliance with the court’s directive.

Supreme Court slams Prayagraj demolitions, awards Rs. 10 lakh compensation to each six victims for violation of due process

In a significant order, the Court condemns illegal demolitions as inhumane, highlighting systemic flaws in the notification process and underscoring the vital importance of protecting the right to shelter under Article 21