![[MUDA SCAM] Karnataka High Court Set To Hear CM Siddaramaiah's Appeal On Nov 23](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-36-2.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
Today, On 9th September, The Karnataka High Court extended the stay on trial court proceedings against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the MUDA case until September 12. The case involves alleged irregularities during his tenure as Chairman of MUDA. The court postponed the hearing on Siddaramaiah’s petition challenging the Governor’s approval for his prosecution to the same date. This extends temporary relief to the CM as the legal battle continues.
Yesterday, On 5th September, The Supreme Court proposed guidelines to address delays in carrying out death penalty executions, expressing concern over the distress caused by indefinite delays. A three-judge bench discussed the lack of clear procedures for sessions courts to follow when a death sentence is confirmed but a mercy petition is pending. This highlights the need for clearer guidelines to prevent such delays.
Today, On 13th July, The Supreme Court questioned the retroactive application of Section 479 of the BNSS, allowing bail for first-time undertrials. This provision, addressing prison overcrowding, provides a more lenient option for release after serving one-third of the maximum sentence. The Court instructed the Central government to clarify this and emphasized the urgency of addressing prison conditions nationwide.
The Chief Justice of India, Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud, today refused to entertain a petition seeking judicial directives to combat superstition, emphasizing that education, societal reform, and legislative action are essential. The Court stressed that courts cannot address all societal problems and that the responsibility of addressing such issues lies with civil society and democratic institutions.
The Editors Guild of India (EGI) has expressed concerns to Union Home Minister Amit Shah about potential misuse of new criminal laws against journalists. They emphasize the need for additional safeguards and proposed a review of the laws to prevent frivolous prosecution. The Guild seeks protection of media freedom under the Indian Constitution and requests a meeting with Shah to address these issues.
Today, On 30th July, The Delhi court is set to review the anticipatory bail plea of Pooja Khedkar tomorrow, an IAS trainee facing charges of fraudulent attempts in civil services exams. The court will decide whether she will be protected from arrest during the investigation. The UPSC has taken actions against her, including filing an FIR and cancelling her candidature for future exams.
The Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry opposes the proposed replacement of three criminal laws with new ones, expressing concerns about the difficulties they pose for various stakeholders in the justice system. They have urged the Bar Council of India to organize a meeting involving all State Bar Councils and Bar Associations to discuss the implications and potentially challenge the new laws in the Supreme Court.
On Friday(26th July), Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal criticized India’s new criminal laws for increasing government control over citizens, undermining democracy. Sibal warned that the laws are oppressive, targeting the opposition and threatening personal freedoms, while neglecting important social issues. He questioned the compatibility of the new laws with constitutional values and criticized their misleading titles.
New criminal laws effective since July 1 challenge Delhi’s veteran lawyers to relearn legal sections they have known for decades, under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Section numbers have changed, requiring significant effort and adaptation. Concerns arise regarding increased police power and limitations on freedom of expression. The impact on the judicial system and legal practice in India is unfolding.
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram demanded the central government to abolish nationwide exams like NEET-UG and grant states control over medical college admissions. He called for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation due to NEET-UG 2024 cheating scandals. Chidambaram also addressed the new criminal laws and BJP’s allegations against Rahul Gandhi as “complete rubbish.”