The Supreme Court directed immediate action to fill vacancies in the Central Information Commission and State Information Commissions, vital for the Right to Information Act’s implementation. A status report regarding these vacancies was requested from various states, with a next hearing set for December 17, 2024, emphasizing the importance of prompt appointments.
The Supreme Court Thursday (28th Nov) ruled that the plea for nationwide implementation of NALSA’s women’s help system is not justiciable, as it falls within NALSA’s administrative authority. The court granted NALSA six weeks to submit its perspective, emphasizing the successful pilot projects, while petitioners sought the system’s expansion.
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The Supreme Court today (28th Nov) extended the interim bail of Saumya Chaurasia, former deputy secretary to Chhattisgarh’s ex-CM, linked to a coal-levy scam. She had been in custody for over a year without charges. The trial has not started, and the next hearing is set for late January. The ED opposes her bail.
The Supreme Court addressed gender discrimination faced by elected women representatives, particularly regarding the arbitrary removal of a female Sarpanch in rural areas. Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan highlighted entrenched biases and systemic prejudice against women, calling for urgent reform and emphasizing the need for empowering female leadership in governance.
![[Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam] "Statements Under Section 50 of PML Act, 2002 Can Be Used to Initiate Criminal Cases": HC Denies Relief to Ex-IAS Anil Tuteja](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/image-9-2.png?resize=447%2C350&ssl=1)
The Allahabad High Court denied former IAS officer Anil Tuteja relief concerning the Chhattisgarh liquor scam, ruling the Uttar Pradesh FIR valid despite the Supreme Court quashing a related money laundering case. The court emphasized that ED witness statements can support ongoing criminal proceedings against Tuteja and others accused of involvement in a Rs. 2,000 crore syndicate.
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has requested a high-level judicial investigation into central and state agencies, alleging conspiracies to falsely implicate him in scams linked to the “coal levy” and the Mahadev betting app. He argues that these actions aim to damage his reputation for political reasons.
The Supreme Court directed the CBI to investigate the death of Ranjana Diwan, wife of a senior judicial officer. Her family suspected foul play and requested an impartial inquiry due to the respondent’s influence. The Court allowed the appeal, specifying a complete and prompt investigation into the incident, considering the post-mortem report’s findings.
Today, On 7th August, The Supreme Court urged the Enforcement Directorate to improve the quality of its prosecutions due to low conviction rates in money laundering cases. It emphasized the need for stronger legal strategies and scientific investigations. This comes after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs reported only 40 convictions out of 5,297 cases filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The recent discussion on the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in Delhi raised concerns about its potential misuse if the current Government returns to power. Senior advocates emphasized the perilous state of civil liberties in India and highlighted arbitrary detentions under UAPA. There is an urgent need for judicial independence and adherence to constitutional rights.
Today, On 23rd April, The Supreme Court expressed grave concern over overcrowded and dire prison conditions, urging urgent reform. Chief secretaries were directed to provide a schedule for implementation, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh. The report emphasized the harsh situation for women prisoners and the need for addressing overcrowding in prisons across several states.