The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) has today ended their two-week strike at AIIMS in Delhi following Supreme Court assurances. The strike was sparked by the rape and murder of a fellow doctor in Kolkata. The RDA thanked the Supreme Court and emphasized their commitment to advocating for healthcare worker safety.
Senior Advocates Tushar Mehta and SCBA President Kapil Sibal met with Chief Justice DY Chandrachud to revisit the process governing the senior designation. They discussed concerns about the current criteria and proposed a revised approach involving judges observing identified lawyers for a year before a secret ballot. The meeting aimed for a comprehensive review, not the specific designation of individuals.
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, during the 78th Independence Day celebrations, emphasized the crucial role Indian lawyers played in securing independence and building a strong judiciary. He acknowledged their sacrifices and lasting influence on modern India at the Supreme Court Bar Association event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for a secular civil code, denouncing the current communal civil code in India. Highlighting the Supreme Court’s support for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), he called for its implementation to eliminate religious discrimination. The UCC aims to establish uniform laws across all religions in areas such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession, and adoption. Despite support from the ruling party, the timeline for implementation remains uncertain, sparking strong opinions and debates.
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Chandrachud, today ruled on retrospective taxation of mining activities, allowing states to renew tax demands from April 1, 2005. The ruling recognizes states’ authority to tax mineral rights under List II, while emphasizing the need for balanced federalism. However, dissenting Justice Nagarathna expressed concerns about potential negative economic impacts.
The Supreme Court of India emphasized caution in relying solely on AI for translating legal documents, highlighting potential errors. Despite challenges, AI has been integral in enhancing access to justice, with initiatives like AI-driven transcription and translations. The upcoming Supreme Court Hackathon underlines the judiciary’s commitment to leveraging technology for improved judicial processes.
Today, On 12th August, The Supreme Court expressed concern over the unchecked growth of medical institutes and the lack of implementation of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021. The Court has directed the Union and State governments to take necessary steps to implement the Act by October 12, emphasizing the need for regulation in the healthcare sector.
The Supreme Court has requested a response from bar leader Rajiv Khosla regarding a petition by former Delhi district court judge Sujata Kohli, challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision to exonerate Khosla in a contempt case. Khosla’s discharge was based on insufficient evidence to prove guilt. The case will be reviewed in three weeks.
BJP SC/ST MPs met with PM Modi to discuss the Supreme Court’s decision on “creamy layer” in SC/ST reservations, requesting non-enforcement. PM Modi assured support for their position. The Court’s ruling allows sub-classification of SCs and STs for reservation benefits, with six justices in favor and one dissenting. This ruling overruled the earlier EV Chinnaiah decision.
The Supreme Court today rejected a plea to postpone the NEET-PG 2024 exam scheduled for August 11, emphasizing the risk to two lakh students’ futures. The plea cited difficulties in reaching exam cities and undisclosed normalization formulas. Another petition submitted similar concerns. The court stressed the impact on numerous candidates and their families.
