The Gujarat Opposition has criticized the BJP government’s formation of a committee on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as a distraction ahead of local elections. They argue the UCC could harm the rights of tribal communities. While some committee members support the UCC for women’s rights, opponents view it as politically motivated and detrimental to cultural customs.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday (31st Jan) denied a request to allow the “Urs” festival to take place from February 1 to February 3 at a demolished dargah in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district. A bench consisting of Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih heard arguments, including submissions from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Gujarat government. Mehta explained that all illegal constructions on the land, including temples, had been demolished.
Maharashtra: The Additional Solicitor General (ASG) for Maharashtra and Gujarat, Devang Girish Vyas, has stepped down from his position. He submitted his resignation to the Law Minister on Tuesday, bringing an end to his 12-year tenure. Vyas confirmed his resignation applies to both states, and he expressed gratitude for the support he received during his service.
Today, On 19th December, The Supreme Court considered a plea seeking 33% reservation for women in Gujarat’s bar associations. Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, heard the matter, issued a notice on the petition. Emphasizing the importance of gender inclusivity in legal organizations, the case is set for a hearing in January 2025.
The Supreme Court is deliberating a discrimination case involving a transwoman teacher dismissed from two schools in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh after her gender identity became known. The court reserved its judgment, emphasizing that employment termination based on identity is unacceptable, thus highlighting ongoing issues of equality and inclusivity in workplaces.
Today, On 7th December, Gujarat became the first Indian state to live-stream court proceedings on YouTube, promoting transparency and public access to justice. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced various initiatives to enhance judicial efficiency, highlighting investments in digital infrastructure and modern facilities for judges. The judiciary’s progress reflects a commitment to effective governance.
As of November 21, 2024, India’s judiciary faces severe challenges with 5,200 unfilled positions and 4.53 crore pending cases. The Supreme Court has two vacancies while High Courts have 364, predominantly in Allahabad. Initiatives to translate judgments into regional languages aim to improve access to legal resources amidst these issues.
Yesterday, On 12th November, The Supreme Court expressed concern over inadequate private washroom facilities for women judges in a Gujarat court, following a letter from a female judicial officer who had to use a senior judge’s restroom. The court emphasized the need for improved infrastructure for female judicial officers during a public interest litigation regarding toilet availability.
The Supreme Court (25th Oct) refused to maintain the status quo on alleged illegal demolitions of Muslim places of worship in Gujarat. Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan deemed it unnecessary to issue an order. The case involved a contempt petition concerning demolitions without prior approval, with conflicting claims about land ownership.
Morris Samuel Christian was arrested in Gujarat for operating a fake tribunal and impersonating a judge for five years. He targeted individuals with land disputes, charging fees to issue bogus court orders. Authorities acted upon a complaint from a city civil court registrar, revealing Christian’s fraudulent activities and claiming he was an official arbitrator.
