The Tihar Jail administrator on Sunday informed the court that K Kavitha, a leader of Bharat Rashtra Samithi, cannot have home-cooked meals in prison as directed by the court. Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana CM, alleged non-compliance with the court’s directive. The court emphasized its order to comply with jail regulations and urged the lawyer to gather accurate instructions.
“He is a dreaded criminal. There are so many cases”: The Supreme Court Today postponed the hearing on gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari’s appeal against a 5-year prison sentence, citing his notorious criminal record. The case dates back 24 years and involves alleged reign of terror in Uttar Pradesh. The bench observed that he is currently in custody. An earlier acquittal was overturned in 2021.
The Allahabad High Court has instructed the Uttar Pradesh government to study and propose the implementation of the ‘open jail’ model from states like Rajasthan and Maharashtra by March 29, 2024. This initiative aims to create a more rehabilitative environment for prisoners and to address the impacts of imprisonment on families and society as a whole.
“Are judges special? No, we are not.”: CJI DY Chandrachud, expressed concern over the declining adherence to the “bail is the rule, and jail is the exception” principle in district courts. He called for an evaluation of this trend, emphasizing the need for the district judiciary to prioritize personal liberty and address infrastructure challenges. Justice Khanna emphasized the societal responsibility of judges.
Rahul Gandhi Robber | The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) instructed Aaj Tak to remove a fictional video portraying Rahul Gandhi as a robber and cautioned against similar content in the future. The directive followed a complaint by the Indian Youth Congress president, alleging malicious intent to tarnish Gandhi’s reputation. Aaj Tak argued that the story was based on tweets from Priyanka Gandhi.
The Supreme Court has directed the inclusion of a woman judicial officer in committees overseeing women inmates in each West Bengal district. This decision follows concerns about women’s jail conditions, including high pregnancy rates and children living in jails. The expansion aims to enhance women prisoners’ safety and conditions, with a focus on prison reforms.
A Kerala court sentenced Riyas to 10 years in prison for promoting ISIS ideology and activities in India, imposing a ₹50,000 fine. The judgment highlighted his radicalization, dissemination of ISIS propaganda through social media, and involvement in criminal conspiracy. It emphasized the need for deterrence and public order maintenance in combating extremism. The case underscores challenges posed by digital radicalization and the importance of a strong legal framework for addressing such threats.
The Supreme Court of India is examining the interpretation of ‘life sentence’ following a plea from convicted serial killer Chandrakant Jha, who argues that life imprisonment should not necessarily mean incarceration for the entirety of the convict’s natural life. This legal inquiry raises crucial questions about punishment, rehabilitation, and the constitutional validity of sentencing.
The Calcutta High Court has been informed of women prisoners getting pregnant in custody, prompting serious concern. A PIL highlights the alarming situation and calls for immediate action to ensure the safety and dignity of women inmates. The court’s response includes transferring prison reform matters to a specialized bench, signaling a commitment to addressing systemic failures in correctional facilities.