The Madras High Court today is examining petitions to transfer the investigation of a sexual assault case at Anna University to the CBI. Lawyers claimed the release of the FIR was illegal and demanded an SIT. The court criticized the police’s handling of the case and ordered reports from both the government and Anna University.
Today, On 16th December, the Bar Council of India informed the Supreme Court that practicing advocates cannot work full-time as journalists, citing Rule 49 to prevent conflicts of interest. The court and petitioner acknowledged this stance, emphasizing the necessity for advocates to focus solely on their legal responsibilities to maintain professional integrity and public trust.
Yesterday, On 26th November, the Supreme Court of India invalidated preferential land allotment policies favoring MPs, bureaucrats, and journalists, labeling them arbitrary and discriminatory. The court emphasized these practices perpetuate inequality and violate the Constitution’s equality principles. The ruling annulled previous government orders, prioritizing fair resource distribution and public interest.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna will assume office as India’s 51st Chief Justice on November 11, focusing on reducing the Supreme Court’s backlog of over 82,000 cases. Upholding judicial integrity and citizen rights, he emphasizes timely justice and effective case management, while also valuing his privacy amidst increasing responsibilities in the judiciary.
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.
![[Defamatory Content] HC Orders Janam TV & Janmabhumi to Remove 'George Soros Link' Stories About Dhanya Rajendran](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-2024-07-22T144528.556.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The Delhi High Court ordered the removal of defamatory articles and YouTube videos linking journalist Dhanya Rajendran and digital news publications to George Soros. The Court found the allegations to be baseless and harmful to their reputations. The defendant platforms were directed to remove the content within ten days. Rajendran and DigiPub denied the claims and filed defamation lawsuits.
Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, proposed judges take leave to deliver judgments instead of shutting down the entire judicial system for weeks. He emphasized the need for reform due to the backlog of pending cases. Sanyal’s comments were criticized by the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, who defended the current judicial system. Economist Shamika Ravi’s study suggested that increasing the number of judgment days would significantly increase the number of judgments delivered.
Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant stressed the necessity of safeguarding free speech, especially for journalists and the media. He emphasized the crucial link between freedom of speech and leading a dignified life, and the courts’ disapproval of attempts to curtail this right. The event also featured discussions on protecting the media’s rights within constitutional limits.
Today (May 3): The Delhi High Court reserved its order on the bail plea of NewsClick’s HR head under the UAPA. The charges allege receipt of funds for pro-China propaganda. Chakravarty’s counsel cited turning approver and requested bail under section 482 of the CrPC. The court awaits the decision amidst the ongoing case scrutiny.
