Two major temple boards in Kerala have challenged the Kerala High Court’s restrictions on elephant parades during the Thrissur Pooram festival, arguing that these impractical measures threaten the event’s traditional essence. They claim the High Court overstepped its jurisdiction by declaring elephant use is not essential to religion, asserting that it is vital to their cultural identity and heritage.
![[UPSC Aspirants Death] 'Coaching Centres Face Rs.50K-2L Penalties for Safety Violations': SC Considers for Strict Safety Guidelines](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/img-1.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The Supreme Court is reviewing new safety measures for coaching centers following the flooding deaths of three UPSC aspirants in Delhi. A draft proposal suggests significant fines for violations and personal liability for responsible individuals. The incident has intensified calls for stricter regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Justice CT Ravikumar, born on January 6, 1960, became a Supreme Court Judge on August 31, 2021, after over two decades in legal practice. Notably, he authored 39 judgments and emphasized child welfare in custody cases and clarified legal procedural amendments. His retirement is set for January 5, 2025.
The Kerala High Court has prohibited photography and videography at the sacred Pathinettampadi and Thirumuttam of the Sabarimala temple to protect their sanctity. This decision arose after a controversial photoshoot involving police personnel. The Court also addressed unusual practices at the Malikappuram temple, urging management to educate pilgrims to preserve traditional customs and scheduled a follow-up hearing for November 29.
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.
![[Wayanad Landslide] "Flash Hartals Are Anti-People and Unacceptable" - Kerala High Court Slams UDF and LDF](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/KERALA-HC.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The Kerala High Court rebuked the UDF and LDF for organizing a hartal in Wayanad on November 19, criticizing it as counterproductive and against public interest. The court highlighted ongoing rehabilitation delays after the July landslides and stressed the need for a responsible political approach. It will monitor compliance with relief measures in the next hearing on November 29.
The Supreme Court reinstated the evidence tampering case against Kerala MLA Antony Raju, originally stayed in July 2023. This decision mandates the trial court to conclude the proceedings within a year. The case, linked to a 33-year-old smuggling incident, involves allegations of tampering with evidence during Raju’s representation of an Australian client.
Kollam, Kerala, will launch India’s first 24/7 online court on November 20, enabling litigants to file and resolve cases entirely online, eliminating physical attendance and paperwork. Initially handling cheque dishonour cases, the platform promotes efficiency, real-time updates, and accessibility, potentially transforming the future of legal proceedings in India.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday (19th Nov) granted anticipatory bail to Malayalam actor Siddique in a rape case, questioning the eight-year delay in the complainant’s police report. Justice Trivedi emphasized the challenges victims face in reporting such incidents, while arguments highlighted Siddique’s potential evidence tampering and the systemic issues in the Malayalam film industry, as revealed by the Justice Hema Committee Report.
Kalpana Das Chandrachud, wife of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, reflects on her inclusive childhood in Kerala, celebrating various religious festivals without discrimination. She completed her education in Kasaragod and married in 2008, choosing to wear only her wedding ring. The couple adopted two special needs children, enriching their family life.