Former CJI BR Gavai, IMF’s Gita Gopinath, Kapil Sibal, and top institutions will appear before the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the One Nation One Election Bill. Key constitutional concerns, including fears of “indirect” President’s Rule, are expected to dominate discussions.
The 2025 India Justice Report reveals a severe shortage of judges in India, with only 15 per million people, far below the recommended 50. The report highlights high vacancy rates, especially in high courts, and significant case backlogs. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for urgent reforms and increased diversity in the judiciary.
The Odisha government announced the formation of a new six-member Law Commission, chaired by former Orissa High Court judge Biswanath Rath. The commission will focus on reviewing and recommending legal reforms in the state. It aims to simplify laws and improve judicial efficiency. The commission’s role is to guide the government on important legal matters and suggest necessary changes to existing laws.
Today, On 18th September, the Modi government approved the Kovind panel’s recommendations for “One Nation, One Election,” aiming for simultaneous Lok Sabha, state, and local elections to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. This initiative will undergo nationwide discussion, with implementation proposed in phases, although it faces criticism for potentially undermining federalism.
On Friday(19th July),the Madras High Court criticized the Centre for not consulting the Law Commission before introducing three new criminal laws to replace the IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act. This came as the court admitted a writ petition by DMK’s RS Bharathi, challenging the constitutionality of the new laws.
Former Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar recommends that the Modi government prioritize appointing new judges to address vacancies in the judiciary, rather than assigning retired judges to tribunals. He highlights the criticism faced by tribunals for backlogs and delays, emphasizing the need to expand the judiciary. Kumar also discusses potential delays in implementing criminal laws and reforms due to the structure of the coalition government.
The Supreme Court of India has directed on 17th May, the Union Government to create a comprehensive sentencing policy to ensure fairness and uniformity in sentencing. The policy aims to avoid judge-centric decisions and disparities, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to fundamental rights. The court proposed the establishment of a “sentencing commission” comprising experts in various fields to develop comprehensive sentencing guidelines.
Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, who served as the Chairman of the Law Commission for 17 months, has stepped down from the position. He is set to be sworn in as one of the three judicial members of the Lokpal at 11 am on Wednesday. Alongside Justice Awasthi, the President of India has appointed Justice Lingappa […]
The Law Commission, led by Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, recommends mandatory registration of NRI-Indian marriages, jurisdictional clarity, and passport amendments to combat fraudulent practices. The proposed measures aim to protect the rights of Indian spouses and children, streamline legal processes, and enhance transparency in cross-border unions, addressing the vulnerabilities often faced by Indian citizens.
The 22nd Law Commission of India’s 285th report, ‘The Law of Criminal Defamation,’ emphasizes the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the right to reputation, advocating for the retention of criminal defamation within India’s legal framework. The comprehensive analysis, led by Chairperson Ritu Raj Awasthi and a distinguished panel, proposes a legal mechanism that safeguards both individual reputations and the right to free speech.