The Rajasthan High Court held that criminal contempt law does not protect judges’ personal ego. It clarified that personal criticism of a presiding officer, without affecting justice administration or scandalising the institution, ordinarily does not amount to criminal contempt.
The Bar Council of India has formed a committee, led by Cyril Shroff, to address concerns from Indian lawyers about new rules permitting foreign legal entities to operate in India. The committee aims to suggest amendments, protect Indian firms, ensure fair competition, and uphold legal ethics, submitting its report in 30 to 40 days.
Justice Gavai of the Supreme Court emphasized that reservation policies cannot apply to constitutional appointments, requiring merit-based selections. He advocated for continued reservation for underprivileged communities while insisting on transparency and integrity in judiciary appointments. His personal pledge to refrain from post-retirement roles highlights a commitment to judicial independence and reform in India’s reservation approach.
The Supreme Court Collegium, led by CJI Sanjiv Khanna, has initiated reforms to enhance judicial appointments, barring close relatives of judges from High Court positions and enabling direct interactions with candidates. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi supports these changes, highlighting the need for transparency and objectivity amid concerns about nepotism in the judiciary.