Today, On 12th November, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, discontinued oral mentions for urgent hearings, requiring requests to be submitted via email or written slips. This change aims to streamline processes and enhance efficiency, though critics argue it may hinder immediate access for genuinely urgent cases needing swift judicial response.
Today, On 11th November, Justice Sanjiv Khanna will be sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 11, 2024, succeeding Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. His term lasts until May 13, 2025. Khanna is recognized for significant rulings and aims to improve justice delivery while continuing a family legacy in India’s judiciary.
The Bombay Bar Association honored Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud for his impactful tenure as he nears retirement. His legacy includes landmark rulings promoting equality and individual rights, and he emphasized transparency and inclusivity in the judiciary. Attendees praised his commitment to compassionate justice and improving access for marginalized groups.
Today, On 21st October, the Supreme Court found Senior Advocate Rishi Malhotra made false statements in at least 15 cases, leading to concerns over Advocate-on-Record (AoR) guidelines. The Court appointed Dr. S. Muralidhar as Amicus Curiae and scheduled a hearing for November 11 to address these issues and reform oversight of AoRs.
President Droupadi Murmu has approved the formation of the 23rd Law Commission of India, with a three-year term to review and recommend legal reforms. The commission’s objectives include reviewing/repealing obsolete laws, focusing on poverty laws, judicial administration, gender equality, and more. The commission aims to submit reports in Hindi and English and develop partnerships with law universities and policy research institutions.
Today, On 27th August, The Supreme Court directed the Central Government to set up teams to inspect and remove encroachments on national highways, aiming to maintain traffic flow. The court instructed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to form inspection teams and develop a portal for public reporting of encroachments. The matter will be revisited on October 14.
The Madras High Court Today (July 3rd) declined to stay the operation of the three new criminal laws that came into force on July 1 replacing the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act. It sought the response of the Central government to the plea challenging the Sanskrit/ Hindi names given to the three laws – the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.
The Bar Council of Delhi has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to postpone implementing three new criminal laws. These laws, aiming to modernize justice delivery and replace British-era legislation, have raised concerns about their potential impact on the justice system, constitutional principles, and human rights. The Council emphasizes the need for thorough review and reconsideration before their enforcement.
The Punjab government will implement three new criminal laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—from July 1. Extensive training and a trial run on June 29 are part of the preparation. Agencies like police, prosecution, and prisons are being trained to ensure seamless integration. The laws will replace the Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and Indian Evidence Act for new cases.
The New Criminal Laws introduced by the Centre last year are set to come into effect from July 1. The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) will be replaced with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023. While introducing the three new criminal law bills last year, Home Minister Amit Shah said that state-of-the-art technologies have been incorporated into the new laws.