The United Doctors Front (UDF) has submitted a Public Interest Litigation to the Supreme Court, highlighting the exploitative working conditions of resident doctors in India. They report that doctors often work 70-100 hours weekly, violating established regulations, impacting health and patient safety. The UDF seeks enforcement of proper duty hours as per existing guidelines.
Former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud highlighted personal and societal challenges faced by individuals with disabilities during a panel discussion. He shared his family’s journey in accommodating his daughters’ needs while advocating for greater empathy in the judiciary. He emphasized inclusivity, proposed reforms to disability laws, and the importance of mental health awareness.
Agra, Uttar Pradesh – A software engineer from Agra, working at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), allegedly died by suicide on February 24. The deceased, Manav Sharma, was found hanging in his home. A distressing video recorded by him before his death has surfaced, in which he blamed his wife, Nikita, for his tragic decision.
The Jharkhand High Court ruled that mental health treatment expenses must be reimbursed just like physical illness expenses. It directed Bharat Coking Coal Limited to reimburse a retired executive for his wife’s psychiatric treatment, emphasizing that health insurance cannot exclude mental illness. Citing the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, the Court declared that any policy denying such coverage is invalid.
The Chhattisgarh High Court ruled that having sexual intercourse with a dead body, called necrophilia, is a horrible and disgusting act but does not count as rape under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) or the POCSO Act. The Court explained that for the crime of rape, the victim must be alive. Even though the act is deeply unethical, it is not covered under the current rape laws.
The Supreme Court upheld life sentences for a husband and mother-in-law in the murder of a woman who sustained 100% burns. The court rejected claims of suicide, emphasizing implausibility and circumstantial evidence pointing to the appellants’ culpability. Their failure to assist and the presence of kerosene cans were also highlighted.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court deemed forcing a wife to leave her job as cruelty, granting her divorce from her husband. The court emphasized that a woman’s right to work is integral to her autonomy and dignity. This ruling reinforces the importance of mutual respect in marriage, allowing individuals to resist coercive behaviors.
Today, On 6th November, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition regarding lawyers’ mental health, urging Bar Associations to provide support instead of seeking court intervention. The Chief Justice emphasized the importance of proactive measures for mental wellness in the legal profession, highlighting a significant lack of targeted resources in India compared to other countries.
Yesterday, On 31st October, The Kerala High Court denied a 16-year-old rape survivor’s request to terminate her pregnancy. Justice V.G. Arun allowed the minor and her family the option to place the child for adoption after birth, if they wish. The court also instructed the state government to ensure the necessary legal steps are taken to facilitate this process.