The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) raised concerns in a letter to Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna regarding recent architectural changes at the Supreme Court. They criticized the lack of consultation over glass partitions and the relocation of the National Judicial Museum, fearing these actions could undermine institutional heritage and inclusivity in decision-making.
The Finance Ministry plans to replace the outdated Central Excise Act with a modern Central Excise Bill in an effort to streamline taxation and business processes. The new bill aims to enhance ease of doing business and eliminate obsolete provisions, with a focus on goods not covered under the Goods and Services Tax. The ministry is seeking feedback on the draft bill until June 26th.
Today (1st May): The Delhi High Court has sought a response from the Centre in relation to a plea from the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) calling for the expansion of the High Court building. The plea underlines the need for more space to cater to the court’s growing requirements, emphasizing the necessity for additional courtrooms, lawyers’ chambers, and essential infrastructure facilities. The Court has highlighted the challenges faced in expanding the premises and stressed the urgency of obtaining adjacent land for the expansion. The plea also addresses the congestion and inconvenience caused by inadequate parking space in the vicinity. The expansion and modernization of the Delhi High Court are crucial to meet the escalating demands of the judicial system and ensure the efficient delivery of justice.
Today (25th April): Chief Justice Chandrachud criticized certain High Courts for imposing restrictions on accessing video-conferencing links, calling it a hindrance to judicial accessibility. He emphasized the operational benefits of virtual hearings and the need to remove unnecessary barriers. The judiciary’s investment in digitization is crucial for equitable access to justice.
Today (4th April): The Calcutta High Court has accepted Tata Steel’s writ petition challenging the denial of a loan waiver from the Steel Development Fund (SDF), where the loan amount totaled Rs 2,751.17 crore. This follows the Union Ministry of Steel rejecting their appeal, sparking the recent filing and first hearing for this case.