The Supreme Court will hear a plea on March 18 seeking to bar candidates facing serious criminal charges from contesting elections. The petition aims to strengthen electoral integrity by preventing individuals accused of grave offenses from entering public office. The case raises concerns about criminalization in politics and its impact on governance.
Today, On 21st January, The Supreme Court dismissed a plea challenging the High Court’s decision to quash the FIR against BJP MPs in an airport violation case. However, a bench of Justices A S Oka and Manmohan allowed the state government to send the evidence from the investigation to the authorized officer.
Prajwal Revanna approached the Karnataka High Court seeking copies of digital evidence in the rape cases against him. He is accused in four cases of rape and sexual assault, with his bail applications for two cases and pre-arrest bail plea for the others being rejected by the High Court last year. The request for digital evidence is part of his ongoing legal battle. Revanna continues to fight the charges in the court.
The government is set to introduce the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bills in the Lok Sabha Today-December 17, aiming to synchronize Lok Sabha, state assembly, urban body, and panchayat elections. The move seeks to reduce election costs, streamline governance, and minimize administrative disruptions. These bills are based on recommendations by a high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
The Indian government plans to introduce the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bills in Lok Sabha on December 16, aiming for simultaneous elections across various levels. It seeks to cut costs and streamline governance but faces opposition over its practicality and impact on democracy. Critics raise federalism concerns and call for thorough review.
Yesterday, On 26th November, the Supreme Court of India invalidated preferential land allotment policies favoring MPs, bureaucrats, and journalists, labeling them arbitrary and discriminatory. The court emphasized these practices perpetuate inequality and violate the Constitution’s equality principles. The ruling annulled previous government orders, prioritizing fair resource distribution and public interest.
![[RG Kar Rape-murder case] Indian Medical Association to File Plea to Intervene in SC's Suo motu case](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image-91-2.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) today announced its intention to file an interlocutory application in the Supreme Court’s suo motu case on the rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The IMA aims to engage with MPs to push for central legislation addressing violence against healthcare workers and has requested urgent action on a central law to protect healthcare professionals.
Today, On 10th June, Navneet Rana, a BJP leader involved in a Hanuman Chalisa controversy, failed to appear before court due to health concerns. Accused of obstructing police, the court previously rejected their discharge plea. Her husband, also facing charges, appeared in court. The matter has been adjourned to July 2, and the couple are currently out on bail.
The victories of imprisoned candidates Amritpal Singh and Sheikh Abdul Rashid have raised questions about their eligibility as Members of Parliament in India. Despite their wins in the Khadoor Sahib and Baramulla constituencies, their ability to serve in the Lok Sabha hinges on the legal framework and the implications of their criminal charges. If convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for two years, they will automatically lose their seats. Past cases indicate that incarcerated individuals have been granted permission to temporarily fulfill their elected duties, but the final decision will ultimately rest with the House. Singh, detained under the National Security Act (NSA), has been vocal about his initiatives against drug abuse in Punjab, while Rashid faces charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and ran for election on an Awami Ittehad Party ticket.
The Supreme Court today overturned a 1998 ruling, stating that lawmakers can be prosecuted for receiving bribes for speeches or votes. CJI DY Chandrachud emphasized that bribery erodes democracy. The decision arose from the Sita Soren v. Union of India case, marking a pivotal shift in lawmakers’ immunity from criminal prosecution for bribery.
