Today, On 14th October, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition to include provisions for unnatural offenses in the new Bihar Special Armed Police law, previously addressed in IPC Section 377. The court stated such legislative matters fall under Parliament’s jurisdiction and emphasized it cannot compel lawmakers to create specific offenses.
Today, On 3rd October, the Centre argued against decriminalizing marital rape, asserting that existing laws protect married women’s consent. The Union Home Ministry emphasized that marital violations differ from other cases and suggested that criminalization is a societal issue requiring broader consultation. Current laws already address consent violations within marriage, the Centre stated.
![[New Criminal Law] "Over 5.56 lakh FIRs Registered Under BNS from July 1 to September 3": Home Ministry Official Report](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/The-thoughtless-Section-377-IPC____.jpg?resize=321%2C157&ssl=1)
A Home Ministry official reported 5.6 lakh FIRs filed under new criminal laws from July 1 to September 3. The Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Travellers Program has improved immigration clearance by 60% for international passengers. The NCRB set up a helpline to support states in implementing these laws effectively.
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The Supreme Court of India reinforced the use of English as the official language for court proceedings, raising concerns about the growing use of Hindi. This has sparked debates about language inclusivity in the legal system. The bench made it clear that all proceedings must be conducted in English unless specified otherwise by Parliament, with the Chief Justice also advocating for the use of regional languages to enhance justice delivery.
The Central Government defended the criminalization of instant triple talaq, stating that it protects the rights of married Muslim women and promotes gender justice and equality. The 2019 law aims to safeguard women affected by triple talaq, following the Supreme Court’s invalidation of the practice and its review of the law. The government emphasized the legislative role in determining criminal conduct based on current social conditions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for a secular civil code, denouncing the current communal civil code in India. Highlighting the Supreme Court’s support for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), he called for its implementation to eliminate religious discrimination. The UCC aims to establish uniform laws across all religions in areas such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession, and adoption. Despite support from the ruling party, the timeline for implementation remains uncertain, sparking strong opinions and debates.
Today, On 8th August, Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain and Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde support the well-researched Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, which aims to reform the Waqf Board structure, enhance representation for Muslim women, and streamline case resolution. Despite this, the bill faces criticism and opposition, with concerns raised about its potential implications.
Today, On 7th August, The Supreme Court urged the Enforcement Directorate to improve the quality of its prosecutions due to low conviction rates in money laundering cases. It emphasized the need for stronger legal strategies and scientific investigations. This comes after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs reported only 40 convictions out of 5,297 cases filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The government plans to limit the Waqf Board’s authority in declaring properties as ‘waqf assets’ and taking control over them. This legislation, which aims to enhance transparency and accountability, is part of broader efforts to address concerns about the arbitrary powers of the Waqf Boards. The proposed changes will require mandatory verification of properties and involve district magistrates in monitoring waqf properties.
The Chief Justice of India, Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud, today refused to entertain a petition seeking judicial directives to combat superstition, emphasizing that education, societal reform, and legislative action are essential. The Court stressed that courts cannot address all societal problems and that the responsibility of addressing such issues lies with civil society and democratic institutions.