Prime Minister Modi criticized the Supreme Court, suggesting that even a revered figure like Lord Krishna could be accused of corruption in today’s world. This comes after the Supreme Court invalidated the electoral bonds scheme, citing violations of citizens’ right to information and potential quid pro quo arrangements. The Court mandated immediate disclosure of donation details and cessation of electoral bond issuance.
The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has temporarily allowed the Indian National Congress to access its frozen bank accounts while subject to a lien imposed by the Income Tax Department. The decision follows the party’s disclosure of the account freeze, citing it as an attack on democracy. This milestone highlights the delicate balance between financial scrutiny and political freedom.
The Gujarat High Court dismissed a defamation case filed by Gujarat University against AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh related to comments about PM Modi’s academic degrees. This ruling follows a series of legal battles involving privacy rights, freedom of speech, and the role of educational institutions in certifying leaders’ credentials, drawing public attention and scrutiny.
The Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly has passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), making it the first state in post-Independence India to do so. The bill aims to standardize laws concerning marriage, divorce, inheritance, and property. Notable provisions include increased marriageable age for women and equal inheritance rights. The bill has sparked widespread debate and anticipation.
The Delhi High Court’s recent ruling declared that retweeting defamatory content constitutes an act of defamation. The decision in the case involving Arvind Kejriwal and Dhruv Rathee sets a precedent for online behavior and accountability of public figures, emphasizing the need for caution and responsibility in social media interactions.
CJI DY Chandrachud highlighted the imperative role of law officers in upholding judicial sanctity and ethical conduct at the Commonwealth Attorney and Solicitors Generals Conference. He emphasized the need for inclusivity in legal education and technology’s potential in enhancing transparency. His vision promotes fairness, integrity, and inclusivity in the legal profession and judiciary.
The Gujarat High Court, under Justice Hasmukh Suthar, reserves order in the defamation case against Arvind Kejriwal and his associate filed by Gujarat University, centered on alleged defamatory remarks about PM Modi’s degree disclosure. Arguments revolved around the impact on university’s reputation and the need for public perception alignment. Verdict expected on February 16.
The Interim Budget 2024, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, emphasizes uplifting farmers, women, youth, and the impoverished. It focuses on infrastructure, tax rates, fiscal deficit adjustments, and introducing initiatives such as affordable housing and free electricity through solar power. The budget aims for continued government functionality until a new administration presents a full fiscal year budget.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the Supreme Court’s diamond jubilee and stressed the judiciary’s role in ensuring ‘ease of justice’ for all citizens. He highlighted initiatives to modernize laws and court systems, urging the Court’s active involvement. Modi also commended efforts to digitize court processes and improve infrastructure. (Word count: 52)
Chief Justice Chandrachud, at the Supreme Court’s Diamond Jubilee, highlighted the judiciary’s need for independence beyond constitutional safeguards. He emphasized the necessity for judges to be free from social and political pressures. He also expressed concerns about increasing case pendency and underscored the court’s role as a final arbiter for liberation and inclusion, not oppression.