Today, On 18th November, the Supreme Court directed the President’s secretary to present Balwant Singh Rajoana’s mercy petition to President Droupadi Murmu within two weeks. Rajoana, sentenced to death for the 1995 assassination of Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, seeks commutation of his sentence. The case highlights ongoing debates about the death penalty in India.
Justice BR Gavai has been appointed as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) by President Droupadi Murmu. He succeeds Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who has become the 51st Chief Justice of India. Gavai, senior-most puisne judge since 2019, will become the CJI in May 2025.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the Chief Justice of India on Monday, succeeding Justice DY Chandrachud. He has a notable judicial track record, including key rulings on electoral integrity and political issues. His tenure as the 51st CJI will last until May 2025, with a salary of Rs 2.8 lakh per month.
Today, On 11th November, Justice Sanjiv Khanna will be sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 11, 2024, succeeding Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. His term lasts until May 13, 2025. Khanna is recognized for significant rulings and aims to improve justice delivery while continuing a family legacy in India’s judiciary.
Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud noted that a Supreme Court report on prisoner issues was inspired by President Murmu’s speech on inmates’ challenges. He emphasized the importance of judicial reforms for prisoners’ rights, revealed new publications marking the Supreme Court’s 75th anniversary, and addressed issues like menstrual equity and caste discrimination in prisons.
Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, the 50th Chief Justice of India (CJI) , was appointed by President Droupadi Murmu in November 2022, succeeding Uday Umesh Lalit. Son of former Chief Justice Y.V. Chandrachud, he became a Supreme Court judge in May 2016. Prior to this, he served as Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court (2013–2016) and as a judge at the Bombay High Court (2000–2013).
A midnight march titled “Reclaim the Night” is planned in Kolkata to mark the anniversary of a tragic rape-murder case. The event aims to raise awareness and demand justice for victims of gender-based violence. The Supreme Court set the next hearing for the RG Kar case on September 9, amid ongoing nationwide protests. Several protests and calls for justice continue, involving various political and social groups, amid ongoing preparations for the Durga Puja festival.
President Droupadi Murmu has approved the formation of the 23rd Law Commission of India, with a three-year term to review and recommend legal reforms. The commission’s objectives include reviewing/repealing obsolete laws, focusing on poverty laws, judicial administration, gender equality, and more. The commission aims to submit reports in Hindi and English and develop partnerships with law universities and policy research institutions.
Senior Advocate Geeta Luthra echoes President Murmu’s concerns about judicial delays, emphasizing the need for reform. Luthra underlines the impact of prolonged legal proceedings on justice delivery, citing specific cases and highlighting the importance of both speed and effectiveness in the judiciary. She also emphasizes the need for a more robust legal infrastructure to address these challenges.
Today, On 1st September, President Droupadi Murmu called for an end to the “culture of adjournments” in courts during the National Conference of the District Judiciary. Stressing the urgency of addressing backlog, she emphasized the necessity of timely justice for the credibility of the legal system. She also highlighted the need for judicial process reform and acknowledged the increasing representation of women in judicial positions.
