Union Minister Annapurna Devi launched the “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign” on November 27 to eliminate child marriages in India. The initiative focuses on empowering girls, enforcing legal reforms to set 18 as the minimum marriage age, and targeting high-burden states. The aim is to cut child marriage prevalence below 5% by 2029.
Today, On 19th November, Delhi Police appealed to the High Court for an extension on the investigation into the AQIS training module case after a trial court denied their request. The initial 90-day period ends today, and 11 accused are in custody. The investigation focuses on dismantling a terrorist module aiming for serious activities in India.
The Supreme Court Collegium, under Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, faced obstacles in judicial appointments, with key recommendations for Saurabh Kirpal and R. John Sathyan stalled by the government. Notably, no women were recommended for the Supreme Court. Delays and concerns over government interference have prompted judicial discourse on these appointments.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court criticized the police for providing gangster Lawrence Bishnoi with a studio-like setup for an interview that glorified crime. The court called for a deeper investigation into potential police corruption and negligence, amid concerns about complicity in criminal activities, leading to the suspension of several officers.
Justice Rajendra Prakash Soni, a respected judge of the Rajasthan High Court, passed away at 60 due to a heart attack on October 11, 2024. Appointed in January 2023, he previously served in key judicial roles, earning admiration for his fairness and compassion. His untimely death is a significant loss to the legal community.
Today, On 1st October, the Supreme Court announced plans for nationwide demolition guidelines, emphasizing that property cannot be destroyed solely due to accusations or convictions. The court will ensure due process is followed, protecting public interest while removing unauthorized structures, regardless of religion. Judicial oversight and notice protocols for demolitions will be established.
Today, On 27th September, the Chief Justice of India criticized the Rajasthan government for delays in AYUSH doctors’ salaries and questioned their discriminatory treatment compared to allopathic doctors. Following a Supreme Court ruling, the government was ordered to release pending salaries within a week, ensuring uniform retirement ages for all government doctors.
The Supreme Court, addressing concerns over child trafficking, ordered states and union territories to report on missing children since 2020. Highlighting a network of abductions in Uttar Pradesh, the court mandated details about missing children cases and the establishment of anti-human trafficking units, with follow-up hearings scheduled for October.
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.
Mayawati, leader of BSP, supports Bharat Bandh protesting SC’s ruling on SC/ST reservation sub-categorization. Protesters argue ruling will undermine reservation principles. Supreme Court allows states to create sub-classifications within SC/ST for additional protections, setting aside previous decision. Protesters demand constitutional amendment to reverse changes to reservation policy.
