NEW DELHI: Senior advocate Iqbal M. Chagla, one of India’s most respected lawyers, passed away on Sunday in Mumbai at the age of 85. Known for his sharp legal mind and unwavering integrity, Chagla also served as the President of the Bombay Bar Association during the 1990s, where he boldly stood against corruption in the judiciary. Under his leadership, resolutions were passed against six sitting judges, some of which led to their resignations.
In the Govind Pansare murder case, the Bombay High Court decided to end its monitoring of the investigation and has called for a quick trial. The court noted that the only remaining task was locating two absconding accused, which no longer required court oversight. The decision emphasizes the progress made in the case and directs that the trial proceed without further delays. The focus now shifts to completing the legal process speedily.
Retired Supreme Court Justice Madan Bhimrao Lokur emphasized concerns over judicial independence, systemic inefficiencies, and the impact of new laws on fundamental rights in India. He criticized delays in judicial appointments and highlighted issues like the overpopulation of undertrial prisoners. Justice Lokur advocated for greater accountability and transparency within the judiciary.
Justice Shekhar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court is under scrutiny for controversial remarks made at a VHP event, suggesting that “law works according to the majority.” His statements have drawn criticism and raised concerns about judicial neutrality. The Supreme Court collegium is set to review the situation as calls for his impeachment grow.
Kapil Sibal submitted an impeachment motion against Justice Shekhar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court, citing a controversial speech on the Uniform Civil Code. Supported by 55 MPs, the motion criticizes Yadav’s remarks about majority rule and derogatory language. The impeachment process will follow constitutional procedures if admitted by the Rajya Sabha.
Today, On 12th December, the Supreme Court instructed all courts to refrain from handling cases regarding surveys of religious sites under the Places of Worship Act, 1991. This decision seeks to maintain communal harmony and secularism while reviewing several petitions challenging the Act’s provisions, emphasizing legal consistency and caution in sensitive matters.
Today, On 12th December, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna directed that no additional suits be registered until the next hearing regarding the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which prohibits changes to religious structures from before India’s independence. Ongoing legal challenges question the Act’s constitutionality, emphasizing the importance of maintaining communal harmony.
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Prashant Bhushan, representing the NGO CJAR, criticized Justice Yadav for his comments at a VHP event, claiming they undermine judicial impartiality and erode public trust. The letter requests an in-house inquiry and highlights concerns about the judge’s remarks targeting Muslims, advocating for the Uniform Civil Code, and violating judicial ethics.
The All India Lawyers Union (AILU) condemned Justice Shekhar Yadav’s speech at a Vishva Hindu Parishad event, asserting it threatens judicial independence and promotes hate speech against Muslims. They criticized his remarks for violating constitutional values, emphasizing that democracy should not equate to majoritarianism and called for remedial action against him.
The Bangladesh government labeled ISKCON a “fundamentalist” group amid rising tensions following the arrest of a Hindu priest, which sparked protests for minority protections. The interim administration faces criticism over its handling of anti-Hindu violence. Diplomatic strains with India increased as it urged protection for Hindu communities, prompting a defensive response from Dhaka.