The Supreme Court of India sternly rebuked State governments and Union Territories for their passive approach towards overcrowded prisons, emphasizing the need for immediate action. The Court highlighted the fundamental rights implications of prison overcrowding and urged for expeditious measures, emphasizing the significance of prison reforms and the government’s responsibility. Specific states were called out for their lackadaisical approach and demanded to comply with directives for urgent improvement. The case, “In Re: Inhuman Conditions in 1382 Prisons,” continues to address these critical concerns, with a scheduled review on July 11.
The Finance Ministry plans to replace the outdated Central Excise Act with a modern Central Excise Bill in an effort to streamline taxation and business processes. The new bill aims to enhance ease of doing business and eliminate obsolete provisions, with a focus on goods not covered under the Goods and Services Tax. The ministry is seeking feedback on the draft bill until June 26th.
On 4th April: Attorney General R. Venketaramani stressed the precedence of Union List’s Entry 52 over State List’s Entry 24 in regulating industrial alcohol for national welfare. The 9-judge bench continued hearing arguments on state regulation of industrial alcohol. Key points included state governments’ authority and the interpretation of “intoxicating liquor” under the Constitution’s provisions, with the next hearing set for April 9, 2024.
India’s Attorney General AG R Venkataramani noted an increase in state governments resorting to the Supreme Court for political disputes, indicating the court’s growing involvement in constitutional challenges previously viewed as political. This trend, exemplified by states like Kerala, Punjab, and Karnataka, poses new constitutional implications. Venkataramani stressed the importance of free speech and the basic structure doctrine in upholding constitutional integrity.
