Lawyer S Selvakumari bitten by monkeys at the Supreme Court, and the court’s first aid clinic was under renovation, lacking essential medicines. She had to seek medical attention at the Delhi High Court dispensary and Ram Manohar Lohia hospital. This is not the first incident, as the Supreme Court had previously issued a tender to hire personnel to ward off monkeys trespassing into judges’ bungalows. In 2023, a PIL was filed seeking a committee to address the ‘monkey menace’ in the national capital.
Former SCBA president, Adish C Aggarwala, has written to the president of Bangladesh’s apex court bar association, inquiring about former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s potential extraditable offense. This has sparked debates on the legal and human rights implications. Aggarwala also expressed concerns about the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. His proactive approach aims to promote transparency and protect minority communities.
Three new criminal laws, described as a significant modernization of India’s criminal justice system, have been praised by Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala. These laws include specific timelines for trials and verdicts, aiming to strengthen the response to crimes and increase public confidence. They cover substantive crime, procedure, and evidence, with plans for widespread implementation and public education.
Yetserday, On 15th June, Former Odisha Governor Murlidhar C Bhandare, a respected senior advocate, passed away on June 15, 2024, at the age of 95. He had a distinguished legal career, serving as SCBA President and contributing significantly during his tenure as Governor. His legacy as a legal expert and public servant will continue to inspire future generations.
Kapil Sibal, a Rajya Sabha member and senior advocate, expressed strong concerns over new criminal laws, aiming to urge a review if supported by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA). He emphasized the lack of consultation in formulating these laws and criticized the decline of the bar’s independence and political polarization. Sibal also critiqued the judiciary’s lack of uniformity in institutional procedures and emphasized the need for introspection in the appointment mechanisms.
Former Supreme Court Judge Navin Sinha advocated for comprehensive criminal law reforms to ensure swift justice, emphasizing the need for modernization in the legal framework while balancing stringent laws with human rights protections. He highlighted the significance of training for judges and police officers. New criminal laws praised for addressing societal standards and expediting justice delivery.
The Supreme Court of India defended judges’ work ethic, rejecting criticism on working hours and vacations. Justices expressed dismay at economist Sanjeev Sanyal’s remarks, emphasizing the judiciary’s workload and dedication. This emphasizes the court’s role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice in India.
The outgoing President of the Supreme Court Bar Association raised concerns about political parties’ influence on bar association elections, urging for impartiality to uphold legal ethics. He congratulated the new President but criticized political involvement in the elections. He also emphasized the need to amend voting rights and secure insurance for junior lawyers, calling for support from major corporations.