Today, On 23rd September, Justice Abhay S Oka stressed the need for the historic Bombay High Court building to remain with the judiciary after the court relocates to a new complex in Bandra, highlighting its heritage and judicial importance. He proposed the old building serve as a museum or mediation center.
Today, On 10th September, The Supreme Court Collegium recommended the elevation of three judicial officers, initially proposed by the Madras High Court, to serve as judges in the Madras High Court. The elevation of these officers, including Augustine Devadoss Maria Clete, aims to increase minority representation and strengthen the judiciary in Tamil Nadu, addressing vacancies and enhancing efficiency.
Justice Nagarathna advocates for appointing more women as court-appointed arbitrators to address the male dominance in arbitration. This, along with diversifying the pool of arbitrators, could bring significant changes to India’s arbitration system. Furthermore, Chief Justice Anjaria stresses the importance of making arbitration accessible to all litigants. These efforts aim to enhance fairness and effectiveness in arbitration.
Today, On 6th August, Justice Abhay Oka revealed challenges faced as a High Court judge due to Supreme Court directives for expedited case resolution. He criticized such orders, emphasizing High Court independence. This came to light during a case involving a businessman accused in the Delhi Excise Policy case. Justice Oka’s opposition led to the dismissal of the petition.
Today(on 22nd July), Supreme Court Judge S.V.N. Bhatti shared a personal experience about dining at a Muslim-run vegetarian restaurant in Kerala. His comments were made during a hearing on directives from BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand requiring eateries along the Kanwar Yatra routes to display owner and staff names.
Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Karol expressed concerns over the environmental impact of dam construction on the Sutlej River at the launch of a book on climate change. He emphasized the severe consequences of climate change on agriculture and urged for sustainable agricultural practices. Other justices also highlighted the urgent need for climate crisis action in India.
Today(on 6th July), at the 4th Justice HR Khanna Memorial National Symposium, Justice PV Sanjay Kumar stressed the need for recusal to maintain judicial impartiality. He emphasized his commitment to fairness by avoiding cases with any personal connections. He also highlighted the calling of judgeship, the significance of the Basic Structure doctrine, and the evolving nature of the legal landscape.
Former locomotive pilot, PU Venkatesan, was convicted of criminal contempt for making scandalous allegations against judges. The Madras High Court sentenced him to six months in prison for displaying no remorse and verbally abusing the judges. His behavior was found to be contemptuous towards the entire justice system. This followed a Facebook post and subsequent letters making reckless allegations.
Dr. S Jaishankar and Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasize India’s commitment to arbitration as a crucial part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The newly inaugurated Arbitration Bar of India aims to provide skilled professionals, contributing to a conducive business environment. This initiative seeks to enhance India’s role in the global market and attract foreign investment.
Today, On 6th May, The Chief Justice of India has agreed to hear a plea about potential side effects of the Covishield COVID-19 vaccine. Concerns include Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), cardiovascular risks, and myocarditis. A petition seeks an expert panel to investigate the side effects and compensation for affected individuals. AstraZeneca faces lawsuits over TTS, but regulatory authorities emphasize the vaccine’s benefits.
