The Delhi High Court dismissed a plea by terror convict Nasir Mohd Sodozey, jailed for over 26 years, seeking early release. The court said his crime was of the “gravest order,” striking at the State’s security.
Today, On 21st February, The Supreme Court directed Yasin Malik to appear before it via video conferencing in the IAF personnel killing case. The court also indicated the possibility of allowing his virtual cross-examination. This move aims to ensure legal proceedings while maintaining security concerns. The final decision on the virtual cross-examination is yet to be confirmed.
Former Chief Justice of India UU Lalit praised the new criminal laws for addressing mob lynching and welcomed changes related to hit-and-run cases. He supported the 15-day police custody rule and hailed the abolition of the colonial-era sedition law. Lalit compared the new laws to previous anti-terrorism legislation and emphasized the need for a democratic society.
The Supreme Court has today issued a notice to the Gujarat Government regarding former police officer Sanjiv Bhatt’s appeal against his conviction and life sentence in a 1990 custodial death case. Bhatt, along with other officers, was found guilty of custodial torture following communal riots. The case will be heard alongside related appeals.
![[Poll Battles] Can Politicians in Jail Contest Elections?| Eligibility to Participate but Not Vote](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-7-5.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
In India, jailed politicians can run for office but lose their right to vote. Amritpal Singh, a jailed Khalistani separatist, is contesting the Khadoor Sahib parliamentary constituency election. The Representation of the People Act disqualifies convicts, not undertrials, from elections. Several politicians, including Rahul Gandhi, have run for office while incarcerated. The Supreme Court is considering expediting trials of criminal cases against lawmakers. Over 4,900 cases are pending against Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assembly/Council, with nearly 1,900 of these cases being over five years old.