Category: Law

Rulers or Servants ? By Justice Katju

All State authorities, whether Ministers, Judges, Bureaucrats, etc must realize, and constantly remind themselves, that in a democracy they are only servants of the people, not their masters. Does a servant expect to get protocol from his master when accosting him ?

Former CJI Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud Joins NLU Delhi as Distinguished Professor: A New Era for Constitutional Scholarship Begins

Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, former Chief Justice of India, has been named as a Distinguished Professor by National Law University Delhi, therefore signifying a major turning point in Indian legal academics. Under his direction, the Centre for Constitutional Studies will open and the DYC Distinguished Lecture Series from July 2025 will start. Rich jurisprudential legacy in privacy, LGBTQ+ rights, and court reforms by Justice Chandrachud will motivate legal study and student participation. This partnership confirms NLU Delhi’s dedication to transforming legal education grounded in constitutional ideals, academic rigor, and the quest of a more fair legal system.

Arjun Ram Meghwal to bring back NJAC Without Veto Power in 2025  

Arjun Ram Meghwal, the minister of union law, has suggested resurrecting the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) in 2025, this time free from veto authority for government officials. The Supreme Court declared the first NJAC Act of 2014 invalid in 2015 since it compromised court independence. Including a six-member panel of judges, renowned persons, the Law Minister, and an Opposition representative, Meghwal’s revamped framework seeks to reconcile openness and autonomy. Part of a larger judicial reform program, this action is under examination by the court and political opposition, casting doubt on its viability in India’s changing political and legal scene.

How PUCL, Founded by Jayaprakash Narayan & Run by Kavita Srivastava, Champions Human Rights in India   

Founded by Jayaprakash Narayan in 1976, the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has been a trailblazer in India’s defense of civil liberties and human rights. By means of historic decisions such as PUCL v. Union of India (1997), it has molded court rulings, therefore supporting the right to privacy and opposing state monitoring. PUCL advocates for underprivileged groups and democratic rights while exposing false encounters, illegal detentions, and police excesses. Under the direction of Kavita Srivastava from 2023, it keeps opposing fascism and governmental persecution while supporting causes including the Right to Food Campaign and opposing authoritarian policies.

Cash Plot Against Judge Yashwant Varma : A Conspiracy Unraveled

Allegations that seem most likely to be part of a conspiracy call attention to Justice Yashwant Varma’s career, which was defined by intelligence, integrity, and major contributions to the court. His denial, the timing of the debate, and his participation in the collegium testify to outside control used to affect court nominations. Supporting a fair process and acknowledging his outstanding service as the investigation goes on will help to prevent damage to reputation from unsubstantiated allegations. The legitimacy of the court rests on treating such issues with great attention to guarantee justice for all the engaged parties.

Taxmann’s Legal Commentary on the BNS, edited by former Chief Justice of India UU Lalit, is a must-read for all lawyers and law students

Under review by former Chief Justice of India UU Lalit, Taxmann’s Legal Commentary on the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) presents a thorough study of India’s new criminal justice system. Published on March 6, 2025, the book breaks out important BNS clauses including organized crime, terrorism, and the balance between national security and personal liberties. Drawing on a Supreme Court decision from 2024, it also questions how sensationalism in the media affects fair trials. Lawyers, law students, and legal professionals should all find great value in the book given its thorough case law references and analysis of the changing legal system.

These Landmark Judgements by Justice Joymalya Bagchi Highlight His Path to Chief Justice of India

This paper emphasizes the historic rulings of Justice Joymalya Bagchi, therefore stressing his major contributions to Indian law. It covers important decisions including his 2018 order supporting free expression in the face of a state protest ban, a 2023 environmental protection case imposing tougher industrial waste rules, and his 2024 ruling demolishing a discriminating housing policy in Kolkata. The piece also looks at his involvement in criminal justice; in a 2022 instance, he cleared an erroneous conviction based on fresh forensic data. Progressive judicial thought and strong decisions by Justice Bagchi help to highlight his path towards becoming the Chief Justice of India in 2031.

Ranveer Allahbadia and Freedom of Speech By Justice Katju

Ranveer Allahabadia’s recent controversial statements have sparked debate on freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution. Despite this right, Article 19(2) allows for restrictions in the interest of decency and morality. His remarks, considered indecent in the Indian context, were criticized for promoting a misguided view of sexuality akin to the discredited ‘Glass of Water’ theory by Alexandra Kollontai. Lenin critiqued this theory for its potential to distract from revolutionary goals. Thus, while freedom of speech is paramount, cultural and moral considerations must also guide its exercise in India.

The Plight of Women Judicial Officers in Rajasthan

The case of women judicial officers in Rajasthan is also a good example that illustrates systemic flaws in the judiciary. Despite having an ascending curve, these judicial officers have not been provided with proper infrastructure, and they also suffer harassment by male colleagues besides heavy pendency in most districts, especially remote ones like Barmer and Jaisalmer. The cases of Eliza Gupta may have discussed prevalence of harassment, but the lack of redressal mechanisms being gender sensitive has only intensified it. The cultural prejudice would further more affect the authoritative position of women magistrates. Greater amenities, independent grievance committees, and training at the workplace are included within the urgent change required. The paper examines the struggles of women in the judiciary of Rajasthan to seek systemic changes for fairness, dignity, and equity in a profession.

How Justice Sanjiv Khanna will fare as Chief Justice of India

Justice Khanna’s emphasis on judicial accountability and personal liberties may alter the Indian legal scenario during his short tenure. Though his tenure is little more than a year as CJI, his judgments and the principles that he supports would influence India’s judicial approach to privacy, transparency, and accountability for years to come.

How CJI DY Chandrachud Failed the Constitution

CJI DY Chandrachud’s tenure represents a mixed legacy for the Indian judiciary. While he made strides in certain areas, his actions—or lack thereof—have left many questioning the integrity and independence of the legal system. As history continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how his decisions will impact the future of Indian jurisprudence.

What Will CJI Chandrachud Do After Retirement? Exploring Potential Future Paths

Chief Justice DY Chandrachud’s retirement is not likely to mark the end of his public contributions. Whether through education, global legal bodies, or advocacy for judicial reforms, his post-retirement path will likely remain impactful. His legacy, rooted in progressive rulings and a commitment to civil liberties, ensures that his influence will extend far beyond his time in office.

A Parent’s Legacy: Why Delhi HC Allowed a 60-Year-Old Couple to Access Their Dead Son’s Sperm

In a landmark ruling, the Delhi High Court allowed a couple in their sixties to access their deceased son’s frozen sperm, setting a precedent for posthumous reproduction in India. The couple’s son, who passed away from cancer in 2020, had his sperm preserved before undergoing cancer treatment. The hospital holding the sperm sample refused to release it, citing the absence of guidelines for such a scenario where there was no surviving spouse. Seeking to continue their son’s legacy, the parents petitioned the court, which ultimately granted them permission to use the sperm for surrogacy. This ruling raises important legal, ethical, and social questions about the evolving concept of family and the rights surrounding posthumous reproduction.

Why I am an optimist about the situation in Pakistan

In Pakistan the real rulers are the army. After the events of 9th May, 2023 ( which many people say were stage managed ), a fascist reign of terror was unleashed by the Pakistan army, and about 14,000 people arrested on trumped up and concocted charges, many beaten and tortured, and then incarcerated in jail where they are still living in inhuman conditions. Some have even ‘disappeared’. The judiciary, headed by that shameless, sold out, toady of the Pakistan Establishment, Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, has become totally servile, and does nothing to protect the liberties of the people, which was its solemn Constitutional duty, and the media has been largely silenced.

Constitutional Validity of CAA and Its Impact on Secularism

The CAA remains one of the most contentious legal and constitutional debates in contemporary India.

While the government advocates for this act as humanitarian, the critics argue that the very secular ethos of the Indian Constitution is violated, and a religious criterion is induced for citizenship.