Columns

The concept of Uniform Civil Code has been revived in recent times with a new bill which envisages the setting up of a committee to examine the issue. The code has enormous implications for religious minorities. Freedom of religion is the core of our culture. Even the slightest deviation can undermine the social fibre.

The predominance of English as legal language disempowers the masses as there is a gap between folk and official language. It only enables the elite to expropriate the business of law. This is antithetical to the spirit of democracy.

The trend of authorities rushing to administer justice by demolishing the homes of accused without following due processes of law has been slammed by courts.

The POCSO Act criminalises all sexual activity for those under the age of 18, regardless of whether it is by mutual consent. In an era of internet, mobiles, OTT, movies and evolving minds of minors, how realistic is it for those aged 18 to consent to sex? Should it not be reviewed or reduced in the present circumstances?

Covid has come back to haunt China, the country of its origin. India should take firm measures this time to prevent the situation from getting out of hand despite vaccinating the people.

The central government told the Supreme Court recently that it can’t be held liable for the rare deaths caused by adverse effects of the Covid-19 vaccine. Two young women in Telangana and Tamil Nadu died after vaccination.

The president has urged that the increasing number of undertrials be tackled. The solution lies in a criminal justice  monitoring board to track the progress of criminal cases and sticking to CrPC timelines.

The gruesome murder of Shraddha Walkar by her live-in partner Aftab Poonawala has shocked the nation and led to questions about relationships and domestic violence. What does the law say and what can others do in a similar situation?

Six years after the misadventure, people are still fumbling to find answers. With black money still in circulation, what was the purpose of the move? The government needs to explain. 

Gangsters of north India have realised that the safest place for them to be is inside the prison. The prisons have become business hubs for such criminals as everything that is required to run their rackets are available inside at the “right price”. To counter this, authorities are planning to shift them to jails in south India.