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State bar councils cannot charge sky-high fees for enrolling lawyers: SC

State bar councils cannot charge exorbitant fees for enrolling law graduates as lawyers as it perpetuates "systemic discrimination" against marginalised and economically weaker sections, the Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday. Stating that "dignity is crucial to substantive equality", the bench observed that state bar councils (SBCs) and the Bar Council of India (BCI) cannot "alter or modify" the fiscal policy laid down by Parliament. They are users of delegated powers under the Advocates Act, 1961, a bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said, specifying that they cannot charge more than Rs 650 and Rs 125 for enrolling law graduates from the general and SC-ST categories, respectively. The verdict, which was reserved on April 22, came on 10 pleas filed by some lawyers who claimed SBCs were levying exorbitant enrolment fees, and the counter pleas of some SBCs. It was alleged that the enrolment fee is Rs 42,100 in Odisha, Rs 25,000 in Gujarat, Rs 23,650 in Uttarakhand, Rs 21,460

"Call security..." CJI DY Chandrachud warns lawyer during NEET-UG hearing

During the hearing of NEET-UG case as advocate Mathew Nedumpara intervened to answer CJI DY Chandrachud’s query on the issue, CJI asked him not interrupt the proceedings.

Supreme Court rejects NEET-UG retest, finds no evidence of systemic breach

The Supreme Court stated that after reviewing data from the National Testing Agency and a report by IIT Madras, it found no evidence of a mass-scale paper leak

Teaching law in regional languages can improve legal system's access: CJI

Chief Justice of India Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud on Saturday said law students should be well-versed with regional languages and laws related to regional issues so that people's access to the legal system can be improved. Addressing the third convocation of Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University, Lucknow, Justice DY Chandrachud underscored the importance of imparting legal education in easy language, asserting that it is currently a shortcoming in the legal profession. Citing an analysis done by the research department of the Supreme Court on 81 universities and colleges, the CJI said, "It was found that common people experience hurdles in understanding their rights and schemes meant for them as they do not know English." "This means that in law universities, legal education is imparted English, and many times, students at legal aid centres are not able explain legal procedures to the common people in regional languages," he said. Justice Chandrachud said he was not blami

CJI highlights Sebi and SAT's importance in 'stable investment environment'

DY Chandrachud also emphasised that behind the effective functioning of our tribunals and courts, are the registrars, researchers and staff who keep the 'machinery well-oiled'

Court premises made of hope, to realise virtues of justice: CJI Chandrachud

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said that court premises like all buildings are not just made of bricks and concrete but are made up of hope and to realise the virtues of justice and the rule of law.Chief Justice of India Chandrachud's remark came while addressing a gathering on the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for construction of court buildings -- Karkardooma, Shastri Park & Rohini Sector-26."Court premises like all buildings are not just made of bricks and concrete. They are made up of hope. Courts are made to realise the virtues of justice and the rule of law. Every case that is being filed before us, is with that hope for justice. When we invest in the safety, accessibility and comfort of our judges, lawyers and litigants, we build more than just an efficient system - we make a just and inclusive system," CJI said.He also said that these GRIHA-rated buildings would be lush with greenery and have shaded facades, diffusion of natural sunlight inside the buildings, ..

21 int'l bodies ask CJI for early resolution of Adani coal imports case

At least 21 international organisations have written to Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and requested the Supreme Court to speedily resolve the pending case filed by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, investigating Adani Group firms for alleged overvaluation of Indonesian coal imports. The letter comes after a report by the London-based Financial Times, citing documents from George Soros-backed Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), alluded to a "fraud" by the Adani Group by selling low-grade coal as high-value fuel in 2013. Contending that they stand firmly against the continued use of fossil fuels, the organisations said the Financial Times report provided fresh and detailed evidence of the passing off of "low-quality coal as far more expensive cleaner fuel" by the Adani Group in transactions with Tamil Nadu's Tangedco. The 21 international organisations that have written to Chief Justice Chandrachud are Australian Centre for International Justice, Banktrack,

CJI Chandrachud holds bilateral meeting with Uzbekistan's chief justice

CJI Chandrachud is in Tashkent to attend a gathering of chief justices from Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries

CJI Chandrachud congratulates Kapil Sibal on being elected SCBA president

Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud on Friday congratulated senior advocate Kapil Sibal on being elected as the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA). "Mr Sibal, heartiest congratulations on our behalf for being elected as the president of the SCBA. We look forward towards your cooperation and (that of) the members of the executive committee," the CJI said while holding a ceremonial bench. Thanking the CJI, Sibal said, "It is my honour that after 22 years, I have been given this opportunity to serve the bar. From our side, you will have complete cooperation and that's our commitment to the bench. It is through this cooperation that we can take the agenda forward." Sibal was elected as the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Thursday. Besides Sibal, senior advocates Adish C Aggarwala, Pradeep Kumar Rai, Priya Hingorani and advocates Tripurari Ray and Neeraj Srivastava were in the running for the post of SCBA president. According to sources, S

CJI calls for international collaboration to combat juvenile cybercrimes

Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud on Saturday said juvenile justice systems must adapt by enhancing international cooperation and sharing best practices to tackle growing transnational digital crimes involving minors, amidst the rapid evolution of technology. Chandrachud is here on a three-day official visit to Nepal at the invitation of Chief Justice of Nepal Bishwombhar Prasad Shrestha. Addressing a National Symposium on Juvenile Justice, Chief Justice Chandrachud said, "When discussing juvenile justice, we have to recognise the vulnerabilities and unique needs of children embroiled in legal conflicts and ensure that our justice systems respond with empathy, rehabilitation, and opportunities for reintegration into society." It is crucial to grasp the multifaceted nature of juvenile justice and its intersections with various dimensions of the societies, he said. Chandrachud said with technology evolving rapidly, juveniles are diving into cybercrimes like hacking, cyberbullyin

SC refuses to consider listing of plea on abolition of collegium system

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to consider listing of a plea seeking abolition of the collegium system of judges appointing judges in the higher judiciary. A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra took note of the plea of lawyer Mathews Nedumpara that his writ petition seeking abolition of the collegium system has to be listed for hearing. I have mentioned it several times. The registry has rejected it and is not listing my petition, the lawyer said. The Registrar (Listing) has said that once the Constitution bench has ruled on something, an Article 32 petition (under the Article a plea can directly be filed in the Supreme Court on grounds of infringement of fundamental rights) is not maintainable. There are other remedies against the registrar's order, the CJI said. The review petition against the NJAC judgement was dismissed in the chambers, the lawyers said, adding, This is about the credibility of the institution. The ...

21 retired judges write to CJI against attempts to 'undermine' judiciary

Former Supreme Court and high court judges expressed concerns over attempts by certain factions 'to undermine the judiciary through calculated pressure, misinformation, and public disparagement'

Probe agencies must have balance between search, seizure powers: CJI

Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud on Monday said there is a need to have a "delicate balance" between the search and seizure powers vested with investigative agencies like the CBI and an individual's right to privacy. The CJI was delivering his keynote address at the 20th D P Kohli memorial lecture in the memory of the first director of the federal probe agency. In the realm of criminal justice, the delicate balance between search and seizure powers and individual privacy rights stands and this is at the cornerstone of a fair and just society, Justice Chandrachud said. He added that at the heart of this balance lies the need to uphold due process. The CJI also flagged "unwarranted" confiscation of personal devices, saying there was a pressing need to strike a balance between investigative imperatives and individual privacy rights. He also asked the investigative agencies to "pick their battles", saying instead of spreading out too thinly in various cases, they should ..

Three criminal laws crucial step towards modernising justice system: CJI

The CJI said that the new laws encompass "substantive crime, procedure and evidence" and keeping a digital record of every stage of criminal investigation ensures a seamless flow of information

Centre defends dropping CJI from election commissioners selection panel

The Centre on Wednesday defended in the Supreme Court the appointment of two new election commissioners (ECs) under a 2023 law that excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection committee, saying the independence of the Election Commission does not arise from the presence of a judicial member on the committee. In an affidavit filed in the apex court, the Union Law Ministry rejected the petitioner's claim that the two election commissioners were hastily appointed on March 14 to "pre-empt" the orders of the top court the next day, when the matters challenging the 2023 law were listed for hearing on interim relief. The affidavit has been filed in response to a batch of pleas, including those by Congress leader Jaya Thakur and the Association for Democratic Reforms, challenging the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Terms of Office) Act, 2023. "It is submitted that the case of the petitioners is premised on one .

Mutual fraternity is necessary to maintain equality in country: CJI

Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud on Saturday said mutual fraternity is necessary to maintain equality in the country. Addressing a state-level 'Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman' campaign in Bikaner, the CJI asked how will the country progress if people fight with each other. "We should have respect for each other in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution," he said. Justice Chandrachud said that "human dignity was of supreme importance in the minds of the makers of our Constitution". "Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar, as Chairman of the Drafting Committee, ensured that the Constitution promoted the values of justice, liberty and equality as well as the spirit of fraternity and dignity of the individual," he added. Justice Chandrachud said what it means to say is that "mutual brotherhood is necessary to maintain equality in the country. "How will the country progress if people fight each other? Therefore, when we say 'Our Constitution, Our Honour', we also have to emphasize that

India, Bangladesh recognise their constitutions as living documents: CJI

Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud on Saturday said both India and Bangladesh share the tradition of constitutional and judicial systems largely aiming to ensure stability and both nations recognised their constitutions as "living documents." "Our shared tradition aims to ensure stability, but when stability is desired, the stability must never be confused with stagnation," Chandrachud said as he spoke at the valedictory function of a two-day conference here in the presence of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was the chief guest. We recognise our constitutions are living documents. The constitutions of Bangladesh and India proclaim that they are 'given to the people by the people themselves' as citizens of sovereign nations, Chandrachud said. Bangladesh's Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan chaired the event. Bangladesh's apex court judges took part in the conference, which drew many jurists, senior lawyers, and government leaders including Law Minister Anisul Huq. Earlier

Supreme Court agrees to hear startups' plea against Google's billing policy

The bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, however, refused to pass any interim orders protecting the startups from being removed from Google's Play Store

Kovind discusses simultaneous elections with former CJI U U Lalit, others

Former president and head of the high-level committee on one nation, one election Ram Nath Kovind has held consultations with former chief justice of India U U Lalit and the Bar Council of India on the issue of simultaneous polls. Continuing his deliberations with retired judges, Kovind also met former chief justice of the Meghalaya High Court Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Manan Kumar Mishra, chairman of the Bar Council of India, who gave their considered opinion on the subject, an official statement said on Saturday. It also said the committee held its fresh meeting on Saturday in which a presentation was made based on the research paper Macroeconomic Impact of Harmonising Electoral Cycles, Evidences from India' co-authored by panel member and former Finance Commission head N K Singh and Prachi Mishra. The paper indicated that simultaneous elections would precipitate higher economic growth, and result in more government investment in expenditure on capital and revenue. Saturday's ..

PM to inaugurate diamond jubilee celebration of Supreme Court on Jan 28

The Digital Supreme Court Reports (SCR) will make Supreme Court judgements available to the citizens of the country free of charge and in electronic format