Laws

New labour codes: 10 big changes every employee must know

India’s new labour codes are now officially in force, reshaping how salaries, leaves, working hours, and workplace protections work across the country.

CJI BR Gavai's tenure ends soon: Meet Justice Surya Kant the next in line | Supreme court

Chief Justice B.R. Gavai has recommended Justice Surya Kant — the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court after him as his successor.

HC grants relief to Galderma against infringers using 'CETAPHIL' trademark

Bombay HC issues John Doe injunction allowing Galderma to take immediate action against counterfeit CETAPHIL products; seizures made in New Delhi and Mumbai

Another shocking gang-rape case reported in Kolkata: Who are the accused?

Another shocking gang-rape case has emerged from Kolkata, nearly 10 months after a postgraduate trainee doctor was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August 2024.

US Supreme Court upholds Tennessee law banning youth transgender care

The court, in a 6-3 ruling powered by its conservative justices, decided that the ban does not violate the US

Delhi HC grants relief to CLAT-PG candidates, asks to declare results soon

The Delhi High Court on Friday granted relief to CLAT-PG candidates over alleged discrepancies in the answer key and directed the consortium of NLUs to declare results soon. A bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela's decision came over the plea of students in relation to a couple of answers in the key. The court, however, rejected the objection with respect to the declared answer to a third question, and asked the consortium of national law universities (NLUs) to accordingly award marks to the candidates. The court passed the order while deciding three pleas seeking rectification of errors in the final answer key of the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)-PG 2025. The bench's verdict highlighted the issue of a high fee of Rs 1,000 charged by the consortium per question for raising the objection to the provisional answer key, observing there ought to be a "fine balance" between the concerns of the candidates and the institutions. While comparing the fee cha

Govt may bring impeachment motion against Justice Varma in cash row

The three-judge panel found merit in allegations that large amounts of cash were discovered at Justice Varma's official residence during a fire incident on March 14

Rank states based on case-clearance rate for faster dispute resolution: CII

CII on Sunday called for "urgent reforms" to address the burgeoning pendency of cases across India, suggesting that the National Judicial Data Grid could report real-time automated rankings of states on the basis of case-clearance rate to encourage faster dispute resolution. With over 5 crore cases pending across various courts and case disposal rates lagging behind the new admissions in many jurisdictions, urgent reforms are required to address the burgeoning pendency of cases, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) stated. It termed the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) an an important initiative towards reducing pendency by enabling data-driven policy interventions. With a view to fostering competitive spirit among states, NJDG could report real-time automated rankings of states based on the data collected on grid, the industry body said. Ranking could subsequently be considered at more disaggregated levels, like for commercial and non-commercial cases, separately. "To beg

Conviction rate to go up with new criminal laws, says HM Amit Shah

The conviction rate will go up with the implementation of the new criminal laws that will then lead to a drop in crimes, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday. The biggest feature of the new criminal laws is that their soul is Indian and their objective is to provide justice, he further said. Shah was addressing a gathering at an event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the successful implementation of the three new criminal laws. The new laws -- the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam -- came into effect on July 1, replacing the British-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively. Chandigarh has become the country's first administrative unit to achieve 100 per cent implementation of the three laws. After the implementation of the new laws, justice will be ensured in less time, the conviction rate will be higher and, because of that, the crime

Need to make laws more strict to curb vulgarity on social media: Vaishnaw

Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said there is a need to make existing laws more stringent to curb vulgar content on social media platforms. Speaking in Lok Sabha, the Information and Broadcasting Minister said the Parliamentary Standing Committee should take up the issue and also called for a consensus to frame more strict laws in this regard. Earlier, there were editorial checks and it was decided whether something was right or wrong, but those checks have ended. Today, social media is a platform for the freedom of press but it is uncontrolled and there is vulgar content, the minister said during the Question Hour. There is a need to make existing laws more stringent to curb vulgar content on social media platforms, Vaishnaw said amid din in the House. He was responding to questions by BJP member Arun Govil about existing mechanisms to check the illegal telecast of vulgar and sex-related content through social media platforms and whether the government proposes to mak

Public participation needed in formulation of laws, policies: Om Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Sunday said that there is a need for bigger public participation in formulations of laws and public policies in this era of information technology. He appealed to all citizens to express their views and suggestions whenever a new law is put in public domain because the laws once implemented have a long-term impact on people, state and entire country. "Though public participation is there in formulation of laws and policies, I feel it inadequate and there is a need to enhance it," Birla said while inaugurating the KIIT School of Public Policy here. He advocated for citizen-centric policies that involve all stakeholders, ensure equal rights and are answerable to the people. Speaking to an audience of academicians, policymakers, judges and students, Birla emphasized the importance of public policy in shaping the future of the country. The public policies should be formulated in such a way that all sections of the society are equally treated, he said. Th

Marital rape: SC to decide validity of laws granting immunity to husbands

The Supreme Court on Thursday said it will decide the constitutional validity of penal provisions in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) which grant immunity from prosecution to a husband for the offence of rape if he forces his wife, who is not a minor, to have sex with him. A bench of Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra sought views of the petitioners on Centre's contention that making such acts punishable would severely impact the conjugal relationship and cause serious disturbances in the institution of marriage. Senior advocate Karuna Nundy, appearing for one of the petitioners, opened the arguments and referred to the provisions of the IPC and BNS on marital rape. "It is a constitutional question. There are two judgments before us and we have to decide. The core issue is of the constitutional validity (of the penal provisions)," the CJI said. Nundy said the court must strike down a provision, which wa

Justice will no longer be 'blind': Supreme Court embraces new symbolism

The blindfold, long associated with impartiality and equality before the law, has been replaced with open eyes

Probe can't be thwarted by quashing FIR if prima facie case evident: SC

The Supreme Court has said when a First Information Report (FIR) alleges dishonest conduct by an accused and materials disclose commission of a cognisable offence then the investigation cannot be thwarted by quashing the FIR. A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said it was trite law that an FIR was not an encyclopedia of all imputations. It further observed that while deciding if a criminal proceeding or an FIR should be quashed at the very threshold, the allegations in the FIR, including the materials collected during investigation, should be taken at face value to determine whether or not a prima facie case against the accused for investigation was made out. "Thus, when the FIR alleges dishonest conduct on the part of the accused which, if supported by materials, would disclose commission of a cognisable offence, the investigation should not be thwarted by quashing the FIR," the bench said in its verdict pronounced on October 14. The top court's decision came on an .

Clear laws, SOPs needed to protect workers, manufacturers' interests: GTRI

The government needs to focus on formulating clear laws, and standard operating procedures to protect workers and interests of companies to foster a more stable industrial environment in the country, economic think tank GTRI has suggested. It also said that to reduce industrial strikes, India must prioritize protecting workers' rights while maintaining industrial stability and there is an urgent need to take steps to help address labour disputes before they escalate into strikes. "Industrial strikes have led to factory closures and job losses in India for decades," GTRI founder Ajay Srivastava said, adding that the strike by over 1,000 workers at Samsung's Sriperumbudur factory in Tamil Nadu since September 9 is not an isolated event. He suggested seven steps that includes enforcement of labour laws, setting up mediation systems, union-management dialogue, legal framework for labour compliance, collaboration between centre and states on the subject, and intelligence to detect ...

SC refuses plea for curbing noise pollution, laser beams at public events

The Supreme Court has refused to entertain a plea for curbing noise pollution and unregulated use of laser beams during festivals in Maharashtra. While rejecting the petition, the top court noted festivals like Ganapati puja' are over in the state and, moreover, the Bombay High Court has already permitted filing of representations to the officials concerned in cases of violation of the judgement on the issue. On Tuesday, a bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra was hearing a plea filed by Akhil Bhartiya Grahak Panchayat' seeking directions to regulate use of laser beams and loudspeakers at public functions including religious festivals. The high court, on April 20, disposed of a PIL seeking directions to curb unregulated use of laser beams and loudspeakers at public events and said those aggrieved can approach the authorities concerned. "You move a representation, the bench said, adding that if the petitioner is dissatisfied, it may

Laws strong enough, implement in letter, spirit: Centre to Mamata

Union Minister Annapurna Devi on Friday asserted that existing laws were stringent enough to tackle violence and crimes against women and urged the West Bengal government to implement the same in "letter and spirit". In a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the second in a week, Devi, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, said the state government has not operationalised additional 11 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC) to specifically deal with cases of rape and POCSO cases. Devi said West Bengal has established 88 Fast Track Courts (FTCs), which are not the same as the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) covered under the Central Government Scheme. Banerjee on Friday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reiterating her request for stringent central legislation and exemplary punishment on heinous crimes like rape and murder. Banerjee, who wrote to Modi a few days ago on the issue following nationwide uproar over the rape and murder of a doctor at the R

Effective policing required to make India third largest economy: Home secy

Effective policing, effective law and order, and effective action against crimes and criminals are necessary for India to become the third largest economy in the world, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan said Wednesday. Delivering Dr Anandswarup Gupta Memorial Lecture on the 54th Foundation Day of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) as the chief guest, he said the role of the organisation in police modernisation and upgradation is of paramount importance. The home secretary said BPR&D is the only Central Police Organisation that connects all other police organisations and police forces of states and Union territories through its role as the think tank of the Indian police, for the promotion of excellence in policing through research, modernisation, training, and capacity building. He lauded BPR&D's efforts in training and publicity for the implementation of the new criminal laws, which have resulted in the training of more than nine lakh stakeholders ...

Govt mulls stricter penalties for misuse of national emblems, names

The Union government is considering significant amendments to the Names and Emblem (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, to strengthen the law and deter violations. Sources within the government said the proposed changes include substantial increases in fines and the introduction of imprisonment for offenders. Under the current law, violators face a mere Rs 500 penalty for improper use of certain emblems and names, as stipulated in Section 3 of the Act. The Act prohibits use of Names and Emblems for trade, business or profession or in the title of any patent or in any trademark, design or any name or emblem specified in the schedule of the Act without permission of the central government. The Consumer Affairs Ministry, which is spearheading the amendment process, aims to bolster the Act's enforcement capabilities. According to sources, the ministry has proposed raising the fine to Rs 1 lakh for first-time offenders. Repeat violators could face penalties of up to Rs 5 lakh and a

Crimes against women unpardonable sin, says PM Modi in Maharashtra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said his government is strengthening laws to provide for stringent punishment for crimes against women. Addressing a Lakhpati Didi rally at Jalgaon in north Maharashtra, Modi also said his government has done more for women in the last 10 years than was done by all the previous regimes since Independence. Till 2014, less than Rs 25,000 crore loans were given to women self-help groups but in the last 10 years, Rs 9 lakh crore help was given, Modi said. Modi, who interacted with Lakhpati Didis at Jalgaon, released the Rs 2,500 crore revolving fund benefiting 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh self-help groups. The Lakhpati Didi scheme is not only about boosting the income of women, but also about empowering future generations, Modi said. You must have heard that India is going to become the third-largest economy in the world. Women play a huge role in it. However, it wasn't the case a couple of years ago, Modi said. Women guarantee the prosperity of