Female Labour Force Participation In India

In an economy chasing global status, why are so many women still absent from its workforce?The answer lies in a legacy of colonial labour divisions, entrenched patriarchy, and cultural norms that still dictate gender roles. Even when women work, they're often confined to informal, underpaid jobs, with little autonomy over their income. Legal rights exist, but social expectations continue to determine who works and who is expected to sacrifice.India's demographic dividend means little if half the...

Key Issues With Transgender Persons (Protection Of Rights) Act, 2019

On 15th April 2014, India's Apex Court delivered a landmark judgment in NALSA v. Union of India (2014 INSC 275), interpreting Article 14 as gender-neutral and recognizing the legal status of transgender persons. The judgment introduced a transformative interpretation of Articles 14, 15, and 21, considering the ongoing socio-political and legal discussions surrounding transgender rights. The Court also acknowledged the systemic injustices and marginalization faced by transgender people in every...

Declaratory Judgment Provisions In India And US: A Relief From Potential Patent Infringement?

Launching a new product or entering a new business area always raises valid concerns about possible infringements of third-party patent rights. To reduce this risk, companies conduct Freedom to Operate (FTO) studies, which can provide some assurance. However, the threat of legal action remains, especially when patents closely relate to a product or process.[1] It's important to note that an FTO does not protect against an infringement lawsuit. Therefore, one effective strategy in India is to use...

Safeguarding Individual Fundamental Rights Against Necessity For Prosecutorial Effectiveness In Law Enforcement

The Indian criminal justice system experiences ongoing challenges between protecting the fundamental rights of individuals against criminal procedure law enforcement efficiency in prosecutions, as Pankaj Bansal v. Union of India Case, which mandates written grounds for arrest for the accused, even though it has a retrospective effect. This matter came to focus once again in the Supreme Court in a Special Leave Petition filed by the State of Karnataka. The Bench of K.V. Viswanathan and N....

Guardianship In Limbo: India's Legal Silence On Patients In Comatose And Vegetative States

India's legal and policy landscape concerning disability rights has undergone significant transformation in recent years, most notably with the enactment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act), which marked a shift from a medical to a social model of disability[1]. Aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) 2006, this legislation emphasizes autonomy, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all...

Coercion By Design: The U.S. Strike On Iran And Strategic Silence Of International Law

On June 21, 2025, the United States conducted targeted airstrikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, including the Natanz and Arak sites. According to media reports, stealth B-2 bombers deployed bunker-busting munitions designed to cripple uranium enrichment infrastructure. U.S. and Israeli officials cited national security and non-proliferation concerns, while world leaders expressed deep unease. The United Nations Secretary-General described the attacks as “a dangerous escalation,” warning of “a...

BNSS-Possible Pleas By The Proposed Accused At The Pre-Cognizance Stage

Before taking cognizance of an offence, on a complaint filed on or after 01.07.2024, the Magistrate shall afford the accused an opportunity of being heard. Compliance with this requirement under the first proviso to Section 223(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short 'the BNSS') is mandatory. In short, this is the substance of the decision rendered by the Supreme Court in the case of Kushal Kumar Agarwal.1 Object of the provision The first proviso to...

Depriving Women Advocates Of POSH Protection - Disturbing Judicial Interpretation

On the 7th of July, 2025, the Bombay High Court [Alok Aradhe, CJ and Sandeep V. Marne J] held that since the Bar Council of India and the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa cannot be said to be employers of Advocates, hence they are not required comply with the Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, in respect of Advocates. It is the opinion of this author that the judges have extracted portions of the Act for perusal and arrived at a...

Resurrecting The Repugnancy: The Kerala HC's Misreading Of Coparcenary Law

IntroductionIn a recent ruling, the Kerala High Court struck down Sections 3 and 4 of the Kerala Joint Hindu Family System (Abolition) Act, 1975 (hereinafter, 1975 Act), on the ground that they were repugnant to Section 6 of the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005 (hereinafter, HSA). While the judgment appears well-intentioned in its commitment to gender justice, it suffers from serious constitutional and jurisprudential legal infirmities. The Court, in effect, discovered a repugnancy where...

The Quiet Death Of Deliberation In Parliament

In a country as diverse, complex, and populous as India, passing laws is no simple task. Every new policy or amendment affects millions of lives, intersects with existing legal frameworks, and often carries deep political and social implications. Ideally, such decisions should be made with care, consultation, and detailed analysis. But in recent years, India's legislative process seems to be racing against itself. Laws are often passed within days—sometimes even hours—without meaningful debate,...

Disclosure Of Identity: A Flagrant Violation Of Right To Privacy And Dignity

In Balasore (Odisha), a 20-year-old student set herself on fire on campus after her repeated complaints of harassment were ignored. She died unheard. But in her death, her identity has surfaced across newspapers and social media, which is equally distressing if not more. The revelation of her identity has not just violated law but the last shred of dignity. However, this not a one-off incident, where the identity has been revealed. Similar instances have taken place in RG Kar case, Anna...

Denmark Cracks Down On AI Deepfakes While Meta Hands You The Tools To Make Them

Summary: Here is a gist of the article: This article explores the growing tension between regulation and innovation in the age of AI. While Denmark introduces groundbreaking legislation allowing individuals to copyright their own facial features and voice to combat deepfake misuse, Meta is simultaneously launching “AI Twin,” a tool enabling users to create digital clones of themselves. The piece examines how these opposing developments reflect deeper legal, ethical, and societal questions about...