[Online Examination] 'Technical Glitches Can't Be Ruled Out', Gujarat HC Allows A 'Failed' Student To Take Next Phase Of Exams [Read Order]

The Gujarat High Court on Friday (18th September) allowed a 'failed student' (as declared by the University) to take the next phase of exams (to be held on 23rd September) while observing that technical glitches could be faced during an online examination.The Single Bench of Justice Sangeeta K. Vishen further observed that "when working with the technology, technical glitches cannot be ruled...

Protection To Judges In Respect Of Actions Taken/ Words Spoken While Discharging Judicial Functions Is Absolute: Gauhati HC [Read Order]

The Gauhati High Court recently rapped a writ petitioner for adjoining a Judicial Magistrate and the HC and its Registry as Respondents to his plea against the order passed by the said Magistrate. The Bench of Chief Justice Ajai Lamba observed that Judges enjoy "absolute protection" under the Judges (Protection) Act, 1985. Thus, impleading a Judge as a Respondent party, that too by...

J&K HC Approves Establishment Of Court Annexed International Arbitration Centre

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has accorded approval to set up the J&K International Arbitration Centre (JKIAC), annexed to the High Court premises. The aim is to provide an institutionalized framework for speedy and expeditious resolution of disputes through alternate dispute resolution mechanism. As per a press release issued to this eefct, "The setting up of Jammu...

Lok Sabha Clears Bill To Decriminalize Minor Procedural Offences/ Technical Lapses Under Companies Act 2013 [Read Bill]

The Lok Sabha on Saturday passed the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2020 to decriminalize minor procedural or technical lapses under the Companies Act, 2013, into civil wrong, with an aim to enhance the ease of doing business in India. It proposes to amend 64 provisions of the Act to make overall 75 changes. The Bill was introduced in the Lower House by Minister of Corporate...

The Premises Can't Be Sealed By Authorities For An Unreasonably Long Period Than What Is Necessary: Jharkhand HC [Read Order]

The Jharkhand High Court on Friday (11th September) observed that in the case of an order of sealing, the authorities cannot be allowed to keep the premises locked for an unreasonably long period than what is absolutely necessary.A Single Bench of Justice Rajesh Shankar was hearing a writ petition filed for quashing the order as contained in memo no.705/GO dated 26th April, 2020 passed by the...

Lok Sabha Clears Taxation & Other Laws (Amendment Bill) To Relax Tax Filings [Read Bill]

The Lok Sabha on Saturday passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation of Certain Provisions) Bill, 2020 to relax time limit on compliance with tax laws, GST payment, filing, etc., amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The Bill, already in force as an Ordinance, amends as many as eight legislations viz. the Wealth-tax Act, 1957, Income Tax Act, 1961 (IT Act), Prohibition of Benami...

"A Claim To Protect Free Speech Made In Good Faith And Public Interest": Quoting Ginsberg Rebecca John Completes Priya Ramani's Defence In MJ Akbar's Criminal Defamation Case

Senior Advocate Rebecca M John today completed her final arguments on behalf of journalist Priya Ramani who is facing a criminal defamation case for sharing her #MeToo story against MJ Akbar. While addressing the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vishal Pahuja, Ms John submitted that Ramani should be acquitted as her story is her truth, which was made in good faith...

District/Trial Court To Reopen In A Phased Manner In Karnataka [Read SOP]

District and Trial courts in the state to reopen in a phased manner starting September 28. The Karnataka High Court on Saturday, issued a modified Standard Operating Procedure for the district/trial courts to follow on reopening to prevent spread of Covid-19. As per the revised SOP, from September 28, Fifty-five taluka Courts, as mentioned in the SOP, will reopen. All Courts in...

Customs/DRI Officers Empowered To Arrest Even On Suspicion Of Smuggling, Not Obliged To Cr. P. C. Norms For Making Arrest: Gujarat HC [Read Judgment]

The Gujarat High Court has ruled that any person can be arrested for any offence under the Customs Act, 1962, by the Customs Officer, if such officer has reasons to believe that such person has committed an offence punishable under Section 132 (False declaration, false documents, etc) or Section 133 (Obstruction of officer of customs) or Section 135 (Evasion of duty or prohibitions.) or...

Rajya Sabha Clears The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020 For Protection Of Healthcare Personnel During Epidemic [Read Bill]

The Rajya Sabha on Saturday passed the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020 for protection for healthcare personnel combatting epidemic diseases, by voice vote. The Bill, already in force as an Ordinance, also expands the scope of powers of the Central Government to prevent the spread of such diseases. While introducing the Bill, Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that...

[Bail Condition] Heavens Won't Fall Down If Rape Accused Is Stopped From Using Social Media To Protect Victim's Privacy: Kerala HC [Read Order]

While granting bail to a Rape accused, the Kerala High Court on Thursday (17th September) remarked that "heavens will not fall down if a condition is imposed in a bail order restraining the accused in a rape case in using social media, especially when it is to protect the victim girl's privacy."A Single Bench of Justice P. V. Kunhikrishnan was hearing the bail application of one...

'Children Are The Wealth Of This Nation', Patna HC Issues Slew of Directions For Providing Immediate Relief To Children In Bihar [Read Judgment]

On 6th July 2020, the Patna High Court had taken suo moto cognizance of the plight of children in the District Bhagalpur, Bihar due to non-availability of mid-day meals following shutting of schools and Anganwadi centres amid the COVID-19 pandemic.The Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice S. Kumar had taken cognizance of the matter based on a news report run by the...