Advocates-on-Record Examination, 2015 to be held on May 26 – 29th

The Supreme Court of India’s Registry released an important Notification today regarding the Advocates-on-Record (AoR) Examination, 2015. According to the Notification, this year’s AoR Examination will be held in the Supreme Court premises in New Delhi on 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th of May, 2015.Interested candidates should send their applications, which must reach the Secretary, Board...

Gujarat Assembly passes Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organized Crime (GCTOC) Bill, 2015 which was previously rejected by two Presidents

The Gujarat Assembly yesterday passed the controversial Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organized Crime (GCTOC) Bill, 2015. The provisions of this anti-terror legislation had previously been rejected by the President twice. This Bill is a reworked version of the Gujarat Control of Organized Crime Bill (GUJCOC), 2003.A few changes have been incorporated in the 2015 Bill. The Bill however,...

Establishing Morning and Evening Courts delayed because of lawyer's resistance and non-availability of retired Judges says Law Minister

A grant of Rs. 5,000 crores made by the Thirteenth Finance Commission was rendered to States to put Judicial system for developing the infrastructure of courts in the country.The scheme was passed with a five year plan taking the period of 2010-2015. Infrastructure components included in this grant are the following:Establishing ADR CentresMaintenance of Heritage Court BuildingsCreations of...

Union, EC to reply on plea for more seats for SC/ST in the Parliament, Assembly : SC

The Apex court recently sought responses from the Election Commission and the central government on a plea seeking "re-adjustment" of reserved parliamentary and assembly seats for scheduled castes and tribes after the inclusion of more castes in SC category in 2002 and 2007 by virtue of SCs and STs Orders (Amendment) Act, 2002 and 2007. Chief Justice H L Dattu and Justice Arun Mishra...

Delhi HC bench stays order bringing AGI's office under RTI till April 27

A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice R S Endlaw stayed its single judge order that Attorney General of India's (AGI) office is a public authority falling under the ambit of Right to Information Act until April 27. The court held that the findings by single judge require consideration and as such, the appeal filed by Ministry of Law and Justice will be heard on the said date....

CIC can take suo moto actions under RTI

The Ministry of Environment and Forests has been issued directions by the CIC to inform the people through the Commission about impact and harmful effects on Mumbai people due to digging and burning of hills, report of study done or action taken, if any, or if any action is contemplated on this situation, and to find out from the authorities concerned whether such destruction of hills...

Strikes in UP Courts: CJ Chandrachud headed Seven Judge bench takes Suo Motu Cognizance and issues notice

In relation to the judicial disorder created in the aftermath of a young lawyer’s killing in the district court premises in Allahabad, the special seven judges' bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud passed an order seeking reports from district judges on advocates who may have been responsible for prolonged strikes in their respective jurisdiction.The special High Court bench has...

Nibhaya’s accused counsels to reply Supreme Court for alleged derogatory remarks

There is bad news for the two counsels, M L Sharma and A P Singh of the accused in Nirbhaya gang rape case. The apex court has sought reply from them within two weeks following a body of women lawyers (Women Lawyers’ Association) took legal action against them for allegedly making derogatory remarks against women in the now banned short film by BBC."We have heard the argument, pleadings...

Sahara gets three more months to submit its final plan to raise funds

The Supreme Court of India today gave three months time to Sahara to submit its final plan to raise funds. Meanwhile, Subrata Roy, founder of the Sahara group continues to be in Tihar Jail, where he has been lodged for more than a yearToday, the Apex Court allowed Sahara to sell part of its Aamby Valley township, which is outside of Mumbai and has luxury villas as well as a golf course....

Witness not allowed to depose in Court as he refused to take oath on Bhagvat Gita

The Asian Age has reported that an assistant municipal commissioner (AMC) from Bhiwandi Nizampur Municipal Corporation has written a complaint to the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court saying that he was not allowed to depose as a witness before a local court because he was an atheist and refused to take oath on the Bhagvad Gita. He has requested the High Court to issue directions to...

Lok Sabha passes 14 Bills during Budget session so far; Rajya Sabha-8, Both Houses-7

Details of business transacted in both the Houses of Parliament during the first phase of Budget session that concluded on March 20, 2015 are given below:Lok SabhaRajya SabhaTotal no. of days of the Session2626Actual no. of Sittings1919Bill Introduced12--*Bills Passed1408*Rajya Sabha took up for consideration and passing Bills pending in the House or transmitted from Lok Sabha.Bills passed...

Union Cabinet approves fresh bill to repeal 758 Appropriation Acts

In line with its previous actions and vow to remove archaic laws from the statute books, the Union Cabinet yesterday approved a Bill to remove over 700 Appropriation Acts. The Bill aims to repeal 758 Appropriation Acts, including Railways (appropriation) Acts.Reportedly, most of the laws that are sought to be repealed have already completed their duration of operation and now just remain on...