Courts Adopting Video Conferencing : A Welcome Change

Covid-19 has been able to get cases across courts all over India adjourned for the next few weeks. Rightly so, the court crowd is an easy target for the monstrous corona virus. To contain its spread, courts all over the World are diverting courthouse traffic to virtual courts using remote video technology. In India, the Supreme Court is spearheading this change, with many High Courts following suit. It is arguable whether this technological breakthrough would have been introduced if not for...

COVID-19 : Centre Notifies EPF Scheme Amendment Permitting Non-Refundable Advance To Members [Read Notification]

The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment has notified an amendment to the EPF Scheme 1952 to allow withdrawal of non-refundable advance by EPF members/subscribers in the wake of COVID -19 pandemic in the country. The notification permits withdrawal of up to the amount of basic wages and dearness allowance for three months or upto 75% of the amount standing to member's credit in the...

COVID19: Plea in SC Seeks Basic Necessities For Marginalised, Waiver Of Taxes & Duties On Essential Goods During Lockdown

"Restricting movement of marginalised without accessibility to food, shelter & medicines violates Constitutional tenets" A plea has been filed by Advocate Amit Sahni in the Supreme Court seeking directions to Central & State Governments across India in order to ensure that basic necessities are provided to marginalized sections. Further, the petitioner has sought waiver...

Their Lordships Are "Also Humans"! : Justice Anand Venkatesh

Mental Health in common parlance includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also determines how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life. Positive mental health allows people to realize their potential at its fullest capacity, cope with the stresses of life, work productively and make meaningful contributions to the community. Judges, in particular, undertake the difficult...

'Force Majeure', 'Act Of God' & 'Doctrine Of Frustration' Under Indian Contract Act [Explainer]

A discussion on legal principles governing contractual obligations amid COVID-19 pandemic

Justice In The Time Of Covid-19: First-Hand Experience Of Videoconferencing At Supreme Court

After a self-imposed quarantine of more than 10 days, it was rather exciting to see the cause list on the website of the Supreme Court which showed that my matter was listed at 3 PM on 27.03.2020.What is rather commendable is that in times of complete lockdown due to Covid-19, the Apex Court has evolved an extra-ordinary process to ensure the listing and hearing of urgent matters. The method to get the matter listed is simple and, in my experience, far easier than getting the matter listed...

Celebrating The Life Of Eminent Jurist T R Andhyarujina

"A gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out." -George Bernard Shaw

Anti CAA Activist Akhil Gogoi Granted Bail By Gauhati HC After Hearing Via Video Conferencing [Read Order]

The Gauhati High Court has granted bail to Akhil Gogoi, who is facing charges of 'waging a war', for his involvement in protests against Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019. Justice Ajai Lamba heard his bail plea in a 'virtual court' in wake of Corona virus outbreak. Akhil Gogoi, Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) leader and anti-CAA Activist, was accused of having 'committed various...

Ranjan Gogoi's Allegations Against Justice AP Shah: What Is The Truth?

Faced with a barrage of criticism from a number of former judges, many of whom had been his colleagues, such as, Justices A.K. Patnaik, J. Chelameswar, M. Lokur, K. Joseph and A.P. Shah, for accepting a Rajya Sabha seat from the government soon after his retirement, and after having delivered several important judgements like Ayodhya, Sabrimala, Rafale to the government, Justice Gogoi has defended himself by mounting an offensive against his former colleagues and judges and against what he...

No Justification For Police Brutality Against Persons During Lockdown

"Public compliance cannot be obtained with violence and in order to combat COVID-19 successfully, a reversal of the adversarial relationship between the police and the public is the need of the hour".

Delhi Riots : Plea In Delhi HC Seeks Re-Opening Of Mustafabad Relief Camp

An application has been moved in the Delhi High Court challenging the closing down of the Idgah Relief Camp in Mustafabad by the Delhi government. Filed by victims of attack during the Delhi riots, the plea seeks orders directing the Union and Delhi government to re-open the relief camp and immediately make provisions for food & water supplies, sanitation, cleanliness and security.On...

COVID-19: Bombay HC Imposes Costs Of Rs.25,000 On Petitioner For Mentioning Matter Without Urgency

The Bombay High Court on Thursday fined a petitioner Rs.25,000 for failing to adhere to the directions issued by the Court in light of the outbreak of the pandemic of coronavirus asking advocates to only mention matters that were extremely urgent in nature.Justice KK Tated was hearing a writ petition filed by M/s Keshavlal & Company challenging an order passed by Minister, Food and...