Lex Regula News Letter - March 07, 2025
INDIA
Antitrust Investigation into Quick-Commerce Platforms
India's Competition Commission has initiated an antitrust investigation into quick-commerce platforms Blinkit (owned by Zomato), Swiggy's Instamart, and Zepto. The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) alleges that these platforms engage in deep discounting practices detrimental to small retailers. The rapid growth of the quick-commerce sector, delivering products within 10 minutes and projected to reach a market value of $35 billion by 2030, has intensified these concerns. The investigation aims to assess potential predatory pricing and its impact on traditional distribution networks.
Reuters
Surge in Gold-Backed Loans Raises Regulatory Concerns
India has experienced a significant increase in gold-backed loans, with the Reserve Bank of India reporting a 68% growth in the first nine months of the current fiscal year. This surge is attributed to economic slowdown and rising gold prices, leading individuals to leverage gold assets for quick funds. Regulatory bodies are concerned about potential defaults and misuse of collateral, prompting calls for improved valuation processes and monitoring by financial institutions.
Financial Time
Acquittal of British Activist Jagtar Singh Johal
Jagtar Singh Johal, a British human rights activist detained in India since 2017, has been acquitted of all terrorism-related charges by a Punjab court. Despite the acquittal, Johal remains in custody due to pending cases. His legal team and supporters are urging the UK government to intervene for his release, citing a lack of credible evidence and allegations of torture during his detention.
THEGUARDIAN.COM
Supreme Court's Stance on Land Acquisition Compensation
The Supreme Court of India has directed the Karnataka government to compensate landowners at current market value for land acquired in 1986. The court ruled that withholding compensation for over three decades violated the right to property. The government had acquired the land for a layout in Mysuru but neither took possession nor paid compensation until 2019, prompting the court's intervention.
Economic Times
Proposal to Regulate Foreign Law Firms
The Union Ministry of Law and Justice has proposed amendments to the Advocates Act, 1961, granting the government authority to regulate the entry of foreign law firms and lawyers into India. This move aims to align legal practices with global standards and address concerns regarding the operation of foreign entities within India's legal sector.
Legal Economic Times
INTERNATIONAL
UK's Proposed Copyright Reforms for AI Under Legal Scrutiny
The UK government's proposed changes to copyright laws, intended to benefit AI companies, are facing criticism for potentially violating international law. Legal experts warn that allowing AI companies to use copyrighted works without prior consent could breach the Berne Convention, part of the World Trade Organization framework, potentially exposing the UK to retaliatory tariffs. The Publishers Association argues that the issue lies in AI developers' non-compliance with existing laws, rather than the laws themselves.
Sudan Accuses UAE of Genocide Violations at ICJ
Sudan has filed a case against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the International Court of Justice, accusing the UAE of breaching the Genocide Convention by funding and arming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) rebel group. Sudan alleges that the UAE's support enabled the RSF to commit atrocities against the Masalit people. The UAE has dismissed these accusations as a diversion from Sudan's own internal issues. The conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has resulted in over 24,000 deaths and displaced 14 million people.
Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) System Impedes Fossil Fuel Phase-Out
Countries are hesitant to phase out fossil fuels due to fears of costly lawsuits through the investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) system. This mechanism allows companies to sue governments for lost profits if laws change to impact investments, such as environmental regulations. Notable cases include Romania, Italy, and Mexico facing significant payouts or threats due to decisions affecting mining or fossil fuel projects. This system, originally designed to protect investments in politically unstable countries, now often hampers environmental action, leading to a "regulatory chill" where governments delay or dilute climate policies to avoid litigation costs.
ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Israeli Leaders
On November 21, 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. They are accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare during the Gaza war. This marks the first time the ICC has issued an arrest warrant against the leader of a Western-backed democratic country for war crimes. The warrants obligate 125 ICC member states, including France and the United Kingdom, to arrest Netanyahu and Gallant if they enter their territory.
ICJ Considers South Africa's Genocide Allegations Against Israel
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is conducting hearings on South Africa's request to halt Israel's military offensive in Gaza, alleging breaches of the Genocide Convention. The proceedings aim to determine whether Israel's actions constitute genocide and if provisional measures are necessary to protect the rights of the affected populations.
Stay tuned with the Lex Regula News Letter for latest updates!
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