Lex Regula News Letter - March 09, 2025
India
Gang Rape of Israeli Tourist and Indian Host in Karnataka
In Karnataka, India, an Israeli tourist and her Indian host were assaulted while stargazing. Three assailants approached the group, demanding money, and subsequently attacked them. Two suspects have been arrested, with one still at large. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about sexual violence in India, which has seen a significant rise in reported cases.
British Activist Jagtar Singh Johal Acquitted in Terrorism Case
Jagtar Singh Johal, a British Sikh activist detained in India since 2017, has been acquitted of terrorism charges by a Punjab court. Johal was arrested during his wedding trip and accused of supporting Sikh extremists. Despite the acquittal, he remains in custody as he faces eight similar cases filed by India's National Investigation Agency, with concerns about the use of alleged torture to obtain confessions. Human rights organizations and UK officials are urging for his release.
New Financial Regulators Appointed Amid Market Challenges
India has appointed new leaders to key financial regulatory positions, signaling a shift toward promoting economic growth. Tuhin Kanta Pandey is now the chief of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and Sanjay Malhotra has become the governor of the Reserve Bank of India. These appointments raise discussions about the balance between regulatory autonomy and government influence. Concurrently, Indian markets have experienced significant losses, with the Nifty 50 index declining for five consecutive months, erasing $1 trillion in investor wealth.
INTERNATIONAL
Wall Street Profits from Lawsuits Against Environmental Regulations
Wall Street financiers are increasingly funding lawsuits against governments over environmental laws that affect corporate profits. Utilizing the investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) system, corporations can sue countries for lost profits due to governmental actions, including environmental regulations. This trend raises concerns about the integrity of environmental policies and the potential for increased speculative litigation.
Debate Over Seizing Frozen Russian Assets to Aid Ukraine
Lord Hermer has been accused of delaying the utilization of approximately £230 billion in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. Concerns revolve around potential violations of international laws related to property rights and sovereign immunity, as well as the impact on London's financial reputation. Discussions continue on finding lawful solutions to repurpose these assets for Ukraine's defence efforts.
India's Stance on Illegal Immigration Aligns with U.S. Policies
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed willingness to assist the U.S. in addressing illegal immigration by repatriating Indian nationals residing illegally in the U.S. This move aims to strengthen U.S.-India relations, particularly in trade and defense sectors, and to secure legal avenues for Indian professionals and students through programs like the H-1B visa.
Border Fence Plan Threatens Northeast Indian Villages
In Longwa, a village in northeast India, the planned construction of a border fence between India and Myanmar is causing concern among residents. The fence threatens to divide the village, impacting over 170 buildings, including schools and a church, and disrupting the traditional way of life of the Konyak tribe, who have historically moved freely across the border.
U.S. Supreme Court to Decide on Suing Palestinian Authorities
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to determine whether Palestinian authorities can be sued in American courts by victims of terrorism in the Middle East. This follows a federal appeals court decision favoring the Palestine Liberation Organization and Palestinian Authority, invalidating a 2019 law designed to allow such lawsuits. The case will address whether the law violates due process for these entities.
Calls for Australia to Withdraw from the International Criminal Court
Following the International Criminal Court's issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, discussions have emerged in Australia about withdrawing from the ICC. Critics argue that the ICC operates with political bias and that major powers like the U.S., China, Russia, and India have rejected its jurisdiction to protect their leaders from legal complaints under treaties they have not signed.
Potential Prosecution of Soldiers for Actions in Gaza
Debates are intensifying over the potential prosecution of soldiers involved in alleged war crimes in Gaza by other countries. The principle of universal jurisdiction allows national courts to prosecute severe international crimes regardless of where they occur or the perpetrator's nationality. Human rights organizations are compiling evidence and pursuing cases against individuals accused of such crimes.
Stay tuned with the Lex Regula News Letter for latest updates!
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