Acquittal of British Activist Jagtar Singh Johal
Jagtar Singh Johal, a British Sikh activist detained in India since 2017, has been acquitted of terrorism charges by a Punjab court. Despite this acquittal, he remains in custody due to additional cases filed against him by India's National Investigation Agency. Human rights organizations and UK officials continue to advocate for his release.
Supreme Court Allows Podcaster to Resume Shows with Conditions
India's Supreme Court has permitted podcaster Ranveer Allahabadia, known as BeerBiceps, to resume his shows, provided they adhere to standards of "morality and decency." Allahabadia faced obscenity charges after making inappropriate comments during a YouTube show, leading to multiple police complaints.
Supreme Court Issues Guidelines Against 'Bulldozer Justice'
The Supreme Court of India has issued guidelines outlawing the use of immediate demolition, termed 'bulldozer justice,' as a punitive measure without due process. The court emphasized the necessity of providing notice and the opportunity for appeal before any demolition action is taken.
Activist Umar Khalid's Bail Plea Developments
Activist Umar Khalid, jailed since 2020 without trial, withdrew his bail plea from the Supreme Court in February 2024, opting to approach a lower court. In December 2024, he was granted a seven-day interim bail to attend a family wedding.
Enactment of the Mediation Act, 2023
The Indian government passed the Mediation Act, 2023, aiming to reduce the judiciary's burden by promoting mediation as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism. The Act outlines the applicability, procedures, and guidelines for mediation in India.
Court Dismisses Challenge to Adani's Mumbai Slum Redevelopment Contract
An Indian court dismissed a petition challenging the award of a contract to the Adani Group for the redevelopment of Dharavi, one of Asia's largest slums. The court found no irregularities in the bidding process, allowing the project to proceed.
Supreme Court's Stance on Same-Sex Marriage
The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear petitions seeking legal recognition of same-sex marriages. The court's decision could have significant implications for LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
High Court Orders Compensation for Unlawful Detention
The Delhi High Court directed the state government to compensate an individual who was unlawfully detained for over a year without trial, emphasizing the importance of personal liberty and timely judicial processes.
Judicial Appointments and Collegium System
Debates continue over the collegium system for judicial appointments in India, with discussions focusing on transparency and accountability within the judiciary.
Digitalization of Court Records
The Indian judiciary is advancing efforts to digitize court records and proceedings to enhance efficiency and accessibility, reflecting a significant shift towards modernization.
INTERNATIONAL
EU Enforces Stricter Import Controls on Antiquities
The European Union has implemented new regulations to combat the trafficking of cultural goods. Effective from June, these rules require import licenses for antiquities over 200 years old and valued above €18,000. Importers must provide proof of lawful export, aiming to prevent the sale of artifacts looted from conflict zones. While museums support these measures for promoting due diligence, the art market expresses concerns about potential disruptions and the risk of pushing legitimate artifacts into illegal markets.
Wall Street Profits by Funding Lawsuits Against Environmental Laws
Wall Street speculators are increasingly funding lawsuits against governments over environmental regulations that affect corporate profits. Utilizing the investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) system, corporations can sue countries for lost profits due to government actions, including environmental laws. This trend raises concerns about the impact on the integrity and cost of the ISDS system, with critics advocating for reforms to prevent excessive and speculative litigation.
UK Government's Proposed AI Copyright Changes May Breach International Law
The UK government's proposal to allow tech companies to use the works of British creatives without permission, unless creators opt out, could violate international law. Legal experts warn that this approach may contravene the World Trade Organization's conventions and the Berne copyright convention. The creative industry has expressed strong opposition, fearing significant negative impacts.
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, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare, and crimes against humanity 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. The warrants obligate 125 ICC member states, including France and the United Kingdom, to arrest Netanyahu and Gallant if they enter their territories.
ICC Seeks Arrest Warrants for Taliban Leaders Over Oppression of Women
On January 23, 2025, the ICC's Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan, announced requests for arrest warrants against Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada and Afghanistan's Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani. They are accused of crimes against humanity, including the oppression and persecution of Afghan women and girls, who have been deprived of fundamental rights since 2021.
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