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Supreme Court Stays Madras HC Order Mandating YouTube Channel Shutdown for Bail

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Supreme Court Stays Madras HC Order Mandating YouTube Channel Shutdown for Bail

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India on Friday stayed a Madras High Court order that required YouTuber Felix Gerald to close down his channel, RedPix 24×7, as a condition for bail. The three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, issued the stay after Gerald’s appeal, which raised concerns over the restriction on his online platform. Gerald was arrested for hosting an interview with YouTuber Savukku Shankar, who allegedly made objectionable remarks against Madras High Court judges and women police officers. The case now awaits further consideration, with the Tamil Nadu government directed to respond to the notice.

Supreme Court Reserves Decision on Kejriwal’s Bail Plea; CBI Warns Witnesses May Turn Hostile

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Supreme Court Reserves Decision on Kejriwal’s Bail Plea; CBI Warns Witnesses May Turn Hostile

The Supreme Court has reserved its order on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s bail plea in a bribery case involving a “scam” in the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) probe. The CBI argued that witnesses, including Goa Assembly election ticket seekers, would likely turn hostile if Kejriwal is granted bail. The agency claims Kejriwal influenced the Punjab government to deny permission for investigation. The CBI’s concerns were countered by Kejriwal’s legal team, stating the Delhi High Court’s earlier dismissal due to lack of evidence.

THE EVOLUTION OF INDIAN EVIDENCE LAW

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Introduction

Evidence is a term that refers to the available body of facts or information that verifies or denies the existence or non-existence of a stated fact. It is derived from the Latin word ‘Evidera,’ meaning transparency, clarity in presentation, and the ability to prove the facts in question. In legal contexts, evidence refers to information demonstrating the truth of a statement, including spoken words and exhibits presented by witnesses. In Indian law, evidence is the eye and ear of a court, revealing relevant facts to convince the court. This includes witness statements, documents, and confessions, but excludes certain elements like party statements not given as witnesses. A proper decision in any case before a court is not possible without knowledge of true facts involved in a dispute. Through evidence, the court must ascertain whose contentions are true, and the judge must weigh the evidence available in support of or contradiction to those contentions. Evidence can be written or unwritten, and includes statements made by witnesses and documents produced for court inspection. Section 3 of the Indian Evidence Act, of 1872, defines evidence as all statements permitted or required by the court about matters of fact under inquiry.

Historical Background

The history of the law of evidence in India can be traced back to the Dharma Shastra, Muslim and English systems of law. The Dharma Shastra recognized that the purpose of trials was to ascertain the truth, and early lawmakers took precautions to secure the discovery of truth. The Indian law of evidence reached a considerable degree of perfection by the time of the ancient Dharma Shastra, embedding many modern concepts. It was recognized by Dharma Shastra and was an integral part of Muslim rule of law for determining facts in judicial proceedings. The modern English evidence law, known as the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, superseded the ancient Hindu, Muslim, and British periods. The history of the law of evidence in India can be traced through three different periods: the ancient Hindu, Muslim, and British periods.

i) Ancient Hindu period

The Hindu Dharmashastras provide information on the law of evidence in ancient India, emphasizing the purpose of trailing to ascertain the truth. Vasista recognized three types of evidence: lekhya (documentary evidence), sakshi (witnesses), and bukhthi (possession). The subcontinent was divided into independent territories, with each having a leader who aimed to protect Dharma and rule according to it. Truth was given integral importance in ancient India, leading to the development of laws. Administration was divided into different units, and there was a jury system prevalent. Even kings had to consult Brahmins for justice matters, relying on Dharma Sutras. Civil and criminal matters were heard, with each person submitting a complaint and submitting a written reply. There were two types of proofs in Hindu law: divine (ordeals) and human (witnesses, documents, and inferences from circumstances). The main features of Hindu evidence law include direct, first-hand oral evidence, circumstantial evidence, torture, various circumstances for putting burden of proof, witness division based on commission type, and documents divided into public and private.

ii) Medieval Muslim Period

The book “Muslim Jurisprudence” by Sir Abdul Rahim discusses the law of evidence in the Mohammedan dynasty. By the end of the Mameluke dynasty, Muslim rule was well established in India, with the administration of justice being largely administered by Muslim rulers. Islamic principles remained integral throughout the administration of justice, with the king being the supreme authority. Ziauddin Barani, the main man of affairs in Delhi Sultanate, stressed the idea of ‘adl’, based on equal treatment and supreme authority of justice. After the advent of the Mughals, the administrative setup of Delhi Sultanate was imitated by all rulers. Abul Fazl played an important role in Mughal administration, with the King as the supreme authority and the Qazi (judge) as the supreme provider. The judicial setting and features of evidence during the Mughal period included representatives, bifurcation in civil and criminal proceedings, and extra-judicial inquiry. Evidence was based on Hanafi law, with oral evidence being direct and hearsay evidence being preferred but under strict scrutiny.

iii) British Period

In British India, the presidency courts followed English rules of the law of evidence. The need for codification of the rules of law led to the passing of the Indian Evidence Act in 1872. Before independence, there were 600 princely states in India, each with its own rules of evidence. After independence, the East India Company came in and gained trading rights in Surat and Bengal. The Muslim penal law was prevalent in Bihar, Bengal, and Orissa, and Britishers gradually took over the judicial administration of India, superseding it with modern English laws. The First Law Commission Report, under Sir Macaulay, came in 1833 with several enactments, including the first enactment regarding the law of evidence in 1835. Important Acts pertaining to evidence in British India prior to the enactments of the Indian Evidence Act included Acts 19 of 1837, Act 5 of 1840, Act 7 of 1844, Act 15 of 1852, Act 19 of 1853, Act 10 of 1855, Act 8 of 1859, Act 25 of 1861, and Act 15 of 1869. The development of Evidence Law in India was influenced by leading cases like Zamindar of Karvetinugar v. Venkatadri, Narappa v. Gupayya, and Kazi Gulam Ali v. H.H. Aga Khan. The Third Law Commission of India assigned Sir Henry Maine with the task to draft the Indian Evidence Act, but it was rejected due to its unsuitability for India.

Indian Evidence Act, 1872

The Indian Evidence Act, 1872, was drafted by Sir James Fitz James Stephens, who was responsible for drafting a comprehensive code for Evidence Law. The initial draft, which included 39 sections, faced criticism and was dismissed. In 1870, Stephens revised the bill, resulting in the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. The Act, which covers 11 chapters and 167 sections, is a cornerstone of India’s legal framework, governing the admissibility, examination, and treatment of evidence in judicial proceedings. It categorizes evidence into oral, documentary, primary, secondary, real, hearsay, direct, circumstantial, judicial and non-judicial, and prima facie evidence. The Act also provides a detailed framework for witness examination, emphasizing fairness and impartiality. It also acknowledges the confidentiality of privileged communications and the value of expert opinions in legal proceedings. The Act has been amended to adapt to evolving legal landscapes and societal needs, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness in the dynamic Indian legal system.

Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023

In 2023, the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (Indian Evidence Act, 2023) was enacted to modernize and adapt the principles of evidence law to contemporary Indian contexts. This new legislation reflects a significant shift towards more comprehensive and updated standards of evidence, incorporating technological advancements and addressing issues that had emerged in the decades since the original Act. The 2023 Act aims to enhance the efficiency, fairness, and clarity of legal proceedings, aligning with current judicial practices and the digital age.

Conclusion

The Law of Evidence in India has evolved over centuries, starting with the Early Vedic civilizations and later developing under Muslim rule. It was formalized as a comprehensive code in 1872 by Sir James Fitzjames during British colonial rule. The Indian Evidence Act aimed to tailor the English law of evidence to India’s specific circumstances. The evolution of evidence law in India, from the 1872 Act to the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023, reflects India’s commitment to improving judicial processes and aligning with contemporary standards. The 2023 Act incorporates advancements in technology and addresses modern legal challenges, emphasizing the need for legal frameworks to adapt to societal changes and uphold principles of justice and fairness in an ever-evolving legal landscape.

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St. Stephen’s College Challenges DU’s Single Girl-Child Quota in HC

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St. Stephen’s College Challenges DU’s Single Girl-Child Quota in HC

St. Stephen’s College has argued in the Delhi High Court that Delhi University’s (DU) single girl-child quota is “ex-facie unconstitutional.” The college contended that the additional allocation of seats under this quota disrupts the admission process and infringes on its minority rights. Represented by Senior Advocate Romy Chacko, the college emphasized that such quotas interfere with the institution’s autonomy and reservation policies, which are strictly regulated. The court is now set to deliberate on the constitutionality of this admission practice.

Analysis of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act

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Introduction

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, was enacted by the Indian Parliament to address the growing concerns regarding sexual exploitation and abuse of children in the country. The Act provides a comprehensive legal framework to protect children from offenses of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography while safeguarding the interests of child victims at every stage of the judicial process.

Objectives and Reasons for the Act

The primary objective of the POCSO Act is to protect children from sexual offenses and provide them with a child-friendly judicial system that ensures their safety, dignity, and confidentiality. The Act was introduced in response to the alarming rise in sexual crimes against children and the absence of a dedicated legal framework to address such offenses. Prior to the enactment of the POCSO Act, cases involving child sexual abuse were prosecuted under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which lacked specific provisions to deal with the unique aspects of child sexual offenses.

The POCSO Act was formulated with the following objectives:

  1. Comprehensive Protection: To provide a robust legal framework that covers all forms of sexual abuse against children.
  2. Child-Friendly Mechanism: To establish special courts and procedures that prioritize the best interests of the child and ensure their protection during legal proceedings.
  3. Strict Punishments: To impose stringent penalties on offenders to act as a deterrent against sexual crimes involving children.
  4. Rehabilitation: To ensure that child victims receive appropriate care, counseling, and rehabilitation.

Key Features of the POCSO Act, 2012

  1. Wide Definition of Sexual Offenses: The POCSO Act defines various forms of sexual offenses against children, including penetrative sexual assault, non-penetrative sexual assault, sexual harassment, and use of children for pornographic purposes. The Act recognizes both physical and non-physical forms of abuse.
  2. Child-Friendly Legal Procedures: The Act mandates that the legal process be child-friendly. This includes measures such as conducting trials in camera (in private), ensuring that the child does not come in contact with the accused, and allowing the child to give testimony through video conferencing.
  3. Special Courts: The Act provides for the establishment of Special Courts to handle cases under the POCSO Act, ensuring swift justice and sensitivity towards the needs of child victims.
  4. Mandatory Reporting: The POCSO Act makes it mandatory for any person who has knowledge of an offense committed under the Act to report it to the authorities. Failure to do so is punishable under the law.
  5. Protection of Identity: The Act strictly prohibits the disclosure of the identity of the child victim to the public or media, ensuring the privacy and dignity of the child.
  6. Rehabilitation and Compensation: The Act provides for the interim compensation to the child victim to meet their immediate needs and ensures that the victim receives proper medical and psychological support.

Key Provisions of the POCSO Act, 2012

  1. Penetrative Sexual Assault (Section 3): Defined as an act where the perpetrator penetrates the child’s sexual organs with any part of their body or object. This offense is punishable with imprisonment for a term ranging from a minimum of 7 years to life imprisonment and a fine.
  2. Aggravated Penetrative Sexual Assault (Section 5): This refers to penetrative sexual assault committed by a person in a position of trust or authority over the child, such as a family member, police officer, or teacher. The punishment for this offense is more severe, ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment and a fine.
  3. Sexual Harassment of a Child (Section 11): Involves any act of physical contact, advancing unwelcome sexual remarks, or making a child exhibit their body. The punishment includes imprisonment of up to 3 years and a fine.
  4. Use of Child for Pornographic Purposes (Section 13): Involves using a child for pornographic material or facilitating such activities. The punishment ranges from 5 to 7 years of imprisonment and a fine.
  5. Abetment of an Offense (Section 16): The Act also criminalizes abetment of any offense under the POCSO Act, with the abettor facing the same punishment as the principal offender.

Case Law: State of Maharashtra v. Mohd. Wasim Sheikh (2019)

In this landmark case, the Supreme Court of India dealt with the interpretation of “penetrative sexual assault” under the POCSO Act. The accused was convicted under the POCSO Act for inserting his finger into the victim’s private parts. The court upheld the conviction, stating that the act clearly constituted penetrative sexual assault under Section 3 of the Act.

The judgment emphasized the importance of interpreting the provisions of the POCSO Act in a manner that protects the rights and dignity of child victims. The case also highlighted the necessity of strict punishment for such heinous crimes to deter potential offenders.

Controversies Surrounding the POCSO Act

While the POCSO Act has been lauded for its comprehensive approach to child protection, it has also faced certain controversies and criticisms:

  1. Age of Consent: The Act criminalizes consensual sexual activities among adolescents below the age of 18, leading to concerns about the criminalization of teenage relationships. Critics argue that the Act should differentiate between consensual acts among peers and actual sexual offenses.
  2. False Allegations: There have been concerns regarding the misuse of the POCSO Act, where false allegations are made for personal vendettas. Such misuse can cause irreparable harm to the accused, highlighting the need for careful investigation before charges are filed.
  3. Delayed Reporting: The mandatory reporting provision has raised concerns about the implications for children who may not report abuse immediately due to fear or trauma. Critics argue that the Act should consider the psychological impact on the child and allow for more flexibility in reporting timelines.

Conclusion

The POCSO Act, 2012, is a critical piece of legislation that has significantly strengthened the legal framework for the protection of children from sexual offenses in India. Its comprehensive provisions and child-friendly approach have made it a robust tool in the fight against child sexual abuse. However, the Act is not without its challenges, particularly concerning the age of consent and the potential for misuse. As society evolves, there may be a need to revisit certain aspects of the Act to address these concerns while maintaining its primary objective of protecting children.

In conclusion, while the POCSO Act is a landmark law that has brought about significant positive change, continuous efforts are required to ensure its effective implementation and to address the challenges that have emerged over time. The judiciary and law enforcement agencies must work together to uphold the rights and dignity of child victims, ensuring that justice is not only done but also seen to be done.

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Headline: West Bengal Passes Aparajita Bill: Capital Punishment for Rape, Swift Investigations

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Headline: West Bengal Passes Aparajita Bill: Capital Punishment for Rape, Swift Investigations

The West Bengal Assembly has passed the Aparajita Bill, formally known as the West Bengal Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks capital punishment for rape convicts if the assault leads to the death of the victim or leaves them in a vegetative state. Introduced in response to the recent rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata, the bill mandates that investigations into rape cases be led by a woman officer and completed within 21 days of the initial report. The ruling TMC hailed the bill as historic, while the BJP criticized it.

The concept of transfer under transfer of Property act, 1882

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Introduction

The term “transfer” refers to the act of moving from one place, job, or state to another. While the common man may view transfer in simple terms, individuals with knowledge of the law understand its legal implications. Under the Transfer of Property Act 1882, the focus is on the transfer of movable and immovable property. This act addresses the transfer of property in various situations and circumstances, whether it involves movable or immovable property.

According to the Transfer of Property Act, of 1882, a transfer involves an act by which a living person conveys property, in present or future, to one or more individuals, or to himself and one or more others. This process encompasses various modes, such as sale, mortgage, lease, gift, and exchange. According to the Transfer of Property Act, of 1882, a transfer involves an act by which a living person conveys property, in present or future, to one or more individuals, or to himself and one or more others. It encompasses various modes such as sale, mortgage, lease, gift, and exchange

Section 5: “Transfer” of property defined

Section 5 of the Transfer of Property Act 1882 provides a comprehensive definition of the transfer of property. It defines the expression “transfer of property” as an act by which a living person conveys property, either in the present or in the future, to one or more other living persons, or to oneself, or to oneself and one or more other living persons. This statute specifies that a transfer can involve both movable and immovable property. It clearly states that transfers cannot pertain to past property. Moreover, the transfer can involve a single individual or multiple persons, and it allows for the transfer of property to oneself. Prior to 1929, a person was restricted from transferring property to oneself, but this provision was revised after 1929.

To summarize, Section 5 of the Transfer of Property Act of 1882 defines the term “transfer of property” as follows:

– A living person transfers property to one or more living people, or to themselves, or to themselves and one or more living people.

– A company, association, or body of individuals can be considered a living person, whether or not it is incorporated.

– This section does not affect any laws that are already in place regarding the transfer of property to or by companies, associations, or bodies of individuals.

– The section defines “transfer of property” as a voluntary transfer of certain existing movable or immovable property.

– This section is conditional on other provisions of other statutes relating to the subject.

Section 6: What may be transferred

Property of any kind may be transferred, except as otherwise provided by this Act or by any other law for the time being in force,—

(a)The chance of an heir-apparent succeeding to an estate, the chance of a relation obtaining a legacy on the death of a kinsman, or any other mere possibility of a like nature, cannot be transferred;
(b)A mere right of re-entry for breach of a condition subsequent cannot be transferred to any one except the owner of the property affected thereby;
(c)An easement cannot be transferred apart from the dominant heritage;
(d)All interest in property restricted in its enjoyment to the owner personally cannot be transferred by him;

(dd)A right to future maintenance, in whatsoever manner arising, secured or determined, cannot be transferred;
(e)A mere right to sue cannot be transferred;
(f)A public office cannot be transferred, nor can the salary of a public officer, whether before or after it has become payable;
(g)Stipends allowed to military naval, air-force and civil pensioners of the Government and political pensions cannot be transferred;
(h)No transfer can be made (1) in so far as it is opposed to the nature of the interest affected thereby, or (2) for an unlawful object or consideration within the meaning of section 23 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 (9 of 1872), or (3) to a person legally disqualified to be transferee;
(i)Nothing in this section shall be deemed to authorise a tenant having an untransferable right of occupancy, the farmer of an estate in respect of which default has been made in paying revenue, or the lessee of an estate, under the management of a Court of Wards, to assign his interest as such tenant, farmer or lessee.

 

In simple words,

Section 6 of the Transfer of Property Act (TPA) of 1882 outlines properties that cannot be transferred:
1. Easements: An easement cannot be transferred separately from the dominant heritage.
2. Owner’s interest: An owner cannot transfer any interest in property that is restricted to their personal enjoyment.
3.Future maintenance: A right to future maintenance cannot be transferred.
4. Suing rights: A mere right to sue cannot be transferred.
5. Successionis: The chance of an heir apparent succeeding to an estate cannot be transferred. This includes the chance of a relation obtaining a legacy on the death of a kinsman.
6. Pension: A pension cannot be transferred from one person to another.
7. Public office: The transfer of a public office owned by an official in the country cannot be transferred to another person.

Section 7: Person Competent to transfer

Every person competent to contract and entitled to the transferable property, or authorized to dispose of transferable property not his own, is competent to transfer such property either wholly or in part, and either absolutely or conditionally, in the circumstances, to the extent, and in the manner, allowed and prescribed by any law for the time being in force.
In simple terms, Section 7 discusses who is competent to transfer or dispose of transferable property. In this section, the phrase “in the manner allowed and prescribed by any law for the time being in force” is mentioned, which means that any person who is of sound mind, of legal age, and not restricted by law can transfer the property.
There are some conditions for a valid transfer:
1. The property must be transferable.
2. The transferee must be competent to transfer.
3. The transferor must have the right to transfer.
4. Necessary formalities must be fulfilled for the property.

Section 8 – Operation of transfer

Unless a different intention is expressed or necessarily implied, when the property is transferred, the transferee receives all the interest, which the transferor is then capable of passing in the property and its legal incidents. For example, if the property is land, the transfer includes easements attached to it, as well as the rents and profits accruing after the transfer, and all things attached to the land. The transfer includes the moveable parts if the property is machinery attached to the land. If the property is a house, the transfer includes easements, rent, locks, keys, bars, doors, windows, and other items provided for permanent use. If the property is a debt or other actionable claim, the transfer includes the securities for it, excluding arrears of interest accrued before the transfer. If the property is money or property yielding income, the transfer consists of the interest or income accruing after the transfer takes effect.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Transfer of Property Act of 1882 is a crucial piece of legislation that governs the legal aspects of property transfers in India. Sections 5 and 6 of the act provide clear definitions and guidelines regarding what can and cannot be transferred. It is essential for individuals, legal professionals, and businesses to understand these provisions to ensure compliance and proper execution of property transfers within the legal framework established by the act. Understanding the implications of the act’s provisions can help in conducting property transactions smoothly and in accordance with the law.

SC to Set Pan-India Guidelines on ‘Bulldozer Justice’

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SC to Set Pan-India Guidelines on ‘Bulldozer Justice’

The Supreme Court of India, during the Jahangirpuri case hearing, questioned the use of bulldozers for demolishing properties of accused individuals without following due legal processes. Justice B.R. Gavai emphasized that even if an individual is a convict, demolitions cannot be carried out without adherence to the law. The bench, led by Chief Justice K.V. Viswanathan, proposed establishing pan-India norms to address these concerns and ensure legal procedures are followed uniformly across the country, ensuring rights are protected while addressing encroachments.

 Supreme Court of India Unveils New Flag and Insignia on 75th Anniversary

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 Supreme Court of India Unveils New Flag and Insignia on 75th Anniversary

In a significant milestone, the Supreme Court of India has unveiled its new flag and insignia to mark its 75th anniversary. The flag, featuring the emblem of the Supreme Court, was introduced by President Draupadi Murmu during a ceremonial event. The insignia represents the judiciary’s enduring commitment to justice and the rule of law, reinforcing its pivotal role in India’s democratic framework.

Must make all efforts to change ‘culture of adjournments’ in courts: President Murmu

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President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the need to tackle the issue of adjournments in courts to ensure timely justice at the National Conference of the District Judiciary. She stressed that the high pendency of court cases poses a significant challenge and called for efforts to change the culture of adjournments. Additionally, she highlighted the responsibility of judges in safeguarding justice and proposed studying the stress levels of individuals in courtroom settings, terming it “Black court syndrome.” The event, attended by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud and Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, also celebrated the increased representation of women judicial officers.