Recently, Supreme Court Justice MR Shah refused to recuse from hearing a plea by former Gujarat-cadre IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt. Earlier, Justice CT Ravikumar, had recused himself from hearing a batch of appeals against the discharge of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the SNC-Lavalin corruption case. The reason for his recusal was that he… Continue reading Recusal of judges

Twenty opposition parties recently issued a joint statement announcing a boycott of the inauguration of India’s new Parliament building.   About the ‘New Parliament Building’ – The new Parliament, constructed on the lines of the Central Vista buildings, is a triangular structure. It is built over an area of 64,500 square metres. It houses the… Continue reading New Parliament Building

For the second time in a row, an organisation affiliated to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has deferred re-accreditation of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India for a year.   Accreditation by the GANHRI – In a unique peer-review-based accreditation process, GANHRI ensures individual NHRIs’ compliance with internationally recognised standards –… Continue reading Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions

The President recently promulgated the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 to make a fresh claim of power over the services in the capital.   Details – The Supreme Court recently ruled that the Delhi Government will have legislative and executive control over administrative services in the National Capital Territory of… Continue reading Government of NCT Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance

Recently, to a litigant appearing before him, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud said that he will not permit forum shopping.   What is ‘Forum Shopping’? When litigants or lawyers attempt to deliberately move their case to a particular judge or Court where they think the judgment could be more favourable, they are… Continue reading Forum Shopping

The Central government moved the Supreme Court on May 20, filing a review petition against the Court’s May 11 judgment. May 11 Judgement gave control over the subject of administrative services to the Delhi government.   Details – The Centre has sought a review of a SC verdict upholding the Delhi government’s power to make… Continue reading Review Petition

The Centre has promulgated an ordinance notifying rules for GNCTD regarding ‘transfer posting, vigilance and other incidental matters’.   About the ‘National Capital Civil Services Authority’ – Creation of NCCSA — The ordinance has been passed by the Centre to constitute ‘National Capital Civil Services Authority’ in Delhi. The authority shall comprise the chief minister… Continue reading National Capital Civil Services Authority

In the recently-concluded Karnataka Assembly elections, political parties were provided free airtime on public broadcasters, All India Radio (Akashvani) and Doordarshan during elections.   Details – The six recognised national parties and one recognised State party were provided free airtime on public broadcasters during recently concluded Karnataka Assembly elections. The parties were allocated a base… Continue reading Free airtime for political parties

A breach of privilege notice against a Rajya Sabha member was recently referred to the Committee of Privileges for investigation by the Rajya Sabha Chairman.   Provisions in the Constitution – The powers, privileges and immunities of either House of the Indian Parliament and of its Members and committees are laid down in Article 105… Continue reading Breach of Privilege

A five-judge constitutional bench of the Supreme Court held that the Delhi Govt will have legislative and executive control over administrative services in the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCTD) except with regard to public order, police and land.   Details – A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court has ruled unanimously in favour of… Continue reading Control over services in Delhi